bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blowing snow detection from ground-based ceilometers: application to East Antarctica
Authors: Gossart Alexandra , Souverijns Niels , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Lhermitte Stef , Lenaerts Jan T. M. , Schween Jan H. , Mangold Alexander , Laffineur Quentin , van Lipzig Nicole P. M.
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Blowing snow impacts Antarctic ice sheet surface mass balance by snow redistribution and sublimation. However, numerical models poorly represent blowing snow processes, while direct observations are limited in space and time. Satellite retrieval of blowing snow is hindered by clouds and only the strongest events are considered. Here, we develop a blowing snow detection (BSD) algorithm for ground-based remote-sensing ceilometers in polar regions and apply it to ceilometers at Neumayer III and Princess Elisabeth (PE) stations, East Antarctica. The algorithm is able to detect (heavy) blowing snow layers reaching 30 m height. Results show that 78 % of the detected events are in agreement with visual observations at Neumayer III station. The BSD algorithm detects heavy blowing snow 36 % of the time at Neumayer (2011–2015) and 13 % at PE station (2010–2016). Blowing snow occurrence peaks during the austral winter and shows around 5 % interannual variability. The BSD algorithm is capable of detecting blowing snow both lifted from the ground and occurring during precipitation, which is an added value since results indicate that 92 % of the blowing snow is during synoptic events, often combined with precipitation. Analysis of atmospheric meteorological variables shows that blowing snow occurrence strongly depends on fresh snow availability in addition to wind speed. This finding challenges the commonly used parametrizations, where the threshold for snow particles to be lifted is a function of wind speed only. Blowing snow occurs predominantly during storms and overcast conditions, shortly after precipitation events, and can reach up to 1300 m a. g. l.  in the case of heavy mixed events (precipitation and blowing snow together). These results suggest that synoptic conditions play an important role in generating blowing snow events and that fresh snow availability should be considered in determining the blowing snow onset.
Conflict in a digital place
Authors: Halabi Ammar , Zimmermann Basile , Courant Michèle
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses the issue of conflict over the Internet. It focuses on situations where disagreements between users connect with specific choices in the design of a digital infrastructure, and it argues that engagement in design activities can be used as a tool to analyse and probe such issues. It presents an ethnographic study of VOCI, a community of students based in Syria that witnessed a major conflict between its core members during the early 2010s. This conflict evolved around issues of control and governance, and eventually translated into a shared concern of how access and ownership of digital places are configured. This article introduces the design of Modus, a platform for shared proprietary rights over the Internet, as an alternative way to manage digital ownership.
Operation Phakisa Education: Why a secret? Mass surveillance, inequality, and race in South Africa's emerging national e-education system
Authors: Kwet Michael
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates several human rights concerns with respect to the South African government’s secretive plan to transform basic education, Operation Phakisa Education. The first concern is the influence of digital surveillance on education and society by government and corporate institutions. This is evaluated in light of electronic foreign and domestic government and corporate surveillance, as well as the context of socioeconomic inequality. Another is the likelihood of a chilling effect on free speech and inquiry. A third issue is the monitoring and evaluation of teachers and the associated limits on teacher autonomy. Last, it considers democratic process and informed consent. It concludes that Operation Phakisa Education poses serious problems for education and society, and contradicts principles of democratic transparency endorsed in education policy.
A Qualitative Research on The Changing Perceptions of Luxury Consumption in The Construction of Self
Authors: Oflazoğlu Sonyel
Published: December 2017

This work studies how the luxury experiences and perceptions of consumers are. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the modern luxury consumption experiences from a wider perspective rather than focusing on the traditional luxury consumption as a signifier of social status. The study adopts an interpretative and exploratory approach to explain in detail the contribution of the luxury consumption of consumers to the construction of self. Among the qualitative research methods, the method of keeping a diary, which sincerely transmits the processes, relations and perceptions in the daily world of the consumers was applied to the study [1]. The consumer diaries enable a ground to understand the complex structure of luxury experiences as a loop of luxury which is an indispensable part of the daily life of consumers. To achieve maximum diversity 16 participants from different age, occupation and education fields are selected. The consumer diaries are analyzed by using the inductive categorization process [2] and constant comparative method [3]. The research results are classified the luxury experiences under three categories indispensably related with processes and conditions of the self. The findings of the work are related with the present theories on self yet they pose a transition from vanity consumption, to which the perception of luxury bases, to temporary and abstract concept of consumption.
Academic Writing Needs of TESOL Postgraduate Students in the Saudi Context
Authors: Ibrahim AlHashemi Bayan , Shuraim AlSubaeie Muneerah , Ahmad Shukri Nadia
Published: December 2017

Data from previous academic literature reveals that Saudi postgraduate students face a great deal of challenges in academic writing. Some of these challenges are related to the choice of terminology, planning skills, outlining and some other ones. Such data call for significant curriculum developments in postgraduate programs. However, at the heart of any curriculum design is the deliberate analysis of students’ lacks, needs and wants. Once these items are determined, curriculum designers and teachers are required to set clear and relevant learning objectives and chose appropriate teaching materials and means of assessment (Otilia, 2015). Using a five-point Likert scale, the current study aims at investigating postgraduate students’ academic writing needs at the English Language Institute (ELI) of King Abdul-Aziz University. This investigation involves the written tasks students are required to perform, the learning sources they use, and their overall writing needs as perceived by the students themselves as well as by their teachers. The results of the study reveal that among the various academic writing needs of postgraduate students, the use of correct punctuation, spelling, proper writing mechanics and plagiarism-free content should were given the highest priority as perceived by their teachers. Students, on the other hand, indicated that the overall academic writing ability, proper representation of ideas, use of proper mechanical conventions and choice of field-related words are among the skills they need the most in order to succeed. Based on these results, a group of recommendations and implications were drawn and directed to the Postgraduate Unit.
The Pure Expectations Theory and Quarterly Interest Rate Premiums
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine
Published: December 2017

The expectations theory posits that the long interest rate is an average of expected short term interest rates with the possibility of the existence of a risk premium. This paper looks upon fourteen samples of investments for which the difference in maturity is three months. All yields are actual yields and are adjusted to have the same maturities as the short rate. The evidence is strong for the pure expectations theory which predicts that the risk premiums are zero. This should not be surprising because the premium that we are looking for is merely 4 basis points per quarter. The contribution of this paper, besides giving support to the pure expectations theory, is to lay out the fundamental and basic methodology that one should follow in order to study other investments similar to ours. Both unconditional and conditional tests are performed. Because of sampling error and small-sample bias the unconditional tests may be preferable.
Social support received by the family of older patients in emergency department: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Demidenko Jekaterina , Routasalo Pirkko , Helminen Mika , Åstedt-Kurki Päivi , Paavilainen Eija , Suominen Tarja
Published: December 2017

Poor social support provided within health care settings may reduce patients’ ability to manage disease. The presence of family members in emergency department (ED) may reduce the patient’s need for health care and social services utilization. The aim of the study was to describe the social support received by family in the ED. A cross-sectional empirical study design was used. Convenience sample of 111 family members of home discharged older patients and of 93 nurses were recruited. The study was conducted at four Estonian hospitals. Data were collected by using social support scale of the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support (FAFHES). Family members and nurses both considered the social support available in EDs to be moderate. Nurses believed they provided higher levels of social support than the family members stated the family received. The differences were statistically significant. The older a nurse was, the less reinforcement, feedback, and affecting others for finding solutions was offered. A greater number of nurses working in the ED resulted in less social support. This study found differences of views between family members of older patients and nurses regarding the level of social support of the family. Nursing care provided in ED should be developed to be more supportive. To ensure more family-centred approach when providing nursing care, the administrative staff needs to consider whether an adequate number of nurses are working in the ED. The social support scale used was found to be applicable in ED environments.
When the American Dream Stops: New Challenges after DACA for ELT University Students in Mexico
Authors: Angel Rosalina Dominguez
Published: December 2017

In recent years, thousands of children and young people have been repatriated from the United States to Mexico. Their parents decided to return to their country of origin and not to host them to the DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) program.  The objective of this paper is double: first, to characterize the different profiles of young students who return to Mexico after having studied some or all grades of their basic and upper secondary education in the United States and who are repatriated to take up their university studies; and secondly the challenges in scholastic and social issues are analyzed, those that students face in their attempt to attend higher education in another country. The results suggest that having a space for these students in the Mexican educational system is not enough, it is necessary to develop programs that facilitate the inclusion of these young people both in the school and in the social context.
Opportunities and Challenges of Mobile Learning That University Students Encounter in the UAE
Authors: Murshidi Ghadah Al
Published: December 2017

This study presents preliminary results based on a survey administrated to a sample of 400 students enrolled in undergraduate courses offered at a Higher Education Institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The paper examines opportunities and challenges university students face when instructors introduce “structured” mobile learning in higher education. In part, this article presents qualitative findings of the larger study involving a subset of the sample, to gain in-depth data. Closed-ended and open-ended questions probed students’ experiences and perceptions about the use of mobile devices in academic work. Findings reported in this paper focus on students' perceptions on opportunities and challenges. The analysis revealed that a majority of students used iPads, cell phones, and laptop computers to study anytime and anywhere. Respondents reported that these technological devices enabled students to meet deadlines faster than students without mobile devices. In addition, students indicated that they faced difficulties accessing Internet networks in most places. This phenomenon has afflicted students’ productivity and efficiency levels, since most academic work required Web searches and Internet connectivity. Nevertheless, students benefited a great deal in using such mobile technological devices and admitted that the benefits outweighed the challenges they encountered.
The Affection of Student Ratings of Instruction toward EFL Instructors
Authors: Chen Yingling
Published: December 2017

Student ratings of instruction can be a valuable indicator of teaching because the quality measurement of instruction identifies areas where improvement is needed. Student ratings of instruction are expected to evaluate and enhance the teaching strategies. Evaluation of teaching effectiveness has been officially implemented in Taiwanese higher education since 2005. Therefore, this research investigated Taiwanese EFL university instructors’ perceptions toward student ratings of instruction and the impact of student ratings of instruction on EFL instructors’ classroom teaching. The data of this quantitative study was collected by 21 questionnaires. 32 qualified participants were selected from ten universities in the northern part of Taiwan. The results indicate those EFL instructors’ perceptions and experiences toward student ratings of instruction affects their approach to teaching, but EFL instructors do not prepare lessons based on the results of student ratings of instruction.
What Mathematic Teachers Say about the Teaching Strategies in the Implementation of Tasks
Authors: Enríquez Jakeline Amparo Villota , Pereira de Oliveira Andreia Maria , Valencia Heriberto Gonzalez
Published: December 2017

In this article we will discuss, through the explanations given by teachers who teach Mathematics, the importance of using teaching strategies in the implementation of tasks. Teachers who participated in it belong to the group “Observatory Mathematics Education” (OME- Bahia). This study was framed in a qualitative approach and data were collected through observation and an interview. The interview was conducted taking into account the observation produced through videos where the implementation of mathematical tasks was recorded, serving as support different times where teachers used different teaching strategies in order to take them up again at the time of the interviews. The results showed that in the using of each teaching strategy, there is a particular importance that is assumed by the teacher; that means, their intentions are subject to different variables.
Employee Benefits Accounting, Its Impact on the Market Share Price, the Volume of Credit Facilities and Deposits
Authors: Hamdan Mohammad , Khaled Marie Bany , Khaled Sakhr Bany
Published: December 2017

This study aims to examine the impact of employee benefitsaccounting (direct and indirect compensation) on (market price, volume of credit facilities and volume of deposits). The study community is represented by commercialbanks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), all the continuous banks whose financial data were available during the study period (2007-2015) were selected represented in (13) banks. In order to realize the objectives of the study, the study was based on qualitative data and analytical descriptive method (Panel Data), (E-Views) economic statistics software was used to test hypotheses. The results of the study showed that there is a statisticallysignificant impact on both typesof employees compensations as a whole (direct and indirect) on the market share price, the volume of credit facilities and the volume of deposits. While the results of the study confirmed that the indirect compensation has not got an impact on the volume of customer deposits when it is measured separately. Finally, the study recommended the need to apply good systems that take into account the interest of both the employers and employees for the positive impact on the market share price, the volume of credit facilities and the volume of deposits.
Inclusão de Pessoas com Deficiência na Escola Básica: Realidade ou utopia? Realidade, para os professores que aceitam inovar os paradigmas educacionais
Authors: Hoeppler Ladimari Toledo
Published: December 2017

A discusso em torno a incluso escolar no mais novidade no meio educacional. Leis, declaraes e direitos foram institudas. Cursos de formao de professores originaram-se abordando a temtica da deficincia e da incluso, no intuito de auxiliar o professor ao entendimento de como trabalhar com as pessoas com deficincia. No entanto compreende-se que para a incluso ser efetivada, onde o aluno participe ativamente no grupo, no depende somente de reestruturaes educacionais ou de formao de professores, mas sim, de como este aluno seja visto, aceito e recebido pelo professor. A incluso no se concretiza a partir de normas, mas a partir do querer do professor. O instinto, a aptido, a qualidade, a capacidade, bem como a disposio, so fatores que auxiliam o professor a estabelecer um novo paradigma de incluso, onde, possvel trabalhar com as pessoas com deficincia, porque elas, como qualquer aluno apresentam limitaes e capacidades.
Inclusão no ensino básico português: Intervenção Cognitivo Comportamental em crianças com deficiência mental
Authors: Martins Ernesto Candeias
Published: December 2017

Estudo de caso de metodologia qualitativa, realizado em 2014 numa criana com Perturbao de Hiperatividade e Dfice de Ateno (ADHD) e Deficincia Mental (DM), sendo-lhe aplicada o Programa Cognitivo Comportamental de Villar e Llorente, de modo comparar os resultados com os duma criana dita normal do ensino bsico. Analismos os dossiers individuais e outra documentao necessria caraterizao e descrio dos sujeitos e do seu contexto escolar. Objetivos orientadores: conhecer os servios de apoio para os alunos com essas necessidades especiais; aprofundar a temtica da DM e propor estratgias de interveno para os professores. Utilizmos as tcnicas da observao participante, Escala de Conners, entrevistas semiestruturadas a professores e pais, notas de campo e a triangulao. Verificmos resultados positivos com o programa, que corroboram outros estudos idnticos. Propusemos estratgias de orientao aos professores do regular e apoio e para os pais, de modo a melhorar a aprendizagem e comportamento desses alunos.
Pesquisas aplicadas no programa de pós-graduação em educação e diversidade: educação inclusiva em pauta
Authors: Dos Santos Neto Daniel Neves , Silva Lucineide Oliveira , Da Silva Ana Lúcia Gomes
Published: December 2017

Este artigo resultado de pesquisa realizada tendo como objetivo central investigar os resultados e os desdobramentos das pesquisas aplicadas em educao na rea temtica da educao inclusiva, desenvolvidas no Mestrado Profissional do Programa de Ps-Graduao em Educao e Diversidade (PPED) da Universidade do Estado da Bahia. A metodologia realizada privilegiou o levantamento e a anlise documental de duas dissertaes existentes sobre o tema e seus respectivos resultados/produtos. Com base nas anlises, h indcios de que a educao inclusiva uma temtica com potencial para investigao em um mestrado profissional, pois pode contribuir tanto para ampliao da reflexo acerca das prticas de educao inclusiva quanto para a transformao das realidades investigadas. Ficou evidenciado ainda que a necessidade de formao continuada dos docentes e gestores foi uma categoria terica emergente durante a realizao das pesquisas, sendo determinante na construo de uma proposta de interveno nos lcus de investigao.
Educação Inclusiva: Resquícios rançosos de um cotidiano alienado – o perigo mora ao lado, mas por que insistimos em acreditar na deficiência?
Authors: Garcia Eduardo de Campos
Published: December 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um breve histrico do conceito de deficincia e incluso. Faz uma crtica, reflexiva, a revoluo industrial como fora propulsora da moral que geriu a deficincia como termo constituinte e necessria diversidade humana.
Inclusão de pessoas com deficiência na escola básica
Authors: Bauer Carlos , Vercelli Ligia
Published: December 2017

Editorial - Incluso de pessoas com deficincia na escola bsica
Coaching as an interactive tool for supporting staff development in the enterprise
Authors: Myjak Teresa
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study is to present coaching as an interactive tool to support the development of employees in the organization. This objective raises the need to: define the essence of coaching, identifying the benefits that the employee and company can achieve in the cooperation between the coach and the coachee (ward), and showing the effectiveness of this process. Complementing this theoretical considerations is presenting the coaching which has been implemented in the selected company.
Environmental insurance in Poland and selected EU countries
Authors: Rutkowska Małgorzata , Sulich Adam , Pakulska Jolanta
Published: December 2017

The article presents an analysis of offered ecological (environmental) insurances by
insurance companies operating in Poland as an innovative tool to protect local environment.
The purpose of this article is to analyse the role of insurance and reinsurance companies in managing environmental risks. The research method was an analysis of the environmental insurance offered to Polish enterprises and normative acts. The idea of ecological insurances was compared for selected EU countries and data for biggest ecological disasters. This concept helps create a source of funds to restore natural environment after damages which may occur due to human activity. Poland and Hungary are the countries with the highest number of ecological disasters but none financial protection is applied to reduce these threats.
Organizational structure transformations of the it company – case study
Authors: Rozmus Stefan
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to present the problems of transforming the organizational structure of an IT company, seen from the perspective of a middle-level manager, responsible for the production and delivery of products ordered by customers. This article discusses the stages of a long-term transformation process against the background of the core processes of an IT company that produces IT systems. The main factors forcing changes in the organizational structure of the company and the main barriers to their implementation are indicated. This article has a retrospective nature and based on the author’s own experience.
The role of storytelling in building a brand
Authors: Hofman-Kohlmeyer Magdalena
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, storytelling is a well-known tool used in process of building a brand. Despite of popularity of corporates’ stories, the elements a good brand story and condition under which story creates a value of a brand remains unclear. The present article is aimed to give an outlook on the role of storytelling in building a brand and how to design a good brand story. This paper is based on literature review. The analysis of polish and foreign surveys reveal that brand story rises positive emotions, unique association and better assessment to a brand. Researchers listed various elements that comprised a good brand story, e.g. authenticity, benefits, first-person narrator, sense of humor. Storytelling gives opportunity
Reflective learning facilitators
Authors: Balcerak Alicja
Published: December 2017

In social constructivist approaches to learning reflection is considered as a critical component of this process. There are many reasons why disposition to reflect cannot be considered as a natural state, especially in the work settings. Overcoming reflection barriers is important as reflective behaviour is an essential factor of organizational learning. It is also difficult, and therefore needs education and facilitation. As highly effective reflective learning facilitators are considered techniques that assume social interactions and dialogue, e.g simulation games, behavioural simulations, storytelling techniques. Specific features of these facilitators may imply difference in their effectiveness in concrete didactic or developmental contexts. The main aims of this paper are to demonstrate the importance of reflection as a crucial element of individual and organizational learning and to compare some of the most effectual techniques that can serve as facilitators of this process. The comparison is made according to the kind of experience that given technique provides, reflection triggers, and reflection forms.
Development of a Respirable Dust Mitigation System for a High Longwall Face at Sihe Colliery in China â a Case Study
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Tang Yibo , Du Hailong , Shang Weiwei
Published: December 2017

Dust is a major hazard in underground coal mines that threatens the work health and safety of coal miners. The dust issue becomes increasingly significant with the development of highly mechanized coal mining. This issue is particularly serious at the high longwall faces of the Sihe colliery in China as the concentration of dust, in particular respirable dust, at these faces far exceeds the regulatory dust limits. Field testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to understand the sources of dust generation and its dynamic movement in the #5301 longwall face of high-cutting height at the colliery. The investigation results showed that shearer generated dust was minimal during the coal cutting operation; that face spalling and chock movement were the main dust generating sources, causing significant contamination to the walkway; and that the majority of dust particles from the face (regardless of source) eventually disperse into the main gate, where the dust concentration was greater than 500 mg/m3. These findings were used to develop an effective coal dust mitigation system involving the installation of dust scrubbers, curtains, and venture and crescent sprays. The results of CFD modeling indicate that the dust concentration could be significantly reduced by adopting the new dust mitigation system.
Development of Nationwide Vs30 Map and Calibrated Conversion Table for Indonesia using Automated Topographical Classification
Authors: Irsyam Masyhur , Asrurifak Muhammad , Mikhail Reguel , Wahdiny In In , Rustiani Siska , Munirwansyah Munirwansyah
Published: December 2017

A nationwide Vs30 map for Indonesia was developed based on automated topographic classification from 90-m grid digital elevation data and their correlation with Vs30. Automated topographic classification has been proposed by Iwahashi and Pike (2007) and a procedure to convert topographic class into Vs30 maps has been developed by Imamura and Furuta (2015) based on Vs data from J-SHIS (Japan Seismic Hazard Information System). In order to be suitable for Indonesia, calibration work according to Imamura and Furuta's procedure should be conducted since the geotechnical conditions in Japan may not be the same as in Indonesia. This paper presents adjustment of the Vs30 correlation by Imamura and Furuta to convert topographic class into Vs30 and construct a Vs30 map of Indonesia. This correlation was calibrated by using Vs data from BMKG (Indonesian Agency for Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysics) as well as standard penetration test logs that were collected by the authors. Utilization of local field measurement data will certainly enhance the reliability of the Vs30 map. The developed nationwide Vs30 map will be very useful for disaster mitigation programs and for preliminary design of earthquake resistant buildings and infrastructure in Indonesia.
Effect of V-shaped Ribs on Internal Cooling of Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Kamat Harishkumar , Shenoy Satish B. , Kini Chandrakant R
Published: December 2017

Thermal efficiency and power output of gas turbines increase with increasing turbine rotor inlet temperature. The rotor inlet temperatures in most gas turbines are far higher than the melting point of the blade material. Hence the turbine blades need to be cooled. In this work, simulations were carried out with the leading edge of gas turbine blade being internally cooled by coolant passages with V-shaped ribs at angles of 30°, 45° or 60° and at three aspect ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:3). The trailing edge of the blade was cooled by cylindrical and triangular pin-fin perforations in staggered and inline arrangements. Numerical analyses were carried out for each configuration of the cooling passages. The best cooling passages for leading edge and trailing edge were deduced by comparing the results of these analyses. It was found that using V-shaped ribs and fins induces a swirling flow, which in turn increases the velocity gradient and hence produces an improvement in heat transfer. The results show that under real time flow conditions, the application of V-shaped ribs and pin-fin perforations is a very promising technique for improving blade life.
Food Allergen Labeling: A Latin American Approach
Authors: Lopez Maria Cristina
Published: December 2017

Food allergy is a public health concern almost all over the world. Although most of the countries that regulate the declaration of allergens in prepackaged foods include the list recommended by the Codex Alimentarius, some countries have added other allergens to this list due to prevalence data and regional incidence, whereas others have incorporated exceptions for some products derived from allergenic foods. Within this context, the situation in Latin America regarding these regulations is diverse. Data about prevalence of food hypersensitivity are very limited in the region. The countries that have established regulations are Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Argentina has approved a regulation for the labeling of food allergens in November 2016. It only needs to be published in the Official Bulletin to go into effect. All countries follow the Codex list that includes latex and excludes sulfites, except Brazil. On the other hand, Argentina is the only country that includes exceptions. As for the methodologies for the detection of allergens in foods, this issue is a serious problem for both the food industry and control laboratories. Available methodologies are based mainly on commercial ELISA kits; currently, there are no Latin American companies that produce them, so ELISA kits are expensive and their acquisition is complicated. There is an initiative in Argentina to address all these gaps in the region through the Platform of Food Allergens (PFA), a nonprofit organization that integrates health professionals, patients, representatives of the food industry, government, and scientists. The different actions carried out by the PFA have made it possible to contact different scientific groups from other Latin American countries in order to expand this initiative and thereby promote and strengthen both public and private capacities in the region.
Action Levels for Food Allergens: An Approach for Official Food Control in Germany
Authors: Waiblinger Hans-Ulrich , Schulze Gesine
Published: December 2017

Official food control laboratories in Germany have established internal action values for the assessment of analytical results of food allergens especially obtained from samples without declaration of the specified allergen. A pragmatic approach was chosen considering the current situation for European food information legislation. Accordingly, when a positive result is obtained for an unlabeled allergen, it is not necessarily an irregularity if it can be demonstrated that the result was caused by cross-contamination. Action values take into account current analytical experiences as well as published allergologic reference doses. They are considered as internal de minimis thresholds by food control authorities that are used to support laboratories in the decision-making process and when a written expert opinion is requested by an enforcement authority. If only minor traces are detected at concentrations below the action values, further investigation of the issue and inspections at the location of manufacture can be abandoned. The present report includes a collection of results from official food control laboratories in Germany that have been evaluated in line with the aforementioned system of action levels.
Managing Food Allergens in the U.K. Retail Supply Chain
Authors: Walker Michael J , Gowland M Hazel , Points John
Published: December 2017

The U.K. food and grocery market is highly significant financially and dominated by 10 retailers within a regulated and extremely economically competitive environment. We summarize the approach of U.K. retailers to allergen risk assessment (RA) and risk management (RM) within the U.K. legal framework and explore public visibility of retailers’ allergen policies. RA and RM of allergens appear effective in curtailing retail-triggered severe food allergy reactions. However, allergen recalls remain high, precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) remains an area of confusion, and there is no consistent Web-based provision of information for consumers who have allergies. Resolution of PAL awaits an agreed-on threshold framework, but a key challenge is to engage with patients and gain their trust rather than thrust education at them. It would be helpful for retailers to publish their allergen RA and RM policies. A target should be agreed on between government and retailers for a reduction in the proliferation of PAL wording variants by a given date within the next 3 years. A further hurdle is potentially flawed allergen analysis—development of reference methods and reference materials are acknowledged needs. Laboratories should report allergen results in an informative manner, communicating uncertainty and caveats. Ideally a laboratory representative would be included on any incident control team. Efforts must continue to standardize preparedness for protecting and defending food and drink from deliberate attack.
Integrating Allergen Analysis Within a Risk Assessment Framework: Approaches to Development of Targeted Mass Spectrometry Methods for Allergen Detection and Quantification in the iFAAM Project
Authors: Nitride Chiara , Lee Victoria , Baricevic-Jones Ivona , Adel-Patient Karine , Baumgartner Sabine , Mills E N Clare
Published: December 2017

Allergen analysis is central to implementing and monitoring food allergen risk assessment and management processes by the food industry, but current methods for the determination of allergens in foods give highly variable results. The European Union-funded “Integrated Approaches to Food Allergen and Allergy Risk Management” (iFAAM) project has been working to address gaps in knowledge regarding food allergen management and analysis, including the development of novel MS and immuno-based allergen determination methods. Common allergenic food ingredients (peanut, hazelnut, walnut, cow’s milk [Bos domesticus], and hen’s egg [Gallus domesticus]) and common food matrixes (chocolate dessert and cookie) have been used for both clinical studies and analytical method development to ensure that the new methods are clinically relevant. Allergen molecules have been used as analytical targets and allergenic ingredients incurred into matrixes at levels close to reference doses that may trigger the use of precautionary allergen labeling. An interlaboratory method comparison has been undertaken for the determination of peanut in chocolate dessert using MS and immuno-based methods. The iFAAM approach has highlighted the need for methods to report test results in allergenic protein. This will allow food business operators to use them in risk assessments that are founded on clinical study data in which protein has been used as a measure of allergenic potency.
Commercial ELISA Measurement of Allergens and Gluten: What We Can Learn from Case Studies
Authors: Lacorn Markus , Lindeke Stella , Siebeneicher Susanne , Weiss Thomas
Published: December 2017

During the last decade, results from ELISA test kits have often been criticized as being flawed. Therefore, it may appear counterintuitive that ELISAs are used for most food allergen and gluten analytical needs. One reason, in addition to the nonavailability of comparable alternative methods, is the fact that the methods used underwent a long validation and learning period in the market. This publication presents several case studies on interference, cross-reactivity issues, calibrators, fragmented allergens and gluten, matrix influences, and misunderstood intended-use statements. Afterward, the relevant validation parameter LOD, LOQ, selectivity, and precision are discussed. Finally, a comprehensive list of practical recommendations for ELISA test kit users is presented.
Development and Validation of a Quantitative ELISA for the Detection of Almond Residues in Foods
Authors: Slotwinski Ewa , Almy Dave , Viator Ryan , Abouzied Mohamed , Klein Frank , Rice Jennifer
Published: December 2017

Neogen Corp. has developed Veratox for Almond Allergen for use in the quantitative analysis and screening of almond protein residues in food products, such as cookies, crackers, chocolate bars, cereals, beverages, and clean-in-place rinses. Quantitation with Veratox for Almond Allergen ranges from 2.5 to 25 ppm and, with dilution, it can be extended for highly positive samples. This paper describes the findings of internal testing and validation studies designed to establish product claims for the assay of Veratox for Almond Allergen.
Allergens: An Enhanced Focus
Authors: Spotz Kristen
Published: December 2017

Food Allergy Awareness Week was created with the purpose of placing a spotlight on the seriousness of food allergies. Recognized in the United States in mid-May every year, Food Allergy Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the over 15 million Americans who suffer from food allergies. The importance of allergies and allergen labeling can be seen when looking at U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall data: of the 764 recalls in 2016, 305 (representing more than 40%) were due to undeclared allergens. However, recalls for undeclared allergens are a complex issue with numerous factors. The implementation of prevention-based systems with the necessary management components and further error-proofing the systems, along with allergen awareness embedded throughout a company’s food safety culture, can likely help reduce the number of recalls for undeclared allergens. As a resource to manufacturers, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program have developed several resources to assist with developing robust allergen management programs. By reducing the number of recalls for undeclared allergens, the food industry will likely increase and maintain consumer confidence and trust of the food-allergic community. This enhanced consumer confidence and trust could eventually open the door for further collaboration with the food-allergic community and, potentially, advance allergen-related policies.
El marketing urbano como herramienta de apoyo a la gestión del turismo de ciudad, estudio de un caso; el patrimonio industrial
Authors: Anguiano Aldama Rigoberto , Pancorbo Sandoval C. José Armando
Published: December 2017

El desarrollo urbanístico a nivel internacional afronta varios retos entre los que se

encuentra la reutilización de antiguos espacios industriarles abandonados o en declive.

Generar nuevos usos y lugares a partir de las huellas de la industrialización implica dotar a

estos espacios de nuevos valores de carácter patrimonial y una de las herramientas que hacen

posible este hecho, es la utilización del Marketing Urbano que posibilita alternativas para la

toma de decisiones a los actores locales, quienes deciden qué hacer con estas antiguas

instalaciones industriales. El objetivo principal de este artículo es exponer las ventajas de

aplicar el marketing urbano para poder definir el empleo más adecuado para estas zonas que

tuvieron un gran valor en su momento y que ahora pueden erigirse como parte del patrimonio,

identidad y memoria colectiva de una ciudad.

The urban development at the international level faces several challenges including the reuse of old industrial sites abandoned or in decline. Generate new uses and places from the traces of industrialization means to provide these spaces for new values of economic nature and one of the tools that make this possible. The use of Urban Marketing enables alternatives for decision-making to local players, who decide what to do with these old industrial premises. The main objective of this article is to expose the benefits of implementing urban marketing, in order to define the most appropriate use for these areas that were a great value at the time and now can be erected as part of the heritage, identity and collective memory of a city.

El desenvolupament urbanístic a nivell internacional afronta varis reptes entre els que es troba la reutilització d’antics espais industrials abandonats o en declivi. Generar nous usos i llocs a partir de les petjades de la industrialització implica dotar a aquests espais de nous valors de caràcter patrimonial i una de les eines que fan possible aquest fet, és la utilització del Marketing Urbà, que possibilita alternatives per la presa de decisions als actors locals, els quals decideixen què fer amb aquestes antigues instal·lacions industrials. L’objectiu principal d’aquest article és exposar les avantatges d’aplicar el marketing urbà per poder definir el treball més adequat per aquestes zones que van tindre un gran valor en el seu moment i que ara poden erigir-se com part del patrimoni, identitat i memòria col·lectiva d’una ciutat.
La représentation des drogues dans l’histoire des sociétés. Le cas français
Authors: Nourrisson Didier
Published: December 2017

L’histoire des drogues se fond dans l’histoire des hommes. Le mot lui-même mélange santé (médicament) et maladie (toxique), bien-être et mal-être, humanité et dangerosité sociale. Les drogues et leurs usagers sont abondamment montrés dans la littérature et les arts. Leur présence même vaut la définition des normes de vie en société : tolérance ou intolérance, sociabilité ou disqualification sociale, intégration ou exclusion. Elles permettent même d’étudier les consommations et leurs représentations sous l’angle du genre. Question d’époque.

Trois périodes sont en effet considérées : un temps où la curiosité pour les drogues le dispute à l’enthousiasme et où le savoir-vivre passe par l’échange entre pairs (XVIe-XVIIIe siècle) ; un temps où les drogues, sous l’effet de la démocratisation de leurs usages, commencent à inquiéter la gent médicale (XIXe siècle) ; un temps enfin où la réglementation, voire l’interdiction des drogues (stupéfiants, alcool et tabac) provoque la disqualification sociale des usagers.
L’aubépine du Canada (Crataegus canadensis Sargent), une espèce à part entière, endémique au Québec et différente de l’aubépine subsoyeuse (Crataegus submollis Sargent)
Authors: Sabourin André
Published: December 2017

L’aubépine du Canada,Crataegus canadensisSargent (Rosaceae), a été considérée comme une espèce distincte par la majorité des auteurs jusqu’à récemment. Elle est désormais incluse en synonymie avec l’aubépine subsoyeuse (Crataegus submollisSargent) dont elle ne serait qu’une forme locale de la région de Montréal. Les 2 espèces sont semblables par certaines caractéristiques morphologiques. Toutefois, des observations effectuées sur une quinzaine d’années et des mesures prises sur le terrain et en herbier en 2015, 2016 et 2017 jettent un nouvel éclairage. Les différences entre les 2 espèces pour plusieurs caractères morphologiques pourraient justifier queC. canadensissoit considéré comme un taxon à part entière. Une description de ces différences est présentée concernant le nombre d’étamines, la position et la longueur des sépales, les dimensions du limbe et l’incision des sinus inférieurs des feuilles, la dimension et la forme des fruits. La répartition géographique de l’aubépine du Canada, limitée et endémique à la grande région de Montréal, est aussi détaillée.
Changements climatiques : défis et perspectives pour les plantes vasculaires en situation précaire au Québec
Authors: Gendreau Yanick , Lachance Audrey , Ricard Marylène , Gilbert Hélène , Casajus Nicolas , Berteaux Dominique
Published: December 2017

Les espèces en situation précaire comptent parmi les plus sensibles aux changements climatiques. Nous avons documenté les effets potentiels de ceux-ci sur les 409 plantes vasculaires en situation précaire au Québec. Nous avons quantifié les modifications potentielles des aires de répartition de 131 d’entre elles avec des modèles de niche bioclimatique et évalué la vulnérabilité des 409 plantes avec un indice de vulnérabilité aux changements climatiques. Nos résultats suggèrent que les conditions climatiques pourraient devenir favorables à plusieurs plantes en situation précaire au Québec. La province pourrait devenir un refuge climatique pour celles pour lesquelles les conditions climatiques deviendraient défavorables aux États-Unis. Toutefois, notre étude révèle que la vitesse de déplacement des niches bioclimatiques des plantes risque de dépasser largement leur capacité de déplacement. Ainsi, il pourrait être impossible pour celles-ci d’étendre naturellement leur répartition dans la province. De plus, 57,7 % des espèces étudiées sont considérées comme vulnérables aux changements climatiques. Les plus vulnérables sont celles ayant une répartition périphérique sud et celles associées aux habitats arctiques-alpins, à l’estuaire et au golfe du Saint-Laurent. Des recommandations sont formulées afin d’intégrer des stratégies d’adaptation aux changements climatiques à la gestion des plantes vasculaires en situation précaire et de leurs habitats au Québec.
Les valeurs socioculturelles et monétaires des services écologiques rendus par les parcs nationaux du Québec
Authors: Limoges Benoit
Published: December 2017

Les retombées économiques des parcs nationaux du Québec pour les collectivités périphériques sont de plus en plus connues, mais l’ensemble des bénéfices rendus par ces aires protégées reste encore à définir, surtout les avantages non financiers. Cette étude révèle les valeurs socioculturelles et monétaires d’environ 70 services écologiques et autres bénéfices retirés des écosystèmes des 23 parcs nationaux du sud du Québec, dont leurs valeurs indirectes et de non-usage. Nous avons tenté de décrire chaque service écologique qualitativement et quantitativement. Dans certains cas, leur valeur monétaire a été estimée. La valeur économique totale des parcs nationaux, sur la base de la valeur des écosystèmes, est estimée à 1 milliard de dollars par année, ce qui représente un capital naturel de 31 milliards de dollars. La valeur économique totale est environ le triple de celle des retombées strictement financières enrichissant les communautés périphériques. Ces valeurs sont légèrement inférieures à celles rapportées pour les parcs nationaux ontariens ou américains.