Modelling personal thermal sensations using C-Support Vector Classification (C-SVC) algorithm

The personalised conditioning system (PCS) is widely studied. Potentially, it is able to reduce energy consumption while securing occupants’ thermal comfort requirements. It has been suggested that automatic optimised operation schemes for PCS should be introduced to avoid energy wastage and discomfort caused by inappropriate operation. In certain automatic operation schemes, personalised thermal sensation models are applied as key components to help in setting targets for PCS operation. In this research, a novel personal thermal sensation modelling method based on the C-Support Vector Classification (C-SVC) algorithm has been developed for PCS control. The personal thermal sensation modelling has been regarded as a classification problem. During the modelling process, the method ‘learns’ an occupant’s thermal preferences from his/her feedback, environmental parameters and personal physiological and behavioural factors. The modelling method has been verified by comparing the actual thermal sensation vote (TSV) with the modelled one based on 20 individual cases. Furthermore, the accuracy of each individual thermal sensation model has been compared with the outcomes of the PMV model. The results indicate that the modelling method presented in this paper is an effective tool to model personal thermal sensations and could be integrated within the PCS for optimised system operation and control

Neurogenesis in the chronic lesions of multiple sclerosis

Subcortical white matter in the adult human brain contains a population of interneurons that helps regulate cerebral blood flow. We investigated the fate of these neurons following subcortical white matter demyelination. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine neurons in normal-appearing subcortical white matter and seven acute and 59 chronic demyelinated lesions in brains from nine patients with multiple sclerosis and four controls. Seven acute and 44 of 59 chronic multiple sclerosis lesions had marked neuronal loss. Compared to surrounding normal-appearing white matter, the remaining 15 chronic multiple sclerosis lesions contained a 72% increase in mature interneuron density, increased synaptic densities and cells with phenotypic characteristics of immature neurons. Lesion areas with increased neuron densities contained a morphologically distinct population of activated microglia. Subventricular zones contiguous with demyelinated lesions also contained an increase in cells with phenotypes of neuronal precursors. These results support neurogenesis in a subpopulation of demyelinated subcortical white matter lesions in multiple sclerosis brains

Macroporous thin membranes for cell transplant in regenerative medicine

The aim of this paper is to present a method to produce macroporous thin membranes made of poly (ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl acrylate) copolymer network with varying cross-linking density for cell transplantation and prosthesis fabrication. The manufacture process is based on template techniques and anisotropic pore collapse. Pore collapse was produced by swelling the membrane in acetone and subsequently drying and changing the solvent by water to produce 100 microns thick porous membranes. These very thin membranes are porous enough to hold cells to be transplanted to the organism or to be colonized by ingrowth from neighboring tissues in the organism, and they present sufficient tearing stress to be sutured with surgical thread. The obtained pore morphology was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope, and confocal laser microscopy. Mechanical properties were characterized by stress-strain experiments in tension and tearing strength measurements. Morphology and mechanical properties were related to the different initial thickness of the scaffold and the cross-linking density of the polymer network. Seeding efficiency and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells inside the pore structure were determined at 2 hours, 1, 7, 14 and 21 days from seeding.This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the project MAT2013-46467-C4-1-R (including the FEDER financial support). J.R.R. acknowledges funding of his PhD by the Generalitat Valenciana through VALi+d grant (ACIF/2010/238). CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the VI National R&D&i Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, CIBER Actions and financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. The authors acknowledge too the advice of Dr. Daniel Kelly, Dr. Conor Buckley and Dr. Yurong Liu about the isolation and expansion of porcine MSCs. The authors acknowledge the assistance and advice of Electron Microscopy Service of the UPV.Antolinos Turpín, CM.; Morales Román, RM.; Ródenas Rochina, J.; Gómez Ribelles, JL.; Gómez-Tejedor, JA. (2015). Macroporous thin membranes for cell transplant in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials. 67:254-263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.07.032S2542636

Islamophobia: differences across Western and Eastern community residents toward welcoming Muslim tourists

The study has discussed the potential effect of islamophobia and its obstacle role in creating an unpleasant travel experience for the Muslim tourism market. The study compares non-Muslim (Western) and (Eastern) community residents regarding their willingness to host international Muslim tourists. Data was obtained using interviews and two separated online surveys (Western = 340 and Eastern = 443). The results revealed both similarities and dissimilarities across groups for Islamic culture knowledge, attitude, perceived benefits, feelings about Muslim tourists, image, and future intention. The study helps us know how to address the islamophobia issue and sustain their halal tourism services