bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ShearWave™ elastography for evaluation of the elasticity of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Liu Haifang , Zhu Yuping , Jiao Jie , Yuan Jia , Pu Tianning , Yong Qiang
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the elasticity of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in the different processes via supersonic ShearWave™ Elastography (SWE™). Quantitative information is delivered as Young’s modulus value expressed in kilo-Pascal (kPa). 30 healthy female and 30 healthy male individuals aging at 40±20 y had undergone conventional ultrasonography and SWE to determine the influence of gender on elasticity of thyroid. Also 60 female and 60 male patients (mean age, 40±20 y) with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in different processes underwent conventional ultrasonography and SWE to determine the elasticity of thyroid in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Furthermore, the relationship between elasticity values and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAB) in the patients was investigated. We found significant impact of gender on elasticity values of healthy thyroids. Our study showed that increased elasticity values with statistical significance in hyperthyroidism stage, normal thyroid function stage and hypothyroidism were shown. Low degree relationship between elasticity values and TPOAB was found in 60 male patients. However, there was no such correlation in female patients.
Associations of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-1 and Angiotensin II Blood Levels and Cognitive Function
Authors: Yasar Sevil , Varma Vijay R. , Harris Gregory C. , Carlson Michelle C.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Emerging evidence suggests a possible role of the renin angiotensin system in the pathophysiologic process of Alzheimer’s disease, of which angiotensin converting enzyme-1 (ACE-1) and angiotensin II (ANGII) are important proteins. Few studies evaluated associations between blood ACE-1 and none between ANGII levels, and cognition.

Objective:

Our pilot study was aimed to examine associations between blood ACE-1 and ANG II levels and cognitive function in non-demented participants at baseline and over a 1-year period.

Methods:

56 participants were included from the Brain Health Substudy of the Baltimore Experience Corps Study. Linear regression analysis, adjusting for confounders, was used to determine associations between baseline ACE-1 and ANGII, and baseline and 1-year follow-up measures of psychomotor and processing speed, executive function, verbal learning memory and working memory, and whether these associations were mediated by blood pressure.

Results:

Participants were predominantly female (75%), African-American (93%), with mean age of 67.8 years and education of 14.3 years. There were no associations between baseline ACE-1 or ANGII levels and cognitive function; however, there were significant association between baseline ACE-1 levels and 1-year follow-up Trail Making Test, Part A (β= 0.003, p = 0.04) and Digit Span (β= –0.001, p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

In this cognitively intact sample, elevated ACE-1 levels were associated with worse processing speed and working memory after 1 year. Findings from this pilot study suggest that changes in the RAS are associated with alterations in cognitive function warranting further assessment of the role of RAS in neurodegenerative disorders.
Cardiovascular Response to Mental Stress in Mild Cognitive Impairment and its Association with Cerebral Perfusion
Authors: Henley Brandon C. , Shokouhi Mahsa , Mahajan Anushree Y. , Inan Omer T. , Hajjar Ihab
Published: April 2018

Mental stress has been linked to various chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, but the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline with mental stress are unknown. Reduced cardiovascular response to stress is associated with cardiovascular disease, and the latter is associated with cognitive impairment. We measured electrodermal activity, blood pressure, and cardiac hemodynamics in cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) adults ( n = 76, mean age = 58 years, 46% MCI) during rest, a math test, and face-name recall tasks to derive the following cardiovascular indicators: mean arterial pressure, heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output. These indicators were compared between the two groups. Cerebral blood perfusion via arterial spin-labeling MRI was measured in a subgroup who underwent an MRI scan ( n = 30). Following exposure to mental stress, a decrease in stroke volume ( p = 0.024) and cardiac output ( p = 0.005) was found in the MCI group, but an increase in both parameters in the cognitively normal group. This difference was largest during face-name recall (standardized difference in stroke volume = –0.50, p = 0.029, and in cardiac output = –0.52, p = 0.023). Cardiac output during mental stress, but not at rest, decreased with cerebral perfusion (normal: p = 0.078, β= 1.97, R2 = 0.090; MCI: p = 0.007, β= 2.02, R2 = 0.008). No significant difference was found between the two groups at rest. This preliminary study suggests that individuals with MCI have an insufficient cardiac output, and in turn lower cerebral perfusion in response to mental stress.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Combined Use of MCV and MCH for the Detection of Thalassaemia Carrier
Authors: Haque Nazmul , Hoque Sheikh Azimul , Islam Ariful , Chowdhury Yamin Shahriar , Debnath Bithi , Saha Narayan Chandra
Published: April 2018

Background:  Determination of thalassaemia carrier is the mainstay of prevention and in this context red cell indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) provide valuable tool for determination thalassaemia carrier.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic test validity of combined use of MCV and MCH for the determination of thalassaemia carrier.Methodology: This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medicine at MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from September 2007 to January 2009 for a period of one year and five months. Siblings and cousins of beta thalassaemia major and haemoglobin-E (Hb-E) beta thalassaemia at any age with both sexes were selected for this study. Detailed history and thorough physical examination were performed meticulously. MCV, MCH and Hb-Electrophoresis were performed in all patients.Result: A total 128 siblings and cousins of beta thalassaemia major and Hb- E -beta thalassaemia were recruited for this study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of combine MCV & MCH in determination of thalassaemia carriers are 95.2%, 93.8%, 93.7% and 95.3% respectively.Conclusion: In conclusion combined use of MCV and MCH has high diagnostic validity for the detection of thalassaemia carrier.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(2):40-43
Rheumatoid Factor in Type 2 Male Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Yeasmin Roksana , Muttalib MA , Sultana Kazi Nazneen , Bhuiyan Nizamul Hoque , Karami Md Jamil Hasan , Nesa Ayatun
Published: April 2018

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by relative or absolute deficiency of insulin, resulting in glucose intolerance.Objectives: The present study was planned to see the associations of serum uric acid with positive Rheumatoid factor in type 2 male diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology: This case control study was carried out at the department of Biochemistry at Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The duration of the study was from June 2015 to June 2016 for a period of one year. In this present study, male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were taken as case group and age and sex matched healthy male were taken as control group. Rheumatoid factor was measured from the blood of all case and control group respondents. Others blood para meters were also measured for the correlation with the diabetes mellitus patients.Results: In this present study, 110 male patients presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited as case and age and sex matched healthy male were recruited as control. More rheumatoid factor positive in type 2 DM male patients with the uric acid range between 6.5 to 9.5 mg/dL. The number of patients was 5 out of total 9 rheumatoid factor positive cases. In this study serum uric acid was significantly correlated with rheumatoid factor in type 2 male diabetic patients. Rheumatoid factor positive cases were taking insulin among 9 and it was statistically significantly associated (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study serum uric acid is significantly associated with positive rheumatoid factor in type 2 male diabetic patients.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2017;4(2):58-62
Effect of weed control on the performance of transplant BRRI Dhan 32
Authors: Islam MS , Akter H , Aktar S , Miah J , Hossain SSF
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July to December 2003 to find out the effect of weed control on the performance of transplant Aman rice cv. BRRI Dhan 32. Weed control treatments  Included in the study were no weeding, one hand weeding, two hand weeding, one hand weeding+one weeding with Japanese rice weeder, Rift@ 0.5, 0.75, 1.0,  and 1.25 L ha-1 and Rostar@ 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 L ha-1. Important weed species found to infest the crop were Angta (Panicum repens), Acidgras (Ammania bacifera L.) Nackphulee (Cyperous difformis), Khudeshama (Echinochloa crusgalli) was the least important weed species. Higher doses of Rift 1.25L ha-1 and Ronstar 2.5 L ha-1 showed the best performance in reducing weed density and weed dry weight. The highest grain yield (5.0 4ton ha-1) was obtained from Ronstar 2.0 L ha-1 which was identical with the second highest grain yield (4.93 t ha-1) obtained from Rift 1.0 L ha-1. The highest net income of tk. 38915 ha-1 was obtained from Ronstar 2.0 L ha-1 and the next highest from Rift 1.0L ha-1.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 271-278, 2017
Influence of phytogenic feed additives and prebiotic in vegetable protein based diet on broiler performance
Authors: Tanzim HR , Das GB , Ahmad M , Barua M , Islam K
Published: April 2018

This study was conducted to determine the effect of phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic on vegetable protein base diet in broiler performance.  A total of 90 chicks (Cobb-500) were weighted and randomly assigned to the three treatment groups (To, T1 and T2) and supplemented with either phytogenic feed additives or prebiotic and reared for 28 days. Data on live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion (FC) were taken at weekly interval. Results revealed that significant (P<0.05) increase in live body weight of broilers was evident in both phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented groups comparing to the control group at 4th weeks of age. No significant (P>0.05) differences were found in live weight gain among the treatment groups on weekly intervals along the whole experimental period. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were evident on cumulative weight gain at 3rd and 4th weeks of age. In case of feed intake at the age of 3rd and 4th weeks, significant (P<0.05) differences were obtained with decreased feed intake in both phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented groups comparing to the control group. In case of feed conversion (FC), there were significant (P<0.05) differences among the groups on 1st week and 4th week of age. Best FC was accounted for prebiotic supplemented group along the whole experimental period. The survivability rates were 96.67%, 100% and 100% in control group, phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented group respectively. Results finally showed that vegetable protein when supplemented with phytogenic prebiotic feed additives and prebiotic c an additive beneficial effect on performance of when compared to non-supplemented control diet. So, ration using vegetable protein mixed with phytogenic feed additives or prebiotic can be recommended for broiler.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 323-330, 2017
Congenital Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect with Mitral Valve Prolapse and Mitral Regurgitation – A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hossain Md Aslam , Joshi Dharmendra , Acharya Mayank , Morshed Tareq , Khan Omar Sadeque , Sunny Samir Azam , Rahman Md Mukhlesur
Published: April 2018

Mitral regurgitation (MR) associated with secundum Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is not widely recognized but the association is not unusual. MR has been found in less than 10% of adults with large ASD which is mainly caused by mitral valve prolapse (MVP). We are reporting a case of congenital ostium secundum ASD with MVP associated with MR, review the clinical relevance of this association, and discuss the related literature. Our patient has shown dramatic improvement in symptoms and signs after ASD closure with mitral valve replacement along with improvement in tricuspid regurgitation. More general awareness of this association will further help the surgeon for better management of the patient with this rather unusual combination of lesions.University Heart Journal Vol. 12, No. 2, July 2016; 91-94
Distinctive Innovation Capabilities of Argentine Software Companies with High Innovation Results and Impacts
Authors: Camio María Isabel , Romero María del Carmen , Álvarez María Belén , Rébori Alfredo José
Published: April 2018

The software sector is of growing importance and, due to its degree of dynamism, the identification of capabilities for innovation is vital. This study identifies capabilities variables that distinguish Argentine software companies with high innovation results and high innovation impacts from those with lesser results and impacts. It is applied to a sample of 103 companies, a measurement model and the component variables of an innovation degree index for software companies (INIs) formulated in previous studies. A Principal Component Analysis and a biplot are conducted. In the analysis of results and impacts, 100% of the variability within the first two components is explained, which shows the high correlation between variables. From the biplots, it appears that companies with high results have higher degrees in the variables of motivation, strategy, leadership and internal determinants; and those with high impacts present higher degrees of structure, strategy, leadership, free software and innovation activities. The findings add elements to the theory of capabilities for innovation in the software sector and allow us to consider the relative importance of different capabilities variables in the generation of innovation results and impacts.
Genetic Diversity of Diurnal Carbohydrate Accumulation in White Clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Ruckle Michael E. , Bernasconi Lucia , Kölliker Roland , Zeeman Samuel C. , Studer Bruno
Published: April 2018

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is one of the most important legumes for fodder production in temperate climates, particularly in intensive pasture systems. Like many other forage legumes, it lacks the energy content to maximize productivity of modern ruminant livestock breeds. White clover produces water-soluble carbohydrates and starch in its leaves as a diurnal product of photosynthesis. However, little is known about the genetically encoded variability of diel changes in carbohydrate content. We assessed the amount of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch in the leaves of 185 plants of a genetically diverse white clover population. Water-soluble carbohydrates only provided on average 10.6% of dry weight (DW) of the total analyzed non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content at the end of the day (ED), while starch supplied 89.4% of the NSC content. The top 5% of individuals accumulated over 25% of their DW as starch at ED. The leaf starch content at ED showed up to a threefold difference between genotypes, with a repeatability value of 0.95. Our experiments illustrate both the physical potential of white clover to serve as a competitive energy source to meet the demand of modern ruminant livestock production and the genetic potential to improve this trait by breeding.
The Impact of an Integrated Program of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter
Authors: Spehar Daniel D. , Wolf Peter J.
Published: April 2018

Available evidence indicates that overall levels of feline intake and euthanasia at U.S. shelters have significantly declined in recent decades. Nevertheless, millions of cats, many of them free-roaming, continue to be admitted to shelters each year. In some locations, as many as 70% of cats, perhaps up to one million or more per year nationally, are euthanized. New approaches, including return-to-field (RTF) and targeted trap-neuter-return (TNR) appear to have transformative potential. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in feline intake and euthanasia, as well as additional associated metrics, at a municipal animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after institutionalized RTF and targeted TNR protocols, together referred to as a community cat program (CCP), were added to ongoing community-based TNR efforts and a pilot RTF initiative. Over the course of the CCP, which ran from April 2012 to March 2015, 11,746 cats were trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and returned or adopted. Feline euthanasia at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AAWD) declined by 84.1% and feline intake dropped by 37.6% over three years; the live release rate (LRR) increased by 47.7% due primarily to these reductions in both intake and euthanasia. Modest increases in the percentage of cats returned to owner (RTO) and the adoption rate were also observed, although both metrics decreased on an absolute basis, while the number of calls to the city about dead cats declined.
Planning for a Nondriving Future: Behaviors and Beliefs among Middle-Aged and Older Drivers
Authors: Harmon Annie , Babulal Ganesh , Vivoda Jonathon , Zikmund-Fisher Brian , Carr David
Published: April 2018

Despite the reality of older adults living many years after driving cessation, few prepare for the eventuality; empirically, planning for a nondriving future has not been directly quantified or explored. The following study quantifies (1) the extent of current drivers’ planning; (2) specific planning behaviors; (3) beliefs about benefits of planning; (4) drivers’ intention to plan more for future transportation needs; and (5) group differences associated with planning. In a predominantly female, black, urban sample of current drivers ages 53–92, fewer than half (42.1%) had planned at all for a nondriving future, with correspondingly low levels of planning behaviors reported. However, over 80% believed planning would help them meet their needs post-cessation and transition emotionally to being a nondriver. Most (85%) intended to plan more in the future as well, indicating further potential openness to the topic. Drivers who planned were older, drove less frequently, limited their driving to nearby places, reported less difficulty believing they would become a nondriver, and expected to continue driving three years less than non-planners. These findings suggest that drivers’ perceived nearness to driving cessation impacts planning for future transportation needs, and existing perceived benefits of planning may provide leverage to motivate action.
Health Risk Assessment on Hazardous Ingredients in Household Deodorizing Products
Authors: Lee Minjin , Kim Joo-Hyon , Lee Daeyeop , Kim Jaewoo , Lim Hyunwoo , Seo Jungkwan , Park Young-Kwon
Published: April 2018

The inhalation of a water aerosol from a humidifier containing disinfectants has led to serious lung injuries in Korea. To promote the safe use of products, the Korean government enacted regulations on the chemicals in various consumer products that could have adverse health effects. Given the concern over the potential health risks associated with the hazardous ingredients in deodorizing consumer products, 17 ingredients were analyzed and assessed according to their health risk on 3 groups by the application type in 47 deodorizing products. The risk assessment study followed a stepwise procedure (e.g., collecting toxicological information, hazard identification/exposure assessment, and screening and detailed assessment for inhalation and dermal routes). The worst-case scenario and maximum concentration determined by the product purpose and application type were used as the screening assessment. In a detailed assessment, the 75th exposure factor values were used to estimate the assumed reasonable exposure to ingredients. The exposed concentrations of seven ingredients were calculated. Due to limitation of toxicity information, butylated hydroxyl toluene for a consumer’s exposure via the dermal route only was conducted for a detailed assessment. This study showed that the assessed ingredients have no health risks at their maximum concentrations in deodorizing products. This approach can be used to establish guidelines for ingredients that may pose inhalation and dermal hazards.
Verification of a GNSS Time Series Discontinuity Detection Approach in Support of the Estimation of Vertical Crustal Movements
Authors: Kowalczyk Kamil , Rapinski Jacek
Published: April 2018

Vertical crustal movements can be calculated on the basis of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) permanent stations positioning results (the absolute motion) as well as on vectors between the stations (the relative motion). The time series, which are created in both cases, include, apart from the information about height, measurement noise, and they are burdened with the influence of factors that are sometimes difficult to identify. These factors make momentary or long-term changes in height. The times of sudden changes in height (jumps) can be difficult to identify and estimate. In order to calculate the velocity of vertical movements, each of the jumps should be identified. It means that both the epoch of each jump and its value must be estimated. The authors of this article developed an algorithm that supports the process of creating the models of vertical crustal movements from GNSS data. The algorithm determines the epoch of a jump and estimates the velocity of vertical movements. The aim of the article is to verify the algorithm on the basis of height changes in adjacent stations of polish national CORS network ASG-EUPOS and to set proper algorithm parameters. The results received on the basis of the algorithm were evaluated and verified using four possible methods: visual evaluation, testing the algorithm using adjacent input parameter values, information in .log files and analysis of the loop misclosure. The results indicate that the algorithm functions properly and is useful in the creation of vertical crustal movement models from GNSS data.
Radical-Mediated Reactions of α-Bromo Aluminium Thioacetals, α-Bromothioesters, and Xanthates for Thiolactone Synthesis
Authors: McCourt Ruairí O. , Dénès Fabrice , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: April 2018

Thiolactones have attracted considerable attention in recent years as bioactive natural products, lead compounds for drug discovery, molecular probes, and reagents for polymerisation. We have investigated radical-mediated C-C bond forming reactions as a strategy for thiolactone synthesis. Cyclisation of an α-bromo aluminium thioacetal was investigated under radical conditions. It was found that at low temperature, a radical fragmentation and rearrangement process occurs. A putative reaction mechanism involving a previously unreported aluminium templated thiol-ene step for the rearrangement process is presented. Cyclisation reactions of α-bromo thioesters and α-xanthate thioesters under radical mediated conditions furnished the desired thiolactones in moderate yields.
Cardiovascular Mechanisms of Action of Anthocyanins May Be Associated with the Impact of Microbial Metabolites on Heme Oxygenase-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Warner Emily , Rodriguez-Ramiro Ildefonso , O’Connell Maria , Kay Colin
Published: April 2018

Anthocyanins are reported to have cardio-protective effects, although their mechanisms of action remain elusive. We aimed to explore the effects of microbial metabolites common to anthocyanins and other flavonoids on vascular smooth muscle heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Thirteen phenolic metabolites identified by previous anthocyanin human feeding studies, as well as 28 unique mixtures of metabolites and their known precursor structures were explored for their activity on HO-1 protein expression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). No phenolic metabolites were active when treated in isolation; however, five mixtures of phenolic metabolites significantly increased HO-1 protein expression (127.4–116.6%, p ≤ 0.03). The present study demonstrates that phenolic metabolites of anthocyanins differentially affect HO-1 activity, often having additive, synergistic or nullifying effects.
Silicon and Mechanisms of Plant Resistance to Insect Pests
Authors: Alhousari Fadi , Greger Maria
Published: April 2018

This paper reviews the most recent progress in exploring silicon-mediated resistance to herbivorous insects and the mechanisms involved. The aim is to determine whether any mechanism seems more common than the others as well as whether the mechanisms are more pronounced in silicon-accumulating than non-silicon-accumulating species or in monocots than eudicots. Two types of mechanisms counter insect pest attacks: physical or mechanical barriers and biochemical/molecular mechanisms (in which Si can upregulate and prime plant defence pathways against insects). Although most studies have examined high Si accumulators, both accumulators and non-accumulators of silicon as well as monocots and eudicots display similar Si defence mechanisms against insects.
Synthesis and Characterization of Wooden Magnetic Activated Carbon Fibers with Hierarchical Pore Structures
Authors: Li Dongna , Li Jianing , Ren Biyun , Li Tongtong , Ma Xiaojun
Published: April 2018

Wooden magnetic activated carbon fibers (WMACFs) with hierarchical pore structures were obtained by adding magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles into the liquefied wood. The structures and properties of WMACFs were analyzed by scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results showed that WMACFs had high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area (1578 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.929 cm3/g), of which 45% was the contribution of small mesopores of 2–3 nm. It is believed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles play an important role in the formation of hierarchical pores. With the Fe3O4 content increasing, the yield rate of WMACFs decreased, and the Fe3O4 crystal plane diffraction peaks and characteristic adsorption peaks were obviously observed. At the same time, it was also found that WMACFs had favorable magnetic properties when the Fe3O4 content was above 1.5%. As a result, WMACFs could be a promising candidate for high efficiency, low cost, and convenient separation for the magnetic field.
Worrying about ‘Vertical Landscapes’: Terraced Olive Groves and Ecosystem Services in Marginal Land in Central Italy
Authors: Brunori Elena , Salvati Luca , Antogiovanni Angela , Biasi Rita
Published: April 2018

Terraced Mediterranean areas are distinctive man-made landscapes with historical and cultural relevance. Terraced land abandonment driven by physical and economic constraints had important ecological consequences. This study focuses on a marginal agricultural district in southern Latium, central Italy, where terracing dated back to the Roman period and olive groves are the main agricultural use. A diachronic assessment of land-use transformations was carried out to identify landscape dynamics and drivers of change around terraced land. Terraced landscape systems (TLS), derived from spatial aggregation of neighboring terraced patches, have been analyzed for landscape transformations considering slope as the main stratification variable. Structural and functional characteristics of TLS were analyzed using a landscape ecology approach. Soil bio-chemical indicators were finally assessed to study the impact of terraced olive agro-ecosystems on soil-related ecosystems services. The empirical findings outlined that TLS in central Italy are sensitive to urbanization and land abandonment. Cultivated terraces prevailed up to gentle-medium slope land, uncultivated and wooded areas dominated terraces on steep slopes. In this context, poly-cultural olive groves proved to be a cropping system particularly resilient to global change, irrespective of land slope. Terraced systems and extensive poly-cultural olive groves play a role in preserving ecosystem integrity, landscape quality, soil functionality and, therefore, environmental sustainability.
"Recognizing limits "
Authors: Levinson Mark
Published: April 2018

Je voudrais ici essayer de traiter le problème des limites d'expression dans une langue étrangère.

Diverses discussions avec des francophones et des anglophones bilingues, voire trilingues sont à l'origine de ces réflexions.

Après avoir remarqué que certaines personnes sont satisfaites et d' autres insatisfaites de leur niveau de langue, je suis arrivé à la conclusion que l'incapacité linguistique ne gênait ni l'expression ni la compréhension, mais que les blocages venaient de l'absence de pensées. Sans pensée, pas de langage.

Reconnaître les limites et les frontières déjà traversées, ou qui ne le sont pas encore, est donc essentiel pour le professeur et 1'étudiant.

Dans l'apprentissage d'une langue étrangère, la compréhension d'une idée précède son expression. Il doit donc y avoir des idées si l'on attend une expression dans une langue. C'est le rôle du professeur de faire penser et réfléchir ses étudiants pour qu'ils puissent exprimer ce qu'ils pensent - et ce, sans négliger de tenir compte de leurs limites.
Niveaux d'énonciation, niveaux de culture
Authors: Gallais-Hamonno Janine
Published: April 2018

Dans chaque texte, peuvent être isolés quatre niveaux d'énonciation (langage, langue, discours scientifique et discours pédagogique). Toutefois, dans une communauté nationale, la culture scientifique, technique ou spécialisée des différents individus est différente. C'est pourquoi il faut distinguer, au sein d'une langue nationale, quatre niveaux de culture spécialisée (très spécialisée, spécialisée, cultivée, générale) dont chacune a un langage, une langue et des discours qui en un temps donné sont distincts les uns des autres.

Ce que l'on entend par "langues de spécialité" correspond aux niveaux "très spécialisé" et "spécialisé" des niveaux de culture. La "langue de communication" correspond aux deux autres niveaux de culture. Entre langues de spécialité et langue de communication existe ainsi une différence de niveau de spécialisation, mais il existe également une différence de nature qui fait de la langue de communication l'héritière de la langue de spécialité, après un délai plus ou moins long, mais avec parfois une perte de précision due au fait que la langue de communication se contente d'un à peu près, là où la langue de spécialité exige des traits explicités.
Nürtingen, ville moyenne du Moyen Neckar : Évolution de 1950 à 1978
Authors: Boisset Jacques
Published: April 2018

Ce numéro contient la première partie d'un article en deux parties consacré à ce sujet. Il nous semble que l'intérêt dé cette étude se situe sur quatre plans. Le premier plan est une meilleure connaissance de Nürtingen et de sa région, le Würtemberg , avec ses petites exploitations agricoles et ses entreprises familiales, dont l'activité est le plus souvent la construction mécanique ou l'électro-technique. Le deuxième plan est la possibilité de se familiariser avec les problèmes posés à toutes les villes, pour s'adapter à la croissance et au progrès : construction de nouveaux quartiers, aménagement de la vieille ville, zone piétonne, rapports entre le centre ville et les quartiers modernes, implantation de grandes surfaces, circulation. Le troisième plan concerne les grands changements qui marquent la période récente. Ce sont, dans le domaine social, la formidable élévation du niveau de vie et l'amélioration de la protection sociale, et, dans le domaine économique, la restructuration de l'agriculture, la concentration dans le commerce, la formidable expansion de l' industrie, puis le choc pétrolier. Le quatrième plan permet une meilleure connaissance des institutions communales et régionales, de la réforme administrative de 1975, des projets de développement de la commune jusqu'en 1990 dans le cadre de l'aménagement régional.
"L'observation-analyse : l'évaluation de l'enseignant"
Authors: Soulie-Susbielles Nicole
Published: April 2018

Le thème du colloque est l'ÉVALUATION centrée sur l'apprenant et ses résultats. Il a paru intéressant de se pencher également sur l'autre partenaire de la situation pédagogique : l'enseignant. Peut-on évaluer la variable 'enseignant' ? de quels moyens dispose-t-on pour le faire ? à quoi peut servir une telle évaluation ? Quelles en sont les implications dans une perspective idéologique de l'éducation ? Les pages qui suivent n'ont pas la prétention d'apporter la solution (y a-t-il jamais une solution en sciences humaines ?) ; on se contentera de suivre l'évolution de ce domaine de recherche et d'examiner très brièvement les problèmes auxquels sont confrontés tous ceux qui se sont embarqués dans cette voie délicate.
A roomful of human beings
Authors: Maley Alan
Published: April 2018

Le titre de cet article, que l'on pourrait traduire en français comme "Une chambrée d'êtres humains", forme aussi sa conclusion. C'est ainsi que l'auteur, Alan Maley, fait appel aux enseignants en langues à considérer la classe en termes de communication réciproque, plutôt qu'à se limiter aux idées pédagogiques classiques. Cela implique, pour certains, un changement d'attitude envers les étudiants, qui, au lieu de rester au niveau d'apprentis devant le "maître", apparaissent commes des personnes à part entière, ayant à partager avec nous leurs peines, leur joies, leurs peurs, leurs espoirs. L'enseignement d'une langue est présenté davantage sous son aspect communicatif que sous l'aspect de l'apprentissage, et ceci en mettant l'accent sur les activités dramatiques.
Un enseignement du français dans un Institut Universitaire de Technologie aux États-Unis
Authors: Bras Monique
Published: April 2018

C'est grâce à André Strauss (cf. pp. 34-38) que nous pouvons publier ici ce témoignage et nous tenons à l'en remercier. Forte de sa triple expérience en tant que professeur d'université traditionnelle, directeur d'un programme-pilote (HEW) et professeur-consultant auprès d'organismes de recherche, Monique Bras nous propose ici un exemple d'enseignement du français dans un Institut Universitaire aux États Unis. Tout à fait dans la perspective adoptée pour le VIème congrès, elle voudrait ÉCHANGER quelques réflexions sur deux importants facteurs d'évolution dans le type d'enseignement qu'elle décrit : l'entrée à l'université d'un nouvelle "clientèle" d'étudiants et la pénétration en force de l'informatique dans nos vies. Elle appuie son constat sur The 1981 College Board Report : "America in Transition" et pose la question de savoir comment répondre à ces exigences nouvelles. Elle estime que l'enseignement d'une langue étrangère doit avoir deux qualités essentielles : 1) s'intégrer dans la discipline majeure de l'enseigné ; 2) être approché suivant une méthode d'individualisation vraie. Elle se demande ensuite comment le développement d'un tel enseignement pourrait bénéficier des nouvelles ressources que lui offre l'informatique ; puis elle organise son exposé en décrivant les étapes qui mènent à un enseignement assisté par ordinateur. Elle donne des exemples d'interventions possibles et souhaitables de l'ordinateur dans ce nouveau type d'enseignement et propose un certain nombre de suggestions. Son témoignage ne doit pas être lu comme une photographie statique d'un état de fait ; il porte en lui une volonté dynamique d'échanges, et tous ceux qui voudront prendre contact avec Monique Bras pourront le faire en passant par André Strauss (cf. p . 38).
L'offre d'emploi technique : présentation d'une enquête sur les besoins langagiers en anglais tels qu'exprimés par l'industrie dans les annonces de presse
Authors: Durand Gilles
Published: April 2018

Cet article se divise en deux parties. La première est une étude de 102 offres d'emplois techniques dont le but est de définir les capacités langagières de base exigées des postulants . Dans une seconde partie, l'examen de 23 réponses d'entreprises se propose de vérifier cette approche. L'accent porte également sur la définition de directions d'enseignement adaptées à l'enseignement des langues de spécialité.
Comment faire parler les étudiants
Authors: Rinvolucri Mario
Published: April 2018

How to make all the students speak.

The following text briefly describes several games useful for getting active oral participation from all the students in a group. It is not an article, since it contains no theoretical justification or analysis of the techniques used. The author has written a short description of the games that were presented at Sevres, 30 May 1985, at the annual congress of APLIUT, partly at a plenary session, then with a smaller workshop group.
L'E.A.O. d'anglais sup APPLE
Authors: Sahal Jean
Published: April 2018

Le présent article fait suite à l'atelier que nous avons animé au dernier congrès de l'APLIUT. Nous y avons montré à l'aide d'un APPLE que l'ordinateur pouvait être un auxiliaire précieux pour le professeur d'anglais à condition de choisir les bons logiciels et de trouver la bonne manière de s'en servir. Nous montrerons qu'il n'y a pas que les didacticiels d'anglais proprement dit qui soient susceptibles d'être utilisés en classe. La plupart des logiciels destinés à l'origine au public américain peuvent faire l'affaire. Que ce soit un logiciel éducatif ou un logiciel de jeu son emploi sera justifié dans la mesure où il engendre de copieux échanges verbaux en anglais entre la machine et celui ou celle qui est devant le clavier. Parmi la pléthore de programmes proposés au grand public nous essaierons de déterminer quels sont les types de programmes qui sont les plus efficaces. Outre les logiciels commercialisés, il est également possible de créer soi -même des didacticiels maison sur mesure très performants. C'est devenu aujourd'hui facile, rapide et à la portée de tout le monde à condition de de programmation qui conviennent à chacun. Nous évoquerons également ces possibilités.
Anglais de gestion, lexiques et commentaires : critique et réflexions sur le livre de Maud Tixier, Dictionnaire américain-anglais-français du management
Authors: Carruthers Leo Martin
Published: April 2018

Le livre de Maud Tixier, qui se révélera certainement un bon outil de travail pour les enseignants et étudiants, cherche à répondre aux nombreuses questions d'ordre linguistique que se posent les utilisateurs de l'anglais en tant que langue internationale des affaires. Il ne s'agit pas d'un dictionnaire au sens classique : composé de dix chapitres couvrant l'ensemble des spécialités de gestion, il est organisé autour de dix lexiques suivis de renseignements et de commentaires divers. Néanmoins, l'absence d'un Index Général est le défaut majeur d'une telle organisation, qui ne facilite pas la recherche d'un mot donné. Le titre peut être critiqué pour plusieurs raisons : d'abord, pour l'emploi ambigu du mot "dictionnaire", ensuite pour l'utilisation du terme anglais "management" à la place du français "gestion", puis pour sa nature apparemment trilingue qui semble suggérer que les Américains ne parlent pas anglais.
L'E.A.O. à l'Université de Paris-Dauphine : Présentation du logiciel UNMASK
Authors: Rivas Michèle
Published: April 2018

CALL at the Université Paris Dauphine - Presentation of UNMASK, a computer programme.

In 1985-86 we organised a CALL Seminar with John Higgins (see Cahiers de l'APLIUT n°21) and introduced the students to UNMASK, a computer programme for text-deletion /reconstruction created by M. François Rivas. Written for GOUPIL III (MSDOS 2.0) in MS Basic, UNMASK is equipped with an authoring system that enables teachers to enter their own specific texts (in management, economics, law, international conferences...). Three options are given for deletion, two for word reconstruction (full words or letter by letter) ; final scores are personalized, dated and timed ; 10 help pages are available.
"What's wrong with grammar teaching ?"
Authors: Lewis Michael
Published: April 2018

After asking this question, "what's wrong with grammar teaching ?", Michael Lewis stresses his point with a few relevant quotations on grammar. He then tries to define and describe grammar : facts or a system. He stresses that according to him there are two kinds of grammar, one which focuses on fact --"well-formedness", and the other on choice. All grammar teaching will be defective unless the central role of the choice of the user is recognized, as choice implies meaning. And grammar as a system is a cylindrical learning process implying the constant reappraisal of old ideas in new depth. He then discusses eight difficulties with grammatical explanation and concludes on the need to move from explanation to exploration.
La grammaire anglaise par les techniques du théâtre
Authors: Hiscock Michel
Published: April 2018

En dépit de l'évolution des méthodes d'enseignement et des moyens techniques, les enseignants se posent encore aujourd'hui la question : la grammaire, comment l'enseigner vraiment ? Les techniques du théâtre, parce qu'elles permettent aux enseignants de s'adapter aux goûts de leur public actuel, parce qu'elles incitent à varier les exercices, peuvent apporter une réponse. Par le jeu théâtral, l'étudiant peut fixer la structure grammaticale plus facilement en choisissant l'exercice qui lui semble le mieux approprié.
Lire les grammaires
Authors: Cotte Pierre
Published: April 2018

This article presents the main studies of English grammar written from a linguistic point of view, published and available to English teachers The underlying theories (distributionalism, tranformationalism, structuralism, enunciation theories) are studied and the essential differences analysed. Our goal is to facilitate the consultation of these works by demystifying linguistics and providing some signposts to find one's way in the jungle of competing theories.
Les échanges universitaires
Authors: Groscolas Daniel
Published: April 2018

Die heutigen Hochschulstrukturen in den jeweiligen Ländern sind historisch begründet - nicht ohne Grund spielt das Modell der Universität von Humbolt heute noch eine Rolle in Deutschland - und sind somit sehr unterschiedlich in den jeweiligen Ländern. Diese Unterschiede sind für Partnerschaften mit einer ausländischen Einrichtung sowohl fördernd wie hemmend. Als Beispiel sollen hier die französischen Instituts Universitaires de Technologie (I.U.T.) und die deutschen Fachhochschulen (F.H.S.) aufgeführt werden. Die Studenten absolvieren in den I.U.T. ihr Studium in 2Jahren und ihre Kommilitonen in den, F.H.S. in 3 bzw. 4 Jahren. Diese unterschiedliche Studiendauer wird von den letzteren sehr hervorgehoben, um ändere Partnerschafen als die mit den I.U.T. einzugehen.
Vampire Transformations
Authors: Hollett Mike
Published: April 2018

Les étudiants du secteur scientifique ont des besoins langagiers bien particuliers. L'enseignement "vidéo-actif" leur permet d'acquérir les techniques de communication dont ils ont besoin et d'évaluer leur progrès et leur acquis en étudiant l'enregistrement de leur exposé. C'est le miroir dans lequel les vampires, selon la légende, ne peuvent se voir. L'utilisation de modes de représentation symboliques et abstraits est vitale. De ce fait, la langue n'est qu'un outil de support. On insiste donc beaucoup sur la méthodologie : organisation du message, choix des modes pour illustrer les idées clés, importance des points de repère donnés à l'auditoire.
Exploitation pédagogique d'émissions de télévision en direct ; l'interface didactique/linguistique
Authors: Vidalenc Jean-louis
Published: April 2018

This paper will discuss two results of the live classroom analysis of audiovisual broadcasts. In certain cases -Time/Tense opposition - which one would expect to be well treated in grammar books, untypical examples are to be found and must be explained. In other cases — scientific language connectors — one finds that possible explanations of an isolated sentence out of context seem rather brief when applied to a longer text. Technological progress muls therefore be accompanied by teaching methods capable of handling it.
Towards Autonomy in Academic Writing
Authors: James Ken
Published: April 2018

The question asked is how to develop the ability to write special subject material in a multi-disciplinary group of students at various levels of English and from different language backgrounds. The author stresses the importance of precisely defining those key functions in the language of research that the students find difficult. The methodology concentrates on the use of 'model paragraphs'. Practice in these is supported by the formal study of key linguistic elements. The students themselves are also encouraged to collect these elements in their own notebooks and to express themselves in class essays which deal with their own special-subject interests. Tutorials give an opportunity to sort out individual problems in writing up research. Recent work in genre analysis and in how students write up their research can support and strengthen the methodology presented here.
A New Kind of Dictionary for English Learners
Authors: Hanks Patrick
Published: April 2018

The COBUILD dictionary aims to give learners guidance on the productive use of English, as well as on understanding meanings. It pays particular attention to showing typical patterns of phraseology. The COBUILD approach to language study depends on the question "What is normal ?" rather than "What is possible ?" This approach is contrasted with the approach of other dictionaries and of grammars. The way in which phraseological patterns are associated with lexical items is illustrated with examples from the large computerized corpus of modern English on which the whole COBUILD analysis is based.
Vers la prise en compte de la pluralité des styles cognitifs pour l'acquisition et l'apprentissage des langues en situation et autonome et collective
Authors: Decotterd Daniel
Published: April 2018

This paper will present a three-dimensional grid (physiological, sociological, psychological) for the observation of the language acquisition and language learning capacities of our students considered individually and in the class-room. Relying on Antoine De La Garanderie' s theoretical and practical works, we shall draw a rough distinction between visual and aural cognitive styles. We shall submit that integrating the perception of the different modes of language learning and acquisition can improve the ecology of the class-room. Through maïeutics the teacher can help the student bring out his/her linguistic potentialities, relate better to the others and become a better communicator.
La transposition est-elle utilisée par les traducteurs techniques ?
Authors: Monin Sylvie
Published: April 2018

L'analyse contrastive de la transposition rencontrée en traduction spécialisée, malgré le problème méthodologique posé par le découpage du texte en segments de sens, est une réflexion fructueuse sur les langues spécialisées. Les limites de la notion de transposition permettent, en particulier, de souligner la nature statique et descriptive du discours de l'électricité, et les connaissances linguistiques et spécialisées du traducteur technique. Par conséquent, cette analyse permet d'éviter une simple approche descriptive de la langue de l'électricité en français et en anglais, et de combler certaines lacunes de la réflexion théorique.