bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPRENDRE (LES LANGUES) A L’ERE DU NUMERIQUE
Authors: Ollivier Christian
Published: March 2019

This contribution reﬂects on the use of digital technologies for the teaching and learning of languages. We place our reﬂection in the paradigm of social co-construction of meaning and knowledge that requires the learner to be the actor of his/her learning. It is on this basis that we present an educational model that combines information processing, interaction and co-construction of knowledge objects in a sociointeractional context that determines the action of the learning person. A concrete example illustrates the theoretical model presented. We conclude our contribution with a presentation of some key skills that the student must develop to implement learning in the context of this model.
INTÉGRATION DES TIC DANS LA DIDACTIQUE DU FLE À L’UNIVERSITÉ KENYATTA
Authors: Nkezabera Dismas
Published: March 2019

ICT oﬀers new teaching and/or learning methods, especially in the field of foreign languages. These new technologies develop not only new teaching and learning environments, but also raise the issue of their pedagogical integration in teaching French as Foreign language. This article aims at addressing issues related to the contribution of ICT in an action-oriented perspective “task” and “learning scenario” (Mangenot, 2003). The objective is to identify the pitfalls faced by teachers in their attempt to integrate new technologies in teaching FFL. Our assumption is that ICTs provides the learner a new way of acquiring knowledge and skills. This case study raises a number of concerns with regard to integration of ICT in the teaching of FFL. How for instance do teachers of French integrate ICT in their actual teaching in order to motivate and empower their learners? And then, what are the obstacles to the integration of new  technologies in the university system of teaching? By way of a systematic approach, this study discusses an experiment with undergraduate and postgraduate students who are using learning scenarios in written production activities by following well-defined instructions.
THE CHALLENGE OF TEACHING IN A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO DEVELOPING FLUENCY IN THE LANGUAGES OF INSTRUCTION
Authors: Kembo Jane
Published: March 2019

Teaching at the university makes me realize that something needs to be done in the teaching of language for learning. Observation shows that students arrive at university without the requisite language skills (Tekeste, 2006; Aspen, et al., 2009), to benefit fully from the kind of independent work that is expected of them, and that should, by and large, be buttressed by ingrained language and study skills which they should have acquired and honed at secondary school. In addition, more than half of the students I teach at university cannot succinctly express themselves in English and are unable to write eﬀectively in English, the language of instruction. The studies cited in the paper are not confined to Kenya; there is the SAQMEC II Study which covered 15 African countries at primary level. The UWEZO study of 2012 covered Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, while the report on Ethiopia covers the Ethiopian situation. The study covered undergraduate writing errors from 201 students, while the Ethiopian data covers PhD theses from 7 candidates. What the data shows is that mastery of the language of instruction across the board is not what it should be and candidates struggle to express themselves both in writing and speech. In attending PhD vivas, I have come across candidates who are unable to express themselves orally using English, even when they are English language majors. The paper argues, based on existing research, that language is a big determinant of reading (Winne, 1993; Kinstch, 1991; Olshavksy 1977; Kembo, 1994, which, in turn, is a big part of independent learning, thereby determining school success. The paper further contends that in circumstances where input from the environment is limited, as is often the case in most second and foreign language contexts, the student must be aided to get it from alternative sources: extensive reading programs that are monitored until they become habitual, clubs, listening to radio and television as part of teaching and learning, production and use of self-learning materials that learners can utilize in schools and at home at aﬀordable costs. Alternatively, we must revert to the use of African languages because of the benefits accruing: early mastery, conceptualization of the world, ﬂuency, and the freedom to use their mental capacities and resources for grappling with content rather than with mastery of language at the same time.
DHIMA YA VITABU VYA FASIHI TAFSIRIWA YA KIGENI KWA FASIHI YA KISWAHILI
Authors: Maitaria Joseph Nyehita , Momanyi Clara
Published: March 2019

Before independence there was a dearth of publications in Kiswahili literature. Due to that scarcity, the education sector was greatly aﬀected. During that period, Kiswahili had already grounded itself and was used as an important tool in the wider societal communication. So as to bridge the gap in the written Kiswahili literature, books written in other languages were translated into Kiswahili. Those translations contributed to the small collection of Kiswahili books that were available then. During this period, some Kiswahili enthusiasts such as Sheikh Shaaban Robert started composing poems, novels, short stories and plays in Kiswahili. At this time, more books written in other languages were translated into Kiswahili. This state of aﬀairs has been going on in East Africa up to the present. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of this ‘foreign literature’ to Kiswahili literature. Also, the paper highlights thedevelopment, contribution and the future of translated literature in Kiswahili. Last but not least, the creative deficiency of these translations has been expounded by highlighting the way themes have been crafted in the context of the life and culture of the people of East Africa.
Utilization of hospital services during delivery among post-natal mothers in Thika urban and Kangundo rural Counties, Kenya
Authors: Kabue Priscilla , Keraka M , Simbauni J
Published: March 2019

Background: Maternal mortality rate due to pregnancy-related complications in Kenya remains high at 362 per 100,000 live births. Hospital deliveries are low despite government strategies on improving health system and human resources. Home delivery practice is common in many parts of Kenya, especially in the rural areas. Generally, midwifery in home delivery lacks the necessary expertise to identify, resolve or prevent maternal complication, a situation which could raise maternal delivery related morbidity and mortality rates.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the rates of hospital deliveries both in urban and the rural hospital settings and establish the factors that determined the choice for hospital services.

Methods: The study population was composed of post-natal mothers attending Maternal Child Health Clinics in an urban hospital setting and a rural hospital setting. The mothers were those who had delivered less than one year earlier. Thika Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County represented the urban setting while Kangundo Level 4 Hospital represented the rural setting. A total of 400 post-natal mothers in each of the two hospitals were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect the relevant data in each hospital. Focus Group Discussions and Key informants interviews were also conducted in each hospital.

Results: Client specific factors that were associated with hospital delivery included a steady source of income and occupation (p = 0.028, p = 0.007), ability to pay for hospital expenses and remedies (p = 0.000, p = 0.00), accessibility and short distance from the health facility (p= 0.001, p = 0.029), and client having a positive experience from a previous delivery and hope for a better services in the hospital (p = 0.000, p = 0.000) respectively. Health facility factors were lack of privacy (p = 0.000) manner in which the mother was handled by the health care worker (p = 0.0901) and the expected care (p =0.017).

Conclusion: The study concludes that mothers fail to utilize the health facility for delivery due to service related factors such as long distance from the hospital, negative attitude of health workers, lack of privacy and poor quality of care, an improvement of which will make them deliver in hospitals and not at home.
The levels of utilization of visual inspection screening of cervical cancer in Kitui, Kenya
Authors: Mwangi J H , Gachau A G , Kabiru E W
Published: March 2019

Background: Cervical cancer is a disease of public health importance with a high global morbidity and mortality. More than 266,000 women die every year,with 87% of them coming from low and middle-income countries. These are the areas where programmes for screening and treatment are either deficient or underutilized. The morbidity and the mortality rates remain high in Kenya despite the screening and treatment services that the Ministry of Health has rolled out all over the country. Low levels of utilization of the established screening systems leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The problem is more prevalent in the rural Kenya where socioeconomic status of the majority in the population is low. Kitui County is such a rural region in Kenya.

Objective: To determine the factors influencing the levels of utilization of the Visual Inspection method (VIA/VILI) for cervical cancer screening services in Kitui County, Kenya.

Methodology: This was a descriptive study involving 370 women of reproductive age attending public MCH/FP clinics in Kitui County Kenya. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the participants. Exit interview was the main data collection technique. Key informants were also interviewed and facilities’ preparedness to provide adequate screening services was assessed using a facility survey checklist.

Results: A total of 370 women were interviewed, 69.2% of whom were aged below 29 years, 68% were married, 75% had three or fewer children, 19% did not have the basic level of formal education and 61% were earning less than 50 US$per month. The level of awareness on cervical cancer and its prevention was 53.8%, with significant difference in relation to VIA/VILI utilization (OR 3.0675 p=0.000). Significance difference was also observed in cervical cancer testing and level of education (X 2 =21.728, df=3, P= 0.000), the main source of income, (X 2 = 15.030, df=2, P=0.01), average monthly income, (X 2 =27.942, df=4, P=0.0001) and the main decision maker in the family, (X 2 =6.908, df=2, p=0.032). Public health facilities were not adequately equipped and well staffed to provide the VIA/VILI screening services.

Conclusion: Low levels (53.8%) of awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention among eligible clients in Kitui Central Sub-county Kenya, which was below the national target of over 70%, low coverage of health facilities and shortage of manpower lead to low levels of VIA/VILI screening. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the existing services and interventions strategies, and enhance cancer awareness campaigns in order to reduce the incidence of the disease.
When Is a Memorial Site an Appropriate Event Facility?
Authors: Goldblatt J.J.
Published: March 2019

During the recent millennium celebrations I witnessed an event that struck me as odd and perhaps even inappropriate. The U.S. Lincoln Memorial as transformed into a gigantic Las Vegas stage that appeared to have more to do with the Follies Bergere than the courageous and historic achievements of the 16th president of the United States. As I stood amongst the New Years Eve revelers literally standing on the brink of the new century I asked myself, “When is it inappropriate to use a national memorial for a special event?” I was not the only one asking this question.
Events Industry Accreditation in Australia
Authors: Carlsen J.
Published: March 2019

The issue of service quality and standards has become increasingly prominent in events tourism, yet professional standards remain difficult to implement at the event operational level. O'Neill, Getz, and Carlsen (1999) found that there is a nexus between service quality at events and visitor satisfaction, which has implications for repeat visitation and therefore viability of recurrent events. The management of service quality at events is a difficult task, due to the temporary and intangible nature of the event experience for visitors and the reliance on volunteers and subcontractors by event managers.
The International Olympic Committee and Site Decisions: The Case of the 2002 Winter Olympics
Authors: Persson C.
Published: March 2019

By means of an empirical survey, this article analyzes the decision-making process of the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in order to establish how they evaluated the bids to host the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Three bid-winning models were identified. These consisted of offers from a total of seven bid-winning subjects: the Olympic village for accommodating the athletes, transportation facilities for all the visitors to the Games, the sports arenas, the finances of the Games, telecommunications, information technology, and the media center. Offers, which had little or nothing to do with the Olympic Winter Games, were on average graded “important” by the majority of the IOC members. However, offers that referred to the performance of the Games were considered, on average, more important than other offers. The individual IOC members did not share the interest of the IOC in bids offering cultural events, environmental care (opening, closing, and prize) ceremonies, a youth camp for young athletes, and accommodation for all the athletes in a single Olympic village. No bid messenger was considered “very influential” by a majority of the IOC members in their bid choices. “The visits of the IOC members to the bid cities” was the only channel for communicating bid offers that was perceived as “very influential” by a majority of the IOC members. Every fourth IOC member stated that it was not important to their bid selection that the bidders followed IOC's bidding rules. Fifteen bid offers (17%) were evaluated differently by the IOC members due to their cultural and demographic differences.
Forecasting the Economic Impacts of Events and Conventions
Authors: Dwyer L. , Mellor R. , Mistilis N. , Mules T.
Published: March 2019

Governments often receive requests to provide funding to support special events and conventions because of their alleged positive impacts, economic and otherwise, on a destination. In these circumstances, a framework of assessment is required to determine the extent of support, if any, that is to be given to alternative events. In a companion article (this issue), a framework was developed for assessing “tangible” and “intangible” impacts of events and conventions. This article shows how the framework can be used as a forecasting tool to inform government as to the “deservedness” of different events and conventions to receive public funding.
Two new endophytic Colletotrichum species from Nothapodytes pittosporoides in China
Authors: Zhou Sixuan , Qiao Lijun , Jayawardena Ruvishika S. , Hyde Kevin D. , Ma Xiaoya , Wen Tingchi , Kang Jichuan
Published: March 2019

Two new endophytic species,Colletotrichumjishouensesp. nov.and.C.tongrenensesp. nov.were isolated fromNothapodytespittosporoidesin Guizhou and Hunan provinces, China. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of these new taxa are provided and morphological comparisons with similar taxa are explored. Phylogenetic analysis with combined sequence data (ITS, GAPDH, ACT and TUB2) demonstrated that both species formed distinct clades in this genus. This is the first record ofColletotrichumspecies fromN.pittosporoidesin China.
Calixomeria, a new genus of Sceliotrachelinae (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae) from Australia
Authors: Lahey Zachary , Masner Lubomír , Johnson Norman F.
Published: March 2019

Calixomerialasalleigen. n. et sp. n. is described as a new genus and species of Sceliotrachelinae. Calixomeria most closely resembles genera of the Aphanomerus-cluster but possesses several characters that readily separate it from other sceliotracheline genera. The key of Masner and Huggert (1989) is modified to accommodate Calixomeria, and the relationship of the genus to other members of the subfamily is discussed.
Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Update
Authors: Malik Salma , Khan Yasser Saeed , Sahl Robert , Elzamzamy Khalid , Nazeer Ahsan
Published: March 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a heterogeneous constellation of deficits in social communication and reciprocity along with restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. ASD is among the most heritable mental disorders with twin concordance rates ranging between 77% and 95% among monozygotic twins. Advances have been made in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms and genetic underpinnings of ASD. Over the past decades, studies have identified a role for both common and rare genetic variations contributing to autism. In this article, we review the genetics of ASD and highlight findings in the field.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2019;49(3):109–114.]
Correction of Astigmatism With SMILE With Axis Alignment: 6-Month Results From 622 Eyes
Authors: Chen Pei , Ye Yiming , Yu Na , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhuang Jing , Yu Keming
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE:

To evaluate postoperative clinical outcomes in myopic eyes with astigmatism that underwent femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery with axis alignment.

METHODS:

Overall, 622 eyes from 353 patients with myopia and astigmatism greater than −0.75 diopters (D) who had SMILE were included in this prospective study. Standard examinations were performed and visual acuity and vector astigmatism values were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Preoperative manifest spherical equivalent (SE) was −6.11 ± 1.68 D (range: −0.50 to −11.25 D) and manifest refractive cylinder was −1.60 ± 0.65 D (range: −0.75 to −6.25 D). In 622 enrolled eyes with astigmatism, 29.9% did not require rotation modification during surgery, and the average rotation degree (absolute) was 2.82° ± 1.44° (range: 0° to 10°). By 6 months after SMILE, all eyes showed improved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA); approximately 96.8% of eyes with astigmatism achieved the same or better UDVA postoperatively compared to the preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Moreover, the cylinder of all eyes was within ±1.00 D, and 97% of eyes were within ±0.50 D. Only 47 eyes exhibited a low degree of astigmatism (range: −0.75 to 0.50 D). In patients with high astigmatism (>−3.00 D), the preoperative CDVA was −0.02 ± 0.11 logMAR and the 6-month postoperative UDVA was −0.01 ± 0.16 logMAR (n = 24,
P
> .05), further implying the effectiveness of modified SMILE for refractive correction in patients with astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS:

SMILE with axis alignment provides efficient, predictable, and safe refractive correction in patients with myopic astigmatism.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(3):138–145.]
AVALIAÇÃO DO TEMPO PARA CONTAMINAÇÃO MICROBIANA EM FRASCO-AMPOLA DE PROPOFOL
Authors: Sfaciotte Ricardo Antonio Pilegi , Kawase Heitor Tatsuo , Malavasi Laís De Matos , Vignoto Vanessa Kelly Capoia , Ferraro Gisela Cristiane , Camargo Mauro Henrique Bueno , Barbosa Maria José Baptista , Cardozo Rejane Machado , Wosiacki Sheila Rezler
Published: March 2019

O propofol é um agente hipnótico de ultracurta duração amplamente utilizado para anestesia e sedação. Comercialmente, apresenta-se acondicionado em frascos-ampola e ampolas, contendo produtos orgânicos o que favorece a contaminação microbiana após sua abertura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar o tempo de permanência sem contaminação bacteriana de propofol em frasco-ampola após sua abertura e manipulação. De forma controlada foram utilizados cinco frascos-ampola de propofol avaliados diariamente para a contagem de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas e psicrotrófilas. As contagens bacterianas encontradas mostraram que ocorreu contaminação por bactérias aeróbicas mesófilas a partir do terceiro dia da abertura do medicamento. Entre o quarto e o sexto dia ocorreram contaminações consideráveis em 60% dos frascos. As contagens bacterianas das amostras nos dias consecutivos após o início da contaminação não foram homogêneas e logarítimicas, apesar de contínuas em sua maior parte. Segundo os resultados obtidos neste estudo, sugere-se que o propofol em frasco-ampola, pode ser manipulado por até três dias após aberto, sem contaminação bacteriana. No entanto, deve-se levar em consideração que os resultados deste experimento foram controlados.
Periodic Layer Formation during Multiphase Diffusion in Silicide Systems
Authors: Kodentsov Alexander , Wojewoda-Budka Joanna , Wierzbicka-Miernik Anna
Published: March 2019

Periodic layered morphology may occur during displacement solid-state reactions in ternary (and higher-order) silicide and other material systems. This periodic layered structure consists of regularly spaced layers (bands) of particles of one reaction product embedded in a matrix phase of another reaction product. The number of systems that is known to produce the periodic layered structure is rather small but increasing and includes metal/metal and metal/ceramic semi-infinite diffusion couples. The experimental results on different systems, where the periodic pattern formation has been observed are systematized and earlier explanations for this peculiar diffusion phenomenon are discussed. Formation of the reaction zone morphologies periodic in time and space can be considered as a manifestation of the Kirkendall effect accompanying interdiffusion in the solid state. The patterning during multiphase diffusion is attributed to diverging vacancy fluxes within the interaction zone. This can generate multiple Kirkendall planes, which by attractingin situ-formed inclusions of “secondary-formed phase” can result in a highly patterned microstructure.
FCCSP IMC Growth under Reliability Stress Following Automotive Standards
Authors: Liu (Xenia) Wei-Wei , Weng Berdy , Li Jerry , Yeh Cing-Kun
Published: March 2019

The Kirkendall void (KV) has been a well-known issue for long term reliability of semiconductor interconnects. KVs exist at the interfaces of Cu and Sn and the growing intermetallic compound (IMC) Cu6Sn5 at the initial stage, and a part of the IMC is converted to Cu3Sn when the environmental stress added. In this article, all the assembled packages pass the condition of unbiased long-term reliability testing, especially for 2,000 cycles of temperature cycling test and 2,000 h of high-temperature storage. A large numbers of KVs was observed after 200 cycles of temperature cycling. Various assembly structures were monitored, and various IMC thicknesses were concluded to be functions of stress test. Cu3Sn, Ni3Sn4, and Cu6Sn5 are not significantly affected by heat, but Ni3Sn4 grows steadily.
Elevated Standoff Heights of Solder Joint Interconnections Can Result in Appreciable Stress and Warpage Relief
Authors: Suhir Ephraim , Yi Sung , Hwang Jennie S. , Ghaffarian Reza
Published: March 2019

The “head-in-pillow” (HnP) defects in lead-free solder joint interconnections of Integrated Circuit (IC) packages with conventional (small) standoff heights of the solder joints, and particularly in packages with fine pitches, are attributed by many electronic material scientists to the three major causes: attributes of the manufacturing process, solder material properties, and design-related issues. The latter are thought to be caused primarily by elevated stresses in the solder material, as well as by the excessive warpage of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)-package assembly and particularly by the differences in the thermally induced curvatures of the PCB and the package. In this analysis, the stress and warpage issue is addressed using an analytical predictive stress model. The model is a modification and an extension of the model developed back in 1980s by the first author. It is assumed that it is the difference in the postfabrication deflections of the PCB-package assembly that is the root cause of the solder material failures and particularly and perhaps the HnP defects. The calculated data based on the developed stress model suggest that the replacement of the conventional ball grid array (BGA) designs with designs with elevated standoff heights of the solder joints could result in significant stress and warpage relief and, hopefully, in a lower propensity of the IC package to HnP defects as well. The general concepts are illustrated by a numerical example, in which the responses to the change in temperature of a conventional design, referred to as BGA, and a design with solder joints with elevated standoff heights, referred to as column grid array (CGA), are compared. The computed data indicated that the effective stress in the solder material was relieved by about 40% and the difference between the maximum deflections of the PCB and the package was reduced by about 60%, when the BGA design was replaced by a CGA system. Although no definite proof that the use of solder joints with elevated standoff heights will lessen the package propensity to the HnP defects is provided, the authors nonetheless think that there is a reason to believe that the application of solder joints with elevated standoff heights could result in a substantial improvement in the general IC package performance, including, perhaps, its propensity to HnP defects.
Design of Solder Connections for Self-Assembly of Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Marinis Thomas F. , Soucy Joseph W.
Published: March 2019

In surface mount assembly, advantage is taken of the high surface tension of molten solder to self-align ball grid array packages and flip chip die. However, in these applications, the volume of solder applied as paste by stencil printing is not sufficiently well controlled to achieve the precise alignment required for optoelectronic devices. We believe that the requirement on solder volume control for assembly of optoelectronic devices can be relaxed by designing the bond pads so that the height or alignment of connections is controlled by the surface tension of the solder rather than its volume. Our design approach to accomplishing this is to connect auxiliary pads to the primary attachment pad, which act as solder reservoirs. Surface tension causes the solder to be redistributed among these pads to achieve a uniform pressure throughout the solder volume. This phenomena is governed by the Young-Laplace equation, ΔP = γκ, in which ΔP represents the difference in pressure within and outside the solder, γ the surface tension of the solder, and κ the local curvature of the solder surface. Thus, the design of the set of primary and auxiliary pads is critically important to realizing the desired control of joint height. In this article, we describe the use of the Surface Evolver software package in combination with analytical models, to analyze the behavior of various connection configurations with respect to variations in printed solder volume. Specifically, we calculate the equilibrium shape of the solder surface over the connected set of pads and examine how control of joint height is affected by the number, size, and geometry of auxiliary pad configurations.
A Numerical Study on Mitigation of Flying Dies in Compression Molding of Microelectronic Packages
Authors: Dreissigacker Marc , Hoelck Ole , Bauer Joerg , Braun Tanja , Becker Karl-Friedrich , Schneider-Ramelow Martin , Lang Klaus-Dieter
Published: March 2019

Compression molding with liquid encapsulants is a crucial process in microelectronic packaging. Material properties of highly filled systems of reactive epoxy molding compounds depend on process conditions in a complex manner, such as shear-thinning behavior, which is superimposed by a time- and temperature-dependent conversion rate, both strongly affecting viscosity. The focus is set on forces exerted on individual dice during encapsulation in fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP). The presented framework consists of an analytical approach to calculate the melt front velocity and simulations carried out to capture the nonlinear kinematics, chemorheology, and to extract forces exerted on individual dice. It offers separate evaluation of pressure and shear contributions for two cases, 0° and 45° between the dice' frontal area and the melt front. Process parameters, such as compression speed, thus cycle time, and process temperature, are determined to keep the forces on the dice below the critical level, where drag forces exceed adhesive forces. As a result, process parameters are determined to minimize flying dice and thereby maximize yield. The approach is easily transferable to arbitrary geometries and is therefore well suited to face the challenges that come with the current efforts toward the transition from FOWLP to larger substrates.
The Ricci curvature in noncommutative geometry
Authors: Floricel Remus , Ghorbanpour Asghar , Khalkhali Masoud
Published: March 2019

Motivated by the local formulae for asymptotic expansion of heat kernels in spectral geometry, we propose a definition of Ricci curvature in noncommutative settings. The Ricci operator of an oriented closed Riemannian manifold can be realized as a spectral functional, namely the functional defined by the zeta function of the full Laplacian of the de Rham complex, localized by smooth endomorphisms of the cotangent bundle and their trace. We use this formulation to introduce the Ricci functional in a noncommutative setting and in particular for curved noncommutative tori. This Ricci functional uniquely determines a density element, called the Ricci density, which plays the role of the Ricci operator. The main result of this paper provides an explicit computation of the Ricci density when the conformally flat geometry of the noncommutative two torus is encoded by the modular de Rham spectral triple.
Zelena infrastruktura v praksi
Authors: Bobovnik Nejc , Potočnik Slavič Irma
Published: March 2019

Tudi v letošnjem letu smo na Oddelku za geografijo nadaljevali s tradicijo prirejanja strokovnih srečanj ob Mesecu prostora. Leto 2018 je na prostorskem področju zaznamovala nova prostorska in gradbena zakonodaja (Zakon o urejanju prostora, Gradbeni zakon, Zakon o arhitekturni in inženirski dejavnosti). Zato je Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor za letošnjo temo Meseca prostora predlagalo slogan »Prostor je zakon«. Na Oddelku za geografijo smo z letošnjim Mesecem prostora želeli prispevati k boljšemu poznavanju in razumevanju zelene infrastrukture v praksi. Slednja ima zaradi povezanosti fizične in družbene razsežnosti velik potencial za integracijo različnih raziskovalnih usmeritev znotraj geografije in tudi povezovanja z drugimi strokami.
Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with systemic lupus erythematosus and its related factors
Authors: Moghadam Zahra Behboodi , Rezaei Elham , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Zareian Armin , Ibrahim Fatima Muhammad , Ibrahim Maryam Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects all body organs. This disease has marked physiological, mental, and cognitive effects on the patient and results in sexual dysfunction, depression, and decreased self-confidence. This study was conducted to compare sexual function, depression, anxiety, stress, and the related factors in women suffering from SLE.

Material and methods

In this cross-sectional study, 340 women (170 with SLE and 170 healthy) aged 18–49 years were investigated. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants. In this study, a demographic questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales – 21 Items (DASS-21), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were applied. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 using Spearman’s correlation, 2, Mann-Whitney, covariance, and multiple regression statistics; p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The results showed a significant difference in sexual function between the SLE and healthy groups. According to covariance analysis, the difference remained significant after controlling for confounding factors (stress, depression, anxiety). Moreover, the effect of SLE on the sexual function had a significant correlation with age, life status, number and age of children, economic status, menstruation, duration of marriage, age at diagnosis, disease duration and activity, stress, anxiety, and depression. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that age, disease activity, depression, and life status had the highest correlation with sexual dysfunction in women with SLE.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that more attention should be paid to the sexual health of women suffering from SLE as a neglected aspect of their treatment, which requires an interdisciplinary approach to shift the care of these patients from a biomedical model to a biopsychosocial model.
Cardiac and vascular complications in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rawla Prashanth
Published: March 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an independent risk factor for the development of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, with a 1.5-factor increase in risk. This literature review aims to provide a global overview of the pathogenesis, effects of anti-rheumatoid treatment on cardiovascular risk, a description of the cardiovascular complications associated with RA, and current opinion on cardiovascular risk assessment and management in patients with RA.

Author conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase regarding RA and associated cardiovascular complications. The mechanism of increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with RA is complex. There are specific genetic factors associated with both diseases, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors may be more prevalent in patients with RA. Most anti-rheumatic drugs decrease cardiovascular risk, and general recommendations focus on reduction of disease activity and strict management of cardiovascular risk as per the general population.
A rare intercomparison of nutrient analysis at sea: lessons learned and recommendations to enhance comparability of open-ocean nutrient data
Authors: McGrath Triona , Cronin Margot , Kerrigan Elizabeth , Wallace Douglas , Gregory Clynton , Normandeau Claire , McGovern Evin
Published: March 2019

Abstract. An intercomparison study has been carried out on the analysis of inorganic
nutrients at sea following the operation of two nutrient analysers
simultaneously on the GO-SHIP A02 trans-Atlantic survey in May 2017. Both
instruments were Skalar San++ Continuous Flow Analyzers, one from the
Marine Institute, Ireland and the other from Dalhousie University, Canada,
each operated by their own laboratory analysts following GO-SHIP guidelines
while adopting their existing laboratory methods. There was high
comparability between the two data sets and vertical profiles of nutrients
also compared well with those collected in 1997 along the same A02 transect
by the World Ocean Circulation Experiment. The largest differences between
data sets were observed in the low-nutrient surface waters and results
highlight the value of using three reference materials (low, middle and high
concentration) to cover the full range of expected nutrients and identify
bias and non-linearity in the calibrations. The intercomparison also raised
some interesting questions on the comparison of nutrients analysed by
different systems and a number of recommendations have been suggested that we
feel will enhance the existing GO-SHIP guidelines to improve the
comparability of global nutrient data sets. A key recommendation is for the
specification of clearly defined data quality objectives for oceanic nutrient
measurements and a flagging method for reported data that do not meet these
criteria. The A02 nutrient data set is currently available at the National
Oceanographic Data Centre of Ireland: https://doi.org/10.20393/CE49BC4C-91CC-41B9-A07F-D4E36B18B26F and
https://doi.org/10.20393/EAD02A1F-AAB3-4F4E-AD60-6289B9585531.
Combining continuous spatial and temporal scales for SGD investigations using UAV-based thermal infrared measurements
Authors: Mallast Ulf , Siebert Christian
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is highly variable in spatial and
temporal terms due to the interplay of several terrestrial and marine
processes. While discrete in situ measurements may provide a continuous
temporal scale to investigate underlying processes and thus account for
temporal heterogeneity, remotely sensed thermal infrared radiation sheds
light on the spatial heterogeneity as it provides a continuous spatial scale. Here we report results of the combination of both the continuous spatial and
temporal scales, using the ability of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to
hover above a predefined location, and the continuous recording of thermal
radiation of a coastal area at the Dead Sea (Israel). With a flight altitude
of 65 m above the water surface resulting in a spatial resolution of 13 cm
and a thermal camera (FLIR Tau2) that measures the upwelling long-wave
infrared radiation at 4 Hz resolution, we are able to generate a time series
of thermal radiation images that allows us to analyse spatio-temporal SGD
dynamics. In turn, focused SGD spots, otherwise camouflaged by strong lateral
flow dynamics, are revealed that may not be observed on single thermal
radiation images. The spatio-temporal behaviour of an SGD-induced thermal
radiation pattern varies in size and over time by up to 155 % for focused
SGDs and by up to 600 % for diffuse SGDs due to different underlying flow
dynamics. These flow dynamics even display a short-term periodicity of the
order of 20 to 78 s for diffuse SGD, which we attribute to an interplay
between conduit maturity–geometry and wave set-up.
Changes in groundwater drought associated with anthropogenic warming
Authors: Bloomfield John P. , Marchant Benjamin P. , McKenzie Andrew A.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Here we present the first
empirical evidence for changes in groundwater drought associated with
anthropogenic warming in the absence of long-term changes in precipitation.
Analysing standardised indices of monthly groundwater levels, precipitation
and temperature, using two unique groundwater level data sets from the Chalk
aquifer, UK, for the period 1891 to 2015, we show that precipitation deficits
are the main control on groundwater drought formation and propagation.
However, long-term changes in groundwater drought are shown to be associated
with anthropogenic warming over the study period. These include increases in
the frequency and intensity of individual groundwater drought months, and
increases in the frequency, magnitude and intensity of episodes of
groundwater drought, as well as an increasing tendency for both longer
episodes of groundwater drought and for an increase in droughts of less than
1 year in duration. We also identify a transition from a coincidence of
episodes of groundwater drought with precipitation droughts at the end of the
19th century, to an increasing coincidence with both precipitation droughts
and with hot periods in the early 21st century. In the absence of long-term
changes in precipitation deficits, we infer that the changing nature of
groundwater droughts is due to changes in evapotranspiration (ET) associated
with anthropogenic warming. We note that although the water tables are
relatively deep at the two study sites, a thick capillary fringe of at least
30 m in the Chalk means that ET should not be limited by precipitation at
either site. ET may be supported by groundwater through major episodes of
groundwater drought and, hence, long-term changes in ET associated with
anthropogenic warming may drive long-term changes in groundwater drought
phenomena in the Chalk aquifer. Given the extent of shallow groundwater
globally, anthropogenic warming may widely effect changes to groundwater
drought characteristics in temperate environments.
Data assimilation using adaptive, non-conservative, moving mesh
models
Authors: Aydoğdu Ali , Carrassi Alberto , Guider Colin T. , Jones Chris K. R. T. , Rampal Pierre
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Numerical models solved on adaptive moving meshes have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Motivating problems include the study of fluids in a Lagrangian frame and the presence of highly localized structures such as shock waves or interfaces. In the former case, Lagrangian solvers move the nodes of the mesh with the dynamical flow; in the latter, mesh resolution is increased in the proximity of the localized structure. Mesh adaptation can include remeshing, a procedure that adds or removes mesh nodes according to specific rules reflecting constraints in the numerical solver. In this case, the number of mesh nodes will change during the integration and, as a result, the dimension of the model’s state vector will not be conserved. This work presents a novel approach to the formulation of ensemble data assimilation for models with this underlying computational structure. The challenge lies in the fact that remeshing entails a different state space dimension across members of the ensemble, thus impeding the usual computation of consistent ensemble-based statistics. Our methodology adds one forward and one backward mapping step before and after the EnKF analysis respectively. This mapping takes all the ensemble members onto a fixed, uniform, reference mesh where the EnKF analysis can be performed. We consider a high- (HR) and a low-resolution (LR) fixed uniform reference mesh, whose resolutions are determined by the remeshing tolerances. This way the reference meshes embed the model numerical constraints and also are upper and lower uniform meshes bounding the resolutions of the individual ensemble meshes. Numerical experiments are carried out using 1D prototypical models: Burgers and Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equations, and both Eulerian and Lagrangian synthetic observations. While the HR strategy generally outperforms that of LR, their skill difference can be reduced substantially by an optimal tuning of the data assimilation parameters. The LR case is appealing in high-dimensions because of its lower computational burden. Lagrangian observations are shown to be very effective in that fewer of them are able to keep the analysis error at a level comparable to the more numerous observers for the Eulerian case. This study is motivated by the development of suitable EnKF strategies for 2D models of the sea-ice that are numerically solved on a Lagrangian mesh with remeshing.
Una visión general de la nueva Ley de Contratos del Sector Público
Authors: Menéndez Sebastián Eva M.ª
Published: March 2019

El pasado 9 de marzo de 2018 ha entrado en vigor la nueva Ley de Contratos del Sector Público. Se trata de una norma de gran complejidad, como, por otro lado, exige la propia materia que regula, y que ha dado un giro importante en algunos aspectos relevantes de la contratación del sector público, en aras de que ésta sea estratégica, profesionalizada y se base en la integridad. Sin romper del todo con la norma anterior, traspone a nuestro ordenamiento el último paquete de Directivas aprobado en 2014. Este trabajo hace un repaso de las principales novedades que la nueva ley ha introducido a lo largo de las cuatro fases de todo contrato: preparación, adjudicación, cumplimiento y extinción, así como, y es quizá lo más destacado, los principios, la perspectiva y los objetivos a que la misma responde.
El principio de interdicción de la compensación oculta o financiación silenciosa
Authors: Salvador Fuentes Ernesto
Published: March 2019

El propósito de este artículo es profundizar en las transferencias de fondos entre los distintos niveles de Hacienda y vislumbrar su encaje en el ordenamiento jurídico español, con especial referencia a la Constitución y a la LOFCA. Además, se analizarán los casos que se han dado en España, cómo se ha actuado y si existe algún caso en la actualidad. Se hará un breve repaso sobre el difícil caso del régimen de concierto y convenio del País Vasco y Navarra.
Accounting Conservatism and Managerial Excess Perks
Authors: Li Han
Published: March 2019

This paper sheds light on the relationship between accounting conservatism and managerial excess perks. In general, there are two views about managerial perks, agency cost view and management incentive view. Under the assumption that considers managerial perks as agency costs, the abnormal managerial perks erode the value of firms. Accounting conservatism can significantly restrict the managerial excess perks. Due to the strict compensation regulation in China’s SOEs, the negative relationship between accounting conservatism and excess perks in China’s SOEs is stronger than in non-SOEs. Further, in the robustness tests, this paper finds that negative relationship is stronger in the firms of lower level accounting conservatism or higher level financial leverage.
Assessing the Effect of Sexual and Reproductive Health Training Program on the Knowledge on Safe Sex Practice of Young Adults in College
Authors: Muzungu Jehoshaphat , Logan Jenae , Bitalabeho Akiiki , Wong Rex
Published: March 2019

Young adults and adolescents ages 18 to 24 years are often either uninformed or misinformed about sexuality and health-promoting behaviors and are more likely to exhibit risky sexual behaviors. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 19-26% of adolescents display adequate knowledge related to HIV and sexual and reproductive health.Sexual and reproductive health education for young adults can reduce unintended pregnancies, delay sexual debut, reduce having multiple sex partners, increase pregnancy prevention practices and increase the practice of protected sex.This study utilized a pre- and post-intervention design to assess the impact of a sex education program on young adult freshman students ages 18 to 24 years, at a government education institution in Rwanda, on knowledge related to family planning and contraception, sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS, and safe and risky sex practices.A total of 360 freshman students from the college completed the pre-intervention questionnaire and 341 completed the post-intervention questionnaire. The results showed that the overall knowledge in the sample was generally low before the intervention (67.8%) but had increased to 84.7% post-intervention (P<0.001). Many respondents thought STIs were genetic diseases, that withdrawal was a reliable birth control method, and that having multiple sexual partners or transactional sex were not risky sex practices.Universities in Rwanda should consider incorporating sexual and reproductive education in their curriculum. The increase in knowledge, however, does not guarantee a change in the respondents’ sexual behavior. Further study is needed to assess the impact of the intervention on actual change in sexual behavior and longterm health outcome.
Empirical Analysis of Factors Impacting Turnover Intention among Manufacturing Workers
Authors: Li Yuting , Sawhney Rapinder
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate how turnover intention relates to job satisfaction, organizational commitment, leadership, job performance, and work-family conflict among manufacturing workers in Tennessee, USA. A causal model was proposed, and a turnover intention survey questionnaire for manufacturing workers was developed. The data were collected from manufacturing companies in the Tennessee area and analyzed by SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of our study indicated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment negatively and significantly affected manufacturing workers’ turnover intentions, while work-family conflict positively and significantly affected turnover intentions. Although leadership indirectly influenced turnover intention, its effects on turnover intention were fully mediated by job satisfaction and organizational commitment. No effect of job performance on turnover intention was found in this study with manufacturing workers. The results suggested that policies for enhancing worker job satisfaction and organizational commitment, balancing work-family conflict, and improving leadership style should be proposed to reduce turnover intention.