bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multitiered approach for grassland ecosystem services mapping and assessment: The Viva Grass tool
Authors: Villoslada Miguel , Vinogradovs Ivo , Ruskule Anda , Veidemane Kristina , Nikodemus Olgerts , Kasparinskis Raimonds , Sepp Kalev , Gulbinas Justas
Published: August 2018

Throughout the second half of the 20th Century, the area of semi-natural grasslands in the Baltic States decreased substantially, due to agricultural abandonment in some areas and intensification in more productive soil types. In order to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by grasslands, the LIFE+ programme funded project, LIFE Viva Grass, aims at developing an integrated planning tool that will support ecosystem-based planning and sustainable grassland management. LIFE Viva Grass integrated planning tool is spatially explicit and allows the user to assess the provision and trade-offs of grassland ecosystem services within eight project case study areas in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

In order to ensure methodological adaptability, the structure of the LIFE Viva Grass integrated planning tool follows the framework of the tiered approach. In a multi-tier system, each consecutive tier entails an increase in data requirements, methodological complexity or both. The present paper outlines the adaptation of the tiered approach for mapping and assessing ecosystem services provided by grasslands in the Baltic States. The first tier corresponds to a deliberative decision process: The matrix approach is used to assess the potential supply of grassland ecosystem services based on expert estimations. Expert values are subsequently transferred to grassland units and therefore made spatially explicit. The data collected in the first tier was further enhanced through a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) in order to explore ES bundles in tier 2. In the third tier, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is used to target specific policy questions.
Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Densification Mechanism of Al2O3-Al Metal Ceramics via the Powder Metallurgy Method
Authors: Song Jie Guang , Chen Lin , Xiang Yun , Liu Yue , Guo Xin Shuang , Zhang Xi Ling , Guo Song Lin , Qin Yue Ning
Published: August 2018

Alumina ceramics with good mechanical and corrosion resistance are the ones of the most widely used engineering ceramics. The aluminum has high strength, high conductivity and high plasticity etc. so that aluminum ceramics are used in more and more industries. In this paper, the mass fraction of 25% Al2O3 powder and the mass fraction of 75% Al powder were mixed in the blender. Mixer speed is100r/min with mixing time of 3.5 h. Forming, sintering and a series of processes for preparing the alumina/aluminum metallic ceramic materials, through performance testing and analysis, found that the density of the sample firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of sintering temperature. A melting point is close to the sintering temperature and the density of the cermet can be made relatively high. When the sintering temperature is about 600°C and 700°C, the macro performance of sample is better. The cermet is sintered at 700°C and its microstructure is relatively better.
Nanowear of Multilayer [(TiCx/Ti/C)÷a-C]n Coatings
Authors: Rubshtein Anna P. , Vladimirov Alexander B. , Plotnikov Sergey A.
Published: August 2018

Hard multilayer coatings are technologically promising materials for reducing wear of tribological parts. Multilayer coatings with a systematic alternation of the pair [(TiCx/Ti/C)÷(a-C)] were deposited on stainless and tool steel by the PVD technique. Hardness (H), elasticity modulus (E) and critical cracking load (Pcr) were determined by the nanoindentation method. Nanofrictional wear test was conducted under multipass sliding of a diamond indenter (Ø 50 nm) under constant load. The specific coefficient of nanofrictional wear of [(TiCx/Ti/C)÷(a-C)]nwith different composition of titanium-containing layers was determined. The nanofrictional wear rate of [(TiCx/Ti/C)÷a-C]ndepends on the elastic and plastic characteristics of multilayer coating as a whole. Coatings having H3/E2> 0.12 and Pcr> 58 mN demonstrate low wear rate.
Removal of Phosphorus from High Phosphorus Iron Ores in Wushan Mountain by Crosscurrent Acid Leaching
Authors: Xiang Xiao Yan , Xia Wen Tang , Yuan Xiao Li , Yin Jian Guo , An Juan
Published: August 2018

In the process of resource utilization of high phosphorus iron ores, phosphorus should be removed first. Compared to other dephosphorization methods, selective leaching with acid has special advantages such as high dephosphorization ratio, low iron loss and so on. However, a large amount of acidic wastewater containing phosphorus was produced after acid leaching. Therefore, the rational use of acidic wastewater and decrease of acid consumption is crucial to remove phosphorus by acid leaching. In this paper, the thermodynamics of the acid leaching was studied according to the existence form of mineral constituents in high phosphorus iron ores from Wushan Mountain. Then, crosscurrent acid leaching was employed to remove phosphorus from high phosphorus iron ores in Wushan Mountain and the changes in dephosphorization ratio, iron loss and acid concentration was observed during the leaching. The results showed that the phosphorus in Wushan iron ores could be removed selectively by acid leaching. After three-stage crosscurrent leaching, the dephosphorization ratio exceeded 74% and the iron loss was under 2.1%. Meanwhile, the acid concentration was decreased to 0.65mol/l in leaching solution, which could be returned to selective leaching after precipitation of phosphorus and supplement of hydrochloric acid.
Effect of Magnetic Field on Solidification Behavior of a MnCu Damping Alloy
Authors: Jiang Ze Chao , Yang Fan , Lan Jian , Tian Qing Chao , Xuan Wei Dong , Ren Zhong Ming
Published: August 2018

Preparation of Mn-Cu based damping alloy ingots coupled with strong magnetic fields shows many interesting phenomena on the solidification microstructure and the crystal lattice. In this study, modified M2052 ingots were prepared under different magnetic fields to investigate the bulk solidification behavior by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Metallographic analysis reveals that the deflection angle of the primary dendrite arm increases with the increase of magnetic field strength. The distribution of chemical composition characterized by X-ray Fluorescence discloses that Mn is enriched while Cu is depleted along the circumferential surface side, and the variation tendency changes from almost a level to a sloping line under applied magnetic field. High magnetic field have altered the orientation of the γ-Mn dendrites from (200) to (111), and the coupling mechanism of alloy solidification with strong magnetic field is discussed based on the experimental results.
Effect of Carbon on the Microstructure of a Cu-Fe Alloy
Authors: Lu De Ping , Guo Wei , Jiang Jiang , Lu Lei , Zou Jin , Fu Qing Feng , Liu Ke Ming
Published: August 2018

The effect of C addition on the microstructure of a Cu-Fe alloy was investigated by combining the calculation of phase diagram (calphad) and the experimental research. The calphad results indicated that the addition of C substantially enlarged the zone of liquid immiscibility gap in the metastable phase diagram of Cu-Fe alloy. In addition, the larger the addition content of C was, the more obvious the phenomenon was. As a result, the presence of trace amounts of C in the Cu-Fe alloy containing 5~20% (wt.) Fe would cause the liquid phase separation of Cu-rich and Fe-rich liquid phases during the solidification process of the alloy. The experimental results showed that the dendritic secondary phase in the as-cast microstructure of the Cu-14Fe alloy tended to be spheroidized after the addition of C due to the separation of Cu-rich and Fe-rich liquid phases. With the increasing content of C, the volume fraction and the average diameter of the spherical Fe-rich particles both increased. The calphad conclusions are in agreement with the experimental results.
Influences of Spindle Speed and Feed Rate on Exit Burr Height and Workpiece Diameter in Drilling Forging Brass
Authors: Timata Manit , Saikaew Charnnarong
Published: August 2018

Exit burrs are formed on the end of hole and have some undesirable characters leading to assembly quality problem. Deburring is one of the practical procedures used to solve this problem. Nevertheless, this step is a time consuming and causes high operation cost. This work studied the experimental investigations in drilling forging brass using a special tungsten carbide drilling tools. The exit burr height and workpiece diameter were measured at various spindle speeds and feed rates based on 2k plus center point experimental design and investigated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of ANOVA indicated that spindle speed and feed rate on exit burr height and workpiece diameter were statistically significant at the level of significance of 0.05.
CSF-1 in Inflammatory and Arthritic Pain Development
Authors: Saleh Reem , Lee Ming-Chin , Khiew Stella H. , Louis Cynthia , Fleetwood Andrew J. , Achuthan Adrian , Förster Irmgard , Cook Andrew D. , Hamilton John A.
Published: August 2018

Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms in many diseases for which there is inadequate management and understanding. CSF-1, also known as M-CSF, acts via its receptor (CSF-1R, c-Fms) to regulate the development of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to act locally in tissues to control macrophage numbers and function. It has been implicated in the control of neuropathic pain via a central action on microglia. We report in this study that systemic administration of a neutralizing anti–CSF-1R or CSF-1 mAb inhibits the development of inflammatory pain induced by zymosan, GM-CSF, and TNF in mice. This approach also prevented but did not ameliorate the development of arthritic pain and optimal disease driven by the three stimuli in mice, suggesting that CSF-1 may only be relevant when the driving inflammatory insults in tissues are acute and/or periodic. Systemic CSF-1 administration rapidly induced pain and enhanced the arthritis in an inflamed mouse joint, albeit via a different pathway(s) from that used by systemic GM-CSF and TNF. It is concluded that CSF-1 can function peripherally during the generation of inflammatory pain and hence may be a target for such pain and associated disease, including when the clinically important cytokines, TNF and GM-CSF, are involved. Our findings have ramifications for the selection and design of anti–CSF-1R/CSF-1 trials.
Using erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser irradiation in different energy output levels versus ultrasonic in removal of root canal filling materials in endodontic retreatment
Authors: Gorduysus Mehmet Omer , Al-Rubai Hanin , Salman Basheer , Al Saady Deena , Al-Dagistani Hiba , Muftuoglu Sevda
Published: August 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation in different energy outputs versus ultrasonic in gutta-percha removal during the endodontic retreatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 extracted human lower premolars were divided into three groups (n = 7). Following the standardized preparation of the root canals with Wave One Rotary system and obturation with gutta-percha: Group I was treated with ultrasonic, Group II by Er:YAG laser with 40 mJ/Pulse, and Group III by Er:YAG laser with 50 mJ/Pulse for the removal of gutta-percha from the canals. Two extra teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser with 135 mJ/Pulse as control group. For all groups, time for gutta-percha removal was recorded. Samples were then splited into two halves and tested by scanning electron microscope and stereomicroscopic evaluation under different magnification power to observe the efficacy of each method used in the removal of gutta-percha. Results: Statistical analysis of Kruskal–Wallis suggested that there are significant difference between the groups in relation to removal time (P < 0.05) and 2 × 2 Mann–Whitney U-test among the groups revealed that there is no significant difference between 40 and 50 mJ laser outputs (P > 0.05), but ultrasonic versus 40 and/or 50 mJ laser outputs were significantly different (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Er:YAG laser beam was not so efficient when compared to ultrasonic to reach the deeper parts of the canals as it was asserted, thermal side effects and burning damages were observed on the root canal dentinal walls. Moreover, the delivery system was not flexible enough to compensate the curvature of the canal system even though we used more straight canals as the sample ones as well as more time-consuming than the ultrasonic and more clinical time, rendering it to be less efficient in the removal of the obturation material during endodontic retreatment procedures.
The effect of environment (Dry and Natural Saliva) on clasp retention: In vitro study - Part I
Authors: Mourshed Bilal , Qaed Nashwan Mohammed , Al-Shamiri Hashem Motahir , Alaizari Nader , Alhamdah Saleh Sulaiman , Alfaqih Amal
Published: August 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of environments (dry and wet) to dislodge the clasp. Materials and Methods: Mandibular test models with natural premolar and molar teeth were used to test four types of clasp (each 12) (Akers, rest plate Akers [RPA], half and half [H-H], and ring clasp) in dry and natural fresh saliva environments. Each clasp was pulled out 10 times with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min and the force required to withdraw each was measured. Statistical Analysis Used: A paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used. Results: There were significant differences between the dry and wet (natural fresh saliva) environment. However, while the mean of the environment for RPA and ring clasp type was significantly different, the H-H and Akers clasp type was not. Conclusion: The environment has an effect on dislodging the clasp but differs according to the type of clasp.
Tooth extraction: Pattern and etiology from extreme Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo Abdurrazaq Olanrewaju , Ibikunle Adebayo Aremu , Braimah Ramat Oyebunmi , Sulaiman Omotayo Amidu , Gbotolorun Olalekan Micah
Published: August 2018

Objective: Tooth extraction is a commonly performed procedure in dental clinics. It has been shown that the reasons for and pattern of tooth extraction vary across geographical regions. Few reports on the pattern of extraction among a semi-urban populace exist. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study on the pattern and reasons for tooth mortality from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria, which is a semi-urban region. Materials and Methods: A review of the records of patients that had tooth extraction at our center between January 2009 and January 2016, was done. Data such as the age, gender, type of tooth extracted, and reasons for extraction were retrieved and analyzed. Cross tabulations for age and gender were also made. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 1167 extractions were performed in 984 patients. An age range of 18–107 years with a mean (±standard deviation) of 34.8 (13.3) was observed. Most of the patients were in the 21–30 years age group accounting for 35.7% of cases. Dental caries and its sequelae (DCS) (631, 54.1%) were the most common reasons for extraction, followed by periodontal disease (192, 16.5%). The difference in proportions of reasons for tooth extraction between the gender was statistically significant (P = 0.02; df = 24). The difference in the reasons for extraction among the age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001; df = 132). Conclusion: DCS along with periodontal disease were the major reasons for extractions. These are largely preventable causes of tooth extraction; therefore, there is a need for commencement of far-reaching preventative actions.
Peri-implantitis and extracellular matrix antibodies: A case–control study
Authors: Papi Piero , Di Carlo Stefano , Rosella Daniele , De Angelis Francesca , Capogreco Mario , Pompa Giorgio
Published: August 2018

Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to compare patients with a healthy peri-implant environment and patients affected by peri-implantitis, evaluating the occurrence of antibodies to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. The authors hypothesized the presence of ECM autoantibodies in serum of peri-implantitis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: one with dental implants with a diagnosis of peri-implantitis and one control group with implants classified as being “healthy.” Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on patients' sera to detect human antibodies to type I, III, IV, and V collagens, laminin, and fibronectin. Fisher exact test was performed to evaluate statistical association, with a significant P < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 27 females (64.28%) and 15 males (35.72%) with a mean age of 53 ± 29.69 years (age range 32–74). The presence of antibodies to CIII was recorded in 6/21 (28.57%) patients of test group, compared to just 2/21 (9.52%) for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Other antibodies tested were found to be not statistically significant or absent. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that further studies, with larger sample and different design, are necessary to address the research purpose, evaluating possible associations between anti-ECM antibodies and peri-implantitis.
Comparison of quality of obturation and instrumentation time using hand files and two rotary file systems in primary molars: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Govindaraju Lavanya , Jeevanandan Ganesh , Subramanian E. M. G.
Published: August 2018

Objective: In permanent dentition, different rotary systems are used for canal cleaning and shaping. Rotary instrumentation in pediatric dentistry is an emerging concept. A very few studies have compared the efficiency of rotary instrumentation for canal preparation in primary teeth. Hence, this study was performed to compare the obturation quality and instrumentation time of two rotary files systems – Protaper, Mtwo with hand files in primary molars. Materials and Methods: Forty-five primary mandibular molars were randomly allotted to one of the three groups. Instrumentation was done using K-files in Group 1; Protaper in Group 2; and Mtwo in Group 3. Instrumentation time was recorded. The canal filling quality was assessed as underfill, optimal fill, and overfill. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square, ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey test. Results: No significant difference was observed in the quality of obturation among three groups. Intergroup comparison of the instrumentation time showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups.Conclusion: The use of rotary instrumentation in primary teeth results in marked reduction in the instrumentation time and improves the quality of obturation.
Gendered teacher-student classroom interactions, student sense of equity, and student achievement
Authors: Consuegra Els , Halimi Myriam , Engels Nadine
Published: August 2018

Teacher-student interactions have received increasing attention as a predictor of student educational outcomes. With regards to the underachievement of boys, observational studies have shown that boys receive more negative attention from their teachers than girls. In this mixed-method study, the relationship between teacher-student classroom interactions, students’ perception of equity in the classroom, initial ability, and grade retention were analysed. Questionnaires and standardised ability tests for math and reading were administered to 6380 first-year secondary students. For a subsample of 129 students, fifteen-minute fragments of video-recorded lessons were coded. Information was gathered about students’ certification (grade retention). Logistic regression analyses provide evidence for the higher likelihood of students with a lower sense of equity to receive a certificate forcing them to repeat the current year. The odds to repeat a year were also significantly higher in students that are more off task. Gender was no significant predictor and, based on the regression results of multiple models, it is hypothesised that gender effects might be mediated through sense of equity. The interaction of gender and socio-economic background (SES) was a significant predictor. High SES girls are less likely than high SES boys to repeat a year. No gender difference exists in students from low SES. Finally, lower mathematical ability was a significant predictor of grade retention.
Decolonising the public university
Authors: Gutiérrez Magallanes María del Socorro (Coco) , Hoechtl Nina , Lozano Rían
Published: August 2018

This article examines the postgraduate Gender and Visual Culture seminar that we have been co-teaching as a team of two (and occasionally three) professors over a four-year period at the public National Autonomous University of Mexico. Throughout this seminar, we have embraced personal and collective experiences in the process of (un)teaching and (un)learning to explore the possibilities of a pedagogy of ‘contagion by contact’, both feminist and critical, encouraging creative formats.

Drawing from a range and diverse reflections, we seek to critically explore an amplified challenge of, and the need for, a collaborative and de(s)colon/ial/ising approach towards (un)teaching and (un)learning in the context of the public university as a contentious space of political engagement. This space requires a constant questioning of where to teach from (a politics of location), what to teach (culturally diverse and conflicting worldviews), and how to teach (critical and decolonising methodologies).
Retrieval of convective available potential energy from INSAT-3D measurements: comparison with radiosonde data and its spatial-temporal variations
Authors: Murali Krishna Uriya Veerendra , Das Subrata Kumar , Uma Kizhathur Narasimhan , Pandithurai Govindan
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Convective available potential energy (CAPE) is a measure of the amount of energy available for convection in the atmosphere. The satellite-derived data over the ocean and land is used for a better understanding of the atmospheric stability indices. In this work, an attempt is made for the first time to estimate CAPE from high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of the INSAT-3D over the Indian region. The estimated CAPE from the INSAT-3D is comprehensively evaluated using radiosonde derived CAPE and ERA-Interim CAPE. The evaluation shows that the INSAT-3D CAPE reasonably correlated with the radiosonde derived CAPE; however, the magnitude of CAPE shows higher values. Further, the distribution of CAPE is studied for different instability conditions (different range of CAPE values) during different seasons over the Indian region. In addition, the diurnal and seasonal variability in CAPE is also investigated at different geographical locations to understand the spatial variability with respect to different terrains.
Aerosol monitoring in Siberia using an 808 nm automatic compact lidar
Authors: Ancellet Gerard , Penner Iogannes E. , Pelon Jacques , Mariage Vincent , Zabukovec Antonin , Raut Jean Christophe , Kokhanenko Grigorii , Balin Yuri S.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Our study is providing new information on aerosol type climatology and sources in Siberia using observations (ground-based lidar and sun-photometer combined with satellite measurements). A micropulse lidar emitting at 808 nm provided almost continuous aerosol backscatter measurements for 18 months (April 2015 to September 2016) in Siberia, near the city of Tomsk (56° N, 85° E). A total of 540 vertical profiles (300 daytime and 240 nighttime) of backscatter ratio and aerosol extinction have been retrieved over periods of 30 min, after a careful calibration factor analysis. Lidar ratio and extinction profiles are constrained with sun-photometer Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) for 70 % of the daytime lidar measurements, while 26 % of the nighttime lidar ratio and AOD greater than 0.04 are constrained by direct lidar measurements at an altitude greater than 7.5 km and where a low aerosol concentration is found. It was complemented by an aerosol source apportionment using the Lagrangian FLEXPART model in order to determine the lidar ratio of the remaining 48 % of the lidar data. Comparisons of micropulse lidar data with satellite observations (CALIOP spaceborne lidar aerosol extinction profiles, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) AOD and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) CO column) are discussed for three case studies corresponding to different aerosol types and season. Aerosol typing using the FLEXPART model is consistent with the detailed analysis of the three case studies. According to the analysis of aerosol sources, the occurrence of layers linked to natural emissions (vegetation, forest fires and dust) is high (56 %), but anthropogenic emissions still contribute to 44 % of the detected layers (1/3 from flaring and 2/3 from urban emissions). The frequency of dust events is very low (5 %). When only looking at AOD > 1, contributions from Taiga emissions, forest fires and urban pollution become equivalent (20–25 %), while those from flaring and dust are lower (15 %). The lidar data can also be used to assess the contribution of different altitude ranges to the large AOD. For example, aerosols related to the urban and flaring emissions remain confined below 2.5 km, while aerosols from dust events are mainly observed above 2.5 km. Aerosols from forest fire emissions are on the opposite observed both within and above the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL).
The R package “eseis” – a software toolbox for environmental seismology
Authors: Dietze Michael
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Environmental seismology is the study of the seismic signals emitted by Earth surface processes. This emerging research field is at the intersection of seismology, geomorphology, hydrology, meteorology, and further Earth science disciplines. It amalgamates a wide variety of methods from across these disciplines and ultimately fuses them in a common analysis environment. This overarching scope of environmental seismology requires a coherent yet integrative software which is accepted by many of the involved scientific disciplines. The statistic software R has gained paramount importance in the majority of data science research fields. R has well-justified advances over other mostly commercial software, which makes it the ideal language to base a comprehensive analysis toolbox on. The article introduces the avenues and needs of environmental seismology, and how these are met by the R package eseis. The conceptual structure, example data sets, and available functions are demonstrated. Worked examples illustrate possible applications of the package and in-depth descriptions of the flexible use of the functions. The package has a registered DOI, is available under the GPL licence on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN), and is maintained on GitHub.
Improving the understanding of flood risk in the Alsatian region by knowledge capitalization: the ORRION participative observatory
Authors: Giacona Florie , Martin Brice , Furst Benjamin , Glaser Rüdiger , Eckert Nicolas , Himmelsbach Iso , Edelblutte Charlotte , Christiany Luc
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Despite the strong societal impact of natural hazards, their documentation remains incomplete, with only a few inventories exceeding the past two centuries. Surprisingly enough, this also applies to Europe, a densely populated territory, and to floods, which along with storms is the most common and damage-causing natural hazard in this area. In addition, existing inventories have often been compiled by scientists and technicians and are used for risk management in a top-down manner, although the participation of all parties concerned has been recognized as a key factor for disaster reduction. To address this double paradox, the present article presents the regional flood risk observatory ORRION for the Alsatian region, northeastern France, and its very rich data content. Stemming from two successive interdisciplinary and transnational French-German research projects, ORRION was designed as a participative online platform where information is shared between individuals, stakeholders, engineers, and scientists. This original approach aims at maximizing knowledge capitalization and contributes to building a common knowledge base for flood risk. ORRION is organized by events including all river floods that have likely arisen from a single synoptic situation. For each event, it documents information sources, date of occurrence, causes, and consequences in terms of damage and affected river basins and municipalities. ORRION contributed toward renewing our knowledge of flood hazard and risk in the target area. Notably, here, long chronicles of floods are derived for 13 rivers, the Rhine and most of its main Alsatian tributaries, and for all Alsatian municipalities, most of them since the end of the 15th century, but over more than one millennium for the Rhine. Their main characteristics according to various typologies (seasonality, causes, severity, etc.) are analyzed. Major developments over the study period related to sources, land use, and/or climate change are identified. The advantages and limitations of the approach are discussed and the potential to expand both data exploitation and the building of common flood risk knowledge are listed.
Innovation and Internationalization of Nigeria Deposit Money Banks
Authors: Oladimeji Moruff Sanjo , Abosede Adebiyi Julius , Eze Benneth Uchenna
Published: August 2018

The study investigated the effect of service and process innovation on internationalization of Nigeria deposit money banks, using a survey research design. A structured questionnaire was administered to a purposively selected sample of seven hundred and sixty five (765) staff of five international banks; from the population of one thousand six hundred and fifteen (1615) staff of strategy and international operation departments of the ten Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed international banks. Ordinary Least Squares was employed to estimate the regression model and this was done with the aid of STATA 12. The findings revealed that service and process innovation significantly affect bank’s internationalization. It is therefore recommended that banks seeking internationalization should adopt services and processes innovativeness strategy.
Market Dynamism and Firm Performance Relation: The Mediating Effects of Positive Environment Conditions and Firm Innovativeness
Authors: Zehir Cemal , Balak Dilek
Published: August 2018

There has been a great interest in terms of environment and its effects in the organization. Apart from environmental conditions, market dynamism is emphasized as another important factor that affects firm performance. Organizations have to compete to survive in a changing environment. In our study, we expected to find out significant relationship through dependent variables (operational performance and market performance) and independent variable as market dynamism. Another goal of our study is to reveal the mediation effects of positive environment conditions and firm innovativeness to firm performance. It should be noted that, our study is based on a survey distributed to 327 people who work in companies in Turkey and analysis results represented the mediating effects of positive environment conditions on firm performance. The obtained data from the questionnaires are analysed through the SPSS statistical packaged software. Further, we compared relationship among the factor analysis, reliability, correlations and regressions. Consequently, our hypotheses are supported and positively related.
Untangle Multi-Organizational Collaboration From Value Co-creation
Authors: Fang Shih-Chieh , Wen Dan-Wei
Published: August 2018

Multi-organizational collaboration is a major method for firms to jointly create value. But received research from the value-based view puts much more emphasis on value capture over value creation among organizations. This research adopts value co-creation perspective from service science to propose a framework to address (1) the variety of value that can be created, and (2) key factors making multiple organizations co-create value. Theoretically, this paper provides a potential solution to untangle success factors of multi-organizational collaborations. Specifically, value co-creation perspective opens an alternative lens to investigate why organizations collaborate when they are not controlled by organizational hierarchy. Practically, this paper reflects how collaborations with other organizations could be evaluated from a non-competition-oriented manner to achieve better collaboration performance.
GLM for Some Class of Com-Poisson Distributions with Applications
Authors: Lawal Bayo H.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we present regression models (GLM) for the class of Conway-Maxwell-Poisson (Com-Poisson) distributions. This class of models include the Com-Poisson, the Com-Poisson negative binomial, the Generalized Com-Poisson and the Extended Com-Poisson distributions, all of which have been presented in various literatures within the last five years. While these distributions have been applied most especially to frequency count data exhibiting over or under dispersion, not much has been presented in the application of this class of models to data having several covariates (the exception being the Com-Poisson itself). Thus in this paper, we present the generalized linear model formulation for these distributions and compare our results with the baseline Com-Poisson and Poisson models. Two data sets are employed in this application. We further extended our discussion to the zero-inflated versions of these distributions and applying same to a well established data with having 64\% zero observations. All the models are fitted using SAS PROC NLMIXED. In all cases, empirical means and variances are generated which leads to our ability to compute the Wald's goodness-of-fit test statistic for all the models employed in this paper.
On the Concept of Corporate Culture
Authors: Strikwerda Hans
Published: August 2018

On the Concept of Corporate Culture

The Dutch Corporate Governance Code-2016 stipulates that the executive board is responsible for creating a culture serving long-term value creation. Because the DCGC is law for public firms with this stipulation, the concept of culture is moved from the realm of informal administrative instruments to that of formal instruments, subject to dispute in case the duty of care is questioned. This article explains the provenance of the concept of culture, its multiplicity of attributed meanings and roles, and its changing nature in the digital era. Also, the article explains that for long-term value creation, more and different measures are needed than culture, values, vision, strategy or codes of conducts. This raises the question of whether an executive board having publicly committed the firm to long-term value creation demonstrates a credible commitment by complying with the DCGC, respectively culture as a means only, and can exculpate itself doing so. The answer is: no.
Wel ambitieus, niet visionair. De digitalisering in Modernisering Strafvordering
Authors: Stamhuis E.F.
Published: August 2018

Wel ambitieus, niet visionair. De digitalisering in Modernisering Strafvordering.

In deze opiniërende bijdrage wordt kort beschreven hoe het project Modernisering Strafvordering aan de digitalisering van de strafrechtspleging bijdraagt. Verder komt de experimenteerbepaling aan de orde. Wat echter ontbreekt, is een visie op de volgende stap in de ontwikkeling, waarin de technologie de menselijke beslissing verder kan vervangen. Met behulp van vier trefwoorden wordt aangegeven welke onderwerpen voor een visie relevant zijn: veiligheid, verbeelding, verantwoordelijkheid en vertrouwen.
De codificatie van rechtsbeginselen in het gemoderniseerde Wetboek van Strafvordering
Authors: Das A.
Published: August 2018

De codificatie van rechtsbeginselen in het gemoderniseerde Wetboek van Strafvordering

In het conceptvoorstel voor de Boeken 1 en 2 van het gemoderniseerde Wetboek van Strafvordering wordt voorgesteld verschillende rechtsbeginselen te codificeren. In deze bijdrage wordt dit voorstel kritisch doorgelicht, op basis waarvan verschillende discussiepunten worden aangedragen. Ten aanzien van de rechtsbeginselen in Boek 1 blijken er fundamentele bezwaren te bestaan, die de vraag rechtvaardigen of overwogen moet worden het voorstel op dit punt niet door te zetten. Ten aanzien van de rechtsbeginselen in Boek 2 oogt het voorstel zowel naar inhoud als plaats in het wetboek enigszins willekeurig. Een meer systematische en beter zichtbare doordenking van het voorstel zou hier verandering in kunnen brengen.
Analysis of sulfamethoxazole by square wave voltammetry using new carbon paste electrode
Authors: Eleotério Izabel Cristina , Balbino Marco Aantonio , De Andrade José Fernando , Ferreira Bruno , Saczk Adelir Aparecida , Okumura Leonardo Luiz , Batista Antonio Carlos Ferreira , De Oliveira Marcelo Firmino
Published: August 2018

In this work a new model of carbon paste electrode was employed to determine sulfamethoxazole (SMX), an antibiotic used to treat infections in human and veterinary medicine, by the square wave voltammetric modality (SWV). More specifically, the elec­trochemical behavior of SMX was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and the quantitative analysis of SMX was provided by SWV. The analytical curve was obtained with a linear correlation coefficient (r) of 0.985 and standard deviation (SD) of 0.005 μA. Limits of detection and quantification were found as 2.3×10-6 and 7.7×10-6 mol L-1, respectively. According to the obtained results, the new carbon paste prototype electrode can successfully be employed in this kind of electroanalytical applications.
Electrochemical behavior of tantalum in potassium hydroxide solutions
Authors: Mickova Irena Ljubomir
Published: August 2018

The electrochemical behavior of tantalum in various concentrations of KOH solutions (0.1 M - 10 M), was investigated using the evolution of the open circuit potential in time, cyclic voltammetry and ellipsometric measurements. Depending on KOH concentrations, the open circuit potential measurements have shown three distinct behaviors concerning oxide film formation on the electrode surface and its dissolution. The cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed in various potential ranges, from -1.4 to 8 V, different concentrations of KOH solutions (0.1-10 M) and sweep rates ranging from 0.005 V/s to 1 V/s. In the passive region, very stable passive films were formed, which reduction has not been possible during cathodic polarization even at highly concentrated KOH solutions. In the trans-passive region, the very strong peak at 1.65 V was monitored, which nature and chemical composition is still not well known.
Aluminum corrosion inhibition by cefixime drug: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Diki N’guessan Yao Silvere , Gbassi Gildas K. , Ouedraogo Augustin , Berte Mohamed , Trokourey Albert
Published: August 2018

Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in 1 M HCl by cefixime drug has been studied at 298-318 K using mass loss, Tafel polarization (at 298 K) and quantum chemical methods based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results showed that inhibition efficiency increases up to 90.41 % with increase of the inhibitor concentration from 0.02 to 2 mM, but decreases with a rise of the solution temperature. Adsorption of cefixime molecules on the corroding aluminum surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm and occurs spontaneously mostly through a physisorption process. The activation energy (Ea) as well as other thermodynamic parameters of the inhibition process are calculated and discussed. Potentiodynamic polarization data revealed that cefixime acts as mixed-type inhibitor and pointed out an agreement with mass loss results. Surface analysis is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which confirmed existence of a protective film of inhibitor molecules on the aluminum surface. In addition, global and local reactivity parameters of the studied molecule are analyzed and discussed. The computed results are found in agreement with experimental data.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AS THE NEWEST SOCIAL PARADIGM OF THE LIFE OF YOUTH
Authors: Kovalska Lesia
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes social aspects of the Y generation life in the information technology system. There was chosen a methodological toolkit to examine the essence of the concepts “millennials”, “digitization” and “gaming”. They determine the distinctive features of millennials from previous and subsequent generations. It is concluded that the informatization of the society life leads to a change in the consciousness of a person, especially in the Y generation which was formed in the information-oriented society. Coverage of the indicated directions of the article is performed by analyzing the components of the research problem, in particular the generation of information technologies, digitization of the life of youth, gaming as a method of motivation and involvement in the social processes of society. It is determined that the representatives of the new generation are characterized by increased attention to the social problems. It is ascertained that digitization is a specific approach to the use of digital resources for improving the quality of life and personal characteristics of the Y generation in the process of self-realization. Gaming is a motivational element of social contacts of the generation of millennials in the field of health, sports, education, culture, and professional activity.
An illusion of inclusion? – Can counselling psychology do more to ensure equality and access to psychological therapies for deaf people, through their work with interpreters?
Authors: Darroch Emma
Published: August 2018

There is evidence that the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines on working with interpreters are not being applied sufficiently for psychologists to be meeting requirements for anti-discriminatory practice. The present study aimed to explore British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters’ subjective experiences, to identify whether psychologists are adhering to guidelines designed to safeguard anti-discriminatory practice and equal access for non-English speakers. An IPA approach to data was adopted, which resulted in three superordinate themes emerging: 1. knowledge and understanding, 2. interpreters’ experiencing and 3. development, with eleven supporting subordinate themes. The overall findings of the study suggest that the professional guidelines are not being sufficiently applied and as such interpreters are frequently not being adequately supported in order to provide the most effective interpretation for d/Deaf clients. The current findings are consistent with previous research thus, establishing training and communication between both the interpreting and psychology professions has been advised.
Trade-off shapes diversity in eco-evolutionary dynamics
Authors: Farahpour Farnoush , Saeedghalati Mohammadkarim , Brauer Verena S , Hoffmann Daniel
Published: August 2018

We introduce an Interaction- and Trade-off-based Eco-Evolutionary Model (ITEEM), in which species are competing in a well-mixed system, and their evolution in interaction trait space is subject to a life-history trade-off between replication rate and competitive ability. We demonstrate that the shape of the trade-off has a fundamental impact on eco-evolutionary dynamics, as it imposes four phases of diversity, including a sharp phase transition. Despite its minimalism, ITEEM produces a remarkable range of patterns of eco-evolutionary dynamics that are observed in experimental and natural systems. Most notably we find self-organization towards structured communities with high and sustained diversity, in which competing species form interaction cycles similar to rock-paper-scissors games.
A cell autonomous torsinA requirement for cholinergic neuron survival and motor control
Authors: Pappas Samuel S , Li Jay , LeWitt Tessa M , Kim Jeong-Ki , Monani Umrao R , Dauer William T
Published: August 2018

Cholinergic dysfunction is strongly implicated in dystonia pathophysiology. Previously (Pappas et al., 2015;4:e08352), we reported that Dlx5/6-Cre mediated forebrain deletion of the DYT1 dystonia protein torsinA (Dlx-CKO) causes abnormal twisting and selective degeneration of dorsal striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChI) (Pappas et al., 2015). A central question raised by that work is whether the ChI loss is cell autonomous or requires torsinA loss from neurons synaptically connected to ChIs. Here, we addressed this question by using ChAT-Cre mice to conditionally delete torsinA from cholinergic neurons (‘ChAT-CKO’). ChAT-CKO mice phenocopy the Dlx-CKO phenotype of selective dorsal striatal ChI loss and identify an essential requirement for torsinA in brainstem and spinal cholinergic neurons. ChAT-CKO mice are tremulous, weak, and exhibit trunk twisting and postural abnormalities. These findings are the first to demonstrate a cell autonomous requirement for torsinA in specific populations of cholinergic neurons, strengthening the connection between torsinA, cholinergic dysfunction and dystonia pathophysiology.
Dry Eye After Phacoemulsification
Authors: Dhawan Munish , Kaur Gagandeep , Singh S.P.
Published: August 2018

Background:-

Dry eye is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disorder of the preocular tear film because of tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation which causes symptoms of ocular discomfort. Many patients who have undergone cataract surgery have complained of dry eye and symptoms of irritation postoperatively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity pattern of dry eye after phacoemulsification.

Design:-

Prospective study.

Materials & Methods:-

100 uncomplicated cataract patients coming to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot were selected for study. Dry eye incidence and pattern were analyzed preoperatively and at days 1, 7, 30 and 90 after phacoemulsification using (1) Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, (2) tear break up time (TBUT), (3) rose bengal staining, (4) Schirmer I test without anesthesia and (5) Schirmer 2 test with anesthesia. Data was evaluated by student T test.

Results:-

Seven days after phacoemulsification, the incidence of dry eye was 11%. The severity of dry eye peaked seven days post-phacoemulsification and was measured by OSDI questionnaire and all four clinical tests. Within 30 days and 3 months post-surgery, both the symptoms and signs showed rapid and gradual improvements respectively.

Conclusions:-

The incidence of dry eye after phacoemulsification was 11%. Symptoms and signs of dry eye occurred as early as seven days post-phacoemulsification and the severity pattern improved over time. We recommend that ophthalmologists should evaluate patients both before and after phacoemulsification to prevent further damage to the ocular surface and manage the patient promptly and effectively so that the patient does not have a poor quality of life and vision due to dry eye syndrome.
Anterior Segment Involvement in Antipsychotics - An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Jain Divya , Arunan Suryaa M , Vedachalam Ahalya
Published: August 2018

Anti-psychotics used for treatment of psychiatric disorders can have various ocular side effects. We hereby report a case of advanced capsular and sub-capsular lenticular opacities in a 58 year old male that was secondary to long term chlorpromazine use. The deposits persisted after discontinuation of the drug. There were however no associated deposits on the cornea. This case highlights the rare occurrence of lenticular deposits without associated corneal involvement. Periodic eye examination of patients on long term antipsychotic drugs is necessary. A timely discontinuation of the offending drug may arrest further progression.