bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’État, la décentralisation et les régions
Authors: Marcou Gérard
Published: March 2016

Résumé Les lois votées depuis 2013 ont repris, une fois de plus, la réforme des collectivités territoriales. La réforme du « bloc » communal semble assurée, avec la création de 14 métropoles, dont celle du Grand Paris, et la généralisation des intercommunalités, dans la continuité de la loi de 2010, mais avec un seuil démographique beaucoup plus élevé. En revanche la réforme des niveaux intermédiaires est inconséquente : après avoir renouvelé la légitimité des conseils départementaux en 2013, leur suppression a été annoncée, puis la création des grandes régions en a justifié le maintien et la loi NOTRe leur a maintenu les compétences que le projet prévoyait de transférer aux régions. La clause générale de compétence des départements et des régions, d’abord supprimée par la loi de 2010, rétablie par la loi du 27 janvier 2014, est de nouveau supprimée par la loi du 7 août 2015. En définitive l’impulsion régionaliste de la seconde vague de réforme ne s’est pas imposée. La voie est ainsi ouverte à l’actualisation du système français d’administration territoriale dont le pivot est le couple État (préfet) – commune (intercommunalité).
L’État et le territoire : quelles missions pour quelle vision ?
Authors: Kada Nicolas
Published: March 2016

Résumé Contrairement aux apparences, les réformes territoriales ne constituent pas de simples procédés techniques et périodiques de réorganisation des collectivités territoriales et de leurs compétences. Au-delà du seul « mécano » institutionnel et politique qui s’y rattache, ces réformes doivent en effet permettre à l’État d’exprimer sa vision de la décentralisation et de la territorialisation des politiques publiques, tout en insistant sur les missions qu’il entend conserver. Malheureusement, en la matière, l’État semble désormais entretenir le plus grand flou, trahissant des problèmes récurrents de vision dans ses rapports au territoire.
Le cumul des mandats, la professionnalisation des élus et la réforme territoriale
Authors: Dolez Bernard
Published: March 2016

Résumé La suppression du cumul du mandat parlementaire et d’un mandat exécutif local laisse subsister la possibilité de cumuler plusieurs mandats locaux. La réforme structurelle laisse de côté le niveau communal, qui représente pourtant l’essentiel des dépenses publiques locales. Cet inachèvement révèle l’enjeu caché des réformes en cours. Imposer le mandat unique et inclure le bloc communal dans le champ de la réforme ruineraient dans les deux cas l’économie du métier politique local. En d’autres termes, le cumul des mandats et l’intercommunalité permettent aujourd’hui de professionnaliser plusieurs dizaines de milliers d’élus, dont la survie économique serait directement menacée si les réformes étaient menées à terme.
Le niveau intermédiaire de l’administration territoriale aux Pays-Bas : bilan provisoire de réformes controversées
Authors: Jansen Oswald
Published: March 2016

Résumé L’organisation administrative des Pays-Bas repose depuis le XIX e siècle sur la commune, la province et l’État. La réduction progressive du nombre des communes et les problèmes d’aménagement des grandes agglomérations urbaines ont depuis longtemps conduit à rechercher des structures administratives adaptées pour celles-ci, surtout dans la Randstad, et à réduire le nombre des provinces, sans y parvenir, en raison d’obstacles constitutionnels et politiques. La dernière réforme, en 2014, laisse subsister les douze provinces, supprime les intercommunalités obligatoires, mais crée la Région métropolitaine Rotterdam – La Haye, et la Région urbaine d’Amsterdam, qui est reliée par des modes de coopération peu formalisés avec les provinces voisines.
Après l’intercommunalité, quoi ?
Authors: Albert Jean‑Luc
Published: March 2016

Résumé La réponse à la question que pose le titre de cette contribution n’est pas immédiatement évidente, sauf à mettre en avant le processus de fusion de collectivités, en particulier communales, qui a marqué nombre d’États européens (Allemagne, Suisse…) et non européens (Japon…). En effet, l’intercommunalité mue, évolue, en permanence vers des statuts différenciés y compris dans l’espace métropolitain. Le développement de la métropole est une réponse particulière pour les grandes agglomérations, le processus étant poussé jusqu’à son extrême comme à Lyon avec la création d’une collectivité à statut particulier. Pour autant, le législateur a aussi ouvert la voie à un autre phénomène, quelque peu critiqué à son origine, et qui connait un essor inattendu à savoir celui de la commune nouvelle dont on perçoit l’originalité et l’intérêt dans une démarche qui peut préserver l’identité communale originelle. Cette contribution adopte, dans son introduction et dans sa conclusion, des angles particuliers qui mettent en avant cette dualité intercommunalité/commune pouvant mener en fait au retour d’une nouvelle commune.
Quelles compétences pour quelles communes ?
Authors: Pontier Jean-Marie
Published: March 2016

Résumé Les communes françaises sont nombreuses et anciennes, les populations y sont fortement attachées, mais les transformations contemporaines de tous ordres qui se sont produites se répercutent sur elles, appelant et impliquant des réformes profondes. Si la compétence générale des communes a été maintenue (alors que celle des départements et des régions a été supprimée), la réalité s’écarte de plus en plus du schéma théorique et traditionnel : l’intercommunalité se développe, elle est de plus en plus imposée, sous différentes formes, aux communes, les compétences de celles‑ci sont de plus en plus transférées à des établissements de coopération intercommunale qui sont de plus en plus intégrateurs au fil du temps. Parallèlement les différences s’accusent entre les communes en même temps que celles‑ci participent à des fonctions d’intérêt général différenciées qui appellent une coopération de plus en plus marquée et complexe entre ces collectivités et d’autres personnes, dont l’État. Mais ces bouleversements ne se sont pas encore traduits par une refonte de la commune.
L’avenir financier du secteur communal : grande réforme ou marasme durable ?
Authors: Hertzog Robert
Published: March 2016

Résumé Les finances du « secteur communal » (communes, communautés, métropoles) qui représentent près de 60 % des finances locales totales, ont progressé à un rythme plus élevé que le PIB, sans transferts de compétences de l’État. Ceci n’est plus supportable. Si l’on veut conserver une capacité d’investissement et de production de services publics, il faut obtenir des économies substantielles. Elles ne pourront provenir que d’une réorganisation profonde, au profit des communautés et métropoles, avec un objectif de rationalisation mesurable.
Quels pouvoirs juridiques pour l’exercice des compétences ?
Authors: Chavrier Géraldine
Published: March 2016

Résumé Si de nombreuses compétences ont été transférées aux collectivités territoriales, leur mise en œuvre reste largement orientée par les normes étatiques trop nombreuses et trop détaillées. Une évolution vers une plus grande compétence d’application des lois et d’adaptabilité des textes par les collectivités est sensible mais encore très insuffisante. Les prétendus obstacles constitutionnels doivent être relativisés. C’est particulièrement le cas concernant la force contraignante des schémas adoptés par les régions pour l’exercice de leurs compétences.
Les compétences « aménagement du territoire et urbanisme » : quelle décentralisation ?
Authors: Jégouzo Yves
Published: March 2016

Résumé Malgré la décentralisation de compétences dans les domaines de l’urbanisme et l’aménagement du territoire, ceux‑ci restent des domaines de compétence partagée. Les réformes du droit de l’urbanisme ont sans cesse élargi son objet. L’émiettement communal français a eu pour conséquence qu’il aura fallu vingt ans pour que s’impose l’idée que l’urbanisme nécessite une échelle intercommunale. Mais la loi n’est pas encore allée au bout de sa mise en œuvre. La loi NOTRe dote la région d’un outil de planification réglementaire, ayant vocation à intégrer diverses planifications sectorielles, et opposables aux documents d’urbanisme. Mais l’expérience des anciens schémas régionaux d’aménagement et développement (SRADT), le redécoupage des régions et la montée en puissance des métropoles ne permettent pas d’anticiper l’usage que les régions feront de ces nouveaux pouvoirs.
L’avenir de la décentralisation de l’action sociale
Authors: Donier Virginie
Published: March 2016

Résumé L’exemple de l’action sociale démontre que la logique des blocs de compétence est dénuée de logique, elle a contribué à assembler de manière hétéroclite des politiques pourtant sous‑tendues par des besoins différents, même si elles relèvent toutes de l’assistance. Derrière ce vocable se dissimule en réalité une mosaïque d’interventions qu’il serait temps d’agencer différemment pour ne plus nier l’imbrication des différentes politiques publiques. Si les intercommunalités peuvent concurrencer le département dans certaines de ses compétences en ce domaine, un rapprochement des politiques sociales et des politiques économiques conduiraient à valoriser le rôle de la région. La création d’un « cinquième risque » couvert par la Sécurité sociale ne semble pas à l’ordre du jour.
La répartition des compétences entre État et collectivités territoriales dans l’éducation, la culture et les sports
Authors: Fialaire Jacques
Published: March 2016

Résumé Éducation, culture et sports sont des domaines où conjuguent les interventions de l’État et des différentes collectivités territoriales, mais l’organisation par la loi de leurs rapports est insatisfaisante. Ni l’idée de fonctions régaliennes, ni le principe de subsidiarité, ni les tentatives de rationalisation managériale n’ont permis de clarifier leurs compétences respectives, au‑delà de la responsabilité constitutionnelle de l’État en matière d’éducation. Mieux vaut alors partir des pratiques pour organiser des modes d’action collaborative et les cofinancements ; pourtant, le modèle de la « communauté éducative » peine à s’imposer, et il ne se retrouve pas dans les domaines de la culture et des sports. C’est cependant dans cette voie que des solutions novatrices pourraient être trouvées.
Énergie et développement durable
Authors: Boiteau Claudie
Published: March 2016

Résumé Les lois récentes font reposer la gouvernance locale de transition énergétique, en particulier son niveau opérationnel, sur la région et les intercommunalités. D’une part ces dernières sont peu à peu associées à la gouvernance des entreprises d’énergie ; d’autre part, avec le développement des énergies renouvelables, les collectivités territoriales sont incitées à investir de nouveau la production d’énergie. Elles sont appelées également à développer leur action dans les domaines des économies d’énergie et des réseaux de distribution. Les informations livrées par les compteurs intelligents pourraient éclairer les politiques locales.
La loi notre ou une occasion manquée de faire de la région la « collectivité de la mobilité »
Authors: Pissaloux Jean-Luc , Supplisson Didier
Published: March 2016

Résumé La loi « NOTRe » avait pour objectif affiché de renforcer nettement les compétences régionales en matière de transports. Les régions étaient ainsi censées devenir l’acteur principal dans la détermination des politiques de mobilité. Elles ont effectivement bénéficié de nouvelles compétences, notamment en matière de transports routiers, ainsi qu’un rôle de planification et de coordination renforcé au travers du Schéma régional d’aménagement, de développement durable et d’égalité des territoires (SRADDET). Toutefois, des gages ont dû être donnés aux autres niveaux de collectivité pour leur laisser une capacité d’action et d’inflexion, que ce soit au travers du caractère coopératif de l’élaboration du SRADDET, d’une part, ou des possibilités d’aménagement des transferts de compétences, d’autre part.
L’administration fictive
Authors: Colin Frédéric
Published: March 2016

Résumé L’administration, en théorie incarnation de l’intérêt général, est encore une « fiction » pour certains publics qui ne perçoivent pas l’intérêt qu’elle pourrait avoir pour eux. Cet article vise à classer en phénomènes distincts ces dysfonctionnements : problèmes liés aux carences organisationnelles, techniques et matérielles, présentes au sein des administrations ou problèmes liés à la gestion des ressources. Il s’agit dans tous les cas de phénomènes qui ont pour conséquences de priver l’usager de ses droits, de le mettre en peine à en faire reconnaître l’existence, et/ou à lui en faire bénéficier mais de manière à poser des problèmes. Cet effort de typologisation a recours à deux notions : l’« administration absente » et la « compensation asymétrique ».
Développer en France une culture du débat public
Authors: Zémor Pierre
Published: March 2016

Résumé Mal préparée par son histoire institutionnelle, la démocratie représentative française doit mieux associer les citoyens. Dans la filiation des enquêtes publiques sur des projets d’aménagement, diverses pratiques participatives se développent. Un débat public s’est institutionnalisé. L’expérience en confirme les bons principes. Les formes du débat public se diversifient, non sans quelques dérapages. Les controverses sur des projets questionnent les évolutions des politiques publiques. Outre la clarté de l’information et la transparence des procédures, la concertation requiert de solliciter le niveau réel des décisions. Aussi est‑il suggéré que le Parlement se saisisse pour son compte des démarches de débat public. En vivifiant la relation avec la société civile, on peut escompter voir se renouveler la légitimité de la représentation nationale et des institutions.
Bacterial DNA Protects Monocytic Cells against HIV-Vpr–Induced Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization
Authors: Saxena Mansi , Busca Aurelia , Holcik Martin , Kumar Ashok
Published: March 2016

Monocytes and macrophages are important HIV reservoirs, as they exhibit marked resistance to apoptosis upon infection. However, the mechanism underlying resistance to apoptosis in these cells is poorly understood. Using HIV–viral protein R-52–96 aa peptide (Vpr), we show that primary monocytes and THP-1 cells treated with Vpr are highly susceptible to mitochondrial depolarization, but develop resistance following stimulation with bacterial DNA or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. We have shown that Vpr-induced mitochondrial depolarization is mediated by TNFR-associated factor-1 (TRAF-1) and TRAF-2 degradation and subsequent activation of caspase-8, Bid, and Bax. To provide the mechanism governing such resistance to mitochondrial depolarization, our results show that prior stimulation with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide or Escherichia coli DNA prevented: 1) TRAF-1/2 downregulation; 2) activation of caspase-8, Bid, and Bax; and 3) subsequent mitochondrial depolarization and release of apoptosis-inducing factor and cytochrome c. Furthermore, this protection was mediated by upregulation of antiapoptotic protein (c-IAP-2) through calmodulin-dependent kinase-II activation. Thus, c-IAP-2 may prevent Vpr-mediated mitochondrial depolarization through stabilizing TRAF-1/2 expression and sequential inhibition of caspase-8, Bid, and Bax.
Propranolol Attenuates Surgical Stress–Induced Elevation of the Regulatory T Cell Response in Patients Undergoing Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Zhou Lei , Li Yunli , Li Xiaoxiao , Chen Gong , Liang Huiying , Wu Yuhui , Tong Jianbin , Ouyang Wen
Published: March 2016

Surgical stress and inflammatory response induce the release of catecholamines and PGs, which may be key factors in facilitating cancer recurrence through immunosuppression. Animal studies have suggested the efficacy of perioperative blockades of catecholamines and PGs in reducing immunosuppression. In this study, to our knowledge, we present the first report of the effects of perioperative propranolol and/or parecoxib on peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs) in breast cancer patients. Patients were randomly assigned to control, propranolol, parecoxib, and propranolol plus parecoxib groups. We demonstrated that levels of circulating epinephrine, norepinephrine, and PGE2 increased in response to surgery. Meanwhile, peripheral FOXP3 mRNA level and Treg frequencies were elevated on postoperative day 7. Propranolol administration, rather than parecoxib, attenuated such elevation of Tregs, indicating the critical roles for catecholamines in surgery-induced promotion of Tregs. Besides, propranolol plus parecoxib treatment demonstrated no additive or synergistic effects. Furthermore, a study of Treg activity on CD4+ T cell responses to specific tumor Ags was performed in the control and propranolol groups. Propranolol abrogated the increased Treg activity and accompanying suppression of CD4+ T cell responses after surgery. Finally, we conducted ex vivo experiments on the effects of varying concentrations of epinephrine and/or propranolol on Treg proliferation over PBMCs from breast cancer patients, to provide further direct evidence strengthening our clinical observations. Epinephrine markedly promoted Treg proliferation, whereas propranolol prevented such enhancement effect. In conclusion, our study highlights beneficial roles for propranolol in inhibiting Treg responses in vivo and in vitro, and demonstrates that propranolol could alleviate surgical stress–induced elevation of Tregs in breast cancer patients.
Combinatorial Synthetic Peptide Vaccine Strategy Protects against Hypervirulent CovR/S Mutant Streptococci
Authors: Pandey Manisha , Mortensen Rasmus , Calcutt Ainslie , Powell Jessica , Batzloff Michael R. , Dietrich Jes , Good Michael F.
Published: March 2016

Cluster of virulence responder/sensor (CovR/S) mutant group A streptococci (GAS) are serious human pathogens of multiple M protein strains that upregulate expression of virulence factors, including the IL-8 protease Streptococcus pyogenes cell envelope proteinase (SpyCEP), thus blunting neutrophil-mediated killing and enabling ingress of bacteria from a superficial wound to deep tissue. We previously showed that a combination vaccine incorporating J8-DT (conserved peptide vaccine from the M protein) and a recombinant SpyCEP fragment protects against CovR/S mutants. To enhance the vaccine’s safety profile, we identified a minimal epitope (S2) that was the target for anti-SpyCEP Abs that could protect IL-8 from SpyCEP-mediated proteolysis. Abs from healthy humans and from mice experimentally infected with GAS also recognized S2, albeit at low titers. Native SpyCEP may be poorly immunogenic (cryptic or subdominant), and it would be to the organism’s advantage if the host did not induce a strong Ab response against it. However, S2 conjugated to diphtheria toxoid is highly immunogenic and induces Abs that recognize and neutralize SpyCEP. Hence, we describe a two-component peptide vaccine that induces Abs (anti-S2) that protect IL-8 from proteolysis and other Abs (anti-J8) that cause strain-independent killing in the presence of neutrophils. We show that either component alone is ineffectual in preventing skin infection and bacteremia due to CovR/S mutants but that the combination induces complete protection. This protection correlated with a significant influx of neutrophils to the infection site. The data strongly suggest that the lack of natural immunity to hypervirulent GAS strains in humans could be rectified by this combination vaccine.
Use of discriminant analysis to evaluate compositional controls of stratiform massive sulphide deposits in Canada
Authors: Divi S R , Thorpe R I , Franklin J M
Published: March 2016

Multiple di scriminant analysis of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, and Au grades in Canadian stratiform massive sulphide deposits revealed that the relative grade values show a systematic variation with the geological age, environment, and chemical composition of associated
volcanic rocks. In general, Pb grade decreases as deposit age increases; Zn and Ag have the opposite trend. Deposits in an essentially volcanic environment are relatively richer in Cu, whereas those in a sedimentary environment are relatively richer in Pb. Deposits associated with mafic volcanic
rocks have relatively higher Cu grades and those in felsic volcanic rocks have relatively higher Pb and Zn grades.
Halfway river map area, British Columbia
Authors: Irish E J W
Published: March 2016

Halfway River map-area, British Columbia, lies between 56 and 57 degrees north and 122 and 124 degrees west; it includes part of the Interior Plains and all of the Rocky Mountains and Foothills along Peace River valley. Most of the area is mountainous, has been
glaciated, and is underlain by a succession of sedimentary strata, about 25, OOO feet thick, and of Precambrian to Late Cretaceous age. For descriptive purposes the map-area has been divided into Rocky Mountains, Foothills, and Interior Plains divisions. The region has been deformed by thrust
faulting and by folding as a result of compressive stresses. Thrust faulting is considered to be the more important and the initial type of structural deformation within the Rocky Mountains. Folding is thought to have started after or contemporaneously with the initial thrusts and to have persisted
after movement on the faults had ceased. Most of the thrust faults are west dipping and some are folded. In the Foothills and Plains divisions folding may be the more important type of deformation. Paleozoic strata underlie the Rocky Mountain division within the map-area. Few formational names exist
for the lower Paleozoic rocks in this area and, because of east-west and probably north-south facies changes; new names have not been given at this time. A brief lithological description of each formation or larger unit together with its distribution and probable age is given. Several unconformities
occur within the Paleozoic succession. Mesozoic strata underlie the Foothills and Plains divisions of the map-area. Within these rocks existing formational names have been used and the lithology, paleontology, and distribution of each formation is described. Unconformities are present at the top of
the Fernie Formation and within the Lower Cretaceous sequence. Natural gas, the most important economic mineral, is produced in the northeastern part of the map-area. Large reserves of good coal are known in the Lower Cretaceous Gething Formation, but no mining is being done at this time. The site
finally selected for the high dam now being constructed for the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority is located a short distance downstream from the head of Peace River Canyon. Stratigraphy and structure were important considerations in the choice of the site.
Studies in 'Standard Samples' for use in the general analysis of silicate rocks and minerals part 5 : 1977 edition of 'Usable' values
Authors: Abbey S
Published: March 2016

Reviews already published on the state of international reference samples of silicate rocks and minerals have been updated by the addition of new data and correction of errors. This review includes some samples which contain certain elements at levels
considerably different from those in ordinary rocks, but which may be useful in calibrations. Usable values of varying degrees of reliability, calculated on the "dry" basis, are suggested for major, minor and trace constituents in 75 samples.
Geology of the Sherridon group in the vicinity of Sherridon, Manitoba
Authors: Froese E , Goetz P A
Published: March 2016

In the vicinity of Sherridon, Manitoba, rocks of the younger Sherridon Croup occupy a structural basin surrounded by the older Nokomis Croup. The Nokomis Croup consists of quartz of eldspathic gneisses, migmatites, and granitoid gneisses. The Sherridon Croup has
been divided into five stratigraphic units, arranged in the sequence A to E from the edge to the centre of the basin: E. Upper quartz-rich gneiss, with thin layers of cale-silicate gneiss. D. Biotite-garnet schist. C. Impure marble and cale-silicate gneiss. B. Lower quartz-rich gneiss, with layers
of amphibolite, pelitic gneiss, and cale-silicate gneiss, and massive sulphide deposits along two stratigraphie horizons. A. Cale-silicate gneiss. The sulphide mineralization is associated, in some localities with cordierite-anthophyllite rocks, which have been interpreted as metamorphosed
hydrothermally altered rocks. Three periods of folding have affected rocks of the Sherridon area. The first folds, Fi, were isoclinal and transposed the bedding into an axial planar S1 foliation. Interference of two subsequent fold sets, F2 and F3, produced a crescent-shaped structural basin, in
which rocks of the Sherridon Croup are preserved. The present mineral assemblages may have developed as early as the first period of folding and persisted during the second and third periods. The grade of metamorphism is uniform and corresponds to the upper amphibolite
facies.
Attitudes of Jordanian EFL Students towards Learning English Idioms
Authors: Ababneh Sana'
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the results of a field study which was carried out to identify Jordanian EFL students' attitudes towards learning English idioms. The study sample consisted of 94 students majoring in Translation and English Language and Literature at Yarmouk University, Jordan. A questionnaire was used to investigate the subjects' attitudes. The findings show that the majority of the participants have positive attitudes towards learning English idioms as they believe in their importance for achieving effective communication in English. Moreover, the data show that neither the subjects' gender nor their academic major has a significant effect on their attitudes towards learning English idioms as most of the participants displayed a highly positive attitude towards learning these idioms.
An Analysis of Supermarket Pricing: The Case of Selected Supermarkets in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: C.R. Sathyamoorthi , P. T. Mburu
Published: March 2016

The purpose of study is to explore price fluctuations (tracking of pricing trends) in essential consumer items among identified Supermarkets in Gaborone. The prices were read from shop displays at the beginning of the month, mid-month and at the end of the month. A triangulation methodology was utilised as it strengthened and confirmed results. Seven major supermarkets were selected for the study while a mall intercept survey was used to find out the consumer store and brand selection in relation to pricing strategies adopted by the store.

The study revealed that there were price fluctuations and differences between selected supermarkets during the selected period of study as well as amongst branches within a supermarket. Supermarkets utilised pricing for promotional than other element of retail mix. The results indicate that Promo pricing strategy was preferred by both stores and customers compared to Everyday Low Price (EDLP) and High-Low Pricing. While consumers shopped at the beginning and the end of the month looking at the price, mid-month shopping was done more looking at other retail mix elements. With well-educated customer’s base, EDLP and H/L pricing may not work as customers would be looking for the extras in the retail mix. The findings also indicated that consumers were aware of price differences and engaged in shopping in an opportunistic manner (cherry pickers). 
Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease: A Single Center Experience in Southwestern of Iran
Authors: Nazari Pedram , Davoodi Mohammad , Faramarzi Mohammad , Bahadoram Mohammad , Dorestan Nozar
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to complex abnormalities that affect the structure or function of the heart due to embryonic defects. There is little accurate statistical data about prevalence, incidence and frequency in many developing countries such as Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of CHD in patients who were referred to the Department of Pediatric Cardiology in a large single-center in Southwestern of Iran.

METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with various cardiac malformations were each investigated separately. A check list was used to collect information. It was comprised of three parts; demographic characteristics, Patient’s birth details and maternal data.

RESULTS: The frequency of ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD) and tetralogy of fallot (TOF) were 125 (28.47%), 48 (10.93%) and 41(9.3%) respectively. Family history was reported in 26(11.1%) cases. Down syndrome, skeletal anomaly and hematological anomaly were the most common co-anomalies. Parental consanguinity was 48.7%.

CONCLUSIONS: Present study showed that VSD was the most common CHD subtype followed by family history, familial marriage, extra cardiac anomalies (ECAs), birth weight, and maternal concomitant disease. But there was a controversial relationship between birth order and drug history in CHD.
Effect of Seasons on Enteric Methane Emissions from Cattle Grazing Urochloa brizantha
Authors: Demarchi J. J. A. A. , Manella M. Q. , Primavesi O. , Frighetto R. T. S. , Romero L. A. , Berndt A. , Lima M. A.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasons under a tropical climate on forage quality, as well the effect of an Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grazing system on enteric methane (CH4) emissions from Nellore cattle in the Southeast region of Brazil. Sixteen Nellore steers (18 months old and initial weight 318.0 ± 116.59 kg of LW; final weight 469 ± 98.50 kg of LW) were used for a trial period of 10 months, with four collection periods in winter (August), spring (December), summer (February) and autumn (May). Each collection period consisted of 28 days, corresponding to the representative month of each season where the last six days were designed for methane data collection. Animals were randomly distributed within 16 experimental plots, distributed in four random blocks over four trial periods. CH4 emissions were determined using the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer gas technique measured by gas chromatography and fluxes of CH4 calculated. The forage quality was characterized by higher CP and IVDMD and lower lignin contents in spring, differing specially from winter forage. Average CH4 emissions were between 102.49 and 220.91 g d-1 (37.4 to 80.6 kg ani-1 yr-1); 16.89 and 30.20 g kg-1 DMI; 1.35 and 2.90 Mcal ani-1 d-1; 0.18 and 0.57 g kg-1 ADG-1 and 5.05 and 8.76% of GE. Emissions in terms of CO2 equivalents were between 4.68 and 14.22 g CO2-eq-1 g-1 ADG. Variations in CH4 emissions were related to seasonal effect on the forage quality and variations in dry matter intake.
Modeling Lactation Curve in Primiparous Beef Cattle
Authors: Espasandin Ana C. , Gutierrez Verónica , Casal Alberto , Graña Ana , Bentancur Oscar , Carriquiry Mariana
Published: March 2016

The work describes lactation curves and compares two methods to estimate milk yield (MY) in a grazing beef cattle herd of the EEBR Station-Udelar, Uruguay. Twenty-four Hereford, Angus and F1-crossbreed primiparous cows were used to estimate MY once a month, from birth to weaning, by weigh-suckle-weigh (WSW) technique and milking-machine (MM). Milk yield (MY), milk yield retained energy (ReMY), and calf weight were analyzed as repeated measures in a model including: sex of calves, month of lactation, cow and calf breed, milking method, estimation day (1 or 2), and post-partum days as fixed effects, and cow nested within breed as the random effect. The correlation analysis and the Gage r&R coefficient (repeatability and reproducibility) between the two methods were used to study their associations. Lactation curves were compared (AICC and BIC) using Wood (1964), and Jenkins and Ferrel (1984) models. The MY estimated differed with the methodology being WSW higher than MM (P < 0.001). The r&R coefficient (0.83) suggest lower associations between WSW and MM, being 18% and 6% the coefficients of variation, respectively. Cow breed was not significant for MY. Calf live weight and ReMY were negatively associated (-0.52, P < 0.0001). Based on variability observed, MM is more accurate to estimate MY and Wood curve the most adjusted to describe lactation in grazing beef cattle.
A Study of Salt Content of Different Bread Types Marketed in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Abu Hussain Fatema M. , Takruri Hamed R.
Published: March 2016

Noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of premature death in the 21st century. Dietary factors such as high salt intake constitute the main risk factors. Bread is considered as one of the most important sources of dietary salt. The objectives of this study were to determine the sodium content of the main types of bread that are marketed in Amman, and to evaluate the bakers’ adherence to the Jordanian specifications. Sixty eight bread samples of seven types of bread were collected from 13 different bakeries distributed in Amman. Bread samples were dried, ashed and the sodium content was directly determined by using flame photometry method. The average salt content of the analyzed bread samples was 1.19±0.21 g salt/100 g of fresh bread, ranging between 0.42 g/100 g for white Arabic bread and 2.06±0.19 for shrak bread. Approximately half of bread samples have met the Jordanian specifications. It is concluded that salt content of bread varies widely in Jordan and that bread types such as shrak and mashrouh breads contain high amount of salt. The Jordanian specification of the salt content of bread should be applied to all breed types. Also, it should be reduced gradually to a lower limit.
Sulfur Nanoparticles Improves Root and Shoot Growth of Tomato
Authors: Salem Nidá M. , Albanna Luma S. , Abdeen Amany O. , Ibrahim Qusay I. , Awwad Akl M.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this research work is to synthesize sulfur nanoparticles by green route and to investigate the beneficial effect on root and shoot growth of tomato. Sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesized using aqueous extract of Ailanthus altissima leaves at room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) inspections indicated that nanoparticles are spherical and polydispersed with diameters ranging between 5 and 80 nm. The potential of sulfur nanoparticles for enhancing tomato’s growth, increasing the concentration of sulfur nanoparticles from 100 ppm to 300 ppm cause an increase in root and shoot lengths, while higher concentration 400 ppm and 600 ppm induced an inhibitory effect. Results of this study reveal that SNPs have the potential to enhance root and shoot growth of tomato and the effect is concentration dependent.
Substitution in Consumer Demand for Coffee Product Categories in Japan
Authors: Yohannes Michael Fesseha , Matsuda Toshinobu , Sato Naoko
Published: March 2016

This paper estimates substitution in consumer demand for coffee product categories in Japan using the linear approximate quadratic almost ideal demand system model (LA/QUAIDS). Three expenditure shares and demand equations for coffee beans and powder (beans/powder), canned and bottled coffee (canned/bottled) and coffee drunk at coffee shops (coffee shops) are estimated for two or more person households in forty-nine cities for the period January 2000 through February 2015. The expenditure elasticity estimates indicate that coffee shops are luxury goods while beans/powder and canned/bottled coffee are necessities in the Japanese household. The demographic effects show that persons over the age of 65 and people who earn more consume coffee at coffee shops. Moreover, seasonal effects show demand for canned and bottled coffee as mostly positive while it is mostly negative for coffee drunk at coffee shops in most of the months. The findings of this study indicate that coffee product categories in the Japanese market are substitutes for one another, which is consistent with the reality of coffee consumption in Japan.
Impact of Agricultural Diversification and Commercialization on Child Nutrition in Zambia: A Dose Response Analysis
Authors: Mofya-Mukuka Rhoda , Kuhlgatz Christian
Published: March 2016

Zambia, and in particular Eastern Province, has one of the highest levels of malnutrition in the world with 40% of the children having stunted growth. Agricultural diversification and commercialization remain critical for improving the nutrition status of children. However, the impact may vary according to the level of the two agricultural interventions. Results from the dose response function using generalised propensity score method showed that for commercialization, there is highest risk of stunting at medium commercialization levels at 50%. A farm at this point can improve nutrition status by moving either towards high or towards zero levels. Commercialization has a negative effect on short-term nutrition outcomes leading to underweight and wasting. This could indicate that in areas with less everyday access to a range of food items, capital accumulation may not help to avoid deficiencies in child nutrition. In combination with our findings on diversification, two policy options can be recommended. Either the households specialize in cash crops to increase income, or they go into subsistence farming with high levels of diversification. Other off-farm income sources are suggested for resilience in case of yield shocks.
Crop Water Production Functions—A Review of Available Mathematical Method
Authors: Varzi Manijeh Mahmoudzadeh
Published: March 2016

Crop water production function is the relationship between obtained marketable yield and the total amount of water used by plant through evapotranspiration. Different mathematical expressions have been derived from field experiments to predict yield knowing water use. Such expressions provide a powerful tool in water allocation optimization. However these functions are commonly confused with the relationship between available water and crop yield. This paper reviews functions that describe crop water production, the context they can be used for, and their strength and weakness.
Seedlessness and Fruit Quality Traits of Gibberellin Induced Parthenocarpic Fruit in Seven Tomato Genotypes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Setiawan Agus Budi , Murti Rudi Hari , Purwantoro Aziz
Published: March 2016

Parthenocarpic fruit development is regulated by a plant hormone, i.e. gibberellin. The response of seven lines of tomato to gibberellin was investigated to distinguish the degree of parthenocarpy and to compare the quality of seedless and seeded fruits. The flower from stage 12 (size 5 mm) until 4 days after anthesis was sprayed with GA3 0 mmol/L and 0.06 mmol/L. The treatments were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. GA3 0.06 mmol/L reduced pollen germination, whose pollen germination (28.98%) was lower than 0 mmol/L (46.06%). The total numbers of seeds and fertilized seeds of treated fruit were significantly reduced in comparison with the control. Gibberellin application also increased the number of degenerated seeds. Within the genotypes studied, four groups were distinguished, which showed a different degree of parthenocarpy in response to gibberellin application. Kaliurang 206 and A65 are categorized as seedless with a 93.65% and 89.58% reduction in the total number of seeds, respectively. Gamato 1 is categorized as low-seeded with an 83.83% reduction in the total number of seeds. Gamato 3, Gamato 5, and B78 are categorized as medium-seeded with a 69.83-80.85% reduction in the total number of seeds, whereas A175 is categorized as normal-seeded with a 36.94% reduction in the total number of seeds. Gibberellin significantly increased the sugar content by 14.04% and reduced the ascorbic acid content by 9.68% of parthenocarpic fruits compared with the untreated.
Ontwikkelingen in de publieke verantwoording door financieeltoezichthouders
Authors: de Vries Femke , Aelen Margot
Published: March 2016

Ontwikkelingen in de publieke verantwoording door financieeltoezichthouders

Van onafhankelijke toezichthouders wordt verwacht dat zij verantwoording afleggen. De gedachte is dat hoe onafhankelijker zij zijn, hoe meer verantwoording ze moeten afleggen om balans te houden in het systeem van checks and balances. Toezichthouders leggen via verschillende partijen verantwoording af, maar ook over een veelheid aan criteria. Is de toezichthouder binnen zijn wettelijke mandaat gebleven? Hoe heeft hij de aan hem ter beschikking staande middelen aangewend? Vooral in het financieel toezicht hebben zich op deze terreinen de laatste jaren ontwikkelingen voorgedaan. Deze ontwikkelingen roepen vragen op ten aanzien van de verantwoording door de toezichthouder. In dit artikel worden deze ontwikkelingen vanuit een juridisch perspectief bekeken en in relatie gezet tot het vertrouwen van het publiek in de toezichthouder.
Internet profiling: The economy of data intraoperability on Facebook and Google
Authors: Bechmann Anja
Published: March 2016

This article investigates online profiling and data strategies by identifying and comparing data strategies of the two most visited internet companies, Google and Face- book. The aim of the article is to use media economics and management perspectives to enrich the discussion on profiling from a political economy perspective. The article maps differences in the data strategies of the services and the potential data collected through a data point analysis, and suggests conceptual distinctions between vertical and horizontal data strategies, touch point and social network, integrated and diversified application programming interface (API) structures, and relevance and reputation data strategy perspectives. Furthermore, the findings in the article suggest distinguishing among profiling for advertisers, developers, and government agencies. Addressing these stakeholders through the identified data strategic differences, the findings point to different implications for privacy, digital divides, algorithmic adoption, and societal segregation and intolerance.
Observer les déplacements dans la construction des scènes locales
Authors: Turbé Sophie
Published: March 2016

Quelles sont les limites géographiques d’une scène locale ? Comment ces acteurs
agissent comme « agents performatifs » dans la perception de l’espace territorial recomposé
par la musique ? Il s’agit donc de démontrer l’intérêt de sortir d’une vision en vase clos
des scènes locales, pour s’intéresser de plus près aux déplacements de ceux qui les
pratiquent (musiciens, publics), à la façon dont Guy Di Méo (1996) propose une géographie
socio-culturelle des « territoires du quotidien » .

La démonstration repose sur l’observation des déplacements des amateurs de musique
metal issus de trois régions françaises, à savoir la Lorraine, le
Nord-pas-de-Calais et les environs de Rennes et Nantes. L’étude s’appuie sur un matériel
empirique composé de données quantitatives et qualitatives.
Integrated Millimeter-Wave Antennas for On-Chip Communication
Authors: Zainud-Deen S. , Abd Elhamied S. , Malhat H. Abd El-Azem
Published: March 2016

This paper introduces the design and analysis of circularly polarized (CP) and dual-polarized on-chip microstrip antennas for wireless communication at 60 GHz. The CP on-chip antenna consists of a circular aluminum patch with two overlapped circular slots fed by the transmission line. The radiation characteristics of the CP have been analyzed using the finite integration technique and finite element method based electromagnetic solvers. The CP antenna introduces left-hand circular polarization and employs as on-chip transmitter. A design of dual-polarized on-chip microstrip antenna at 60 GHz is investigated and is employed as on-chip receiver. The dual ports of the dual polarized antenna are designed with high isolation between them in order to be used as a two on-chip receivers. The radiation characteristics of the dual-port antenna have been calculated. The effect of the separation distance between the CP-antenna and the dual-polarized antenna on the same chip has been investigated. The performance parameters like the reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient, and the transmission gain of the two antennas at different separation distances have been introduced.
Selective Hydrogenation of Biomass-derived Furfural over Supported Ni3Sn2 Alloy: Role of Supports
Authors: Rodiansono Rodiansono , Astuti Maria Dewi , Khairi Syahrul , Shimazu Shogo
Published: March 2016

A highly active and selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural into furfuryl alcohol was achieved using supported single phase Ni3Sn2 alloy catalysts. Various supports such as active carbon (AC), g-Al2O3, Al(OH)3, ZnO, TiO2, ZrO2, MgO, Li-TN, and SiO2 have been employed in order to understand the role of the support on the formation of Ni3Sn2 alloy phase and its catalytic performance. Supported Ni3Sn2 alloy catalysts were synthesised via a simple hydrothermal treatment of the mixture of aqueous solution of nickel chloride hexahydrate and ethanol solution of tin(II) chloride dihydrate in presence of ethylene glycol at 423 K for 24 h followed by H2 treatment at 673 K for 1.5 h, then characterised by using ICP-AES, XRD, H2- and N2-adsorption. XRD profiles of samples showed that the Ni3Sn2 alloy phases are readily formed during hydrothermal processes and become clearly observed at 2θ = 43-44o after H2 treatment. The presence of Ni3Sn2 alloy species that dispersed on the supports is believed to play a key role in highly active and selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural towards furfuryl alcohol. Ni3Sn2 on TiO2 and ZnO supports exhibited much lower reaction temperature to achieved >99% yield of furfuryl alcohol product compared with other supports. The effects of loading amount of Ni-Sn, reaction conditions (temperature and time profile) on the activity and selectivity towards the desired product are systematically discussed.
Electro-oxidation of Ethanol on Carbon Supported PtSn and PtSnNi Catalysts
Authors: Hidayati Nur , Scott Keith
Published: March 2016

Even though platinum is known as an active electro-catalyst for ethanol oxidation at low temperatures (< 100 oC), choosing the electrode material for ethanol electro-oxidation is a crucial issue. It is due to its property which easily poisoned by a strong adsorbed species such as CO. PtSn-based electro-catalysts have been identified as better catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation. The third material is supposed to improved binary catalysts performance. This work presents a study of the ethanol electro-oxidation on carbon supported Pt-Sn and Pt-Sn-Ni catalysts. These catalysts were prepared by alcohol reduction. Nano-particles with diameters between 2.5-5.0 nm were obtained. The peak of (220) crystalline face centred cubic (fcc) Pt phase for PtSn and PtSnNi alloys was repositioned due to the presence of Sn and/or Ni in the alloy. Furthermore, the modification of Pt with Sn and SnNi improved ethanol and CO electro-oxidation.
Reusability and Stability Tests of Calcium Oxide Based Catalyst (K2O/CaO-ZnO) for Transesterification of Soybean Oil to Biodiesel
Authors: Istadi Istadi , Mabruro Udin , Kalimantini Bintang Ayu , Buchori Luqman , Anggoro Didi Dwi
Published: March 2016

This paper was purposed for testing reusability and stability of calcium oxide-based catalyst (K2O/CaO-ZnO) over transesterification reaction of soybean oil with methanol to produce biodiesel. The K2O/CaO-ZnO catalyst was synthesized by co-precipitation method of calcium and zinc nitrates followed by impregnation of potassium nitrate. The fresh and used catalysts were tested after regeneration. The catalysts were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and BET Surface Area in order to compare the catalyst structure between the fresh and used catalysts. The catalyst testing in transesterification proses was carried out at following operating conditions, i.e. catalyst weight of 6 wt.%, oil to methanol mole ratio of 1:15, and temperature of 60 oC. In addition, metal oxide leaching of K2O/CaO-ZnO catalyst during reaction was also tested. From the results, the catalysts exhibited high catalytic activity (80% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield after three-cycles of usage) and acceptable reusability after regeneration. The catalyst also showed acceptable stability of catalytic activity, even after three-cycles of usage.