bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Espiritualidade para a construção de uma Ecologia Integral
Authors: Mariani Ceci Maria Costa Baptista
Published: June 2017

O foco dessa reflexão é a Carta Encíclica Laudato Si.’ do Papa Francisco, considerando especialmente o tópico em que aborda o tema da espiritualidade. O texto aqui apresentado é um comentário ao documento pontifício, realizado com o objetivo de explicitar as contribuições que as orientações ali encontradas têm oferecido para a construção de uma Ecologia Integral, frente à crise civilizacional que é o grande desafio contemporâneo. Com o apoio de metodologia bibliográfica exploratória, estruturamos o texto em três pontos: num primeiro ponto procuramos retomar o sentido de espírito e espiritualidade, termos não muito bem entendidos na atualidade; em seguida, buscamos trabalhar a compreensão de espiritualidade segundo a tradição cristã a partir de suas bases bíblicas; finalmente, tecemos nossos comentários à Encíclica Laudato Si’, focando as linhas propostas pelo Papa Francisco para uma espiritualidade que sirva a uma ecologia integral.Palavras-chave: Ecologia. Espiritualidade. Laudato Si’. Papa Francisco.
A Encíclica Laudato Si’ e os intrumentos jurídicos internacionais de proteção ao meio ambiente
Authors: Conte Christiany Pegorari , Martinelli Amanda Calmon , Peixoto Ana Laura , Almeida Caroline Oliveira de , Silveira Daiane De Souza , Martinelli Giorgia Calmon , Rotta Sophia Paula Estela Ferreira , Regiani Thais Fernanda
Published: June 2017

Este artigo tem por objetivo relacionar a Encíclica Laudato Si’, do Papa Francisco, dedicada ao debate das questões ambientais, e a atuação do Direito Ambiental Internacional. O texto aborda a preocupação papal  sobre o “cuidado da casa comum”, que clama por uma atuação mais efetiva e rápida por parte dos Estados com vistas a reduzir ou evitar novos danos ambientais. O estudo propõe uma reflexão sobre a responsabilidade universal e solidária dos Estados para a concretização do direito ao meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado para as presentes e futuras gerações, notadamente diante de um contexto de exponencial degradação ambiental e de recorrente desrespeito aos documentos internacionais sobre o meio ambiente. O artigo enfatiza a necessidade de criação e real observância dos tratados e convenções internacionais, bem como de efetiva cooperação jurídica internacional em matéria ambiental.Palavras-chave: Direito ambiental internacional. Documentos internacionais. Laudato Si’. Sustentabilidade.
Serviço Social e Laudato Si’.: desigualdades socioambientais e sustentabilidade
Authors: Mariosa Duarcides Ferreira , Costa Cindy Carolina Benedetti , Giarola Giovana , Silva Josiele De Aguiar , Macedo Lucas Tadeu Oliveira , Locatelli Milena Gherbali
Published: June 2017

O artigo reflete criticamente sobre a questão das desigualdades socioambientais a partir e nos marcos teóricos das propostas apresentadas pelo Papa Francisco na Encíclica Laudato Si’. O uso desordenado dos recursos naturais regido pelo sistema econômico, onde se exacerba o consumo, trouxe consequências e a necessidade de atenção especial para com os cuidados que o ambiente natural requer. Inovações tecnológicas, desigualdade no fornecimento e consumo de serviços, fragmentação e exclusão social, aumento da violência, entre tantos outros sinais, revelam que ao longo das últimas décadas não houve um verdadeiro progresso integral. Consequentemente, o debate atual se faz no sentido de melhorar as condições de vida da população dentro dos limites da capacidade de sustento dos ecossistemas, incorporando as dimensões do desenvolvimento social, econômico e ambiental, incluídas nas definições mais usadas de desenvolvimento sustentável. A sustentabilidade, em suas três dimensões harmoniosamente ligadas, favorece o equilíbrio e crescimento de seus componentes e dá significado ao Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Assim, ao resgatar a dimensão humana e social da crise ambiental, a Encíclica Laudato Si’ dialoga implicitamente com os pressupostos teóricos do Serviço Social, o que permite a reflexão crítica das desigualdades socioambientais. Todavia, estudos mais aprofundados devem ser desenvolvidos para que esta relação de princípios entre a Ecologia Integral, da forma como é adotada na Laudato Si’, e os pressupostos de ação e a prática do assistente social, possam se ajustar cada vez mais e produzir os ideais de transformação social que ambos desejam.Palavras-chave: Desigualdades sociais. Laudato Si’. Sustentabilidade socioambiental.
Arrebatamento e poder: o sacrifício do feminino e do amor na obra de Francisco Brennand
Authors: Ferreira Ermelinda Maria Araujo
Published: June 2017

Templos de pedra, antigos ritos pagãos, a Grande Deusa, sacrifícios... todos esses temas perpassam a fabulosa obra do artista plástico pernambucano Francisco Brennand, criador de um complexo arquitetônico, escultórico e paisagístico único, instalado numa velha fábrica de cerâmica herdada de seu pai, no bairro da Várzea, em Recife. Surpreendente e enigmática, eivada de erotismo, essa obra estabelece diálogos profícuos com os também monumentais trabalhos literários de dois escritores, seus conterrâneos e contemporâneos: Ariano Suassuna e Osman Lins. Este ensaio busca apontar alguns pontos deste interessante cruzamento de ideias.
Retrato sem parede: o Bom Crioulo, de Adolfo Caminha
Authors: Dalcastagnè Regina
Published: June 2017

O artigo pretende discutir a importância da releitura do romance Bom Crioulo, de Adolfo Caminha, no contexto atual. Lançado em 1895, para escândalo da sociedade da época, ele continua, de algum modo, sendo uma perturbação no cenário cultural brasileiro. Reivindicado como o primeiro romance nacional a trazer a público um protagonista gay, Bom Crioulo chama atenção ainda para uma série de outras ausências em nossa literatura — não apenas a do século XIX, mas também a de hoje, que, de um modo geral, não dá guarida para personagens como Amaro.
RANCANG BANGUN TEKNOLOGI MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE (MAS) DENGAN KAPASITAS 4,77 m3
Authors: Libyawati Wina , Suwandi Agri , Agustian Hafidan
Published: June 2017

Pola hidup sehat berbasis makanan teknologi olah minimal diterapkan oleh masyarakat untuk meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan. Teknologi olah minimal dipergunakan untuk memperlambat laju pembusukan makanan sewaktu di ruang penyimpanan. Teknologi olah minimal terdiri dari Controlled Atmosphere Storage (CAS), Modified Atmosphere Storage (MAS), Freeze Drying, dan Blansir. MAS adalah teknologi penyimpanan makanan dengan pengkondisian kadar oksigen di ruang simpan. Salah satu bahan makanan yang diterapkan pada MAS adalah buah pisang, karena pisang merupakan buah yang tidak mengenal musim tetapi memiliki umur penyimpanan yang pendek. Gas Injector yang digunakan adalah venture sparger. Rancang bangun teknologi MAS menggunakan metode Ulrich dan Eppinger dan dilanjutkan proses pembuatan komponen - komponen teknologi MAS. Pembuatan komponen dan perancangan teknologi MAS dihitung berdasarkan Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) untuk menghitung biaya yang dibutuhkan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah teknologi MAS mampu menyuntikan karbon dioksida serta menurunkan oksigen hingga dibawah 10%. Penyuntikan karbon dioksida dilakukan dengan debit 5 liter per menit yang disuntikkan melalui sparger. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan penurunan kadar oksigen sampai 8,5% dalam waktu penyuntikan karbon dioksida selama 24 jam. Hasil uji buah pisang di laboratorium analisa makanan memiliki kadar glukosa 5,33%, sementara kadar glukosa untuk pisang yang matang adalah di atas 10%.
OPTIMASI SUHU DAN WAKTU STERILISASI PADA KUALITAS SUSU SEGAR DI KABUPATEN BOYOLALI
Authors: Hendrawati Tri Yuni , Utomo Suratmin
Published: June 2017

Penerimaan susu segar dari peternak atau KUD di Kabupaten Boyolali seringkali mengindikasikan angka TPC (Total Plate Count) yang tinggi, untuk hal tersebut perlu dilakukan penelitian untuk dapat melakukan proses sterilisasi yang masih dapat dilakukan pada toleransi angka TPC tertinggi tetapi tetap mempertahankan rasanya. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk melakukan simulasi penyimpanan pada suhu ruang terhadap angka TPC dan mendapatkan suhu dan waktu sterilisasi terbaik. Metode yang digunakan pada optimasi proses sterilisasi skala Laboratorium dengan dilakukan pengujian bahan baku susu segar, melakukan simulasi pengaruh waktu penyimpanan suhu ruang terhadap angka TPC, melakukan pengujian TPC dan sensori pada pengaruh waktu dan suhu sterilisasi. Pada penelitian ini juga dilakukan pengambilan data sampel susu segar untuk sifat-sifat susu berdasarkan SNI dan hasil pengujiannnya. Hasil pengujian sifat susu segar berdasarkan SNI 3141.1 menunjukkan hasil kualitas susu segar memenuhi kualitas. Kualitas susu di tingkat KUD di Boyolali memenuhi standar kualitas SNI.  Pada pengaruh penyimpanan suhu ruang pada waktu penyimpanan 3 jam telah menunjukkan kenaikan jumlah bakteri yaitu 3,5x106 cfu/ml dan mengalami kenaikan pada suhu 4,5 jam dan 6 jam. Pada perlakuan sterilisasi pada suhu 1100C selama 10 menit dapat sedikit meningkatkan parameter rasa, warna dan bau. Sedangkan pada parameter kenampakan dan kekentalan sedikit mengalami penurunan dibanding kontrol. Waktu sterilisasi terbaik 10 menit pada suhu 1100C.
Comparative study of safety and efficacy of electrocautery blade with cold scalpel blade for skin opening during fixation of fracture of forearm bone with plate and screws
Authors: Kalawar Rosan Shah , Khanal GP , Chaudhary P , Rijal R , Maharjan R , Paneru SR , Pokharel B
Published: June 2017

Background: Skin incisions have usually been made using a scalpel. Electrocautery, a more recent alternative, is thought to increase the risk of infection, impair healing and decrease cosmesis. Recent studies suggest that electrocautery may offer potential advantages with respect to blood loss, incision time and postoperative pain.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of electrocautery incisions versus conventional scalpel incisions in orthopedic surgeries using internal implants.Method: The study was conducted as a prospective one in a tertiary care center in the Department of Orthopaedics, BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal. Patients with closed fracture of the forearm bones admitted for surgery from April 2014 to September 2014 was included in the study. Each incision was divided into two halves, proximal half to be opened by steel scalpel blades and the distal half to be opened by an electrocautery blade. Proximal half and distal half of incision were compared on operating day and on days 2, 14 and again on 6 weeks and 3 month.Result: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. Forearm skin incisions using electrocautery were significantly quicker than scalpel incisions (p<0.05). Postoperative wound complication rates did not differ significantly between the Scalpel and Electrocautery groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: There is no difference in healing of two halves of skin incision made by electrocautery and scalpel in orthopedic surgeries using internal implants.Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 43-49
Retrospective study describing the mode of hand injuries in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya Suraj , Kumar P , Shrestha B P
Published: June 2017

Background: This retrospective review was performed to identify the incidence, causes, and details of hand injuries in patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Eastern Nepal.Objective: To identify the incidence, causes, and details of hand injuries in patients.Method: Records of all patients who had sustained hand injuries for last 5 years were collected from the medical record section. Altogether 832 injuries of hand in 484 patients were reported in this review. These patients were reviewed for age at the time of injury, gender, location of the incident, mechanism of injury, and fracture specifies.Result: 414 (85.5%) males with mean age of 28.79 ± 12.81 and in female with 30.43 ±17.13 yrs were found. Machinery injuries (25.2%) were the most common causes of injuries followed by RTA (14.5%). Metacarpal bone fractures (34.6%) were the commonest injury of the hand. Most of the patients were treated with open reduction and fixation with K wires.Conclusion: The study reveals the aetio-epidemiological and clinical aspect of hand injuries with its alarming burden in Nepal.Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 125-133
Pattern of Corneal Diseases in Paediatric Age Group at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Nepal
Authors: Shah A , Chaudhary M , Shrestha J K
Published: June 2017

Objective: It is to study the pattern of corneal diseases (including injuries) in paediatric population in a tertiary eye care center. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out in a tertiary eye care center which included 176 cases. Results: Out of 176 cases studied, 6 cases (3.4%) presented with congenital causes, 4 cases (2.27%) were of dystrophy and ectasia, 63 cases (35.79%) had infective origin, 17 cases (9.65%) had inflammatory cause, 9 cases (5.11%) had systemic association and 77 cases (43.75%) had traumatic causes. Conclusion: Trauma was noted to be the most important cause for corneal diseases in paediatric population followed by infective conditions. Viral keratitis was found to be the most common type of corneal infection in the paediatric age group.
Safety of Fixed drug Combination in Post –Operative Cataract Patients, at Tertiary Care Centre – In South India
Authors: Vidyadevi M , Anuradha A , Rashmi G , Shilpa R , Nishath S
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Cataract is any opacification in lens or its capsule, which accounts for about 50% of treatable blindness worldwide. The prevalence of cataract in India is about 62.6%. The incidence of post operative endophthalmitis ranges from 0.05% -0.14% and so the use of post-operative antibiotics and steroids is necessary to control infection and prevent inflammation. Fixed drug combinations not only cut the cost but also the dosage & improve the compliance of patients in the immediate post operative period. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of studying the efficacy of using fixed drug combination (Difluprednate and Moxifloxacin) in reducing ocular inflammation & pain in post-operative patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methodology: Study design: Prospective interventional study, in which 749 eyes underwent SICS with IOL. All of them were treated with Difluprednate and Moxifloxacin, combination eye drops postoperatively 4 times a day, and reviewed on day 1, 5 and once in two weeks up to 6 weeks. Results: Out of 749 eyes, 730 were normal, 10 eyes had minimal raise in IOP in the range of 21 mmHg-31mmHg (considering 21mmHg as baseline) which decreased without any intervention within 3 weeks and only 9 eyes had raise in IOP of more than 31mmHg, which did not decrease in spite of discontinuing the drops and needed anti-glaucoma treatment. Conclusion: Our study clearly shows that fixed drug combination of antibiotic and steroid does not cause raised IOP in about 97% of cases of SICS in the post-operative period and also improves the compliance of the patients.
Orbital Teratoma: A rare congenital tumour
Authors: Khadka Simanta , Shrestha Gulshan Bahadur , Gautam Pragati , Shrestha Jyoti Baba
Published: June 2017

Background: Orbital teratomas are congenital, unilateral germ cell tumors, which are present at birth with moderate to massive proptosis. The rare tumour has to be managed individually and is at times difficult. Case: A female child in her 2nd day of life was brought to our department with complains of forward bulging of the left eye which was noticed since the time of her birth. Observation: Examination and investigations revealed a mass with scattered foci of calcification. The mass was causing expansion of left orbit with thinning and scalloping of bony boundaries of left orbit with no intracranial component. The scan suggests the diagnosis of orbital teratoma which was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Conclusion: The rare tumour presents a challenge in management. The aim of management depends upon the extent of tumour, preservation of vision whenever possible, promotion of normal orbital growth and cosmesis.
Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of Orbit- A Case Report
Authors: Chakraborti Chandana , Choudhury Krittika Pal , Das Jayanta
Published: June 2017

Background: Orbital tuberculosis is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We report an interesting case of osteomyelitis of orbital bone in an Indian child. Case Report: A 9- year old girl presented with a gradually increasing painless swelling of left upper lid and blepharoptosis along with swelling of left side of forehead for last two months. The swelling was soft, fluctuating and non-tender. Diagnostic tap revealed thick pus which prompted us to do an incisional drainage of the abscess. The pus was sterile on microbiological examination. A diagnosis of osteomyelitis of orbit along with cold abscess of infratemporal fossa was made on the basis of clinical examination, positive Mantoux (MX) test, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and bony erosion of frontal and zygomatic bones in contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT). Patient showed marked improvement with antitubercular drug (ATD) but a sinus developed at the incision site. Six months later patient presented with occasional serous discharge from the sinus.The patient underwent excision of the sinus along with curettage and debridement of the left frontal bone and the tissue was sent for histopathological and microbiological examination. ATD was continued for 15 months. Her post-treatment three year follow up was without any recurrence. Conclusion: High index of suspicion should be kept for early diagnosis and timely treatment of the orbital tuberculosis. We want to report the case because of its rarity and clinical interest.
Synthesis of binary bismuth–cadmium oxide nanorods with sensitive electrochemical sensing performance
Authors: Wen Yong , Pei Lizhai , Wei Tian
Published: June 2017

Binary bismuth–cadmium oxide nanorods have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process without templates and additives. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveal that the nanorods possess single crystalline tetragonal Bi2CdO4 phase. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that the length and diameter of the nanorods are 20–300 nm and 5–10 μm, respectively. The formation of the binary bismuth–cadmium oxide nanorods is closely related to the hydrothermal parameters. The electrochemical sensing performance of the binary bismuth–cadmium oxide nanorods has been investigated using the nanorods as glassy carbon electrode modifiers. The detection limit is 0.19 μM with a linear range of 0.0005–2 mM. The nanorod-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits good electrocatalytic activity toward L-cysteine and great application potential for electrochemical sensors.
« D'un monde lointain, étrange, étranger… »: Arp traducteur et la langue maternelle du poète
Authors: Mareuge Agathe
Published: June 2017

Ce texte cherche à préciser la nature du rapport du poète et artiste alsacien Jean Hans Arp (1886–1966) à ses langues et à la langue, et de montrer qu'il s'agit moins de l'expression d'une culture « nationale » qui serait tantôt allemande, tantôt française, que de la création d'une langue poétique singulière, née de l’écart « entre les langues » et entre les espaces culturels, littéraires et poétiques. Traduction et auto-traduction exemplifient les procédés propres à l’écriture poétique arpienne au niveau intralinguistique. Un premier exemple montre que la traduction est l'occasion pour Arp d'introduire un jeu avec l'héritage poétique symboliste français, avec l'importance attachée à musicalité et à la matérialité visuelle, spatiale des mots – à leur volume plastique. Deuxièmement, la traduction depuis une langue fictive, l'ibolithique, permet non plus un jeu sur le dépaysement, mais le réinvestissement du mythe littéraire de l'Arcadie pour faire rejaillir une langue archaïque, libérée des conventions humaines.
‘ Trouver une langue ’: Rimbaud et l’éthique de la traduction
Authors: Muris-Prime Camille
Published: June 2017

Dans les lettres dites « du voyant », Rimbaud se donne comme tâche de « trouver une langue » engageant une réflexion sur ce qu'est la langue de création qui s'accompagne dans sa poésie d'une interrogation sur la qualité du matériau poétique qu'est le langage et sur sa forme: celle de la prose. Trouver une langue pour faire de la poésie c'est trouver la forme d'une parole polyphonique et presque polyglotte. Le « je est un autre » de Rimbaud résonne avec la formule de Derrida « Je n'ai qu'une langue mais ce n'est pas la mienne » pour la transformer en: « Je n'est qu'une langue, mais ce n'est pas moi. » La poésie rimbaldienne se définit comme un projet où le je est à la fois multiple et potentiel pour devenir ce « lieu mixte » dont parle Kristin Ross et mettre au point ce que nous appellerons une éthique de la traduction.
Aerial Target Tracking Algorithm Based on Faster R-CNN Combined with Frame Differencing
Authors: Yang Yurong , Gong Huajun , Wang Xinhua , Sun Peng
Published: June 2017

We propose a robust approach to detecting and tracking moving objects for a naval unmanned aircraft system (UAS) landing on an aircraft carrier. The frame difference algorithm follows a simple principle to achieve real-time tracking, whereas Faster Region-Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) performs highly precise detection and tracking characteristics. We thus combine Faster R-CNN with the frame difference method, which is demonstrated to exhibit robust and real-time detection and tracking performance. In our UAS landing experiments, two cameras placed on both sides of the runway are used to capture the moving UAS. When the UAS is captured, the joint algorithm uses frame difference to detect the moving target (UAS). As soon as the Faster R-CNN algorithm accurately detects the UAS, the detection priority is given to Faster R-CNN. In this manner, we also perform motion segmentation and object detection in the presence of changes in the environment, such as illumination variation or “walking persons”. By combining the 2 algorithms we can accurately detect and track objects with a tracking accuracy rate of up to 99% and a frame per second of up to 40 Hz. Thus, a solid foundation is laid for subsequent landing guidance.
The Spatiotemporal Distribution of Air Pollutants and Their Relationship with Land-Use Patterns in Hangzhou City, China
Authors: Zheng Sheng , Zhou Xueyuan , Singh Ramesh , Wu Yuzhe , Ye Yanmei , Wu Cifang
Published: June 2017

Air pollution contributes to a large fraction of the total mortality estimated under the global burden of disease project (GBD) of the World Health Organization (WHO). This paper discusses an integrated study to obtain the spatiotemporal characteristics of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and trace gases (O3, SO2, NO2, and CO) pollutants in Hangzhou City (China) for the years 2014–2016. Our detailed analysis shows a relationship between air pollutants and land-use/land-cover change. Air quality parameters (PM2.5 and PM10) and trace gases (SO2, NO2, and CO) show strong monthly variations in the months of January (higher values) and July (lower values). During monsoon and summer seasons, air quality and trace gases show low values, whereas ozone (O3) is higher in the summer and lower in the winter. The spatial distribution of air pollutants is retrieved using the kriging method at the monitoring sites in Hangzhou City. We have considered normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST) from the Landsat 8 data. The correlation between air pollutants and land use at the street-town unit suggests that areas with low NDVI, high road density, large built-up density, and LST are consistent with high concentrations of particulate matter and SO2, NO2, and CO. Among the trace gases, NO2 is found to be the most sensitive element affected by land use patterns, and O3 shows weak correlation with land use. SO2 shows a strong positive correlation with road density and LST, whereas CO shows positive correlation with the built-up density, LST, and population density.
Inconsistency of Template Estimation by Minimizing of the Variance/Pre-Variance in the Quotient Space
Authors: Devilliers Loïc , Allassonnière Stéphanie , Trouvé Alain , Pennec Xavier
Published: June 2017

We tackle the problem of template estimation when data have been randomly deformed under a group action in the presence of noise. In order to estimate the template, one often minimizes the variance when the influence of the transformations have been removed (computation of the Fréchet mean in the quotient space). The consistency bias is defined as the distance (possibly zero) between the orbit of the template and the orbit of one element which minimizes the variance. In the first part, we restrict ourselves to isometric group action, in this case the Hilbertian distance is invariant under the group action. We establish an asymptotic behavior of the consistency bias which is linear with respect to the noise level. As a result the inconsistency is unavoidable as soon as the noise is enough. In practice, template estimation with a finite sample is often done with an algorithm called “max-max”. In the second part, also in the case of isometric group finite, we show the convergence of this algorithm to an empirical Karcher mean. Our numerical experiments show that the bias observed in practice can not be attributed to the small sample size or to a convergence problem but is indeed due to the previously studied inconsistency. In a third part, we also present some insights of the case of a non invariant distance with respect to the group action. We will see that the inconsistency still holds as soon as the noise level is large enough. Moreover we prove the inconsistency even when a regularization term is added.
Separation of CO2 in a Solid Waste Management Incineration Facility Using Activated Carbon Derived from Pine Sawdust
Authors: Durán Inés , Rubiera Fernando , Pevida Covadonga
Published: June 2017

The selective separation of CO2 from gas mixtures representative of flue gas generated in waste incineration systems is studied on two activated carbons obtained from pine sawdust and compared to a commercial activated carbon. Dynamic adsorption experiments were conducted in a fixed-bed adsorption column using a binary mixture (N2/CO2) with a composition representative of incineration streams at temperatures from 30 to 70 °C. The adsorption behavior of humid mixtures (N2/CO2/H2O) was also evaluated in order to assess the influence of water vapor in CO2 adsorption at different relative humidity in the feed gas: 22% and 60%. Moreover, CO2 adsorption was studied in less favorable conditions, i.e., departing from a bed initially saturated with H2O. In addition, the effect of CO2 on H2O adsorption was examined. Experimental results showed that the CO2 adsorption capacity can be reduced significantly by the adsorption of H2O (up to 60% at high relative humidity conditions). On the other hand, the breakthrough tests over the adsorbent initially saturated with water vapor indicated that H2O is little affected by CO2 adsorption. The experimental results pointed out the biomass based carbons as best candidates for CO2 separation under incineration flue gas conditions.
A Comparative Study of the Structural Dynamics of Four Terminal Uridylyl Transferases
Authors: Cheng Kevin , Demir Özlem , Amaro Rommie
Published: June 2017

African trypanosomiasis occurs in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa with 10,000 reported cases annually. No definitive remedy is currently available and if left untreated, the disease becomes fatal. Structural and biochemical studies of trypanosomal terminal uridylyl transferases (TUTases) demonstrated their functional role in extensive uridylate insertion/deletion of RNA. Trypanosoma brucei RNA Editing TUTase 1 (TbRET1) is involved in guide RNA 3’ end uridylation and maturation, while TbRET2 is responsible for U-insertion at RNA editing sites. Two additional TUTases called TbMEAT1 and TbTUT4 have also been reported to share similar function. TbRET1 and TbRET2 are essential enzymes for the parasite viability making them potential drug targets. For this study, we clustered molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories of four TUTases based on active site shape measured by Pocket Volume Measurer (POVME) program. Among the four TUTases, TbRET1 exhibited the largest average pocket volume, while TbMEAT1’s and TbTUT4’s active sites displayed the most flexibility. A side pocket was also identified within the active site in all TUTases with TbRET1 having the most pronounced. Our results indicate that TbRET1’s larger side pocket can be exploited to achieve selective inhibitor design as FTMap identifies it as a druggable pocket.
Towards a Long-Term Strategy for Voluntary-Based Internal Radiation Contamination Monitoring: Representativeness of the Monitoring Results in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Nomura Shuhei , Tsubokura Masaharu , Murakami Michio , Ono Kyoko , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Oikawa Tomoyoshi
Published: June 2017

Following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, voluntary participation, rather than mandatory, was adopted as the default scenario for individual radiation monitoring. We evaluated the representativeness of the internal monitoring results from voluntary participants in Minamisoma City, which is located 10–40 km from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Of approximately 70,000 individuals who were residing in Minamisoma City before the incident, a total of 19,263 residents (aged ≥21 years) participated in the monitoring from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2015. Based on regression projection techniques with the available data obtained from the voluntary participants, the modeled probabilities of radiocesium (Cs) detection in October 2011 for Cs-137 and Cs-134 were 66.9% and 52.9%, respectively, which declined dramatically within a year following the incident. The rate of decline had stagnated since mid-2012, and the probability was close to zero after mid-2014. Sufficient agreement between the modeled probabilities of Cs detection (for the whole population) versus the measured Cs levels (for voluntary participants) was observed, except for Cs-134 in October 2011, indicating that the voluntary monitoring participant group was a good representative sample. Our findings affirmed the clinical importance of voluntary-based monitoring as a screening and dose-assessment tool in a post-nuclear incident. Our study informs societal decision-making regarding the long-term maintenance of the monitoring program under the current low exposure levels.
Association between Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Solimini Angelo , Renzi Matteo
Published: June 2017

Despite the large prevalence in the population, possible factors responsible for the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) events in susceptible individuals remain incompletely understood. We investigated the association between air pollution levels and emergency department admissions for AF in Rome. We conducted a 14 years’ time-series study to evaluate the association between the daily levels of air pollution (particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide, NO2) and the daily count of emergency accesses for AF (ICD-9 code: 427.31). We applied an over-dispersed conditional Poisson model to analyze the associations at different lags after controlling for time, influenza epidemics, holiday periods, temperature, and relative humidity. Additionally, we evaluated bi-pollutant models by including the other pollutant and the influence of several effect modifiers such as personal characteristics and pre-existing medical conditions. In the period of study, 79,892 individuals were admitted to the emergency departments of Rome hospitals because of AF (on average, 15.6 patients per day: min = 1, max = 36). Air pollution levels were associated with increased AF emergency visits within 24 h of exposure. Effect estimates ranged between 1.4% (0.7–2.3) for a 10 µg/m3 increase of PM10 to 3% (1.4–4.7) for a 10 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 at lag 0–1 day. Those effects were higher in patients ≥75 years for all pollutants, male patients for PM10, and female patients for NO2. The presence of previous cardiovascular conditions, but not other effect modifiers, increase the pollution effects by 5–8% depending on the lag. This study found evidence that air pollution is associated with AF emergency visits in the short term.
Beyond Food Access: The Impact of Parent-, Home-, and Neighborhood-Level Factors on Children’s Diets
Authors: Futrell Dunaway Lauren , Carton Thomas , Ma Ping , Mundorf Adrienne , Keel Kelsey , Theall Katherine
Published: June 2017

Despite the growth in empirical research on neighborhood environmental characteristics and their influence on children’s diets, physical activity, and obesity, much remains to be learned, as few have examined the relationship between neighborhood food availability on dietary behavior in children, specifically. This analysis utilized data from a community-based, cross-sectional sample of children (n = 199) that was collected in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2010. This dataset was linked to food environment data to assess the impact of neighborhood food access as well as household and parent factors on children’s diets. We observed a negligible impact of the neighborhood food environment on children’s diets, except with respect to fast food, with children who had access to fast food within 500 m around their home significantly less likely (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8) to consume vegetables. Key parental and household factors did play a role in diet, including receipt of public assistance and cooking meals at home. Children receiving public assistance were 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.1, 5.4) more likely to consume fruit more than twice per day compared with children not receiving public assistance. Children whose family cooked dinner at home more than 5 times per week had significantly more consumption of fruit (64% vs. 58%) and vegetables (55% vs. 39%), but less soda (27% vs. 43%). Findings highlight the need for future research that focuses on the dynamic and complex relationships between built and social factors in the communities and homes of children that impact their diet in order to develop multilevel prevention approaches that address childhood obesity.
Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, or Diet—What Are the Correlates of Obesity in Polish School Children?
Authors: Czyż Stanisław , Toriola Abel , Starościak Wojciech , Lewandowski Marek , Paul Yvonne , Oyeyemi Adewale
Published: June 2017

There is substantial evidence of rising prevalence of overweight and obesity and its co-morbidities among children in western-high income developed countries. In the European Union, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing fastest among Polish children. Yet, there is paucity of evidence on the relationship of behavioral factors with body weight status of children in Poland. This study examined the association of obesity with physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet among Polish children. A total of 641 children (10–15 years) recruited from the Lower Silesia region of Poland participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants’ anthropometrics, physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and dietary intake were assessed. Outcome variables were weight categories (according to body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], and percentage body fat [% BF]). The strongest negative correlation was found between VO2max and %BF (r = −0.39, p <0.05). Significant negative correlation was also found between VO2max and weight categories (r = −0.15). Results of the multinomial logit analysis showed that VO2max increased in groups of overweight, normal weight and underweight children by 13%, 26% and 19%, respectively as compared to the group of obese children. VO2max and weight and obesity indices were strongly correlated in both gender and age groups. Education and intervention programs to increase physical fitness (VO2max) through aerobic training are recommended for Physical Education teachers, parents and children in order to reduce the rate of overweight and obesity among children in the Lower Silesia region of Poland.
Coverage and Influencing Determinants of Influenza Vaccination in Elderly Patients in a Country with a Poor Vaccination Implementation
Authors: Ganczak Maria , Gil Karolina , Korzeń Marcin , Bażydło Marta
Published: June 2017

The seasonal influenza vaccination uptake of the elderly in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe. Objective: to assess the vaccination coverage and influencing determinants in patients ≥65 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2015–April 2016) among consecutive patients admitted to a municipal hospital located in the city of Szczecin, North-west Poland. Patients completed researcher-administered, anonymous questionnaires on socio- demographic data/factors related to the vaccination. Results: The response rate: 92.0%. Among 230 patients (79.6% women, median of age 69 years, range 65–89) who agreed to participate, 34.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 28.6–41.0%) were vaccinated. About 15.7% of respondents had not previously heard about the vaccination; 41.3% of those who stated they were vaccinated or planned on being vaccinated the following year, compared to 19.3% of respondents who stated they were not currently vaccinated (p < 0.001). A multivariable regression analysis revealed that patient factors, such as younger age (Odds Ratio, OR = 7.69), living in the urban area (OR = 7.69), having comorbidities (OR = 2.70), having a vaccinated family member (OR = 3.57), and being informed about vaccination (OR = 5.00) were each associated with greater odds of being immunized. Willingness for vaccination the next year was strongly associated (OR = 8.59) with vaccination status. Conclusions: The influenza vaccination uptake in the elderly population in Poland is disturbingly low. Improved education strategies are needed to increase the uptake. Vaccinated respondents are more likely to plan on being vaccinated the following year. Future interventions related to maximizing vaccination coverage should be more tailored, focusing especially on older patients living in rural areas.
Microbiota, Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lucas Cécily , Barnich Nicolas , Nguyen Hang
Published: June 2017

Colorectal cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is a multifactorial disease involving genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors. In addition, increased evidence has established a role for the intestinal microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer. Indeed, changes in the intestinal microbiota composition in colorectal cancer patients compared to control subjects have been reported. Several bacterial species have been shown to exhibit the pro-inflammatory and pro-carcinogenic properties, which could consequently have an impact on colorectal carcinogenesis. This review will summarize the current knowledge about the potential links between the intestinal microbiota and colorectal cancer, with a focus on the pro-carcinogenic properties of bacterial microbiota such as induction of inflammation, the biosynthesis of genotoxins that interfere with cell cycle regulation and the production of toxic metabolites. Finally, we will describe the potential therapeutic strategies based on intestinal microbiota manipulation for colorectal cancer treatment.
Synthesis and Biodegradation of Poly(l-lactide-co-β-propiolactone)
Authors: Nakayama Yuushou , Aihara Kazuki , Cai Zhengguo , Shiono Takeshi , Tsutsumi Chikara
Published: June 2017

Although the copolymerizations of l-lactide (LA) with seven- or six-membered ring lactones have been extensively studied, the copolymerizations of LA with four-membered ring lactones have scarcely been reported. In this work, we studied the copolymerization of LA with β-propiolactone (PL) and the properties of the obtained copolymers. The copolymerization of LA with PL was carried out using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as a catalyst and methanol as an initiator to produce poly(LA-co-PL) with Mn of ~50,000 and PL-content of 6–67 mol %. The Tg values of the copolymers were rapidly lowered with increasing PL-contents. The Tm and ΔHm of the copolymers gradually decreased with increasing PL-contents, indicating their decreased crystallinity. Biodegradation test of the copolymers in compost demonstrated their improved biodegradability in comparison with the homopolymer of LA.
The Protease Inhibitor CI2c Gene Induced by Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid in Barley Inhibits Green Peach Aphid Fecundity in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Losvik Aleksandra , Beste Lisa , Mehrabi Sara , Jonsson Lisbeth
Published: June 2017

Aphids are phloem feeders that cause large damage globally as pest insects. They induce a variety of responses in the host plant, but not much is known about which responses are promoting or inhibiting aphid performance. Here, we investigated whether one of the responses induced in barley by the cereal aphid, bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) affects aphid performance in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana L. A barley cDNA encoding the protease inhibitor CI2c was expressed in A. thaliana and aphid performance was studied using the generalist green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer). There were no consistent effects on aphid settling or preference or on parameters of life span and long-term fecundity. However, short-term tests with apterous adult aphids showed lower fecundity on three of the transgenic lines, as compared to on control plants. This effect was transient, observed on days 5 to 7, but not later. The results suggest that the protease inhibitor is taken up from the tissue during probing and weakly inhibits fecundity by an unknown mechanism. The study shows that a protease inhibitor induced in barley by an essentially monocot specialist aphid can inhibit a generalist aphid in transgenic Arabidopsis.
Incipient Fault Detection for Rolling Element Bearings under Varying Speed Conditions
Authors: Xue Lang , Li Naipeng , Lei Yaguo , Li Ningbo
Published: June 2017

Varying speed conditions bring a huge challenge to incipient fault detection of rolling element bearings because both the change of speed and faults could lead to the amplitude fluctuation of vibration signals. Effective detection methods need to be developed to eliminate the influence of speed variation. This paper proposes an incipient fault detection method for bearings under varying speed conditions. Firstly, relative residual (RR) features are extracted, which are insensitive to the varying speed conditions and are able to reflect the degradation trend of bearings. Then, a health indicator named selected negative log-likelihood probability (SNLLP) is constructed to fuse a feature set including RR features and non-dimensional features. Finally, based on the constructed SNLLP health indicator, a novel alarm trigger mechanism is designed to detect the incipient fault. The proposed method is demonstrated using vibration signals from bearing tests and industrial wind turbines. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method for incipient fault detection of rolling element bearings under varying speed conditions.
Toxic AGE (TAGE) Theory for the Pathophysiology of the Onset/Progression of NAFLD and ALD
Authors: Takeuchi Masayoshi , Takino Jun-ichi , Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takata Takanobu , Tsutsumi Mikihiro
Published: June 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are among the most common causes of chronic liver diseases in the westernized world. NAFLD and ALD are frequently accompanied by extrahepatic complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cardiovascular diseases, which have a negative impact on patient survival. The chronic ingestion of an excessive daily diet containing sugar/high-fructose corn syrup increases the level of the fructose/glucose metabolite, glyceraldehyde (GA), while the chronic consumption of an excessive number of alcoholic beverages increases the level of the alcohol metabolite, acetaldehyde (AA) in the liver. GA and AA are known to react non-enzymatically with the ε- or α-amino groups of proteins, thereby generating advanced glycation end-products (AGEs, GA-AGEs, and AA-AGEs, respectively) in vivo. The interaction between GA-AGEs and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) alters intracellular signaling, gene expression, and the release of pro-inflammatory molecules and also elicits the production of reactive oxygen species by human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, all of which may contribute to the pathological changes associated with chronic liver diseases. We herein discuss the pathophysiological roles of GA-AGEs and AA-AGEs (toxic AGEs, TAGE) and a related novel theory for preventing the onset/progression of NAFLD and ALD.
Modulatory Effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Adipogenesis
Authors: Lima Natália , Numata Erica , Mesquita Leonardo , Dias Pollyana , Vilegas Wagner , Gambero Alessandra , Ribeiro Marcelo
Published: June 2017

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant originated in Brazil that presents a beneficial effect on body weight control and metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of guarana on genes and miRNAs related to adipogenesis in 3T3L1 cells. The anti-adipogenic effect of guarana was evaluated by Oil Red-O staining. Gene and miRNA expression levels were determined by real time PCR. The Cebpα and β-catenin nuclear translocation were evaluated using immunocytochemistry. Our data indicated that the triglyceride-reducing effect of guarana was dose-dependent from 100 to 300 µg/mL (−12%, −20%, −24% and −40%, respectively, p < 0.0001). An up-regulation of the anti-adipogenic genes Wnt10b, Wnt3a, Wnt1, Gata3 and Dlk1 and a down-regulation of pro-adipogenic genes Cebpα, Pparγ and Creb1 were also observed. Furthermore, guarana repressed mmu-miR-27b-3p, mmu-miR-34b-5p and mmu-miR-760-5p, that contributed for up-regulation of their molecular targets Wnt3a, Wnt1 and Wnt10b. Additionally, cells treated with guarana presented an increase on β-catenin nuclear translocation (p < 0.0018). In summary, our data indicate that guarana has an anti-adipogenic potential due to its ability to modulate miRNAs and genes related to this process. Together our data demonstrate the important role of guarana as a putative therapeutic agent.
The Beginning and Development of the Theranostic Approach in Nuclear Medicine, as Exemplified by the Radionuclide Pair 86Y and 90Y
Authors: Rösch Frank , Herzog Hans , Qaim Syed
Published: June 2017

In the context of radiopharmacy and molecular imaging, the concept of theranostics entails a therapy-accompanying diagnosis with the aim of a patient-specific treatment. Using the adequate diagnostic radiopharmaceutical, the disease and the state of the disease are verified for an individual patient. The other way around, it verifies that the radiopharmaceutical in hand represents a target-specific and selective molecule: the “best one” for that individual patient. Transforming diagnostic imaging into quantitative dosimetric information, the optimum radioactivity (expressed in maximum radiation dose to the target tissue and tolerable dose to healthy organs) of the adequate radiotherapeutical is applied to that individual patient. This theranostic approach in nuclear medicine is traced back to the first use of the radionuclide pair 86Y/90Y, which allowed a combination of PET and internal radiotherapy. Whereas the β-emitting therapeutic radionuclide 90Y (t½ = 2.7 d) had been available for a long time via the 90Sr/90Y generator system, the β+ emitter 86Y (t½ = 14.7 h) had to be developed for medical application. A brief outline of the various aspects of radiochemical and nuclear development work (nuclear data, cyclotron irradiation, chemical processing, quality control, etc.) is given. In parallel, the paper discusses the methodology introduced to quantify molecular imaging of 86Y-labelled compounds in terms of multiple and long-term PET recordings. It highlights the ultimate goal of radiotheranostics, namely to extract the radiation dose of the analogue 90Y-labelled compound in terms of mGy or mSv per MBq 90Y injected. Finally, the current and possible future development of theranostic approaches based on different PET and therapy nuclides is discussed.