bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Common “Stripmap-Like” Interferometric Processing Chain for TOPS and ScanSAR Wide Swath Mode
Authors: Qin Yuxiao , Perissin Daniele , Bai Jing
Published: September 2018

This article describes the technical implementation of a “stripmap-like” interferometric processing flow that could be used for both Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans (TOPS) and ScanSAR. In this “stripmap-like” approach, the discontinuous bursts of wide swath mode for the same subswath are stitched into a continuous single look complex (SLC) image at the very beginning of the processing chain. For users who wish not to get into the complexity behind the wide swath mode and simply want to use the interferometric products, this implementation provides the identical processing steps and output products to the stripmap case. This implementation also features a user-friendly processing interface, where all the wide-swath-related processes are hidden under the hood. In addition, this approach makes the best use of an existing standard InSAR processing software. In this article, the complete common processing chain for TOPS and ScanSAR is elaborated and some key issues are discussed, starting from stitching, deramping to coregistration and enhanced spectral diversity (ESD). The authors also introduce a quick implementation of fine coregistration during the ESD step that does not require resampling the slave image using the conventional method.
Edge Dependent Chinese Restaurant Process for Very High Resolution (VHR) Satellite Image Over-Segmentation
Authors: Tang Hong , Zhai Xuejun , Huang Wei
Published: September 2018

Image over-segmentation aims to partition an image into spatially adjacent and spectrally homogeneous regions. It could reduce the complexity of image representation and enhance the efficiency of subsequent image processing. Previously, many methods for image over-segmentation have been proposed, but almost of them need to assign model parameters in advance, e.g., the number of segments. In this paper, a nonparametric clustering model is employed to the over-segmentation of Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images, in which the number of segments can automatically be inferred from the observed data. The proposed model is called the Edge Dependent Chinese restaurant process (EDCRP), which extends the distance dependent Chinese restaurant process to make full use of local image structure information, i.e., edges. Experimental results show that the presented methods outperform state of the art methods for image over-segmentation in terms of both metrics based direct evaluation and classification based indirect evaluation.
Competencies and Practices in Academic Engineering Leadership Development: Lessons from a National Survey
Authors: Magrane Diane , Morahan Page S. , Ambrose Susan , Dannels Sharon A.
Published: September 2018

Traditionally, higher education has relied on recruiting executive leaders based largely on scholarly credibility, expecting leadership competency to develop with “on the job” experience. This approach is risky to organizational success. Building upon research about how institutional leaders identify, select, develop, and support those in succession, this study aims (1) to explore how senior academic leaders in engineering perceive their leadership roles, specifically the importance they attribute to various leadership skills and their self-confidence in exercising those skills, and (2) to discern the prevalence of mentoring and sponsorship practices those leaders use as part of their leadership portfolio. Results of a national survey, distributed in collaboration with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) to leaders in academic engineering in North America, confirm the importance of select leadership skills, including practices related to the mentoring and sponsorship of emerging leaders. However, the reported prevalence of those practices was relatively low in this sample. The authors recommend holding leaders accountable for developing future leaders and present an instrument for self- and organizational assessment of such practices for use in implementing more intentional approaches to leadership development in higher education.
The Effect of Body Mass Index on Acute Cardiometabolic Responses to Graded Exercise Testing in Children: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis , Kintziou Eleni , Georgoudis Georgios , Afonso José , Vancini Rodrigo , Knechtle Beat
Published: September 2018

Although the beneficial role of exercise for health is widely recognized, it is not clear to what extent the acute physiological responses (e.g., heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2)) to a graded exercise test are influenced by nutritional status (i.e., overweight vs. normal-weight). Therefore, the main objectives of the present narrative review were to examine the effect of nutritional status on acute HR, and VO2 responses of children to exercise testing. For this purpose, we examined existing literature using PubMed, ISI, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines. Compared with their normal-body mass index (BMI) peers, a trend of higher HRrest, higher HR during submaximal exercise testing, and lower HRmax was observed among overweight and obese children (according to BMI). Independent from exercise mode (walking, running, cycling, or stepping), exercise testing was metabolically more demanding (i.e., higher VO2) for obese and overweight children than for their normal-weight peers. Considering these cardiometabolic differences according to BMI in children might help exercise specialists to evaluate the outcome of a graded exercise test (GXT) (e.g., VO2max, HRmax) and to prescribe optimal exercise intensity in the context of development of exercise programs for the management of body mass.
The Effect of Regional Priority Points on the Performance of LEED 2009 Certified Buildings in Turkey, Spain, and Italy
Authors: Pushkar Svetlana
Published: September 2018

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has five basic categories: Sustainable sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE), Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), and Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ). Additionally, in LEED 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced regional priority (RP) points to adapt LEED to the local conditions of foreign countries. However, the appropriateness of the RP points stated for the Mediterranean basin has not yet been evaluated. Thus, we studied the similarities and differences in performances of LEED 2009 Commercial Interiors (CI) and LEED 2009 Core and Shell Development (C&S) Gold certified projects in Turkey, Spain, and Italy. We revealed that the categories without RP points, SS, MR, and EQ, performed similarly in all three countries, thereby signaling the correctness of CI and C&S applications in the Mediterranean basin. However, the categories with RP points, WE and EA, performed differently. It can be suggested that the following RP points would be beneficial for all three countries: (i) in the MR category, RP points that initiate decreases in virgin construction material; (ii) in the WE category, RP points that encourage water saving; and (iii) in the EA category, RP points that encourage using renewable energies.
Nā Kilo ʻĀina: Visions of Biocultural Restoration through Indigenous Relationships between People and Place
Authors: Morishige Kanoeʻulalani , Andrade Pelika , Pascua Puaʻala , Steward Kanoelani , Cadiz Emily , Kapono Lauren , Chong Uakoko
Published: September 2018

Within the realm of multifaceted biocultural approaches to restoring resource abundance, it is increasingly clear that resource-management strategies must account for equitable outcomes rooted in an understanding that biological and social-ecological systems are one. Here, we present a case study of the Nā Kilo ʻĀina Program (NKA)—one approach to confront today’s complex social, cultural, and biological management challenges through the lens of biocultural monitoring, community engagement, and capacity building. Through a series of initiatives, including Huli ʻIa, Pilinakai, Annual Nohona Camps, and Kūkaʻi Laulaha International Exchange Program, NKA aims to empower communities to strengthen reciprocal pilina (relationships) between people and place, and to better understand the realistic social, cultural, and ecological needs to support ʻāina momona, a state of thriving, abundant and productive people and places. After 10 years of implementation, NKA has established partnerships with communities, state/federal agencies, and local schools across the Hawaiian Islands to address broader social and cultural behavior changes needed to improve resource management. Ultimately, NKA creates a platform to innovate local management strategies and provides key contributions to guiding broader indigenous-driven approaches to conservation that restore and support resilient social-ecological systems.
Innovative Energy Islands: Life-Cycle Cost-Benefit Analysis for Battery Energy Storage
Authors: Li Xin , Chalvatzis Konstantinos J. , Stephanides Phedeas
Published: September 2018

Cities are concentrations of economic, social, and technical assets, which are fundamental to addressing climate change challenges. Renewable energy sources are growing fast in cities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in response to these challenges. In this transition urban decentralized energy shares technical and economic characteristics with energy islands. This is reflected in that island energy systems essentially operate off-grid which as a modus operandi can offer lessons to small-scale urban systems. With the expansion of urban areas, communities, especially small-scale ones, are sometimes further away from the main power infrastructure. Providing power supply to these communities would require significant investment to the existing power system, either to improve its grid infrastructure or power supply facilities. The energy islands have for some time now lent themselves to energy innovation including smart grid and battery storage applications. In this research we conceptualize that urban energy communities can be benefitted by knowledge transfer from energy islands in several fronts. We specifically put forward a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis model to evaluate the economics of battery storage system used in small communities from a life-cycle perspective. In this research we put forward a novel cost-benefit analysis model. Our results show that the inclusion of externalities can improve the economic value of battery systems significantly. Nevertheless, the economic performance is still largely dependent on several parameters, including capacity cost, discharging price, and charging cost. We conclude that existing electricity price structures (e.g., using household electricity price as a benchmark) struggle to guarantee sufficient economic returns except in very favorable circumstances; therefore, governmental support is deemed necessary.
Are Investments in Basic Infrastructure the Magic Wand to Boost the Local Economy of Rural Communities from Romania?
Authors: Pavel Alexandru , Moldovan Bogdan , Neamtu Bogdana , Hintea Cristina
Published: September 2018

This article investigates if public investments in rural basic infrastructure represent the best strategy for boosting the local economy of rural communities from Romania. The article focuses on one specific program implemented under the Cohesion policy in the framework of the National Plan for Rural Development, called Measure 322. Geographically, the research included a sample of rural communities from the North-Western Region of Romania. Moreover, the study also looks at other determinants of local economic development (LED), rather than infrastructure investments, with a focus on certain features characterizing Romanian rural communities such as population size, isolation from urban centers, connection with European and national roads networks, educational stock, etc. The research included three steps, namely the construction of the LED Index, a cvasi-experimental research, and a regression model. Our main findings seem to suggest that, while investments in infrastructure do help, the development gap between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries remains relatively the same. In terms of determinants of LED level, percentage of population with a university degree and connection to a European road are the most significant in the Romanian rural context.
A Class of Coupled Causal Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Wen-Li , Tian Jing-Feng , Cheung Wing-Sum
Published: September 2018

In this thesis, we consider the existence of extreme solutions to a class of coupled causal differential equations. By utilizing two comparison theorems and a monotone iterative technique, we have obtained sufficient conditions under which the equations have extreme solutions. One practical example is presented.
A Vertex-Based 3D Authentication Algorithm Based on Spatial Subdivision
Authors: Tsai Yuan-Yu , Tsai Yu-Shiou , Chi I-Ting , Chan Chi-Shiang
Published: September 2018

The study proposed a vertex-based authentication algorithm based on spatial subdivision. A binary space partitioning tree was employed to subdivide the bounding volume of the input model into voxels. Each vertex could then be encoded into a series of binary digits, denoted as its authentication code, by traversing the constructed tree. Finally, the above authentication code was embedded into the corresponding reference vertex by modulating its position within the located subspace. Extensive experimental results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm provided high embedding capacity and high robustness. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm supported controllable distortion and self-recovery.
Tunable Control of Mie Resonances Based on Hybrid VO2 and Dielectric Metamaterial
Authors: Gao Ju , Zhang Kuang , Yang Guohui , Kahng Sungtek , Wu Qun
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a tunable dielectric metamaterial absorber with temperature-based vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed. In contrast to previous studies, both the metal phase of VO2 and the semiconductor phase are applied to manipulate the Mie resonant modes in the dielectric cubes. By embedding VO2 in the main resonant structure, the control over Mie resonant modes in dielectric metamaterials is realized. Each resonant mode is analyzed through field distribution and explains why the phase switch of VO2 could affect the absorbance spectrum. This use of tunable materials could create another new methodology for the manipulation of the Mie resonance-based dielectric cubes and make them closer in essence to isotropic metamaterials.
Ethical Analyses of Smart City Applications
Authors: Clever Sawyer , Crago Tyler , Polka Alex , Al-Jaroodi Jameela , Mohamed Nader
Published: September 2018

When it comes to smart cities, one of the most important components is data. To enable smart city applications, data needs to be collected, stored, and processed to accomplish intelligent tasks. In this paper we discuss smart cities and the use of new and existing technologies to improve multiple aspects of these cities. There are also social and environmental aspects that have become important in smart cities that create concerns regarding ethics and ethical conduct. Thus we discuss various issues relating to the appropriate and ethical use of smart city applications and their data. Many smart city projects are being implemented and here we showcase several examples to provide context for our ethical analysis. Law enforcement, structure efficiency, utility efficiency, and traffic flow control applications are some areas that could have the most gains in smart cities; yet, they are the most pervasive as the applications performing these activities must collect and process the most private data about the citizens. The secure and ethical use of this data must be a top priority within every project. The paper also provides a list of challenges for smart city applications pertaining in some ways to ethics. These challenges are drawn from the studied examples of smart city projects to bring attention to ethical issues and raise awareness of the need to address and regulate such use of data.
Engaging the Senses: The Potential of Emotional Data for Participation in Urban Planning
Authors: Fathullah Afif , Willis Katharine S.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents an exploratory study on the potential for sharing urban data; one where citizens create their own data and use it to understand and influence urban planning decisions. The aim of the study is to explore new models of participation through the sharing of emotional data and focuses on the relationship between the physical space and emotions through identifying the links between stress levels and specific features of the urban environment. It addresses the problem in urban planning that, while people’s emotional connection with the physical urban setting is often valued, it is rarely recognised or used as a source of data to understand future decision making. The method involved participants using a (GSR) device linked to location data to measure participant’s emotional responses along a walking route in a city centre environment. Results show correlations between characteristics of the urban environment and stress levels, as well as how specific features of the city spaces create stress ‘peaks’. In the discussion we review how the data obtained could contribute to citizens creating their own information layer—an emotional layer—that could inform a shared approach to participation in urban planning decision-making. The future implications of the application of this method as an approach to public participation in urban planning are also considered.
Sub-Bankfull Flow Frequency versus Magnitude of Flood Events in Outlining Effective Discharges. Case Study: Trotuș River (Romania)
Authors: Dumitriu Dan
Published: September 2018

Effective discharge, which represents the flow, or range of flows, that transport the most sediment over the long-term, was determined based on the mean daily flow discharge and mean daily suspended sediment discharge recorded between 1994 and 2014 at four gauging stations along the Trotuș River. This study proposes an efficient method for the estimation of effective discharge based on observed values of the suspended sediment load. By employing this method the suspended sediment load is no longer either under- or overestimated as in the cases when the assessment is based on sediment rating curves. The assessment on effective discharge was performed at two distinct levels: for the entire data series during the investigated time spans and, subsequently, for flows less than the bankfull discharge. The effectiveness curves of the suspended sediment transport characteristics revealed highly multimodal characteristics with many peaks, indicating ample ranges for the effective discharges. The main effective discharge corresponded to large flood events, which are typical for the upper end of the discharge range, whereas the secondary effective discharges corresponded to sub-bankfull flows, which are more frequent. The changes that occurred in the channel bed are reflected by the temporal variations in the effective discharge.
Assessment of Environmental Flows from Complexity to Parsimony—Lessons from Lesotho
Authors: Tegos Aristoteles , Schlüter Wolfram , Gibbons Niall , Katselis Yanis , Efstratiadis Andreas
Published: September 2018

Over the last decade, Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA) has focused scientific attention around heavily-modified hydrosystems, such as flow regulated releases downstream of dams. In this light, numerous approaches of varying complexity have been developed, the most holistic of which incorporate hydrological, hydraulic, biological and water quality inputs, as well as socioeconomic issues. Finding the optimal flow releases, informing policy and determining an operational framework are often the main focus. This work exhibits a simplification of the DRIFT framework, and is regarded as the first holistic EFA approach, consisting of three modules, namely hydrological, hydraulic and fish quality. A novel conceptual classification for fish quality is proposed, associating fish fauna requirements with hydraulic characteristics, exported by fish survey analyses. The new methodology was applied and validated successfully at three stream sites in Lesotho, where DRIFT was formerly employed.
Farm Water Productivity in Conventional and Organic Farming: Case Studies of Cow-Calf Farming Systems in North Germany
Authors: Vellenga Leen , Qualitz Gregor , Drastig Katrin
Published: September 2018

The increase of organic agriculture in Germany raises the question of how water productivity differs from conventional agriculture. On three organic and two conventionally farming systems in Germany, water flows and water related indicators were quantified. Farm water productivity (FWP), farm water productivity of cow-calf production (FWPlivestock), and farm water productivity of food crop production (FWPfood crops) were calculated using the modeling software AgroHyd Farmmodel. The FWP was calculated on a mass and monetary basis. FWPlivestock showed the highest productivity on a mass basis occurring on a conventional farm with 0.09 kg m−3Winput, whereas one organic farm and one conventional farm showed the same results. On a monetary basis, organic cow-calf farming systems showed the highest FWPlivestock, with 0.28 € m−3Winput. Since the productivity of the farm depends strongly on the individual cultivated plants, FWPfood crops was compared at the level of the single crop. The results show furthermore that even with a precise examination of farm water productivity, a high bandwidth of temporal and local values are revealed on different farms: generic FWP for food crops and livestock are not within reach.
A Regional-Scale Landslide Warning System Based on 20 Years of Operational Experience
Authors: Segoni Samuele , Rosi Ascanio , Fanti Riccardo , Gallucci Angela , Monni Antonio , Casagli Nicola
Published: September 2018

SIGMA is a regional landslide warning system based on statistical rainfall thresholds that operates in Emilia Romagna (Italy). In this work, we depict its birth and the continuous development process, still ongoing, after two decades of operational employ. Indeed, a constant work was carried out to gather and incorporate in the modeling new data (extended rainfall recordings, updated landslides inventories, temperature and soil moisture data). The use of these data allowed for regular updates of the model and some conceptual improvements, which consistently increased the forecasting effectiveness of the warning system through time. Landslide forecasting at regional scale is a very complex task, but this paper shows that, as time passes by, the systematic gathering and analysis of new data and the continuous progresses of research activity, uncertainties can be progressively reduced. Thus, by the setting up of forward-looking research programs, the performances and the reliability of regional scale warning systems can be increased with time.
Depletion of FeO in the Interstellar Medium via Its Anion Resonances
Authors: Chacko Roby , Banhatti Shreyak , Mane R. G. , Gupta A. K. , Aravind G.
Published: September 2018

Depletion of FeO in the interstellar medium through resonance states of FeO− was studied through collision-induced dissociation of FeO−. Collisional excitation of FeO− lead to the yield of Fe− and O−, with a higher yield for Fe−. The ground electronic state of FeO− was identified to be 6Δ state and the results are compared with previous theoretical and experimental results. The kinetic energy distributions of the fragments revealed two FeO− anion resonances accessed upon excitation and their potential energy curves were evaluated. The role of the observed resonances in the depletion of FeO and the viable presence of Fe− and O− in Sagittarius B2 are discussed.
Hydrodynamical Neutron-star Kicks in Electron-capture Supernovae and Implications for the CRAB Supernova
Authors: Gessner Alexandra , Janka Hans-Thomas
Published: September 2018

Neutron stars (NSs) obtain kicks, typically of several 100 km s−1, at birth. The gravitational tugboat mechanism can explain these kicks as consequences of asymmetric mass ejection during the supernova (SN) explosion. Support for this hydrodynamic explanation is provided by observations of SN remnants with associated NSs, which confirm the prediction that the bulk of the explosion ejecta, particularly the chemical elements between silicon and the iron group, are dominantly expelled in the hemisphere opposite to the direction of the NS kick. Here, we present a large set of two- and three-dimensional explosion simulations of electron-capture SNe, considering explosion energies between ∼3 × 1049 erg and ∼1.6 × 1050 erg. We find that the fast acceleration of the SN shock in the steep density gradient delimiting the O–Ne–Mg core of the progenitor enables such a rapid expansion of neutrino-heated matter that the growth of neutrino-driven convection freezes out quickly in a high-mode spherical harmonics pattern. Because the corresponding momentum asymmetry of the ejecta is very small and the gravitational acceleration by the fast-expanding ejecta abates rapidly, the NS kick velocities are a few km s−1, at most. The extremely low core compactness of O–Ne–Mg-core progenitors therefore favors hydrodynamic NS kicks much below the ∼160 km s−1 measured for the Crab pulsar. This suggests either that the Crab Nebula is not the remnant of an electron-capture SN, but rather of a low-mass iron-core progenitor; or that the Crab pulsar was not accelerated by the gravitational tugboat mechanism, but instead received its kick by a non-hydrodynamic mechanism such as, e.g., anisotropic neutrino emission.
Ruprecht 106: A Riddle, Wrapped in a Mystery, inside an Enigma∗
Authors: Dotter Aaron , Milone Antonino P. , Conroy Charlie , Marino Anna F. , Sarajedini Ata
Published: September 2018

Galactic globular clusters (GCs) show overwhelming photometric and spectroscopic evidence for the existence of multiple stellar populations. The question of whether or not there exists a GC that represents a true “simple stellar population” remains open. Here we focus on Ruprecht 106 (R106), a halo GC with [Fe/H] = −1.5 and [α/Fe] ≃0. A previous spectroscopic study found no sign of the Na–O anticorrelation among nine of its brightest red giants, which led to the conclusion that R106 is a true simple stellar population GC. Here we present new Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) photometry of R106 that, when combined with archival HST images spanning a 6 year baseline, allows us to create proper-motion cleaned color–magnitude diagrams spanning the ultraviolet (F336W) to the near-infrared (F814W). These data allow us to construct the pseudo-color

that is sensitive to the presence of light-element abundance spreads. We find no evidence of a split along the red giant branch (RGB) in the

diagram but the width of the RGB (

) is marginally broader than expected from artificial star tests (

). The observed spread in

is smaller than any other Galactic GC studied to date. Our results raise important questions about the role of formation environment and primordial chemical composition in the formation of multiple stellar populations in GCs.
Awareness about Management of Tooth Avulsion among Dentists in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alaslami Redhwan Abdullah , Elshamy Fahiem M. M. , Maamar Essamet M. , Ghazwani Yahya H.
Published: September 2018

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness amongst dentists working in Jazan, a city in K.S.A., about their potential role in the treatment of traumatic tooth avulsion injuries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed and all dentists in Jazan, K.S.A. were invited to participate in this study. Data was collected through a self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 200 dental practitioners answered the questionnaire. The intern/general practitioners were 75%, and the specialists were 25%. The variables comprised socio-demographic information, professional characteristics and information regarding the awareness towards the management of tooth avulsion.
RESULTS: A total of 200 dental practitioners answered the questionnaire. The intern/general practitioners were 75%, and the specialists were 25%. (44.3%) were aware of the critical time for avulsed tooth replantation while 71.8% of females did not know about the critical time for avulsed tooth replantation. 50.0% of the specialists reported that less than 30 min was needed for avulsed tooth replantation, while 59.3% of interns/general dentists advised less than 60 minutes.
CONCLUSION: A statistically significant result was observed regarding the best storage medium, a critical time for avulsed tooth replantation and tooth management before replantation.
The Effect of Psychological Stress on Salivary Testosterone in Puberty Children
Authors: Prastyo Dimas Bagus , Deliana Melda , Dimyati Yazid , Arto Karina Sugih
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress is a condition that is experienced by many adolescents which affect the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis. Testosterone is known as a sex steroid hormone that is susceptible to acute stress and can be measured through saliva. Disruption of the reproductive system can affect the sexual maturation process.
AIM: To understand the difference in salivary testosterone levels in puberty children before and after given a stressor.
METHODS: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted at Antonius Bangun Mulia junior high school, Medan, North Sumatera, in July-October 2017. Subjects were students aged 12-14 years with sexual maturity G2 for boys and M2 for girls. Psychological stress intervention was generated by the Wechsler intelligence scale for children fourth edition (WISC IV). Saliva was collected before and after the intervention. The analysis was done with Wilcoxon test and a P value < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS: Forty-two subjects of 24 male students and 18 female students with sexual maturation Tanner II (54.8%) and Tanner III (45.2%). This study obtained that there was a statistically significant difference in salivary testosterone levels before and after the subject was given a stressor (P = 0.015, CI 95%). This difference also was seen within sexual maturation Tanner II (P = 0.045, CI 95%). No difference was observed in testosterone levels based on gender, male students (P = 0.065, CI 95%) and female students (P = 0.112, CI 95%).
CONCLUSION: Stress can affect salivary testosterone levels. There was a statistically significant difference in salivary testosterone levels before and after psychological stress in puberty children.
Indigenous knowledge and potential of termites as poultry feed in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sankara F. , Pousga S. , Dao N.C.A. , Gbemavo D.S.J.C , Clottey V.A. , Coulibaly K. , Nacoulma J.P. , Ouedraogo S. , Kenis M.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study, carried out in eight regions in Burkina Faso, West Africa, was to assess the use and knowledge of termites in poultry nutrition in Burkina Faso and to analyse the factors influencing this use. Household surveys were conducted to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of poultry farmers and the use of termites in poultry feed. These surveys involved 1,100 farmers in 32 villages. Poultry farmers mostly raise chicken and guinea fowls and these two species are also those that receive termites as supplementary feed. 78% of the surveyed farmers use termites to feed their poultry, but the rate strongly varied among regions and provinces. Several reasons were given for not using termites, the most common being the unavailability of termites followed by the lack of time and not being aware of the technique. Farmers were aware of termite species they consider as toxic in feeding chicks. Understanding the link between the use and availability of termites in poultry nutrition in West Africa is an important step towards the improvement of poultry production.
Sociología y enfermedad mental: reflexiones en tomo a un desencuentro
Authors: Sánchez Moreno Esteban
Published: September 2018

A pesar de que el estudio de las distintas enfermedades mentales ha estado asociado tradicionalmente a la psiquiatría y a la psicología clínica, existen autores y corrientes teóricas dentro de la sociología que han tratado de realizar un aporte constitutivo y específico desde dicha disciplina. El presente artículo se centra en la contribución realizada en tomo a la etiología de la enfermedad mental. Para ello, examina críticamente algunos de los modelos más relevantes que, desde una perspectiva sociológica, tratan de explicar la aparición de la enfermedad mental. Dicho análisis concluye que los esfuerzos realizados han sido en gran medida infructuosos, y el papel de la sociología en el estudio de la etiología de la enfermedad mental es problemático.
El ritmo de la sociabilidad festiva en las rallas de Valencia
Authors: Costa Granell Xavier
Published: September 2018

Este artículo aborda la experiencia del tiempo de los participantes en la fiesta de las Fallas de Valencia. Asigna una importancia esencial al concepto de sociabilidad festiva, como forma fundamental de mediación entre la naturaleza, la comunidad y lo sagrado en la fiesta, constituyendo un eje central para los procesos (temporales) de transmisión de la tradición. Este artículo se propone analizar esta mediación temporal de la sociabilidad a través del análisis empírico de sus ritmos en la comunidad festiva. A lo largo del artículo se detallarán las transformaciones más significativas de la Semana Fallera, relacionadas con el cambio en el ritmo de la sociabilidad.
Una aproximación sociológica al fenómeno del software libre
Authors: Fernández Macías Enrique
Published: September 2018

En los últimos años ha surgido en el mundo de la informática una alternativa desmercantilizada (conocida como Software Libré) al sistema de propiedad intelectual y de mercado de programas informáticos que está consiguiendo un importante y sorprendente éxito. En este trabajo se trata de explicar las causas de este éxito desde una perspectiva sociológica. El modelo propuesto, construido a través de un análisis del origen y desarrollo de esta alternativa, está basado en la idea de que el éxito del fenómeno estudiado se debe a la confluencia de tres factores: un factor ideológico-social (las luchas de poder en el campo de los informáticos), un factor tecnológico (las potencialidades productivas del uso de Internet) y un factor económico (las luchas de poder en el mercado informático).
Las elecciones generales de 2000. Voto ideológico / voto racional
Authors: González Rodríguez Juan Jesús
Published: September 2018

Tras argumentar el carácter crítico de las elecciones generales de 2000 y sus implicaciones en términos de modificación del perfil electoral del PP, el artículo se detiene en dos aspectos. Por un lado, analiza la dinámica de opinión pública que condujo a la consecución de mayoría absoluta del PP en la pasada legislatura, prestando especial atención al diálogo social y a sus consecuencias sobre la percepción de la situación económica y política. Por otro, el artículo analiza lo que, a juicio del autor, define mejor aquellas elecciones: la tensión o contradicción entre factores ideológicos y factores de evaluación racional. No se pretende con ello que la ideología esté exenta de racionalidad, sino poner de manifiesto una forma específica de racionalidad que resuelve el conflicto entre factores ideológicos y de evaluación racional a favor de estos últimos.
Elección racional y normas sociales: una vuelta más de tuerca
Authors: Linares Martínez Francisco
Published: September 2018

En el presente artículo se explora el posible interés que pueda tener el uso de las recientes investigaciones en acción colectiva, dentro del paradigma de la elección racional, en la explicación intencional de las normas sociales. Tras exponer sintéticamente las premisas de la teoría de la elección racional y el análisis olsoniano de la acción colectiva, se exploran las relaciones entre acción colectiva, micro-estructura social y normas sociales (concebidas como sistemas de incentivos selectivos) empleando el concepto de función de producción. El artículo finaliza con una breve reflexión sobre la conveniencia de refinar dicha herramienta y de combinar distintos modelos de decisión con el fin de explorar la difícil cuestión metateórica del vínculo entre estructura y acción.
Procedimientos de muestreo representativo de las personas sin hogar (PSH): Avance de un estudio descriptivo en Madrid
Authors: Muñoz M. , Vázquez C. , Vázquez J.J. , Guisado A.B. , Crespo M.
Published: September 2018

El presente trabajo se enmarca en el Proyecto Sin Hogar (Muñoz y Vázquez, 1996). Se exponen las estrategias de muestreo utilizadas que pueden servir para ofrecer datos no sesgados sobre las Personas Sin Hogar (PSH) o sobre otros grupos de difícil localización. Junto a las estrategias de muestreo utilizadas para conseguir la máxima representatividad de la muestra, se incluyen los principales datos descriptivos sociodemográficos obtenidos con este procedimiento. La estrategia de muestreo representativo incluye la realización de un listado exhaustivo de centros para PSH, una Noche S (muestreo en calles en una noche determinada) para determinar la frecuencia de uso de recursos por parte de las PSH y, finalmente, un sistema de muestreo en estos recursos que asegure la representatividad en fimción del día de la semana, tipo de centro en que se realizó el contacto y tamaño de cada centro. Los resultados mostrados en este estudio incluyen estadísticos descriptivos y porcentajes de las principales variables descriptivas sociodemográficas y de actividad económica. Se incluyen los datos directos y ponderados y se analizan las principales diferencias que se producen como efecto de la ponderación estadística efectuada.
Chronique des décisions de la Cour Interaméricaine des Droits de l’Homme (Novembre 2017 – Février 2018)
Authors: Ronderos Alejandro , Rodrigues Débora , Sánchez Emma-Luna , Gauchy Marine , Lamas Orane , Gorski. Sandro
Published: September 2018

Très active dans son rôle de gardienne des droits fondamentaux, la Cour interaméricaine des Droits de l’Homme (Cour IADH) cherche à garantir l’effectivité de ces droits dans les États latino-américains depuis 1979. Sa ligne jurisprudentielle reflète cet engagement non seulement en raison du nombre d’arrêts rendus chaque année, mais également de la complexité des affaires analysées. La protection du droit à la participation politique, la liberté de pensée et d’expression tout comme le respect des garanties judiciaires et la protection judiciaire, nécessaires à l’effectivité des droits substantiels garantis par la Convention Américaine des Droits de l’homme, ne sont que quelques exemples de l’action remarquable de la Cour IADH. Après analyse des affaires portées devant elle, il est possible de souligner l’importance des atteintes aux droits dits « de première génération », majoritairement imputables aux instabilités politiques et aux transitions démocratiques difficiles des pays concernés. Si les décisions de la Cour ne sont pas contraignantes, il ne faut néanmoins pas négliger leur capacité de sensibilisation de l’opinion publique et de la communauté internationale. À l’heure actuelle, la pérennité d’une institution comme la Cour IADH semble vitale aux citoyens des pays latino-américains en ce qu’elle constitue le dernier rempart garantissant la justiciabilité et l’effectivité de leurs droits.La Convention américaine des droits de l’Homme (CADH) a vu le jour en 1969 avec le Pacte de San José (Costa Rica). En 1979, la Cour Interaméricaine des Droits de l’Homme (Cour IADH) fut officiellement instituée afin de veiller au respect de la convention. La Cour dispose d’une fonction contentieuse, mais également d’une fonction consultative qui lui permet d’éclairer les États parties sur l’interprétation à donner aux articles de la convention.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Change with Cold Deformation of the Biomedical Ti-17Nb-6Ta-3Zr Alloy
Authors: Nyamuchiwa Kudakwashe , Gepreel Mohamed Abdel Hady , Hamada Atef S. , Nakamura Koichi
Published: September 2018

This study is to investigate the phase stability, cold deformation, elastic strain recovery and mechanical properties of a new Ti-17Nb-6Ta-3Zr, at. %, alloy for biomedical applications. The alloy was produced by arc melting. A heavy cold-working up to 90 % was applied to the alloy to investigate the stability of the predominant β-bcc structure. Characterization of the deformed structures was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness measurements and optical microscopy. Quasi-static compression testing was conducted to determine the yield stress for stress induced martensitic (SIM) transformation and the Young modulus. XRD analysis of the cold-worked structures revealed that α-martensite was induced after less than 5 % deformation. An outstanding combination of strength-elasticity properties with the yield strength of 600 MPa and a Young modulus of 37 GPa was achieved during the compression tests.
XANES and Luminescence Studies of M2O3-CaO-SiO2-B2O3 (M2O3 = Y2O3 and La2O3) Glasses Doped with Dy3+ Ions
Authors: Kaewjaeng Siriprapa , Kaewkhao Jakrapong , Chanthima Natthakridta , Ruangtawep Yotsakit , Klysubun Wantana , Kothan Suchart , Kim Hong Joo
Published: September 2018

The Dy3+-doped glasses of the M2O3:CaO:SiO2:B2O3 (M2O3 = Y2O3 and La2O3) materials have been successfully fabricated with the 0.5 % mol of the Dy2O3 concentration, and thoroughly investigated based on the physical, optical, photo- and radioluminescence properties. The developed glass materials were prepared from the compositions of 25M2O3:10CaO:10SiO2:(55-x)B2O3:0.5Dy2O3 by the conventional melt-quenching technique at 1,400°C. The clear sample of the doped La2O3 glass demonstrated higher density and the molar volume than those of the doped Y2O3 glass. From the spectrophotometry, the absorption peaks of the Dy3+ ions were clearly observed in both glasses. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the developed glasses indicated two-colors with two strongest peaks at 577 nm (4F9/2®6H13/2) and 482 nm (4F9/2®6H15/2). In addition, the emission spectra from the radioluminescence (RL) were identical to those from the PL measurements. From the results of the PL and RL measurements, the Y2O3 glass had higher emission in the intensity than the La2O3 glass. The X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) with the synchrotron radiation was carried out in fluorescent-yield mode to determine the average oxidation number of the Dy ions dispersed in the glass matrices. The DyL3-edge XANES spectra of both developed glasses were nearly identical with the sharp white line at 7795.5 eV and the edge energy of 7793 eV. Compared to the XANES spectrum of the pure Dy2O3 standard, both glasses showed the difference smaller than 0.5 eV, and therefore confirmed the oxidation number of the Dy ions of 3+.
Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Potential Cross-Linking Agents for Methylcellulose-Chitosan Biocomposites
Authors: Jimtaisong Ampa , Saewan Nisakorn
Published: September 2018

Blending of two polymers can result in a number of new composite materials with enhanced properties and applications in several fields. Biopolymers need to be crosslinked in order to modulate their general properties. Chemical crosslinking is a highly versatile method and is generally carried out using aldehydic compounds. Although these are very good cross-linkers, they are not preferred owning to their physiological toxicity. Therefore, the search for natural crosslinking agents is of great interest. Possible candidates are polyphenols, which are widely distributed as minor but functionally important constituents of plant tissues. Thus, this work investigated the use of polyphenols as natural cross-linking agents to produce new materials, namely methylcellulose-chitosan (MC-CS) biocomposites. Two plant–derived polyphenols, i.e. gallic acid (GA) and ferulic acid (FA), were studied as cross-linking agents. FT-IR, DSC, and SEM techniques were used to investigate the formation of the biocomposites. The results showed that only FA can interact with methylcellulose and chitosan as it formed turbid appearance when the clear solutions of MC and plant–derived polyphenols were mixed. The particle size of MC-FA was in the range of 500-600 nm when using 0.5% of polymer and polyphenol compounds. The CS-FA composite possessed relatively large size (6-8 µm) compared to that of the MC one. SEM analysis showed the differences in surface morphology between the cross-linked MC-CS biocomposites and the polymers. The FT-IR and DSC results also indicated that new compounds were formed.
The Effect of Lithium on Crystallization and Microstructure of Glass-Ceramics in Soda-Lime Silicate System
Authors: Meechoowas Ekarat , Petchareanmongkol Benjamon , Pantulap Usanee , Tapasa Kanit
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the crystallization of soda-lime silicate (NCS) system by re-melting soda-lime silicate glass cullet with Al2O3CaCO3and Li2O. The Li2O was added as a nucleating agent. The effect of the nucleating agent on crystallization was investigated in order to study the possibility for use as a parent glass for glass-ceramics. Soda-lime silicate cullet was the main raw material and its chemical composition by weight was 68% SiO2 2% Al2O3 9% Na2O 9% K2O 3.5% CaO 2.5% MgO 1.2% TiO23% SrO and 2% ZnO. Glass batches with composition (%wt) of (65-x) Cullet:13Al2O3:22CaCO3:x(Li2O) (x = 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8) were melted at 1500°C for 3 hours and annealed at 600°C. All glasses added with Li2O were clear except x = 8. The crystallization was investigated by Differential Scanning Colorimetry technique (DSC). The results exhibited the exothermic peak of crystallization (TpIand TpII). The glasses with added Li2O exhibited decreasing crystallization temperature with increasing Li content. The glasses were heated at temperatures around the crystallization temperature (700, 750 and 800°C). After heat treatment, the crystalline phase in the glasses was determined by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The microstructure was investigated by optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The phases of Nepheline (Na,K)AlSiO4and Wollastonite (CaSiO3) were found. The crystallization depended on the heat treatment temperature. The thermal expansion of the glasses was determined by the dilatometric method to indicate the characteristics of the glass-ceramics. In conclusion, Li2O had a strong effect on the crystallization in soda-lime silicate system. The result could be applied for the production of glass-ceramics from soda-lime cullet.
Nanostructural Study of Silicon-Cobalt/Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites by Electron Microscopy for Using as Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Autthawong Thanapat , Chayasombat Bralee , Laokawee Viratchara , Jarulertwathana Nutpaphat , Masuda Takuya , Sarakonsri Thapanee
Published: September 2018

Silicon-cobalt nanocomposites on NrGO, Si-Co/NrGO, were synthesized by the modified polyol method. Rice husk was used as the silicon source. The composites were primarily characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The small-sized particles of the silicon-cobalt product were effectively distributed on the NrGO. Finally, these anode materials were tested in lithium-ion batteries by haft-coin cell assembly. Electrochemical properties were measured and the result showed an initial capacity of 975 mAh g-1. This material is expected to be used as a high-performance anode, suitable for the next generation of anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.