bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All-Digital Time-Domain CMOS Smart Temperature Sensor with On-Chip Linearity Enhancement
Authors: Chen Chun-Chi , Chen Chao-Lieh , Lin Yi
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes the first all-digital on-chip linearity enhancement technique for improving the accuracy of the time-domain complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) smart temperature sensor. To facilitate on-chip application and intellectual property reuse, an all-digital time-domain smart temperature sensor was implemented using 90 nm Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Although the inverter-based temperature sensor has a smaller circuit area and lower complexity, two-point calibration must be used to achieve an acceptable inaccuracy. With the help of a calibration circuit, the influence of process variations was reduced greatly for one-point calibration support, reducing the test costs and time. However, the sensor response still exhibited a large curvature, which substantially affected the accuracy of the sensor. Thus, an on-chip linearity-enhanced circuit is proposed to linearize the curve and achieve a new linearity-enhanced output. The sensor was implemented on eight different Xilinx FPGA using 118 slices per sensor in each FPGA to demonstrate the benefits of the linearization. Compared with the unlinearized version, the maximal inaccuracy of the linearized version decreased from 5 °C to 2.5 °C after one-point calibration in a range of −20 °C to 100 °C. The sensor consumed 95 μW using 1 kSa/s. The proposed linearity enhancement technique significantly improves temperature sensing accuracy, avoiding costly curvature compensation while it is fully synthesizable for future Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) system.
A Personal, Distributed Exposimeter: Procedure for Design, Calibration, Validation, and Application
Authors: Thielens Arno , Vanveerdeghem Peter , Van Torre Patrick , Gängler Stephanie , Röösli Martin , Rogier Hendrik , Martens Luc , Joseph Wout
Published: February 2016

This paper describes, for the first time, the procedure for the full design, calibration, uncertainty analysis, and practical application of a personal, distributed exposimeter (PDE) for the detection of personal exposure in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) downlink (DL) band around 900 MHz (GSM 900 DL). The PDE is a sensor that consists of several body-worn antennas. The on-body location of these antennas is investigated using numerical simulations and calibration measurements in an anechoic chamber. The calibration measurements and the simulations result in a design (or on-body setup) of the PDE. This is used for validation measurements and indoor radio frequency (RF) exposure measurements in Ghent, Belgium. The main achievements of this paper are: first, the demonstration, using both measurements and simulations, that a PDE consisting of multiple on-body textile antennas will have a lower measurement uncertainty for personal RF exposure than existing on-body sensors; second, a validation of the PDE, which proves that the device correctly estimates the incident power densities; and third, a demonstration of the usability of the PDE for real exposure assessment measurements. To this aim, the validated PDE is used for indoor measurements in a residential building in Ghent, Belgium, which yield an average incident power density of 0.018 mW/m².
Accuracy and Resolution Analysis of a Direct Resistive Sensor Array to FPGA Interface
Authors: Oballe-Peinado Óscar , Vidal-Verdú Fernando , Sánchez-Durán José , Castellanos-Ramos Julián , Hidalgo-López José
Published: February 2016

Resistive sensor arrays are formed by a large number of individual sensors which are distributed in different ways. This paper proposes a direct connection between an FPGA and a resistive array distributed in M rows and N columns, without the need of analog-to-digital converters to obtain resistance values in the sensor and where the conditioning circuit is reduced to the use of a capacitor in each of the columns of the matrix. The circuit allows parallel measurements of the N resistors which form each of the rows of the array, eliminating the resistive crosstalk which is typical of these circuits. This is achieved by an addressing technique which does not require external elements to the FPGA. Although the typical resistive crosstalk between resistors which are measured simultaneously is eliminated, other elements that have an impact on the measurement of discharge times appear in the proposed architecture and, therefore, affect the uncertainty in resistance value measurements; these elements need to be studied. Finally, the performance of different calibration techniques is assessed experimentally on a discrete resistor array, obtaining for a new model of calibration, a maximum relative error of 0.066% in a range of resistor values which correspond to a tactile sensor.
How Exposure to ”Role Model” Projects Can Lead to Decisions for More Sustainable Infrastructure
Authors: Harris Nora , Shealy Tripp , Klotz Leidy
Published: February 2016

A role model, whether an individual or a project, can inspire similar performance in others. This research examines such a phenomenon during the design process for more sustainable physical infrastructure. In this empirical study, engineering professionals (n = 54) were randomly assigned either a modified version of the Envision rating system for sustainable infrastructure, which was changed to include details from an exemplary role model project, or the current version of Envision, with no role model. Professionals given the role model version of Envision achieved on average 34% more points (SD = 27) than the control group (p = 0.001). A positive role model project appears to lead engineering professionals to higher goals for sustainability performance in their design decisions. This finding, and the corresponding line of interdisciplinary research, can be used in decision-structuring interventions, which are a relatively low-cost approach to support greater sustainability in physical infrastructure development.
Water Quality Assessment and Pollution Source Identification of the Eastern Poyang Lake Basin Using Multivariate Statistical Methods
Authors: Duan Weili , He Bin , Nover Daniel , Yang Guishan , Chen Wen , Meng Huifang , Zou Shan , Liu Chuanming
Published: February 2016

Multivariate statistical methods including cluster analysis (CA), discriminant analysis (DA) and component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA), were applied to explore the surface water quality datasets including 14 parameters at 28 sites of the Eastern Poyang Lake Basin, Jiangxi Province of China, from January 2012 to April 2015, characterize spatiotemporal variation in pollution and identify potential pollution sources. The 28 sampling stations were divided into two periods (wet season and dry season) and two regions (low pollution and high pollution), respectively, using hierarchical CA method. Four parameters (temperature, pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH4-N), and total nitrogen (TN)) were identified using DA to distinguish temporal groups with close to 97.86% correct assignations. Again using DA, five parameters (pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), TN, Fluoride (F), and Sulphide (S)) led to 93.75% correct assignations for distinguishing spatial groups. Five potential pollution sources including nutrients pollution, oxygen consuming organic pollution, fluorine chemical pollution, heavy metals pollution and natural pollution, were identified using PCA/FA techniques for both the low pollution region and the high pollution region. Heavy metals (Cuprum (Cu), chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn)), fluoride and sulfide are of particular concern in the study region because of many open-pit copper mines such as Dexing Copper Mine. Results obtained from this study offer a reasonable classification scheme for low-cost monitoring networks. The results also inform understanding of spatio-temporal variation in water quality as these topics relate to water resources management.
Assessing Community Resilience to Coastal Hazards in the Lower Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Cai Heng , Lam Nina , Zou Lei , Qiang Yi , Li Kenan
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an assessment of community resilience to coastal hazards in the Lower Mississippi River Basin (LMRB) region in southeastern Louisiana. The assessment was conducted at the census block group scale. The specific purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative method to assess and validate the community resilience to coastal hazards, and to identify the relationships between a set of socio-environmental indicators and community resilience. The Resilience Inference Measurement (RIM) model was applied to assess the resilience of the block groups. The resilience index derived was empirically validated through two statistical procedures: K-means cluster analysis of exposure, damage, and recovery variables to derive the resilience groups, and discriminant analysis to identify the key indicators of resilience. The discriminant analysis yielded a classification accuracy of 73.1%. The results show that block groups with higher resilience were concentrated generally in the northern part of the study area, including those located north of Lake Pontchartrain and in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, and Lafayette parishes. The lower-resilience communities were located mostly along the coastline and lower elevation area including block groups in southern Plaquemines Parish and Terrebonne Parish. Regression analysis between the resilience scores and the indicators extracted from the discriminant analysis suggests that community resilience was significantly linked to multicomponent capacities. The findings could help develop adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerability, increase resilience, and improve long-term sustainability for the coastal region.
Specific renal parenchymal‐derived urinary extracellular vesicles identify age‐associated structural changes in living donor kidneys
Authors: Turco Anne E. , Lam Wing , Rule Andrew D. , Denic Aleksandar , Lieske John C. , Miller Virginia M. , Larson Joseph J. , Kremers Walter K. , Jayachandran Muthuvel
Published: February 2016

Non‐invasive tests to identify age and early disease‐associated pathology within the kidney are needed. Specific populations of urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) could potentially be used for such a diagnostic test. Random urine samples were obtained from age‐ and sex‐stratified living kidney donors before kidney donation. A biopsy of the donor kidney was obtained at the time of transplantation to identify nephron hypertrophy (larger glomerular volume, cortex per glomerulus and mean profile tubular area) and nephrosclerosis (% fibrosis, % glomerulosclerosis and arteriosclerosis). Renal parenchymal‐derived EVs in cell‐free urine were quantified by digital flow cytometry. The relationship between these EV populations and structural pathology on the kidney biopsy was assessed. Clinical characteristics of the kidney donors (n=138, age range: 20–70 years, 50% women) were within the normative range. Overall, urine from women contained more EVs than that from men. The number of exosomes, juxtaglomerular cells and podocyte marker–positive EVs decreased (p<0.05) with increasing age. There were fewer total EVs as well as EVs positive for mesangial cell, parietal cell, descending limb of Henle's loop (simple squamous epithelium), collecting tubule‐intercalated cell and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 markers (p<0.05) in persons with nephron hypertrophy. The number of EVs positive for intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, juxtaglomerular cell, podocyte, parietal cell, proximal tubular epithelial cell, distal tubular epithelial cell and collecting duct cells were fewer (p<0.05) in persons with nephrosclerosis. EVs carrying markers of cells from the renal pelvis epithelium did not associate with any indices of nephron hypertrophy or nephrosclerosis. Therefore, specific populations of EVs derived from cells of the glomerulus and nephron associate with underlying kidney structural changes. Further validation of these findings in other cohorts is needed to determine their clinical utility.
Scope and limitations of the dual-gold-catalysed hydrophenoxylation of alkynes
Authors: Gómez-Suárez Adrián , Oonishi Yoshihiro , Martin Anthony R , Nolan Steven P
Published: February 2016

Due to the synthetic advantages presented by the dual-gold-catalysed hydrophenoxylation of alkynes, a thorough study of this reaction was carried out in order to fully define the scope and limitations of the methodology. The protocol tolerates a wide range of functional groups, such as nitriles, ketones, esters, aldehydes, ketals, naphthyls, allyls or polyphenols, in a milder and more efficient manner than the previously reported methodologies. We have also identified that while we are able to use highly steric hindered phenols, small changes on the steric bulk of the alkynes have a dramatic effect on the reactivity. More importantly, we have observed that the use of substrates that facilitate the formation of diaurated species such as gem-diaurated or σ,π-digold–acetylide species, hinder the catalytic activity. Moreover, we have identified that the use of directing groups in unsymmetrical alkynes can help to achieve high regioselectivity in the hydrophenoxylation.
EMPOWERING RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE BY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND WIDER INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION / ARCHITEKTŪROS TYRIMŲ SUAKTYVINIMAS SKATINANT VISUOMENĖS DALYVAVIMO IR TYRĖJŲ TARPTAUTINIO BENDRADARBIAVIMO VEIKSNIUS
Authors: Stauskis Gintaras , Bratuškins Uģis
Published: February 2016

The paper focuses on the actual state of architecture and planning practices in Lithuania and Latvia stating the common features and differences as well as identifying a number of challenges and possible solutions and their impacts on academic research carried out by junior fellows of the universities. The transition from a planned socialist economy to a free market and the following change in the structure of social order has objectively caused radical changes in the need and the offer of professional services where the largest market share is held by relatively small or very small architectural companies. Limited resources lead to dominance of the fulfillment of primary functional and aesthetical needs of the customer while the broader dialogue with public is usually delayed or missing. This often leads to public dissatisfaction of the results of implementation of development projects. The authors of the paper stress that the enhanced dialogue between architect and urban community supported by local governments and citizens could radically improve the situation and simultaneously contribute to the quality of architectural solutions. The share of responsibility for the future quality of built environmental goes to an academic education and especially to research systems. Multi-professional collaboration and integrated cross-border research practices should be encouraged as more beneficial for accumulating the experience of different cultures and to achieving optimal qualities in the future urban environment.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT EFFECT ON PASSIVE HOUSE ENERGY CONSUMPTION / MIESTO PLĖTROS ĮTAKA PASYVAUS NAMO ENERGIJOS VARTOJIMUI
Authors: Suvorovs Edgars
Published: February 2016

The paper describes one of the energy-efficient building concepts – a passive house. In the course of the work, a multifamily residential house was simulated in order to determine its constructive and spatial parameters that would ensure a passive house with energy efficiency in compliance with the fixed standards. The climatic data of the Latvian capital, Riga, were applied to this building simulation. Initially, an optimal orientation and maximum theoretical insulation of the building were chosen. At the second stage, the external factors – the shade caused by the surrounding buildings and effect of the building orientation dictated by the existing urban conditions – were studied based on the previously achieved energy efficiency rating. The results evidenced that the layout of window apertures and change of orientation, as well as shading caused by the surrounding buildings, plaid a significant role in the rating of the building energy efficiency nonetheless it did not interfere with achieving the passive house standards.
BUILDING ENERGY AND ARCHITECTURAL FORM RELATIONSHIPS / PASTATO ENERGIJOS IR ARCHITEKTŪRINĖS FORMOS RYŠIAI
Authors: Riekstiņš Roberts
Published: February 2016

Energy efficiency of buildings, of course, is now a major issue in the construction industry. It is being widely examined both among construction professionals and amateurs. There is no doubt that energy efficiency as a key factor in ensuring environmental sustainability will become the main driving force of the construction in the future. Buildings have to become more energy-efficient. This opinion is supported by the existing energy-use balance in Europe, indicating that the housing sector spends almost half of total energy consumption and building sector forms more than a third of total CO2 emissions (Bradley 2010).
While discussing the subject of building energy efficiency, mostly different technical characteristics of buildings and engineering solutions are talked over. However, it has been relatively little examined how energy-efficient design affects the building’s architecturally-aesthetic side, styles of expression and trends in the architect’s profession. We learn that the essence for an energy-efficient building lies in smart modesty (Bokalders, Block 2010) and the rational utilization of materials (aim high – go low). And still – can energy efficient building be expressive, extravagant, and perhaps – even ambitious?
There are many ideas implemented in projects which show that energy efficiency is not an obstacle to large scale architectural ideas. However, in order to combine architectural and artistic ambitions with the principles of sustainability, architects should search for an entirely new approach to architectural expression based on a detailed assessment of solutions applied from environmental point of view. It requires a complex understanding of building shape, applied technologies, energetic benefits and cost parameters.
This article identifies the realised and experimental projects of the world and presents an analysis of classification of buildings according to typology. This publication gives general impression of the amplitude and topicality of the study issue, as well as the diversity applied to the architectural techniques. The article concludes that even creating a building’s shape in a smart way makes it possible to use substantial part of the renewable energy offered by nature.
THE LACK OF HOLISTIC APPROACH IN THE PROBLEMATIC OF LITHUANIAN HERITAGE PROTECTION IN THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH / XXI A. PR. LIETUVOS PAVELDOSAUGOS PROBLEMATIKA: HOLISTINIO POŽIŪRIO STOKA
Authors: Vrubliauskas Dalius
Published: February 2016

Article aims to attract the attention towards obvious problematic sector of protection of immovable heritage of Lithuania, and underlines shortage in dealing with those problems from the position of integral, multi level, comprehensive- holistic approach.
Paper underlines the need to use the last chance in possible takeover from still alive national traditions in the survived immovable heritage sector. The author tries to name the range of the means for the strategic actions of the existing system in fields of guidelines for planning / projection / alteration of the near future of it. Along to cases of the good practice in other countries, some unused legislative and organisational moments andc opportunities has been pointed out as background for the change.
THE 31 DEG2 RELEASE OF THE STRIPE 82 X-RAY SURVEY: THE POINT SOURCE CATALOG
Authors: LaMassa Stephanie M. , Urry C. Megan , Cappelluti Nico , Böhringer Hans , Comastri Andrea , Glikman Eilat , Richards Gordon , Ananna Tonima , Brusa Marcella , Cardamone Carie , Chon Gayoung , Civano Francesca , Farrah Duncan , Gilfanov Marat , Green Paul , Komossa S. , Lira Paulina , Makler Martin , Marchesi Stefano , Pecoraro Robert , Ranalli Piero , Salvato Mara , Schawinski Kevin , Stern Daniel , Treister Ezequiel , Viero Marco
Published: February 2016

We release the next installment of the Stripe 82 X-ray survey point-source catalog, which currently covers 31.3 deg2 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 Legacy field. In total, 6181 unique X-ray sources are significantly detected with XMM-Newton (>5σ) and Chandra (>4.5σ). This catalog release includes data from XMM-Newton cycle AO 13, which approximately doubled the Stripe 82X survey area. The flux limits of the Stripe 82X survey are 8.7 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2, 4.7 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2, and 2.1 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 in the soft (0.5–2 keV), hard (2–10 keV), and full bands (0.5–10 keV), respectively, with approximate half-area survey flux limits of 5.4 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2, 2.9 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm−2, and 1.7 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm−2. We matched the X-ray source lists to available multi-wavelength catalogs, including updated matches to the previous release of the Stripe 82X survey; 88% of the sample is matched to a multi-wavelength counterpart. Due to the wide area of Stripe 82X and rich ancillary multi-wavelength data, including coadded SDSS photometry, mid-infrared WISE coverage, near-infrared coverage from UKIDSS and VISTA Hemisphere Survey, ultraviolet coverage from GALEX, radio coverage from FIRST, and far-infrared coverage from Herschel, as well as existing ∼30% optical spectroscopic completeness, we are beginning to uncover rare objects, such as obscured high-luminosity active galactic nuclei at high-redshift. The Stripe 82X point source catalog is a valuable data set for constraining how this population grows and evolves, as well as for studying how they interact with the galaxies in which they live.
IMAGING AN EVENT HORIZON: MITIGATION OF SOURCE VARIABILITY OF SAGITTARIUS A*
Authors: Lu Ru-Sen , Roelofs Freek , Fish Vincent L. , Shiokawa Hotaka , Doeleman Sheperd S. , Gammie Charles F. , Falcke Heino , Krichbaum Thomas P. , Zensus J. Anton
Published: February 2016

The black hole in the center of the Galaxy, associated with the compact source Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), is predicted to cast a shadow upon the emission of the surrounding plasma flow, which encodes the influence of general relativity (GR) in the strong-field regime. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network with a goal of imaging nearby supermassive black holes (in particular Sgr A* and M87) with angular resolution sufficient to observe strong gravity effects near the event horizon. General relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations show that radio emission from Sgr A* exhibits variability on timescales of minutes, much shorter than the duration of a typical VLBI imaging experiment, which usually takes several hours. A changing source structure during the observations, however, violates one of the basic assumptions needed for aperture synthesis in radio interferometry imaging to work. By simulating realistic EHT observations of a model movie of Sgr A*, we demonstrate that an image of the average quiescent emission, featuring the characteristic black hole shadow and photon ring predicted by GR, can nonetheless be obtained by observing over multiple days and subsequent processing of the visibilities (scaling, averaging, and smoothing) before imaging. Moreover, it is shown that this procedure can be combined with an existing method to mitigate the effects of interstellar scattering. Taken together, these techniques allow the black hole shadow in the Galactic center to be recovered on the reconstructed image.
THE QUARKYONIC STAR
Authors: Fukushima Kenji , Kojo Toru
Published: February 2016

We discuss theoretical scenarios on crossover between nuclear matter (NM) and quark matter (QM). We classify various possibilities into three major scenarios according to the onset of diquark degrees of freedom that characterizes color-superconducting (CSC) states. In the conventional scenario NM occurs at the liquid–gas (or liquid–vacuum at zero temperature) phase transition and QM occurs next, after which CSC eventually appears. With the effect of strong correlation, the BEC–BCS (Bose Einstein Condensation–Bardeen Cooper Schrieffer) scenario implies that CSC occurs next to NM and QM comes last in the BCS regime. We adopt the quarkyonic scenario in which NM, QM, and CSC are theoretically indistinguishable and thus these names refer to not distinct states but relevant descriptions of the same physical system. Based on this idea, we propose a natural scheme to interpolate NM near normal nuclear density and CSC with vector coupling at high baryon density. We finally discuss the mass–radius relation of the neutron star and constraints on parameters in the proposed scheme.
Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Japanese Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Background Methotrexate Therapy: A 12-week, Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiya , Emoto Kahaku , Cai Zhihong , Aoki Takehiro , Schlichting Douglas , Rooney Terence , Macias William
Published: February 2016

Objective.

To evaluate efficacy and safety, baricitinib [Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor] was compared with placebo in Japanese patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite background treatment with methotrexate (MTX).

Methods.

This was a phase IIB, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01469013). Patients had moderate to severe active adult-onset RA despite stable treatment with MTX. Patients (n = 145) were randomized in a 2:1:1:1:1 ratio to placebo or 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, or 8 mg oral baricitinib daily for 12 weeks. The primary analysis compared the combined 4/8-mg dose groups with placebo for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response rate at 12 weeks. Other outcomes included additional measures of disease activity, physical function, laboratory abnormalities, and adverse events.

Results.

A significantly higher proportion of patients in the combined 4/8-mg baricitinib group (37/48, 77%) compared with the placebo group (15/49, 31%) had at least an ACR20 response after 12 weeks of treatment (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in disease activity, remission, and physical function were observed as early as Week 2 of treatment with baricitinib, particularly with daily doses of ≥ 4 mg. Only 1 patient receiving baricitinib discontinued because of an adverse event. Adverse event rates with baricitinib doses ≤ 4 mg daily were similar to placebo, but there was a higher incidence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities in the 8-mg group.

Conclusion.

In this phase II study, baricitinib was well tolerated and rapidly improved the signs, symptoms, and physical function of Japanese patients with active RA, supporting continued development of baricitinib (clinicaltrials.govNCT01469013).
Comparison of Clinical Examination versus Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Enthesitis in Patients with Early Axial Spondyloarthritis during 3 Years of Continuous Etanercept Treatment
Authors: Althoff Christian E. , Sieper Joachim , Song In-Ho , Weiß Anja , Diekhoff Torsten , Haibel Hildrun , Hamm Bernd , Hermann Kay-Geert A.
Published: February 2016

Objective.

To compare clinical examination versus whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) of enthesitis in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis during 3 years of continuous etanercept (ETN) treatment.

Methods.

Forty-one patients underwent clinical and WB-MRI examinations for enthesitis at baseline and after 2 and 3 years of treatment. Twenty-one sites were assessed in 4 anatomic regions — anterior chest wall, pelvis, knee, and foot.

Results.

Clinical examination at baseline detected enthesitis in 57% of the patients (85 lesions, mean 2.1 lesions, SD 2.9), most of them in the pelvis (42 lesions in 17 patients) and anterior chest wall (19 lesions in 10 patients). The proportion of patients with clinically detected enthesitis decreased to 19% at Year 2 (mean 0.5, SD 1.5) and 14% at Year 3 (mean 0.7, SD 1.8). WB-MRI detected enthesitis at baseline in 21% of patients (22 lesions, mean 0.5 lesions, SD 1.1), also most frequently in the pelvis (12 lesions) and anterior chest wall (7 lesions). MRI-positive enthesitis decreased to 13% at Year 2 (mean 0.2 lesions, SD 0.5) and 14% at Year 3 (mean 0.2 lesions, SD 0.5). There was positive correlation of clinical and MRI findings at baseline at the anterior chest wall (p = 0.001) and the pelvis (p = 0.0001). No correlation was found at the knee and foot at baseline and for all regions at followup.

Conclusion.

Both clinical examination and WB-MRI show a decrease in enthesitis after 2 and 3 years of ETN treatment, but correlation was limited to the pelvis and anterior chest wall at baseline.
An Older Transgender Woman's Quest for Identity
Authors: Walker Charles A. , Cohen Harriet , Jenkins David
Published: February 2016

Despite sensationalized media attention, transgender individuals are the most marginalized and misunderstood group in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The current article presents a case study of one woman's quest for identity. Narrative inquiry was used to analyze data from interview transcripts and four themes emerged during analysis: (a)
naming the ambiguity
, (b)
revealing–concealing the authentic self
, (c)
discovering the transgender community
, and (d)
embracing the “T” identity
. Lifespan and empowerment theories were used to harvest meanings from these themes. Implications for nursing practice and research were examined based on study findings. Participatory action research offers an approach for future studies in which researchers advocate for transgender individuals and remove obstacles to their health care access. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
54
(2), 31–38.]
The Transition to Independence Process: Promoting Self-Efficacy in Transition-Aged Youths
Authors: Kalinyak Christopher M. , Gary Faye A. , Killion Cheryl M. , Suresky M. Jane
Published: February 2016

Transition to adulthood is a developmental stage that presents unique and challenging problems. For individuals with dual diagnoses of mental disorders and substance abuse, the tragic dilemma confronting them is one of limited or nonexistent options as they attempt to navigate their way from child and adolescent services to adult programs. The Transition to Independence Process (TIP) is designed to facilitate more successful outcomes in the transition to adulthood by offering continuity of support. Nursing plays a crucial role in enabling young adults to develop a healthy sense of self-efficacy, thus facilitating the success of a TIP program. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54
(2), 49–53.]
Extensive Erosion of Vertebral Bodies Due to a Chronic Contained Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Lombardi Alecio fernando , Cardoso Fabiano , Fernandes Artur
Published: February 2016

This report describes a case of chronically ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm contained within the lumbar vertebral bodies that presented with dull abdominal pain. Sudden, massive hemorrhage is an uncommon, yet well-known complication of an untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm. In addition, misleading clinical and radiological findings present difficult diagnostic challenges in such cases. This report emphasizes the findings obtained with multidetector computed tomography and delineates the differentiation of this condition from similar pathologies.
Bilateral Thalamic and Right Fronto-temporo-parietal Gliomas in a 4 Years Old Child Diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Sharaf Ahmed Fathy , Hamouda Ehab Shaban Mahmoud , Teo Jennifer Gek Choo
Published: February 2016

We report the neuroimaging findings of a 4-year-old girl with biopsy-proven bilateral thalamic and right fronto-temporo-parietal cortical gliomas, which are uncommon tumours involving the central nervous system. Despite their benignity, the prognosis is usually poor because of involvement of the thalamic nuclei and difficulty in surgical excision. These lesions have limited differential diagnoses that include metabolic, toxic, infective, vascular and neoplastic. Imaging characteristics on conventional Magnetic Resonance (MR), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can further narrow the differential diagnosis and also provide additional information regarding the degree of involvement of adjacent brain tissue and white matter tracts around the lesions.
Honoring our helpers
Authors: Talanow Roland , Giesel Frederik
Published: February 2016

This special issue of the Journal of Radiology Case Reports honors the reviewers who donated their time and expertise throughout the year 2015 to the high quality and success of this journal.
Evaluación de daños y actuaciones de rehabilitación en la iglesia de San Nicolás de Eduardo Torroja (Gandía, 1962)
Authors: Serrano-Lanzarote B. , Fenollosa Forner E. , Arnau Paltor F.
Published: February 2016

La iglesia de San Nicolás de Gandía (1962), es la obra póstuma del ingeniero Eduardo Torroja Miret, en colaboración con el arquitecto Gonzalo Echegaray Comba. El templo se caracteriza por su singular estructura: dos láminas plegadas de hormigón armado postesado, apoyadas en los testeros, salvando una luz de 29 m. En el año 1996, la detección de fisuras en el hormigón y desprendimientos de recubrimientos de las armaduras, hicieron aconsejable una inspección y evaluación exhaustiva de las lesiones que presentaba el edificio, mayormente producidas por la corrosión de las armaduras del hormigón, y que concluyó recomendando la reparación de las mismas.

El presente trabajo explica el sistema estructural del templo, describe los daños detectados en la estructura, expone el proyecto de rehabilitación que se elaboró y muestra las obras que se ejecutaron durante la intervención. Las obras finalizaron justo para la celebración del 50 aniversario de su construcción en 2012.
ePortfolio: A Descriptive Survey for Contents and Challenges
Authors: Hanum Siti Rashidah , Che-Ani Adi Irfan , Johar Suhana , Ismail Khaidzir , Abd Razak Mohd Zulhanif
Published: February 2016

Online learning is currently garnering increasing interest. Through the Internet, all available data can be shared to anyone without limited accessibility. ePortfolio is one of the media for students and lecturers to share their knowledge online. Students can upload and share their works, and lecturers can access the works of students anytime and anywhere as long as they remain connected to each other. This learning process gives students the freedom to show their ability and skills without meeting face to face. In literature, ePortfolio has contributed numerous advantages to students and lecturers in terms of the competency, marketability, self-confidence, and visibility of the students. This paper analyzes the development of ePortfolio contents to ensure the reliability of the instrument used. Furthermore, the challenges to implement ePortfolio in the learning system in Malaysia are determined. A total of 100 respondents, who are educators and students from public higher education institutions in Malaysia, participated in the Google survey form to share their perspective on the development of ePortfolio and the challenges of its implementation in the learning system. The majority of the respondents gave positive feedback on the development of ePortfolio as one of the holistic approaches to evaluate a student’s knowledge and skills.
Studying and Analyzing the Evaluation Dimensions of E-learning Platforms Relying on a Software Engineering Approach
Authors: Ouadoud Mohammed , Chkouri Mohamed Yassin , Nejjari Amel , El Kadiri Kamal Eddine
Published: February 2016

We are witnessing currently the launch and development of a huge number of distance training devices, to the Moroccan universities, whose main objective is to meet the society requirements and the knowledge economy, which is in full emerging. All these devices are based on the use of e-learning platforms, whose choice proves problematic for wearers and designers devices, and this for different reasons (costs, utility, usability...), that any random choice entails to a loss of money, effort and time. Being conscious of the impact of these technological tools on learning. Thereby, we propose, as part of this article, a methodical approach, systemic, which identifies the essential criteria to remember for the evaluation of e-learning platforms, to fit the needs of both users (teachers and learners) from an analysis of the evaluation dimensions in multimedia documents, until our study is installed on the dimensions of utility and usability. Then, we followed a detailed analysis of each of them separately, in order to deduce the approach to evaluation of e-learning platforms that is needed. To benefit a maximum from the potential offered by technologies in pedagogy, and to approach of the problematic of the platform choice for a better pedagogy.
An Enhanced Learning Technology System Architecture for Web-Based Instructional Design
Authors: Isiaka Rafiu Mope , Omidiora Elijah Olusayo , Olabiyisi Stephen Olatunde , Okediran Oludotun O.
Published: February 2016

Instructional design (ID) models are proven prescriptive techniques for qualitative lessons that could guarantee learning. Existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) miss-out the roles of this important quality control mechanism by providing a mere plane and passive platform for content authoring, thus becomes vulnerable for poor instructional design. This paper demonstrates an effort to ameliorate this limitation by extending the IEEE Learning Technology System Architecture (LTSA) with ID design processes. The Use Case diagram, Activities diagram and Entity Relation diagram for the extended LTSA are presented. The extended architecture was implemented on Moodle open sourced LMS which was extended and hosted live. Students’ impressions on the functionalities and operational effects of the platform were collated using online survey. The academic effects of the platform on the students’ performance were determined using the class mean. The value obtained was compared with that of the control group in the same session and those from the previous sessions. Consequently, this work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating ID models in E-learning. It also justifies its effects on the quality of learning.
E-Book as a Platform for Exploratory Learning Interactions
Authors: Nugroho Lukito Edi
Published: February 2016

E-books are widely used as an important resource in learning. The most common way to use e-books is to incorporate them while a learning interaction is in progress. However, some learning styles are better supported inversely: e-books take the lead and are used to initiate and bind learning communications to the topics in focus. Unfortunately, existing e-book formats cannot accommodate this need effectively, potentially causing learning interactions to lose grip on the intended discussion framework. Inability to bind a conversation with the materials in the first place can also introduce overhead cost to the readers due to the burden of bringing the materials into the discussion. In this work, we add the capability of e-books to serve as an interaction platform. An e-book is considered as a collection of objects indicating topics of learning discussions. Asynchronous conversation is anchored to one or more topic, and defined by a context that specifies participants and communications among them. Communication is modeled after a reactive mechanism by using event-action pairs. The proposed framework also accommodates dynamics within discussions, as well as structured discussions commonly found in many learning environments.
Development and Implementation of Touch Screen Multimedia Technology in Sports Physiology Curriculum
Authors: Yu Ziyi
Published: February 2016

With the advance of technological development, many emerging technologies have been successfully applied in the teaching field, resulting in significant improvements in teaching effects. However, applying these technologies to sports specialty teaching is difficult because of certain limitations of the specialty. Few trials have been made to reform teaching methods. This study analyzes innovative studies on existing sports teaching, points out shortcomings, and attempts to introduce touch screen multimedia technology in the sports specialty. This study also discusses the theoretical basis and supporting technology to construct touch screen multimedia teaching system, as well as the design and implementation of this system. The author applies this system in Sports Physiology teaching and designs a control experiment. Results show that the practical teaching effect of touch screen computer-assisted sports is superior to the traditional teaching method, and this technology offers a new teaching mode for sports teaching.
Analytical and Methodological Considerations for the Use of Social Categories in Identity Research
Authors: Benjamin Saija , Kuusisto Arniika
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the limitations of measuring identities as based on pre-selected categories, such as ‘immigrant' or ‘Third Culture Kid', within which the individuals are placed according to particular criteria. Simplified, etic categories fail to mirror the complex identifications of the contemporary individual and strengthen essentialism related to ethnicities, cultures and religions. This paper discusses the problematic related to categorization at both analytical and methodological levels. The need for critical reflection on the use of social categories to portray identities is highlighted in general. The adequacy of surveys to measure and examine identities is questioned in particular. This paper illustrates the need to approach identities from emic-etic perspectives and multiple angles in order to grasp a more multilayered view into the complex nature of identity.
French Immersion “So Why Would You do Something Like That to a Child?”
Authors: Bourgoin Renée Christine
Published: February 2016

French Immersion (FI) continues to grow in popularity and diversity across Canada. However, the suitability of immersion for academically challenged students has often been questioned. This study explored English teachers' beliefs and practices, particularly as they relate to the suitability of French immersion for various learners. It also explored ways by which English teachers frame issues of accessibility to FI for students at risk for academic difficulties. Data revealed that myths about second language education still permeate the system in ways that potentially impact who as access to the FI program. Findings also highlight that the sociocultural and sociopolitical context of this study influences and is being influenced by beliefs about and attitudes toward second language learning. The widespread existence of beliefs and practices grounded in myths or traditional views about second language acquisition points to a need for greater education about issues that potentially limit access to FI.
A Theoretical Examination of SMEs Internationalisation in a Globalised Business Environment
Authors: Zaki Adyzakrie Mohamad , Edwards David J. , El-Gohary Hatem
Published: February 2016

In the new global economy, internationalisation has become increasingly important to the competitiveness of enterprises of all sizes (Evers 2010). SMEs with a clear global strategy can take advantage of cross-border activities, which provide opportunities not only for revenue and growth, but also knowledge exchange and the enhancement of capabilities, thereby strengthening the firm's longer-term competitiveness. Muller et al. (2014) report that export-oriented SMEs show higher growth of turnover and employment than SMEs serving the domestic market only. Despite universal acceptance that internationalisation is vital, a myriad of internal and external barriers persist to impede SMEs' ability to internationalise their operations. Moreover, there is a dearth of data on the actual export performance of SMEs and the challenges and issues they face (Muller et al., 2014, p. 60). The purpose of this paper is to critically review and theoretically examine published research on SMEs internationalisation not only to identify knowledge gaps in the field, but also to provide a theoretical examination of SMEs internationalisation in a globalised business environment with an eye on the future. The paper commences with an introduction and explanation of the importance of an internationalisation strategy to modern businesses, then defining what is meant by internationalisation vis-à-vis globalisation. A similar differentiation between large and SMEs internationalisation is then given prior to critically synthesising pertinent theories that have been developed and/or implemented by previous researchers. Based upon this synthesis, theoretical models are evaluated and assessed critically to provide good grounds for future research in the field. Finally, the paper review the extant using under the lens of SMEs internationalisation from both developed and developing countries perspectives.
Drive Customer Experience for Relationship Management through Actionable Social CRM
Authors: Singh Anurag
Published: February 2016

Social CRM is gradually stirring into the conventional business strategies in spite of much hue and cry for unsecured process and stepping. Seeing people networked for the sustainable advantages of the companies, they are now being enabled by web 2.0 technologies. Web 2.0 technology is a hopeful breakthrough to modernize the CRM. In the process and implementation of the strategy, few of corporate giants have already jumped into the social CRM, and few are in the process of comprehension and the adoption. This paper aims to portray the process of social media in monitoring and fostering the relationship. The study talks about the detailed functioning of social CRM after having the investigation of the present famous social CRM process. Further an initiative is taken to explore the social CRM practices in Indian industries and to explain other functions of SCRM through cases, for capability building and healthy management.
Variation on the Effects of the 2003 CAP Reform and Regional Differences in the Italian Olive Oil Sector
Authors: Sabbatini Valentina , Gadanakis Yiorgos , Areal Francisco
Published: February 2016

This paper analyses the impacts of the 2003 CAP reform on the production of Italian olive oil controlling for the regional differences in olive oil production as well as for the differences between years. Italian olive oil production time series data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network for the 2000-2010 period at regional level is used to examine the effect of the 2003 Fischler reform on the production of olive oil. Production costs and payments received by farmers to support their income are considered. The data were collected at micro level based on a sample of farms representative of the production systems in the country. In order to consider the differences in production among the regions, eight representative regions in terms of surveyed farms are considered. The authors found that the most important factors affecting the production of olive oil are the area under olive groves and labour productivity. Results also show no evidence that the level of payments have an impact to the level of production, however, the type of payments has.