bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contradictions françaises au Moyen-Orient
Authors: Malbrunot Georges
Published: June 2016

L’influence française a sans conteste régressé au Moyen-Orient avec l’échec de l’Union pour la Méditerranée, l’enlisement du conflit israélo-palestinien, la résolution provisoire du dossier iranien, et les contradictions multipliées sur la crise syrienne. Les relations de Paris avec les monarchies du Golfe semblent désormais constituer un axe privilégié de la politique française dans la région. Une politique qui devra être profondément redéfinie par le prochain président de la République.
L’Europe centrale à l’épreuve de l’autoritarisme
Authors: Mink Georges
Published: June 2016

En 2010, le virage autoritaire de la Hongrie a pu être perçu comme une parenthèse qui allait se refermer rapidement. En réalité, le modèle de « démocratie illibérale » instauré par Viktor Orban a fait des émules. Le Polonais Jaroslav Kaczynski s’en inspire ouvertement. Il estime qu’en deux mandats, il pourra faire table rase de la III e  République et ancrer son nouveau modèle. Face à ce tournant autoritaire, les sociétés civiles tentent de se mobiliser.
Extrémismes, populismes et nationalismes à l’assaut de l’Europe
Authors: Giuliani Jean-Dominique
Published: June 2016

Inachevée, la construction européenne se trouve confrontée à une triple vague d’extrémisme, de populisme et de nationalisme. Le phénomène n’est plus nouveau, mais son ampleur devient préoccupante : détournement des procédures référendaires, approches du pouvoir dans plusieurs pays. Ceci, même si ces mouvements n’ont pas produit de bouleversement dans les politiques, ni les institutions européennes. Ces dernières ont manifesté leur résilience, se montrant plus solides que prévu.
Le Hezbollah et la guerre en Syrie
Authors: Cimino Matthieu
Published: June 2016

Depuis 2013, la projection de forces a succédé aux missions de conseil du Hezbollah sur le territoire syrien. Au service d’intérêts communs avec l’Iran, elle a eu un rôle militaire décisif. Cet engagement a de profonds effets sur l’identité et les structures du Hezbollah : organisation militaire et politique, rapports avec les autres communautés religieuses… En dépit d’un large rejet sunnite, le parti tente de se présenter aujourd’hui comme un rempart régional et a-confessionnel contre Daech.
TTIP: too Big to Fail?
Authors: Fabry Elvire
Published: June 2016

La négociation sur le TTIP s’attaque aux barrières non tarifaires dans les échanges entre les deux plus grandes économies de la planète. Les effets d’un éventuel accord sur la croissance, et globalement les bénéfices escomptés de part et d’autre, sont encore difficilement évaluables. Garantie de la souveraineté réglementaire des États, défense des normes européennes, et accord sur les modalités de règlement des différends entre États et investisseurs, restent des enjeux centraux de la négociation.
États et compagnies pétrolières nationales : des acteurs du futur ou du passé ?
Authors: Pérouse de Montclos Marc-Antoine
Published: June 2016

Depuis les nationalisations des années 1970, les compagnies pétrolières publiques, acteurs internationaux incontournables, contrôlent l’essentiel des gisements. Médiatiquement plus visibles, les multinationales ont été repoussées vers les segments technologiques les plus pointus de la production, notamment dans l’ offshore . La question est, pour les décennies à venir, de savoir si les compagnies pétrolières nationales vont confirmer la tendance, ou céder le pas à de nouveaux acteurs privés.
L’Afrique du Sud, « bon citoyen nucléaire international » ?
Authors: Maitre Emmanuelle
Published: June 2016

Depuis la destruction de son arsenal nucléaire, l’Afrique du Sud revendique un statut de « bon citoyen nucléaire international », validé par son engagement dans le régime de non-prolifération. Pretoria joue ainsi un rôle de bridge-builder entre les États dotés et les États non dotés, et lors des crises de prolifération. Des infléchissements récents soulèvent des doutes sur ce positionnement : un glissement qui risque d’être dommageable pour la diplomatie nucléaire sud-africaine.
Effective Urban Infrastructure Governance in Africa
Authors: Elias Peter , Babatola Olatunji , Omojola Ademola
Published: June 2016

The main thrust of this chapter is to examine effective urban infrastructure governance in Africa: resolving the wealth-poverty paradox. The chapter is organized into five main sections according to the identified objectives with the introduction: infrastructure deficit and poverty nexus in urban Africa as section one. Section two is the background emphasizing Africa's poverty in wealth paradox. Section three focuses on urban revolution in Africa which is characterized by growing poverty instead of wealth and its implication for resolving infrastructure deficit. The nature of urban infrastructure demand and supply in Africa is the emphasis in section four while section five underlines the strategy for future infrastructure governance in Africa. Effective urban infrastructure governance in Africa is particularly challenging the strategies for dealing with the wealth-poverty nexus.
Population Growth and Water Supply
Authors: Cobbinah Patrick Brandful , Okyere Dennis Kwadwo , Gaisie Eric
Published: June 2016

With recent and expected record-breaking urban population growth in developing countries, African cities ought to undertake or revisit sustainable planning efforts necessary for managing population growth and dealing with rapid urbanization. This chapter examines how African cities are responding and adapting to rapid population growth in the area of water supply using Ghana as a case study. From a macro perspective, the chapter looks at the nature and extent of population growth and water supply in Africa, with a focus on Ghana. At the micro level, an analysis of the water supply chain in Ghanaian cities, focusing on distribution, equity and accessibility is presented. The chapter further presents a discussion on the way forward regarding urban water supply in Ghana in particular and Africa in general. The chapter concludes with key findings and directions for further research, in relation to population growth and urban water supply.
Technology and the Urban Future in Developing Countries
Authors: AbouKorin Antar A.
Published: June 2016

During the last century, population growth and rapid urbanization have been phenomenal in the developing world. Such rapid urbanization has created many urban problems on both local and regional levels. Technology has been a driving force for rapid urbanization in developed and developing countries. The main argument of this Chapter is that technology can be the answer to most of the urban problems associated with rapid urbanization in developing countries. In tackling this issue, a qualitative analysis of the literature review about technology and urban change, and a quantitative analysis of urban change patterns and challenges in Africa, as a group sample of the developing world, have been conducted. Then, the research recommends “Urban Decentralization” as a technology-enabled policy necessary for managing the urban future in developing countries. The research recommends “rural urbanization” and “small-size settlements' as necessary approaches for the efficient implementation of the proposed “Urban Decentralization” policy.
Population Growth and Urbanization in Africa
Authors: Adams Samuel , Opoku Eric Evans Osei
Published: June 2016

This study examined the effect of population growth and urbanization on the environment (carbon dioxide emissions) for 37 sub Saharan African countries based on 1980-2010 annual data. Using the Pooled Mean Group estimation technique, the findings of the study show that affluence and industrialization have negative effect on the environment (increases carbon dioxide emissions) while urbanization does not have a significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. The population variable is significant only in the long run but insignificant in the short run. Also, after controlling for the different age groups, the results show that the more active age group (15-59) is positive and significantly related to carbon dioxide emissions.
Ecological Influences on the Evolving Planning System in Turkey
Authors: Küçükali Ufuk Fatih
Published: June 2016

Many developing countries' national plans and urbanization policies lack effective measures to address environmental degradation and support the sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable urban development policies, the most important pillar of socio-economic development, have not been produced and/or integrated to the urban planning system in Turkey. Suggesting that economic growth may be equaled to wealth and welfare is only possible in environments where certain requirements are satisfied. These requirements may be enumerated as not surpassing the natural renovation capacity, minimizing pollution risks, optimal protection and preservation of non-renewable resources, use of natural resources according to protection-utilization principles. This chapter firstly addresses planning tradition in conceptual background, and analyses relationship of this convention with urban development. Secondly and final phase it addresses the ecological influences created by the urban development shaped by urban planning tradition on the environment, and presents suggestions for solution.
Corporate Governance and Value Creation
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: June 2016

Corporate governance is a complex issue, the focal point of which is the exercise of power. The power has limits, however, imposed by both legislation and contracts. Also, even if the overarching power belongs to the shareholders, residual power cannot be exercised to the detriment of the rights of the other stakeholders. Because the governance system and resulting structures have a major influence on the decision-making processes within a company, financial analysts must understand the governance mechanisms. Moreover, in the business world today, corporate governance is a factor in competitiveness that is as important as the quality of a company's human resources, its know-how, and its innovation capacity. Through in-depth literature review and contextual analysis the aim of this paper is to under the corporate governance perspective and also to review for understanding the corporate governance and value creation experience from India.
The Compliance of IT Control and Governance
Authors: Lai Colin , Tang Hung-Lian , Tarn J. Michael , Chung Sock
Published: June 2016

This study used a multiple-case study methodology in exploring the status of IT control in the casino gaming industry. The observations of this research should very much represent the overall status of the concerned issues regarding the casino gaming industry of Macao. Having attained a more complete level of IT control not only helps the company in satisfying the concerned regulatory compliance requirements, but also makes IT works more effectively for the companies in helping them to gain the competitive advantage in the fierce competitive environment in the gaming industry. The findings of this research can help the gaming companies to identify the potential enhancement areas of IT control. This study has captured the IT control status of the gaming industry at an initial stage of development in Macao. Further, the results can serve as a solid foundation for future research on the casino gaming industry and extending similar research to be conducted on other industries and government agencies, which are promoting the awareness of the importance of IT control.
A Clustering Approach Using Fractional Calculus-Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm for k-Anonymization in Privacy Preserving Data Mining
Authors: Bhaladhare Pawan R. , Jinwala Devesh C.
Published: June 2016

A tremendous amount of personal data of an individual is being collected and analyzed using data mining techniques. Such collected data, however, may also contain sensitive data about an individual. Thus, when analyzing such data, individual privacy can be breached. Therefore, to preserve individual privacy, one can find numerous approaches proposed for the same in the literature. One of the solutions proposed in the literature is k-anonymity which is used along with the clustering approach. During the investigation, the authors observed that the k-anonymization based clustering approaches all the times result in the loss of information. This paper presents a fractional calculus-based bacterial foraging optimization algorithm (FC-BFO) to generate an optimal cluster. In addition to this, the authors utilize the concept of fractional calculus (FC) in the chemotaxis step of a bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) algorithm. The main objective is to improve the optimization ability of the BFO algorithm. The authors also evaluate their proposed FC-BFO algorithm, empirically, focusing on information loss and execution time as a vital metric. The experimental evaluations show that our proposed FC-BFO algorithm generates an optimal cluster with lesser information loss as compared with the existing clustering approaches.
Stakeholder Capitalism and Convergent Technologies
Authors: Singer Alan E.
Published: June 2016

Technologies such as artificial-general-intelligence, nanotechnology and synthetic-biology are often considered to be emergent, but they are also convergent. Accordingly, one might expect that the principles of ethical governance would be essentially the same for all of them. It is duly argued in this paper that (i) those ethical principles are already embodied in the global stakeholder model (or variant of capitalism), and (ii) scientists and technologists who are employed by private corporations are in a good position to influence a wider transition towards stakeholder capitalism. More generally, there is a pressing need to inject scientific habits-of-thought into global governance and co-production processes.
Multifractal Singularity Spectrum for Cognitive Cyber Defence in Internet Time Series
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salman , Ferens Ken , Kinsner Witold
Published: June 2016

Growing global dependence over cyberspace has given rise to intelligent malicious threats due to increasing network complexities, inherent vulnerabilities embedded within the software and the limitations of existing cyber security systems to name a few. Malicious cyber actors exploit these vulnerabilities to carry out financial fraud, steal intellectual property and disrupt the delivery of essential online services. Unlike physical security, cyberspace is very difficult to secure due to the replacement of traditional computing platforms with sophisticated cloud computing and virtualization. These complex systems exhibit an increasing degree of complexity in tracking an attack or monitoring possible threats which is becoming intractable with the existing security firewalls and intrusion detection systems. In this paper, authors present a novel complexity detection technique using generalized multifractal singularity spectrum which is able to not only capture the growing complexity of the internet time series but also distinguishes the presence of an attack accurately.
MapReduce based Big Data Framework for Content Searching of Surveillance System Videos
Authors: Xu Zheng , Yan Zhiguo , Du Huan
Published: June 2016

CBIR systems go through sets of stages starting from acquiring the new images, representing these images by extracting the image features, describing the key features and eventually computing the similarity distances to get the most relevant results responding to the query image. In this paper, ICBIR an integrated CBIR Hadoop-MapReduce based framework which is split into both offline and online phases is introduced. Visual statements are built using the extracted interest points SIFTs. Later on, these visual statements are used to estimate the similarity distances which in turn are used to create the image dataset clusters. A huge vocabulary of SIFTs describing the interest points of the image is constructed. In this paper, the authors are interested in routing protocols based on clusters that aim to reduce congestion in order to have reliable data transmission and a reduced loss rate. This is achieved by balancing the traffic load, which results into a balanced energy consumption within the network.
Surfactant Protein A Prevents IFN-γ/IFN-γ Receptor Interaction and Attenuates Classical Activation of Human Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Minutti Carlos M. , García-Fojeda Belén , Sáenz Alejandra , de las Casas-Engel Mateo , Guillamat-Prats Raquel , de Lorenzo Alba , Serrano-Mollar Anna , Corbí Ángel L. , Casals Cristina
Published: June 2016

Lung surfactant protein A (SP-A) plays an important function in modulating inflammation in the lung. However, the exact role of SP-A and the mechanism by which SP-A affects IFN-γ–induced activation of alveolar macrophages (aMϕs) remains unknown. To address these questions, we studied the effect of human SP-A on rat and human aMϕs stimulated with IFN-γ, LPS, and combinations thereof and measured the induction of proinflammatory mediators as well as SP-A’s ability to bind to IFN-γ or IFN-γR1. We found that SP-A inhibited (IFN-γ + LPS)–induced TNF-α, iNOS, and CXCL10 production by rat aMϕs. When rat macrophages were stimulated with LPS and IFN-γ separately, SP-A inhibited both LPS-induced signaling and IFN-γ–elicited STAT1 phosphorylation. SP-A also decreased TNF-α and CXCL10 secretion by ex vivo–cultured human aMϕs and M-CSF–derived macrophages stimulated by either LPS or IFN-γ or both. Hence, SP-A inhibited upregulation of IFN-γ–inducible genes (CXCL10, RARRES3, and ETV7) as well as STAT1 phosphorylation in human M-CSF–derived macrophages. In addition, we found that SP-A bound to human IFN-γ (KD = 11 ± 0.5 nM) in a Ca2+-dependent manner and prevented IFN-γ interaction with IFN-γR1 on human aMϕs. We conclude that SP-A inhibition of (IFN-γ + LPS) stimulation is due to SP-A attenuation of both inflammatory agents and that the binding of SP-A to IFN-γ abrogates IFN-γ effects on human macrophages, suppressing their classical activation and subsequent inflammatory response.
Plasticity of Th17 Cells in Autoimmune Kidney Diseases
Authors: Krebs Christian F. , Turner Jan-Eric , Paust Hans-Joachim , Kapffer Sonja , Koyro Tobias , Krohn Sonja , Ufer Friederike , Friese Manuel A. , Flavell Richard A. , Stockinger Brigitta , Steinmetz Oliver M. , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Huber Samuel , Panzer Ulf
Published: June 2016

The ability of CD4+ T cells to differentiate into pathogenic Th1 and Th17 or protective T regulatory cells plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Recent data suggest that CD4+ T cell subsets display a considerable plasticity. This plasticity seems to be a critical factor for their pathogenicity, but also for the potential transition of pathogenic effector T cells toward a more tolerogenic phenotype. The aim of the current study was to analyze the plasticity of Th17 cells in a mouse model of acute crescentic glomerulonephritis and in a mouse chronic model of lupus nephritis. By transferring in vitro generated, highly purified Th17 cells and by using IL-17A fate reporter mice, we demonstrate that Th17 cells fail to acquire substantial expression of the Th1 and Th2 signature cytokines IFN-γ and IL-13, respectively, or the T regulatory transcription factor Foxp3 throughout the course of renal inflammation. In an attempt to therapeutically break the stability of the Th17 phenotype in acute glomerulonephritis, we subjected nephritic mice to CD3-specific Ab treatment. Indeed, this treatment induced an immunoregulatory phenotype in Th17 cells, which was marked by high expression of IL-10 and attenuated renal tissue damage in acute glomerulonephritis. In summary, we show that Th17 cells display a minimum of plasticity in acute and chronic experimental glomerulonephritis and introduce anti-CD3 treatment as a tool to induce a regulatory phenotype in Th17 cells in the kidney that may be therapeutically exploited.
Constitutive Lck Activity Drives Sensitivity Differences between CD8+ Memory T Cell Subsets
Authors: Moogk Duane , Zhong Shi , Yu Zhiya , Liadi Ivan , Rittase William , Fang Victoria , Dougherty Janna , Perez-Garcia Arianne , Osman Iman , Zhu Cheng , Varadarajan Navin , Restifo Nicholas P. , Frey Alan B. , Krogsgaard Michelle
Published: June 2016

CD8+ T cells develop increased sensitivity following Ag experience, and differences in sensitivity exist between T cell memory subsets. How differential TCR signaling between memory subsets contributes to sensitivity differences is unclear. We show in mouse effector memory T cells (TEM) that >50% of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) exists in a constitutively active conformation, compared with <20% in central memory T cells (TCM). Immediately proximal to Lck signaling, we observed enhanced Zap-70 phosphorylation in TEM following TCR ligation compared with TCM. Furthermore, we observed superior cytotoxic effector function in TEM compared with TCM, and we provide evidence that this results from a lower probability of TCM reaching threshold signaling owing to the decreased magnitude of TCR-proximal signaling. We provide evidence that the differences in Lck constitutive activity between CD8+ TCM and TEM are due to differential regulation by SH2 domain–containing phosphatase-1 (Shp-1) and C-terminal Src kinase, and we use modeling of early TCR signaling to reveal the significance of these differences. We show that inhibition of Shp-1 results in increased constitutive Lck activity in TCM to levels similar to TEM, as well as increased cytotoxic effector function in TCM. Collectively, this work demonstrates a role for constitutive Lck activity in controlling Ag sensitivity, and it suggests that differential activities of TCR-proximal signaling components may contribute to establishing the divergent effector properties of TCM and TEM. This work also identifies Shp-1 as a potential target to improve the cytotoxic effector functions of TCM for adoptive cell therapy applications.
Dynamic risk model for Rift Valley fever outbreaks in Kenya based on climate and disease outbreak data
Authors: Gikungu David , Wakhungu Jacob , Siamba Donald , Neyole Edward , Muita Richard , Bett Bernard
Published: June 2016

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonotic disease that occurs throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula, with heavy impact in affected countries. Outbreaks are episodic and related to climate variability, especially rainfall and flooding. Despite great strides towards better prediction of RVF epidemics, there is still no observed climate data-based warning system with sufficient lead time for appropriate response and mitigation. We present a dynamic risk model based on historical RVF outbreaks and observed meteorological data. The model uses 30-year data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, normalised difference vegetation index and sea surface temperature data as predictors. Our research on RVF focused on Garissa, Murang’a and Kwale counties in Kenya using a research design based on a correlational, experimental, and evaluational approach. The weather data were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department while the RVF data were acquired from International Livestock Research Institute, and the Department of Veterinary Services. Performance of the model was evaluated by using the first 70% of the data for calibration and the remaining 30% for validation. The assessed components of the model accurately predicted already observed RVF events. The Brier score for each of the models (ranging from 0.007 to 0.022) indicated high skill. The coefficient of determination (R2) was higher in Garissa (0.66) than in Murang’a (0.21) and Kwale (0.16). The discrepancy was attributed to data distribution differences and varying ecosystems. The model outputs should complement existing early warning systems to detect risk factors that predispose for RVF outbreaks.
Perceived spatial stigma, body mass index and blood pressure: a global positioning system study among low-income housing residents in New York City
Authors: Duncan Dustin T. , Ruff Ryan R. , Chaix Basile , Regan Seann D. , Williams James H. , Ravenell Joseph , Bragg Marie A. , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Elbel Brian
Published: June 2016

Previous research has highlighted the salience of spatial stigma on the lives of low-income residents, but has been theoretical in nature and/or has predominantly utilised qualitative methods with limited generalisability and ability to draw associations between spatial stigma and measured cardiovascular health outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate relationships between perceived spatial stigma, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure among a sample of low-income housing residents in New York City (NYC). Data come from the community-based NYC Low-income Housing, Neighborhoods and Health Study. We completed a crosssectional analysis with survey data, which included the four items on spatial stigma, as well objectively measured BMI and blood pressure data (analytic n=116; 96.7% of the total sample). Global positioning systems (GPS) tracking of the sample was conducted for a week. In multivariable models (controlling for individual-level age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, total household income, neighborhood percent non-Hispanic Black and neighborhood median household income) we found that participants who reported living in an area with a bad neighborhood reputation had higher BMI (B=4.2, 95%CI: -0.01, 8.3, P=0.051), as well as higher systolic blood pressure (B=13.2, 95%CI: 3.2, 23.1, P=0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (B=8.5, 95%CI: 2.8, 14.3, P=0.004). In addition, participants who reported living in an area with a bad neighborhood reputation had increased risk of obesity/overweight [relative risk (RR)=1.32, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.4, P=0.02) and hypertension/pre-hypertension (RR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.2, 2.4, P=0.007). However, we found no differences in spatial mobility (based GPS data) among participants who reported living in neighborhoods with and without spatial stigma (P>0.05). Further research is needed to investigate how placebased stigma may be associated with impaired cardiovascular health among individuals in stigmatised neighborhoods to inform effective cardiovascular risk reduction interventions.
The spatial distribution pattern of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome in China
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Yongli , Shi Xuezhong , Mao Saicai , Shi Nian , Hui Xiaoqing
Published: June 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) exhibit variable patterns among the provinces of China. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is needed for the prevention and control of AIDS. Thus, the cumulative number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS from the period 1985-2013, and the incidence rate of AIDS in 2013 were determined. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and hotspot analysis were conducted using ArcGIS10.2 to explore the spatial distribution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Both the thematic map and the global spatial autocorrelation Moran’s I statistics revealed a clustered distribution of the spatial pattern. A local spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated hotspots of AIDS incidence rate that were confined to the provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan. The hotspots encompassed Guangxi and Yunnan, while Henan Province displayed a negative autocorrelation with more variable numbers that included neighbouring regions. The Getis-Ord Gi* statistics identified 6 hotspots and 8 coldspots for the incidence of AIDS, and 7 hotspots and 1 coldspot for the cumulative number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS. The spatial distribution pattern of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China is clustered, demonstrating hotspots located in the Southwest. Specific interventions targeting provinces with severe HIV/AIDS epidemic are urgently needed.
Zoning the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan as to the risk of rabies among various categories of animals
Authors: Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K. , Sultanov Akhmetzhan A. , Beisembayev Kanatzhan K. , Korennoy Fedor I. , Кushubaev Dosym B. , Каdyrov Ablaikhan S.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the zoning of the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan with respect to the risk of rabies outbreaks in domestic and wild animals considering environmental and climatic conditions. The national database of rabies outbreaks in Kazakhstan in the period 2003-2014 has been accessed in order to find which zones are consistently most exposed to the risk of rabies in animals. The database contains information on the cases in demes of farm livestock, domestic animals and wild animals. To identify the areas with the highest risk of outbreaks, we applied the maximum entropy modelling method. Designated outbreaks were used as input presence data, while the bioclim set of ecological and climatic variables, together with some geographic factors, were used as explanatory variables. The model demonstrated a high predictive ability. The area under the curve for farm livestock was 0.782, for domestic animals -0.859 and for wild animals - 0.809. Based on the model, the map of integral risk was designed by following four categories: negligible risk (disease-free or favourable zone), low risk (surveillance zone), medium risk (vaccination zone), and high risk (unfavourable zone). The map was produced to allow developing a set of preventive measures and is expected to contribute to a better distribution of supervisory efforts from the veterinary service of the country.
Topographic distribution of gastritis in heavy pigs investigated by a geographic information system approach
Authors: Pascotto Ernesto , Capraro Diego , Tomè Paolo , Spanghero Mauro
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper was to determine the topographic distribution of gastritis lesions in pigs through an open source geographic information system (GIS) software analysis. The stomachs of 146 Italian heavy pigs were collected at slaughter and subjected to macroscopic pathological examination of the internal mucosa. A total of 623 lesions were either classified as hyperplastic or follicular (97%) with the remaining minority of lesions categorised as atrophic and simple. The hyperplastic gastritis lesions had an average surface of 77.8 cm2 and were mainly located in an oval shaped area of the fundus region of the stomach near the Curvatura ventriculi major. The follicular gastritis lesions had generally a smaller surface (40.3 cm2) and were concentrated in two distinct small areas of the pyloric region. The GIS analysis provided the opportunity to produce useful maps showing the distribution and characteristics of gastritis in pigs.
Air quality classification and its temporal trend in Tehran, Iran, 2002-2012
Authors: Saniei Raheleh , Zangiabadi Ali , Sharifikia Mohammad , Ghavidel Yousef
Published: June 2016

Airborne particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), as well as slightly bigger particles (PM10), arrive from the westerly direction and collect in the city centre of Tehran, the capital of Iran. The statistical characteristics and daily trend of the air quality index (AQI) in Theran were studied over an 11-year period (2002- 2012). Various statistical analyses were applied including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, trend analysis and the sequential nonparametric Mann-Kendall test. The significance of the series was investigated by regression analysis and Kriging interpolation. It was found that Tehran’s daily AQI increased by 11.8% over the study period, with the frequency distribution of days with good and average air quality showing a strongly declining trend. The AQI of Tehran was shown to contain a large part of PM10 and PM2.5, the latter having the largest contribution (coefficient=0.853).
Revealing spatio-temporal patterns of rabies spread among various categories of animals in the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2010-2013
Authors: Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K. , Beisembayev Kanatzhan K. , Кorennoy Fedor I. , Yessembekova Gulzhan N. , Кushubaev Dosym B. , Кadyrov Ablaikhan S.
Published: June 2016

This study estimated the basic reproductive ratio of rabies at the population level in wild animals (foxes), farm animals (cattle, camels, horses, sheep) and what we classified as domestic animals (cats, dogs) in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK). It also aimed at forecasting the possible number of new outbreaks in case of emergence of the disease in new territories. We considered cases of rabies in animals in RK from 2010 to 2013, recorded by regional veterinary services. Statistically significant space-time clusters of outbreaks in three subpopulations were detected by means of Kulldorff Scan statistics. Theoretical curves were then fitted to epidemiological data within each cluster assuming exponential initial growth, which was followed up by calculation of the basic reproductive ratio R0. For farm animals, the value of R0 was 1.62 (1.11-2.26) and for wild animals 1.84 (1.08- 3.13), while it was close to 1 for domestic animals. Using the values obtained, an initial phase of possible epidemic was simulated in order to predict the expected number of secondary cases if the disease were introduced into a new area. The possible number of new cases for 20 weeks was estimated at 5 (1-16) for farm animals, 17 (1-113) for wild animals and about 1 in the category of domestic animals. These results have been used to produce set of recommendations for organising of preventive and contra-epizootic measures against rabies expected to be applied by state veterinarian services.
Usos político-partidistas en cuentas de Twitter de administraciones públicas
Authors: Vázquez Sande Pablo
Published: June 2016

La comunicación institucional y la comunicación política deberían tener cauces de difusión separados pero, adoptando la hipótesis de la normalización, en las redes sociales también se refleja la tendencia al indebido uso partidista de los canales institucionales. Metodología: Este estudio analiza las publicaciones en Twitter de 40 cuentas institucionales españolas distribuidas equitativamente entre cuatro niveles territoriales (estatal, autonómico, provincial y local). Se trata de una investigación cualitativa con un método exploratorio en el que se ha empleado fundamentalmente el análisis de contenido. Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados verifican la hipótesis de que se están dando usos propagandísticos y partidistas desde estas cuentas institucionales con una decena de tendencias que reflejan una gran preocupación por la proyección de los políticos en tanto que agentes de un partido. Por tanto, se consolida en este nuevo canal la confusión de estos dos planos, ya advertida en investigaciones previas con respecto a las salas de prensa online de una institución (García Orosa y Vázquez Sande, 2012).
The Impact of an Intervention to Improve Malaria Care in Public Health Centers on Health Indicators of Children in Tororo, Uganda (PRIME): A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Staedke Sarah G. , Maiteki-Sebuguzi Catherine , DiLiberto Deborah D. , Webb Emily L. , Mugenyi Levi , Mbabazi Edith , Gonahasa Samuel , Kigozi Simon P. , Willey Barbara A. , Dorsey Grant , Kamya Moses R. , Chandler Clare I. R.
Published: June 2016

Optimizing quality of care for malaria and other febrile illnesses is a complex challenge of major public health importance. To evaluate the impact of an intervention aiming to improve malaria case management on the health of community children, a cluster-randomized trial was conducted from 2010–2013 in Tororo, Uganda, where malaria transmission is high. Twenty public health centers were included; 10 were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control. Households within 2 km of health centers provided the sampling frame for the evaluation. The PRIME intervention included training in fever case management using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), patient-centered services, and health center management; plus provision of mRDTs and artemether–lumefantrine. Cross-sectional community surveys were conducted at baseline and endline (N = 8,766), and a cohort of children was followed for approximately 18 months (N = 992). The primary outcome was prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL) in children under 5 years of age in the final community survey. The intervention was delivered successfully; however, no differences in prevalence of anemia or parasitemia were observed between the study arms in the final community survey or the cohort. In the final survey, prevalence of anemia in children under 5 years of age was 62.5% in the intervention versus 63.1% in control (adjusted risk ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence interval = 0.91–1.13; P = 0.82). The PRIME intervention, focusing on training and commodities, did not produce the expected health benefits in community children in Tororo. This challenges common assumptions that improving quality of care and access to malaria diagnostics will yield health gains.
Data-driven simulation methodology using DES 4-layer architecture
Authors: Saez Aida , García Sabater José Pedro , Morant Llorca Joan , Maheut Julien
Published: June 2016

In this study, we present a methodology to build data-driven simulation models of manufacturing plants. We go further than other research proposals and we suggest focusing simulation model development under a 4-layer architecture (network, logic, database and visual reality). The Network layer includes system infrastructure. The Logic layer covers operations planning and control system, and material handling equipment system. The Database holds all the information needed to perform the simulation, the results used to analyze and the values that the Logic layer is using to manage the Plant. Finally, the Visual Reality displays an augmented reality system including not only the machinery and the movement but also blackboards and other Andon elements. This architecture provides numerous advantages as helps to build a simulation model that consistently considers the internal logistics, in a very flexible way.
Definición y Evaluación de la dificultad del problema de secuenciación de unidades homogéneas
Authors: Maheut Julien
Published: June 2016

El problema de secuenciación de unidades homogéneas es un caso muy tratado en la literatura donde en la mayor parte de los casos se intenta encontrar procedimientos exactos o heurísticos que permitan calcular en un tiempo computacional reducido una solución de la mejor calidad posible. La calidad de la solución se mide en función de las reglas de secuenciación violadas. Sin embargo, llegar a una solución que no viole ninguna restricción no siempre es posible ya que aunque las reglas de secuenciación se deberían definir para alisar la carga de trabajo, la evolución del mix de producción o las características de las reglas influyen sobre la calidad de las soluciones. En este articulo, se propone una medida para la dificultad de una regla de secuenciación cualquiera y determinar como el número de reglas de secuenciación y sus dificultades pueden servir para predecir en un conjunto de unidades a secuenciar como de difícil es conseguir una buena solución, y detectar los factores que hacen que un conjunto de productos sea más difícil de secuenciar.
Measuring performance at the supply chain level: the role of the chain director
Authors: De Haan Job A.C. , Sacristán-Díaz Macarena
Published: June 2016

Supply chains lack their own across-the-board managers that can design and implement a performance measurement system (PMS), nor do they have an explicit overall strategy from which the PMS can be derived. The focus of this article is to develop a qualitative theoretical model on PM in supply chains to explore how to adopt PMS as a tool to implement collaboration and integration in chains. The exploratory nature of the research question determined our use of a multiple case study. Two focal firms in the agro-food sector from Spain and the Netherlands, serving a total of five different chains, illustrate the message of the model.
The findings show when an attempt to implement a PMS at the supply chain level might be appropriate and effective (if a chain exists and has a director), and how the system’s content should be focused on what is needed to improve chain performance (with end customers’ demands as a starting point). The paper highlights the benefits obtained by the other partners if they comply with the best informed supply chain member in the development of the chain’s PMS, as well as how a PMS cannot be developed when none of the partners can be labelled as chain director.
Hoe zaagt men van dik hout planken?
Authors: Kalis Annemarie
Published: June 2016

Do Heidegger-teabags give philosophy a bad name? An essay about philosophy for the general public

Among many academic philosophers, philosophy for the general public has a bad reputation. In this paper I give an overview of the main points of criticism, and use these to develop a positive account of what good philosophy for the general public could be. As a first step towards such an account, I outline different views on how philosophy for the general public can relate to academic philosophy. Subsequently, I argue that what makes philosophy for the general public ‘good’, is just what makes philosophical work in general ‘good’: good philosophical work has a philosophical aim, employs philosophical methods and employs these methods in a sound way. Finally I argue that communicability of philosophical ideas should not be seen as a bonus feature but as the sine qua non of philosophical thinking: if academic philosophy paid more attention to communicability, we might not even need a distinct discipline of philosophy for the general public. I conclude with some concrete suggestions for improving such communicability.
Diurnal variation of tropospheric relative humidity in tropical regions
Authors: Moradi Isaac , Arkin Philip , Ferraro Ralph , Eriksson Patrick , Fetzer Eric
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Despite the importance of water vapor especially in the tropical region, the diurnal variations of water vapor have not been completely investigated in the past due to the lack of adequate observations. Measurements from Sondeur Atmosphérique du Profil d'Humidité Intertropicale par Radiométrie (SAPHIR) onboard the low inclination Megha-Tropiques satellite with frequent daily revisits provide a valuable dataset for investigating the diurnal and spatial variation of tropospheric relative humidity in the tropical region. In this study, we first transformed SAPHIR observations into layer-averaged relative humidity, then partitioned the data based on local observation time into 24 bins with a grid resolution of one degree. Afterwards, we fitted Fourier series to the binned data. Finally, the mean, amplitude, and diurnal peak time of relative humidity in tropical regions were calculated for each grid point using either the measurements or Fourier series. The results were separately investigated for different SAPHIR channels as well as for relative humidity with respect to both liquid and ice phases. The results showed that the wet and dry regions are, respectively, associated with convective and subsidence regions which is consistent with the previous studies. The mean tropospheric humidity values reported in this study are generally 10 to 15 % higher than those reported using infrared observations which is because of strict cloud screening for infrared measurements. The results showed a large inhomogeneity in diurnal variation of tropospheric relative humidity in tropical region. The diurnal amplitude was larger over land than over ocean and the oceanic amplitude was larger over convective regions than over subsidence regions. The results showed that the diurnal amplitude is less than 10 % in middle and upper troposphere, but it is up to 30 % in lower troposphere over land. Although the peak of RH generally occurs over night or in early morning, there are several regions where the diurnal peak occurs at other times of the day. The early morning peak time is because of a peak in convective activities in early morning. Additionally, a double peak was observed in tropospheric humidity over some regions which is consistent with double peak in precipitation.
Atmospheric Mercury Concentrations observed at ground-based monitoring sites globally distributed in the framework of the GMOS network
Authors: Sprovieri Francesca , Pirrone Nicola , Bencardino Mariantonia , D’Amore Francesco , Carbone Francesco , Cinnirella Sergio , Mannarino Valentino , Landis Matthew , Ebinghaus Ralf , Weigelt Andreas , Brunke Ernst-Günther , Labuschagne Casper , Martin Lynwill , Munthe John , Wängberg Ingvar , Artaxo Paulo , Morais Fernando , Cairns Warren , Barbante Carlo , Diéguez María del Carmen , Garcia Patricia Elizabeth , Dommergue Aurélien , Angot Helene , Magand Olivier , Skov Henrik , Horvat Milena , Kotnik Jože , Read Katie Alana , Neves Luis Mendes , Gawlik Bernd Manfred , Sena Fabrizio , Mashyanov Nikolay , Obolkin Vladimir Arckadievich , Wip Dennis , Feng Xin Bin , Zhang Hui , Fu Xuewu , Ramachandran Ramesh , Cossa Daniel , Knoery Joël , Marusczak Nicolas , Nerentorp Michelle , Norstrom Claus
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Long-term monitoring data of ambient mercury (Hg) on a global scale to assess its emission, transport, atmospheric chemistry, and deposition processes is vital to understanding the impact of Hg pollution on the environment. The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project was funded by the European Commission (www.gmos.eu), and started in November 2010 with the overall goal to develop a coordinated global observing system to monitor Hg on a global scale, including a large network of ground-based monitoring stations, ad-hoc periodic oceanographic cruises and measurement flights in the lower and upper troposphere, as well as in the lower stratosphere. To date more than 40 ground-based monitoring sites constitute the global network covering many regions where little to no observational data were available before GMOS. This work presents atmospheric Hg concentrations recorded worldwide in the framework of the GMOS project (2010–2015), analyzing Hg measurement results in terms of temporal trends, seasonality and comparability within the network. Major findings highlighted in this paper include a clear gradient of Hg concentrations between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, confirming that the gradient observed is mostly driven by local and regional sources, which can be anthropogenic, natural or a combination of both.
Simulations of spaceborne multiwavelength lidar measurements and retrievals of aerosol microphysics
Authors: Whiteman David N. , Perez-Ramirez Daniel , Veselovskii Igor , Colarco Peter , Buchard Virginie
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In support of the Aerosol, Clouds, Ecosystems missions, simulations of a spaceborne multiwavelength lidar are performed based on global model simulations of the atmosphere along a satellite orbit track. The yield for aerosol microphysical inversions is quantified and comparisons are made between the aerosol microphysics inherent in the global model and those inverted from both the model's optical data and the simulated lidar measurements, which are based on the model's optical data. We find that yield can be significantly increased if inversions based on reduced optical data are acceptable. In general, retrieval performance is better for cases where the aerosol fine mode dominates. Lack of sensitivity to coarse mode cases is found, in agreement with earlier studies. Surface area is generally the most robustly retrieved quantity. The work here points toward the need for ancillary data to aid in the constraints of the lidar inversions and also for the need for joint inversions involving lidar and polarimeter measurements.