bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Territoire et syndicalisme, entre respect des valeurs et besoins d’évolution, la démarche CGT
Authors: Bernard-Roigt Martine
Published: May 2015

La question du territoire est aujourd’hui incontournable. Les travaux de recherche en sciences sociales ont abondamment interrogé cette dimension mais la dimension spatiale des mobilisations est généralement peu prise en compte, car jugée subalterne. Or les acteurs – il s’agit ici des acteurs syndicaux et des salariés – font du territoire un enjeu central de leur mobilisation. En effet, la territorialisation croissante des politiques publiques ouvre de nouveaux espaces d’intervention pour les acteurs. Comment s’approprient-ils ces espaces ? Bouleversent-ils leurs pratiques dans les entreprises, les localités, les départements ? Imposent-ils aux organisations syndicales d’interroger leur mode d’organisation et de fonctionnement ? Notre article étudie deux dimensions de la démarche CGT, celle de la confédération dans son rapport au territoire et celle d’acteurs syndicaux de terrain dans un système productif local. Ce faisant, il montre les questionnements, les contradictions, les réponses que le syndicat construit pour faire face à ces nouvelles formes d’organisation du territoire et aux politiques publiques qui les guident.
Emprise financière et internationalisation des groupes français : un premier état des lieux
Authors: Sauviat Catherine , Serfati Claude
Published: May 2015

Au cours des dernières décennies, les directions des sociétés mères ont renforcé les processus de centralisation et de gestion des actifs financiers au sein des grands groupes industriels français, y compris sous la forme hautement liquide de l’accumulation de trésorerie valorisée à court terme sur les marchés financiers. Cette évolution est allée de pair avec l’intensification de leur internationalisation dont témoigne la croissance de leurs investissements directs à l’étranger (IDE). Les IDE ne sont pas seulement les principaux vecteurs de transferts d’activités de production à l’étranger. Ils facilitent également une importante circulation financière interne aux groupes, source de profits qui reposent notamment sur le développement d’échanges de prestations de services et d’activités localisées dans les « centres financiers extraterritoriaux ».
C1–C2 Pedicle Screw Fixation for Treatment of Old Odontoid Fractures
Authors: Qi Lei , Li Mu , Zhang Shuai , Si Haipeng , Xue Jingsong
Published: May 2015

Nonunion and C1–C2 instability of odontoid fractures usually result from delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. However, the available treatment options for odontoid fractures remain controversial. The authors evaluated the effectiveness of internal screw fixation via the C1 and C2 pedicle in cases of old odontoid fractures. This retrospective study included 21 patients with old odontoid fractures (13 men and 8 women; mean age, 46.5 years; range, 24–69 years). Internal screw fixation via the C1 and C2 pedicle was performed in all patients. Fracture reduction and C1–C2 fusion were assessed with imaging. The neck pain visual analog scale score and cervical spinal cord functional Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (for those who had cervical spinal cord injury) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Postoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative imaging showed that the C1–C2 dislocation was satisfactorily repositioned in all patients. Bone fusion was observed 1 year after surgery in all patients. No loosening or breaking of internal fixation occurred. The preoperative neck pain visual analog scale score was 5.9±1.5 and improved significantly to 1.8±0.8 after surgery (
P
<.001). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in patients with cervical spinal injury (n=14) was 9.2±1.9 and also significantly improved to 13.8±1.9 at the last follow-up examination (
P
<.001), with an average improvement rate of 61.0%. No iatrogenic vertebral artery injury or severe spinal cord injury occurred. Screw fixation via the C1 and C2 pedicle was found to be an effective and safe surgical approach for the treatment of old odontoid fractures with C1–C2 dislocation or instability. [
Orthopedics
. 2015; 38(2):94–100.]
Gelatin Matrix Use Reduces Postoperative Bleeding After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Velyvis John H.
Published: May 2015

Bleeding after total knee arthroplasty can result in significant morbidity and increases the need for blood transfusion. The proper use of intraoperative adjunctive topical hemostatic agents can enhance hemostasis perioperatively, potentially reducing blood transfusions. In this prospective study, 157 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty received FLOSEAL (FLOSEAL Hemostatic Matrix; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Hayward, California), a gelatin thrombin hemostatic matrix, 5 mL (74 patients) or 10 mL (83 patients). All patients received warfarin as thromboprophylaxis starting the day after surgery. Data were extracted via hospital chart review from 100 consecutive patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and immediately preceded the FLOSEAL groups and did not receive FLOSEAL (control group). Postoperative drainage was significantly lower in the FLOSEAL 5 mL (236.9 mL) and 10 mL (120.5 mL) groups compared with the control group (430.8 mL;
P
<.0001 for both). The FLOSEAL 10 mL group had significantly less drainage than the FLOSEAL 5 mL group (
P
<.0001). The predicted probability of transfusion in the FLOSEAL 5 mL group was not significantly different compared with the control group (6.0% vs 7.6%,
P
=.650). The predicted probability of transfusion was lower in the FLOSEAL 10 mL group compared with the control group (0.5% vs 5.5%;
P
=.004). Within the FLOSEAL 10 mL group, application of FLOSEAL either before or after tourniquet release had a similarly significant effect on drainage volume and predicted probability of blood transfusion. No differences in outcomes were observed by type of anesthesia used. No adverse events occurred related to FLOSEAL use. [
Orthopedics
. 2015; 38(2):e118–e123.]
El Imperio Otomano y la política de alianzas: las relaciones francootomanas en el tránsito del siglo XVI al XVII
Authors: Türkçelik Evrim
Published: May 2015

Aunque la historiografía occidental considera al Imperio Otomano como un factor marginal, un simple antagonista, la Sublime Puerta es un elemento esencial en la historia de la Edad Moderna. La concienzuda política de equilibrio con respecto a los poderes cristianos convertía a los otomanos en un elemento crucial en la lucha por la hegemonía. La alianza franco-turca que se estableció en los reinados de Francisco I y Solimán el Magnífico principalmente dependía de la mutua enemistad contra la hegemonía de los Habsburgo en Europa. A finales del siglo XVI, después de la muerte de Enrique III las guerras de religión en Francia dieron pie a una situación caótica en que el Rey Católico buscó la oportunidad de situar a Francia bajo su control. Esto conllevaría un cambio irremediable en el equilibrio de poderes en el Mediterráneo, situación inadmisible para los intereses geoestratégicos de los sultanes otomanos. Los otomanos desempeñaron un papel importante en la política exterior francesa contra las pretensiones españolas a lo largo de las diferentes fases del reinado de Enrique IV. Incluso Clemente VIII instrumentalizó implícitamente la amistad turco-francesa para fortalecer su propia posición, como la de Francia, respecto a la Monarquía Hispana. El presente artículo pretende demostrar los límites y la eficacia de la política de alianzas entre Francia y el Imperio Otomano en el tránsito del siglo XVI al XVII, reseñando también el papel de Inglaterra y la República de Venecia.
Combining Actor-Network Theory and the Concept of Ecosystem Services to Assess the Development of Arctic Shipping Routes
Authors: Kürner Fabienne , Kramer Caroline , Klüver Hartmut , Norra Stefan
Published: May 2015

Global warming alters the Arctic on different ecological and social levels, including rising resource availabilities and shifting power relations. In this geographical area, the natural sphere, which is based on the geographical spheres of the earth, and the social sphere are strongly interwoven and therefore sensitive to even small alterations, as a case study of Arctic shipping routes will highlight. The principles of Actor-Network theory enable the investigation of interdependencies, resulting in an equal treatment of both mentioned spheres. Based on this theoretical background and a qualitative literature research, mediators of Arctic actor-networks located in the overlapping zone between these spheres have been identified. An enlarged ecosystem services approach was then adopted to develop a methodology to quantify these mediators and the power relations around them. Apart from the equality of the natural and the social, crediting both higher influences over the respectively other domain, mental entities were recognized as core-elements of Arctic networks, further linking the natural and the social sphere. Moreover, global, regional and local interdependencies have been included into the analyses, contributing ultimately to a wider understanding of actor-networks of the High North, which is of importance to scientists, public and policy makers in order to cope future global challenges, like climate change.
Living with a Dam
Authors: Mitev Tihomir
Published: May 2015

The paper discusses the issue of safe functioning of large technical systems (LTS) and questions what are the principles of “operating and living together” of heterogeneous communities. It argues that personal interactions between humans, nature, and technology are crucial for the sustainable operation of socio-technical systems. The paper presents some results of an “ethnographic case study” carried out in one of the biggest hydro-energy systems in Bulgaria, that of “Kardzhali dam”. In order to make clear how an ‘intersubjective' (or inter-actantial) space between humans and non-humans is being formed and how it could bring a sustainable functioning of the dam, the paper explores the micro layer of actors' interactions, i.e. the co-existence in everyday life. Particularly, it is focused on the experience of the dam's chief Ivan Delchev who has spent over 40 years (most of his life and the whole life of the dam) in diligent work, living with technology. Such a long lasting habitation in common space and time brings to the formation of a specific “heterogeneous coupling” (), where caring for the Other (non-human) could not be explained just as “trials of strength” (). Searching for pathways of possible dialogue between Actor-Network Theory and phenomenology (Schutz, Levinas), the analysis reveals in what way “growing together” with technology and “feeling its own rhythm and its own breathing”, in the words of the dam's chief, have a crucial contribution to the safe operation of the whole hydroelectric system.
The Effects of Video Projects on EFL Learners' Language Learning and Motivation
Authors: Huang Hsin-chou
Published: May 2015

This study examined the language learning and motivational and effects of a video project, including students' perceptions of the processes, and the impact of peer evaluations. Forty-three intermediate EFL learners in Taiwan communicated their thoughts in multimodal formats by producing a video that involved searching online materials and integrating music and pictures to illustrate their ideas. Results from a one-way ANOVA showed that the language learning effects were more obvious in the low proficiency group than in the high proficiency one. Results from t-test analyses of pre- and post- motivation questionnaires showed that students increased their learning motivation, and interview data showed that students felt that making videos boosted their confidence and improved their technological capability. An examination of peer assessments of videos showed that they promoted peer learning and encouraged self-reflection. This study's findings support the adoption of video projects with lower proficiency students in order to stimulate language production.
A Kinect-Based Assessment System for Smart Classroom
Authors: Kumara W. G. C. W. , Wattanachote Kanoksak , Battulga Batbaatar , Shih Timothy K. , Hwang Wu-Yuin
Published: May 2015

With the advancements of the human computer interaction field, nowadays it is possible for the users to use their body motions, such as swiping, pushing and moving, to interact with the content of computers or smart phones without traditional input devices like mouse and keyboard. With the introduction of gesture-based interface Kinect from Microsoft it creates promising opportunities for educators to offer students easier and intuitive ways to interact with the learning systems. The integration of Kinect based applications into classroom make students' learning experience very active and joyful. In this context, this paper proposes a system for assessment in a smart classroom environment. An interactive framework is designed using Microsoft Kinect sensor for virtual learning environment with new gesture-based questions supporting QTI-based assessment, and further a rich set of gesture commands are also introduced for practical usage in the classroom. Proposed system was experimented with teachers and students then collected feedback of the users using a usability questionnaire. The results show that the participants are satisfied with the system and it demonstrates that the proposed system is simple to use, provides better functionality and motivates student learning by assessment.
Motivating Game-Based Learning Efforts in Higher Education
Authors: Moylan Gina , Burgess Ann W. , Figley Charles , Bernstein Michael
Published: May 2015

Though there is considerable research to support using Game-Based Learning (GBL) in higher education, its implementation is lagging behind K-12 education by an order of magnitude. By considering the current state of GBL from leadership, primary consumer, academic and technical perspectives, the authors frame the main issues involved with successfully implementing these efforts. These issues involve obtaining the resources required to make mature serious games that are similar in presentation, functionality and effectiveness to the commercial-based products so widely used today, while ensuring that they are imbued with academic content worthy of college curricula. After motivating a compelling case for GBL, despite a number of constraints and difficulties, the authors present two higher education efforts that are designed to augment the core curriculum for undergraduate and graduate level courses associated with the field of Trauma—a field enhanced by virtual efforts due to its challenging subject matter.
Project based Case Learning and Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Jian Bo , Yang Cheng
Published: May 2015

In this article, the authors provide a new approach to massive open online course: project based case learning. Although there are many online teaching websites, such as Coursera and Edx, most of the courses are video based. That is, students learn knowledge through watching lecture videos. This method may apply to theoretical subjects, but for engineering courses—since they have strong practical background—watching videos is not an effective way for these courses. In order to solve this problem, the authors offer this new approach: that is, students learn knowledge by playing as different roles and doing and concluding different tasks themselves. And all tasks form a whole project. This project based case learning method uses “learning-by-doing” as a central theme and E-learning as a carrier. Compared with video based learning, this new method is a combination of theory and practical operation that enable the students to master the knowledge in engineering subjects more thoroughly and profoundly.
Inflammatory Cell Extraction and Nuclei Detection in Pap Smear Images
Authors: Riana Dwiza , Plissiti Marina E. , Nikou Christophoros , Widyantoro Dwi H. , Mengko Tati Latifah R. , Kalsoem Oemie
Published: May 2015

The automated diagnosis of cervical cancer in Pap smear images is a difficult though extremely important procedure. In order to obtain reliable diagnostic information, the nuclei and their characteristics must be correctly identified and evaluated. However, the presence of inflammatory and overlapping cells in these images complicates the detection process. In this work, a segmentation algorithm is developed to extract the inflammatory cells and enable accurate nuclei detection. The proposed algorithm is based on the combination of gray level thresholding and the definition of a distance rule, which entails in the identification of inflammatory cells. The results indicate that our method significantly simplifies the nuclei detection process, as it reduces the number of inflammatory cells that may interfere.
Using Theory to Drive Influenza Related Text Messaging Interventions
Authors: Wiseman Patricia , Records Kathie
Published: May 2015

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice recommends all children be vaccinated annually against Influenza. Given the increased use of technology as a strategy to increase immunization coverage, theory-based text messaging may result in higher vaccination rates than traditional vaccine reminders. This article describes the development of theory-based text messages for parents of 5 to 8-year-old children that can be implemented in primary care settings. The development of the text messages was guided by constructs from the Health Belief Model. A pilot study was conducted with community pediatric vaccine health care providers (n = 6), and parents of 5 to 8-year-old children (n = 8) to evaluate the text message content for clarity, internal consistency, and content validity. The evaluation results indicated that our intervention was successful in creating a low cost, theory-based educational intervention that garnered community investment and met the cultural relevance and literacy needs of the priority population.
Pyrolysis of Waste Printed Circuit Board Particles
Authors: Atasever Şule , Bozkurt Pınar A. , Canel Muammer
Published: May 2015

Electrical and electronic apparatus and instruments which are obsolete value in use or completion of the life can be defined as e-waste. E-waste is one of the fastest growing types of hazardous waste. Printed circuit boards a major component of this waste. In this study, printed circuit board particles of mobile phone (MPCB) were used as electronic waste. MPCB waste was obtained from a local electronic waste factory. The elemental analysis and ICP-MS analysis were performed on these electronic wastes and thereafter pyrolysis runs were carried out between 500 and 900°C in a horizontal furnace. The liquid yields were determined and compared at different temperatures.
Is Brazilian Open Government Data Actually Open Data?
Authors: Brito Kellyton dos Santos , Costa Marcos Antônio da Silva , Garcia Vinicius Cardoso , Meira Silvio Romero de Lemos
Published: May 2015

Open Government Data (OGD) hold great promise for transforming the efficiency and effectiveness of public services through the ease of publishing and access to government public information or through the offer of new kinds of services, such as smart cities services and applications. In this work, we analyze the Brazilian OGD current scenario and the main difficulties and challenges of developing applications using that data. First, we performed a structured analysis of Brazilian OGD repositories according to OGD definitions. Then, we analyzed the development of two similar applications that use the OGD of two main Brazilian cities and were submitted to different cities' application contests and were well evaluated in both of them. Based on the analysis, this work concludes that Brazilian OGD initiatives have to resolve some issues before being considered truly open data for use in application development at large.
Black Hole Traffic Anomaly Detections in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Lin Tu-Liang , Chang Hong-Yi
Published: May 2015

With the flourish of Internet of Things, the security issues in wireless sensor network (WSN), especially traffic anomaly detections, have attracted researchers' attentions. As a distributed wireless network, WSN is vulnerable to many attacks. In this research, the authors investigate the traffic anomaly detections of a well-known attack, black hole attack, in WSNs. With limited computation capacity, sensor nodes are unable to perform sophisticated detection techniques. Therefore, the authors propose a profile based monitoring approach with a restricted feature set to supervise the network traffic. The proposed profile based monitoring approach contains two components, feature selection and anomaly detection. In order to complement the limited computing capacity of a sensor node, feature selection component will extract features with high contribution or high relevance for future monitoring. The anomaly detection component monitors the selected features and alarms the administrator when an anomaly is detected. Two types of combination are proposed, graphic and non-graphic based models. The graphic based approach seems to surpass the non-graphic based approach, but the graphic based approach takes much longer time to select the important features than non-graphic based approach.
Potential of Information and Communication Technologies in Promoting Access to Livestock Information
Authors: Angello Consolata
Published: May 2015

A study was conducted to investigate the extent of use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by urban livestock keepers. This paper discusses the perceptions of small scale livestock keepers towards the use of different types of ICTs in accessing livestock information. Mixed method approach was used whereby quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The findings of this study revealed that most of the respondents had a positive opinion towards the use of ICTs and it was concluded that urban livestock keepers perceived ICTs as important tools for accessing livestock information. The study recommended for improvement of telecommunications services through relevant bodies in order to facilitate more access to information through use of ICTs. Information networking among urban livestock keepers and the introduction of livestock information centers were also recommended for enhanced access to livestock information.
Value of Mobile Phones for Tanzanian University Students
Authors: Mäkelä Susanne
Published: May 2015

Mobile phones have become highly popular both in industrialised and developing world. In developing countries, previous studies of why people value mobile phones have focused on the financial benefits of mobile phone and user groups such as farmers or entrepreneurs. This paper presents a mixed-method study on how university students in Iringa, Tanzania value mobile phones. The study discovered a number of positive and negative value factors that define the worth of mobile phones for Tanzanian students, and shows how the factors are tied to the physical, social and cultural context of use. The study highlights the importance of understanding what users value and why when designing technology.
LBRW
Authors: Mourchid Fatima , El Koutbi Mohamed
Published: May 2015

Location-based social networks (LBSNs) have witnessed a great expansion as an attractive form of social media. LBSNs allow users to “check-in” at geographical locations and share this information with friends. Indeed, with the spatial, temporal and social aspects of user patterns provided by LBSNs data, researchers have a promising opportunity for understanding human mobility dynamics, with the purpose of designing new generation mobile applications, including context-aware advertising and city-wide sensing applications. In this paper, the authors introduce a learning based random walk model (LBRW) combining user interests and “mobility homophily” for location recommendation in LBSNs. These properties are observed from a real-world Location-Based Social Networks (LBSNs) dataset. The authors present experimental evidence that validates LBRW and demonstrates the power of these inferred properties in improving location recommendation performance.
Strategic Design of the Purchase System Toward R&D Supply Chain Based on SNA
Authors: Cheng LiYing , Wen Decheng , Sun Zhongrui
Published: May 2015

In order to make the strategy for research and development (R&D) purchase system better serve the personalization of material requirements in R&D process, the authors propose to develop a strategy set which will satisfy the internal as well as external constraints simultaneously. Social network analysis is used to analyze the vertical and horizontal relationships among the project, department and enterprise layers. Through a case study, the authors display the regulatory relationship of participants under given organization pattern and supply chain configuration. To disclose the restricted equilibrium mechanism of participants involved, changes under different strategies are compared, which can assist enterprises to enforce the decision making and to improve the R&D purchase system ability. The authors outline some of the managerial implications arising from the research findings at the end of this paper.
Advertising and Pricing Decisions in a Manufacturer-Retailer Channel with Demand and Cost Disruptions
Authors: Yuan Lingxiao , Yang Chao , Li Taotao
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates advertising level, pricing and production quantity decision problems in a supply chain when demand and production cost disruptions occur simultaneously. The supply chain consists of one manufacturer and one retailer where customer demand depends on the retail price and advertisement expenditure. The authors examine this problem in two game-theoretic models: a cooperative game and a non-cooperative Stackelberg-manufacturer game, respectively. Propositions and insights are developed from the analysis of these models. The original production plan has some robustness in face of the disruptions of demand and production cost in both cooperative and non-cooperative models. Only when the disruptions exceed some thresholds will the channel members take an overall adjustment. In addition, the cooperative channel achieves higher channel profits and higher social surplus than the non-cooperative model by using a lower retail price and a higher level of advertising efforts to promote demand.
Sleep-related breathing disorders and non-invasive ventilation
Authors: Lax Agata , Colamartino Simona , Banfi Paolo , Nicolini Antonello
Published: May 2015

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NPPV) was originally used in patients with acute respiratory impairment or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, as an alternative to the endotracheal tube. Over the last thirty years NPPV has been also used at night in patients with stable chronic lung disease such as obstructive sleep apnea, the overlap syndrome (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea), neuromuscular disorders, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, and in other conditions such as sleep disorders associated with congestive heart failure (Cheyne-Stokes respiration). In this no-systematic review we discuss the different types of NPPV, the specific conditions in which they can be used and the indications, recommendations and evidence supporting the efficacy of NPPV. Optimizing patient acceptance and adherence to non-invasive ventilation treatment is challenging. The treatment of sleep-related disorders is a life-threatening condition. The optimal level of treatment should be determined in a sleep laboratory. Side effects directly affecting the patient’s adherence to treatment are known. The most common are nasopharyngeal symptoms including increased congestion and rhinorrhea; these effects are related to reduced humidity of inspired gas. Humidification of delivered gas may improve these symptoms.
Primary insulin autoimmune syndrome in an Italian woman: a case report
Authors: Balestrieri Antonio , Magnani Elena , Ragazzini Cecilia , Pasini Giampiero
Published: May 2015

Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare syndrome characterized by fasting or postprandial hypoglycemia, high levels of anti-insulin antibodies and high concentration of total serum immunoreactive insulin. It is relatively known in Japan, rare in remaining Asia and it is extremely uncommon in Western countries, being characterized by a different race-related incidence and associated with HLADR4 alleles. Usually IAS is related to particular drugs, or to autoimmune, rheumatologic or hematological diseases, while it is very rare as a primary form. Here we described a case of an Italian woman affected by a primary form of Hirata syndrome.
The discharge of patients with diabetes from Internal Medicine Units: a clinical audit
Authors: Montagnani Andrea , Moribidoni Laura , Attardo Tiziana , Brancato Davide , Gambacorta Maurizia , Grassi Alberto , Maffettone Ada , Re Roberta , Tirotta Daniela , Campanini Mauro , Of Clinical Governance For the FADOI Permanent Area
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to address it by conducting a clinical audit, one that focused on the quality evaluation of the assistance given to patients with diabetes at the moment of their discharge from hospital. The clinical audit was structured in 5 phases: i) preparation; ii) definition of criteria, indicators and standards; iii) retrospective data collection; iv) data analysis, identification of main deviations from standards; v) implementation of corrective measures. Twenty Departments of Internal Medicine from 10 Italian regions retrospectively reviewed medical reports obtaining a data collection from 1332 discharged patients with diabetes. Patients receiving instructions for home glycemic control/discharged patients, showed a mean performance =41.6% (range: 5.0-89.9); patients receiving instructions for hypoglycemic treatment/discharged patients, =32.4% (range: 0.0-92.1); patients receiving instructions for subcutaneous insulin administration/discharged patients, =60.4% (range: 56.5-100.0); patients receiving nutritional scheme or advice/discharged patients, =24.8 (range: 25.4-76.6); patients addressed to ambulatory control/discharged patients, =60.7% (range: 65.6-100.0); and finally patients with HbA1c reported in discharge report/discharged patients, =40.6% (range: 1.75-98.0). Results confirmed that all the levels are well below 70%, the acceptable level of quality. The clinical audit provided data that allows for better identification of deficient clinical behaviors and the addressing of them with specific ameliorative actions; a continuing process of check, re-check and feedback in order to further enhance the quality of assistance given to patients with diabetes discharged from hospital.
The Role of CT Scan and Histopathology in Diagnosis of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhanu Bhanu , Gill Jaskaran Singh , Singh Tanya
Published: May 2015

Allergic fungal sinusitis is the disease with emerging incidence in last decade. The diagnosis of AFS requires a combination of clinical, radiographic, microbiological and histopathological information. CT scan findings in AFS are considered important in preoperative diagnosis but definitive diagnosis requires histological verification. The role of CT scan as the preoperative diagnostic modality in AFS has been analyzed in 50 patients in a prospective study conducted at our institute and results have been very assuring. This article will surely satisfy many inquisitive minds about the speculations regarding the diagnosis of AFS.

How to cite this article

Bhardwaj BB, Gill JS, Singh T. The Role of CT Scan and Histopathology in Diagnosis of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2014;7(3):117-120.
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation in Patients with Mild Keratoconus
Authors: Rodrigues Pablo F , Dias Wagner G
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the topographic, topometric and visual changes after implantation of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) in grades I and II keratoconus patients.

Materials and methods

The chart records of 50 consecutively operated keratoconus patients were reviewed. The patients were operated on by the same surgeon, with the manual technique. All patients were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated with the Pentacam (OCULUS Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany). The studied parameters were: uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal asphericity and corneal volume.

Results

Fifty eyes of 42 patients (26 males and 16 females) were analyzed. The mean preoperative UDVA was 0.91 ranging from LogMAR 0.10 to 1.30. The mean postoperative CDVA was 0.19 ranging from 0.00 to 0.54 LogMAR. The postoperative CDVA was equal or better than 0.18 in 37 cases (74%). The mean K1 decreased from 45.80D (±2.52) preoperatively to 44.27D (± 2.10) postoperatively and the mean K2 value, from 49.06D (± 2.09) to 46.22D (±1.89). The mean asphericity increased from −0.71 preoperatively to −0.29 postoperatively. The average preoperative corneal volume was 56.89 ± 3.11 mm3 while the average postoperative corneal volume was 57.64 ± 3.05 mm3.

Conclusion

The study supports the early indication of implantation of Ferrara ICRS in mild to moderate keratoconus cases in order to achieve good visual, keratometric and ashpericity outcomes.

How to cite this article

Rodrigues PF, Ferrara G, Ferrara P, Dias WG, Torquetti L. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation in Patients with Mild Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2014;3(3):122-126.
Silicone Hydrogel Miniscleral Contact Lenses after Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Post-LASIK Keratoectasia
Authors: Severinsky Boris
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To report successful visual rehabilitation of post refractive surgery keratoectasia shortly after corneal collage crosslinking (CXL) procedure achieved with silicone hydrogel mini-scleral (SHmS) contact lens.

Materials and methods

A 29-year-old woman attended to our clinic with complaints on decreased vision in her left eye. Twelve years earlier she underwent bilateral laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure for myopia correction. Corneal topography revealed bilateral central keratoectasia with maximal keratometry values of 55.4 Diopter (D) for her right eye and 59.7 D for the left, corneal thicknesses were 422 and 443 respectively. The patient underwent an uneventful CXL procedure in her left eye and was fitted with SHmS lens 5 weeks later. The lens was designed to rest over the patients’ sclera and perilimbal cornea and vault the central cornea with minimal support over it.

Results

SHmS lens fitting resulted in significant subjective improvement in visual acuity (from 20/200, unaided to 20/25, contact lens corrected). The patient was able to wear the lens upto 10 hours a day with stable contact lens corrected vision. No contact lens related complications, such as edema or neovascularization were observed during 3 months follow-up period. As a result of successful restoration of vision in the CXL-treated eye, the patient was scheduled for the procedure in her other eye.

Conclusion

SHmS contact lens should be considered as an option for the visual rehabilitation of corneas shortly after collagen corneal crosslinking procedure. This novel contact lens modality made from flexible and highly gas permeable material minimizes contact lens influence on corneal recovery after CXL and provides an excellent visual outcome.

How to cite this article

Severinsky B. Silicone Hydrogel Mini-scleral Contact Lenses after Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Post-LASIK Keratoectasia. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2014;3(3):127-129.
Relational Resource Antecedents and Operational Outcome of Supply Chain Collaboration:
Authors: Srivastava Prashant , Srinivasan Mahesh , Iyer Karthik N. S.
Published: May 2015

Based on the theoretical underpinnings of the relational view of competitive advantage, the current study investigates the performance implications of three critical relational resource elements in supply chain partnerships: resource specificity, resource complementarity, and supply chain collaboration. The research also explores the interrelationship dynamics among these sources of relational rent—critical to the understanding of superior supply chain performance. The study models environmental dynamism and complexity to investigate the nature of the relationships among relational resources as they interact with technological and market turbulence factors. Operational productivity improvements are the primary outcome measures in the current research. Empirical evidence, based on the survey data of a cross-section of US manufacturing firms from a wide range of industries, supports a majority of our arguments, thus providing critical theoretical and managerial insights. The findings reiterate the importance of collaborative initiatives in the supply chain for operational benefits and high levels of customer service. The results also shed light on the interrelationships among relational resource elements, filling inadequacies in previous literature: resource specificity and complementarity are found to be antecedents of collaboration. The findings also suggest that complementary resources facilitate coordinated partner activities under highly turbulent technological environments.
Review of Enterococci Isolated from Canine and Feline Urine Specimens from 2006 to 2011
Authors: KuKanich Kate S. , Lubbers Brian V.
Published: May 2015

Canine and feline urine culture reports and medical records were reviewed at a veterinary teaching hospital from 2006 to 2011 for enterococcal growth, coinfections, antimicrobial resistance, urine sediment findings, clinical signs, and concurrent conditions. Of all of the urine specimens with significantly defined colony-forming units/mL, Enterococcus (E.) faecalis was the only enterococci isolated from cats and predominated (77.4%) in dogs followed by E. faecium (12.9%), E. durans (3.2%), and other Enterococcus spp. (6.5%). The majority of specimens with significant enterococcal growth resulted in complicated urinary tract infections in 83.9% of dogs and 81.8% of cats. Specimens with only enterococcal growth were more common than those mixed with other bacterial species. Cocci were observed in urine sediments of 8 out of 8 cats and 21 out of 25 dogs with available concurrent urinalyses. Pyuria was noted in 5 out of 8 feline and 15 out of 25 canine urine sediments, and pyuria in dogs was associated with growth of only enterococci on aerobic urine culture. Multidrug resistance was identified in 6 out of 11 cats and 7 out of 31 dogs, and E. faecium isolates from dogs were 4.5× more likely to be multidrug resistant than E. faecalis.
Stimuli‐Responsive Prototissues via DNA‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Polymer Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
Authors: Huang Xinan , Skowicki Michal , Dinu Ionel Adrian , Schoenenberger Cora‐Ann , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: August 2024

Gaining insight into the complex functions of tissues, which involve communicating cell types, by utilizing materials that mimic the properties of real tissue, is an important step in developing advanced biomedical applications. However, building 3D networks of interconnected protocells capable of chemical information processing and collective output remains a challenge. Herein, the construction of a prototissue based on the DNA‐mediated assembly of polymeric giant unilamellar vesicles (pGUVs) are presented with differential sensitivity, forming a multicompartment communicating system. One set of pGUVs hosts microgels as artificial Mg2+ storage organelles, which can be triggered to release their Mg2+ by pH changes in the environment. The downstream linked set of protocells contains a Mg2+ sensitive dye that responds to the Mg2+ signal. The density of complementary DNA strands on the surface of the respective pGUVs determines not only the size of the pGUV ensemble but also modulates sensitivity toward magnesium. Moreover, Mg2+ signaling to downstream protocells loaded with monomeric actin induces the in situ formation of an artificial cytoskeleton. Overall, through the clustering of protocells hosting distinct artificial organelles with controlled architecture, such unique prototissues that mimic intratissue communication generate new prospects in using advanced functional materials for multi‐step catalysis and biomedicine.
Electrode Interface Engineering of Hydrophilic and Zincophilic Bifunctionality for High‐Efficiency and Low‐Polarization Zn Anodes
Authors: Wang Tan , Wang Chen , Silva Gabriel Vinicius De Oliveira , Xu Yuanlin , Wei Haoyun , Miao Guo‐Xing , Fu Jing
Published: August 2024

Aqueous rechargeable Zn batteries offer a promising technological route as a safe and low‐cost energy storage system for grid energy storage. However, major challenges of Zn dendrites and parasitic side reactions upon cycling in aqueous environments remain unsolved. Here, a design of a bifunctional electrode interface consisting of heterostructured zinc hydroxide chloride (ZHC) and Cu, as well as their synergy in promoting high‐efficiency and low‐polarization Zn deposition is reported. Hydrophilic/zincophobic ZHC promotes the desolvation of hydrated Zn2+ prior to Zn nucleation, meanwhile adjacent Cu acts as a zincophilic site for subsequent nucleation and deposition. Consequently, the reduction polarization of Zn2+ at the bifunctional layer (ZHC‐Cu) features ten times lower nucleation overpotential of 3 mV than bare Zn. Meanwhile, the water‐induced hydrogen evolution side reactions on Zn are significantly hindered by the bifunctionality of the electrode interface. Accordingly, the ZHC‐Cu@Zn symmetric cells exhibit a superior cycling stability for over 3500 cycles at 10 mA cm−2/3 mAh cm−2. The ZHC‐Cu@Zn full‐cell with MnO2 cathode can stably operate for low C‐rate cycling with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% over 600 cycles. This work provides an effective approach to rational design of heterostructured bifunctional electrode interfaces to obtain high‐efficiency and low‐polarization Zn anodes.
Conformal Self‐Powered Inertial Displacement Sensor with Geometric Optimization for In Situ Noninvasive Data Acquisition
Authors: Du Yan , Shen Penghui , Liu Houfang , Zhang Zhiwei , Ren Tianling , Shi Rui , Wang Zhonglin , Wei Di
Published: August 2024

The growing focus on health management and smart technology advancements have propelled the use of wearable sensors in healthcare and human body motion analysis, particularly in preventing work‐related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through guided exercises. However, most available wearable medical sensors are rigid, bulky, and incapable of in situ recognition of the comprehensive motion of human body. Here, a conformal self‐powered inertial displacement sensor (CSIDS) with geometric optimization for in situ noninvasive inertial data acquisition is proposed. Leveraging template‐assisted processing and COMSOL simulation, the geometric configurations of tribo‐layer materials, specifically focusing on the curvature of semicylindrical protrusions is systematically altered. This enhancement significantly improves the detection accuracy of joint range of motion. The features of shoulder joint bending angles and linear accelerations of the humerus are accurately captured using a deep learning model based on multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks, resulting in an exceptional recognition accuracy of 99.38% and 99.58%. Compared to traditional TENG wearable sensors that can only identify single metrics, CSIDS achieves a more comprehensive health assessment through inertial data detection. This system provides early warning for shoulder joint diseases, prevents MSDs, and extends to smart wearables for comprehensive joint health and ergonomic monitoring.
Machine Learning‐Assisted Design of Nitrogen‐Rich Covalent Triazine Frameworks Photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Mingliang , Song Zhilong , Cui Yu , Fu Zhanzhao , Hong Kunquan , Li Qiang , Lyu Zhiyang , Liu Wei , Wang Jinlan
Published: August 2024

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), noted for their rich nitrogen content, have attracted significant attention as promising photocatalysts. However, the structural complexity introduced by the diversity of nitrogen atoms in nitrogen‐rich CTFs poses a substantial challenge in discovering high‐performance CTFs. To address this challenge, a machine‐learning approach is developed to rationally design nitrogen‐rich CTFs, which is subsequently validated through experimental methods. A framework is employed based on the special orthogonal group in three dimensions (SO(3))‐invariant graph neural networks to predict photocatalytic properties of CTFs structures. This approach achieves exceptionally high accuracies with R2 scores exceeding 0.98. From a dataset of 14920 CTFs structures, this framework identifies 45 high‐performance candidates. Guided by these predictions, a novel CTF structure, pyridine‐2,5‐dicarbaldehyde (CTF‐DCPD) is selected and successfully synthesized, which exhibits an ultrahigh hydrogen evolution rate of 17.70 mmol g−1 h−1. This rate significantly surpasses that of the widely studied CTF‐1,4‐dicyanobenzene (CTF‐DCB, 10.41 mmol g−1 h−1). This work provides a new paradigm for machine learning to accelerate materials development, which can be generalized to the development of other functional materials.
Simulation‐Training‐Based Deep Learning Approach to Microscopic Ghost Imaging
Authors: Li Binyu , Feng Yueshu , Zhou Cheng , Hu Siyi , Jiang Chunwa , Yang Feng , Song Lijun , Hou Xue
Published: August 2024

Herein, deep learning‐ghost imaging (DLGI) based on a digital micromirror device is realized to avoid the difficulties of a charge‐coupled device (CCD) scientific camera being unable to obtain the sample images in extremely weak illumination conditions and to solve the problem of the inverse relationship between imaging quality and imaging time in practical applications. Deep learning for computational ghost imaging typically requires the collection of a large set of labeled experimental data to train a neural network. Herein, we demonstrate that a practically usable neural network can be prepared based on the simulation results. The acquisition results of the CCD scientific camera and the simulation results with low sampling are used as the training set (1000 observations) and we can complete the data acquisition process within one hour. The results show that the proposed DLGI method can be used to significantly improve the quality of the reconstructed images when the sampling rate is 60%. This method also reduces the imaging time and the memory usage, while simultaneously improving the imaging quality. The imaging results of the proposed DLGI method have great significance for application in clinical diagnosis.
Recent Advances in Electrochromic Devices: From Multicolor to Flexible Applications
Authors: Cho Hyun Mok , Hwang Yong Jin , Oh Hyo Seok , Hwang Hyeon Seong , Kim Kitae , Kim Se‐Um , Na Jun‐Hee
Published: August 2024

With increasing demand for energy saving and environmental sustainability, electrochromic devices (ECDs) are considered as emerging display devices with low energy consumption. While various reflective‐type displays produce images with low energy, achieving full color displays often involves much device complexity and nonflexibility. Multicolor ECDs aim to realize full color reflective‐type displays, surpassing the current monochromic type or limited coloration capabilities in a 1D color space. Enhancing device flexibility is also highly desirable for use of ECDs in wearable and flexible electronics for health monitoring and advanced textiles with easy visualization. In this review, recent advances in multicolor and flexible ECDs are examined. Several primary strategies to achieve multicolor ECD are described, including material modifications, color overlay, and dye‐mediated colorations. In addition, recent developments in flexible ECDs are explored, emphasizing novel materials and fabrication processes that improve mechanical durability and reliability under deformation. It is expected that this review will provide a comprehensive understanding of multicolor and flexible ECDs for applications in smart windows, displays, and wearable electronics.