bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Performance Evaluation of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: WADA Yusuke , SHIMADA Sho , JIBIN Wu , KAMIYA Yushi , DAISHO Yasuhiro , MORITA Kenji
Published: May 2018

This paper describes a dynamic simulation model built to assess Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) performance and lithium-ion battery performance installed in PHEVs. First, we examine vehicle performance. In particular, the effects of engine on/off controls and the effects of drive distance are evaluated, because they have significant impact on PHEVs environmentally friendly performance. A study of cycle life test methods for batteries installed in PHEVs is also examined. Here, we discuss the establishment of a common PHEV battery charge/discharge test profile for Japan, the US, and Europe.
SANERI 2010 Green Transport Demonstration Project
Authors: Snyman Carel
Published: May 2018

To lead up to and coincide with FIFA World Cup to be hosted by South Africa in 2010, SANERI is implementing a Green Transport Demonstration Project. The purpose is to showcase clean energy and green transport technologies in order to confirm seriousness in promoting environmentally friendly transport technologies and to some extent, offset the CO2 that will be emitted through travel associated with the event. The intent is to star the Joule electric vehicle manufactured in South Africa by Optimal Energy. A Green Transport Centre has been established for the exhibition of green transport technologies and vehicles. Electric vehicles that have been part of Eskom′s project will also be used in this demonstration. The invitation is out to parties who could contribute to the success of the project and want to take part in the exhibition and vehicle demonstrations.
Capacity Fade of Lithium-Ion Batteries upon Mixed Calendar/Cycling Aging Protocol
Authors: Grolleau Sébastien , Baghdadi Issam , Gyan Philippe , Ben-Marzouk Mohamed , Duclaud François
Published: May 2018

Energy and power fade of lithium-ion batteries over time is a cause of complaints from Electric and Hybrid vehicles customers. Car manufacturers strive to improve accuracy of battery performance degradation predictions, in order to reduce warranty costs. Currently, these predictions are mainly based on accelerated aging tests in cycling mode or on calendar tests. However, testing protocols with combination of calendar and cycling modes representing the usage of a vehicle in real life application are not much used. In this paper, a mixed aging protocol combining cycling and calendar repetitive phases is elaborated. Experimental results obtained on a LIB technology are presented and discussed in comparison with conventional accelerated cycling tests at the same conditions.
Measuring and Analysis of Nonlinear Characterization of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Multisin Excitation Signal
Authors: Firouz Y. , Omar N. , Goutam S. , Timmermans J-M. , Bossche P. , Mierlo J.
Published: May 2018

This paper introduces a novel methodology for analysis in the frequency domain. This methodology looks to the battery from a different point of view and covers aspects of the battery that is often neglected in other works and analysis battery precisely. Using periodic signals such as random phase multisine for system identification, allows separating noise and nonlinear distortions from the linear part of the system’s response. In addition to a shorter test time in comparison with conventional single sine EIS, by performing extra periods and different phase realizations, transients are eliminated and noise disturbance and also nonlinear distortion is detected.
Effect of Stator Segmentation and Manufacturing Degradation on the Performance of IPM Machines, Using iCARe® Electrical Steels
Authors: Rens Jan , Jacobs Sigrid , Vandenbossche Lode , Attrazic Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

In order to increase the performance of permanent magnet electrical machines and/or reduce cost, improved manufacturing techniques are continuously being searched for by machine designers. Segmenting the stator core offers the possibility to simplify the winding process, to increase slot fill factor or to minimise wastage of electrical steel. This paper investigates some of the benefits that can be gained from stator segmentation, and highlights the effect of magnetic degradation due to the increased requirement on punching, through a series of finite element models.
Derivation and validation of a clinical prediction rule for sleep apnoea syndrome for use in primary care
Authors: Miranda Serrano Erika , Lopez-Picado Amanda , Etxagibel Aitziber , Casi Alfonso , Cancelo Laura , Aguirregomoscorta Jose Ignacio , Menéndez Itziar , Gonzalez Monica , Aizpuru Felipe
Published: May 2018

Background

Several clinical prediction rules (CPRs) are available for sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAH), but they are difficult to apply in primary care (PC).

Aim

Derivation and validation of a CPR using simple measurements available in PC.

Design & setting

A prospective study conducted in health centres from the area of influence of three Spanish hospitals.

Method

Patients (aged 18–70 years) who attended for any reason; who presented with at least one of the three key symptoms for OSAH (snoring, breathing pauses while sleeping, and daytime sleepiness); and who were not undergoing non-invasive ventilation or prior treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were included. Anthropometric data, smoking habit, comorbidities, and Epworth test were collected. Patients were subsequently referred to the sleep unit (SU), where the decision was taken whether or not to instigate treatment. A multivariate logistic model was constructed using a sub-sample and scores assigned based on the regression coefficients; the CPR was validated with the remaining sample. Both receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values calculated.

Results

The derivation sample comprised 352 patients, with 260 in the validation sample. The final factors (arterial hypertension [AHT], age, body mass index [BMI], and sex) were used to develop a rule with scores ranging from 0.00–5.50. The cut-off point that optimises the area under the curve (AUC) is ≥2.50 points (AUC = 0.78; sensitivity = 86%; specificity = 54%; positive predictive value [PPV] = 45%; negative predictive value [NPV] = 90%; likelihood ratio [LR] = 0.26). The properties for the validation sample with this cut-off point are as follows: AUC = 0.68; sensitivity = 81%; specificity = 43%; PPV = 61%; NPV = 68%; LR = 0.44.

Conclusion

As in similar cases, the specificity is low, meaning that healthy people are referred to a specialist. A negative result rules out the disease in most cases.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY OWNERSHIP, AGENCY COSTS TOWARDS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS STRATEGY AS MEDIATION
Authors: Savitri Enni
Published: May 2018

This study investigates the relationship between family ownership, agency costs, financial performance, and companies’ business strategies. The targeted population of this study were all 143 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2007–2014. About 31% (45) of these manufacturing companies are family companies. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least-square (PLS) method. Our findings reveal that the companies’ business strategies are not affected by the family ownership. Family ownership and business strategies influence companies’ financial performance. Agency costs influence business strategy and financial performance, and this shows that agency costs contribute to both the increase and decrease of financial performance. Business strategy mediates the relationship between family ownership and financial performance. This shows that family companies do not concentrate on financial goals but rather on the sustainability. Business strategy influences the relationship between agency costs and financial performance. This shows that funds can be redistributed in the course of business strategy planning, which will, in turn, improve the company’s development.
Removing the Impact of Correlated PSF Uncertainties in Weak Lensing
Authors: Lu Tianhuan , Zhang Jun , Dong Fuyu , Li Yingke , Liu Dezi , Fu Liping , Li Guoliang , Fan Zuhui
Published: May 2018

Accurate reconstruction of the spatial distributions of the point-spread function (PSF) is crucial for high precision cosmic shear measurements. Nevertheless, current methods are not good at recovering the PSF fluctuations of high spatial frequencies. In general, the residual PSF fluctuations are spatially correlated, and therefore can significantly contaminate the correlation functions of the weak lensing signals. We propose a method to correct for this contamination statistically, without any assumptions on the PSF and galaxy morphologies or their spatial distribution. We demonstrate our idea with the data from the W2 field of CFHTLenS.
Exploring the Atmosphere of Neoproterozoic Earth: The Effect of O2 on Haze Formation and Composition
Authors: Hörst Sarah M. , He Chao , Ugelow Melissa S. , Jellinek A. Mark , Pierrehumbert Raymond T. , Tolbert Margaret A.
Published: May 2018

Previous studies of haze formation in the atmosphere of the early Earth have focused on N2/CO2/CH4 atmospheres. Here, we experimentally investigate the effect of O2 on the formation and composition of aerosols to improve our understanding of haze formation on the Neoproterozoic Earth. We obtained in situ size, particle density, and composition measurements of aerosol particles produced from N2/CO2/CH4/O2 gas mixtures subjected to FUV radiation (115–400 nm) for a range of initial CO2/CH4/O2 mixing ratios (O2 ranging from 2 ppm to 0.2%). At the lowest O2 concentration (2 ppm), the addition increased particle production for all but one gas mixture. At higher oxygen concentrations (20 ppm and greater), particles are still produced, but the addition of O2 decreases the production rate. Both the particle size and number density decrease with increasing O2, indicating that O2 affects particle nucleation and growth. The particle density increases with increasing O2. The addition of CO2 and O2 not only increases the amount of oxygen in the aerosol, but it also increases the degree of nitrogen incorporation. In particular, the addition of O2 results in the formation of nitrate-bearing molecules. The fact that the presence of oxygen-bearing molecules increases the efficiency of nitrogen fixation has implications for the role of haze as a source of molecules required for the origin and evolution of life. The composition changes also likely affect the absorption and scattering behavior of these particles but optical property measurements are required to fully understand the implications for the effect on the planetary radiative energy balance and climate.
Nearby Early-type Galactic Nuclei at High Resolution: Dynamical Black Hole and Nuclear Star Cluster Mass Measurements
Authors: Nguyen Dieu D. , Seth Anil C. , Neumayer Nadine , Kamann Sebastian , Voggel Karina T. , Cappellari Michele , Picotti Arianna , Nguyen Phuong M. , Böker Torsten , Debattista Victor , Caldwell Nelson , McDermid Richard , Bastian Nathan , Ahn Christopher C. , Pechetti Renuka
Published: May 2018

We present a detailed study of the nuclear star clusters (NSCs) and massive black holes (BHs) of four of the nearest low-mass early-type galaxies: M32, NGC 205, NGC 5102, and NGC 5206. We measure the dynamical masses of both the BHs and NSCs in these galaxies using Gemini/NIFS or VLT/SINFONI stellar kinematics, Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging, and Jeans anisotropic models. We detect massive BHs in M32, NGC 5102, and NGC 5206, while in NGC 205, we find only an upper limit. These BH mass estimates are consistent with previous measurements in M32 and NGC 205, while those in NGC 5102 and NGC 5206 are estimated for the first time and both found to be <106
M
⊙. This adds to just a handful of galaxies with dynamically measured sub-million M
⊙ central BHs. Combining these BH detections with our recent work on NGC 404's BH, we find that 80% (4/5) of nearby, low-mass (

M
⊙;

km s−1) early-type galaxies host BHs. Such a high occupation fraction suggests that the BH seeds formed in the early epoch of cosmic assembly likely resulted in abundant seeds, favoring a low-mass seed mechanism of the remnants, most likely from the first generation of massive stars. We find dynamical masses of the NSCs ranging from 2 to 73 × 106
M
⊙ and compare these masses to scaling relations for NSCs based primarily on photometric mass estimates. Color gradients suggest that younger stellar populations lie at the centers of the NSCs in three of the four galaxies (NGC 205, NGC 5102, and NGC 5206), while the morphology of two are complex and best fit with multiple morphological components (NGC 5102 and NGC 5206). The NSC kinematics show they are rotating, especially in M32 and NGC 5102 (

).
A cybercatalogue of American sand fly types (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) deposited at the Natural History Museum, London
Authors: Adams Zoe , Shimabukuro Paloma
Published: May 2018

Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) are biting flies involved in the transmission of pathogens, including the protozoan parasite Leishmania amongst human and non-human animals (Rangel and Lainson 2009).

A total of 60 species of American Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae), distributed amongst 16 genera were studied. A checklist of the primary and secondary type specimens held at the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK), is given and 968 photographs of the specimens and their labels are made available on a Scratchpads website http://phlebotominaenhmtypes.myspecies.info.
Notulae to the Italian native vascular flora: 5
Authors: Bartolucci Fabrizio , Domina Gianniantonio , Ardenghi Nicola M.G. , Banfi Enrico , Bernardo Liliana , Bonari Gianmaria , Buccomino Giovanni , Calvia Giacomo , Carruggio Francesca , Cavallaro Viviana , Chianese Giuseppina , Conti Fabio , Facioni Laura , Del Vico Eva , Di Gristina Emilio , Falcinelli Francesco , Forte Luigi , Gargano Domenico , Mantino Francesca , Martino Manuaela , Mei Giacomo , Mereu Giuliano , Olivieri Nicola , Passalacqua Nicodemo G. , Pazienza Gaetano , Peruzzi Lorenzo , Roma-Marzio Francesco , Scafidi Filippo , Scoppola Anna , Stinca Adriano , Nepi Chiara
Published: May 2018

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records and confirmations to the Italian administrative regions for taxa in the genera Allium, Arabis, Campanula, Centaurea, Chaerophyllum, Crocus, Dactylis, Dianthus, Festuca, Galanthus, Helianthemum, Lysimachia, Milium, Pteris, and Quercus. Nomenclature and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrections are provided as supplementary material.
Revision of the Hawaiian psyllid genus Swezeyana, with descriptions of seven new species (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Triozidae)
Authors: Percy Diana M.
Published: May 2018

The endemic Hawaiian genus Swezeyana Caldwell, 1940 is highly distinctive due to the extremely long genal processes. In addition, some of the immatures are ornamented with extraordinary tubercles and tentacles. Two Swezeyana species are redescribed, and seven new species are described, bringing the total number of species in the genus to nine. All species are hosted by a single, endemic host plant, Planchonellasandwicensis (Sapotaceae), which is distributed across all major islands in the archipelago. The majority of Swezeyana species are single island endemics. A sister taxon pair is found sympatrically on the same individual plants on Kauai, and putative sister or at least closely related species are also found sympatrically on Oahu and Hawaii, suggesting these taxa may have diversified in sympatry. However, there is no observed ecological niche partitioning, despite some striking morphological diversity, as all Swezeyana species have free-living immatures that are found on the leaf surface, and therefore no apparent biological shifts are coincident with occupying the same host plant. Two species groups are represented by strikingly different female terminalia structure and endoskeletal development, although ovipositor structure is very similar between the two groups. Mitochondrial DNA barcodes (COI and cytB) are provided for eight of the nine species. A phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial barcode regions indicates species relationships within Swezeyana and provides a comparison of genetic divergence with other Hawaiian endemic genera.
Risk Factors for Intraarticular Heterotopic Bone Formation in the Temporomandibular Joint in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Stoll Matthew L. , Amin Dina , Powell Kathlyn K. , Poholek Catherine H. , Strait Rachel H. , Aban Inmaculada , Beukelman Timothy , Young Daniel W. , Cron Randy Q. , Waite Peter D.
Published: May 2018

Objective.

Intraarticular corticosteroid (IAC) injections are often used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). One potential complication of IA therapy is heterotopic bone formation (HBF). The purpose of our study was to evaluate risk factors for HBF development in children with JIA who received IA therapy for TMJ arthritis.

Methods.

This was a retrospective study of children with JIA who had received ≥ 1 IAC injection into the TMJ. Survival regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the development of HBF.

Results.

There were 238 children included, of whom 33 (14%) developed HBF. No cases of HBF were diagnosed prior to the initial injection. Univariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for development of HBF were the total number of injections received into the TMJ and age at diagnosis of JIA, while the length of time from diagnosis of JIA to the first injection was inversely associated with the risk of HBF formation. The total number of injections was no longer significant following adjusted survival models. Children with HBF had increased physical examination evidence of acute or chronic changes, namely decreased maximal incisal opening and increased likelihood of jaw deviation.

Conclusion.

HBF within the TMJ is relatively common in patients with JIA receiving IAC injections for TMJ arthritis. Future prospective studies are required to delineate the risks posed by the injections themselves as opposed to the underlying disease activity, as well as to evaluate alternative forms of local therapy to the TMJ.
Être mère et étudiante en France
Authors: Gaide Aden
Published: May 2018

En France, les conditions de vie des étudiant·e·s semblent peu compatibles avec le fait d’avoir un enfant et la maternité étudiante paraît paradoxale. À partir d’entretiens menés avec des mères étudiantes, cet article interroge le récit que ces femmes font de leur parcours biographique grâce à une typologie de leur maternité. L’auteur met ainsi au jour une norme de jeunesse dans l’enseignement supérieur qui rend peu visibles celles qui ont des parcours non linéaires et/ou aux origines sociogéographiques minoritaires.
L’expérience de la douleur et de la souffrance chez les musiciens d’orchestre
Authors: Lamontagne Valérie , Gilbert Sophie , Courchesne Catherine , Bélanger Claude
Published: May 2018

Dans le cadre de cette étude, quatre musiciens d’orchestre professionnels se sont prêtés à des entretiens semi-directifs afin de rendre compte de leurs expériences de la douleur dans le contexte du travail d’orchestre. Nous avons procédé à une analyse à la fois descriptive et interprétative du matériel recueilli. Les résultats révèlent que chez les musiciens rencontrés, la quête d’idéal est au cœur de leur activité musicale. Ils démontrent au sein de cette activité un investissement massif qui comporte des gratifications et des souffrances sur le plan identitaire, modulant le sens attribué à la douleur. Dans cet article, nous discutons des résultats selon la théorie de la psychodynamique du travail (Dejours, 1980).
Penser le carnaval
Authors: Moraes Daniela
Published: May 2018

L’objectif de ce travail est de réunir les lexies du champ sémantique du Carnaval dans les œuvres en portugais et dans la traduction française de l’écrivain bahianais Jorge Amado (1912-2001), et de réaliser un petit glossaire bilingue. Dona Flor et ses deux maris est la 20 e œuvre de l’écrivain ; elle présente 48 éditions brésiliennes et a été traduite en 19 langues. Ce roman constitue une des charnières de la littérature amadienne , d’abord parce qu’il a été écrit et publié après que l’écrivain se soit détaché du Parti Communiste et ensuite parce qu’il se déroule dans l’espace carnavalesque de Salvador dans les années 1940. Il est très important de construire un glossaire bilingue du carnaval bahianais pour que les lecteurs lusophones et francophones puissent se familiariser avec cet univers de Jorge Amado.
Penser le carnaval
Authors: De Oliveira Humberto Luiz L.
Published: May 2018

Pendant le Carnaval, des milliers d’hommes et de femmes défilent sous la protection des Orishas , dans les rues de Salvador de Bahia, en chantant et en dansant au rythme ijexá des chansons en langue nagô. Parmi ces sociétés à forte connotation religieuse et étroitement liées au Candomblé, se détachent Les Fils de Gandhi. Notre but dans ce travail est d’accompagner la trajectoire de ces groupes poursuivis par la police dans les années vingt et trente du dernier siècle, méprisés pendant plusieurs décennies et qui constituent, à partir des années quatre-vingt du xx e siècle, l’une des principales attractions du Carnaval de Bahia et aussi d’autres villes brésiliennes, attirant une multitude de spectateurs. Loin de paraître un paradoxe ou une contradiction, le profane est renforcé par la présence du sacré. La fête « païenne » est aussi constituée du Sacré qui, soit par la musique sacrée, soit par les chants sacrés ou encore par les rituels voués au Saint, vont « ouvrir les chemins », tout en permettant de légitimer et aussi d’offrir les contours de ce qui est la démesure, tout en évitant les dangers qui pourraient nuire aux jouissances, à la joie et au bien-être. Moment attendu pour tous et pour toutes, l’arrivée de l’Afoxé entraîne tous les regards, fait taire tous les autres rythmes, tous les autres sons, y compris celui du Trio Elétrico . L’Afoxé devient la fête même et s’impose à toutes les autres manifestations. Silence, vénération, voire componction sont les sentiments qui se dégagent de la multitude presque en extase et qui cesse de bouger, de chanter et danser pour devenir assistante, pour attendre l’aspersion de l’eau parfumée et « bénite ». Soulagés et se trouvant élus, après le passage de l’Afoxé, les hommes et les femmes pourront s’appliquer avec ardeur aux festivités ; ils se sentiront capables, légitimés, voire « protégés » pour s’adonner entièrement aux plaisirs inhérents au Carnaval : le rire, la danse, le chant, la boisson, le sexe. Nous montrerons aussi comment cette célébration du métissage de la culture brésilienne avait déjà été préfigurée de manière inaugurale sous la plume du grand écrivain bahianais Jorge Amado, dans son roman La Boutique aux miracles (1969).
Temps de crise pour la dissuasion ? La question nucléaire nord-coréenne à l’aune de la stratégie nucléaire
Authors: Henrotin Joseph
Published: May 2018

Ce papier cherche à comprendre comment la Corée du Nord se positionne à l’égard de l’armement nucléaire. Il analyse ensuite en quoi les capacités nucléaires de Pyongyang seraient de nature à nourrir une « crise » de la stratégie comme de la dissuasion nucléaire à la fois en tant que concepts mais aussi en tant que pratiques. La question qui se pose alors, dans ce derniers cas, est de savoir si une Corée du Nord nucléarisée est de nature à inciter à la prolifération nucléaire.
Les options de la Corée du Sud face à la menace nucléaire nord-coréenne
Authors: Seong-Chang Cheong
Published: May 2018

La Corée du Nord a conduit son sixième essai nucléaire en septembre 2017, faisant détonner avec succès une bombe à hydrogène d’une puissance estimée dix fois supérieure à la bombe atomique américaine larguée sur Hiroshima en 1945. En novembre de la même année, Pyongyang a tiré un missile balistique intercontinental capable selon ses dires de toucher la Maison Blanche. Dans ce contexte de montée des menaces en provenance du Nord, des sondages soulignent clairement qu’une majorité de l’opinion publique sud-coréenne soutient l’idée d’un programme nucléaire national. Si l’on prend en compte ces pressions domestiques et les appels américains en faveur d’un armement nucléaire, il est fortement plausible que la Corée du Sud décide de lancer son propre programme nucléaire dans les dix prochaines années.
L’ère numérique, une époque de mutations pour la médecine des addictions
Authors: Achab Sophia , Zullino Daniele
Published: May 2018

Internet comme média s’est imposé dans nos sociétés comme un vecteur incontournable de lien, de divertissement, de travail et d’information. Il est parfois source de perte de contrôle et d’addiction. Ce dernier concept a d’ailleurs été récemment profondément remanié et a été élargi à des troubles addictifs sans drogue comme l’addiction aux jeux vidéo en ligne. La médecine des addictions à l’ère digitale a dû s’adapter à de nouveaux troubles, à de nouvelles demandes d’aide et à de nouvelles modalités de prise en charge. L’addictologue doit lui aussi intégrer tous ces changements et s’approprier une nouvelle terminologie. Il doit, dans sa rencontre avec le patient et son entourage, trouver son chemin entre virtualité et réalité dans une créativité singulière.
Le contrôle de la qualité de la prestation fournie par l’avocat : le mécanisme de l’évaluation en ligne
Authors: Pinat Cathie-Sophie
Published: May 2018

Afin de contrôler la prestation d’un avocat, le mécanisme de la responsabilité civile est aujourd’hui concurrencé par les promesses d’une modernité qui bouleversent, non sans risque, jusqu’aux usages d’une profession, en plaçant le client au centre d’un système de notation destiné à prévenir, en les rendant publiques, les contre-performances de tel ou tel avocat. Les avocats sont en effet désormais susceptibles d’être notés et comparés en ligne, sur la base de critères plus ou moins explicites et déterminés par les sociétés à l’origine de ces plates-formes de notation. La pratique, qui entraîne des réactions contrastées, continue de se développer et les instances ordinales commencent à s’organiser pour en limiter les dérives.
Seed-setting habit of a semidwarf common buckwheat line
Authors: Kasajima Shinya , Hatae Kazuki , Morishita Toshikazu
Published: May 2018

The seed-setting habit of a semidwarf common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentumMoench) line was evaluated in a field experiment under standardand high nitrogen levels. The ‘semidwarf line’ and ‘Kitawasesoba’were used in the present study. The main stem length of the ‘semidwarf line’ was approximately two thirds of that of the ‘Kitawasesoba’.Minimal differences were observed inthe numbers of nodes on the main stem and primary branches of the ‘semidwarf line’ and ‘Kitawasesoba’ among genotypes and nitrogen levels.No drastic decline of seed yield by the shortening of the main stem length along with the introduction of dwarfness was observed in the ‘semidwarf line’ compared with ‘Kitawasesoba’. The number of flower clusters per plant of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the high nitrogen plot tended to be greater than that of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot and ‘Kitawasesoba’ in bothnitrogen plots. This increase inflower clusters occurred on branches. The number of seeds of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot was considerably lower than that of the ‘Kitawasesoba’ in both nitrogen plots.Similar tendencies were observed in the weights of seeds. The decline of seed number and weight of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot was mainly observed in branches. From these results, it was found that the seed-set in the ‘semidwarf line’ can be improved by nitrogen fertilizer application. Furthermore, seed production on branches may play an important role in the high-yielding ability of semidwarf common buckwheat.
What is the Role of Organizational Culture in IT Governance Performance of Collaborative Virtual Networks?
Authors: Aasi Parisa , Rusu Lazar , Leidner Dorothy , Perjons Erik , Estrada Martha Corrales
Published: May 2018

In today's complex organizations, IT governance is an important managerial challenge. IT governance deals with decisions and responsibilities concerning IT. There are many factors influencing IT governance. One factor that has remained relatively unexplored by academic research is that of organizational culture. This research explores the influence of the organizational culture of collaborative networks on IT governance performance. A case study was conducted in a large complex company with several networks. The findings indicated that the networks fit better with different organizational culture types based on their priorities for IT governance outcomes to maximize performance. A clan organizational culture is desired when aiming for effective use of IT for asset utilization and cost-effective use of IT. An adhocracy culture fits better when prioritizing the effective use of IT for business growth. Finally, a combination of market and hierarchy organizational culture is desired and fits better when seeking effective use of IT for business flexibility and cost cutting.
The Robustness of Natural Gas Energy Supply
Authors: Aslani Alireza , Akbari Samaneh , Tabasi Sanaz
Published: May 2018

This article describes how affordability, acceptability, and reliability of energy supply are three important concerns for government. Due to the crude oil restrictions and its environmental impacts, a replacement of other energy sources has become more important in recent years. Natural gas is one of the replacements as a cleaner source with a more suitable calorific value than oil in comparison with other renewable energy sources. Therefore, utilization of natural gas as the main source of replacement strategies in the energy system has accelerated at the national level. However, the natural gas energy system is a complex system including different influencing and influenced variables that affect social and economic factors. This research has developed a system dynamics model to understand the complexity of the natural gas energy systems at the macro-level. The model shows the effective sub-systems of energy system with their related variables. It helps to predict the effective factors of an energy supply system based on statistics approaches. After that, three scenarios are defined based on expert opinions and the behaviors of the sub-systems in each scenario is analyzed. The approach also helps to understand unknown consequences of a decision or scenario in the energy system.
Ontology Driven Cross-Linked Domain Data Integration and Spatial Semantic Multi Criteria Query System for Geospatial Public Health
Authors: Abburu Sunitha
Published: May 2018

This article describes how public health information management is an interdisciplinary application which deals with cross linked application domains. Geospatial environment, place and meteorology parameters effect public health. Effective decision making plays a vital role and requires disease data analysis which in turn requires effective Public Health Knowledge Base (PHKB) and a strong efficient query engine. Ontologies enhance the performance of the retrieval system and achieve application interoperability. The current research aims at building PHKB through ontology based cross linked domain integration. It designs a dynamic GeoSPARQL query building from simple form based query composition. The spatial semantic multi criteria query engine is developed by identifying all possible query patterns considering the ontology elements and multi criteria from cross linked application domains. The research has adopted OGC, W3C, WHO and mHealth standards.
Research on Object Tracking Based on Graph Model in Sports Video
Authors: Cui Zhexiong , Zhang Jun , Zhang XiaoFei , Xu Lishu
Published: May 2018

This article is about object tracking based on graph modeling. Object tracking is usually initialized by object detection methods. The fundamental hypothesis is that the object's pattern can be separated from its surrounding background sufficiently. However, for some objects, e.g., the ball in broadcast soccer videos, it is hard to extract effective features to detect the ball in a single video frame. The strategy adopted here is to identify the object's candidate regions in several consecutive frames, and then use a graph to construct the relationship between candidate regions. Finally, a Viterbi algorithm is used to extract the optimal path of the graph as the object's trajectory. This process is called short-term tracking. Then, it is used to initialize a Kalman filter to perform long-term tracking. In the process of tracking, the tracked region is verified to determine whether tracking is a failure, and short-term tracking is restarted if a failure happens.
An Image Classification Algorithm and its Parallel Implementation Based on ANL-RBM
Authors: Song Haifeng , Chen Guangsheng , Yang Weiwei
Published: May 2018

This article describes how when using Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) algorithm to design the image classification network. The node number in each hidden layer, and the layer number of the entire network are designed by experiments, it increases the complexity for the RBM design. In order to solve the problem, this article proposes an image classification algorithm based on ANL-RBM (Adaptive Nodes and Layers Restricted Boltzmann Machine). The algorithm can automatically calculate the node number in each hidden layer and the layer number of the entire network. It can reduce the complexity for the RBM design. In the meantime, this article has designed the parallel model of the algorithm in the Hadoop platform. The experimental results showed that the image classification algorithm based on an ANL-RBM has a higher execution efficiency, better speedup, better scalability and it is suitable for massive amounts of image data processing.
Application of Gray Projection Algorithm to the Quantization of Width between Textures of Instrument
Authors: Gao Wentao , Huang Yinglai , Zhao Peng , Sun Yue , Niu Sainan
Published: May 2018

This article describes how in the production process of musical instruments, the width between textures in the panel determine their quality directly. In traditional production process, people observe the texture by eyes to determine whether the panel qualified. This method is inefficient and has a large error, which restricts the industrial production of musical instruments. This article proposes a method of quantitative analysis of panel's texture by using digital image processing technology and gray projection algorithm. Since the method is a non-contact one and the key parameters of the panel texture will be acquired, then the selector can determine the suitable panel. Thus, damage to a panel caused by the contact type when manually selected can be avoided. Experiments show that the method has better accuracy which avoids the errors caused by manual measurement and greatly improves the efficiency of panel selection. Therefore, it is of great significance for industrial production of traditional instruments.
Learner Perception on Library Services at Kandy, Matara and Anuradhapura Regional Centres of the Open University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kaushamalika P.K.M. , Arachchige J.J.G. , Weerakoon W.R.W.M.A.U.
Published: May 2018

The study examines the usage of library and information services provided by selected regional centre libraries of the Open University of Sri Lanka. It attempts to find out the needs, expectations and usage of the library by distant learners and their perceptions about library services. The study sample (n=350) was drawn from a population of 1550 students of three selected regional centre libraries of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The study found that the users are satisfied with the overall library resources, services and facilities available, but users are not really getting the full benefit of the library services and some of the services are under-utilized. The major causes or reasons for this problem are the lack of comprehensiveness of the regional library collections, insufficient space for reading area, inadequate training for users in services and the lack of computers and Internet facilities in the library. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the library should order multiple copies of reading material, extend the lending period for a period of one month in regional centres, increase the number of computers for users and provide online access facilities. It is also recommended that a comprehensive information literacy program should be conducted to promote awareness and use of electronic information resources.
Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among nurses at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Dlungwane Thembelihle , Voce Anna , Knight Stephen
Published: May 2018

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a public health problem worldwide and is a common cause of work-related disorder among workers, especially in the nursing profession. Recruitment and retention of nurses is a challenge, and the nursing shortage has been exacerbated by the burden of occupational injuries such as LBP and related disabilities. The physiotherapy clinical records revealed that caseload of nurses presenting for the management of LBP was increasing. The prevalence and factors associated with LBP were unclear.Methods: A cross-sectional study design with an analytic component was implemented. Data were collected utilising a self-administered questionnaire to determine the prevalence and factors associated with LBP among nurses at a regional hospital. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with LBP.Results: The point prevalence of current LBP in nurses was 59%. The highest prevalence was recorded among enrolled nurses (54%), respondents aged 30–39 (46%), overweight respondents (58%) and those working in obstetrics and gynaecology (49%). Bending (p = 0.002), prolonged position (p = 0.03) and transferring patients (p = 0.004) were strongly associated with LBP. Nurses with more than 20 years in the profession reported a high prevalence of LBP. The prevalence of LBP was higher among the participants who were on six-month rotations (76%) compared with those on yearly rotation (16%).Conclusion: A high proportion of nurses reported to have LBP. Occupational factors are strongly associated with LBP. Education programmes on prevention and workplace interventions are required in order to reduce occupational injuries.
Anti-Ma2-antibody-associated encephalitis: An atypical paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome
Authors: Targonska Bogna , Frost Jamie , Prabhu Sanjay
Published: May 2018

Paraneoplastic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of conditions affecting cancer patients, where the signs and symptoms are not owing to the local effects of the tumour but instead owing to humoral or immunologic effects. We describe an unusual presentation of a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome presenting with predominant involvement of the hypothalamus and deep grey nuclei secondary to an anterior mediastinal germinoma and associated with anti-Ma2 antibody.
Underlying correlates of consumers’ attitudes towards Chinese apparel and relationship with purchase intention in South Africa
Authors: Muposhi Asphat , Dhurup Manilall , Shamhuyenhanzva Roy M.
Published: May 2018

The study examined the influence of South African consumers’ attitudes and purchase intention towards Chinese apparel. A survey of South African consumers who had purchase experience of Chinese apparel was conducted to test the hypothesised relationships. Structural equation modelling results indicated that economic animosity and consumer ethnocentrism are negatively related to attitudes towards Chinese apparel and consumer purchase intention. The study revealed a significant, positive relationship between cosmopolitanism, attitudes towards Chinese apparel and consumer purchase intention. In addition, the findings of the study suggest the importance of cosmopolitanism, consumer ethnocentrism and animosity in market segmentation, targeting, positioning and market potential analysis. The study provides managerial implications for the marketing of Chinese apparel in South Africa.
Outcomes of Prostate Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation and High-Grade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasm Patients
Authors: Tung Sheng-Yung , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Huang Chao-Yuan , Chang Hong-Chiang , Huang Kuo-How , Wang Shuo-Meng , Tai Huai-Ching , Chen Chung-Hsin
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) are two pathological findings occasionally noted in prostate biopsies. Previous Western studies reported that they were associated with prostate cancer. However, none Taiwanese series report the subsequent cancer detection in ASAP and HGPIN patients. This study aimed to examine the results of repeated biopsies in the patients with ASAP and HGPIN.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 220 consecutive patients with ASAP and/or HGPIN at our institute between January 1990 and December 2010 were enrolled. Patient demographics and clinical information were extracted from the electronic database of our institute. Prostate biopsies were performed through transrectal ultrasound guidance. The patients who had concurrent prostate cancer (n = 51) and no repeated prostate biopsies (n = 103) were excluded from the study. Patients with biopsy pathologies reporting low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 2) were also excluded. The remaining 64 patients were available for the final analysis.

Results:

Nearly, 38, 24, and 2 patients were initially diagnosed as ASAP, HGPIN, and ASAP along with HGPIN, respectively. After 10 years of follow-up, 36.8% patients in ASAP group developed prostate cancer, while 16.7% in HGPIN group and 100% in ASAP + HGPIN group. Median time to developing prostate cancer were 20 months in ASAP group, 31 months in HGPIN group, and 48 months in ASAP + HGPIN group. There was no significant difference of prostate cancer development between ASAP and HGPIN group (P = 0.291). Only older age, classified by 65 years, was significantly associated with a higher detection rate of prostate cancer.

Conclusion:

Patients with the initial diagnosis of ASAP or PIN has a high risk of developing prostate cancer. Therefore, those patients should be well announced and followed regularly.
Factors Associated with the Rapid and Durable Decline in Malaria Incidence in El Salvador, 1980–2017
Authors: Burton Robert A. , Chévez José Eduardo Romero , Sauerbrey Mauricio , Guinovart Caterina , Hartley Angela , Kirkwood Geoffrey , Boslego Matthew , Gavidia Mirna Elizabeth , Alemán Escobar Jaime Enrique , Turkel Rachel , Steketee Richard W. , Slutsker Laurence , Schneider Kammerle , Campbell Carlos C. (Kent)
Published: May 2018

A decade after the Global Malaria Eradication Program, El Salvador had the highest burden of malaria in Mesoamerica, with approximately 20% due to Plasmodium falciparum. A resurgence of malaria in the 1970s led El Salvador to alter its national malaria control strategy. By 1995, El Salvador recorded its last autochthonous P. falciparum case with fewer than 20 Plasmodium vivax cases annually since 2011. By contrast, its immediate neighbors continue to have the highest incidences of malaria in the region. We reviewed and evaluated the policies and interventions implemented by the Salvadoran National Malaria Program that likely contributed to this progress toward malaria elimination. Decentralization of the malaria program, early regional stratification by risk, and data-driven stratum-specific actions resulted in the timely and targeted allocation of resources for vector control, surveillance, case detection, and treatment. Weekly reporting by health workers and volunteer collaborators—distributed throughout the country by strata and informed via the national surveillance system—enabled local malaria teams to provide rapid, adaptive, and focalized program actions. Sustained investments in surveillance and response have led to a dramatic reduction in local transmission, with most current malaria cases in El Salvador due to importation from neighboring countries. Additional support for systematic elimination efforts in neighboring countries would benefit the region and may be needed for El Salvador to achieve and maintain malaria elimination. El Salvador’s experience provides a relevant case study that can guide the application of similar strategies in other countries committed to malaria elimination.
Evaluation of Standard and Mobile Health–Supported Clinical Diagnostic Tools for Assessing Dehydration in Patients with Diarrhea in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Bilal Saadiyah , Nelson Eric , Meisner Lars , Alam Mahfuj , Al Amin Saad , Ashenafi Yokabed , Teegala Shivani , Khan Al Fazal , Alam Nur , Levine Adam
Published: May 2018

Diarrhea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the relative inter-rater reliability and usability of standard and Mobile health (mHealth)-supported World Health Organization (WHO) algorithms for dehydration assessment in patients with acute diarrhea in a rural, low-income country hospital. Two nurses blinded to each other’s examinations assessed dehydration status on patients soon after hospital arrival using either the standard WHO algorithm printed on a laminated card or an mHealth-supported WHO algorithm downloaded onto a smartphone. The assignment of assessment tool was based on odd or even enrollment date. The inter-rater reliability for dehydration assessment between the two nurses was calculated using Cohen’s K statistic for each study group. A total of 496 patients (< 5 years N = 349, > 5 years N = 147) were enrolled in the study; 132 (27%) had some or severe dehydration, and 364 (73%) had no dehydration on arrival. Cohen’s K statistic demonstrated greater reliability for the mHealth-supported dehydration assessment (0.59) compared with the standard assessment (0.50) in the overall population (P < 0.0001), as well as in the pediatric (0.43 versus 0.37, P < 0.0001) and adult (0.79 versus 0.57, P < 0.0001) populations individually. This is the first study to show that mHealth can improve the reliability of nursing dehydration assessment in patients with acute diarrhea and the first to report on the reliability of the WHO algorithm in adult patients specifically. Future studies should focus on the impact of mHealth-supported dehydration assessment on patient-centered outcomes and examine its reliability in different settings worldwide.