bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Search for Water in a Super-Earth Atmosphere: High-resolution Optical Spectroscopy of 55Cancri e
Authors: Esteves Lisa J. , de Mooij Ernst J. W. , Jayawardhana Ray , Watson Chris , de Kok Remco
Published: May 2017

We present the analysis of high-resolution optical spectra of four transits of 55Cnc e, a low-density super-Earth that orbits a nearby Sun-like star in under 18 hr. The inferred bulk density of the planet implies a substantial envelope, which, according to mass–radius relationships, could be either a low-mass extended or a high-mass compact atmosphere. Our observations investigate the latter scenario, with water as the dominant species. We take advantage of the Doppler cross-correlation technique, high-spectral resolution, and the large wavelength coverage of our observations to search for the signature of thousands of optical water absorption lines. Using our observations with HDS on the Subaru telescope and ESPaDOnS on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, we are able to place a 3σ lower limit of 10 g mol−1 on the mean-molecular weight of 55Cnc e’s water-rich (volume mixing ratio >10%), optically thin atmosphere, which corresponds to an atmospheric scale-height of ∼80 km. Our study marks the first high-spectral resolution search for water in a super-Earth atmosphere, and demonstrates that it is possible to recover known water-vapor absorption signals in a nearby super-Earth atmosphere, using high-resolution transit spectroscopy with current ground-based instruments.
The Coldest Place in the Universe: Probing the Ultra-cold Outflow and Dusty Disk in the Boomerang Nebula
Authors: Sahai R. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , Nyman L-Å.
Published: May 2017

Our Cycle 0 ALMA observations confirmed that the Boomerang Nebula is the coldest known object in the universe, with a massive high-speed outflow that has cooled significantly below the cosmic background temperature. Our new CO 1–0 data reveal heretofore unseen distant regions of this ultra-cold outflow, out to ≳120,000 au. We find that in the ultra-cold outflow, the mass-loss rate (

) increases with radius, similar to its expansion velocity (V)—taking

, we find

. The mass in the ultra-cold outflow is

M
⊙, and the Boomerang’s main-sequence progenitor mass is

M
⊙. Our high angular resolution (

) CO J = 3–2 map shows the inner bipolar nebula’s precise, highly collimated shape, and a dense central waist of size (FWHM) ∼1740 au × 275 au. The molecular gas and the dust as seen in scattered light via optical Hubble Space Telescope imaging show a detailed correspondence. The waist shows a compact core in thermal dust emission at 0.87–3.3 mm, which harbors

M
⊙ of very large (∼millimeter-to-centimeter sized), cold (

K) grains. The central waist (assuming its outer regions to be expanding) and fast bipolar outflow have expansion ages of

and

: the “jet-lag” (i.e., torus age minus the fast-outflow age) in the Boomerang supports models in which the primary star interacts directly with a binary companion. We argue that this interaction resulted in a common-envelope configuration, while the Boomerang’s primary was an RGB or early-AGB star, with the companion finally merging into the primary’s core, and ejecting the primary’s envelope that now forms the ultra-cold outflow.
The Complete Calibration of the Color–Redshift Relation (C3R2) Survey: Survey Overview and Data Release 1
Authors: Masters Daniel C. , Stern Daniel K. , Cohen Judith G. , Capak Peter L. , Rhodes Jason D. , Castander Francisco J. , Paltani Stéphane
Published: May 2017

A key goal of the Stage IV dark energy experiments Euclid, LSST, and WFIRST is to measure the growth of structure with cosmic time from weak lensing analysis over large regions of the sky. Weak lensing cosmology will be challenging: in addition to highly accurate galaxy shape measurements, statistically robust and accurate photometric redshift (photo-z) estimates for billions of faint galaxies will be needed in order to reconstruct the three-dimensional matter distribution. Here we present an overview of and initial results from the Complete Calibration of the Color–Redshift Relation (C3R2) survey, which is designed specifically to calibrate the empirical galaxy color–redshift relation to the Euclid depth. These redshifts will also be important for the calibrations of LSST and WFIRST. The C3R2 survey is obtaining multiplexed observations with Keck (DEIMOS, LRIS, and MOSFIRE), the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC; OSIRIS), and the Very Large Telescope (VLT; FORS2 and KMOS) of a targeted sample of galaxies that are most important for the redshift calibration. We focus spectroscopic efforts on undersampled regions of galaxy color space identified in previous work in order to minimize the number of spectroscopic redshifts needed to map the color–redshift relation to the required accuracy. We present the C3R2 survey strategy and initial results, including the 1283 high-confidence redshifts obtained in the 2016A semester and released as Data Release 1.
What Sets the Massive Star Formation Rates and Efficiencies of Giant Molecular Clouds?
Authors: Ochsendorf Bram B. , Meixner Margaret , Roman-Duval Julia , Rahman Mubdi , Evans Neal J.
Published: May 2017

Galactic star formation scaling relations show increased scatter from kpc to sub-kpc scales. Investigating this scatter may hold important clues to how the star formation process evolves in time and space. Here, we combine different molecular gas tracers, different star formation indicators probing distinct populations of massive stars, and knowledge of the evolutionary state of each star-forming region to derive the star formation properties of ∼150 star-forming complexes over the face of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We find that the rate of massive star formation ramps up when stellar clusters emerge and boost the formation of subsequent generations of massive stars. In addition, we reveal that the star formation efficiency of individual giant molecular clouds (GMCs) declines with increasing cloud gas mass (

). This trend persists in Galactic star-forming regions and implies higher molecular gas depletion times for larger GMCs. We compare the star formation efficiency per freefall time (

) with predictions from various widely used analytical star formation models. While these models can produce large dispersions in

similar to those in observations, the origin of the model-predicted scatter is inconsistent with observations. Moreover, all models fail to reproduce the observed decline of

with increasing

in the LMC and the Milky Way. We conclude that analytical star formation models idealizing global turbulence levels and cloud densities and assuming a stationary star formation rate (SFR) are inconsistent with observations from modern data sets tracing massive star formation on individual cloud scales. Instead, we reiterate the importance of local stellar feedback in shaping the properties of GMCs and setting their massive SFR.
Pseudo-Newtonian Equations for Evolution of Particles and Fluids in Stationary Space-times
Authors: Witzany Vojtěch , Lämmerzahl Claus
Published: May 2017

Pseudo-Newtonian potentials are a tool often used in theoretical astrophysics to capture some key features of a black hole space-time in a Newtonian framework. As a result, one can use Newtonian numerical codes, and Newtonian formalism, in general, in an effective description of important astrophysical processes such as accretion onto black holes. In this paper, we develop a general pseudo-Newtonian formalism, which pertains to the motion of particles, light, and fluids in stationary space-times. In return, we are able to assess the applicability of the pseudo-Newtonian scheme. The simplest and most elegant formulas are obtained in space-times without gravitomagnetic effects, such as the Schwarzschild rather than the Kerr space-time; the quantitative errors are smallest for motion with low binding energy. Included is a ready-to-use set of fluid equations in Schwarzschild space-time in Cartesian and radial coordinates.
VLBI Monitoring of the Sub-parsec-scale Jet in the Radio Galaxy 3C 66B at 22 GHz
Authors: Sudou Hiroshi , Iguchi Satoru , Zhao Guang-Yao
Published: May 2017

We present measurements of the proper motion of the sub-parsec scale jet at 22 GHz in the nearby FR I galaxy 3C 66B. Observations were made using Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) at six epochs over four years. A phase-referencing technique was used to improve the image quality of the weak and diffuse jet components. We find that the inner knots are almost stationary, although one of them was expected to be detected with an apparent speed of 0.2 mas yr−1, according to 8 GHz monitoring at the same observation epochs. Clear flux variations are not observed in the core at 22 GHz; in contrast, clear flux enhancement is observed in the core at 8 GHz. We discuss a possible explanation: if the jet has helical structure, the viewing angles of the jet at 8 and 22 GHz differ by a few degrees, if the jet direction is almost along our line of sight. Although these results may imply the existence of a two-zone jet, which has been suggested in certain radio galaxies, it cannot explain the fact that the jet at the higher frequency is slower than that at the lower frequency.
Une réaction morale et intellectuelle est indispensable pour préserver et amplifier les acquis européens
Authors: Monti Mario
Published: May 2017

Deux fois commissaire européen, en charge du Marché intérieur et de la Fiscalité dans la Commission Santer, et en charge de la Concurrence dans la Commission Prodi, Mario Monti retrace ici son engagement européen et met en avant les aspects positifs de la construction européenne. Dans un monde où la place de l'Europe se réduit pour des raisons internes et externes, il appelle à une réaction morale et intellectuelle afin de surmonter les disparités et la crise de confiance actuelle. Il milite également pour une refonte importante du budget de l'Union européenne tant du côté de son financement, vers plus de transparence et d'équité, que de ses dépenses à recentrer vers la sécurité des frontières extérieures et la lutte contre le changement climatique. Classification JEL : E61, F15, F45, F55.
« À chacun son métier », les agriculteurs face à l’offre numérique
Authors: Mazaud Caroline
Published: May 2017

Résumé L'offre d'outils numériques proposée aux agriculteurs ne cesse d'augmenter, laissant augurer des gains considérables. Mais qu'en est-il dans les faits ? Pourquoi et pour quels usages les agriculteurs adoptent-ils ces nouvelles technologies ? Quels en sont les effets sur le travail ? À partir de deux études de cas, cet article montre que la mobilisation d'outils numériques par les agriculteurs se fait compte tenu de leur trajectoire et en lien avec la représentation qu'ils se font de leur métier. Ainsi les catégories d'« innovants » s'opposant à des « réfractaires » sont inadaptées car un même individu pourra avoir des comportements très variables selon l'usage qu'il pourra faire ou non de tel ou tel outil. Finalement, on remarque que le numérique révèle et accompagne des transformations déjà à l' uvre au sein des mondes agricoles.
Effets paradoxaux des pratiques numériques sur les transformations du travail dans un pôle de CHU
Authors: Wallenhorst Nathanaël , Ould-Ferhat Laurence
Published: May 2017

Résumé Cette interview rend compte d'une recherche réalisée en milieu hospitalier à partir d'entretiens portant sur le traitement des mails. Ceux-ci ont conduit à découvrir d'autres outils numériques qui transforment radicalement l'organisation du travail entre les médecins et les assistantes. L'auteur formule l'hypothèse que le mail peut être un petit objet sociologique intéressant donnant accès à l'activité d'une organisation comme aux transformations du travail.
Oncocytoma: A Differential Consideration for an Incidentally Detected FDG-Avid Renal Mass on PET/CT
Authors: Smith Christopher John , Wang Mindy X , Feely Michael , Otto Brandon , Grajo Joseph Rafael
Published: May 2017

Renal oncocytoma is a benign renal neoplasm that is often discovered incidentally and closely mimics renal cell carcinoma on common imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the inability to reliably distinguish between these benign and malignant lesions with imaging, both are typically treated as if they are malignant. Hypermetabolic activity of renal oncocytomas is not frequently encountered because positron emission tomography (PET) is not a standard modality for imaging primary renal tumors. We present a case of a 65 year-old female with a history of thyroid cancer who had an incidentally discovered hypermetabolic renal mass on surveillance PET-CT imaging. Due to the concern for a primary renal malignancy or metastatic disease, the mass was resected and proven to be an oncocytoma on pathologic review.
Sobre la expresión del esfuerzo y de la aproximación: Análisis de μόγις y μόλις en Griego Antiguo
Authors: Conti Luz
Published: May 2017

En Griego Antiguo, μόγις y μόλις expresan, por lo general, el esfuerzo con el que un agente lleva a cabo una acción verbal. Junto a este uso como adverbios de modo, μόγις y μόλις presentan también un uso, mucho menos frecuente, como expresiones de aproximación. El presente trabajo, centrado en la Ilíada y la Odisea, las tragedias completas de Esquilo, Sófocles y Eurípides, las comedias de Aristófanes y las Vidas paralelas de Plutarco, tiene como objetivo la determinación de los factores semánticos y sintácticos que han propiciado el desarrollo de μόγις y μόλις como adverbios de aproximación, así como la descripción de las propiedades semánticas, sintácticas y pragmáticas de los dos adverbios en este uso. Asimismo, se analizarán las posibles diferencias funcionales entre uno y otro adverbio.
¿Seducción o prostitución? Lisias, Defensa por el homicidio de Eratóstenes
Authors: Cortés Gabaudán Francisco
Published: May 2017

Proponemos una nueva interpretación del discurso primero de la colección de Lisias, Defensa por el homicidio de Eratóstenes; pensamos que el adulterio que causó la muerte de Eratóstenes fue consentido y, por tanto, se trata de un caso que está más cerca de la prostitución que de la seducción de una joven esposa por un casanova. Creemos que así se explican mejor muchas de las circunstancias de las que se nos habla en la narración y la argumentación del discurso. Se pone en relación esta interpretación con la normativa legal conocida que incide en la prostitución y los trabajos recientes sobre la prostitución en Grecia, incluida la de mujeres ciudadanas, que debía de ser más frecuente de lo que suele pensarse.
La colère et la peur dans le De clementia de Sénèque
Authors: Flamerie de Lachapelle Guillaume
Published: May 2017

[fr] Si l’ira du princeps et le metus qu’elle vise à inspirer au populus sont généralement réprouvés dans le De clementia, quelques passages semblent admettre la validité d’une colère maîtrisée et d’un timor temperatus, ce qui paraît contraire à la doctrine stoïcienne. Il faut sans doute y voir la conséquence de trois caractéristiques du traité: l’importance qu’y prend le modus; la personnalité du destinataire (Néron), qui a sans doute le rôle le plus important; le dévoilement progressif de la théorie de la clementia.
Escritura y autoejemplaridad en la Epistula 30 de Séneca
Authors: Correa Soledad
Published: May 2017

La cuestión de la autoejemplaridad senecana en las Epistulae ha sido poco estudiada. Este artículo parte del supuesto de que en ellas Séneca se apropia activamente de un dispositivo cultural clave para la construcción de la memoria en Roma: el discurso ejemplar. Habida cuenta de que aprender a morir bien es uno de los ejes vertebradores del epistolario, examinaremos la Ep. 30, en la que el ego epistolar ofrece una descripción de cómo un amigo, ya anciano, enfrenta de manera ejemplar su trance final. Atendiendo a que debe haber no sólo un registro que visibilice la acción que se propone como ejemplar (Roller 2004), sino también un agente que se proponga realizar dicho registro, intentaremos demostrar que en esta carta el ego epistolar, con el concurso de la escritura, dirige la atención del lector hacia su propia ejemplaridad, con vistas a forjar un retrato positivo y memorable de sí mismo.
Nota crítica a dos lugares oscuros de Ovidio (Met. XIII 884 y 890)
Authors: Rivero García Luis
Published: May 2017

Se analizan dos pasajes de las Metamorfosis de Ovidio y se sugieren propuestas de enmienda.
Nuevos fragmentos de las Metamorfosis de Ovidio en Trento
Authors: Estévez Sola Juan A.
Published: May 2017

El artículo muestra y estudia tres nuevos fragmentos de las Metamorfosis de Ovidio hasta ahora desconocidos localizados en Italia, en el Archivio di Stato di Trento.
College English Classroom Teaching Evaluation Based on Particle Swarm Optimization – Extreme Learning Machine Model
Authors: Wang Baojian , Wang Jing , Hu Guoqiang
Published: May 2017

The quality evaluation of English classroom teaching carries great significance in promoting English teaching reform and raising the quality of English education at university level in China. In this paper, a quality evaluation index system is introduced for the classroom teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL), and an EFL classroom teaching quality evaluation model is built based on the PSO-ELM algorithm with an ELM model constructed for comparison. A comparison shows that the PSO-ELM algorithm can obtain better accuracy with less hidden layer neurons, hence lowering the demand upon experiment samples and strengthening the fitting ability of the model. Experiment results show that the PSO-ELM algorithm is feasible to evaluate classroom teaching of English as a foreign language. The designed English classroom teaching quality evaluation index system is thus confirmed as effective, and is expected to improve the quality and management of classroom teaching of English as a foreign language.
Developing Speaking Skills Using Virtual Speaking Buddy
Authors: Ab. Rashid Radzuwan , Mohamed Saiful Bahri , A. Rahman Mohd Fazry , Wan Shamsuddin Syadiah Nor
Published: May 2017

This interdisciplinary study integrates ICT in education through the innovation of an interactive audio-based application as a tool to enhance English language speaking skills among less proficient students. Drawing on the sociocultural perspective of learning, the application named ‘V-Buddy’ has been developed and tested with a group of participants which consists of five primary school students and an English language teacher. The teacher was briefed of her role as a facilitator before the students were exposed to V-Buddy for eight weeks. Adopting one group pre-test and post-test experimental design as its methodology, the teacher was asked to evaluate the students' level of confidence to speak prior to and after their engagement with the V-Buddy. The teacher was also interviewed to obtain her feedback on V-Buddy whilst the students were asked to complete the Personal Report of Confidence (PRC). The analysis reveals that all the students developed higher confidence level after their engagement with V-Buddy and the teacher perceived it positively which suggests its potential to be used as a tool in developing speaking skills among less proficient students.
A Hybrid Classroom Instruction in Second Language Teacher Education (SLTE): A Critical Reflection of Teacher Educators
Authors: Solihati Nani , Mulyono Herri
Published: May 2017

Hybrid instruction, which combines face-to-face classroom interaction and virtual activities, has been a growing interest for many teachers in universities, particularly those in teacher education programmes. This article presents my colleague’s as well as my own critical reflections on our experience with practising hybrid classroom instruction in SLTE in a private university in Indonesia. Within this hybrid classroom, Google Classroom (GC) was incorporated as a companion of the face-to-face (F2F) classroom learning sessions of twenty-two preservice teachers taking the curriculum and materials development (CMD) module. To help with our reflection, we took notes during our observation and asked the students to write a journal after each of our teaching sessions. We highlight several benefits and challenges when incorporating GC in a hybrid classroom. Implications for the practice of a hybrid classroom in SLTE, particularly within the Indonesian higher education context, are also offered.
Alternative Development Narratives, Policies and Outcomes in the Andean Region
Authors: Campodónico Humberto , Carbonnier Gilles , Tezanos Vázquez Sergio
Published: May 2017

Since the early 2000s, many Latin American countries achieved remarkable economic growth coupled with poverty and inequality reduction, largely due to the pursuit of a centuries-old pattern of commodity exports. The end of the commodity price super-cycle in 2014 puts some of these development gains in jeopardy, raising anxiety among emerging middle classes wary of slipping back into poverty. Drawing on a rich intellectual heritage, Latin American leaders have designed novel approaches in the pursuit of sustainable development. Alternative development narratives brought to the fore by left-wing governments have emphasised notions such as buen vivir1, arguably the most influential and revolutionary proposition originated in the region since different variants of the dependency theory. What is less clear is the extent to which competing ideologies and narratives have translated into diverging outcomes, be it with regard to (neo-) extractivism, ecological sustainability or the rights and cultural identity of indigenous peoples, or simply in terms of economic diversification. This chapter introduces the thematic issue of International Development Policy, which deals with recent paradigmatic innovations and development experiences in Latin America, with a particular focus on the Andean region.
Socialism in the Twenty-First Century and Neo-liberalism: Diverse Ideological Options Do Not Always Generate Different Effects
Authors: Eguren Fernando
Published: May 2017

This chapter seeks to demonstrate that policies derived from different ideological options do not necessarily generate significantly different effects. In the Andean region, the governments of Rafael Correa, in Ecuador, and Evo Morales, in Bolivia, have been following a political line of ‘twenty-first century socialism’, while the governments of Colombia and Peru have directed their political orientations towards neo-liberalism and the ‘Washington Consensus’. Nevertheless, two issues of importance—namely, the handling of the processes involved in the concentration of property land rights and the treatment of indigenous populations—demonstrate that the actions of these two groups of countries have not led to very different results. The fact that these countries have become part of the globalisation process has permitted variations in the relative radicalism of the governments’ political discourses but has led to significantly less flexibility with regard to the degree of autonomy that these governments face for implementing policies. Additionally, domestic social conflicts have set limits on the states’ abilities to manoeuvre when implementing their policies.
Implementing ‘Vivir Bien’: Results and Lessons from the Biocultura Programme, Bolivia
Authors: Weyer Frédérique
Published: May 2017

In Bolivia, an alternative vision of development has emerged that relies on the concepts of Madre Tierra (Mother Earth) and Vivir Bien (Living Well), and promotes balance and harmony between humans and nature. It aims to break away from the economic model previously adopted by Bolivia, a model that has made the country highly dependent on the export of raw materials. This chapter analyses the Biocultura programme, a project launched in 2008 by the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which aims to translate this alternative vision of development into concrete practices. Stemming from a participatory approach, this initiative shows that it is possible to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with raising incomes and the promotion of local knowledge. It also contributes to the creation and strengthening of institutions and policies in line with Vivir Bien. This chapter is based on documents and ideas developed by the Biocultura programme and the SDC, as well as on fieldwork carried out between 2013 and 2015.
The Evolving Role and Influence and Growing Strength of Social Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Fuentes-Nieva Ricardo , Nelli Feroci Gianandrea
Published: May 2017

This chapter argues that we are witnessing new processes of social participation and activism in Latin America, characterised by the absence of defined centres of deliberation and coordination, and by transitory leadership. This activism is part of a wider global wave of social protests that began with the Arab Spring in 2011, with which it shares common features such as the generational factor, the role of social media and networks and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the gap between institutional politics and the citizenry, and the weakening of the convening and mobilisation power of classic social movements. The period 2011‒15 was characterised by the emergence of this new kind of social activism in Latin America. This form of activism is growing in a specific regional context of increasing contradictions arising from exclusionary socio-economic development and incomplete human development characterised by radical social inequalities in democracies that still do not attend to the needs of large parts of society. Although these social movements may seem new, they are in fact the expression of underlying tensions present in most societies of the region; points of tension that have long represented the core of social conflict in Latin America: inequality, poverty and the exclusion they both imply. This exclusion is social (a lack of access to basic services, education, health and transport, etc.) and political (a lack of participation in decision-making processes, self-referential political classes and opaque institutional processes, and a lack of political–institutional accountability).
Espousal of Welfare Schemes
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: May 2017

Employee welfare is a prerequisite and critical factor for growth of any organization. The welfare facilities improve the organizational relations, and also enhance the competence and effectiveness of the employees. The employees' work life is vital, as they are the pillars of an organization. The main aim of implementing the welfare schemes in any organization is to secure the labour force by providing proper human condition of work and minimizing its hazardous effect on the life of the employees and their family members. The present study is an attempt to determine the various employee welfare schemes adopted by different private pharmaceutical companies, and its impact on the employee's satisfaction on work life.
Conceptual Model of Customer Utility for Information Databases Used in Iran
Authors: Fahimnia Fatima , Eltemasi Mahshid , Nakhoda Maryam , Hassanzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this article is to address the factors that can increase the utility for customers of information databases in Iran. In order to achieve that, summarizing content analysis techniques was used. The study population consists of customers paying to use information databases in Iran. The bibliographical research has been done on utility related publications published in the 5-year period of 2011-2015, indexed on Science Direct, ProQuest and EBSCO information databases. Samples were randomly chosen from information database customers using paid services from two major information centers in Iran - University of Tehran Central library and Documentation Center and Organization for Industrial Management Library, for interviews. Results showed that the main factors affecting customer utility in using paid information databases are information needs, quality, Incentives, additional information and users' individual and social characteristics, respectively.
Spiking Reflective Processing Model for Stress-Inspired Adaptive Robot Partner Applications
Authors: Tang Tiong Yew , Egerton Simon , Botzheim János
Published: May 2017

In a real-world environment, a social robot is constantly required to make many critical decisions in an ambiguous and demanding (stressful) environment. Hence, a biological stress response system model is a good gauge indicator to judge when the robot should react to such environment and adapt itself towards the environment changes. This work is to implement the Smerek's reflective processing model into human-robot communication application where reflective processing is triggered during such situations where the best action is not known. The authors want to investigate how to address better the human-robot communication problems with the focus on reflective processing model in the perspectives of working memory, Spiking Neural Network (SNN) and stress response system. The authors had applied their proposed Spiking Reflective Processing model for the human-robot communication application in a university population. The initial experimental results showed the positive attitude changes before and after the human-robot interaction experiment.
A Novel Progressive Secret Image Sharing Scheme Based on Arithmetic Mean
Authors: Liu Lintao , Lu Yuliang , Yan Xuehu , Wan Song
Published: May 2017

The current researches in secret sharing techniques have limitations of lossy recovery for binary images, complex computation for grayscale images, and “All-or-Nothing”. In this paper, we propose a novel progressive secret image sharing (PSS) scheme based on arithmetic mean. In the proposed scheme, the more shares are collected, the better recovered visual quality will be. Furthermore, it can realize lossless recovery with all the shares. It can be directly used to share grayscale images and can be easily extended to deal with binary and color images. In the recovery process, it only needs simple computing (arithmetic mean). Simulations show the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Structural Equation Modeling with Factors and Composites
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: May 2017

Recent methodological developments building on partial least squares (PLS) techniques and related ideas have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between factor-based and composite-based structural equation modeling (SEM) methods. PLS-SEM is extensively used in the field of e-collaboration, as well as in many other fields where multivariate statistical analyses are employed. The author compares results obtained with four methods: covariance-based SEM with full information maximum likelihood (FIML), factor-based SEM with common factor model assumptions (FSEM1), factor-based SEM building on the PLS Regression algorithm (FSEM2), and PLS-SEM employing the Mode A algorithm (PLSA). The comparison suggests that FSEM1 yields path coefficients and loadings that are very similar to FIML's; and that FSEM2 yields path coefficients that are very similar to FIML's and loadings that are very similar to PLSA's.
Millennial's Virtual Teamwork and Technical Proficiencies Impact on Project Quality
Authors: Graham C. Matt , Daniel Harold
Published: May 2017

The development of information systems continues to be a difficult process that frequently ends in failing to meet the projects goals. The processes involved in developing information systems are now compounded by the use of virtual teams. The goal of this study was to determine whether technical proficiencies, project skills in using database development software and technical skills in using the virtual environment, contributed to higher quality projects. The study attempted to address two hypotheses: 1) that increased proficiency in projects skills (Database Software skills) will contribute to greater project quality and 2) that increased proficiency within the virtual environment will contribute to greater project quality. Findings suggest that technical proficiencies in projects skills do contribute to greater project quality however the technical proficiency in the use of virtual environments does not. The relationship between proficiency in project skills and the quality of project outcomes is weak; suggesting that other variables not investigated in this study may exert a more powerful influence on project outcomes.
A Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Company and Business Intelligence Strategy Development
Authors: Hawking Paul , Sellitto Carmine
Published: May 2017

The paper used the case study approach to report on how a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company developed their Business Intelligence strategy. Many companies are aware of the benefits that Business Intelligence brings to the corporation— however struggle to have an appropriate or well defined strategy. The authors document in the paper how the company experienced limited benefits with their initial Business Intelligence implementation— however, the subsequent development of a Business Intelligence strategy allowed the firm to redress initial project short-comings across several business areas. The company's Business Intelligence strategy included elements that directly addressed governance and resource management, business technology alignment, innovation and skills capability. The research investigated the experiences of a global FMCG company regarding their Business Intelligence use and the findings may not be generalizable.
Going Beyond Ambidexterity in the Media Industry
Authors: Scholz Tobias M. , Stein Volker
Published: May 2017

As media companies continue to struggle on the ever-changing global and digital market, they often fail to be simultaneously innovative and entrepreneurial. As though intuitively knowing that they are still not on the right track, a growing number of media companies has been observed to approach eSports companies, intending to invest in innovative capabilities they lack themselves. The trend has reached its peak in 2015. Expanding the current research on ambidexterity with its either/or duality of exploration and exploitation, the authors propose a model of ultradexterity that goes beyond either/or and follows the logic of both/and. This conceptual paper is intended to characterize ultradexterity as a specific property of being both innovative and entrepreneurial at the same time. Based on ethnographical information and data on the eSports industry, the authors will carve out the ultradextrous working style of eSports companies that nourishes the expectation of media companies that incorporating such organizations will give them the opportunity to turn their lack of ambidexterity into ultradexterity.
Landscapes of Production-Landscapes for Consumption
Authors: Janku Andrea
Published: May 2017

This paper is the second part of an exploration into the history and meaning of landscapes, based on a case study of the “must-see” scenic spots or Eight Views (bajing ??) of Linfen County in the south of China's Shanxi province. While the first part focused on the value of these iconic landscapes as sources of identity, here I will show how their aesthetic appreciation is intrinsically linked to their productive power. I argue that it was largely the idea of productivity that made these landscapes amenable for aesthetic consumption and viable as sources of identity and meaning. It was the inherent instability of these productive aspects that made their aesthetic appreciation even more significant, as it ultimately depended on the precarious balance between the two.
A Review on Reduced Environmental Impacts of Alternative Green Concrete Productions
Authors: Sanal Irem
Published: May 2017

Concrete is being recognized for its environmental benefits in support of sustainable development. In response to growing environmental and economic forces, regulatories, engineers and owners are seeking efficient concrete solutions that conserve non-renewable resources. Global demands for regulating concrete waste arise from the growth of these environmental and economic issues. Thus, the concept of “green concrete” as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete has been emerging. This publication seeks to demonstrate how concrete contributes to future generations' sustainable development, and will be of interest to policy makers, contractors and clients, as well as others involved with the design, construction or operation of buildings and infrastructure. The main objective of this study is to identify key sources contributing to CO2 emissions from concrete and compare 1) traditional concretes with green concretes, 2) concretes produced with blended cements, and 3) fly ash used as replacement of cement, in order to diminish the environmental impact of the concrete production.
Enhancing Regional Produce as Green Products for the Global Market: An Exploratory Study in a Portuguese Region
Authors: Gaspar Marcelo Calvete , Julião Jorge , Tjahjono Benny
Published: May 2017

This study focuses on exploring the sustainability characteristics of the regional produce, which comes from the Beiras region of Portugal to support new differentiation claims and forecast its effect on a global mass-market. Considering a Multiple Helix approach, this study aims to examine the role and perception of local academia in relation to this new premise to enhance the dynamic and competitive positioning of such regional produce. To this end, several in-depth interviews were conducted with local researchers and decision-makers, allowing the significance and potential of the proposed green claims to be discussed. Several insights into the subject were developed and new directives were presented. Nonetheless, complementary research may still be necessary to assess the remaining multiple helix actors of the local ecosystem in order to identify and develop the most promising strategies to effectively promote local endogenous produce to a global market.
An Improved Dynamic Load-Balancing Model
Authors: Shang Wenqian , Liu Di , Zhu Ligu , Feng Dongyu
Published: May 2017

With the rapid development of big data and the national big data strategy is put forward, the Web server cluster facing more complex and severe challenges. The traditional load balancing algorithm has obvious limitations. This paper proposes a dynamic load-balancing model based on the SSAWF (Strong Suspend And Weak Forecast) mechanism. This model uses strong suspend mechanism and cubic exponential smoothing prediction method based on AHP algorithm for dynamic load balancing scheduling. Results of the experiments show that the improved model has more positive influence on read/ write performance of the cluster under abnormal system transient performance, high concurrency and high system load interaction, that's to say the load balancing effect is better than the traditional load balancing.
Line-of-Sight Detection Using Center of Gravity with Pixel Number Variation
Authors: Niwa Takahito , Torii Ippei , Ishii Naohiro
Published: May 2017

This study is developed from the application software, called “Eyetalk” which supports communication for handicapped people studied by Torii laboratory, Aichi Institute of Technology and modified it to be used by the physically handicapped people with involuntary movement (Abnormal movement of the body that occurs independently of the consciousness). Then, the line-of-sight for the detection of the eye movement direction is developed for the communication to determine whether the user is looking left or right, which is based on the computation of the center of gravity with pixel number in the eye image. Further, a newly proposed blink detection method using afterimage is applied to the developed system. This study will be extended to the application that everyone can use easily and quickly to express his/her thoughts and requests.
Evaluating the Effects of Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Service Value on Behavioral Intentions with Life Insurance Customers in India
Authors: Gera Rajat , Mittal Sanjiv , Batra Dharminder Kumar , Prasad B
Published: May 2017

The present study aims to empirically test and evaluate the direct and indirect effects of service encounter constructs of service quality, customer satisfaction and service value on loyalty related behavioral intentions of customers in Indian Life services in India to determine the best fitting model. Most studies based on comprehensive models of service constructs relationships have not considered alternative competing models. The theoretical background and the empirical support for these issues derive mostly from prior studies in the developed markets of the U.S., UK and Canada. Further, the study aims to contribute to resolution of the variance in structure and dimensionality of service quality (dimensionality) in literature by developing and validating a second order model of service quality which integrates the two dominant perspectives ie the Nordic and the American approach. Design/methodology/approach: A second order scale of service quality was developed and validated by integrating the American and Nordic approach to Service Quality using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The constructs of Customer satisfaction, service value and Behavioural intentions were validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Two competing models of effects of the three service encounter constructs on Behavioral Intentions were tested using structural equation modeling. The results show that Service quality is a second order construct consisting of the dimensions of Core service, Service Delivery, Sales Agent Quality, Tangibles and Empathy. The process dimensions (sales Agent Quality and Service delivery) are most important in overall service quality perceptions. The effect of service quality on positive behavioural intentions is both direct and indirect with the moderating effect of service value and customer satisfaction being significant. The study contributes to research by developing and validating a hierarchical model of service quality and testing two competing models of direct and indirect effects of service quality on behavioral intentions so that there is better understanding of the simultaneous and composite interactions and effects of the three service encounter constructs. The results would provide practitioners with a valid measure of service quality in life insurance services and would enable them to devise marketing strategies which enhance customer loyalty related behavioral intentions. The study addresses the gap related to wide divergence in dimensionality and structure of service quality and contributes to the debate on whether the effect of service quality on behavioral intentions is only indirect or both direct and indirect.
An Adaptive Overload Detection Policy Based on the Estimator Sn in Cloud Environment
Authors: Bala Minu , Padha Devanand
Published: May 2017

Efficient use of cloud resources and providing QoS to its clients is quite challenging for cloud service providers. On one hand, deployment of excessive active resources leads to increase in operational cost and on the other hand, shortage of resources may affect the QoS and SLA violations. In order to optimize the resource utilization of datacenter keeping SLA intact, the issues like over-loaded and under-loaded servers in a cloud datacenter are very important to deal with. Virtual machine migration technique is quite effective in handling such issues. The present work focuses on the adaptive threshold based overload detection policy which uses the robust estimator Sn for statistically analyzing the historical CPU usage of hosts, periodically and accordingly adjusts the upper CPU utilization threshold. The results obtained from proposed policy are compared with Median Absolute Deviation policy for overload detection and it has been found that energy performance efficiency of proposed policy is better than the median absolute deviation policy.
Resistance to Colistin in Klebsiella pneumoniae: A 4.0 Strain?
Authors: Granata Guido , Petrosillo Nicola
Published: May 2017

The global rise of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria represents an increasing threat to patient safety. From the first observation of a carbapenem-resistant gramnegative bacteria a global spread of extendedspectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases producing Klebsiella pneumoniae has been observed. Treatment options for multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae are actually limited to combination therapy with some aminoglycosides, tigecycline and to older antimicrobial agents. Unfortunately, the prevalence of colistin-resistant and tigecycline- resistant K. pneumoniae is increasing globally. Infection due to colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae represents an independent risk factor for mortality. Resistance to colistin in K. pneumoniae may be multifactorial, as it is mediated by chromosomal genes or plasmids. The emergence of transmissible, plasmidmediated colistin resistance is an alarming finding. The absence of new agents effective against resistant Gram-negative pathogens means that enhanced surveillance, compliance with infection prevention procedures, and antimicrobial stewardship programs will be required to limit the spread of colistinresistant K. pneumoniae.
The Genus Zantedeschia
Authors: Letty Cythna
Published: May 2017

A revision of the genus Zantedeschia, with special reference to Southern Africa, is presented and  a key is provided as a guide to the six species and two subspecies recognized. The new combinations and subspecies are: Z. albomacutata (Hook.) subsp.  macrocarpa (Engl.) Letty and subsp.  valida Letty. Each species and subspecies is illustrated in colour.
Labiatae
Authors: Codd L. E.
Published: May 2017

The Genus Rabdosia in South Africa
Notes on Acacia Species in Southern Africa: III
Authors: Ross J. H.
Published: May 2017

Miscellaneous information relating to several of the Acacia species in Southern Africa is provided. The identity of A. petersiana Bolle is confirmed and a review of A. sieberana is given, together with a map showing the distribution of the variants within A. sieberana.
Stapelieae (Asclepiadaceae) from South Tropical Africa: VII
Authors: Leach L. C.
Published: May 2017

The identity of typical  Caralluma caudata N.E. Br. is discussed; two subspecies are recognized, one of which, subsp. rhodesiaca Leach, is described here, and details of their synonymy, variation and distribution are given. Two putative intergeneric hybrids, with  C. caudata one parent, are assumed and from the evidence submitted the identity of one of these with  Stapelia tarantuloides R. A. Dyer is adduced.
The effect of the wagon building industry on the Amatola Forests
Authors: Wells M. J.A.
Published: May 2017

No abstract available
Notes on the phytogeographical affinities of the southern Kalahari
Authors: Werger M. J.A.
Published: May 2017

The chorological division of southern Africa as proposed by White (1965, 1971) and Volk (1966) is discussed. Reference is made to distribution patterns of some typical Karoo-Namib taxa as discussed by Volk and to the remarkable distribution of disjunct taxa in the arid zones of Africa. On the basis thereof and of the similarity in the floras of the southern Kalahari and the Karoo-Namib Region, the conclusion is drawn that the chorological division as proposed by Volk (1966) seems justified.