bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on Impact Factors of Water Utilization Structure in Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang Conglin , Dong Leihua , Liu Yu , Qiao Haijuan
Published: March 2016

Water is an essential foundation for socio-economic development and environmental protection. As such, it is very critical for a city’s sustainable development. This study analyzed the changes in water utilization structure and its impact factors using water consumption data for agricultural, industrial, domestic and ecological areas in the city of Tianjin, China from 2004 to 2013. On this base, the evolution law and impact factors of water utilization structure were depicted by information entropy and grey correlation respectively. These analyses lead to three main results. First, the total amount of water consumption in Tianjin increased slightly from 2004 to 2013. Second, the information entropy and equilibrium degree peaked in 2010. From 2004 to 2010, the water utilization structure tended to be more disordered and balanced. Third, the economic and social factors seemed to influence the water utilization structure, while the main impact factors were industrial structure, per capita green area, cultivated area, effective irrigation area, rural electricity consumption, animal husbandry output, resident population, per capita domestic water etc.
The Influence of Urban Land-Use and Public Transport Facilities on Active Commuting in Wellington, New Zealand: Active Transport Forecasting Using the WILUTE Model
Authors: Mackenbach Joreintje , Randal Edward , Zhao Pengjun , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: March 2016

Physical activity has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and active commuting (walking or cycling to work) can help meet physical activity recommendations. This study investigated socioeconomic differences in active commuting, and assessed the impact of urban land-use and public transport policies on active commuting in the Wellington region in New Zealand. We combined data from the New Zealand Household Travel Survey and GIS data on land-use and public transport facilities with the Wellington Integrated Land-Use, Transportation and Environment (WILUTE) model, and forecasted changes in active commuter trips associated with changes in the built environment. Results indicated high income individuals were more likely to commute actively than individuals on low income. Several land-use and transportation factors were associated with active commuting and results from the modelling showed a potential increase in active commuting following an increase in bus frequency and parking fees. In conclusion, regional level policies stimulating environmental factors that directly or indirectly affect active commuting may be a promising strategy to increase population level physical activity. Access to, and frequency of, public transport in the neighbourhood can act as a facilitator for a more active lifestyle among its residents without negatively affecting disadvantaged groups.
The Iminosugar UV-4 is a Broad Inhibitor of Influenza A and B Viruses ex Vivo and in Mice
Authors: Warfield Kelly , Barnard Dale , Enterlein Sven , Smee Donald , Khaliq Mansoora , Sampath Aruna , Callahan Michael , Ramstedt Urban , Day Craig
Published: March 2016

Iminosugars that are competitive inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) α-glucosidases have been demonstrated to have antiviral activity against a diverse set of viruses. A novel iminosugar, UV-4B, has recently been shown to provide protection against lethal infections with dengue and influenza A (H1N1) viruses in mice. In the current study, the breadth of activity of UV-4B against influenza was examined ex vivo and in vivo. Efficacy of UV-4B against influenza A and B viruses was shown in primary human bronchial epithelial cells, a principal target tissue for influenza. Efficacy of UV-4B against influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes) and influenza B was demonstrated using multiple lethal mouse models with readouts including mortality and weight loss. Clinical trials are ongoing to demonstrate safety of UV-4B and future studies to evaluate antiviral activity against influenza in humans are planned.
Correction: Zhuang, Q.; Wu, B. Estimating Evapotranspiration from an Improved Two-Source Energy Balance Model Using ASTER Satellite Imagery. Water, 2015, 7(12), 6673–6688
Authors: Zhuang Qifeng , Wu Bingfang
Published: March 2016

The authors neglected to cite several necessary references according to the data use requirements of HiWATER.[...]
Quelques observations sur l'église Notre-Dame-la-Grande de Valenciennes
Authors: Thiébaut Jacques
Published: March 2016

La reconstruction de leur abbatiale achevée, les moines d'Hasnon se virent contraints à la suite de l'incendie de 1171 d'ouvrir un nouveau chantier, la collégiale leur appartenant ; en 1202 ses parties orientales devaient être achevées, en 1242 l'église devait être complète. A la lumière des recherches actuelles, il est possible de préciser quelques-unes de ses dispositions. L'image insérée dans le manuscrit de Simon Le Boucq laisse entendre que ses grandes arcades et ses tribunes se trouvaient emboftées dans un même système d'arcs ; un tel ordre colossal qui avait du être aussi retenu à Saint-Donatien de Bruges tirait ses sources de l'Angleterre. Les bas-côtés et les tribunes des trois hémicycles avaient du recevoir des voûtes à cinq branches. L'interprétation d'une tradition relatant la rivalité entre deux architectes donne à penser que les arcs d'entrée de la chapelle axiale retombaient sur deux colonnettes, mais qu'à l'étage, il n'y en avait qu'une seule. Deux tourelles accompagnaient la tour-lanterne centrale ; ce thème était d'origine lotharingienne et rappelait le parti de Centula. Par contre, la façade, dans son état originel, comme celle d'Anchin, s'apparentait aux façades-écran britanniques. Ainsi Notre-Dame-la-Grande reflétait la diversité des sources d'inspiration des architectes du premier âge gothique du nord de la France.
Une recherche sur les orfèvres lillois du XVIIème siècle
Authors: Montupet Béatrice
Published: March 2016

Beatrice MONTUPET, Een onderzoek naar de Rijselse goudsmeden uitde XVIIe eeuw.

Dit onderzoek naar de Rijselse goudsmeden uit de XVIIe eeuw is voor het qrootste deel de vrucht van diepgaand onderzoek in archieven in die streek.

De identificatie van de waarmerken van het goudsmidswerk, alsook van het merk dat de plaats van vervaardiging van het voorwerp aangeeft, wordt vergemakkelijkt door het grote aantal ontdekte goudsmitswerken.

Op heel wat punten heerst nog grote onzekerheid : de juiste banden van het Rijselse gilde onder de verschillende overheersingen, alsook het uitwijken van zekere goudsmeden naar de Nederlanden, naar Engeland, en zelfs naar Canada.

Toch schijnt het dat de productie en de kwaliteit van deze jurisdictie in die tijd belangrijker was dan men denkt. De geschiedenis van het gilde zelf is veelbewogen.

Een groot aantal goudsmidswerken blijft verborgen in families en religieuze gemeenschappen in de streek, in België en misschien zelfs in Nederland, terwijl de waarmerken daar van niet altijd geidentificeerd zijn.
De Cambrai à Versailles, les frères Marsy, sculpteurs du Roi
Authors: Souchal François
Published: March 2016

Les Marsy, famille d'artistes actifs à Cambrai, parviendront à la notoriété nationale durant le règne de Louis XIV. Jaspar, auteur du jubé de Saint-Aubert, laissa partir pour la capitale française ses fils qu'il rejoindra d'ailleurs. Gaspard (1624 ou 1625-1681) et Balthazard (1628-1674), sans doute aidés par leurs compatriotes Buyster et Van Opstal, accédèrent assez tôt aux chantiers royaux et se hisseront au premier rang. Ils seront tous deux académiciens. Leurs oeuvres majeures se trouvent dans le parc de Versailles : Chevaux du Soleil, Bassins de Latone, de Bacchus, d'Encelade. Rivaux de Girardon et de Tuby, ils attestent l'existence d'un certain courant baroque dans la sculpture française de l'âge classique.
Adolphe Hervier : un artiste indépendant entre le romantisme et l'impressionnisme
Authors: Bauduin Annie
Published: March 2016

L'oeuvre d'Adolphe Hervier offre une très grande variété de procédés (huiles, aquarelles, sépias, crayons, eaux-fortes, lithographies) dans lesquels s'affirment les vertus intrinsèques d'un style personnel. Sa carrière coincide avec le déroulement historique de trois grands courants de la peinture française au XIXème siècle, le romantisme et l'école de Barbizon, le réalisme et l'impressionnisme. L'oeuvre décrit un monde véridique voilé de tristesse, un univers humble, qu'il a inventorié avec franchise. La notation serrée et concise, où s'allient la verve et la mélancolie, l'emportent presque toujours sur le rendu de la lumière et sa séduction. Ces qualités originales font de lui l'un des plus beaux aquarellistes et l'un des plus subtils graveurs du XIXème siècle.
Du débarcadère à la gare : l'exemple de Lille. Mises au point et réflexions
Authors: Lussien-Maisonneuve Marie-Josèphe
Published: March 2016

Les archives de la Division de l'Equipement à la Direction Régionale de Lille de la S.N.C.F. ont permis de reconstituer les diverses étapes de la construction de la gare de Lille, et de situer ce bâtiment dans l'histoire de l'architecture ferroviaire :

— 1847 : mise en service de la station — 1867-1869 : construction du bâtiment des voyageurs avec la réutilisation au 1er niveau de l'embarcadère du Nord, construit à Paris par L. Reynaud

— 1887-1888 : modernisation de ces locaux par S. Dunnett et nouvel hôtel des voyageurs — 1889-1892 : la halle des trains, comportant 16 fermes d'une seule portée de 65 m. sans tirants, articule organiquement le complexe architectural plus de vingt ans après les grandes réalisations britanniques en matière d'architecture ferroviaire.
Le palais de Justice de Bruxelles de Joseph Poelaert, 1866-1883
Authors: Duthoy Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2016

This monument is a good representative of Eclectism and of the time when it was built. It is well situated as regards its relations to the Place Royale and its neighbourhood, and yet this situation also prevented any communication with the lower town. Its plan provides very little convenience and a large part of the space it offers is reserved for pomp and display. It shows also a definite sense of dramatic effect and colourfulness in its higher structures, in spite of a certain heaviness of the whole. This monument played an important part in the struggle for influence which opposed the Church and the liberals. It may also seem a symbol of an authoritarian Justice and one understands why its awe-inspiring masses fascinated Hitler.
Quelques édifices néo-classiques en Belgique d'après l'album de Gœtghebuer
Authors: Duthoy Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2016

L'album de Goetghebuer publié à Gand sous le titre Choix des monumens, édifices et maisons les plus remarquables du Royaume des Pays-Bas nous est précieux à divers titres. Il permet d'abord d'imaginer ce qu'étaient les environs de villes comme La Haye, Anvers, Gand, Bruxelles, mais aussi les campagnes de Flandre et du Brabant, parsemées de châteaux et de demeures opulentes. Il nous permet également de prendre une vue d'ensemble du mouvement néo-classique dans ces provinces à travers les œuvres d'architectes français conviés à travailler en Belgique. Enfin l'intérêt majeur de ce recueil est de nous révéler l'activité d'un grand nombre d'architectes natifs de ces régions, souvent propagateurs de l'art français, mais non sans originalité. Ces artistes forment un ensemble peu étudié jusqu'à présent (à part Dewez et Renard). L'analyse de leurs œuvres permettrait de mieux comprendre comment le néo-classicisme a abouti à l'Eclectisme des années 1850-1880, qui a si puissamment marqué l'architecture des villes belges.
A propos de l'identification «Origiacum = Orchies» chez les éditeurs et traducteurs de Ptolémée
Authors: Leman Pierre
Published: March 2016

D'après le géographe allemand Philippe Cluvier, Ptolémée aurait fait erreur en considérant Orgiacum — Orchies (département du Nord) comme capitale des Atrébates au lieu de Nemetacum, cité par d'autres sources. Cette confusion a été régulièrement admise depuis trois siècles par tous les historiens de l'antiquité. En fait, Cluvier a repris dans la littérature savante du moment le terme d 'Origiacum avec comme traduction Orchies. Or, des analyses récentes ont montré que Orgiacum n'a jamais existé et qu'il est le fruit d'une succession d'erreurs de copistes des manuscrits de Ptolémée. Nemetacum est donc la seule capitale des Atrébates (contra Desjardins, C.I.L. et R.E.). Quant à Orchies, les fouilles archéologiques n'y ont décelé aucun passé antique. De toute façon, même si Origiacum avait existé, les lois de l'onomastique interdisent tout rapport avec Orchies.
Histoire d'une supercherie : Jean Bouvier et sa Psychanalyse des banques
Authors: Gillet Marcel
Published: March 2016

In 1964 verscheen het werk van Jean Jacques Laurendon Psychanalyse des banques, waar men op de achterflap kan lezen :

«Achter het pseudoniem Jean-Jacques Laurendon gaat een van de beste hedendaagse financiële experten schuil. Wegens zijn belangrijke functie kan hij momenteel nied openlijk het boek signeren dat een revolutie zal leweeg brengen in de bankwereld en dat het grote publiek met passie zal lezen.»

In 1965 vertrouwde Jean Bouvier Marcel Gillet toe dat hij de auteur was, waarschijnlijk om toegang te krijgen tot het archief van andere banken. Het geheim werd tot nog toe goed bewaard. Men ziet erin op welk niveau, weten- schappelijk en ideologisch, zich toen een van de grootste ekonomische historici van onze tijd bevond.
La machine textile en France. Des récessions à l'ouverture internationale (1944-1990)
Authors: Dallenne Pierre
Published: March 2016

De machineindustrie voor textiel is een weinig bekende maar zeer exportge- richte activiteit ; drievierden van de Franse produktie wordt immers in het bui- tenland verkocht. In de période 1945-1990 ziet men zowel meer afhankelij- kheid van de buitenlandse markt als meer concurrentie op de binnenlandse markt ontstaan. Een volgehouden exportinspanning laat Frankrijk toe markt- segmenten te veroveren in landen waar de concurrentie minder hevig is. Hoe kon een industrietak die voor de eigen en beschermde markt werkte evolueren naar de eisen van de buitenlandse markt ?
Les capitaux nordistes en quête de nouveaux horizons : «le groupe pétrolier du Nord» & le pétrole galicien (1911-1928)
Authors: Mihout Mylène
Published: March 2016

L'étude analyse la migration des capitaux nordistes dans le pétrole galicien et leur place dans l'ensemble des investissements français. Dès avant le premier conflit mondial, la part nordiste dans le déploiement économique français en Galicie autrichienne est considérable, mais les financiers de la région lilloise manifestent une prudence, ce secteur industriel ne leur étant pas familier. Après 1919, l'investissement nordiste est l'affaire de quelques sociétés indépendantes mais surtout de plusieurs groupes financiers étendant, par le contrôle de nombreuses sociétés, leurs intérêts dans le pétrole galicien. La Dabrowa, outil de pénétration du groupe financier lillois Clairin, regroupe dès l'origine les 4/ 5e des capitaux nordistes ici implantés. L'investissement nordiste et français est présenté par le Gouvernement comme un gage de l'indépendance économique du nouvel Etat polonais. L'étude montre l'une des voies choisies pour transférer une partie des capitaux provenant du textile et de l'industrie nordiste vers des cieux plus prometteurs.
INTEGRATED PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRODUCTION – AN EVOLUTION OVER THREE DECADES
Authors: LARSSON Johan , MIKAELSSON Lars-Åke
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews the authors’ work on Integrated Planning (IP) as a construction site management tool. IP integrates the different planning skills used by site managers, construction workers and craftspersons into an interactive group which manages a production planning process from the earliest stages to the end of a building project. The studies reviewed in this paper, performed over the last three decades, tested, longitudinally evaluated and refined the IP model for use in modern sustainable building sites. The refined model, Integrated Planning for Sustainable Building Production (SBP), includes the factors: leadership, health and safety, quality management and environmental management.
THE SPITZER-IRAC/MIPS EXTRAGALACTIC SURVEY (SIMES) IN THE SOUTH ECLIPTIC POLE FIELD
Authors: Baronchelli I. , Scarlata C. , Rodighiero G. , Franceschini A. , Capak P. L. , Mei S. , Vaccari M. , Marchetti L. , Hibon P. , Sedgwick C. , Pearson C. , Serjeant S. , Menéndez-Delmestre K. , Salvato M. , Malkan M. , Teplitz H. I. , Hayes M. , Colbert J. , Papovich C. , Devlin M. , Kovacs A. , Scott K. S. , Surace J. , Kirkpatrick J. D. , Atek H. , Urrutia T. , Scoville N. Z. , Takeuchi T. T.
Published: March 2016

We present theSpitzer-IRAC/MIPS Extragalactic survey (SIMES) in the South Ecliptic Pole field. The large area covered (7.7 deg2), together with one of the lowest Galactic cirrus emissions in the entire sky and a very extensive coverage bySpitzer, Herschel, Akari,andGALEX, make the SIMES field ideal for extragalactic studies. The elongated geometry of the SIMES area (≈4:1), allowing for significant cosmic variance reduction, further improves the quality of statistical studies in this field. Here we present the reduction and photometric measurements of theSpitzer/IRAC data. The survey reaches depths of 1.93 and 1.75μJy (1σ) at 3.6 and 4.5μm, respectively. We discuss the multiwavelength IRAC-based catalog, completed with optical, mid-, and far-IR observations. We detect 341,000 sources with. Of these, 10% have an associated 24μm counterpart, while 2.7% have an associated SPIRE source. We release the catalog through the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive. Two scientific applications of these IRAC data are presented in this paper. First, we compute integral number counts at 3.6μm. Second, we use the [3.6]–[4.5] color index to identify galaxy clusters atz> 1.3. We select 27 clusters in the full area, a result consistent with previous studies at similar depth.
THE G2+G2t COMPLEX AS A FAST AND MASSIVE OUTFLOW?
Authors: Ballone A. , Schartmann M. , Burkert A. , Gillessen S. , Plewa P. M. , Genzel R. , Pfuhl O. , Eisenhauer F. , Ott T. , George E. M. , Habibi M.
Published: March 2016

Observations of the gas component of the cloud G2 in the Galactic Center have revealed its connection to a tail (G2t) lying on the same orbit. More recent studies indicate a connection between G2 and G1, another cloud detected on the blueshifted side of G2's orbit, suggesting a scenario in which G2 is a denser clump in a stream of gas. In this Letter, we show that a simulation of an outflow by a central source (possibly a T Tauri star) moving on G2's orbit and interacting with a hot atmosphere surrounding SgrA* can have G2 and G2t as a byproduct. G2 would be the bow shock formed in the head of the source, while G2t might be the result of the stripping of the rest of the shocked material by the ram pressure of the surrounding hot gas and of its successive accumulation in the trailing region. Mock position–velocity (PV) diagrams for the Brγ emission for this simulation can indeed reproduce the correct position and velocity of G2t, as well as the more tenuous material in between. Though some tension between the observations and the simulated model remains, we argue that this might be due to issues in the construction of observed PV diagrams and/or to a poor treatment of some physical processes—like hydrodynamic mixing—in our simulation.
MEASURING A TRUNCATED DISK IN AQUILA X-1
Authors: King Ashley L. , Tomsick John A. , Miller Jon M. , Chenevez Jérôme , Barret Didier , Boggs Steven E. , Chakrabarty Deepto , Christensen Finn E. , Craig William W. , Fürst Felix , Hailey Charles J. , Harrison Fiona A. , Parker Michael L. , Stern Daniel , Romano Patrizia , Walton Dominic J. , Zhang William W.
Published: March 2016

We present NuSTAR and Swift observations of the neutron star Aquila X-1 during the peak of its 2014 July outburst. The spectrum is soft with strong evidence for a broad Fe Kα line. Modeled with a relativistically broadened reflection model, we find that the inner disk is truncated with an inner radius of

. The disk is likely truncated by either the boundary layer and/or a magnetic field. Associating the truncated inner disk with pressure from a magnetic field gives an upper limit of

G. Although the radius is truncated far from the stellar surface, material is still reaching the neutron star surface as evidenced by the X-ray burst present in the NuSTAR observation.
Investigating Effects of Losing Fluid on Nonlinear Structural Behavior of Rabbit ACL
Authors: Zaami Amin , Shokuhfar Ali
Published: March 2016

This study is conducted to investigate the effects of losing fluid during extension of rabbit ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) on its nonlinear behavior. The incompressible Neo-Hookean model is employed for modeling the mechanical response of ACL under the uniaxial loading. The material properties of the ligament are characterized by measuring the deformation of a continuum element regarding to two assumptions, the exact and near incompressible cases. In the near incompressible assumption, it is assumed that some fluids exit during ligament extension which influence the nonlinear structural response of the ACL. Finally, considering the nonlinearity of the ligament due to the material behavior and geometrical effect, the ligament behavior is modeled using the nonlinear FEM solution. This study provides a new insight based on the model incompressibility for the ACL of the rabbit knee. These findings help researchers to predict the patterns of injuries that occur in the ligament for different amount of losing fluid by developing the computational model to assess the nonlinear response
PDMS Surface Modification Using Biomachining Method for Biomedical Application
Authors: Whulanza Yudan , Nadhif Hanif , Istiyanto Jos , Supriadi Sugeng , Bachtiar Boy
Published: March 2016

Engineering a cell-friendly material in a form of lab-on-chip is the main goal of this study. The chip was made of polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) with a surface modification to realize a groovy structure on its surface. This groovy surface was naturally and randomly designed via biomachining process. This measure was aimed to improve the cell attachment on the PDMS surface that always known as hydrophobic surface. The biomachined surface of mold and also products were characterized as surface roughness and wettability. The result shows that the biomachining process were able to be characterized in three classes of roughness on the surface of PDMS.
Green Biosynthesis of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles Using Ampelopsis grossedentata Extract and their Shape-Controlled by Halogen
Authors: Guo Qing Quan , Ma Xin Fu , Ma Hai Xiang , Lu Yao
Published: March 2016

The preparation of size- and shape- controlled metallic nanoparticles using biological methodologies is a noticeably stimulating research field due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this paper, biosynthesis of anisotropic AuNPs using Ampelopsis grossedentata extract and the effects of halide ions on the formation of AuNPs has been demonstrated. The sizes and morphologies of AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). It showed that the shape, size and optical properties of AuNPs can be fine-tuned by varying the dosage of the vine tea extract. The presence of halogen ions has significantly influence the morphology of AuNPs during the synthesis process. Both of Br- and Cl- could produced nanoplates, whereas I- distorted the triangle nanoparticles to induce the formation of aggregated spherical ones.
Effect of Solution on One-Step Hydrothermal Growth of ZnO Nanorod Arrays and its Application to Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Lin Chih Ming , Cheng Nai Jen , Hung Shang Chao , Li Yin Ming
Published: March 2016

In this work, we report the characteristics of ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays grown on bare Si (100) substrates by a one-step hydrothermal method, using equimolar aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn[NO3]2·6H2O) and hexamethy lenetetramine (C6H12N4) with concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10 M. For the top two precursor concentrations, 0.05 and 0.10 M, the fabricated ZnO NRs can densely distribute on the substrates; they have average diameters of 192 and 416 nm, and average lengths of 3.20 and 4.48 µm. Metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) with interdigitated Au electrodes plated on top of the ZnO NR arrays were also evaluated. Under UV illumination of 370 nm and bias voltage of 3 V, the MSM UV PD based on ZnO NR arrays fabricated with the precursor concentration of 0.05 M has the largest photo-to-dark current contrast ratio of 47.28 among our samples, and its responsivity reaches 1.06´10-1 A/W, where the corresponding UV-to-Vis rejection ratio is 8.69.
Nano-Structural Alteration of Pyrophyllite by Grinding Revealed by X-Ray Diffraction and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Sheng Jia Wei , Zhang Li Ping , Yan Jun , Sun Qing , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2016

The mechanical destruction of the pyrophyllite structure and final ground products upon grinding with a laboratory planetary ball mill were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Grinding produced a profound structural alteration, resulting in increasing amorphization. Increasing the intensity of grinding resulted in acceleration of the mechanically induced amorphization of the pyrophyllite structure. The pyrophyllite phase was transformed into its anhydride phase during the process of the prolonged grinding. Increasing the grinding intensity resulted in faster destruction of the pyrophyllite structure. The plate-like microcrystal exhibited the 2M-pyrophyllite crystal structure. The pyrophyllite anhydride phase was existed after grinding.
Study of Properties of Nanostructured Multilayer Composite Coatings of Ti-TiN-(TiCrAl)N and Zr-ZrN-(ZrNbCrAl)N
Authors: Vereschaka Alexey Anatolevich , Vereschaka Anatoliy Stepanovich , Bublikov Jury I. , Aksenenko Anatoliy Y. , Sitnikov Nikolay N.
Published: March 2016

The structures of surface layers of the tool material, adapted to the conditions of the thermomechanical loading during the cutting process, can be formed with the use of different processing methods, the most effective of which is to deposit functional coatings on working surfaces of the cutting tool. During the studies, two nanostructured multilayer composite coatings (NMCCs) were considered: Ti-TiN-(TiCrAl)N and Zr-ZrN-(ZrNbCrAl)N. Metallographic studies were conducted, and the phase compositions of the coatings were determined by X-ray crystal analysis. The efficiency of tools made of carbide T14K8 with developed coatings was determined by comparative evaluation of tool life of a tool without coating, a tool with standard coating (TiN), and a tool with elaborated coatings (Ti-TiN-(TiCrAl)N and Zr-ZrN-(ZrNbCrAl)N) in turning structural steel 45. These tests allow noting the increase in tool life of a tool with elaborated NMCCs by up to 4 times as compared with tool life of an uncoated tool and by up to 2 times as compared with tool life of standard coating TiN. Meanwhile, NMCC of Ti-TiN-(TiCrAl) showed lifetime about 10% longer than NMCC of Zr-ZrN-(ZrNbCrAl)N). The longer lifetime of NMCC of Ti-TiN-(TiCrAl) conforms to its better adhesion characteristics and thinner nanosublayers of its wear-resistant layer.
An exploratory study on the potential value add of social networking to the Entrepreneurial process
Authors: Antonites Alex , Kliphuis W
Published: March 2016

It is widely established in scientific literature that entrepreneurship directly contributes to both employment generation and economic growth. Entrepreneurship is said to be subject to a very specific process which includes opportunity recognition, resource allocation, innovation and networking. Networking specifically, is an essential part of the entrepreneurial process as it is employed to assist entrepreneurs to capitalise on opportunities, allocate resources, find ways to innovate and contest ambiguity. With the advent of Web 2.0 and online social networking platforms the way in which people exchange information and network has changed significantly and has spawned a new social culture on a global level. The purpose of this study is to examine the value that online social networking adds to the entrepreneurial process, specifically focussing on the South African landscape.

Keywords and phrases: Entrepreneurship; Networking; Social capital; Social networking; Social media
International Financial Reporting standard for Small and Medium-sized entities
Authors: Koppeschaar Z
Published: March 2016

The International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized entities (IFRS for SMEs) was published as a standard by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) during July 2009. During 2007 South Africa became one of the first countries and the first country in Africa to early accept the proposed accounting standard (exposure draft of an IFRS for SMEs). The accounting standard will probably also be accepted by numerous other countries. The aim of this article is to investigate the applicability of this accounting standard. The results indicated that the IFRS for SMEs remains too comprehensive for the majority of small companies. The IFRS for SMEs does not satisfy the needs of South African users of small company financial statements, and as a result the accounting requirements should be simplified.

KEYWORDS: Financial accounting; Financial reporting requirements; IFRS for SMEs; Small companies; Users of financial statements; Small company financial statements.
The naked truth: creditor understanding of Business Rescue: A Small Business perspective
Authors: Le Roux Ingrid , Duncan Kelly
Published: March 2016

Purpose: to study the level of knowledge and awareness of business rescue of entrepreneurs who are potential creditors of businesses filing for rescue, and to identify the major issues and concerns from the creditors’ point of view.

Methodology: the design of the study was a survey to examine the level of knowledge, awareness and experience of Chapter 6 of The South African Companies Act No. 71 of 2008 and to seek to describe the status from a creditor’s perspective.

Findings: The literature revealed the role that creditors have to play in the business rescue process. It indicated the potential for creditors to emerge with a better return than the one that liquidation would offer. The primary data demonstrated that the respondents’ level of knowledge and awareness of and about rescue and the roles and powers associated with the Companies Act is extremely low and of grave concern to the industry.

Practical Implications: there is a large gap between the level of knowledge available and what is actually known. The result is entrepreneurs who do not comprehend the significance of this legislation and its potential consequences for their business.

Originality: this paper addresses the limited research available on business rescue issues. Due to the newness of the Act, sparse case law exists and little scientific research data is available.

Key words: Companies Act, business rescue, creditors, knowledge, awareness
Logistics benefits and challenges: The case of SMEs in a South African local municipality
Authors: Mafini Chengedzai , Omoruyi Osayuwamen
Published: March 2016

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of every economy. However, in order for them to sustain their role of contributing to the mainstream economy, SMEs have to implement effective strategies in all of their business operations, inclusive of logistics. The function of logistics is important to SMEs because it is the quintessence of the organisation’s relationship with suppliers and customers. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges encountered as well as the benefits realised by SMEs during the implementation of logistics strategies. A quantitative approach using the cross-sectional descriptive survey technique was used in which a three-section questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 131 SME owners and managers in Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Data analysis was conducted using simple descriptive statistics. The results of the study reveal that financial constraints, the lack of logistics skills among the workforce, high costs of information technology and rapid technological advancements were the most important challenges to SMEs. Challenges related to inventory and environmental management emerged as the least relevant. Enhanced competitive advantage, increased sales and a reduction in operational costs were the most important benefits to SMEs. Reduction in labour turnover and innovation emerged as the least important benefits. Based on the findings, several recommendations were proposed.

Key Words: SME, benefits, challenges, Emfuleni Local Municipality
Corporate entrepreneurship - Distilling the concept
Authors: Hind Colene , Steyn Renier
Published: March 2016

Background: Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is credited for many positive organisational outcomes, including systemic growth and increased revenue. Several terms associated with CE, including strategic renewal, corporate venturing and intrapreneurship are frequently used interchangeably and often confuse scholars, researchers and practitioners. The lack of clarity about the exact meaning of these terms is detrimental to the synergy in the current body of knowledge and the development of models involving these concepts. Objective: The aim of this paper was to describe CE as a unique concept, distinguishable from related concepts. Methodology: Several definitions of CE as well as the related terms were dissected, to identify core elements associated with each of them. The validity of these comprehensive definitions was tested by requesting 68 master’s degree students to classify the definitions. Inter-rater reliabilities were calculated in order to assess the level of agreement in the classification of the constructs. Results: The results indicate that CE is difficult to distinguish from strategic renewal and corporate venturing, but that intrapreneurship seems to be better defined and separate from the other constructs. Conclusion: These results emphasise the conceptual confusion that exists around CE and the need for further clarification of terminology.

KEY WORDS

Corporate entrepreneurship, strategic renewal, corporate venturing, intrapreneurship.
Serum and Urinary Interleukin-6 in Assessment of Renal Activity in Egyptian Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: EL-Shereef Rawhya R. , Lotfi Ahmed , Abdel-Naeam Emad A. , Tawfik Heba
Published: March 2016

Aim of the Work

This study investigates whether serum and urinary interleukin-6 (IL-6) represent an early marker of kidney involvement and assesses the difference between them and renal biopsy in lupus nephritis (LN).

Patients and Methods

A total of 60 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients were compared to 20 healthy controls. Urinary and serum IL-6 were measured in both patients and controls. In addition, renal biopsy was done prior or shortly after urine and blood sampling; the results were classified according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification of LN by recording the activity score and chronicity score for each sample.

Results

There was a significant higher level of urinary IL-6 in the SLE patients with biopsy-proven LN than in those without LN and those of the control group. However, no significant difference was reported between the three groups as regards serum IL-6. A strong positive correlation was found between urinary IL-6 and renal disease activity based on the renal SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score with no significant correlation regarding the extra renal SLEDAI. Urinary IL-6 was positively correlated with renal biopsy results and with its activity scores but weakly correlated with the chronicity scores.

Conclusion

Urinary IL-6 may provide a simple noninvasive potential marker of disease activity of renal involvement in adult patients with SLE.
Radical Surgery for Endometriosis: Analysis of Quality of Life and Surgical Procedure
Authors: De La Hera-Lazaro Cristina M. , Muñoz-González Jose L , Perez Reyes Oliver , Vellido-Cotelo Rocío , Díez-álvarez Alvaro , Muñoz-Hernando Leticia , Alvarez-Conejo Carmen , Jiménez-López Jesús S.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The main aim of this study is to determine the improvement in quality of life in patients who have undergone radical surgery because of severe endometriosis.

Patients and Methods

This nonrandomized interventional study (quasi experimental) was carried out between January 2009 and September 2014. A total of 46 patients with diagnosis of severe endometriosis were included. Radical surgery, including hysterectomy, was performed. Acting as their own control group, the patients were asked to fill in a validated questionnaire of quality of life [Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5)] and a visual analog scale of pain at the moment of the preoperative visit (one month prior to surgery) and six months after the surgery.

Results

Radical surgery for endometriosis was performed in 46 patients at our center over the period of six years. Among the patients, 73.9% of them had undergone previous surgery for endometriosis. In 82.6% of cases, a complete laparoscopic resection was carried out. Gastrointestinal tract resection was performed in 21.7%, and urinary tract resection was necessary in 8.7%. The mean age of the patients was 38.6 years. The rate of complications was 30.4%. Six months after the surgery, all items of the EHP-5 questionnaire had a lower score, which means an improvement in all aspects of quality of life related to endometriosis. The difference obtained between the scores before and after the surgery was statistically significant. The mean visual analog scale score before the surgery was 8.5, whereas it decreased to 1.4 after the surgery ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Performing a radical surgery is a difficult decision to make; however, it can provide optimal results in terms of improvement of quality of life and, therefore, should be considered when conservative therapy fails.
Article Commentary: Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Cellular Iron Homeostasis and Ultimate Links to Human Disease
Authors: Schreinemachers Dina M. , Ghio Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

Chronic disease has increased in the past several decades, and environmental pollutants have been implicated. The magnitude and variety of diseases may indicate the malfunctioning of some basic mechanisms underlying human health. Environmental pollutants demonstrate a capability to complex iron through electronegative functional groups containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. Cellular exposure to the chemical or its metabolite may cause a loss of requisite functional iron from intracellular sites. The cell is compelled to acquire further iron critical to its survival by activation of iron-responsive proteins and increasing iron import. Iron homeostasis in the exposed cells is altered due to a new equilibrium being established between iron-requiring cells and the inappropriate chelator (the pollutant or its catabolite). Following exposure to environmental pollutants, the perturbation of functional iron homeostasis may be the mechanism leading to adverse biological effects. Understanding the mechanism may lead to intervention methods for this major public health concern.
Successful Resident Engagement in Quality Improvement: The Detroit Medical Center Story
Authors: Hussain Syed Ahmed , Arsene Camelia , Hamstra Corinne , Woehrlen Tess H. , Wiese-Rometsch Wilhelmine , White Suzanne R.
Published: March 2016

In 2014, the Detroit Medical Center launched a new program to engage residents and fellows in a strategy to deliver optimal care within 1 year, focusing on quality at an earlier stage of their careers and preparing them for working posttraining.Background

 Residents from clinically relevant residency and fellowships programs were selected to be Resident Quality Directors. The project involved development of an interactive electronic health record (EHR) checklist to visually depict real time gaps in 40 process measures, while focusing on 14 areas related to stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. We also implemented an incentive approach, using a pay-for-performance (P4P) model.Methods

 The project included 800 residents led by 14 resident quality directors. We were able to achieve 100% resident participation. Prior compliance with VTE quality measures 6 months was 88.5%, with performance increasing to 94.2% (P < .006) at 6 months and 100% at 12 months (P < .005) after the intervention. The VTE prophylaxis score improved from the 89.7% to 92.9% range at inception to 100% by 12 months. A similar steady improvement of stroke process measures was observed, with a 100% compliance within 12 months. The institution made 4 incentive payments to trainees (ranging from $300 to $4,000 per year). The remaining 26 process measures remained at goal with above 95% compliance.Results

 This quality improvement initiative was associated with system-wide quality performance on VTE prevention and stroke care process measures, which was facilitated by a interactive EHR-based checklist and linkage to P4P incentive payments.Conclusions
Theoretical (Dis-) position and Strategic Leitmotivs in Constitutional Interpretation in South Africa
Authors: Du Plessis L
Published: March 2016

This essay takes a look at the historic restoration that bequeathed this country and its people a prototypical, justiciable Constitution. The advent of constitutional democracy in South Africa went hand in hand with an about-turn in the interpretation of enacted law-texts (including the Constitution) and a critical interrogation of certain dominant beliefs about the interpretation of law in general and enacted law in particular. Hitherto mostly unnamed or unlabelled (but not entirely alien) interpretive strategies pursued and developed by users of the Constitution are discussed, concentrating mainly on the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court. Central to the author's approach is an acknowledgement of the decisive actuality of an interpreter's theoretical position becoming visible through (interpretive) leitmotivs. These recur as keynote or defining ideas, motifs or topoi lending direction to specific instances of construing law. Four leitmotivs pertinent to certain constellations of events in constitutional interpretation are discussed and their applicability and utility assessed, drawing on examples from constitutional case-law. The leitmotivs are: (i) transitional constitutionalism; (ii) transformative constitutionalism; (iii) monumental constitutionalism; and (iv) memorial constitutionalism. (i) and (ii) belong together as (A) programmatic leitmotivs and (iii) and (iv) as (B) commemorative leitmotivs. The author concludes that, although scouting out and engaging with leitmotivs call for profound reading and for text analysis of a sort with which "logical" jurists are not always too comfortable, the said endeavours have the potential to be exceptionally rewarding.
Enkele Opmerkings oor Bankrot Munisipaliteite
Authors: Stander AL
Published: March 2016

The insolvency of municipalities is no longer a rare incident; it is a reality. It is interesting to note that even in the United States of America the insolvency of municipalities is currently an equally serious concern. In South Africa there is much speculation regarding the causes of the insolvency of municipalities, and possible solutions are often discussed. This investigation is an attempt to provide answers. Importantly, however, constructive contributions are needed to begin to address the problem of insolvent municipalities. But to address a problem accurately, necessarily means that one should also refer to the possible causes. The working method applied in the USA with regard to the reorganization of bankrupt municipalities and the requirements set, are explained because it is important to establish what the effect and consequences are of this type of "sequestration" in the American law of insolvency and what the role of the insolvency courts is in managing the whole procedure. In the American law the purpose of the Chapter 9 reorganisation is to provide for a plan acceptable to the majority of creditors and binding on the dissenting minority. Consequently the purpose of this article is to indicate how Chapter 9 functions in practice and which solutions may possibly be applied in South Africa to ensure an effective procedure.
Regulation of Hydraulic Fracturing in South Africa: A Project Life-Cycle approach? (note)
Authors: Du Plessis W
Published: March 2016

This note deals with the 2015 regulations pertaining to hydraulic fracturing in South Africa from a project life-cycle approach. A brief history of the fragmentation of the regulation of environmental and mining related matters is provided, followed by a discussion of the application of the 2015 regulations during the project life cycle, ie the pre-commencement phase, the design and authorisation phase, the testing phase, the operational phase and the decommissioning and closure phase.
The Effect of the Original Acquisition of Ownership of Immovable Property on Existing Limited Real Rights
Authors: Pienaar G
Published: March 2016

It is an accepted principle in South African law that movable property acquired in an original way (by operation of law) is not burdened by any limited real rights, as previous limited real rights are extinguished on the vesting of ownership (mobilia non habent sequelam). It is assumed by some South African writers that the same principles are applicable to the original acquisition of immovable property and that all existing limited real rights fall away on original acquisition of ownership. In this article the nature of limited real rights to immovable property is examined, and the notion that ownership is the "mother" right on which all limited real rights are based is scrutinised critically. The nature and establishment of limited real rights are used to distinguish between the essence and effect of limited real rights in the case of immovable property. The recognition of limited real rights as constitutional property is used as a further argument that limited real rights cannot be extinguished automatically by the original acquisition of immovable property, as such common law or statutory measures will constitute an arbitrary deprivation of property in terms of section 25 of the Constitution. The statutory provisions regarding limited real rights in the case of prescription and expropriation are then analysed as an indication that it is not a general principle that limited real rights are extinguished automatically on the original acquisition of ownership of immovable property.
Reasons for Prosecutorial Decisions
Authors: Du Toit PG , Ferreira GM
Published: March 2016

In terms of the prosecuting policy of the National Prosecuting Authority reasons for the exercise of prosecutorial discretions should be furnished on request of persons with a legitimate interest in the decisions. In general only the broad reasons should be provided and not the specific particulars of the decision. This approach is based on two important policy considerations. The first is that the decisions of the prosecuting authority should be transparent since it is a requirement for upholding the legality principle. The second is that the furnishing of specific particulars could result in a violation of the rights of individuals, for example it could create doubt about the innocence of a person without him or her ever having been subjected to a criminal trial. This contribution investigates issues such as the nature of the duty to provide reasons for prosecutorial decisions, the identification of the parties that are entitled to the reasons for a particular prosecutorial decision, and the furnishing of reasons in order to enhance the judicial review of prosecutorial decisions.