bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petri nets properties related to the unboundness and analyzed using coverability multigraph
Authors: Hrúz Branislav , Ľuptáková Iveta Dirgová , Beňo Miroslav
Published: January 2015

Petri nets represent a powerful tool for modeling the discrete event systems. The Petri net markings correspond to the system states. The infinity of the marking set means that the Petri net is unbounded and this may be the sign of an incorrect system model. In that case instead of the reachability set and the reachability graph the coverability set and the coverability multigraph can be used to represent the Petri net state space. A systematic way of building the notion of the coverability set and coverability multigraph based on the notion of the ω -marking is given in the paper. Algorithm for its construction is introduced. Then the use of the coverability multigraph for the analysis of several properties of the unbounded Petri nets is described.
On an new Open type variant of Newton´s method
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present paper is to introduce and investigate a new Open type variant of Newton's method for solving nonlinear equations. The order of convergence of the proposed method is three. In addition to numerical tests verifying the theory, a comparison of the results for the proposed method and some of the existing ones have also been given.
The Hermite-Hadamard's inequality for some convex functions via fractional integrals and related results
Authors: Set Erhan , Sarikaya Mehmet Zeki , Özdemir M. Emin , Yıldırım Hüseyin
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we establish Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for s - convex functions in the second sense and m - convex functions via fractional integrals. The analysis used in the proofs is fairly elementary.
Palliative Care as Response to Suffering at End of Life
Authors: Moşoiu Daniela
Published: January 2015

Persons suffering from chronic and life limiting illnesses often have unrelieved symptoms such as pain, depression, fatigue, and psychosocial and spiritual distress. In Romania they are frequently left in the care of their families with little support from the health care system. It seems a paradox that those who are the sickest persons in a country find little place in the health care system. This article presents palliative care as a solution to the suffering for these patients and their families by describing the concept, models of services, its beneficiaries and benefits and presenting the history of development of hospice and palliative care worldwide and in Romania.
A life in need of “neither protection nor preservation”: Joseph Fletcher, Down’s syndrome and euthanasia
Authors: Sydow Rikard Friberg von
Published: January 2015

Joseph Fletcher claims in his Christian situation ethic developed in the nineteen sixties that there is nothing wrong with the use of euthanasia on children born with Down’s syndrome. But is it possible to use his claim of non-persons as non-moral subjects in an ethic that claims not to be legalistic? This paper affirms that Fletcher’s claims are wrong, and that questions motivated by a lack of resources should be answered with a critical discussion regarding those resources. Not with an ethic that supports euthanasia.
The Historical-Critical Method and the Holy Fathers
Authors: Pricop Cosmin Daniel
Published: January 2015

This study aims to capture the dynamics of the recent biblical studies in the Orthodox and Western, especially Protestant, theological areas. Both the Orthodox biblical theology and the Western biblical theology are streamlined by research, which can be inspired by each other´s experience. Thus, the Orthodox biblical studies are recently shaped in receiving and developing an exegetical method, and in this sense may appeal to the Western experience, especially the historical-critical method. On the other hand, the Western biblical scholars are concerned with bringing into the present the meaning of biblical texts or their update, in a direction close to the Orthodox biblical experience. The solution to these concerns can be rediscovered in the mutual completion with ecumenical connotations.
Gadamer’s Concept of Aesthetic Experience as a Possibility for the Orthodox Biblical Theology
Authors: Širka Zdenko Š
Published: January 2015

This article finds its inspiration in the new interpretations of Gadamer’s hermeneutics, which underline the turn in his later period, and which focus on the conception of aesthetic experience as an experience of transcendence. The main thesis is that the understanding of artworks, as Gadamer describes them in contrast to the Kantian subjectification of aesthetics, can be paralleled with the way Orthodox biblical theology struggles to approach Holy Scripture in the context of Church and Tradition. The aim of this article is to bring new material to the growing reception of Gadamer among Orthodox scholars, and to initiate further discussion on the topic by showing the parallels and areas where this reception could continue.
The Creation Narratives in the Western and Greek-Orthodox Theology of the 20th Century
Authors: Palantza Alexandra
Published: January 2015

The Book of Genesis offers not only to Israel but also to its neighbors the reason for their existence1. In western theological thought, W. Eichrodt’s Theology of the Old Testament and Cl. Westermann’s Commentary on Genesis are two of the most important works, which are distinguished because of their method and the expression of their theological perspectives on the topic “creation narratives”. In contrast to Western theologians, Greek-Orthodox Theologians inherited their tradition of interpretation from the Church Fathers. Eastern Theology has seen the topic of interpreting the Bible as an unbreakable whole, containing God’s word and action for the salvation of humankind. Any differences between them are caused by another perspective and ecclesiastical tradition.
The Onomastic Data of the Fourteenth-Century Poll Tax Returns: A Case for Further Dialectological Study of Late Medieval English
Authors: Parkin D. Harry
Published: January 2015

An important source of localisable Middle English dialectological data has recently become widely accessible, thanks to the published transcription of the 1377, 1379 and 1381 poll tax re-turns by Carolyn C. Fenwick (1998, 2001, 2005). As the only collection of onomastic data from the late fourteenth century with national coverage, the name forms in the records can be analysed to further our understanding of Middle English dialect distribution and change. As with many historical records, the poll tax returns are not without damage and so do not cover the country in its entirety, but provided their investigation is carried out with suitable methodological caution, they are of considerable dialectological value. Using the poll tax data, the distributions of two dialect features particular to the West Midlands (specifically rounding of /a/ to /o/ before nasals and /u/ in unstressed positions) are presented and compared with the patterns given for the same features in Kristensson’s (1987) dialect survey of data from 1290-1350. By identifying apparent discrepancies in dialect distribution from these datasets, which represent periods of no more than 100 years apart, it seems that the spread of certain Middle English dialect features may have changed considerably over a short space of time. Other possible reasons for these distribution differences are also suggested, highlighting the difficulties in comparing dialect data from differ-ent sets of records. Through this paper a case for further dialectological study, using the poll tax returns, is made, to add to the literature on Middle English dialect distribution and to improve our knowledge of ME dialect phonologies at the end of the fourteenth century.
Uncovering the Secret: Medieval Women, Magic and the Other
Authors: Ludwikowska Joanna
Published: January 2015

For medieval audiences women occupied a specific, designated cultural area which, while they could freely form it according to their will and nature, was in fact imaginary and immaterial. Women in social, legal, and religious contexts were mostly counted among the receptive, inactive, and non-ruling groups. On both levels, there was a group of features universally defining all women: the strong, virtuous and independent model Aquinas lamented was replaced in real life by the sinful, carnal and weak stereotype, and the erotic, emotional, mysterious, and often wild type present predominantly in literature. Indeed, women were a source of scientific, theological, and cultural fascination because of their uncanny and complex nature, producing both fear and desire of the source and nature of the unattainable and inaccessible femininity. In social contexts, however, the enchantress seems to lose that veil of allure and, instead, is forced to re-define her identity by suppressing, denying, or losing her supernatural features. With the example of Saint Agnes from the South English Legendary Life
of
Saint
Agnes, and Melior from Partonope
of
Blois (ca. 1450), the article will explore how medieval texts dealt with the complex and unruly female supernatural, and how its neutralization and subduing fitted into the moral, scientific, and cultural norms of medieval society.
Analysis of specialist opinions about the problem of selection in the game of football for children 6-8 years of age
Authors: Brîndescu Sorin
Published: January 2015

The general trend worldwide is a pronounced decrease in the age at which sport performance begins. An early debut in the performance sport requires an early specialization and hence special efforts of the athlete, not just physical (the body has the ability to regenerate), but also of a mental nature. In this study I wanted to obtain the experts opinions on the main aspects of selection for the age studied, namely: selection criteria, methods of encouragement, stimulation and improvement, the overall state of the selection phenomenon organized for children of small age. Sports training professionals appreciate that the future belongs to technicians and athletes able to create new patterns, superior to those present, favoring the creation of highly efficient motor structures in order to obtain success in sports.
Optimization of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Paradigm: Novel Feedback Techniques to Enhance Motor Learning and Reduce Injury Risk
Authors: Benjaminse Anne , Gokeler Alli , Dowling Ariel V. , Faigenbaum Avery , Ford Kevin R. , Hewett Timothy E. , Onate James A. , Otten Bert , Myer Gregory D.
Published: January 2015

Synopsis

Primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs effectively reduce ACL injury risk in the short term. Despite these programs, ACL injury incidence is still high, making it imperative to continue to improve current prevention strategies. A potential limitation of current ACL injury prevention training may be a deficit in the transfer of conscious, optimal movement strategies rehearsed during training sessions to automatic movements required for athletic activities and unanticipated events on the field. Instructional strategies with an internal focus of attention have traditionally been utilized, but may not be optimal for the acquisition of the control of complex motor skills required for sports. Conversely, external-focus instructional strategies may enhance skill acquisition more efficiently and increase the transfer of improved motor skills to sports activities. The current article will present insights gained from the motor-learning domain that may enhance neuromuscular training programs via improved skill development and increased retention and transfer to sports activities, which may reduce ACL injury incidence in the long term.

Level of Evidence

Prevention, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):170–182. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.4986
An Investigation of How University Sports Team Athletic Therapists and Physical Therapists Experience Ethical Issues
Authors: Riendeau Catherine , Parent-Houle Valérie , Lebel-Gabriel Marie Eve , Gauvin Patrick , Liu Le Yu , Pearson Isabelle , Hunt Matthew R.
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Qualitative study using interpretive description methodology.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to better understand how ethical issues are experienced by university sports team athletic therapists and physical therapists.

Background

In clinical practice, sports teams are associated with a range of ethical issues. Issues commonly reported in the literature include confidentiality, return-to-play decisions, conflicts of interest, advertising, doping, and use of local anesthetic. To date, there has been limited examination of how athletic therapists and physical therapists involved with sports teams experience these ethical issues, and limited exploration of how these ethical issues, when encountered, are shaped by therapists' professional roles and responsibilities.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 athletic or physical therapists working with sports teams in 5 Canadian provinces. The data were analyzed inductively, using a recursive approach and constant comparative techniques.

Results

Four key themes were developed relating to the participants' experiences of ethical issues: establishing and maintaining professional boundaries, striving for respectful and effective collaboration, seeking answers to ethical concerns, and living with the repercussions of challenging decisions.

Conclusion

While many ethical issues reported by participants resemble those faced by sports medicine physicians, they are experienced in distinctive ways, due to differences in professional roles and identities. Issues concerning professional boundaries were also more prominent for the study participants than the literature has reported them to be for sports medicine physicians. Effective communication and enhanced collaboration appear to be key elements in managing these ethical challenges. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):198–206. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5390
Can We Predict Which Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Are More Likely to Benefit From Exercise Therapy? A Secondary Exploratory Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lankhorst Nienke E. , van Middelkoop Marienke , van Trier Yvonne D.M. , van Linschoten Robbart , Koes Bart W. , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A.
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Secondary exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing supervised exercise therapy to usual care in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Objective

To explore which patients with PFP are more likely to benefit from exercise therapy.

Background

Patellofemoral pain is a common condition for which exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving function. However, not all patients benefit from exercise therapy.

Methods

The present study explored patient characteristics that might interact with treatment effects of PFP in 131 patients treated with usual care or exercise therapy. These characteristics were tested for interaction with treatment in a regression analysis. The primary outcomes were function and pain on activity at a 3-month follow-up.

Results

None of the tested variables had a significant interaction with treatment. A positive trend was seen for females with PFP: they were more likely to report higher function scores with exercise therapy than with usual care compared to males with PFP (β = 12.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.23, 24.0; P = .05). A positive trend was seen for patients with a longer duration of complaints (greater than 6 months); they were more likely to report higher function scores and to have less pain on activity with exercise therapy than with usual care compared to those with a shorter duration of complaints (β = 12.3; 95% confidence interval: −0.08, 24.7; P = .05 and β = −1.74; 95% confidence interval: −3.90, 0.43; P = .12, respectively).

Conclusion

Two factors, sex and duration of complaints, may have a predictive value for response to exercise therapy at 3-month follow-up. Due to the exploratory design of the study, future research should confirm this tendency.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):183–189. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5583
Comparison of Cervical Spine Stiffness in Individuals With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Ingram Lewis A. , Snodgrass Suzanne J. , Rivett Darren A.
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Clinical measurement, cross-sectional.

Objective

To determine if spinal joint stiffness is different in individuals with nonspecific neck pain, and whether stiffness magnitude is associated with pain intensity and disability.

Background

Manual therapists commonly evaluate spinal joint stiffness in patients presenting with nonspecific neck pain. However, a relationship between stiffness and neck pain has not yet been demonstrated.

Methods

Spinal stiffness at C7 was objectively measured in participants with chronic nonspecific neck pain whose symptomatic spinal level was identified as C7 (n = 12) and in age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls (n = 12). Stiffness (slope of the linear region of the force-displacement curve) was quantified using a device that applied 5 standardized mechanical force cycles to the C7 spinous process, while concurrently measuring displacement and resistance to movement. Stiffness was compared between groups using an independent t test. Spearman rho and Pearson r were used to determine the extent to which stiffness magnitude was associated with pain intensity (visual analog scale) and level of disability (Neck Disability Index), respectively, in the group with neck pain.

Results

Participants with nonspecific neck pain had greater spinal joint stiffness at C7 compared with asymptomatic individuals (mean difference, 1.78 N/mm; 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 3.27; P = .022). However, stiffness magnitude in the group with neck pain was not associated (P>.05) with pain intensity or level of disability.

Conclusion

These preliminary results suggest that cervical spine stiffness may be greater in the presence of nonspecific neck pain. However, judgments regarding pain intensity and level of disability should not be inferred from examinations of spinal joint stiffness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(3):162–169. Epub 27 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5711
Benefits and Pitfalls of Multimedia and Interactive Features in Technology-Enhanced Storybooks
Authors: Takacs Zsofia K. , Swart Elise K. , Bus Adriana G.
Published: January 2015

A meta-analysis was conducted on the effects of technology-enhanced stories for young children’s literacy development when compared to listening to stories in more traditional settings like storybook reading. A small but significant additional benefit of technology was found for story comprehension (g+ = 0.17) and expressive vocabulary (g+ = 0.20), based on data from 2,147 children in 43 studies. When investigating the different characteristics of technology-enhanced stories, multimedia features like animated pictures, music, and sound effects were found beneficial. In contrast, interactive elements like hotspots, games, and dictionaries were found to be distracting. Especially for children disadvantaged because of less stimulating family environments, multimedia features were helpful and interactive features were detrimental. Findings are discussed from the perspective of cognitive processing theories.
Device or Ice: The Effect of Consistent Cooling Using a Device Compared with Intermittent Cooling Using an Ice Bag after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bech Michelle , Moorhen Joanne , Cho Mary , Lavergne M. Ruth , Stothers Keith , Hoens Alison M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To determine the comparative effectiveness of consistent cooling using an icing device (DonJoy Iceman, DJO Canada, Mississauga, ON) versus intermittent cooling using an ice bag (usual care) for the first 48 hours after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method: A sample of 78 patients (intervention group, n=37; control group, n=34) undergoing primary TKA were randomized to intervention (device) or control (ice) groups. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). Secondary outcomes were passive range of motion (PROM), nausea or vomiting, opioid use, blood loss, lower limb function, hospital length of stay, and patient-reported compliance and satisfaction. Results: No significant differences in the primary outcome (pain intensity measured via NPRS) were observed between control and intervention groups. Patients in the intervention group were significantly more satisfied (8.4 vs. 6.0, p=0.002); used the device more consistently, day and night (85.7% vs. 29.6% and 87.6% vs. 30.8%, respectively, p<0.001); and were more likely to recommend this method of cooling (96.8% vs. 68.0%, p=0.004). Conclusion: The study found no additional benefit of consistent cryotherapy using the icing device over intermittent ice bags on postoperative pain, PROM, nausea or vomiting, opioid use, blood loss, lower limb function, or length of stay, despite significant differences in patient-reported compliance and satisfaction.
Sustainability of Outcomes after a Randomized Crossover Trial of Resistance Exercise for Shoulder Dysfunction in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: McNeely Margaret L. , Parliament Matthew B. , Seikaly Hadi , Jha Naresh , Magee David J. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Courneya Kerry S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Shoulder pain and dysfunction may occur after surgery for head and neck cancer (HNC) as a result of damage to or resection of the spinal accessory nerve. Previous research found that 12 weeks of upper extremity progressive resistance exercise training (PRET) improved shoulder outcomes in survivors of HNC; the purpose of this study was to determine whether benefits persisted over the longer term. Methods: Survivors of HNC were assigned at random to PRET (n=27) or a standard therapeutic protocol (TP; n=25), with an opportunity for crossover in the TP group after 12 weeks. At 12-month follow-up, participants were mailed a questionnaire that assessed quality of life (QOL), shoulder outcomes, and exercise behaviour. Results: Of the 52 participants enrolled in the study, 44 were eligible at 12-month follow-up, and 37 (71%) completed the questionnaires. Overall, self-reported outcomes were largely sustained over the follow-up period. After 12 months, regardless of original group allocation, participants who continued resistance exercise training during the follow-up period reported better neck dissection–related functioning (p=0.021) and better QOL (p=0.011) than those who did not. Conclusions: Benefits of PRET were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Ongoing participation in resistance exercise training may prove valuable as a supportive care intervention for survivors of HNC.
Interaction of Cu(II) with Cytosine in Britton-Robinson Buffer Solution - A Cyclic Voltammetric Study
Authors: Shaikh AA , Firdaws Jannatul , Islam S , Bakshi PK
Published: January 2015

Electrochemical redox behavior of Cu(II) at different pH in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer solution has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry at glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Cu(II) shows a cathodic peak and a hump-like peak, and an intense anodic peak at pH, 0.59, 1.59, 3.01 and 4.08. Although at lower pH (0.59 and 1.59) a cathodic peak, a hump and an anodic peak are observed, at higher pH (3.01 and 4.08) the hump-like cathodic peak disappeared. Cyclic voltammetry has also been used to observe the interaction of Cu(II) with cytosine in BR buffer solution at various pH. A reasonably strong interaction between Cu(II) and cytosine at different Cu(II)/cytosine molar ratio is observed at all the studied pH. However, maximum interaction occurs at 1:4 molar ratio at pH 4.08, this is perhaps the most suitable condition for Cu(II)-cytosine interaction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v63i1.21765 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(1): 31-36, 2015 (January)
Isolation of Cellulosic Material from Agro-wastes and their Derivatization
Authors: Hossain Israt , Mostofa Sabrina , Muslima Umme , Akter Farhana , Tania Sharmin Akter , Saha Anamika , Debnath Shuvra , Muslim Tanvir , Rahman Md Azizur
Published: January 2015

Isolation of cellulosic materials from agricultural wastes such as skin of various fruits have been carried out. Isolated cellulosic materials have been converted into their acetate and carboxymethyl cellulose derivatives. The derivatives have been characterized by titrimetric method, pH- titration and FT-IR spectroscopy. The characteristic features of these derivatives suggest the possibilities of their commercial utilization. Hence, this will reduce the environmental pollution and help to develop economy of the country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v63i1.21767 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(1): 43-46, 2015 (January)
Transport of Particulate Organic Matter and Dissolved Organic Matter from Land to Ocean in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Alam M Jahangir , Nagao S , Quayum M Emran
Published: January 2015

Both ?14C, ?13C for the particulate organic matter (POM) and 3-Dimensional Excitation and Emission Matrix spectroscopy (3D-EEM) for the dissolved organic matter (DOM) were used to study transport behavior from land to ocean in Hokkaido, Japan. The ?14C values of the Tokachi POC (particulate organic carbon) show similar variations to Ishikari. However, the variation range of the Tokachi of ?14C is smaller than that of the Ishikari POC. ?13C values for the Ishikari showed larger variation range than those of the Tokachi. The POC during spring snow-melting for the Ishikari and in autumn during heavy rain fall for the Tokachi were distinctive in the correlations of POC, ?14C, and ?13C.There were two different pathways in the correlations of POC content, ?14C, and water discharge for both river systems. The significant pathway during snow-melting found in the Ishikari and at autumn during heavy rain fall for the Tokachi. The Tokachi and the Ishikari River showed similar variations patterns of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and relative fluorescence intensity (RFI). The run-off point of DOC and FA-like materials is similar to POC. Therefore, characteristics and export of POC and DOC may be controlled by water discharge in small rivers in sub-arctic zone. The both rivers showed averaged POC flux from 1.43~1.51 ¥ 1010 g/yr, DOC flux of 0.98~2.32 ¥ 1010 g/yr, and fulvic-like materials-carbon (FAC) flux of 0.70~1.22 ¥ 1010 g/yr. The percentages of POC, DOC, and FAC flux in two rivers during snow-melting and heavy rainfall were 78~95% and 25~ 42 %, respectively. The watersheds of the Ishikari and Tokachi are important in transport of POC from land to ocean, especially during snow-melting and heavy rain event. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v63i1.21768 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(1): 47-51, 2015 (January)
EWnFM: An Environment States Oriented Web Service Non-Functional Property Model
Authors: Zhang Yin , Ge Liang , Gao Kening , Zhang Bin , Xue Zhuyin
Published: January 2015

A proper model of Web service non-functional properties is the key foundation to the evaluation of non-functional properties of Adaptive Service Based Software (ASBS) systems. As the environment in which a Web service is deployed may keep changing, environmental factors would affect the non-functional properties of a Web service a lot. However, available non-functional property models usually ignore the impact of environmental factors, leading to insufficient modeling power of non-functional properties, limited effect of system wide non-functional property evaluation based on these models, and the inability to support environment states oriented specifications of ASBS. This paper propose an environment states oriented Web service non-functional property model. By considering the differences of a non-functional property under different environment states, environment states of a Web service is analyzed using a Dirichlet process based method. With such a foundation, an environment states oriented Web service non-functional property model is introduced, together with the parameter estimation methods based on historical monitor data. Experiment results have shown that compared to the evaluated methods, our model could generate data that are much close to real monitored data.
Towards a Simplified DynamicWake Model Using POD Analysis
Authors: Bastine David , Witha Björn , Wächter Matthias , Peinke Joachim
Published: January 2015

We apply a modified proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to large eddy simulation data of a wind turbine wake in a turbulent atmospheric boundary layer. The turbine is modeled as an actuator disk. Our analysis mainly focuses on the pragmatic identification of spatial modes, which yields a low order description of the wake flow. This reduction to a few degrees of freedom is a crucial first step for the development of simplified dynamic wake models based on modal decompositions. It is shown that only a few modes are necessary to capture the basic dynamical aspects of quantities that are relevant to a turbine in the wake flow. Furthermore, we show that the importance of the individual modes depends on the relevant quantity chosen. Therefore, the optimal choice of modes for a possible model could in principle depend on the application of interest. We additionally present a possible interpretation of the extracted modes by relating them to the specific properties of the wake. For example, the first mode is related to the horizontal large-scale movement.
Forecasting Fossil Fuel Energy Consumption for Power Generation Using QHSA-Based LSSVM Model
Authors: Sun Wei , He Yujun , Chang Hong
Published: January 2015

Accurate forecasting of fossil fuel energy consumption for power generation is important and fundamental for rational power energy planning in the electricity industry. The least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) is a powerful methodology for solving nonlinear forecasting issues with small samples. The key point is how to determine the appropriate parameters which have great effect on the performance of LSSVM model. In this paper, a novel hybrid quantum harmony search algorithm-based LSSVM (QHSA-LSSVM) energy forecasting model is proposed. The QHSA which combines the quantum computation theory and harmony search algorithm is applied to searching the optimal values of and C in LSSVM model to enhance the learning and generalization ability. The case study on annual fossil fuel energy consumption for power generation in China shows that the proposed model outperforms other four comparative models, namely regression, grey model (1, 1) (GM (1, 1)), back propagation (BP) and LSSVM, in terms of prediction accuracy and forecasting risk.
Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Liyanagunawardena Tharindu
Published: January 2015

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a new addition to the open educational provision. They are offered mainly by prestigious universities on various commercial and non-commercial MOOC platforms allowing anyone who is interested to experience the world class teaching practiced in these universities. MOOCs have attracted wide interest from around the world. However, learner demographics in MOOCs suggest that some demographic groups are underrepresented. At present MOOCs seem to be better serving the continuous professional development sector.
The Political Economy of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD); Taking Individual and Community Ownership in the Prevention and Control of EVD
Authors: Obilade Titilola
Published: January 2015

The outbreak of an emerging infectious disease of zoonotic origin has exposed the weaknesses in the health systems of the nations affected. The purpose of this paper was to explore the political economy of the existing outcome of the management strategies. In addition, it proposed a new strategy in the management of the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. This paper admits that the current management strategy which is a top to bottom approach has not worked in reducing the spread of the disease. Instead of waiting for the disease before treatment is commenced, this paper suggests aggressively preventing infection from the EVD. It presents a bottom to top approach where there is individual ownership and community ownership in the prevention and control of the EVD outbreak. In addition, the paper presents the socio-economic situation of the three most affected countries including the ecology and stigmatization of EVD. It highlights the need for cross border surveillance across the West African nations to prevent importation of the disease as occurred in Nigeria and Senegal. It points out the need for aggressive international cooperation, an aggressive prevention and a sustainable control strategy.
Multidrug Efflux Pumps from Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus Bacterial Food Pathogens
Authors: Andersen Jody , He Gui-Xin , Kakarla Prathusha , KC Ranjana , Kumar Sanath , Lakra Wazir , Mukherjee Mun , Ranaweera Indrika , Shrestha Ugina , Tran Thuy , Varela Manuel
Published: January 2015

Foodborne illnesses caused by bacterial microorganisms are common worldwide and constitute a serious public health concern. In particular, microorganisms belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrionaceae families of Gram-negative bacteria, and to the Staphylococcus genus of Gram-positive bacteria are important causative agents of food poisoning and infection in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Recently, variants of these bacteria have developed resistance to medically important chemotherapeutic agents. Multidrug resistant Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, Enterobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus are becoming increasingly recalcitrant to clinical treatment in human patients. Of the various bacterial resistance mechanisms against antimicrobial agents, multidrug efflux pumps comprise a major cause of multiple drug resistance. These multidrug efflux pump systems reside in the biological membrane of the bacteria and actively extrude antimicrobial agents from bacterial cells. This review article summarizes the evolution of these bacterial drug efflux pump systems from a molecular biological standpoint and provides a framework for future work aimed at reducing the conditions that foster dissemination of these multidrug resistant causative agents through human populations.
Contamination and Spatial Variation of Heavy Metals in the Soil-Rice System in Nanxun County, Southeastern China
Authors: Zhao Keli , Fu Weijun , Ye Zhengqian , Zhang Chaosheng
Published: January 2015

There is an increasing concern about heavy metal contamination in farmland in China and worldwide. In order to reveal the spatial features of heavy metals in the soil-rice system, soil and rice samples were collected from Nanxun, Southeastern China. Compared with the guideline values, elevated concentrations of heavy metals in soils were observed, while heavy metals in rice still remained at a safe level. Heavy metals in soils and rice had moderate to strong spatial dependence (nugget/sill ratios: 13.2% to 49.9%). The spatial distribution of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in soils illustrated that their high concentrations were located in the southeast part. The high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) in soils were observed in the northeast part. The accumulation of all the studied metals is related to the long-term application of agrochemicals and industrial activities. Heavy metals in rice showed different spatial distribution patterns. Cross-correlograms were produced to quantitatively determine the spatial correlation between soil properties and heavy metals composition in rice. The pH and soil organic matter had significant spatial correlations with the concentration of heavy metals in rice. Most of the selected variables had clear spatial correlation ranges for heavy metals in rice, which could be further applied to divide agricultural management zones.
Systems Pharmacology Dissection of the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism for the Medicinal Herb Folium Eriobotryae
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Li Yan , Chen Su-Shing , Zhang Lilei , Wang Jinghui , Yang Yinfeng , Zhang Shuwei , Pan Yanqiu , Wang Yonghua , Yang Ling
Published: January 2015

Inflammation is a hallmark of many diseases like diabetes, cancers, atherosclerosis and arthritis. Thus, lots of concerns have been raised toward developing novel anti-inflammatory agents. Many alternative herbal medicines possess excellent anti-inflammatory properties, yet their precise mechanisms of action are yet to be elucidated. Here, a novel systems pharmacology approach based on a large number of chemical, biological and pharmacological data was developed and exemplified by a probe herb Folium Eriobotryae, a widely used clinical anti-inflammatory botanic drug. The results show that 11 ingredients of this herb with favorable pharmacokinetic properties are predicted as active compounds for anti-inflammatory treatment. In addition, via systematic network analyses, their targets are identified to be 43 inflammation-associated proteins including especially COX2, ALOX5, PPARG, TNF and RELA that are mainly involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the rheumatoid arthritis pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway. All these demonstrate that the integrated systems pharmacology method provides not only an effective tool to illustrate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of herbs, but also a new systems-based approach for drug discovery from, but not limited to, herbs, especially when combined with further experimental validations.
Regulation of CO2 Concentrating Mechanism in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Burnap Robert , Hagemann Martin , Kaplan Aaron
Published: January 2015

In this chapter, we mainly focus on the acclimation of cyanobacteria to the changing ambient CO2 and discuss mechanisms of inorganic carbon (Ci) uptake, photorespiration, and the regulation among the metabolic fluxes involved in photoautotrophic, photomixotrophic and heterotrophic growth. The structural components for several of the transport and uptake mechanisms are described and the progress towards elucidating their regulation is discussed in the context of studies, which have documented metabolomic changes in response to changes in Ci availability. Genes for several of the transport and uptake mechanisms are regulated by transcriptional regulators that are in the LysR-transcriptional regulator family and are known to act in concert with small molecule effectors, which appear to be well-known metabolites. Signals that trigger changes in gene expression and enzyme activity correspond to specific “regulatory metabolites” whose concentrations depend on the ambient Ci availability. Finally, emerging evidence for an additional layer of regulatory complexity involving small non-coding RNAs is discussed.
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Vitamin D Activation in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Su , Son Young , Kim Seong , An Won
Published: January 2015

The high incidence of cardiovascular disease and vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease patients is well known. Vitamin D activation by omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation may explain the cardioprotective effects exerted by omega-3 FA. We hypothesized that omega-3 FA and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) supplementation may increase 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels compared to 25(OH)D supplementation alone in hemodialysis (HD) patients that have insufficient or deficient 25(OH)D levels. We enrolled patients that were treated for at least six months with 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL (NCT01596842). Patients were randomized to treatment for 12 weeks with cholecalciferol supplemented with omega-3 FA or a placebo. Levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were measured after 12 weeks. The erythrocyte membrane FA contents were also measured. Levels of 25(OH)D were increased in both groups at 12 weeks compared to baseline. The 1,25(OH)2D levels at 12 weeks compared to baseline showed a tendency to increase in the omega-3 FA group. The oleic acid and monounsaturated FA content decreased, while the omega-3 index increased in the omega-3 FA group. Omega-3 FA supplementation may be partly associated with vitamin D activation, although increased 25(OH)D levels caused by short-term cholecalciferol supplementation were not associated with vitamin D activation in HD patients.
New Lignans and Iridoid Glycosides from Dipsacus asper Wall
Authors: Sun Xinguang , Ma Guoxu , Zhang Dawei , Huang Wenhua , Ding Gang , Hu Huagang , Tu Guangzhong , Guo Baolin
Published: January 2015

Six new compounds, including four new lignans, dipsalignan A (1), B–D (3–5), and two new bis-iridoid glycoside dimmers, dipsanosides M (7) and N (8), together with two known compounds (2) and (6), have been isolated from the roots of Dipsacus asper Wall. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data (MS, 1D, 2D NMR, and CD) and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds were tested against human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) integrase inhibition activities, and only compounds 1, 2, 7, and 8 displayed weak activities.
The Content of Phenolic Compounds in Leaf Tissues of Aesculus glabra and Aesculus parviflora Walt.
Authors: Oszmiański Jan , Kolniak-Ostek Joanna , Biernat Agata
Published: January 2015

In plants, flavonoids play an important role in biological processes. They are involved in UV-scavenging, fertility and disease resistance. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to quantify and characterize phenolic compounds in Aesculus parviflora Walt. leaves and Aesculus glabra leaves partly suffering from attack by a leaf mining insect (C. ohridella). A total of 28 phenolic compounds belonging to the hydroxycinnamic acid, flavan-3-ols and flavonol groups were identified and quantified in Aesculus parviflora and A. glabra leaf extracts. Significantly decreased concentrations of some phenolic compounds, especially of flavan-3-ols, were observed in infected leaves compared to the non-infected ones. Additionally, a higher content of polymeric procyanidins in leaves of Aesculus parviflora than in Aesculus glabra may explain their greater resistance to C. ohridella insects.
Adding Pluggable and Personalized Natural Control Capabilities to Existing Applications
Authors: Lamberti Fabrizio , Sanna Andrea , Carlevaris Gilles , Demartini Claudio
Published: January 2015

Advancements in input device and sensor technologies led to the evolution of the traditional human-machine interaction paradigm based on the mouse and keyboard. Touch-, gesture- and voice-based interfaces are integrated today in a variety of applications running on consumer devices (e.g., gaming consoles and smartphones). However, to allow existing applications running on desktop computers to utilize natural interaction, significant re-design and re-coding efforts may be required. In this paper, a framework designed to transparently add multi-modal interaction capabilities to applications to which users are accustomed is presented. Experimental observations confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed framework and led to a classification of those applications that could benefit more from the availability of natural interaction modalities.
A Harmful Algal Bloom of Karenia brevis in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico as Revealed by MODIS and VIIRS: A Comparison
Authors: Hu Chuanmin , Barnes Brian , Qi Lin , Corcoran Alina
Published: January 2015

The most recent Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is not equipped with a spectral band to detect solar-stimulated phytoplankton fluorescence. The lack of such a band may affect the ability of VIIRS to detect and quantify harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal waters rich in colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) because of the overlap of CDOM and chlorophyll absorption within the blue-green spectrum. A recent HAB dominated by the toxin-producing dinoflagellate Karenia brevis in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, offshore of Florida’s Big Bend region, allowed for comparison of the capacities of VIIRS and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to detect blooms in CDOM-rich waters. Both VIIRS and MODIS showed general consistency in mapping the CDOM-rich dark water, which measured a maximum area of 8900 km2 by mid-July 2014. However, within the dark water, only MODIS allowed detection of bloom patches—as indicated by high normalized fluorescence line height (nFLH). Field surveys between late July and mid-September confirmed Karenia brevis at bloom abundances up to 20 million cells·L−1 within these patches. The bloom patches were well captured by the MODIS nFLH images, but not by the default chlorophyll a concentration (Chla) images from either MODIS or VIIRS. Spectral analysis showed that VIIRS could not discriminate these high-phytoplankton water patches within the dark water due to its lack of fluorescence band. Such a deficiency may be overcome with new algorithms or future satellite missions such as the U.S. NASA’s Pre-Aerosol-Clouds-Ecology mission and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-3 mission.
Testing Accuracy of Long-Range Ultrasonic Sensors for Olive Tree Canopy Measurements
Authors: Gamarra-Diezma Juan , Miranda-Fuentes Antonio , Llorens Jordi , Cuenca Andrés , Blanco-Roldán Gregorio , Rodríguez-Lizana Antonio
Published: January 2015

Ultrasonic sensors are often used to adjust spray volume by allowing the calculation of the crown volume of tree crops. The special conditions of the olive tree require the use of long-range sensors, which are less accurate and faster than the most commonly used sensors. The main objectives of the study were to determine the suitability of the sensor in terms of sound cone determination, angle errors, crosstalk errors and field measurements. Different laboratory tests were performed to check the suitability of a commercial long-range ultrasonic sensor, as were the experimental determination of the sound cone diameter at several distances for several target materials, the determination of the influence of the angle of incidence of the sound wave on the target and distance on the accuracy of measurements for several materials and the determination of the importance of the errors due to interference between sensors for different sensor spacings and distances for two different materials. Furthermore, sensor accuracy was tested under real field conditions. The results show that the studied sensor is appropriate for olive trees because the sound cone is narrower for an olive tree than for the other studied materials, the olive tree canopy does not have a large influence on the sensor accuracy with respect to distance and angle, the interference errors are insignificant for high sensor spacings and the sensor’s field distance measurements were deemed sufficiently accurate.