bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Trial of Darbepoetin α Versus Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Injected Subcutaneously Once Every Four Weeks in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at the Pre-Dialysis Stage
Authors: Furukawa Tetsuya , Okada Kazuyoshi , Abe Masanori , Tei Ritsukou , Oikawa Osamu , Maruyama Noriaki , Maruyama Takashi
Published: December 2015

Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) seems to maintain a stable hemoglobin (Hb) level because its half-life is longer than darbepoetin α (DA). Twenty chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at the pre-dialysis stage who had been administered DA for over 24 weeks were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous CERA or DA once every four weeks during 48 weeks. In both groups, the rate of achievement of target Hb level changed from 70% to 100% in weeks 0 to 48, with no significant difference between the groups. Compared with week 0, the Hb level was significantly increased from week 24 in the DA group and from week 8 in the CERA group. In addition, the reticulocyte count was significantly increased from week 4 in the CERA group compared with the DA group. There was no significant difference in the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate and iron status between both groups. Because of the small number of patients in this study, only limited conclusions can be drawn. However, the results suggest that subcutaneous administration of DA or CERA once every four weeks to predialysis patients has similar effects on achievement of target Hb levels.
A Multi-Stage Human Factors and Comfort Assessment of Instrumented Insoles Designed for Use in a Connected Health Infrastructure
Authors: Harte Richard , Quinlan Leo , Glynn Liam , Rodriguez-Molinero Alejandro , Scharf Thomas , Carenas Carlos , Reixach Elisenda , Garcia Joan , Carrabina Jordi , ÓLaighin Gearóid
Published: December 2015

Wearable electronics are gaining widespread use as enabling technologies, monitoring human physical activity and behavior as part of connected health infrastructures. Attention to human factors and comfort of these devices can greatly positively influence user experience, with a subsequently higher likelihood of user acceptance and lower levels of device rejection. Here, we employ a human factors and comfort assessment methodology grounded in the principles of human-centered design to influence and enhance the design of an instrumented insole. A use case was developed and interrogated by stakeholders, experts, and end users, capturing the context of use and user characteristics for the instrumented insole. This use case informed all stages of the design process through two full design cycles, leading to the development of an initial version 1 and a later version 2 prototype. Each version of the prototype was subjected to an expert human factors inspection and controlled comfort assessment using human volunteers. Structured feedback from the first cycle of testing was the driver of design changes implemented in the version 2 prototype. This prototype was found to have significantly improved human factors and comfort characteristics over the first version of the prototype. Expert inspection found that many of the original problems in the first prototype had been resolved in the second prototype. Furthermore, a comfort assessment of this prototype with a group of young healthy adults showed it to be indistinguishable from their normal footwear. This study demonstrates the power and effectiveness of human factors and comfort assessment methodologies in influencing and improving the design of wearable devices.
Ultrafine-Grained Metals
Authors: Höppel Heinz
Published: December 2015

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) metallic materials are at the cutting edge of modern materials science as they exhibit outstanding properties which make them very interesting for prospective structural or functional engineering applications. [...]
Unfolded Protein Response and Macroautophagy in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Prion Diseases
Authors: Milisav Irina , Šuput Dušan , Ribarič Samo
Published: December 2015

Proteostasis are integrated biological pathways within cells that control synthesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins. The absence of cell division makes brain proteostasis susceptible to age-related changes and neurodegeneration. Two key processes involved in sustaining normal brain proteostasis are the unfolded protein response and autophagy. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and prion diseases (PrDs) have different clinical manifestations of neurodegeneration, however, all share an accumulation of misfolded pathological proteins associated with perturbations in unfolded protein response and macroautophagy. While both the unfolded protein response and macroautophagy play an important role in the prevention and attenuation of AD and PD progression, only macroautophagy seems to play an important role in the development of PrDs. Macroautophagy and unfolded protein response can be modulated by pharmacological interventions. However, further research is necessary to better understand the regulatory pathways of both processes in health and neurodegeneration to be able to develop new therapeutic interventions.
Calcineurin Orchestrates Hyphal Growth, Septation, Drug Resistance and Pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus: Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Juvvadi Praveen , Steinbach William
Published: December 2015

Studies on fungal pathogens belonging to the ascomycota phylum are critical given the ubiquity and frequency with which these fungi cause infections in humans. Among these species, Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive aspergillosis, a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Fundamental to A. fumigatus pathogenesis is hyphal growth. However, the precise mechanisms underlying hyphal growth and virulence are poorly understood. Over the past 10 years, our research towards the identification of molecular targets responsible for hyphal growth, drug resistance and virulence led to the elucidation of calcineurin as a key signaling molecule governing these processes. In this review, we summarize our salient findings on the significance of calcineurin for hyphal growth and septation in A. fumigatus and propose future perspectives on exploiting this pathway for designing new fungal-specific therapeutics.
Ability of the Photochemical Reflectance Index to Track Light Use Efficiency for a Sub-Tropical Planted Coniferous Forest
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ju Weimin , Chen Jing , Wang Huimin , Yang Fengting , Fan Weiliang , Huang Qing , Zheng Ting , Feng Yongkang , Zhou Yanlian , He Mingzhu , Qiu Feng , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Jun , Zhang Fangmin , Chou Shuren
Published: December 2015

Light use efficiency (LUE) models are widely used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP), a dominant component of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Their outputs are very sensitive to LUE. Proper determination of this parameter is a prerequisite for LUE models to simulate GPP at regional and global scales. This study was devoted to investigating the ability of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) to track LUE variations for a sub-tropical planted coniferous forest in southern China using tower-based PRI and GPP measurements over the period from day 101 to 275 in 2013. Both half-hourly PRI and LUE exhibited detectable diurnal and seasonal variations, and decreased with increases of vapor pressure deficit (VPD), air temperature (Ta), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Generally, PRI is able to capture diurnal and seasonal changes in LUE. However, correlations of PRI with LUE varied dramatically throughout the growing season. The correlation was the strongest (R2 = 0.6427, p < 0.001) in July and the poorest in May. Over the entire growing season, PRI relates better to LUE under clear or partially cloudy skies (clearness index, CI > 0.3) with moderate to high VPD (>20 hPa) and high temperatures (>31 C). Overall, we found that PRI is most sensitive to variations in LUE under stressed conditions, and the sensitivity decreases as the growing conditions become favorable when atmosphere water vapor, temperature and soil moisture are near the optimum conditions.
Cultural Values and Sustainable Tourism Governance in Bhutan
Authors: Schroeder Kent
Published: December 2015

Governance is recognized as a means to promote sustainable outcomes by democratizing the policy process and potentially harmonizing competing policy interests. This is particularly critical for sustainable tourism policy with its multiple sectors and multiple stakeholders at multiple scales. Yet little is known about the kinds of governance processes and instruments that are able to effectively harmonize competing power interests to better balance economic, ecological, and social concerns. This study analyzes the case of Bhutan and its Gross National Happiness (GNH) strategy as it is applied to sustainable tourism policy. Based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 57 state and non-state governance actors, it explores whether Bhutan’s unique GNH governance framework successfully harmonizes competing interests in the pursuit of sustainable tourism policy. It argues that the implementation of Bhutanese tourism policy is characterized by diverse and unexpected applications of power by multiple policy stakeholders. These complex power dynamics are not shaped in a meaningful way by the GNH governance instruments. Nor are they rooted in a common understanding of GNH itself. While this situation should subvert sustainable tourism policy, a commitment among state and non-state governance actors to a common set of Buddhist-infused cultural values shapes and constrains policy actions in a manner that promotes sustainable tourism outcomes.
Le port fluvial de Bordeaux
Authors: Sourbès Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2015

Bordeaux est le cinquième port fluvial français. Le trafic régional transporte de gros tonnages de sables, graviers et hydrocarbures pour de faibles distances. Il est en progression et vient nettement en tête. L'allège des navires sur rade est irrégulière, simple complément d'activité pour les mariniers. Le trafic traditionnel vers le canal du Midi porte sur des marchandises diverses et des tonnages très variables.

Les mariniers empruntant le canal sont généralement des artisans, propriétaires de leur vieille embarcation de bois. Les bateaux de fer destinés au transport des sables, graviers et hydrocarbures appartiennent au contraire à des Sociétés. Dans l'ensemble, les mariniers vivent assez difficilement. Des difficultés entravent le développement de la navigation fluviale, en particulier le manque de capitaux.
Human Laminin Isotype Coating for Creating Islet Cell Sheets
Authors: Yamashita Shingo , Ohashi Kazuo , Utoh Rie , Okano Teruo , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: December 2015

Our experimental approach toward the development of new islet-based treatment for diabetes mellitus has been the creation of a monolayered islet cell construct (islet cell sheet), followed by its transplantation into a subcutaneous pocket. Previous studies describe rat laminin-5 (chain composition: a3, b3, g2) as a suitable extracellular matrix (ECM) for surfaces comprised of a coated temperature-responsive polymer, poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm). To progress toward the clinical application of this approach, the present study attempted to identify an optimal human ECM as a coating material on PIPAAm surfaces, which allowed islet cells to attach on the surfaces and subsequently to be harvested as a monolithic cell sheet. Dispersed rat islet cells were seeded onto PIPAAm dishes coated with various human laminin isotypes: human laminin (HL)-211, HL-332, HL-411, HL-511, and HL-placenta. Plating efficiency at day 1, the confluency at day 3, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test at day 3 were performed. The highest value of plating efficiency was found in the HL-332-PIPAAm group (83.1 ± 0.7%). The HL-332-PIPAAm group also showed the highest cellular confluency (98.6 ± 0.5%). Islet cells cultured on the HL-332-PIPAAm surfaces showed a positive response in the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test. By reducing culture temperature from 37°C to 20°C in the HL-332-PIPAAm group, cells were able to be harvested as a monolithic islet sheet. The present study showed that HL-332 was an optimal human-derived ECM on a PIPAAm coating for preparing islet cell sheets.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INTERFACE BETWEEN FRESH CONCRETE AND FORMWORK
Authors: BOUHAROUN Samir
Published: December 2015

Concrete surface quality is generally linked to the development conditions of concrete close to the formwork. This work aims to study the influence of the nature of release agent and the quantity of fine elements on the chemical interactions at the concrete/oil/formwork interface. Five concretes were prepared at 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36% of paste to study the influence of paste volume on the friction between formwork and fresh concrete. The friction tests were performed using an apparatus which can reproduce the same conditions of construction sites. In addition, a physicochemical investigation was achieved to identify the effect of fine elements on the ability to form the interstitial mediums at the interface. The formation of soap in the vicinity of the formwork surfaces was also studied as a function of the content and the nature of oils. The results showed that the friction between fresh concrete and formwork depends on the pore solution content present at the interface.
USE OF VALUE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS AND CRITICAL. SUCCESS FACTORS IN INTRODUCING LOCAL EXPERIENCE ON THE. INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: SURLAN Nebojsa , CEKIC Zoran , TORBICA Zeljko
Published: December 2015

Critical success factors can be used in value management workshops to determine the client value system, which in turn is critically important to the briefing process and the successful delivery of construction projects. This research is concerned with international construction projects. In particular, it investigates the impact of local knowledge on the client value system. Workshops were organised on 12 international projects in the western Balkans region. The initial client value system was captured by using a paired comparison exercise. Next, local knowledge information was introduced, and the EFTE (Estimate-Feedback-Talk-Estimate) technique was used to capture the revised client value system. The changes in the two sets of client value systems were analysed. The results indicate that 4 parameters (Scope, Contract-admin, Human resources and Health and Safety) out of 8 changed and that the changes were statistically significant. Local knowledge can be used to impact client value system.
INNOVATION IN THE AIR CARGO SECTOR: CASE STUDIES OF ESTONIA AND POLAND
Authors: Niine Tarvo , Kolbre Ene , Miina Aleksandr , Dziugiel Malwina
Published: December 2015

Air cargo sector is a developing and dynamic field, where innovation can take place in a number of forms – in the sense of technology as well as processes and business model alterations. The forefront of innovation in the sector lies ‘at the top’, i.e. around international airfreight hubs. In contrast, this study is aimed at mapping out the situation on the example of two regional airport hinterlands in Eastern Europe: Tallinn (Estonia) and Katowice (Poland), to identify the level and types of innovation present in air cargo service providing companies in these regions. The hypothesis of this study is that the level of innovation in the air cargo sector in the regions in question is both benefiting the existing cargo customers and sufficiently supporting the entrepreneurship development by attracting new customers to locate in the area and utilise air transport for their export despite the regions not being airfreight hubs in international sense. A survey was designed and conducted involving altogether 32 companies in the air cargo sector in Estonia and Poland and was carried out in the beginning of 2013. Additional information was obtained by expert interviews with selected participants in the framework of Baltic Air Cargo Network (BACN). The perceived level of innovation in both regions is relatively high in most types of innovation. Various improvements are mostly resulting in increased service quality and differentiation by quality rather than service price. Selected statistically, significant differences in data of two countries allow to understand two similar environments better. The outlooks of the sector in the regions are cautiously optimistic and the developments affect the existing exporters as well as create a suitable environment to attract new exporters and enable entrepreneurship growth in the future. It is interesting and valuable to air cargo stakeholders and authorities that air cargo service industry can be innovative and has growth potential even in regions with the modest number of direct flight destinations. Innovation comes to life via flexibility in transport services, such as the growth and systematic development of Road-Feeder Services (RFS), which allows remote regions to be better connected in the international networks.
EMPOWER YOUR RESEARCH WITH TRANSPORT! 30 YEARS TOGETHER
Authors: Prentkovskis Olegas , Junevičius Raimundas , Baublys Adolfas
Published: December 2015

"Empower your research with TRANSPORT! 30 years together." Transport, 30(4), pp. 383–384
THIN LAYER CONCRETE BLOCKWORK IN COMPRESSION: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Trad Ayman , Ghanem Hassan , Abbas Nivine , Hamdan Ziad
Published: December 2015

The compressive strength of concrete block masonry is dependent upon the unit compressive strength, the type of unit, the mortar and the form of masonry construction (Mirza et al. 1995). The design codes allow masonry compressive strength to be established (or better: estimated) by calculation, from tests, or from tabulated values. In this way the current European masonry standard EN 1996: Part 1-1 (LST EN 1996-1-1) tabulates the masonry strength for concrete blocks with thin layers of mortar. In France, doubts exist on the validity of these tabulated values for the blocks made with lightweight aggregates. To provide data for an extension of the use of the tabulated values for lightweight aggregates blocks and at the same time to provide input to the development of Eurocode 6, a major research program was set up. The research program aims to evaluate the mechanical strength of the thin joints hollow concrete masonry made with dense or lightweight aggregates. Tests have been carried out on a very large type of hollow blocks. Different geometries of blocks and different types of aggregates are tested. All these tests are based on CEN standards to meet Eurocode 6 requirements. This work proves that the formula proposed by Eurocode 6 to calculate the characteristic compressive strength of hollow concrete masonry are largely safe. It was also found that the strength of masonry depends only on the block resistance and is independent of the nature of aggregate.
THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION TO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: THE ANALYSIS OF FILM INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: Mitkus Tomas , Nedzinskaitė-Mitkė Vaida
Published: December 2015

This paper explores changes of the political, legal, taxation and other circumstances in film industries of Central and Eastern Europe that kick-started qualitative changes over the last decade. Research conducted by European Union (EU) on European film industry suggests that in terms of film industry Central and Eastern Europe region at this stage is generally non-competitive and not commercially orientated. We argue that the region filmmakers systematic believe in concept that film art and film business is a combination of polar opposites is a key reason that holds back industry’s potential to make a considerable economical and cultural contribution to national prosperity.
Variations in Hip Shape Are Associated with Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Golightly Yvonne M. , Renner Jordan B. , Schwartz Todd A. , Liu Felix , Lynch John A. , Gregory Jenny S. , Aspden Richard M. , Lane Nancy E. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: December 2015

Objective.

Hip shape by statistical shape modeling (SSM) is associated with hip radiographic osteoarthritis (rOA). We examined associations between hip shape and knee rOA given the biomechanical interrelationships between these joints.

Methods.

Bilateral baseline hip shape assessments [for those with at least 1 hip with a Kellgren-Lawrence arthritis grading scale (KL) 0 or 1] from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project were available. Proximal femur shape was defined on baseline pelvis radiographs and evaluated by SSM, producing mean shape and continuous variables representing independent modes of variation (14 modes = 95% of shape variance). Outcomes included prevalent [baseline KL ≥ 2 or total knee replacement (TKR)], incident (baseline KL 0/1 with followup ≥ 2), and progressive knee rOA (KL increase of ≥ 1 or TKR). Limb-based logistic regression models for ipsilateral and contralateral comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and hip rOA, accounting for intraperson correlations.

Results.

We evaluated 681 hips and 682 knees from 342 individuals (61% women, 83% white, mean age 62 yrs, BMI 29 kg/m2). Ninety-nine knees (15%) had prevalent rOA (4 knees with TKR). Lower modes 2 and 3 scores were associated with ipsilateral prevalent knee rOA, and only lower mode 3 scores were associated with contralateral prevalent knee rOA. No statistically significant associations were seen for incident or progressive knee rOA.

Conclusion.

Variations in hip shape were associated with prevalent, but not incident or progressive, knee rOA in this cohort, and may reflect biomechanical differences between limbs, genetic influences, or common factors related to both hip shape and knee rOA.
Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Golimumab in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis despite Methotrexate Therapy: Final 5-year Results of the GO-FORWARD Trial
Authors: Keystone Edward C. , Genovese Mark C. , Hall Stephen , Bae Sang-Cheol , Han Chenglong , Gathany Timothy A. , Xu Stephen , Zhou Yiying , Leu Jocelyn H. , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2015

Objective.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of golimumab (GOL), a human antitumor necrosis factor antibody, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy through 5 years in the GO-FORWARD trial.

Methods.

Patients with active RA despite MTX therapy were randomly assigned to receive placebo + MTX (Group 1), GOL 100 mg + placebo (Group 2), GOL 50 mg + MTX (Group 3), or GOL 100 mg + MTX (Group 4). Patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 with inadequate response could enter early escape at Week 16 to GOL 50 mg + MTX or GOL 100 mg + MTX, and all remaining Group 1 patients crossed over to GOL 50 mg + MTX at Week 24. The blind was maintained through the 52-week database lock, after which treatment adjustments were permitted. Adverse events (AE) were monitored through Week 268. Efficacy was evaluated using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 responses and a 28-joint Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). Response rates at Week 256 were analyzed by an intent-to-treat analysis.

Results.

A total of 444 patients were randomized, and 313 received GOL through Week 252; 301 patients completed the safety followup through Week 268. Infections were the most common type of AE; 172 patients (39.6%) had ≥ 1 serious AE. No unexpected safety signals were observed. At Week 256, ACR20/50/70 responses were achieved by 63.1%, 40.8%, and 24.1%, respectively, of all randomized patients. About 78% of all patients achieved a good or moderate DAS28-CRP response.

Conclusion.

Improvements in the signs and symptoms of RA were maintained through 5 years. AE through 5 years were consistent with earlier reports of the GO-FORWARD trial; no apparent increased risk was observed over time.
La presencia del Quijote en los inicios de la enseñanza especial en Galicia
Authors: Rodríguez Díaz Ana , Gavari Starkie Elisa
Published: December 2015

Este artículo pretende mostrar la presencia de la obra de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha, en los únicos establecimientos existentes en Galicia a principios del siglo XX, dedicados a la enseñanza especial. Conforme a dicha pretensión, se hará referencia a dos efemérides significativas en la difusión de la obra. La primera corresponde a la conmemoración del tercer centenario del nacimiento del Quijote, celebrado en el año 1905 en la escuela gratuita de ciegos y niños pobres de A Coruña. En este establecimiento se organizaría un festival muy completo según consta en el contenido del programa, que se ha recuperado del archivo histórico municipal de dicha ciudad. El segundo evento se refiere a la presentación de la novela de Cervantes escrita en braille. Todo un reto para los profesores de los establecimientos de enseñanza especial de la época, que el colegio de sordomudos y ciegos de Santiago de Compostela, primer colegio para la enseñanza de estos alumnos que se establece en España a efectos de la ley de instrucción pública de 1857, asumirá tempranamente.
«El curioso impertinente»: Nuevas perspectivas críticas
Authors: Güntert Georges
Published: December 2015

En esta revisión de «El curioso impertinente», que incluye un panorama de la historia de su recepción en los últimos veinte años, se comparan los resultados de cuatro lecturas con la de quien escribe. La relección crítica de estas interpretaciones, que adoptan perspectivas distintas, se desarrolla en tres etapas: en primer lugar, se examinan algunas propuestas relacionadas con las fuentes de la novela, sin abandonar la idea de que la novela del «Curioso» es obra profundamente original; después, se comentan las cuatro lecturas, que tienen en común la tendencia a privilegiar el análisis del contenido; por último, se insiste en la necesidad de superar una exégesis limitada a las cuestiones argumentales y de prestar atención también a los aspectos narrativos y discursivos.
Historia septentrional: una hipótesis sobre la estructura profunda del Persiles
Authors: Uceda Piqueras Pascual
Published: December 2015

Se pretende aquí ofrecer una hipótesis de trabajo válida sobre la exégesis del Persiles. Consiste este estudio en un intento de reconducción interpretativa desde el punto de vista más próximo al pensamiento de la época de Cervantes. En este sentido, pretendemos dos objetivos: primero, resaltar el papel del subtítulo, Historia septentrional, marginado o eclipsado por el más famoso que le antecede, Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, el cual ha llegado a convertirse erróneamente en el referente argumental de toda la obra; y un segundo objetivo, que consistiría en poner de manifiesto la existencia de una estructura profunda que se articula en función de una tradiciones y unos mitos implícitos en la diégesis a través del lenguaje alegórico.
La investigación geológica en la comisión científica de México
Authors: Azuela Luz Fernanda
Published: December 2015

Durante el Imperio de Maximiliano (1864-1867) la ciencia mexicana experimentó cambios significativos en sus perspectivas generales y su enfoque metodológico, gracias a la participación de la comunidad científica local en los diferentes proyectos de investigación que se organizaron. Por un lado destacaron las propuestas del propio Emperador, quien impulsó la práctica científica local mediante el apoyo a los proyectos en curso, al tiempo que promovía nuevas empresas de investigación. Simultáneamente, Napoleón III ordenó al Instituto de Francia la organización de una expedición científica con el objeto de estudiar diferentes aspectos del país. Entre los objetivos de la expedición francesa destacó la investigación geológica, que se abordó tomando como antecedentes los estudios efectuados por numerosos viajeros europeos en los años precedentes. Este trabajo expondrá los principales rasgos de estos estudios y analizará los objetivos y alcances de la expedición durante su breve estancia en territorio mexicano.
Application of Panoramic Image Technology in Distance Teaching System
Authors: He Yanqun
Published: December 2015

Virtual panoramic view, as a kind of realistic technology, has been developed rapidly in recent years. Compared with common modeling methods, virtual panoramic view has the advantages of low price, simplicity, and rapid development. Moreover, it has no strict requirements for data acquisition while ensuring vivid and smooth panoramic roam. The detailed process of creating a virtual panorama is described in this paper through a design example in the campus sports teaching website, and the simple method of panoramic release to the Internet is introduced. Based on previous research, a practical virtual panoramic teaching system is developed and applied in university sports teaching. Results show that panoramic technology is feasible to some degree in sports teaching.
Modeling User Psychological Experience and Case Study in Online E-learning
Authors: Wu Xiyuan , Liu Min , Zheng Qinghua , Zhang Yunqiang , Li Haifei
Published: December 2015

In the post WWW era, the research of e-learning focuses on facilitating intelligent and proactive services for learners. The quality of user experience determines whether e-learning services would be accepted by learners. However, many researchers traditionally focus on the effectiveness of computer systems or the accuracy of algorithms themselves rather than on user-centric psychological experience. How to model and evaluate user experience taking into account user psychological and cognitive properties are challenging research topics. There are some traditional methods typically proposed to evaluate users’ psychological experience, such as interview, questionnaire etc. They are qualitative and easy to conduct but need more time and resource. And they are liable to subjective views. Based on user web log data, the current paper presents a quantitative approach of modeling user psychological experience in the context of intelligent e-learning. The properties and elements, which affect user experience, are analyzed and quantified. The holistic user experience is quantified through the fusion of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Delphi methods. A case study, at a university in China, is conducted for diagnosing whether the result of the proposed approach can be uniform with user subjective experience, and indicates that the proposed approach is effective and complements existing user experience research in intelligent e-learning.
Usos del pasado y confiabilidad de las fuentes: Antoine-Joseph Pernety y la disputa sobre la naturaleza de América en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Martínez Carolina
Published: December 2015

El debate sobre la naturaleza del Nuevo Mundo que tuvo lugar en Europa hacia fines del siglo XVIII no solamente enfrentó a los defensores de la naturaleza privilegiada del Nuevo Mundo y de sus habitantes contra aquellos que proponían una imagen degenerada de América, sino que llevó a una reevaluación de los criterios más tradicionales utilizados hasta entonces para evaluar la confiabilidad de las fuentes. La pérdida de credibilidad de los primeros cronistas españoles, cuyas impresiones sobre las tierras descubiertas comenzaron a ser juzgadas como inverosímiles y fantasiosas, permitió articular entonces nuevas miradas sobre el carácter de América. En efecto, en abierta oposición a las críticas más acérrimas en torno a la naturaleza americana realizadas por Cornelius De Pauw, en la obra de Antoine-Joseph Pernety que aquí se presenta puede observarse cómo el benedictino se escudó en su experiencia como viajero a aquellas tierras para, a partir de sus propias vivencias y las de viajeros contemporáneos, articular un discurso laudatorio de su fauna, flora y habitantes. En función de lo antedicho, el presente artículo analiza el contexto de producción y los mecanismos a través de los cuales Pernety argumenta contra los postulados de De Pauw para así deconstruir los presupuestos de este último. Se hará particular hincapié en un fragmento de su Disertación sobre América y los americanos, publicado en 1770 y traducido aquí por primera vez al castellano.
José Longinos Martínez: un expedicionario, dos gabinetes de historia natural
Authors: Constantino Ortiz María Eugenia
Published: December 2015

Este artículo tiene por objetivo divulgar cinco textos publicados entre 1790 y 1797 en las ciudades de México, Madrid y Guatemala, acerca del establecimiento de los gabinetes de historia natural conformados en el virreinato novohispano por el expedicionario español José Longinos Martínez. Los textos, que aparecen aquí en orden cronológico, narran los distintos eventos que incidieron en la apertura de los gabinetes novohispano y guatemalteco, y dan cuenta de las contingencias acontecidas en uno y otro evento. Su importancia radica en que, al anunciar y evidenciar el quehacer de Martínez como naturalista, coleccionista y precursor en la formación de gabinetes de historia natural en América, las publicaciones demuestran cómo la práctica europea de coleccionismo de naturaleza fue popularizada en Nueva España tras la llegada de los miembros de la Expedición Botánica y la ejecución de una de sus misiones: colectar y remitir ejemplares naturales útiles al Real Gabinete de Historia Natural en Madrid. Para mostrar esta historia, el análisis de las fuentes se hace observando la faceta de Longinos Martínez como coleccionista, o bien, como protagonista de sucesos relevantes en la historia del coleccionismo americano. Si bien su obra como naturalista y expedicionario es inherente a lo anterior, esto se pone en un plano secundario en la discusión que aquí se plantea.
Health Expenditure
Authors: Salgado-Vega Jesus , Salgado-Naime Fatima Y.
Published: December 2015

This chapter explores the factors associated with the growth of total health expenditure, in addition to its main components, government health expenditure and out-of-pocket payments. Results suggest that health expenditure in general does not grow faster than gross national product (GNP). No difference is found in health expenditure between tax-based and insurance-based health financing mechanisms. The authors confirm the existence of fungibility, where external aid for health reduces government health spending and out-of-pocket payments from domestic sources. The study also finds that government health expenditure and out-of-pocket payments follow the same paths in time, but are different for countries at different levels of economic development and the same for health expenditure growth. In Latin American countries, the relationship between health expenditure and GNP per capita is positive; there is a quick adjustment in the short run to obtain long-run behavior.
Effects of Heat Transfer on Microhardness and Microstructure of Friction Stir Welded AA 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Selvamani S.T. , Vigneshwar M. , Divagar S.
Published: December 2015

In this research work, the effects of heat transfer on microhardness, microstructures of friction stir welded AA 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy butt joints advancing side and retreating side are analyzed. A three dimensional finite element model is developed to study the thermal history in the butt welding of AA 6061 aluminum alloy using ANSYS package. Solid 70 elements are used to develop the model and a moving co-ordinate has been introduced to model the three-dimensional heat transfer process because it reduces the difficulty of modeling the moving tool. In this model, the main parameter considered is the heat input from the tool shoulder and tool pin. As a result, the temperature distributions of the weld at a welding speed of 1.25mm/sec were obtained.
Influence of Argon Ion Bombardment on Improvement of Surface Properties of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Authors: Zaki M.F.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was irradiated by argon ion with different fluences up to 1015 ions/cm2. The optical, chemical and mechanical properties have been investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR and Micro-indentation tester, respectively. The results showed the ion beam bombardment induced decreases in the transmittance of the irradiated polymer samples. This change in transmittance can be attributed to formation of conjugated bonds i.e. possible formation of defects and/or carbon clusters. The indirect optical band gap decreased from 3.0 eV for pristine sample to 2.3 eV for that sample irradiated with the highest fluence of Ar ion beam. Furthermore, the number of carbon atoms and clusters increased with increasing the Ar ion fluences. FTIR spectra showed changes in the chemical properties of the bombarded polymer samples. Argon ion beam inducing increasing in the Vicker's micro-indentation, which may be attributed to the increase in the carbon concentration on the irradiated surface samples and cross-linking effects in the irradiated polyethylene chains.
Towards Effective Communication Technique for Energy Efficient Internet of Things
Authors: Suresh Kallam , Babu M. Rajasekhara
Published: December 2015

Internet of thing is concept and significant in emerging global Internet based wireless paradigm and empowering the Machine view of this present reality and consistent association. Internet of Things (IoT) is envisioned to bring together smart objects connected through Internet and exchange information in efficient communication techniques. Smart objects enabling integration and interconnection of the devices and cyberspace. IoT is a sophisticated technology ,as it is broad inter-disciplinary technology. And hence there arises continuous problem of limited source forcing us to use hand held devices with preserved battery charged smart devices. Energy Efficient Internet of Things(EEIOT) method could change and enable internet of things more encouraged to communicate information to the cyber world in better way.
Comparison of measurement methods of the front velocity of small-scale debris flows
Authors: Bettella Francesco , Bischetti Gian Battista , D'Agostino Vincenzo , Marai Simone Virginio , Ferrari Enrico , Michelini Tamara
Published: December 2015

Debris flow is a gravity-driven process, which is characterized by a travelling dense surge including large boulders, and it is followed by a more fluid tail. These characteristics make difficult the measurement of the mean flow velocity by means of common hydraulic techniques. Different methods can be used at real scale and small-scale to measure the front velocity but a dedicate comparison between available methods is still lacking. This research aims to compare the front velocity measurements in the transport zone of a miniature debris flow using three devices: i) a common digital video camera (29 frames per second); ii) a high speed thermo camera (60 fps); and iii) a laser photoelectric sensors system. The statistical analysis of data has highlighted no significant differences exist between front velocities obtained by means of the video camera and the thermo camera, whereas photocells data statistically differ from those achieved via the other systems. Some lack of data recorded by photocell was documented, while the thermo camera technique did not show significant loss of information being also helpful to detect the kinematic behaviour of single particles. Finally, the tests confirmed the influence of the solid volumetric concentration in the debris-flow mechanics, which promotes, ceteris paribus, the debris-flow slowing down.
Evaluating the virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) and Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) isolates to Arabian rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes agamemnon arabicus
Authors: Khudhair M.W. , Khalaf M.Z. , Alrubeai H.F. , Shbar A.K. , Hamad B.S. , Khalaf H.S.
Published: December 2015

Virulence of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana were tested against Arabian Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes agamemnon arabicus larvae. Four concentrations (1×105, 1×107, 1×109 and 1×1011 conidia/mL–1) of two locally isolated entomopathogenic fungi spore suspensions were used in this study via larval direct spraying. Results revealed that both isolates can cause high mortality rate reaching 100% after 29 days. However, Beauveria bassiana scored higher mortality rate in short time especially at the concentration of 1×1011 conidia/ mL–1 with lethal time (LT)50 12.75 and LT90 20.00; while, Metarhizium anisopliae caused the higher percentage of malformed adults. Moreover, both isolates affected insect’s life cycle particularly in the pupal stage which was reduced remarkably by almost 50% in comparison with the control treatment.
Efficacy of insect-proof nets used in Tunisian tomato greenhouses against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and potential impact on plant growth and fruit quality
Authors: Harbi A. , Abbes K. , Dridi-Almohandes Bouthaina , Chermiti B.
Published: December 2015

Insect-proof screens constitute efficient physical means of protecting horticultural crops against insect pests and their use has become widespread. However, they may have a negative impact on plant growth and fruit quality by modifying climatic parameters of greenhouses. In case of tomato crops, they are used mainly against white flies and the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). In Tunisia, tomato plastic tunnels are often netted following two modalities: i) complete netting of the greenhouse under the plastic screen (total netting); or ii) netting only doors and lateral aeration windows (partial netting). Weekly monitoring of T. absoluta in two tomato greenhouses with different netting setups using pheromone traps and sampling of leaves and fruits showed no differences in the levels of infestation by the pest with a maximum average values of 6.66 eggs/leaf, 4.16 larvae/leaf and 4.16 mines/leaf. The maximum infestation rate of leaves was 86.66% and that of fruits was 10.83%. No effects of the netting setup used on plant growth parameters were detected. However, the study of fruit quality parameters revealed significant decrease in sugar contents in tomato fruits when using total netting setup (4.26°Brix versus 3.68°Brix). Recommendations regarding the combined use of pheromones traps and insect-proof nets are given and possibilities to enhance the efficiency of nets as physical barrier against T. absoluta are explored.
L’odonatofauna (Insecta Odonata) delle basse Valli di Susa, Sangone e di Lanzo (Torino, Italia)
Authors: Assandri Giacomo
Published: December 2015

In alcune aree geografiche d’Italia le conoscenze sulla distribuzione degli Odonati sono scarse. L’obiettivo del presente contributo è quello di colmare le lacune conoscitive sull’Odonatofauna delle basse valli di Susa, Sangone e di Lanzo (TO, Italia nW). Le limitate informazioni disponibili (153 dati) sono state analizzate criticamente e integrate mediante un’approfondita prospezione del territorio. Tra il 2009 e il 2013 sono state effettuate 137 uscite in 34 siti di campionamento di natura piuttosto varia (28 lentici e 6 lotici), durante le quali sono stati raccolti ulteriori 913 dati. nell’area di studio sono note con certezza 45 specie, per 37 delle quali si hanno prove di riproduzione. Tre specie segnalate in passato non sono state confermate, 8 sono nuove segnalazioni per l’area rispetto all’atlante regionale (Boano et al., 2007). Complessivamente sono state individuate numerose comunità odonatologiche ricche e diversificate oltre ad alcune specie localizzate in Italia nord-occidentale (Boyeria irene, Onycogomphus uncatus, Cordulegaster bidentata e Somatochlora flavomaculata). Statisticamente, nei siti non protetti dell’area di studio, non sono presenti meno specie rispetto a quelli protetti (Parchi Regionali e S.I.C.), a testimoniare un’inadeguatezza della rete di aree protette nell’ottica di perseguire la conservazione di questo taxon nell’area di studio, già soggetta a forti pressioni antropiche che minacciano alcuni siti di pregio. Si fornisce infine un’indicazione qualitatitva e quantitativa del periodo di volo delle specie presenti nell’area di studio.
Ricordo di Umberto Parenti (1932-2014)
Authors: Giachino Pier Mauro
Published: December 2015

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Le funzioni metacognitive nei pazienti con disturbi del comportamento alimentare. Uno studio sul trattamento di gruppo psicodinamico
Authors: Prestano Claudia , Cicero Viviana , Gullo Salvatore , Alcuri Grazia , Lo Coco Gianluca , Carcione Antonino
Published: December 2015

There is an emerging empirical evidence that patients with eating disorders have severe metacognitive concerns, i.e. ability to reflect on mental states. This single-case study aims to explore the relationship between limited metacognition and eating symptoms in six patients who attended a long-term group treatment. This study also aims at analysing the change of patients metacognition over the course of treatment. All the patients were female, with a mean age of 17 years. Three patients have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, and three have a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. The group treatment was delivered in a outpatient clinic of the hospital of Acireale (CT). The SVaM (Carcione et al., 1997) was used to measure metacognition of patients, by analysing the transcripts of group sessions. The preliminary findings, which included the first year of the group treatment (N=27 group sessions) showed that metacognitive dysfunctions more evident concern Understanding One's Own Mind and Mastery. The first concerns abilities to reflect on the own mental states; the second concerns ability of regulation and control. Data show that patients don't present failures in the Understanding Other's Minds. The study has not identified meaningful differences between anorexic patients and bulimic patients.
Gruppo di ricerca coordinato da Marta Vigorelli
Authors: Vigorelli Marta
Published: December 2015

Il nostro gruppo di ricerca Ã¨ nato nel 2001, nel contesto degli insegnamenti esterni all'UniversitÃ  di Milano-Bicocca: â€œValutazione dellâ€™efficacia in psicoterapiaâ€ e â€œInterventi psicologici nel servizio pubblicoâ€. Inizialmente era formato da me, Mariangela Villa e Riccardo Scognamiglio per quanto riguardava le ricerche sullâ€™outcome in area clinica; da me, Valentina Stirone e Ilaria Peri per gli interventi nei centri di salute e nelle comunitÃ  terapeutiche. Le aree di ricerca che abbiamo approfondito in questi anni sono state: 1) La valutazione multi-strumentale del processo psicoterapeutico in â€œsingle casesâ€; 2) Alessitimia e psicosomatica: ricerca che ha portato allo sviluppo della scala di intelligenza emotiva (Scognamiglio, 2008, 2009); 3) Contributo alla validazione di nuove tecniche psicoterapeutiche, in particolare lâ€™EMDR; 4) Monitoraggio del percorso clinico degli interventi nelle istituzioni (DSM e comunitÃ  terapeutica): ricerca che ha portato alla costruzione del Community Functioning Questionnaire, CFQ-28 (Vigorelli, Zanolini, Belfontali, Tatti, Buratti, & Peri, 2008).
Memories and Future. Storia e sviluppi di un gruppo di ricerca italiano: dagli studi di efficacia alle analisi delle resistenze al cambiamento
Authors: Fava Emilio , Zuglian Pablo , Ferrario Dario , Taino Daria , Conte Martina , Cadeo Francesca
Published: December 2015

L'obiettivo di questo articolo Ã¨ di riassumere brevemente come si sia formato e sviluppato il nostro gruppo di ricerca e quali indirizzi di ricerca abbia preso nel corso degli anni. Tale fine risponde all'esigenza condivisa di una maggiore collaborazione e integrazione tra i vari gruppi che si sviluppi anche al di fuori dei contatti stimolanti, ma purtroppo sporadici, che avvengono ai congressi, sia nazionali che internazionali, in modo da aprire eventuali nuove strade di condivisione di percorsi di ricerca comune. Siamo convinti che la conoscenza reciproca sia la "via maestra" alla costruzione di nuovi progetti e alla realizzazione di quelle conoscenze scientifiche per cui la nostra SocietÃ  Ã¨ nata.