bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Factors that Influence the Success of Insourced Government ICT Projects
Authors: Omar Azmi , Bass Julian M. , Lowit Peter
Published: December 2017

This paper explores information system insourcing in selected government agencies in Malaysia and discusses the challenges and barriers that have impeded its implementation. The paucity of similar projects and limited literature has resulted in this study that considers a post outsourcing context following the decision to insource a major Malaysian Government Information System in 2011. A qualitative research method was conducted in a selected government agency to obtain empirical evidence from 55 semi‐structured interviews with government servants from top management to clerical staff including the users of the government information system. By using a combination of institutional theory and the capability approach to analyse the data, we found that insourcing reduced costs, provided a means to access new technologies and enhanced skills in the internal development team, despite challenges such as data centralization, HRMIS technical training and skill, resources for training, perception, government policies and regulations, and lack of expertise These findings will be of interest to the information system research community interested in insourcing information system support.
Software Process Improvement Adoption and Benefits in Canadian and English‐Speaking Caribbean Software Development Firms
Authors: Chevers Delroy A. , Grant Gerald
Published: December 2017

The free‐trade agreements between developed and developing countries have created more opportunities for firms to sell high quality software products in the global market. Unfortunately, for decades the information systems (IS) community has been plagued with the delivery of low quality software products. It is widely accepted that software development firms need to adopt software process improvement (SPI) initiatives in an effort to produce these high quality software products. This outcome can increase the competiveness of such firms, which by extension can increase the likelihood of winning global contracts. However, the uptake of these SPI initiatives in developing countries is low vis‐à‐vis developed countries. In addition, most studies on SPI are conducted in developed countries, with many being case studies, and a few exploring its application in a developed versus developing environment. This study seeks to compare the awareness, adoption and benefits of SPI programs in Canadian and English‐speaking Caribbean (ESC) software development firms. It was found that the awareness and adoption of SPI are higher in Canadian firms in comparison to the ESC, while the main benefit of SPI adoption in both environments was improved software product quality.
Incorporation of Telecommunications Technologies into Agricultural Market Information Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Ghana and Tanzania
Authors: Chalemba Leonard
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a comparison of the level of application of telecommunications technologies to agricultural market information systems in Ghana and Tanzania. The data on economic indicators related to telecommunications services used in this comparative analysis was provided by the statistics division of the United Nations. The review reveals that even though both Ghana and Tanzania are developing nations, Ghana is significantly ahead of Tanzania in the provision of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities that support operations of agricultural market information systems. However, low‐income smallholder farmers of both countries still need more access to ICT facilities for them to exploit fully the services offered by ICT‐based agricultural market information systems. Both countries also need to promote participation of the private sector for establishment of economically sustainable market information services. Recommendations drawn from this analysis do not only apply to Ghana and Tanzania but also to other developing countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Get into the Club: Positioning a Developing Country in the International e‐Gov Research
Authors: Cunha Maria Alexandra , Coelho Taiane Ritta , Przeybilovicz Erico
Published: December 2017

The aim of this paper is to suggest alternatives for positioning a developing country in the international eGov research. We conducted a literature review, examining both Brazilian and international publications. We analyzed the domain of collaboration in the field through a social network analysis of authors, institutions and countries. Our study identified that the discussions concerning eGov are predominant; there is more intense collaboration in the network of institutions than of authors; the co‐authorship network reflects the existence of a select number of central authors and, not surprisingly, the study of eGov is centralized in the USA and UK. This study complements previous studies and provides further understanding on how authors, institutions and countries cooperate. The findings of the study are not limited to Brazil, other countries that have barriers to internalization of research can benefit from the data.
Exploring Digital Archive System to Develop Digitally Resilient Youths in Marginalised Communities in South Africa
Authors: Ochieng Dennis M. , Olugbara Oludayo O. , Marks Monique M.
Published: December 2017

Promoting digital skills among the youth in marginalised communities can boost their digital resilience, facilitate effective participation in the knowledge economy and foster positive development. However, in developing countries, government and other stakeholders are confronted by several challenges that hamper such projects. These include poor digital infrastructure, a lack of digital capacity, high levels of digital illiteracy, limited access to local digital content, and widespread apathy and mistrust amongst marginalised communities. This article explores the use of a digital archive system to develop digital skills among the youth in the marginalised Kenneth Gardens community in South Africa. A series of training workshops was conducted over a period of 12 months with a pilot group of youths to develop their digital skills. The Kirkpatrick model provided the conceptual framework to evaluate the level of skills acquired. The data were subjected to qualitative analysis and the results show that the use of a digital archive system has significant potential to develop digitally resilient youth.
Digital Technologies and Sustainable Livestock Systems in Rural Communities
Authors: Gwaka Leon Tinashe
Published: December 2017

The 43rd Committee on World Food Security (CFS) convention reiterated the importance of livestock towards eliminating food insecurity across the globe. Livestock provides extensive services and products which are critical in addressing the issues of hunger, malnutrition, health and diseases. However, despite such importance, livestock systems across the globe continue to face the challenge of sustainability. In this research article, using ethnographic research techniques, we examine the Beitbridge livestock systems to understand the vulnerabilities within the system and current efforts to overcome. The article identifies that the Beitbridge livestock system, similar to many others, faces numerous socio‐ecological and political economy challenges. Also, in the past engagement of the author and the community, it emerged that there was limited use of digital technologies within the community. Therefore, this study explore whether digital technologies can contribute towards sustainability of livestock and if so, how. The major findings of the study are that, DTs have affordances which can be exploited to contribute towards the sustainability of the livestock system. However, in order for this to happen, there is need for convergence of conditions e.g. presence of supporting institutions and improvement of digital infrastructure. These findings confirm the need for context based studies on DTs. The findings of the study provide practitioners and policy makers ‘something to think about’ in the development of DTs and supporting systems.
ICTs and the Computerised Hijab: Women's Experiences of ICT in the UAE
Authors: Vodanovich Shahper , Urquhart Cathy
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses a grounded theory study of women's experience of ICTs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We were particularly interested in whether their gender, and the society in which they live, affected that experience. We identify three themes, ICT Use, Gender Perspective and UAE Society which together constitute an emergent theory of Women's ICT experience in the UAE. We conclude by engaging the emergent theory with individual differences theory. Our findings show that ICT use in the UAE is a profoundly gendered experience, shaped by the Islam based society in which the women live.
User Involvement and Usability Evaluation in Ethiopian Software Organizations
Authors: Teka Degif , Dittrich Yvonne , Kifle Mesfin , Ardito Carmelo , Lanzilotti Rosa
Published: December 2017

Usability is central especially in contexts with highly heterogeneous user groups as it is the case in developing countries. User involvement and participation has positive impacts towards developing usable software and system success and it is one of the core principles in user centered design (UCD). But how does the industry in developing countries work with UCD and usability evaluation? The article reports from a survey on usability evaluation and UCD practices in Ethiopian software organizations. It aims at exploring the practice of usability evaluation, user involvement and participation in the software organizations in Ethiopia. Some part of the survey question is adapted from a previously conducted survey in Italy and Denmark and further expanded with a set of questions referring to user involvement and participation. The survey was triangulated with interviews with a subset of the respondents. The results show that the percentage of organizations performing some form of usability evaluation is low in Ethiopia. The challenges of usability evaluation observed in the study was analyzed with respect to the challenges of ‘digital divide’ against the publicly available methods and practices and among developed and developing nations using real access/real impact criteria. The result shows that there are some unique challenges of usability not discussed in the literature reviewed in any detail such as less IT skills, lack of trained professionals, and lack of awareness. The result for user involvement shows also some unique challenges: lack of user motivation, acceptance of change and cultural influence. However, more than 80% of the surveyed organizations claim involving users in some kind in product development. The implications of these findings with respect to the need to contextualize UCD and usability methods are discussed.
Synoptic to large‐scale drivers of minimum temperature variability in Australia – long‐term changes
Authors: Crimp Steven , Nicholls Neville , Kokic Philip , Risbey James S. , Gobbett David , Howden Mark
Published: December 2017

This study documents the importance, and changes in the importance, of a suite of synoptic to large‐scale drivers of minimum temperature variability across the Australian region. The drivers investigated are the El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as measured by the Southern Oscillation Index, atmospheric blocking, the Southern Annular Mode, and the position and intensity of the subtropical ridge. In most regions, individual drivers generally account for between about 5 and 10% of the interannual variability across Australia, although in some seasons and regions these drivers can collectively account for more than 60% of the observed variability. The amount of minimum temperature variance explained by individual drivers is highest in south‐eastern Australia in summer (December–February), where the drivers collectively account for 67% of the variance, due primarily to the relationships with blocking and ENSO. The varying importance of the drivers of minimum temperature variability between seasons and between two discrete periods (i.e. 1960–1984 and 1985–2015) has been investigated. In the more recent period the intensity of the subtropical ridge has played a more important role in minimum temperature variability, particularly in the south‐western and south‐eastern parts of Australia in summer (December–February), with the position of the subtropical ridge a feature of greater importance over much of Victoria in spring (September–November). For the more recent period the intensity of the subtropical ridge and the southern annular mode have been more important drivers of minimum temperature variability for autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August), respectively, across southern New South Wales and northern Victoria.
Longitudinal Changes of Planned Happenstance Skills by Gender, Community Types, and Employment Status in a Sample of College Students in School‐to‐Work Transition
Authors: Kim So Rin , Kim Boyoung , Yang NaYeon , Yaung Huk , Lee Sang Min
Published: December 2017

This study examined the characteristics of college students who are transitioning from school to work by measuring their mean differences on planned happenstance skills subscales at 3 separate time points. The results indicated that the mean of planned happenstance skills changed across the 3 time points and are somewhat different through demographic factors, such as gender, community types, and employment status. In addition, 2‐way and 3‐way multivariate analysis of variance results showed that the interaction effects of 3 demographic variables on 5 planned happenstance skills were not significant. Practical implications for career counselors are discussed.
The development of the human hyoid–larynx complex revisited
Authors: de Bakker Bernadette S. , de Bakker Henri M. , Soerdjbalie‐Maikoe Vidija , Dikkers Frederik G.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The hyoid–larynx complex is highly prone to anatomical variation. The etiology of anatomical variants such as Eagle's syndrome and the aberrant hyoid apparatus can be explained from embryonic development. Modern textbooks state that the hyoid bone body develops from the second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages, and that thyroid cartilage derives from the fourth and sixth arch cartilages. This description, however, is incompatible with various anatomical variants, and it is unclear whether it was based on observations in human embryos or on comparative embryology.

Study Design

14 human embryos from the Carnegie collection between Carnegie stage 17 and 23 (42–60 days) were selected based on their histological quality.

Methods

Histological sections of the selected embryos were examined. Three‐dimensional models were prepared in an interactive format. These anatomical models provide crucial spatial information and facilitate interpretation.

Results

We observed a less‐complicated development of the hyoid–larynx complex than is currently described in textbooks. The body of the hyoid bone originates from a single growth center, without overt contributions from second and third pharyngeal arch cartilages. The fourth and sixth arch cartilages were not detected in human embryos; the thyroid and cricoid cartilages develop as mesenchymal condensations in the neck region.

Conclusions

Despite new research techniques, theories about hyoid–larynx complex development from the beginning of the 20th century have not been refuted properly and can still be found in modern literature. Based on observations in human embryos, we propose a new and relatively simple description of the development of the hyoid–larynx complex to facilitate better understanding of the etiology of anatomical variants.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 1829–1834, 2018
Phenomenology, genetics, and CNS network abnormalities in laryngeal dystonia: A 30‐year experience
Authors: Blitzer Andrew , Brin Mitchell F. , Simonyan Kristina , Ozelius Laurie J. , Frucht Steven J.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a functionally specific disorder of the afferent–efferent motor coordination system producing action‐induced muscle contraction with a varied phenomenology. This report of long‐term studies aims to review and better define the phenomenology and central nervous system abnormalities of this disorder and improve diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Our studies categorized over 1,400 patients diagnosed with LD over the past 33 years, including demographic and medical history records and their phenomenological presentations.

Patients were grouped on clinical phenotype (adductor or abductor) and genotype (sporadic and familial) and with DNA analysis and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain organization differences and characterize neural markers for genotype/phenotype categorization. A number of patients with alcohol‐sensitive dystonia were also studied.

Results

A spectrum of LD phenomena evolved: adductor, abductor, mixed, singer's, dystonic tremor, and adductor respiratory dystonia. Patients were genetically screened for DYT (dystonia) 1, DYT4, DYT6, and DYT25 (GNAL)–and several were positive. The functional MRI studies showed distinct alterations within the sensorimotor network, and the LD patients with a family history had distinct cortical and cerebellar abnormalities. A linear discriminant analysis of fMRI findings showed a 71% accuracy in characterizing LD from normal and in characterizing adductor from abductor forms.

Conclusion

Continuous studies of LD patients over 30 years has led to an improved understanding of the phenomenological characteristics of this neurological disorder. Genetic and fMRI studies have better characterized the disorder and raise the possibility of making objective rather than subjective diagnoses, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches. Laryngoscope, 128:S1–S9, 2018
An Embarrassment of Riches and a Surplus of Shame: Amartya Sen on Poverty and Deprivation
Authors: Peacock Mark
Published: December 2017

This theoretical contribution to poverty studies investigates Amartya Sen's work as a basis for examining poverty. Sen discusses two social capabilities, each essential to the avoidance of poverty; one is the ability to appear in public without feeling shame, the other the ability to participate in the life of the community. This essay analyzes the intricacies of using the concept of community as a reference group for judging a person's poverty. It develops a notion of the “affluent poor,” which is a logical category of the capability perspective that Sen has developed. Although the affluent poor might appear to be oxymoronic, those who embrace the capability perspective should acknowledge it as a necessary implication of that perspective.
Verfahrensprüfung zur Bestimmung von Anziehparametern für vorgespannte geschraubte Verbindungen
Authors: Stranghöner Natalie , Jungbluth Dominik
Published: December 2017

DIN EN 1090‐2 und DIN EN 1993‐1‐8/NA legen Anziehverfahren für mutterseitig vorgespannte geschraubte Garnituren bei Einfachverwendung derselben fest. In einer Vielzahl von Anwendungsfällen werden allerdings vorgespannte geschraubte Verbindungen eingesetzt, die exemplarisch kopfseitig angezogen, als Sacklochverbindung ausgeführt oder/und mehrfach verwendet werden sollen. In diesen Fällen ist eine Verfahrensprüfung zur Bestimmung der Anziehparameter erforderlich. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die prinzipielle Vorgehensweise zur Durchführung einer solchen Verfahrensprüfung und geht insbesondere auf die Zielebene des Vorspannens, die Einschraubtiefe bei Bauteilen mit Innengewinden, die Einfach‐ und Mehrfachverwendung von Komponenten sowie die Grenzkriterien zur Bestimmung der Anziehparameter ein. Ferner wird das Vorgehen anhand von Praxisbeispielen erläutert.
Position adjustment method and distance estimation method of magnetic field supply and detection unit for magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Tonthat Loi , Aki Fumitaka , Matsuda Eiki , Saito Hajime , Yoshimura Noboru , Mitobe Kazutaka
Published: December 2017

In magnetic hyperthermia, the temperature and localization of a ferromagnetic implant in a tumor region is vital in determining the effectiveness of therapeutic heating. We have developed a noninvasive wireless temperature measurement method by utilizing the magnetic permeability property of a ferromagnetic implant with low Curie temperature (FILCT) that varies with the temperature. In clinical settings, when the FILCT is injected into a tumor region, the position of the FILCT is expected to deviate from the central axis of the heating coil (drive coil). When it deviates, the magnetic flux density applied to the FILCT decreases, thus causing difficulty in detecting the temperature of FILCT via a pickup coil and heating of the FILCT at a constant treatment temperature. Therefore, to adjust the magnetic field supply and detection (MFSD) unit to be directly above the FILCT, we propose a position adjustment method by referring to three voltages induced in three pickup coils symmetrically installed inside the drive coil. By using the average value of the three voltages, we also propose a method to estimate the distance between the MFSD unit and the FILCT, which is required for wireless thermometry and determination of the optimal energy applied. The proposed methods are experimentally examined by a verification system.
Zero‐voltage switching modular equalization system for series super‐capacitor string
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Li Rui , Jiang Fenlin
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a zero‐voltage‐switching modular equalization for series super‐capacitor string in a large energy storage system. The zero‐voltage working scheme is analyzed based on Power Simulation (PSIM) to verify its validity. An equalization system test for 16‐super‐capacitor cells is conducted under voltage‐imbalanced conditions. The power flow model, switching patterns, and zero‐voltage gap are discussed. The simulation and experimental results are presented, indicating that the equalization not only inherits the advantages of traditional inductor‐based super‐capacitor equalization system, but also brings some merits, such as flexible, low switching loss, and highly modularized.
An extension of the FFT‐based algorithm for the match‐count problem to weighted scores
Authors: Baba Kensuke
Published: December 2017

The match‐count problem on strings is the basic problem of counting the matches of characters between two strings for every possible alignment. The problem is classically computed in O(σ n log m) time using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) for two strings of lengths m and n (m ≤ n) over an alphabet of size σ. This paper extends the target of this FFT‐based algorithm to a weighted version of the problem, which computes the sum of similarities between characters instead of the number of matches. The algorithm extended in this paper can solve the weighted match‐count problem in O(dn log m) time by mapping characters to numerical vectors of dimensionality d. This paper also evaluates the usefulness of the extended algorithm by applying it to plagiarism detection in documents. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is applicable to general vector representation of words and that the obtained plagiarism detection method can extremely reduce the processing time with a slight decrease of accuracy from the method based on the normal match‐count problem.
Multipoint combinatorial optimization method with a search strategy in higher structure solution space
Authors: Hashimoto Masatoshi , Tamura Kenichi , Yasuda Keiichiro
Published: December 2017

We propose a multipoint combinatorial optimization method that aims to realize efficient search in consideration of intensification and diversification in higher structure solution space by sharing information between search points. We evaluated the performance of the proposed method through numerical experiments using benchmark problems.
Experimental verification of massive antenna systems employing parallelogram planar arrays
Authors: Maruta Kazuki , Arai Takuto , Ohta Atsushi , Kurosaki Satoshi , Iwakuni Tatsuhiko , Iizuka Masataka
Published: December 2017

This paper experimentally verifies how the parallelogram planar array (PPA) can improve the space division multiplexing (SDM) performance of multiuser massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) in line‐of‐sight (LOS) channels. PPA can reduce the spatial channel correlation (inter‐user correlation) without any increase in processing load. Channel state information (CSI) of up to 94 antenna elements is measured with simplified test equipment in an outdoor propagation environment. Assessment of the measured CSI confirms the effectiveness of PPA in terms of reduced spatial channel correlation and its higher order SDM ability with simplified user scheduling.
Nonintrusive load decomposition technology based on current sparsity underdetermined solution
Authors: Wu Xin , Han Xiao
Published: December 2017

Nonintrusive load decomposition is the key technology to realize power load monitoring. The load decomposition is realized by the underdetermined solution of the current signal, and the complete current of each independent load is obtained. The model is optimized using the user's load operating habits and converted into a one‐dimensional underdetermined problem to establish the solution model based on unit time interval to separate only two channels of signals from the acquisition signal. The optimal solution is obtained through the two‐step iterative shrinkage threshold algorithm according to the frequency‐domain sparsity of the current, so that each load is decomposed independently. The validity of the method is verified by the measured electrical data.
The attempt of swallowing discrimination by heart rate variability using machine learning
Authors: Egashira Yosuke , Bando Shizuka , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: December 2017

The number of patients with lifestyle‐related diseases has increased because of irregular dietary life, which is attributed in part to social issues. For maintaining a regular dietary life, managing the dietary history and information is needed. The current method of maintaining rhythm in regular dietary life is cumbersome and has not generally diffused. This paper focuses on swallowing, and experiments evaluate the detection method of swallowing by longitudinal data in heart rate variability with a device capable of measuring biological information. As a result, the detection model for the convolutional neural network has an average accuracy of 83.2%.
Loss analysis based on constant gate current for MOSFET selection of CCM boost converter
Authors: Sasaki Masato , Umegami Hirokatsu , Yamamoto Masayoshi
Published: December 2017

Predicting the power losses in a semiconductor is an essential design process to determine the converter's size. In the continuous conduction mode (CCM) boost converter, the power loss of MOSFETs can be divided into the loss not depending on the gate current (the conduction loss) and losses depending on the gate current (the switching losses) leading to IDS transition period and VDS transition period. Therefore, analysis of both conduction and switching losses based on constant gate current can realize the MOSFET selection to improve the efficiency of the CCM boost converter.
Vakuumtechnologie für effizienten Stromtransport
Authors: Barfuss Heinz
Published: December 2017

Die Bedeutung vakuumtechnischer Verfahren bei der Energieübertragung vom Kraftwerk zum Verbraucher wird aufgezeigt. Die bei der Herstellung von Transformatoren, Hochspannungsschaltern und Isolatoren eingesetzten Verfahren und Pumpentypen und die an sie gerichteten Anforderungen werden aufgeführt. Auf Besonderheiten, die sich in diesem Zusammenhang beim Einsatz von Trockenläufern statt ölgeschmierter Drehschieberpumpen ergeben, wird hingewiesen. Die Dichtheitsprüfungen der Apparaturen wird besprochen.
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Galvin Jim
Published: December 2017

We begin this month with an account of some very wintry weather in mid‐January 2016 in Hong Kong. As Chun‐kit Ho and his co‐authors describe in ‘A rare frozen precipitation event in Hong Kong’ on p. 359, a fall of freezing rain and deposition of frost were quite a shock in a climate dominated by tropical weather, causing considerable consternation and requiring a well‐organised response from a variety of agencies, as well as the public, in general.

Old newspapers may be a useful source of historical data, as described on p. 366 in ‘Obtaining meteorological data from historical newspapers: La Integridad’ by Juan Añel and his co‐authors. Before meteorological networks were established, there was a growing interest in weather observations (as well as some attempts at forecasting). The newspaper La Integridad reproduced observations made at a school in Pontevedra, northwestern Spain. Following correction of errors, these daily observations have extended our knowledge of the weather of this region, as well as providing information about the climate and the way it has changed since the late nineteenth century.

On p. 372, we move on to a fascinating well‐illustrated description of unusual optical phenomena made in northern California by Mila Zinkova. ‘Sunset mirages involving ducts’ revisits a popular topic for many Weather readers.

Windstorms are another topic often reported on our pages and these affect many parts of northwestern Europe, as much as anywhere else. In ‘Analysis of physical factors of the windstorm Xaver in Poland: post‐hazard review’ on p. 378, Ramos Ribeiro, Rodrigo Rudge and Dorota Rucińska track just such a storm that caused damage in many countries – not least Poland – in early December 2013.

Relatively little has been published about the regional climates of Iran. On p. 382, Lily Mirafzal focuses on the effects that cause inter‐annual changes in the southeast of the country with a view to the production of long‐term weather prediction in ‘Zahedan climate and January–March composite analysis forecasts’.

We hope that you have enjoyed the variety of material published in Weather during 2017. With a good broad selection of papers available to us – for which we thank all our authors – 2018 will be another year of great interest and variety.
The museum libraries on Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art (2005–2015): New spaces for new services
Authors: Cánovas del Castillo Soledad , Docampo Javier
Published: December 2017

The Prado-Recoletos axis is the main historical boulevard in Madrid, which contains the most important concentration of art museums in all of Spain: the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. In the last years, they have undergone extensive renovation. The different renovation projects can be used to examine how museum libraries today juggle the needs of their users while addressing the challenge of providing the services of a modern research library. The new State Museum Libraries Network (BIMUS) has been an important factor in this development.
Naïn ou Naïm (Lc 7.11) : une différence révélatrice
Authors: de Lovinfosse Marie
Published: December 2017

This study investigates spelling variants of the name of the city where Jesus raises the only son of a widow, in Lk 7.11: Nain or Naim. The study develops along three lines: textual critic, Hebraic etymology, ancient geography. The investigation eventually raises the question of the theological significance of the miracle of Nain.
Vaporwave, or music optimised for abandoned malls
Authors: Glitsos Laura
Published: December 2017

In this article I focus on the genre of ‘vaporwave’, using the artist 18 Carat Affair as a case study, to explore the way the genre works as a project that produces, and takes pleasure in, a kind of ‘memory play’. As a genre, vaporwave is a style of music collaged together from a wide variety of largely background musics such as muzak®, 1980s elevator music and new age ambience. Vaporwave's ‘memory play’ is a project that takes remembering as its audio-visual aesthetic. The pleasure of vaporwave is therefore understood as a pleasure of remembering for the sake of the act of remembering itself. To explore this theme, I examine vaporwave's memory play using the terms of Chris Healy's ‘compensatory nostalgia’, as well as the idea of ‘ersatz nostalgia’ as discussed by Arjun Appadurai and Svetlana Boym.
Slowing the Proliferation of Major Conventional Weapons: The Virtues of an Uncompetitive Market
Authors: Caverley Jonathan D.
Published: December 2017

Proliferation of major conventional weapons (MCW) in larger numbers, at greater levels of sophistication, and to more actors is at best a waste of valuable resources and at worst fuel for more and bloodier conflicts. Given a track record of violence, repression, and corruption, norms against exporting weapons to active conflicts and human rights abusers, as well as norms in favor of transparency in weapons transfers, have grown more salient in recent years. Yet international efforts such as the UN Conventional Arms Trade Treaty show little promise for mitigating these ills. This article finds an alternate route toward moderating global arms transfers. It shows, with supporting data, how the United States, pursuing its own political interests, leverages its massive market power to slow the proliferation of dangerous technology, reduce resources spent in the developing world on weapons, stymie the deadweight losses of corruption in the arms industry, and lower the rewards for human rights abusers.
On the Relationship Between the Ethics and the Law of War: Cyber Operations and Sublethal Harm
Authors: Barrett Edward
Published: December 2017

Why do we need dialogue between ethical and legal perspectives on norms governing the initiation and conduct of interstate conflict? This essay will examine this question by first critiquing the 2013 Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare, which sought to apply existing legal frameworks that govern international violence to a new form of conflict. While the manual is for the most part ethically commendable, the first half of the essay will highlight several of its ethical shortcomings and will then extract general reasons why international law nevertheless must be informed by ethical analysis. The second part of the essay will affirm the importance of law for ethical analyses of justified responses to the burgeoning phenomenon of sublethal harms. While states have always used sublethal harms to weaken adversaries, technological developments have magnified the regularity and effectiveness of these practices, particularly against free societies. Responses to such attacks may include—in addition to defensive countermeasures—punishments that deter and reform, and may target “indirect participants” such as financial supporters. However, determining which responses are ethically justified will require insights gleaned from criminal and tort law.
STELA D: A SUNDIAL AT COPAN, HONDURAS
Authors: Pineda de Carías María C. , Rivera Nohemy L. , Argueta Cristina M.
Published: December 2017

The Maya of Copan, Honduras used Stela D, its altar, and the surrounding structures as a sundial to record time. Archaeological investigations show that wooden posts and stelae could have been used to measure time and to perform associated rites in the northern sector of the Main Plaza of the Copan Archaeological Park. We constructed a digital model of Stela D to study the shadows cast at different times of day and on different dates of the year, such as solstices, equinoxes, and solar zenith passages. The size and orientation of the shadows may have served as a time marker that ancient residents of Copan used to accurately track the tropical year. We also found evidence that supports the iconographic interpretation of an analogy between serpents’ bodies that adorn the figure of the ruler on Stela D and shadows and sun positions on dates of major solar events that form a solar calendar that counts years from winter solstice day.
AN OVERVIEW OF “MESOAMERICAN CULTURAL ASTRONOMY AND THE CALENDAR”
Authors: Aveni Anthony F.
Published: December 2017

This essay concludes the Special Section “Mesoamerican Cultural Astronomy and the Calendar.” In it, the themes Special Section authors address are put into both an anthropological and an astronomical context.
Editorial note
Authors: MITKOV RUSLAN
Published: December 2017

The Journal of Natural Language Engineering (JNLE) has enjoyed another very successful year. The impact factor of the journal has increased for the third consecutive year, with the journal being listed among both Linguistics and Computer Science categories. Against the background of a record number of submissions, JNLE has, since 2016, been offering six 160-page issues per year, which by far exceeds the four 96-page issues offered less than 10 years ago!
The asymmetries of disentanglement
Authors: Antczak Konrad A.
Published: December 2017

In this dialogue, Hodder and Lucas skilfully manoeuvre the winding trails of archaeological theory during the last decades and critically juxtapose the discussion of symmetry and asymmetry of relations between entities with that of entanglement. Their provocative dialogue compellingly leads to the conclusion that most entanglements are in fact asymmetrical. Whereas I mostly concur with the conclusions of the dialogue, addressing the authors’ closing statements I would like to highlight the need to equally (in some ways, symmetrically) consider disentanglement as the process opposite to entanglement, along with the consequences of such disentanglement. If we are to understand better the contexts and politics of entanglements – concerns that this dialogue brings to the fore – I furthermore suggest that we more closely scrutinize the density (quantity) and joining (quality) of entanglements, as well as pay closer attention to memory, emotion and affect in entanglements.
Assessment of disturbed glucose metabolism and surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Roth Christian L , Elfers Clinton , Hampe Christiane S
Published: December 2017

Background

With the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in obese children, it is becoming imperative to detect disturbed glucose metabolism as early as possible in order to prevent T2D development.

Subjects/Methods

Cross-sectional study of 92 obese children (median age 11.7 years, 51% female) and 7 lean children (median age 11.4 years, 57% female) who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a tertiary pediatric care center. Glucose tolerance was assessed and different indices for β-cell function, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were calculated.

Results

Nineteen obese children were identified with prediabetes (PD, 12 impaired glucose tolerance, 4 increased fasting glucose and 3 combined). Compared with the 73 obese children with normal glucose tolerance (nGT), subjects with PD had higher insulin resistance, but lower insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, although their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were comparable. The Whole Body Insulin Sensitivity Index (WBISI) and β-cell function by Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 (ISSI-2) strongly correlated with the OGTT glucose area under the curve 0–120 min (r = 0.392, p < 0.0002; r = 0.547, p < 0.0001, respectively). When testing the relation between early insulin response during OGTT by insulinogenic index and insulin sensitivity assessed by WBISI, a hyperbolic relationship between insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity was found. The calculated disposition index was lower in subjects with PD vs. nGT (median 459 vs. 792, p = 0.004). We identified the OGTT 30-min/120-min insulin ratio as a simple marker, which is significantly lower in obese children with vs. without PD (median 0.87 vs. 1.29, p = 0.021) and which has a better sensitivity and specificity for detecting PD than HbA1c among obese children.

Conclusions

Children with identified PD had changes of several markers for β-cell function, insulin sensitivity and resistance before changes in HbA1c occurred. The lower disposition index indicates that these children have already inadequate β-cell compensation for the degree of insulin resistance.
Quantitative neurobiological evidence for accelerated brain aging in alcohol dependence
Authors: Guggenmos Matthias , Schmack Katharina , Sekutowicz Maria , Garbusow Maria , Sebold Miriam , Sommer Christian , Smolka Michael N. , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Heinz Andreas , Sterzer Philipp
Published: December 2017

The premature aging hypothesis of alcohol dependence proposes that the neurobiological and behavioural deficits in individuals with alcohol dependence are analogous to those of chronological aging. However, to date no systematic neurobiological evidence for this hypothesis has been provided. To test the hypothesis, 119 alcohol-dependent subjects and 97 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects underwent structural MRI. Whole-brain grey matter volume maps were computed from structural MRI scans using voxel-based morphometry and parcelled into a comprehensive set of anatomical brain regions. Regional grey matter volume averages served as the basis for cross-regional similarity analyses and a brain age model. We found a striking correspondence between regional patterns of alcohol- and age-related grey matter loss across 110 brain regions. The brain age model revealed that the brain age of age-matched AD subjects was increased by up to 11.7 years. Interestingly, while no brain aging was detected in the youngest AD subjects (20–30 years), we found that alcohol-related brain aging systematically increased in the following age decades controlling for lifetime alcohol consumption and general health status. Together, these results provide strong evidence for an accelerated aging model of AD and indicate an elevated risk of alcohol-related brain aging in elderly individuals.
Effects of acute systemic inflammation on the interplay between sad mood and affective cognition
Authors: Benson Sven , Brinkhoff Alexandra , Lueg Larissa , Roderigo Till , Kribben Andreas , Wilde Benjamin , Witzke Oliver , Engler Harald , Schedlowski Manfred , Elsenbruch Sigrid
Published: December 2017

Experimental endotoxemia is a translational model to study inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders including depression. Disturbed affective cognition constitutes a core aspect in depression, but has never been studied in the context of inflammation. We combined experimental endotoxemia with an established experimental mood induction procedure to assess the interaction between acute inflammation and sad mood and their effects on affective cognition. In this randomized cross-over study, N = 15 healthy males received endotoxin (0.8 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide iv) on one study day and placebo an otherwise identical study day. The affective Go/Nogo task was conducted after experimental induction of neutral and sad mood. Inflammatory markers were assessed hourly. Endotoxin application induced a transient systemic inflammation, characterized by increased leukocyte counts, TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 plasma concentrations (all p < 0.01, interaction effects). Mood induction led to greater sadness ratings, with highest ratings when sad mood was induced during inflammation (p < 0.05, interaction effect). Based on a 2 (endotoxin vs. placebo) × 2 (sad vs. neutral mood) × 2 (sad vs. happy Go/Nogo target words) factorial design, we observed a significant target × endotoxin condition interaction (p < 0.01) reflecting slower responses to sad targets during endotoxemia. Additionally, we found a valence × mood interaction (p < 0.05), reflecting slower reaction times to sad targets in sad mood. In summary, acute inflammation and sad mood are risk factors for disturbed affective cognition. The results may reflect a mood-congruency effect, with prolonged and sustained processing of mood-congruent information during acute inflammation, which may contribute to depression risk.
A multi-dimensional characterization of anxiety in monozygotic twin pairs reveals susceptibility loci in humans
Authors: Alisch Reid S. , Van Hulle Carol , Chopra Pankaj , Bhattacharyya Anita , Zhang Su-Chun , Davidson Richard J. , Kalin Ned H. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: December 2017

The etiology of individual differences in human anxiousness is complex and includes contributions from genetic, epigenetic (i.e., DNA methylation) and environmental factors. Past genomic approaches have been limited in their ability to detect human anxiety-related differences in these factors. To overcome these limitations, we employed both a multi-dimensional characterization method, to select monozygotic twin pairs discordant for anxiety, and whole genome DNA methylation sequencing. This approach revealed 230 anxiety-related differentially methylated loci that were annotated to 183 genes, including several known stress-related genes such as NAV1, IGF2, GNAS, and CRTC1. As an initial validation of these findings, we tested the significance of an overlap of these data with anxiety-related differentially methylated loci that we previously reported from a key neural circuit of anxiety (i.e., the central nucleus of the amygdala) in young monkeys and found a significant overlap (P-value < 0.05) of anxiety-related differentially methylated genes, including GNAS, SYN3, and JAG2. Finally, sequence motif predictions of all the human differentially methylated regions indicated an enrichment of five transcription factor binding motifs, suggesting that DNA methylation may regulate gene expression by mediating transcription factor binding of these transcripts. Together, these data demonstrate environmentally sensitive factors that may underlie the development of human anxiety.
Nuclear lamin A/C harnesses the perinuclear apical actin cables to protect nuclear morphology
Authors: Kim Jeong-Ki , Louhghalam Arghavan , Lee Geonhui , Schafer Benjamin W. , Wirtz Denis , Kim Dong-Hwee
Published: December 2017

The distinct spatial architecture of the apical actin cables (or actin cap) facilitates rapid biophysical signaling between extracellular mechanical stimuli and intracellular responses, including nuclear shaping, cytoskeletal remodeling, and the mechanotransduction of external forces into biochemical signals. These functions are abrogated in lamin A/C-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts that recapitulate the defective nuclear organization of laminopathies, featuring disruption of the actin cap. However, how nuclear lamin A/C mediates the ability of the actin cap to regulate nuclear morphology remains unclear. Here, we show that lamin A/C expressing cells can form an actin cap to resist nuclear deformation in response to physiological mechanical stresses. This study reveals how the nuclear lamin A/C-mediated formation of the perinuclear apical actin cables protects the nuclear structural integrity from extracellular physical disturbances. Our findings highlight the role of the physical interactions between the cytoskeletal network and the nucleus in cellular mechanical homeostasis.
Probing defect dynamics in monolayer MoS2 via noise nanospectroscopy
Authors: Song Seung Hyun , Joo Min-Kyu , Neumann Michael , Kim Hyun , Lee Young Hee
Published: December 2017

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has received intense interest as a strong candidate for next-generation electronics. However, the observed electrical properties of monolayer MoS2 exhibit several anomalies: samples universally exhibit unexpectedly low mobilities, n-type characteristics, and large contact resistances regardless of contact metal work function. These anomalies have been attributed to the presence of defects, but the mechanism behind this link has been elusive. Here we report the ionization dynamics of sulfur monovacancy defects in monolayer MoS2 probed via noise nanospectroscopy, realized by combining noise–current analysis with atomic force microscopy. Due to the nanoscale dimension of the in situ channel defined by the tip size, we probe a few monovacancy defects at a time. Monovacancy defects exhibit switching between three distinct ionization configurations, corresponding to charge states 0, −1, and −2. The most probable charge configurations are 0 and −1, providing a plausible mechanism to explain the observed anomalies of MoS2 monolayers.