bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Properties of Sub-galactic Clumps at 0.5 ≤ Z ≤ 1.5 in the UVUDF
Authors: Soto Emmaris , Mello Duilia F. de , Rafelski Marc , Gardner Jonathan P. , Teplitz Harry I. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Ravindranath Swara , Grogin Norman A. , Scarlata Claudia , Kurczynski Peter , Gawiser Eric
Published: February 2017

We present an investigation of clumpy galaxies in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field at

in the rest-frame far-ultraviolet (FUV) using Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 broadband imaging in F225W, F275W, and F336W. An analysis of 1404 galaxies yields 209 galaxies that host 403 kpc scale clumps. These host galaxies appear to be typical star-forming galaxies, with an average of 2 clumps per galaxy and reaching a maximum of 8 clumps. We measure the photometry of the clumps and determine the mass, age, and star formation rates (SFR) using the spectral energy distribution fitting code FAST. We find that clumps make an average contribution of 19% to the total rest-frame FUV flux of their host galaxy. Individually, clumps contribute a median of 5% to the host galaxy SFR and an average of ∼4% to the host galaxy mass, with total clump contributions to the host galaxy stellar mass ranging widely from lower than 1% up to 93%. Clumps in the outskirts of galaxies are typically younger, with higher SFRs, than clumps in the inner regions. The results are consistent with clump migration theories in which clumps form through violent gravitational instabilities in gas-rich turbulent disks, eventually migrate toward the center of the galaxies, and coalesce into the bulge.
The Interaction of Relativistic Spacecrafts with the Interstellar Medium
Authors: Hoang Thiem , Lazarian A. , Burkhart Blakesley , Loeb Abraham
Published: February 2017

The Breakthrough Starshot initiative aims to launch a gram-scale spacecraft to a speed of v ∼ 0.2c, capable of reaching the nearest star system, α Centauri, in about 20 years. However, a critical challenge for the initiative is the damage to the spacecraft by interstellar gas and dust during the journey. In this paper, we quantify the interaction of a relativistic spacecraft with gas and dust in the interstellar medium (ISM). For gas bombardment, we find that damage by track formation due to heavy elements is an important effect. We find that gas bombardment can potentially damage the surface of the spacecraft to a depth of ∼0.1 mm for quartz material after traversing a gas column of

along the path to α Centauri, whereas the effect is much weaker for graphite material. The effect of dust bombardment erodes the spacecraft surface and produces numerous craters due to explosive evaporation of surface atoms. For a spacecraft speed

, we find that dust bombardment can erode a surface layer of ∼0.5 mm thickness after the spacecraft has swept a column density of

, assuming the standard gas-to-dust ratio of the ISM. Dust bombardment also damages the spacecraft surface by modifying the material structure through melting. We calculate the equilibrium surface temperature due to collisional heating by gas atoms as well as the temperature profile as a function of depth into the spacecraft. Our quantitative results suggest methods for damage control, and we highlight possibilities for shielding strategies and protection of the spacecraft.
Central Engine and Host Galaxy of RXJ 1301.9+2747: A Multiwavelength View of a Low-mass Black Hole Active Galactic Nuclei with Ultra-soft X-Ray Emission
Authors: Shu X. W. , Wang T. G. , Jiang N. , Wang J. X. , Sun L. M. , Zhou H. Y.
Published: February 2017

RXJ 1301.9+2747 is an optically identified very-low-mass AGN candidate with

, which shows extremely soft X-ray emission and unusual X-ray variability in the form of short-lived flares. We present an analysis of multiwavelength observations of RXJ 1301.9+2747 in order to study the properties of the active nucleus and its host galaxy. The UV-to-X-ray spectrum in the quiescent state can be well and self-consistently described by a thermal and a Comptonized emission from the accretion disk, with the black body dominating ∼70% of the X-rays in the 0.2–2 keV. The same model can describe the X-ray spectrum in the flare state, but the Comptonized component becomes dominant (∼80%). The best fit implies an Eddington ratio of ∼0.14 and a black-hole mass of

M
⊙, in agreement with the estimation from the optical data within errors. However, the best-fitting model under predicts the optical flux for the HST point source by a factor of ∼2. The excess of nuclear optical emission could be attributed to a nuclear stellar cluster, which is frequently seen in low-mass AGNs. The X-ray to optical spectral slope (

) is lower than in most other active galaxies, which may be attributed to intrinsically X-ray weakness due to very little hot and optically thin coronal emission. We performed a pilot search for weak or hidden broad emission lines using optical spectropolarimetry observations, but no polarized broad lines are detected. The host galaxy appears to be a disk galaxy with a boxy pseudobulge or nuclear bar accounting for ∼15% of the total starlight, which is consistent with the general characteristics of the host of low-mass AGNs.
Characteristics of Orthopedic Publications in High-Impact General Medical Journals
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Lehman Jason D. , Lyman Stephen , Marx Robert G.
Published: February 2017

Orthopedic studies are occasionally published in high-impact general medical journals; these studies are often given high visibility and have significant potential to impact health care policy and inform clinical decision-making. The purpose of this review was to investigate the characteristics of operative orthopedic studies published in high-impact medical journals. The number of orthopedic studies published in high-impact medical journals is relatively low; however, these studies demonstrate methodological characteristics that may bias toward nonoperative treatment. Careful analysis and interpretation of orthopedic studies published in these journals is warranted. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e405–e412.]
A New Architecture for Cross-Repository Creation and Sharing of Educational Resources
Authors: Favario Leonardo , Masala Enrico
Published: February 2017

A large amount of educational resources are currently available in the Internet, covering educational needs for many school grades. However, using such wealth of material, typically dispersed in several repositories, in a simple and effective way, is rather challenging due to the difficulties encountered by teachers in learning the peculiar access and operational procedures that each repository system requires. Therefore, it is important to provide the teachers with a centralized, integrated, simple system that can address most of their needs so that every operation (search, edit, share, download) can be done from a single location. This work follows this direction by designing and presenting both an architecture to integrate different repository systems using the Content Management Interoperability Services (CMIS) API and an integration layer that provides a simple web interface suitable for the needs of both the content creators (teachers) and the users of the contents (learners). Results have been evaluated both quantitatively, i.e., using performance indicators such as response time, and qualitatively, on the basis of the user experience evaluated through a questionnaire. Both type of results show that the platform adequately addresses user needs therefore it has the potential to be embraced by a large user community.
Body Mass, Wing Length, and Condition of Wintering Ducks Relative to Hematozoa Infection
Authors: Fleskes Joseph P. , Ramey Andrew M. , Reeves Andrew B. , Yee Julie L.
Published: February 2017

Waterfowl managers lack information regarding factors that may be reducing the positive response of waterfowl body condition to habitat improvements. Protozoan blood parasites (i.e., hematozoa) are commonly found in birds and have been related to reduced body mass, wing length, and body condition. We studied relationships between 12 measures of hematozoa infection and body mass, wing length, and body mass divided by wing length (i.e., body condition index) of the five most common duck species (northern pintail [Anas acuta], mallard [A. platyrhynchos], green-winged teal [A. crecca], American wigeon [A. americana], northern shoveler [A. clypeata]) wintering in the Central Valley of California during October 2006–January 2007. After accounting for variation due to species, age–sex cohort, Central Valley region, and month, wing length, body mass, and body condition index were found to be negatively related to infection by Leucocytozoon and by “any hematozoa” but not related to infection by only Plasmodium or Haemoproteus, or coinfections of greater than one genus or parasite haplotype (albeit few ducks had Plasmodium or Haemoproteus infection or coinfections). Evidence of a negative relationship with infection was stronger for body mass and body condition index than for wing length and indicated that the relationships varied among species, age–sex cohorts, regions, and months. Compared with uninfected ducks, hematozoa-infected duck body mass, wing length, and body condition index was −1.63% (85% CI = −2.79% to −0.47%), −0.12% (−0.41% to 0.17%), and −1.38% (−2.49% to −0.26%), respectively. Although seemingly small, the −1.63% difference in body mass represents a large percentage (e.g., 38% for northern pintail) of the observed increase in wintering duck body mass associated with Central Valley habitat improvements. Because infection prevalence and relationship to body condition might change over time because of climate or other factors, tracking hematozoa infection prevalence might be important to inform and accurately assess the effect of conservation programs designed to improve waterfowl body condition.
Major Issues Affecting Government Data and Information in Developing Countries
Authors: Zoughbi Saleem
Published: February 2017

The ever-developing technology is multifaceted, not only in technical specifications, but also in mode, type and characteristics. New technologies are designed and produced, new ways of using these technologies also are being suggested, tested and adopted. Telecommunications and digital technology provide today remarkable smart technologies that enable people to capture, process, maintain, disseminate and store efficiently all kinds of information at very fast speed, with high degree of efficiency and correctness. Much of government data collected are continuously affected by the development in such technology. Recent trends of technology currently and for 2017 and beyond have shown that the impact of such trends will enhance the impact on the way governments handle data. This chapter presents an overview of such trends. However, a common strategy for government data should be developed in a concise way that will guide the process of dealing with the trends of modern technologies. Therefore government data platform will adopt new technologies, new hardware and software but essentially the way government data is kept and managed still remain the same, just new tools have been adopted.
Implementation of Mobile Health Initiatives in Malawi
Authors: Malanga Donald Flywell
Published: February 2017

Malawi has been implementing mobile health (mHealth) model for close to five years. This was aimed to address the challenges of access to accurate, timely information and healthcare services to the people and bridge the gap of health service delivery disparities that currently exist in the country. This chapter reviews the mHealth initiatives being implemented in the country by drawing two case studies into context: Chipatala Cha Pa Foni (CCPF) Project for improving Maternal, New born, and Child Health (MNCH) and Rapid SMS Project for improving the Child Nutrition Surveillance. The chapter also examines the success stories registered in the implementation of the projects; and identifies the challenges that hampered the adoption and scalability of the mHealth projects. Based on the challenges, the chapter makes recommendation that Malawi and other developing countries may adopt for scaling up or replicating similar mHealth programmes. The chapter is based on literature review and the author's points of view.
E-Government and E-Democracy in the Supranational Arena
Authors: Salvati Eugenio
Published: February 2017

Several scholars have argued about the nature of the democratic (and legitimacy) deficit that affects the European Union (EU) and its political institutions. The creation of a European public sphere and the enhancement of a European “we feeling” among citizens has been considered a fundamental feature to implement the democratic functioning of the EU. In this context of democratic deficit, it is interesting to understand and analyse the role of the e-government in the EU, in order to understand if new technologies could be useful to implement transparency and accountability within the supranational arena and reduce the gap between citizens and institutions. This gap is one of the core elements that are feeding the democratic and legitimacy deficit of the EU. The main task of the chapter is to analyse the actual state of e-government and e-democracy in the EU, and reflect if these tools are reducing the democratic deficit that is effecting EU institutions.
Digital Humour, Gag Laws, and the Liberal Security State
Authors: Bessant Judith
Published: February 2017

This chapter presents a case study of Facu Diaz, a Spanish satirist whose on-line ridicule of the Spanish government created a political furor that brought him before the courts. The chapter engages the problem of the criminalization of political dissent by liberal states in the digital age. The case highlights how digital media is now being used to create content for satire, as well as to replicate and infiltrate more traditional political and media forums, changing many traditional forms of political practice. The case [points to some of the central problems inherent in liberalism which may give reason to curb the enthusiasm of those who think that new digital media creates fresh opportunities for augmenting the ‘public sphere'. It is argued that liberalism as a political theory and ethos, tends to be blind to non-traditional political expressions like satire and other artistic work. In addition, the expansion of security laws in many countries suggests, liberalism's ostensible commitment to freedom needs to be reframed by recalling its historical preoccupation with security.
Explorative healthy aging approaches fostering social innovation: thematizing life course narratives of older women participating in a documentary film
Authors: Riva-Mossman Susie , Verloo Henk
Published: February 2017

The transformative process of investigating life stories and their impact on healthy aging has only recently been explored. The relationship between hope and individual healthy aging strategies is still an under-researched area. This study contributes to filling the knowledgeability gap. The authors examine senior stories of hope and the experience of self-determination and well-being. The study documents the social learning processes of older people as they narratively search for solutions and imagine a hopeful future of healthy aging. A group of four older women participated in a semi-structured filmed interview, questioned by an academic expert. Healthy aging emerged as an important concern among all participants, confirming the need to actively learn how to age well. This exploratory research brought forth thematic clusters, orienting shared value solutions to demographic change. Qualitative research methods reinforce lifelong, collaborative learning processes that not only produce scientific literature, but also put in place relational networks that can grow and endure over time, generating social innovation. The film documented the role of hope and resilience in healthy aging.
Programmatic implications of implementing the relational algebraic capacitated location (RACL) algorithm outcomes on the allocation of laboratory sites, test volumes, platform distribution and space requirements
Authors: Cassim Naseem , Smith Honora , Coetzee Lindi M. , Glencross Deborah K.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: CD4 testing in South Africa is based on an integrated tiered service delivery model that matches testing demand with capacity. The National Health Laboratory Service has predominantly implemented laboratory-based CD4 testing. Coverage gaps, over-/under-capacitation and optimal placement of point-of-care (POC) testing sites need investigation.Objectives: We assessed the impact of relational algebraic capacitated location (RACL) algorithm outcomes on the allocation of laboratory and POC testing sites.Methods: The RACL algorithm was developed to allocate laboratories and POC sites to ensure coverage using a set coverage approach for a defined travel time (T). The algorithm was repeated for three scenarios (A: T = 4; B: T = 3; C: T = 2 hours). Drive times for a representative sample of health facility clusters were used to approximate T. Outcomes included allocation of testing sites, Euclidian distances and test volumes. Additional analysis included platform distribution and space requirement assessment. Scenarios were reported as fusion table maps.Results: Scenario A would offer a fully-centralised approach with 15 CD4 laboratories without any POC testing. A significant increase in volumes would result in a four-fold increase at busier laboratories. CD4 laboratories would increase to 41 in scenario B and 61 in scenario C. POC testing would be offered at two sites in scenario B and 20 sites in scenario C.Conclusion: The RACL algorithm provides an objective methodology to address coverage gaps through the allocation of CD4 laboratories and POC sites for a given T. The algorithm outcomes need to be assessed in the context of local conditions.
The missio Dei as context for a ministry to refugees
Authors: Soares Diniz R. , Lotter George , Van der Merwe Sarel J.
Published: February 2017

The current global escalation of refugees and involuntary migration, due to the effects of war and world disasters, makes it imperative to devise an effective approach to care for refugees. This article, therefore examines the problem of displacement from the perspective of missio Dei. It presents God’s active involvement in his creation, recreating it and providing particular care for the vulnerable and refugees.
‘The fact that she just looked at me…’ – Narrations on shame in South African workplaces
Authors: Mayer Claude-Hélène , Viviers Rian , Tonelli Louise
Published: February 2017

Orientation: Shame has been internationally researched in various cultural and societal contexts as well as across cultures in the workplace, schools and institutions of higher education. It is an emotional signal that refers to experienced incongruence of identity goals and the judgement of others.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to focus on experiences of shame in the South African (SA) workplace, to provide emic, in-depth insights into the experiences of shame of employees.Motivation for the study: Shame in the workplace often occurs and might impact negatively on mental health and well-being, capability, freedom and human rights. This article aims at gaining some in-depth understanding of shame experiences in SA workplaces. Building on this understanding the aim is to develop awareness in Industrial and Organisational Psychologists (IOPs), employees and organisations to cope with shame constructively in addition to add to the apparent void in the body of knowledge on shame in SA workplaces.Research design, approach and method: An interpretative hermeneutical research paradigm, based on Dilthey’s modern hermeneutics was applied. Data were collected through semistructured interviews of 11 employees narrating their experiences from various workplaces, including the military, consulting organisations and higher education institutions. Content analysis was used for data analysis and interpretation.Main findings: The major themes around which shameful experiences evolved included loss of face, mistreatment by others, low work quality, exclusion, lifestyle and internalised shame on failure in the workplace. Shame is experienced as a disturbing emotion that impacts negatively on the self within the work context. It is also experienced as reducing mental health and well-being at work.Practical/managerial implications: SA organisations need to be more aware of shame in the workplace, to address the potential negative effects of shame on employees, particularly if they are not prepared to reframe shame into a constructively and positively used emotion. Safe spaces should be made available to talk about shame. Strategies should be applied to deal with shame constructively.Contribution/value-add: This article expands an in-depth understanding of shame from emic and culture-specific perspectives within SA workplaces. The findings are beneficial to IOPs and organisations to understand what shame is from the perspective of SA employees across cultural groups. The article thereby adds value to theory and practice, offering IOPs a deeper understanding of shame in the work context.
Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of Components and Modules for the Protection of Receivers Used On Board Vehicles
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard contains limits1 and procedures for the measurement of radio disturbances in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 1000 MHz. The standard applies to any electronic/electrical component intended for use in vehicles and large devices. Refer to International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Publications for details of frequency allocations. The limits are intended to provide protection for receivers installed in a vehicle from disturbances produced by components/modules in the same vehicle.2

The receiver types to be protected are: sound and television receivers3, land mobile radio, radio telephone, amateur and citizens' radio. For the purpose of this document, a vehicle is a machine which is self-propelled. Vehicles include (but are not limited to) passenger cars, trucks, agricultural tractors, and snowmobiles.

The limits in this document are recommended and subject to modification as agreed between the vehicle manufacturer and the component supplier. This document shall also be applied by manufacturers and suppliers of components and equipment which are to be added and connected to the vehicle harness or to an on-board power connector after delivery of the vehicle.

This document does not include protection of electronic control systems from radio frequency (RF) emissions, or from transient or pulse type voltage fluctuations. These subjects are included in other parts of SAE J1113.

Since the mounting location, vehicle body construction and harness design can affect the coupling of radio disturbances to the on-board radio, this document defines multiple limit levels. The level class to be used (as a function of frequency band) shall be agreed upon between the vehicle manufacturer and the component supplier.

The World Administrative Radiocommunications Conference (WARC) lower frequency limit in Region 1 was reduced to 148.5 kHz in 1979. For vehicular purposes, tests at 150 kHz are considered adequate. For the purposes of this document, test frequency ranges have been generalized to cover radio services in various parts of the world. Protection of radio reception at adjacent frequencies can be expected in most cases.

It is assumed that protection of services operating on frequencies below 30 MHz will most likely be provided if the limits for services above 30 MHz are observed.
Assessment of Learning in Health Sciences Education: MLT Case Study
Authors: Mugimu Christopher Byalusaago , Mugisha Wilson Rwandembo
Published: February 2017

Assessment in health sciences education has become an extremely critical issue in recent years, given the rapidlychanging disease patterns and behavioral changes in communities among diverse cultural and economic contexts ofpatients. Globally, there is increasing demand for highly qualified contemporary healthcare professionals.Subsequently, learner assessment regimes need to have the capacity to accurately evaluate the competences (i.e.attitudes, skills and knowhow) acquired during the training of healthcare professionals. This paper provides ananalysis of assessment of and for learning in health sciences education with a focus on clinical laboratory training atMLT in Uganda. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The program evaluationdesign principles were also utilized to measure the levels of compliance towards attainment of curriculum outcomes.The instruments used during data collection included checklists, questionnaires, indepth interviews, and focus groupdiscussions (FDGs). The findings of this study showed that learners were achieving the intended curriculumobjectives progressively. The assessment tools used were prepared through a rigorous process to ensure that the basicprinciples of assessment are identified and integrated during curriculum design and implementation. Results of thestudy also showed that adequate institutional administrative support available enhanced the teaching and learningprocesses and ensured that appropriate curriculum assessment schedules and strategies were strictly followed asstated in the elements of the curriculum structures.This contributed meaningfully in preparing competentcontemporary healthcare professionals (clinical laboratory technicians). It was recommended that all healthcareprofessional training institutions should take the use of aunthetic assessment of and for learning very seriously.
Lecturers’ and Students’ Perceptions and Preferences about ESL Corrective Feedback in Namibia: Towards an Intervention Model
Authors: Mungungu-Shipale Saara S. , Kangira Jairos
Published: February 2017

This study investigated tertiary lecturers’ and students’ perceptions and preferences on the provision of CorrectiveFeedback (CF) in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom at the Namibia University of Science andTechnology. The study focused on students’ speaking and writing skills in the Language in Practice English course.The findings revealed that both lecturers and students perceive CF as an essential aspect of developing ESL productiveskills. Both lecturers and students were of the perception that CF is more focused on English grammar than form.Students preferred more correction than their lecturers provided. Both lecturers and students concurred thatmetalinguistic feedback is the best practice for CF in English. The contribution this study made is the ten-stageIntervention Model that works towards the effectiveness of ESL CF at tertiary level in Namibia. The modelrecommends that lecturers should carefully scrutinise the specific ESL target language features; practise a variety ofsuitable CF techniques; and cater for individual students’ specific needs and preferences in learning English as aSecond Language at tertiary level.
Nigerian’s Foreign Policy and Vision 20-2020: Any Lessons from the “Asian Tigers?
Authors: Anaele Cyril
Published: February 2017

Foreign policy is the vehicle used by sovereign states to achieve their national objectives in international relationsand among committee of nations. Over the years, Nigeria’s foreign policy has been dynamic in response to domesticneeds and externalities. One of the pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy amongst several is the promotion of the idealsof Vision 20:2020, through which she seeks to become one of the twenty world economies by the year 2020. Thepaper’s position is that for Nigeria to realize this robust dream, she must situate her economic foreign policy towardscreation of strong infrastructures, create congenial development climate, and learn some instructive lessons from theeconomic miracles of the Asia ‘Tigers’.
A Comparative Study on the Role of the Electronic Commerce Act in Remote Transactions and Its Effect on Compensation from Iran and France Legal Perspective
Authors: Ghashghaei Leila , Ravanan Ali
Published: February 2017

Legal implications in various fields of e-commerce transactions are described by means of e-commerce from one of the parties and through the transaction implemented by Internet. Online contracts are a manifestation of true innovation in the field of traditional legal agreements. The main issue of concern is the lack of tools has traditionally been used to express the will of the contract.The lack of legal grounds to use in e-commerce, such as: Expert of judges, the admissibility of electronic documents, electronic signatures, the principle of good faith, law of consumer protection, commercial and competition law and how to compensate both material and spiritual is the most important challenge of the country's legislative system. The most important distinction between the Iranian and French law is on the implementation of its damage compensation that in French law is detailed discussions covering the damages due to breach of contract litigation is not compensable.But the other hand, moral damages, such as mental anxiety, loss of credibility and like that is compensable, while this is not done in Iran. Experience of law between Iran and France showed a weak pattern in consumer protection in e-commerce contracts. In this cross-sectional study to evaluate the role of trade in remote transactions and its effect on Iran and France in damage compensation from the legal perspective.
The Human Rights in OIC, A Gradually Movement but in Progress
Authors: Majid Bozorgmehri
Published: February 2017

Comprising 57 member states, the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental organization in the world after the United Nations. Its membership extends from Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East to Africa, Eurasia, the Balkans and South America.In 2005, OIC launched a reform program that culminated in adopting a revised Charter in 2008 replacing the Charter of 1972. The new Charter seemed to reflect an increased prominence for human rights within the OIC, and it paved the way for the establishment of the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC). In addition to the stipulation that IPHRC will be one of the eleven primary organs of the OIC, the new Charter expresses the OIC’s determination to “promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, rule of law, democracy and accountability”, and “safeguard and promote the rights of women and their participation in all spheres of life” in member States in accordance with domestic legislation. In addition to these transformations, OIC appear to be more willing to engage with civil society organizations on human rights. It is in this context, and the increasing need to understand the OIC, particularly its human rights mechanisms and discourse, this paper tries to have a general analysis on subject.It should be noted that for some researchers (Mayer.2015) the OIC’s record is shown to be full of confusing and even self-contradictory statements on Islam and human rights. For them, OIC is not a competent organization  for promoting the Human Rights as a universal value.As our major question, the paper seeks to evaluate the index growth of human rights and their criteria in OIC. Which are the main instruments for protection of Human Rights in OIC? Has OIC been successful in promotion of Human rights in the Member States and in the world?To carry out the research, a descriptive and analytical method is selected and based on OIC documents, it will be a documented analysis.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Plant Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1
Authors: Lee Joan
Published: February 2017

Journal of Plant Studies wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.Journal of Plant Studies is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/reviewer and e-mail the completed application form to jps@ccsenet.org.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1Adriana F. Sestras, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, RomaniaAna Simonovic, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", SerbiaArthur T. O. Melo, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, United StatesBing Wang, Iowa State University, United StatesChrystian Iezid Maia e Almeida Feres, Tocantins Federal University, BrazilHoma Mahmoodzadeh, Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, IranKinga Kostrakiewicz-Gieralt, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, PolandKirandeep Kaur Mani, California seed and Plant Labs, Pleasant Grove, CA, United States of AmericaMalgorzata Pietrowska-Borek, Poznan University of Life Sciences, PolandMartina Pollastrini, University of Florence, ItalyMassimo Zacchini, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), ItalyMelekber Sulusoglu, Arslanbey Vocational School Kocaeli University, TurkeyMontaser Fawzy Abdel-Monaim, Plant Pathology Res. Instatute, Agric. Res. Center, EgyptPanagiotis Madesis, Institiute of Applied Biosciences (CE.R.T.H.)/INAB, GreecePeter R. Greene, BGKT Consulting Ltd. Huntington, New York 11743, United StatesRosana Noemi Malpassi, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, ArgentinaSaid Laarabi, University Mohammed V/Ministry of National Education, MoroccoSlawomir Borek, Adam Mickiewicz University, PolandSuheb Mohammed, University of Virginia, United StatesVikas Mishra, Paher University, IndiaXiaomin Wu, Loyola University Chicago, United StatesYa-Yi Huang, Institution of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan
Online Monitors Detect Low‐Level THMs in Treated Wastewater
Authors: Scandalis Mark , West Michael
Published: February 2017

The city of Paso Robles, Calif., used an online water quality instrument to identify and monitor low trihalomethane (THM) levels in its treated wastewater used for groundwater recharge. The high frequency of reliable and accurate THM data proved essential to the city's efforts to achieve regulatory compliance.
Make a Business Case for Distribution System Monitoring and Response Planning
Authors: Allgeier Steve
Published: February 2017

Water treatment plants are operated and monitored to ensure that high‐quality drinking water is delivered through their distribution systems. However, a wide range of factors can degrade water quality as it travels through a distribution system to customers. Further, contaminants can enter a distribution system through backflow events, cross‐connections, infiltration, and treatment pass‐through. Although rare, such incidents can result in drinking water that's unacceptable to customers and can potentially cause public health crises.
Text-oriented research into interpreting - Examples from a case-study
Authors: Lamberger-Felber Heike
Published: February 2017

Different methodological tools were applied in a case study on interpretation of read-out speeches: A comparison of the 3 source texts used showed considerable differences between the „objective“ text description using quantifiable parameters and the „subjec-tive“ evaluation of the same speeches by the 12 participating interpreters. Incorrect rendition or omission of proper names/numbers was reduced by the use of the manuscript in the booth, while overall omissions/errors were highly variable between subjects. In a process-oriented approach, the relationship between use of manuscript, timelag and long omissions was studied and resulted in a series of new questions to be investigated. Finally, lexical variability proved surprisingly high with only 6.6% of words being used by all interpreters. Strengths and weaknesses of the different methodological tools will be discussed and proposals made for further research in the field.
FUCHS—towards full circular RNA characterization using RNAseq
Authors: Metge Franziska , Czaja-Hasse Lisa F. , Reinhardt Richard , Dieterich Chistoph
Published: February 2017

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) belong to a recently re-discovered species of RNA that emerge during RNA maturation through a process called back-splicing. A downstream 5′ splice site is linked to an upstream 3′ splice site to form a circular transcript instead of a canonical linear transcript. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have brought circRNAs back into the focus of many scientists. Since then, several studies reported that circRNAs are differentially expressed across tissue types and developmental stages, implying that they are actively regulated and not merely a by-product of splicing. Though functional studies have shown that some circRNAs could act as miRNA-sponges, the function of most circRNAs remains unknown. To expand our understanding of possible roles of circular RNAs, we propose a new pipeline that could fully characterizes candidate circRNA structure from RNAseq data—FUCHS: FUll CHaracterization of circular RNA using RNA-Sequencing. Currently, most computational prediction pipelines use back-spliced reads to identify circular RNAs. FUCHS extends this concept by considering all RNA-seq information from long reads (typically >150 bp) to learn more about the exon coverage, the number of double break point fragments, the different circular isoforms arising from one host-gene, and the alternatively spliced exons within the same circRNA boundaries. This new knowledge will enable the user to carry out differential motif enrichment and miRNA seed analysis to determine potential regulators during circRNA biogenesis. FUCHS is an easy-to-use Python based pipeline that contributes a new aspect to the circRNA research.
Global bounds on nitrogen gas emissions from humid tropical forests
Authors: Brookshire E. N. J. , Gerber S. , Greene W. , Jones R. T. , Thomas S. A.
Published: February 2017

Denitrification and hydrologic leaching are the two major pathways by which nitrogen (N) is lost from the terrestrial biosphere. Humid tropical forests are thought to dominate denitrification losses from unmanaged lands globally, but there is large uncertainty about the range and key drivers of total N gas emissions across the biome. We combined pantropical measures of small watershed stream chemistry with ecosystem modeling to determine total N gas losses and associated uncertainty across humid tropical forests. Our calculations reveal that denitrification in soils and along hydrologic flow paths contributes on average >45% of total watershed N losses. However, when denitrification occurs exclusively in shallow soils, simulations indicate that gas emissions would exceed N inputs and render plants severely N limited, which contradicts observations of widespread N sufficiency in tropical forests. Our analyses suggest an upper bound on soil denitrification of ~80% of total external N losses beyond which tropical plant growth would be compromised.
Risk factors for malignant mesothelioma in people with no known exposure to asbestos
Authors: Musk Bill , Gordon Len , Alfonso Helman , Reid Alison , Olsen Nola , Mina Robin , Franklin Peter , Peters Susan , Brims Fraser , Hui Jennie , de Klerk Nicholas
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and generally fatal cancer, usually caused by asbestos, although about 5–10% of cases report no asbestos exposure. This study aimed to identify sources whereby people in Western Australia (WA) may be unknowingly exposed to asbestos or to other exposures which may cause MM.

Methods

Cases with no known asbestos exposure were selected from the WA Mesothelioma Register (WAMR). Matched controls were selected from hospital patients admitted for conditions unrelated to asbestos. Occupational histories were coded by an industrial hygienist. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Thirty‐eight MM participants and 134 controls were recruited. Risk of MM was increased (OR = 3.1, 95%CI 1.0–9.6) after no known, but likely, exposure to asbestos at work.

Conclusions

Because of its extensive use, few people in WA have never been exposed to asbestos. Unrecognized exposure may cause most MM cases initially regarded as “no exposure.” Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:432–436, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in dental tape
Authors: Markowitz Steven B. , Moline Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2017

Although most cases of malignant mesothelioma of the pleura are caused by one or more readily recognized sources of exposure to asbestos, cases of the disease with more occult exposure occur, especially since asbestos has been used in over 3,000 products. Dental lining tape contained asbestos from the 1930s until at least the 1970s and was used in the lost wax method of casting crowns, bridges, and other metal dental prosthetic devices. We report six cases of pathology‐verified malignant mesothelioma, mostly among dentists, following exposure to airborne dust from asbestos dental tape, which resulted in asbestos tort litigation. According to evidence available at present, chrysotile asbestos was the type of asbestos used in dental tape in the past in the United States, and the described cases followed relatively brief and intermittent exposure to this type of asbestos. These cases underscore the need for comprehensive exposure histories to determine exposure scenarios. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:437–442, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parent‐delivered early intervention in infants at risk for ASD: Effects on electrophysiological and habituation measures of social attention
Authors: Jones Emily J.H. , Dawson Geraldine , Kelly Jean , Estes Annette , Webb Sara Jane
Published: February 2017

Prospective longitudinal studies of infants with older siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have indicated that differences in the neurocognitive systems underlying social attention may emerge prior to the child meeting ASD diagnostic criteria. Thus, targeting social attention with early intervention might have the potential to alter developmental trajectories for infants at high risk for ASD. Electrophysiological and habituation measures of social attention were collected at 6, 12, and 18 months in a group of high‐risk infant siblings of children with ASD (N = 33). Between 9 and 11 months of age, infant siblings received a parent‐delivered intervention, promoting first relationships (PFR), (n = 19) or on‐going assessment without intervention (n = 14). PFR has been previously shown to increase parental responsivity to infant social communicative cues and infant contingent responding. Compared to infants who only received assessment and monitoring, infants who received the intervention showed improvements in neurocognitive metrics of social attention, as reflected in a greater reduction in habituation times to face versus object stimuli between 6 and 12 months, maintained at 18 months; a greater increase in frontal EEG theta power between 6 and 12 months; and a more comparable P400 response to faces and objects at 12 months. The high‐risk infants who received the intervention showed a pattern of responses that appeared closer to the normative responses of two groups of age‐matched low‐risk control participants. Though replication is necessary, these results suggest that early parent‐mediated intervention has the potential to impact the brain systems underpinning social attention in infants at familial risk for ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 961–972. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural Characterization of RNA Recognition Motif‐2 Domain of SART3
Authors: Bang Kyeong‐Mi , Cho Na Youn , Kim Won‐Je , Kim Ae‐Ryung , Song Hyun Kyu , Kim Eunice EunKyeong , Kim Nak‐Kyoon
Published: February 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T‐cells 3 (SART3) is an essential recycling factor in pre‐mRNA splicing, which is required for association of U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP). SART3 contains two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), and they are responsible for the tertiary interaction with U6 small nuclear RNA. Despite the importance of structural studies for understanding complicate U4/U6 snRNP recycling mechanism, only a few of them have been performed for SART3. Here, the structure of SART3 RRM2 was characterized by heteronuclear multi‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Nearly complete
1H,
15N, and
13C chemical shifts of the backbone residues of RRM2 were assigned. In addition, the secondary structure of RRM2 were predicted by the chemical shift index and TALOS+ analyses, and the results showed that RRM2 forms a “β1‐α1‐β2‐β3‐α2‐β4‐β5” structure, where β4 is not common in the canonical RRM domain structures. Our results will provide structural basis for investigation of SART3‐mediated U4/U6 snRNP complex formation.
Preparation of Zn2SnO4/SnO2@Mn2O3 Microbox Composite Materials with Enhanced Lithium‐Storage Properties
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Wang Yong , Wang Dongxia , Guo Wenbin , Zhang Fanchao , Wang Chao , Niu Shanshan
Published: February 2017

In this work, the composite materials of Zn2SnO4/SnO2@Mn2O3 microboxes have been synthesized after the calcination of precursor Zn2SnO4/SnO2@MnCO3, which is prepared by using a simple hydrothermal process. Preliminary results of the electrochemical performances of Zn2SnO4/SnO2@Mn2O3 microboxes, Zn2SnO4/SnO2 microboxes, and Mn2O3 nanoparticles have been also reported. On the one hand, the robust ZTO/SnO2 hollow microboxes can not only buffer the volume variation, but also efficiently prevent the aggregation of Mn2O3 nanoparticles. On the other hand, Mn2O3 nanoparticles provide more active sites, owing to the nanostructures of Mn2O3, as well as consolidate the hollow cubic structure during the lithium insertion/extraction process. In virtue of the synergistic effects of Zn2SnO4/SnO2 and Mn2O3, the Zn2SnO4/SnO2@Mn2O3 microboxes exhibit a higher initial discharge capacity (1505.3 mAhg−1) as well as a better cycling performance (597.2 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles) and rate capacity compared to Zn2SnO4/SnO2 and Mn2O3.
The A Priori Design and Selection of Ionic Liquids as Solvents for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Kunov‐Kruse Andreas J. , Weber Cameron C. , Rogers Robin D. , Myerson Allan S.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we derive a straightforward computational approach to predict the optimal ionic liquid (IL) solvent for a given compound, based on COSMO‐RS calculations. These calculations were performed on 18 different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using a matrix of 210 hypothetical ILs. These results indicated that the 18 APIs could be classified into three distinct categories based on their relative hydrogen bond donating or accepting ability, with similar optimal IL solvent predictions within each class. Informed by these results, a family of strongly hydrogen bond donating ILs based on the N‐alkylguanidinium cation were prepared and characterized. The solubility of the APIs in each of these classes was found to be qualitatively consistent with the predictions of the COSMO‐RS model. The suitability of these novel guanidinium salts as crystallization solvents was demonstrated by the use of N‐butylguanidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide for the purification of crude fenofibrate using dimethylsulfoxide as an antisolvent, which resulted in good yields and excellent purities. Finally, a simple descriptor based model is proposed to suggest the best IL solvent for arbitrary APIs.