bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROJECTING CHANGES IN COASTAL MORPHOLOGY BY SATISFYING PREREQUISITE CONDITIONS OF SLAMM SOFTWARE IN CONTEXT OF SUNDARBAN
Authors: Chakraborty A. , Basu A. , Mukherjee N. , Chaudhary N. , Chakraborty K.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. RS and GIS data have been acquired as a primary source for study. The satellite images mainly show the temporal changes in coastal morphology and shorelines of the area. The main aim is to analyze the applicability of a platform called SLAMM or Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model to predict the changes related to the different kinds of ecosystems in the Sundarbans with the eustatic rise in sea level. A satellite image (LANDSAT) of the year 2001 of the study area was used as a base map. Using this base map, an attempt has been made to forsee the morphological changes to the ecosystems up to the year 2016 using SLAMM (Payo, et al., 2016). It has investigated the changes in coastal scenario and also its effect on the vegetation and other factors of sundarban. The results indicate that tidal flats are increasing along with the year thus degrading the ocean beach and the amount of vegetation coverage, especially that of mangroves which has degraded between these years and may predict its changes up till the end of 21st century. The SLAMM software will also show the accuracy depending on the calibration and SLR depending on MSL and MTL to that of the real world scenario. Hence the final output will facilitate us with certain future scope which may help for better and bigger approaches of study towards the development of coastal management.
CHANGES IN VELOCITY OF FISHER GLACIER, EAST ANTARCTICA USING PIXEL TRACKING METHOD
Authors: Jawak S. D. , Upadhya A. , Pandit P. H. , Luis A. J.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Glacier movement is a crucial factor for assessing cryospheric climate change. Traditional methods of field surveys for studying glacier movement and velocity are often not possible owing to inaccessibility and harsh terrains. Furthermore, as it is not feasible to physically monitor and survey many glaciers around the globe, these traditional methods are limited in their global coverage. Remote sensing is an ideal tool to study such phenomena on a global scale. Optical remote sensing employs techniques such as feature tracking and pixel tracking, whereas, microwave remote sensing uses intensity tracking, speckle tracking, Interferometric SAR and Differential InSAR (DInSAR). This study focuses on estimation of glacier velocity and its seasonal variations using the image-matching technique for optical images for the Fisher glacier, a tributary glacier of the Amery ice shelf in Antarctica. The tool used in this study is the COSI-Corr module embedded in ENVI which provides the velocity in both azimuth and range resolution. The principle of estimating velocity using this tool is pixel tracking wherein similar pixels on two images are tracked where one is the master image and the other is a slave. This technique correlates the master and slave images over a time period and generates three outputs: displacements in the East-West and North-South directions and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) image. Landsat 8 image pairs were used for cross correlation over a time span of four years spanning 2013–2017. With a resolution of 15 m, the panchromatic band (Band 8) was the ideal choice for pixel tracking as the resolution of other bands is coarser. The initial window size for correlation was 64 while the final window size was 16. The resolution of the displacement images produced is dependent on the value assigned for the step size, which was set to 8. The resultant velocity was derived using the result of the two displacement images. The SNR image was used to remove all the pixels from the velocity output having the value of SNR less than 0.9, in order to reduce the effect of noise. The annual velocity of the Fisher glacier was estimated to be around 600 to 650 myr−1 near the tongue where it merges with the Amery Ice Shelf, which was reduced to 150 myr−1 as it recedes. The resultant velocity images have a resolution of 120 m. The seasonal variation in velocity for the year 2013–2014 is 1.8 myr−1, while in the succeeding year 2014-2015 it subdued to 1.7 myr−1. The seasonal variation for the year 2015–2016 was estimated to be 7.9 myr−1. The seasonal variation for 2016–2017 was 17.4 myr−1.
ON THE ESTIMATION OF POLARIMETRIC PARAMETERS FOR OIL SLICK FEATURE DETECTION FROM HYBRID POL AND DERIVED PSEUDO QUAD POL SAR DATA
Authors: Hari Priya S. , Jayasri P. V. , Sita Kumari E. V. S , Prasad A. V. V.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Oil spills in oceans have a significant long term effect on the marine ecosystem and are of prime concern for maritime economy. In order to locate and estimate the oil spread area and for quantitative damage assessment, it is required to continually monitor the affected area on the sea and its surroundings and space based remote sensing makes this technically viable. Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR with its high sensitivity to target dielectric constant, look angle and polarization-dependent target backscatter has become a potential tool for oil-spill observation and maritime monitoring. From conventional single-channel SAR (single-pol, HH or VV) to multi-channel SAR – (Dual/Quad-polarization) and more recently compact polarimetric (Hybrid/Slant Linear) SAR systems have been widely used for oil-spill detection in the seas. Various polarimetric features have been proposed to classify oil spills using full, dual and compact polarimetric SAR. RISAT-1 is a C-band SAR with Circular Transmit and Linear Receive (CTLR) hybrid polarimetric imaging capability.This study is aimed at the polarimetric processing of RISAT-1 hybrid pol single look complex (SLC) data for derivation of the decisive polarimetric parameters which can be used to identify oil spills in oceans and their discrimination from look-alike signatures. In order to understand ocean–oil spill signatures from full-quad pol SAR, pseudo-quad pol covariance matrix is constructed from RISAT-1 hybrid pol using polarimetric scattering models .Then polarimetric processing is carried out over pseudo-quad pol data for oil slick detection. In-house developed software is used for carrying out the above oil-spill study.
LAND USE AND LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION OF MULTISPECTRAL LANDSAT-8 SATELLITE IMAGERY USING DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: Sharma J. , Prasad R. , Mishra V. N. , Yadav V. P. , Bala R.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Land use and land cover (LULC) classification of satellite imagery is an important research area and studied exclusively in remote sensing. However, accurate and appropriate land use/cover detection is still a challenge. This paper presents a wavelet transform based LULC classification using Landsat 8-OLI data. The study area for the present work is a small part of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The atmospheric correction of the image was performed using Quick Atmospheric Correction (QUAC) method. The image was decomposed into its approximation and detail coefficients up to eight levels using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method. The approximation images were layer stacked with the original image. The minimum distance classifier was used for classifying the image into six LULC classes namely water, agriculture, urban, fallow land, sand, and vegetation. The classification accuracy for all decomposition levels was compared with that of classified product based on original multispectral image. The classification accuracy for multi-spectral image was found to be 75.27%. Whereas, the classification accuracies were found to improve up to 85.97%, 88.87%, 93.47%, 95.03%, 93.01, 92.32% and 90.80% for second, third, fourth, fifth, six, seventh and eight level decomposition, respectively. The significantly improved accuracy was found for images decomposed at level five. Thus, the approach of DWT for LULC classification can be used to increase the classification accuracy significantly.
Implementing Critical Thinking Tasks to Fostering English Learners’ Intercultural Communicative Competence in a Genre-based Learning Environment
Authors: Gómez-Rodríguez Luis Fernando
Published: November 2018

The development of intercultural communicative competence in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) education in many countries is still a difficult goal to achieve. EFL teachers and learners require more tangible and concrete methodological approaches to foster this important competence in the classroom. Therefore, this reflection article aims at proposing the use of genre-based learning as a significant communicative language approach to foster English learners’ intercultural communicative competence (ICC) through a Sequence of Critical Thinking Tasks. Through two samples of genres, the article explains how the skills of discovery, of interpreting, and of relating, contained in the concept of ICC, can be articulated, complemented, and enhanced gradually through a set of more specific Critical Thinking Tasks. These mental skills can be useful to help learners understand, discover, interpret, and evaluate critically elements of deep culture that appear in different documents, genres, or texts produced by English-spoken cultures, other language communities, and learners’ own culture. Doing critical thinking tasks through genre-based approach can constitute a preliminary but significant step to enhance English learners’ critical intercultural awareness in EFL learning environments.
Empirically Supported Development of Specialisation Courses for Extra-Occupational Studies within the Discipline of Business Informatics
Authors: Städler Michael , Linke Knut , Zobeltitz André von
Published: November 2018

This article contains the analytical results of qualitative and descriptive research regarding the definition of specialisation courses in the areas of "Informatics" and "Management" for extra-occupational study offers within the discipline of Business Informatics. The subjects were IT specialists with either foundation or advanced Chamber of Commerce (IHK) IT training, who participated as students in the credit transfer courses developed in the "Open IT" research project, or who were interested in participating. The investigative results reveal clearly in certain parts just what the preferences of working IT students are in terms of the scientific specialisation courses on offer, and how student target groups can be actively and effectively integrated into the design process of degree programme curricula.
Application of QUECHERS Extraction Coupled With GC/MS for Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Organochloride Pesticides in Lake Water
Authors: Gbaguidi Magloire A. N. , Youssao Alassane A. K , Saizonou Michael K. , Singbo Romain O. P. , Dovonon Léonce F. , Zannou Aimé , Soclo Henri H. , Lanceleur Laurent , Monperus Mathilde , Donald Olivier , Mama Daouda
Published: November 2018

The extensive development of industries gives birth to many chemicals which brings contaminations towards environment. The present study is to apply QUECHERS extraction coupled with GC/MS for detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochloride pesticides (OCPs) in Lake Nokoué of Benin Republic. The method was first benchmarked with standard PAHs and OCPs, and limit of detection (2-194 ppb) and limit of quantification (8-645 ppb) were obtained with recovery rate of 91-110%. The method was then applied to the detection of PAHs and OCPs in the lake water, no benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene or pyrene was detected. The main origin of PAH compounds in Nokoué Lagoon are material combustion and fuels for Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons and due to remoteness pollution for organochorid pesticides compounds.
Levels of Minor and Trace Elements of Some Commercial Fruit Juices and Syrup Produced in Artisanal and Semi-Industrial Units in Benin Republic
Authors: Youssao Alassane A. K. , Gbaguidi Magloire A. N. , Dovonon Léonce , Baltrons Oriol , Seby Fabienne , Monperus Mathilde , Saizonou Mickael , Soclo Henri H. , Donard Olivier
Published: November 2018

Fruit juices have been gaining interest in recent years for their contributions of minerals and other essential vitamins. But, with the development of intensive agriculture massively using pesticides and mineral fertilizers, the risk of contamination of these juices is high along the production chain. In this study, we evaluated the concentrations of arsenic       (As), cadmium (Cd), berrylium (Be), aluminium (Al), strontium (Sr), tin       (Sn), barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), thallium          (Tl), lead   (Pb), thorium (Th), uranium (U) for 92 commercial samples of pineapple juice, cocktail of pineapple and watermelon and pineapple syrup of Benin and France using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Source Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations vary in the following ranges: As <QL at 39.3 ppb, Cd <QL at 0.7 ppb, Be <QL at 0.59 ppb, Al 26.4 ppb at 30620 ppb, Sr 130 ppb at 4049 ppb, Sn<QL at 43 ppb, Ba 42 ppb at 1582 ppb, Hg <QL at 31.7 ppb, Tl<QL at 21.3 ppb, Pb<QL at 608 ppb, Th<QL at 24.7 ppb ppb and U <QL at 1.04 ppb. Se, Ag and Pt have concentrations below the quantification limit (<QL). The levels of Ba, Hg and Pb exceeded the norms for some samples. The presence of aluminum, arsenic and cadmium in the tested samples of fruit juices can be toxic since they have no nutritional value, and hence may be treated as potential contaminants in these beverages. The classification of concentration levels of metallic contaminants reveals two main groups, the minor and the trace elements. These results make it possible to classify the contaminants in the decreasing order of the concentrations in the following way: Al> Sr> Ba> Pb> Sn> Tl> As> Th> Hg> Cd> Be> U. The average concentrations’ levels of trace elements are generally in accordance with the levels obtained for French pineapple juices chosen as reference, national and international standards for the quality of beverages.
Can REDD+ Bring Equitable Benefit to the Marginalized Communities? Insights from Bangladesh
Authors: Koli Anar , Khan Md. Rakibul Hasan
Published: November 2018

Despite promising win-win outcomes of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program, how and to what extent it can bring real opportunities to forest communities remains debatable. Focusing on inequality and land tenure insecurity in Bangladesh, this study aims to find out whether and to what extent REDD+ can ensure equitable benefits and opportunities for the forest communities in an ethnic conflict area. Based on qualitative case studies on two types of community forest management (CFM) experiences in Bangladesh, the study finds that the distribution of various costs, benefits, and access to forest participation remain highly unequal among different groups within the communities. The existing institutional settings were not able to bring adequate opportunities for the marginal forest people to face the dominant power relation and bring equitable share for them. This study argues that without ensuring the decision-making space for marginalized groups, and without substantial changes towards the tenure complexity, the emerging REDD+ initiatives in Bangladesh can strengthen the dominant power and subsequently intensify the vulnerability of the marginalized people. A careful analysis of how weak institutions are helping to perpetuate inequality can thus help us to understand future risks of CFM–REDD+ relations.
Electrical Conductivity Behavior of La0.5Ca0.5Mn0.5Fe0.5O3 Synthetized by the Solid State Reaction
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez H. A. , Jurado J. F. , Restrepo-Parra E.
Published: November 2018

La0.5Ca0.5Mn0.5Fe0.5O3 was synthesized using the solid state reaction method. This method consists of two main processes: a milling process and a subsequent thermal treatment. Two samples at different conditions were produced: one using 2 h of milling time and 900°C (M-I), and the other using 6 h of milling time and 1200°C of thermal treatment (M-II).  X-ray diffraction analysis indicated, in both cases, an orthorhombic crystalline ordering of the space group Pbnm. For the case of M-I, the material exhibited secondary phases, different than the desired phase; on the contrary, in M-II, these secondary phases were not present.

The dielectric response determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) performed in a temperature range between 20°C and 300°C exhibited a thermally activated semiconductor behavior with activation energies of Eg= 0.11±0.05 eV and Eg= 0.47±0.06 eV for M-I and M-II, respectively.
BOLESTI PLATANA NA PODRUČJU GRADA MOSTARA
Authors: Treštić Tarik , Spasojević Bojan
Published: November 2018

Platani, kao vrste drveća, se koriste za oplemenjivanje urbanih prostora u Bosni i Hercegovini. Najpoznatije vrste su istočni (Platanus orientalis L.) i američki platan (Platanus occidentalis L.). U urbanim prostorima najzastupljeniji je hibrid istočnog i američkog platana, javorolisni platan – Platanus x acerifolia (Aiton) Willd. Značajnija sadnja platana u Bosni i Hercegovini počinje za vrijeme Austro-Ugarske monarhije, kada su u većim gradovima podignute prve aleje ovog drveća. Jedna od takvih aleja podignuta je i u Mostaru 1887. godine. Danas se u ovom gradu, u alejama, drvoredima i dvorištima, nalazi više od 1100 stabala platana. U radu je analizirano zdravstveno stanje platana u alejama i drvoredima Mostara. Ukupno je analizirano 259 stabala. Za karakterizaciju općeg zdravstvenog stanja korištena je VTA (Visual Tree Assessment) metoda. Na manjem broju uzoraka, koji su prikupljeni s bolesnih stabala, provedene su laboratorijske analize s ciljem preciznijeg dijagnosticiranja uzročnika bolesti. Prema rezultatima provedenih istraživanja, utvrđeno je nekoliko patogena koji su prisutni već duže vrijeme na platanima u Mostaru i imaju tendenciju širenja. Posebno je značajna sumnja na prisustvo karantinske gljive Ceratocystis platani (J.M. Walter) Engelbr. & T.C. Harr. koja uzrokuje obojeni rak platana, karantinsku bolest za područja Evrope u kojim je nema. Gljiva je prisutna na 11 stabala. Preporučuje se poduzimanje potrebnih koraka na identifikaciji karantinske patogene gljive Ceratocystis platani i utvrđivanju zvaničnog statusa ove gljive u Bosni i Hercegovini. Splanchnonema platani M.E. Barr (masarija platana) i Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst. (trulež drveta palatana) su prisutne na većem broju analiziranih stabala (78 stabala). Zbog toga je potrebno izraditi sanacioni program kojim bi se planirale mjere unaprijeđenja zdravstvenog stanja platana u Mostaru.
VREDNOVANJE PROIZVODNE SPOSOBNOSTI ŠUMSKOG ZEMLJIŠTA NAKON POŽARA NA KRŠU U HRVATSKOJ
Authors: Barčić Damir , Dubravac Tomislav , Španjol Željko
Published: November 2018

Današnje okolnosti u kojima požari otvorenog prostora, posebno šumski požari uzrokuju iznimno velike ekološke i materijalne štete zahtijeva drugačiji pristup u obnovi šuma i šumskog zemljišta. Revitalizacija prostora koji su stradali požarima utječe na cjelokupni ruralni razvoj lokalnih sredina. U radu će se analizirati i povezati metode učinkovitije obnove šumskog zemljišta. Naime, šumarska struka suočena je s izazovima u smislu izbora vrsta za pošumljivanje, načinima sanacije požarišta i postavljanju ciljeva gospodarenja u budućnosti. Nužne promjene osigurale bi bolje i kvalitetnije vrednovanje šuma i šumskog zemljišta. U uvjetima pritiska urbanizacije i infrastrukture na mediteranski dio krša u Hrvatskoj biće potrebno provesti određene prilagodbe s ciljem osiguravanja budućnosti šumarstva na kršu. Dosadašnji pristup razdvajanja primarnih djelatnosti nije pogodan za ruralni razvoj. U takvim uvjetima bilo bi ključno pronaći mogućnosti suradnje posebno na državnom zemljištu s ciljem podizanja ekonomske vrijednosti uz zadržavanje ekološke i zaštitne uloge.
ULOGA BOROVOG ČETNJAKA THAUMETOPOEA PITYOCAMPA SCHIFF. U ŠUMAMA BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Dautbašić Mirza , Ivojević Sead , Mujezinović Osman
Published: November 2018

Borov četnjak Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. je prvi put identifikovan u Bosni i Hercegovini na području kanjona rijeke Neretve (Konjic, Prozor) krajem 70-ih godina prošlog stoljeća. Na području BiH pronađen je na sljedećim vrstama drveća: Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold, P. sylvestris L., P. halepensis Mill., P. mugo Turra. i endemska vrsta, P. heldreichii Christ. Ako se uzmu u obzir areali borova, odnosno uslovi staništa na kojima pridolaze prirodno kao i uslovi staništa na kojima se nalaze kulture borova, može se konstatovati da isti nastanjuju područja koja su skromna sa aspekta hranjiva i vlage u tlu. Vrlo često ih nalazimo i na staništima na kojima druge vrste šumskog drveća ne nalaze čak ni minimum uslova za svoj opsanak. Zajednička morfološka karakteristika krošanja borova jeste da su one vrlo skromnih dimenzija (mali broj grana, posebno unutar sastojine) kao i vrlo rijetke krošnje. Prethodno navedeno rezultira vrlo skromnim prirastima borova. Borov četnjak izgriza iglice i formira gnijezda na granama borova čime smanjuje asimilacionu površinu rijetkih borovih krošanja. Štetnost se ogleda u umanjenju prirasta drveta od 14% kod slabijeg do 33% kod jačeg napada. Posebno je značajno naglasiti njegovu opasnost za ljude i životinje kada uzrokuje jake alergijske reakcije. Javlja se najčešće u šumskim kulturama bora. U cilju optimiranja uzgojnih mjera koje treba provesti u napadnutim sastojinama ovim štetnikom, neophodno je poznavati u kojim dijelovima krošnje te u kojim mikroklimatskim uslovima on ima optimum za svoj razvoj. Za potrebe ovog rada vršeno je utvrđivanje prisustva borovog četnjaka na području Bosne i Hercegovine, odnosno utvrđivanje njegove sjeverne granice rasprostranjenja, koja se nalazi u Hercegovini oko Konjica. Osim ovih, vršena su istraživanja u pogledu njegovih mikroklimatskih zahtjeva (starost stabala, položaj stabla u sastojini, nadmorska visina, ekspozicija, te dijelovi krošnje). Također, vršeno je određivanje veličine obrštenog dijela izbojka. U cilju utvrđivanja parazitoida i hiperparazitoida uzimani su uzorci (jajna legla), te vršena identifikacija u laboratorijskim uvjetima. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da areal ovog štetnika uglavnom zauzima područje Hercegovine. U pogledu mikroklimatskih zahtjeva utvrđeno je da na sjeverno eksponiranim dijelovima krošnje nije bilo gnijezda štetnika, a povećanje prsnog prečnika utiče na broj zimskih gnijezda u gornjoj trećini stabala. Štetnik uglavnom napada crni bor i pri prisustvu štetnika gnijezda se pojavljuju na istočnim, južnim i dijelom zapadnim stranama svijeta. Prema dosadašnjim rezultatima laboratorijskih ispitivanja utvrđene su sljedeće vrste parazitoida: Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet), Baryscapus servadeii (Domenichini), Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy), Trichogramma sp. i hiperparazitoid Baryscapus transversalis (Graham).
Bacterial profile of suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections in prosthetic breast reconstruction
Authors: Yoon Jeongmin , Chung Jae-Ho , Hwang Na-Hyun , Lee Byung-Il , Park Seung-Ha , Yoon Eul-Sik
Published: November 2018

Background Despite the increasing popularity of prosthetic breast reconstruction, scant data exist on the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections (SSIs) in breast reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to determine whether bacteria isolated from drainage fluid were associated with the development of SSIs, and whether the bacterial profile of drainage fluid could be a clinically useful predictor of SSIs.

Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 61 women who underwent tissue expander/implant or direct-to-implant reconstructions. Patient demographics and culture studies of drainage fluid from suction drains collected on postoperative day 7 were evaluated.

Results Sixteen patients (26.23%) were culture-positive, and 45 patients (73.77%) were culture-negative. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. SSIs were diagnosed in seven patients and were mostly resolved by systemic antibiotics; however, the tissue expander or implant was explanted in two patients. Positive culture of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains was significantly associated with the development of SSIs (P<0.05). The positive predictive value was 37.50%,and the negative predictive value was 97.78%.

Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the development of SSIs in patients with prosthetic breast reconstructions. The high negative predictive value suggests that microbial testing of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains may have clinical utility. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.
Algorithm for the management of ectropion through medial and lateral canthopexy
Authors: Baek Siook , Chung Jae-Ho , Yoon Eul-Sik , Lee Byung-Il , Park Seung-Ha
Published: November 2018

Background Patients with ectropion experience devastating symptoms. Therefore, the preventionand management of this condition are of utmost importance. To treat ectropion, it is important to perform medial and lateral canthopexy in an effective way. In this study, we propose a comprehensive algorithm for the prevention and management of ectropion based on a new classification of ectropion according to its signs and causes.

Methods Canthopexy was performed in 68 cases according to the proposed algorithm, which starts with a categorization of the types of ectropion and ends with the recommended operative technique. To assess the results, we reviewed clinical preoperative and postoperative photographs. To evaluate improvements in patients’ symptoms, we conducted a survey with responses scored on a Likert scale.

Results None of the patients had scleral show postoperatively. The average patient satisfaction score was satisfied or higher for all symptoms, and the most improved symptom was aesthetic appearance. No major complications were reported.

Conclusions For the comprehensive management of ectropion, it is crucial to consider both treatment and prevention. Through the simple surgical algorithm proposed in this study, both medically acceptable results and high levels of patient satisfaction were achieved without significant postoperative complications. We recommend using this algorithm for the comprehensive management of ectropion.
Peculiarities of brain processes during the stop and switch of motor programs among women
Authors: Korzhyk Olha , Pavlovych Olha , Abramchuk Olha , Kachynska Tetyana , Dmytrotsa Olena , Poruchynskiy Andriy , Morenko Alevtyna
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the study is to establish differences in the cortical electrical activity among women under conditions of complete inhibition of a running motor program of manual movement (Stop-Signal paradigm) and under conditions of its inhibition, with subsequent switching to an alternative motor task (Stop-Change paradigm). We used the “event-related desynchronization/synchronization” (ERD/ERS) method. Indicators ERD and ERS were evaluated in the frequency range of EEG (1-35 Hz) in the frontal, central, and parietal leads. It was established that women demonstrated greater precision in conducting the task in the set with the Stop-Change paradigm than men. In both sets of the experiment, the predominance of ERS events in the range of α- and partially β1-activity of EEG is distinguished as a common regularity. Meanwhile, in different sets of the experiment, cortical electrical activity acquired certain specific features of the frequency-spatial organization that could indicate different brain processes during the response to Stop and Stop-Change stimuli. In the set of the use of the Stop-Change paradigm, a higher level of activation processes in the frontal, central, and parietal cortex areas in the EEG α- and β-activity range is generally showed among women.
El cuerpo y el Otro en Merleau-Ponty y Lévinas
Authors: Verano Gamboa Leonardo
Published: November 2018

El presente trabajo se propone mostrar que en la filosofía de Merleau-Ponty y de Lévinas la vida del cuerpo (Leib) adquiere un rol decisivo en el reconocimiento de la alteridad del Otro. En la figura de la carne (chair) y del rostro (visage) Merleau-Ponty y Lévinas, respectivamente, encuentran la manera de hablar de una “dimensión profunda” del Otro y de nosotros mismos, irreductible a cualquier intento de objetivación. La “carne”, como el tejido sensible que nos ata al mundo, es carne del cuerpo del otro, la “expresión” misma de su ser sensible, así como el “rostro” del otro, su exterioridad, es la “expresión” misma de su alteridad. Ambos conceptos –carne y rostro– refieren, no un ser trascendental desprovisto de cuerpo, sino una trascendencia absoluta, incomparable, que es facticidad y sensibilidad. Sin embargo, para los autores la alteridad radical del otro se pone en evidencia en la experiencia del lenguaje. Nos preguntamos, entonces, de qué modo la palabra del otro, y nuestra propia palabra, expresan la alteridad radical del otro y hasta qué punto esta alteridad puede ser entendida como una alteridad corporal. En tres apartados buscamos dar cuenta de este planteamiento: 1. El cuerpo y el otro, 2. La carne y el rostro y 3. El otro y la palabra.
Letramento Digital na perspectiva emancipatória, digital e cidadã no desenvolvimento de práticas educativas gamificadas
Authors: Lacerda Marcelo Miranda , Schlemmer Eliane
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo é um recorte do projeto de pesquisa doutoral intitulado: “Letramento e emancipação digital cidadã: cartografias e rastros na constituição de Espaços de Convivência Híbridos e Multimodais”. Neste contexto, pretende-se discutir o letramento digital de estudantes da Educação Básica — na perspectiva emancipatória, digital e cidadã— no desenvolvimento de práticas educativas gamificadas, a partir da análise do jogo SM Real Life. A fundamentação teórica baseia-se em autores como: Latour (2012), Freire (2002), Schlemmer (2010, 2011), Schwartz (2007), Streck e Adams (2014) e Gee (2003). A pesquisa é qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva e fez uso do método cartográfico de pesquisa-intervenção (SCHLEMMER, 2015, 2018). Como instrumento de produção de dados, utilizou-se a observação participante, com registros, no diário de percurso, das pistas e dos rastros deixados pelos estudantes nos diferentes espaços de aprendizagem nos quais transitam. Conclui-se, a partir da análise dos rastros deixados pelos estudantes, que TD e práticas educativas gamificadas podem oportunizar inclusão, formação, empoderamento e emancipação digital e cidadã dos sujeitos, uma vez que eles utilizam e se apropriam efetivamente do poder transformador e emancipatório das TD; além disso, tais práticas oportunizam a criação de novas situações e espaços de aprendizagem.
Jogos digitais na escola e inclusão digital: intervenções para o aprimoramento da atenção e das condições de aprendizagem
Authors: Ramos Daniela Karine , De Melo Hiago Murilo , Mattar João
Published: November 2018

A inclusão digital remete ao acesso e ao uso crítico e criativo das tecnologias digitais em favor da emancipação. Dentre as tecnologias, destacam-se os jogos digitais como alternativas para melhorar as condições de aprendizagem e de letramento digital. Diante disso, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar se uma intervenção pautada no uso de jogos digitais em pequenos grupos em contexto extraclasse pode contribuir com o aprimoramento do desempenho da atenção, visando garantir melhores condições de aprendizagem e inclusão digital. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa quase experimental de abordagem mista com uma amostra por conveniência de 40 crianças com idades entre 7 e 9 anos, divididas em grupo experimental e controle. O primeiro grupo participou de intervenções semanais em pequenos grupos, com base no uso de jogos digitais. Ambos os grupos foram avaliados antes e depois do período das intervenções, por meio da aplicação de um teste de atenção concentrada. As professoras também foram entrevistadas com relação às mudanças percebidas em sala. Os resultados revelaram que o grupo experimental teve um desempenho da atenção no teste significativamente superior ao grupo controle, especialmente na quantidade de erros cometidos, remetendo ao aprimoramento da qualidade da atenção. Além disso, as professoras destacaram a melhora no foco e na finalização das atividades. Desse modo, reforça-se que o uso dos jogos digitais pode contribuir com a inclusão digital e com a melhora das condições de aprendizagem das crianças.
Potencialidade do Google Maps nas aulas de Geografia em uma escola do campo
Authors: Medeiros Liziany Müller , Conti Valquira , Cancelier Janete Weber , Marchi da Silva Juliane Paprosqui , Colusso Paulo Roberto
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo avaliar as potencialidades do uso da ferramenta Google Maps para o ensino de Geografia em uma Escola Estadual de Ensino Fundamental, localizada no município de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. A pesquisa pretendeu apresentar a ferramenta Google Maps para educandos, ensinando suas funções e identificando através da ferramenta o espaço onde estes jovens e a escola em que estudam se insere, também buscou avaliar se a ferramenta auxilia na democratização do conhecimento no que tange à geografia escolar. A pesquisa trata-se de um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa. Para tanto, foram realizadas atividades, relativas a conteúdos que abordam problemas ambientais. Através da utilização do Google Maps, os educandos relataram que a ferramenta proporcionou uma aprendizagem mais dinâmica e interativa, uma vez que o mesmo aproveita os conhecimentos prévios de cada um, levando‐os a relacionar os conhecimentos adquiridos com o seu cotidiano e tornando mais fácil o entendimento de conceitos mais específicos, potencializando, assim, o ensino facilitado pelas tecnologias digitais da informação e comunicação (TDIC) e democratizando o conhecimento.
Eyes in Staurozoa (Cnidaria): a review
Authors: Miranda Lucília Souza , Collins Allen Gilbert
Published: November 2018

The presence of dark pigment spots associated with primary tentacles (or structures derived from them, i.e., rhopalioids) in Staurozoa was recently overlooked in a study on the evolution of cnidarian eyes (defined as a “region made of photoreceptor cells adjacent to pigment cells”, irrespective of image formation, i.e., including all photoreceptive organs). Review of old and recent literature on Staurozoa shows that dark pigment spots are present in virtually all species of Manania, as well as some species of Haliclystus, Stylocoronella,and probably Calvadosia. Based on our review, we support the hypothesis that these dark spots may be related to synchronous spawning, and that rhopalioids have both adhesive and sensorial functions. Observations summarized here suggest a possible ninth independent origin of eyes in Cnidaria, within a lineage of benthic medusae. Alternatively, documented similarity across Cubozoa, Scyphozoa, and Staurozoa – with eyes being topologically associated with primary tentacles in each of these taxa – could indicate shared homology and a single origin of eyes in this clade known as Acraspeda. Information on Staurozoa, one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria, is often neglected in the literature, but correctly recognizing the characters of this classis crucial for understanding cnidarian evolution.
Lessons from the Ocean: Whale Baleen Fracture Resistance
Authors: Wang Bin , Sullivan Tarah N. , Pissarenko Andrei , Zaheri Alireza , Espinosa Horacio D. , Meyers Marc A.
Published: November 2018

Whale baleen is a keratin‐based biological material; it provides life‐long (40–100 years) filter‐feeding for baleen whales in place of teeth. This study reveals new aspects of the contribution of the baleen's hierarchical structure to its fracture toughness and connects it to the unique performance requirements, which require anisotropy of fracture resistance. Baleen plates are subjected to competing external effects of hydration and varying loading rates and demonstrate a high fracture toughness in transverse loading, which is the most important direction in the filtering function; in the longitudinal direction, the toughness is much lower since delamination and controlled flexure are expected and desirable. The compressive strength is also established and results support the fracture toughness measurements: it is also highly anisotropic, and exhibits a ductile‐to‐brittle transition with increasing strain rate in the dry condition, which is absent in the hydrated condition, conferring impact resistance to the baleen. Using 3D‐printing prototypes that replicate the three principal structural features of the baleen plate (hollow medulla, mineralized tubules, and sandwich‐tubular structure) are created, and the role of its structure in determining its mechanical behavior is demonstrated. These findings suggest new bioinspired engineering materials.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties of Rationally Designed Hybrid Nanostructures at a Catalytic Interface
Authors: Lee Ji‐Eun , Marques Mota Filipe , Choi Chi Hun , Lu Ying‐Rui , Boppella Ramireddy , Dong Chung‐Li , Liu Ru‐Shi , Kim Dong Ha
Published: November 2018

In recent years, a promising role of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been demonstrated toward an improvement of the catalytic efficiency of well‐designed hybrid electrocatalysts. In particular, the coupling of plasmonic functionality with the metal‐based core–shell architectures in plasmon‐enhanced electrocatalysis provides a sustainable route to improve the catalytic performances of the catalysts. Herein, the rationally designed AuNPs wrapped with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) spacer along with PdNPs (AuNP@rGO@Pd) as the final composite are reported. The rGO is proposed to promote the reduction of PdO, greatly enhance the conductivity, and catalytic activity of these nanohybrid structures. The plasmon‐enhanced electrocatalytic performance of optimized AuNP@rGO(1)@Pd exhibits an ≈1.9‐ and 1.1‐fold enhanced activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, respectively. The final composite also exhibits a superior stability up to 10000 s compared with the commercial Pd/C. The mechanism of the enhanced catalytic performance is monitored through in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy by observing the generated electron density under light irradiation. The results demonstrate that the energetic charge carriers are concentrated in the incorporated PdNPs, allowing higher catalytic performances for the overall water‐splitting reaction. The conclusions herein drawn are expected to shed light on upcoming plasmon‐induced electrocatalytic studies with analogous hybrid nanoarchitectures.
Vertical Phase Separation for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells Incorporating Conjugated‐Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Han Yong Woon , Choi Jun Young , Lee Ye Jin , Ko Eui Jin , Choi Min Hee , Suh Il Soon , Moon Doo Kyung
Published: November 2018

Hybrid organic solar cells are made through a simple one‐pot coating process with conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs), poly[9,9‐bis(4′‐sulfonatobutyl)fluorenealt‐thiophene‐doped (PFT‐D). The hybrid active layer incorporated with PFT‐D shows vertical phase separation by self‐assembled properties of PFT‐D, which result from a molecular dipole between the conjugated backbone and the side chain. The hybrid active layer with PFT‐D shows that homogeneous morphology, surface potential properties, and hydrophobic surface properties favor for enhancing photovoltaic performance. These results are identified by contact angle characteristics, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) profiling, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force measurement (AFM), and electrostatic force measurement (EFM) analyses. With fullerene based hybrid active layer, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaches to 8.7% with the enhanced short‐circuit current density (J
SC), open‐circuit voltage (V
OC), and fill factor (FF). The hybrid device with PFT‐D has a higher stability with a lower reduction ratio of 5.74% compared with only bulk‐heterojunction device (with reduction rate of 30.15%) and incorporating poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene)‐poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) device (with reduction rate of 10.84%). These results are also found in nonfullerene based system (PCE of 10.8%) and other conjugated polyelectrolytes system (PCE of 8.4%). These results have the potential of significantly contributing to the upsizing and commercialization of organic solar cells.
Inkjet Printing of Optical Waveguides for Single‐Mode Operation
Authors: Klestova Anastasiia , Cheplagin Nikolay , Keller Kirill , Slabov Vladislav , Zaretskaya Galina , Vinogradov Alexandr V.
Published: November 2018

Inkjet printing of high‐refractive‐index optical waveguides designed for single‐mode operation is presented. A waveguide core is printed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles that form a straight strip with a high refractive index. The quartz glass without preliminary processing is used as a substrate. The optimal waveguide thickness to provide single‐mode operation in the near‐IR range is calculated. The number of printed layers necessary to obtain the required thickness and the refractive index is established. The printing parameters to provide suitable morphology for waveguide application are thoroughly studied. Measurements confirm light propagation through the printed waveguides at 1.55 µm wavelength, and the mean power loss is estimated as 3.52 dB cm−1. The branched structure is printed, and its ability to transmit and split light is demonstrated. The received data have a directly applied value for application in the future development of integrated optical circuits and printing technologies.
Flexible Asymmetric Microsupercapacitors from Freestanding Hollow Nickel Microfiber Electrodes
Authors: Morag Ahiud , Jelinek Raz
Published: November 2018

The increasing demand for flexible and wearable microelectronics is a major driving force for the development of high‐performance small‐volume energy sources. Microsupercapacitors exhibit significant potential in energy storage as they provide high power and good cycle stability. Yet, most microsupercapacitors display low energy densities limiting their practical use in microelectronics. Here, synthesis of high surface area freestanding electrodes comprising hollow nickel microfibers is demonstrated. The microfiber nickel electrodes constitute a platform for flexible asymmetric microsupercapacitors exhibiting excellent mechanical resilience as well as high energy density (0.11 mWh cm−2) and power density (37.5 mW cm−2). The freestanding nature and extensive surface area of the electrodes contribute to pronounced areal and volumetric capacitance, energy storage values, and stability after numerous (hundreds) physical bending cycles. The simple preparation scheme and use of an inexpensive building block (e.g., nickel) underscore potential uses as light and flexible energy storage devices.
A retrospective study on sleep‐disordered breathing in Morquio‐A syndrome
Authors: Facchina Giulia , Amaddeo Alessandro , Baujat Geneviève , Breton Sylvain , Michot Caroline , Thierry Briac , James Syril , de Saint Denis Timothé , Zerah Michel , Khirani Sonia , Cormier‐Daire Valerie , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: November 2018

Respiratory problems are common in Morquio‐A syndrome (MPS IVA) but objective data on sleep‐disordered breathing are scarce. The aim of our study was to review polygraphic (PG) findings and the need for noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in children with MPS IVA. A retrospective review of the clinical charts and PG of 16 consecutive children (7 boys, mean age 10.5 ± 4.2 years) with MPS IVA seen over a period of 3 years was performed. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was 69% with only five patients, all younger than 10 years old, having a normal PG. Four patients had mild OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] ≥1.5 and <5 events/hr), three patients had moderate OSA (AHI ≥5 and <10 events/hr), and three patients had severe OSA (AHI ≥ 10 events/hr). Among the 10 patients with OSA, 3 had prior adenoidectomy ± tonsillectomy and 6 were on enzyme replacement therapy. Only one patient had a central apnea index >5 events/hr despite prior cervico‐occipital decompression. Six patients, all older than 11 years old, were started on CPAP or NIV because of severe OSA (n = 4), nocturnal hypoventilation (n = 1), or impossibility to be weaned from NIV after an acute respiratory failure (n = 1). Prevalence of OSA is high in patients with MPS IVA, underlying the importance of a systematic screening for sleep‐disordered breathing. CPAP and NIV are efficient and well accepted for treating sleep‐disordered breathing.
Syntheses of Englerin A, a Potent Renal Cancer Inhibitor
Authors: Hagihara Shuichi , Hanaya Kengo , Sugai Takeshi , Shoji Mitsuru
Published: November 2018

Mankind has been searching for anticancer drugs from nature and artificial compounds. Since the discovery of englerin A, a guaiane sesquiterpene possessing the characteristic tricyclic 5–6‐5 fused ring framework with contiguous seven stereogenic centers and isolated from Phyllanthus engleri, many synthetic groups have enthusiastically launched and accomplished its the chemical synthesis. All the synthetic groups focused on how to efficiently construct the tricyclic framework containing oxygen bridge with various approaches. In this review, the total and formal syntheses of englerin A reported to date are summarized.
The importance of obstetric and gynaecologic sonographer health and safety
Authors: Wang Wei , Leonardi Mathew , Condous George
Published: November 2018

In the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, sonographers are often exposed to health and safety risks that may have significant consequences: it has been reported that up to 90% of sonographers experience work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. These have the potential to be career‐ending. This topic warrants routine evaluation, which is the aim of this editorial. We intend to achieve this by presenting a summary of risks, their outcomes, and strategies to optimise health and wellness in the workplace of sonographers in obstetrics and gynaecology. We believe this discussion is of utmost importance to sonographers, their employers, and regulatory bodies.
Inhibition of arachidonate 15‐lipoxygenase reduces the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Yan Bing , Wang Yang , Li Ying , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: November 2018

Background

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a distinguishing characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Arachidonate 15‐lipoxygenase (ALOX15), an enzyme involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, has been reported to cause airway epithelial injury and thus may further promote the EMT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ALOX15 during the EMT process in CRSwNP.

Methods

A total of 54 samples were obtained, including 10 from healthy control, 16 from non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP, and 28 from eosinophilic CRSwNP. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to determine the basement membrane (BM) thickness. The concentration of molecules mediating remodeling was assayed by Luminex. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of target genes were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting.

Results

EMT was enhanced in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with the healthy controls and non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP infiltrated with lymphocytes and/or plasma cells. The expression pattern of molecules related to remodeling, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) family members, differed between the subtypes of CRSwNP. The mRNA level of ALOX15 was correlated with the BM thickness and MMP‐1 and TGF‐β3 expression. The inhibition of ALOX15 by PD146176 could induce claudin‐1, claudin‐4, claudin‐7, zonula occludens (ZO)‐1, ZO‐2, E‐Cadherin, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐3 expressions and reduce the levels of MMP‐1 and N‐Cadherin in epithelial cells acquired from eosinophilic CRSwNP patients.

Conclusion

The specific inhibition of ALOX15 could attenuate the EMT, which may provide an alternative method for the treatment of CRSwNP.