bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RBC Adherence of Immune Complexes Containing Botulinum Toxin Improves Neutralization and Macrophage Uptake
Authors: Al-Saleem Fetweh , Sharma Rashmi , Puligedda Rama , Elias Md. , Kattala Chandana , Simon Paul , Simpson Lance , Dessain Scott
Published: May 2017

In the paralytic disease botulism, the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) passes through the bloodstream to reach and inactivate neuromuscular junctions. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be useful BoNT countermeasures, as mAb combinations can rapidly clear BoNT from the blood circulation. We have previously shown that the BoNT-neutralizing potency of mAbs can be improved through red blood cell (RBC) immunoadherence. For example, a fusion protein (FP) that adheres biotinylated mAbs to the RBC surface enabled a pair of mAbs to neutralize 5000 LD50 BoNT/A in the mouse protection assay. Here, we added two mAbs to that combination, creating a 4-mAb:FP complex that neutralized 40,000 LD50 BoNT/A in vivo, and analyzed functional correlates of neutralization. The FP enhanced potency of BoNT/A immune complexes, providing the greatest magnitude of benefit to the 4-mAb combination. RBC binding of a BoNT/A complexed with 4-mAb:FP exhibited a bi-phasic clearance process in vivo. Most of the complexes were cleared within five minutes; the rest were cleared gradually over many hours. Peritoneal macrophages showed better uptake of the 4-mAb complex than the 3-mAb complex, and this was not affected by the presence of the FP. However, the addition of RBCs to the 4-mAb:FP BoNT/A doubled macrophage uptake of the complexes. Lastly, the 4-mAb:FP BoNT/A complex synergistically induced M2 macrophage polarization, as indicated by IL-10 expression, whether or not RBCs were present. RBC-targeted immunoadherence through the FP is a potent enhancer of mAb-mediated BoNT/A neutralization in vivo, and can have positive effects on BoNT/A sequestration, immune complex uptake, and macrophage activation.
Screening of a Combinatorial Library of Organic Polymers for the Solid-Phase Extraction of Patulin from Apple Juice
Authors: Giovannoli Cristina , Spano Giulia , Di Nardo Fabio , Anfossi Laura , Baggiani Claudio
Published: May 2017

Patulin is a water-soluble mycotoxin produced by several species of fungi. Governmental bodies have placed it under scrutiny for its potential negative health effects, and maximum residue limits are fixed in specific food matrices to protect consumers’ health. Confirmatory analysis of patulin in complex food matrices can be a difficult task, and sample clean-up treatments are frequently necessary before instrumental analyses. With the aim of simplifying the clean-up step, we prepared a 256-member combinatorial polymeric library based on 16 functional monomers, four cross-linkers and four different porogenic solvents. The library was screened for the binding towards patulin in different media (acetonitrile and citrate buffer at pH 3.2), with the goal of identifying polymer formulations with good binding properties towards the target compound. As a proof of concept, a methacrylic acid-co-pentaerithrytole tetraacrylate polymer prepared in chloroform was successfully used as a solid-phase extraction material for the clean-up and extraction of patulin from apple juice. Clean chromatographic patterns and acceptable recoveries were obtained for juice spiked with patulin at concentration levels of 25 (64 ± 12%), 50 (83 ± 5.6%) and 100 μg L−1 (76 ± 4.5%). The within-day and between-day reproducibility evaluated at a concentration level of 25 μg L−1 were 5.6 and 7.6%, respectively.
Potential Use of Chemoprotectants against the Toxic Effects of Cyanotoxins: A Review
Authors: Guzmán-Guillén Remedios , Puerto María , Gutiérrez-Praena Daniel , Prieto Ana , Pichardo Silvia , Jos Ángeles , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vitor , Cameán Ana
Published: May 2017

Cyanobacterial toxins, particularly microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), are responsible for toxic effects in humans and wildlife. In order to counteract or prevent their toxicity, various strategies have been followed, such as the potential application of chemoprotectants. A review of the main substances evaluated for this aim, as well as the doses and their influence on cyanotoxin-induced toxicity, has been performed. A search of the literature shows that research on MCs is much more abundant than research on CYN. Among chemoprotectants, antioxidant compounds are the most extensively studied, probably because it is well known that oxidative stress is one of the toxic mechanisms common to both toxins. In this group, vitamin E seems to have the strongest protectant effect for both cyanotoxins. Transport inhibitors have also been studied in the case of MCs, as CYN cellular uptake is not yet fully elucidated. Further research is needed because systematic studies are lacking. Moreover, more realistic exposure scenarios, including cyanotoxin mixtures and the concomitant use of chemoprotectants, should be considered.
“HIV Changed My Life Forever”: An Illustrative Case of a Sub-Saharan African Migrant Woman Living with HIV in Belgium
Authors: Arrey Agnes , Bilsen Johan , Lacor Patrick , Deschepper Reginald
Published: May 2017

Living with HIV and AIDS changes everything for people diagnosed with HIV and it can be the most difficult experience in life. Like most people who have chronic diseases, these individuals have to deal with living a normal and quality life. Globally, more women (51%) than men are HIV positive. The main aim of this paper was to describe a sub-Saharan African migrant woman’s lived experience, and also to use the individual’s story to raise questions about the larger context after a HIV diagnosis. A qualitative study consisting of a personal story of a HIV-infected sub-Saharan African living in Belgium was conducted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The main themes that emerged from the data included relational risks, personal transformation and the search for normality, anxiety, depression, fear of stigma, societal gender norms, and support. The participant reported that marriage was no guarantee of staying HIV-free, especially in a male-dominant culture. This case further illustrates that married and unmarried African women are often at high risk of HIV and also informs us how HIV could spread, not only because of cultural practices but also because of individual behaviour and responses to everyday life situations. The participant also emphasized that she is faced with physical and mental health problems that are typical of people living with HIV. The vulnerability of sub-Saharan African women to HIV infection and their precarious health-related environments wherever they happen to be is further elucidated by this case.
A Role for the Host DNA Damage Response in Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Formation—and Beyond?
Authors: Schreiner Sabrina , Nassal Michael
Published: May 2017

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection puts more than 250 million people at a greatly increased risk to develop end-stage liver disease. Like all hepadnaviruses, HBV replicates via protein-primed reverse transcription of a pregenomic (pg) RNA, yielding an unusually structured, viral polymerase-linked relaxed-circular (RC) DNA as genome in infectious particles. Upon infection, RC-DNA is converted into nuclear covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA. Associating with cellular proteins into an episomal minichromosome, cccDNA acts as template for new viral RNAs, ensuring formation of progeny virions. Hence, cccDNA represents the viral persistence reservoir that is not directly targeted by current anti-HBV therapeutics. Eliminating cccDNA will thus be at the heart of a cure for chronic hepatitis B. The low production of HBV cccDNA in most experimental models and the associated problems in reliable cccDNA quantitation have long hampered a deeper understanding of cccDNA molecular biology. Recent advancements including cccDNA-dependent cell culture systems have begun to identify select host DNA repair enzymes that HBV usurps for RC-DNA to cccDNA conversion. While this list is bound to grow, it may represent just one facet of a broader interaction with the cellular DNA damage response (DDR), a network of pathways that sense and repair aberrant DNA structures and in the process profoundly affect the cell cycle, up to inducing cell death if repair fails. Given the divergent interactions between other viruses and the DDR it will be intriguing to see how HBV copes with this multipronged host system.
The Epidemiology of Q Fever in England and Wales 2000–2015
Authors: Halsby Kate , Kirkbride Hilary , Walsh Amanda , Okereke Ebere , Brooks Timothy , Donati Matthew , Morgan Dilys
Published: May 2017

Between 2000 and 2015, 904 cases of acute Q fever were reported in England and Wales. The case dataset had a male to female ratio of 2.5:1, and a median age of 45 years. Two outbreaks were recognised during this time period, and the incidence of sporadic cases was highest across the southwest of England, and Wales. There are limitations in the surveillance system for Q fever, including possible geographical differences in reporting and limited epidemiological data collection. The surveillance system needs to be strengthened in order to improve the quality and completeness of the epidemiological dataset. The authors conclude with recommendations on how to achieve this.
Soil Moisture Stochastic Model in Pinus tabuliformis Forestland on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Chang Yi-Fang , Bi Hua-Xing , Ren Qing-Fu , Xu Hua-Sen , Cai Zhi-Cai , Wang Dan , Liao Wen-Chao
Published: May 2017

As an important restrictive factor of ecological construction on the Loess Plateau, the study of soil moisture dynamics is essential, especially under the impact of climate change on hydrological processes. In this study, the applicability of the Laio soil moisture stochastic model on a typical plantation Pinus tabuliformis forestland on the Loess Plateau was studied. On the basis of data concerning soil properties, climate, and plants of the typical forestland during the period 2005–2015 in the Chinese National Ecosystem Research Network (Ji County Station) in Ji County, Shanxi, model results were acquired and compared with observed soil moisture from 2005 to 2015 in the study area. The genetic algorithm method was used to optimize model parameters in the calibration process. In the calibration and validation periods, the relative error between numerical characteristics of simulated and observed soil moisture values was mostly within 10%, and model evaluation index J was close to 1, indicating that the Laio model had good applicability in the study area. When calibrating the model, it was recommended to use soil moisture data with a sampling interval of no more than 10 days so as to reduce the loss of soil moisture fluctuation information. In the study area, the Laio model was strongly sensitive to variations of input parameters, including maximum evapotranspiration rate Emax, average rainfall depth α, and average rainfall frequency λ, which should be paid more attention for stable and reliable simulation results. This study offers a method to obtain soil moisture data at ungauged sites. Results from this study provide guidance for Laio model application on the Loess Plateau.
Exploring Streamwater Mixing Dynamics via Handheld Thermal Infrared Imagery
Authors: Antonelli Marta , Klaus Julian , Smettem Keith , Teuling Adriaan , Pfister Laurent
Published: May 2017

Stream confluences are important hotspots of aquatic ecological processes. Water mixing dynamics at stream confluences influence physio-chemical characteristics of the stream as well as sediment mobilisation and pollutant dispersal. In this study, we investigated the potential for handheld thermal infrared (TIR) imagery to provide rapid information on stream water mixing dynamics at small scales. In-situ visualisation of water mixing patterns can help reduce analytical errors related to stream water sampling locations and improve our understanding of how confluences and tributaries influence aquatic ecological communities. We compared TIR-inferred stream temperature distributions with water electrical conductivity and temperature (measured with a submerged probe) data from cross-channel transects. We show that the use of a portable TIR camera can enhance the visualisation of mixing dynamics taking place at stream confluences, identify the location of the mixing front between two different water sources and the degree of mixing. Interpretation of handheld TIR observations also provided information on how stream morphology and discharge can influence mixing dynamics in small streams. Overall, this study shows that TIR imagery is a valuable support technique for eco-hydrological investigation at small stream confluences.
Chlamydia and HIV testing, contraception advice, and free condoms offered in general practice: a qualitative interview study of young adults’ perceptions of this initiative
Authors: Jones Leah Ffion , Ricketts Ellie , Town Katy , Rugman Claire , Lecky Donna , Folkard Kate , Nardone Anthony , Hartney Thomas Nathan , McNulty Cliodna
Published: May 2017

Background

Opportunistic chlamydia screening is actively encouraged in English general practices. Based on recent policy changes, Public Health England piloted 3Cs and HIV in 2013–2014, integrating the offer of chlamydia testing with providing condoms, contraceptive information, and HIV testing (referred to as 3Cs and HIV) according to national guidelines.

Aim

To determine young adults’ opinions of receiving a broader sexual health offer of 3Cs and HIV at their GP practice.

Design and setting

Qualitative interviews were conducted in a general practice setting in England between March and June 2013.

Method

Thirty interviews were conducted with nine male and 21 female patients aged 16–24 years, immediately before or after a routine practice attendance. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework.

Results

Participants indicated that the method of testing, timing, and the way the staff member approached the topic were important aspects to patients being offered 3Cs and HIV. Participants displayed a clear preference for 3Cs and HIV to be offered at the GP practice over other sexual health service providers. Participants highlighted convenience of the practice, assurance of confidentiality, and that the sexual health discussion was appropriate and routine. Barriers identified for patients were embarrassment, unease, lack of time, religion, and patients believing that certain patients could take offence. Suggested facilitators include raising awareness, reassuring confidentiality, and ensuring the offer is made in a professional and non-judgemental way at the end of the consultation.

Conclusion

General practice staff should facilitate patients’ preferences by ensuring that 3Cs and HIV testing services are made available at their surgery and offered to appropriate patients in a non-judgemental way.
Les nécropoles d’hypogées de La Grifaine et Les Ronds Buissons à Chouilly (Marne) The hypogeum cemeteries of La Grifaine and Les Ronds Buissons in Chouilly (Marne)
Authors: Martineau Rémy , Charpy Jean-Jacques , Langry-François Fabien , Polloni Angélique , Huard Patrick , Spiès Florie , Thiol Sandrine
Published: May 2017

La synthèse des publications, des archives et le récolement des collections du Musée d’Épernay permettent de présenter un état des connaissances sur les nécropoles d’hypogées des Ronds Buissons et de La Grifaine (anciennement appelée Saran/ Les Tombeaux), à Chouilly (Marne). La nécropole des Ronds Buissons est très mal documentée, tandis que la reprise de la documentation permet de présenter les architectures et le mobilier des huit hypogées découverts à La Grifaine entre 1806 et 1922. En 2015, un diagnostic mené par l’INRAP a permis de renouveler les connaissances sur le site grâce à la redécouverte des hypogées ouverts en 1922 et à la découverte de trois nouveaux hypogées. Le mobilier, attribué au Néolithique récent, a pu être pour partie localisé par hypogée, salle par salle, permettant de reconstituer ainsi des ensembles. Un premier plan d’ensemble du site est proposé. La nécropole de La Grifaine compte 11 hypogées, ce qui la place au rang des plus grandes et des plus importantes nécropoles d’hypogées du département de la Marne. À La Grifaine, quatre hypogées présentent deux chambres et une antichambre selon un plan comparable à celui des Mournouards 3 du Mesnil-sur-Oger et du Mont-Aimé I et II à Coligny (Val-des-Marais). Ce type d’architecture à deux chambres et une antichambre semble se répartir uniquement le long de la Côte des Blancs. Ce type est absent à l’ouest, autour des marais de Saint-Gond, où on connaît pourtant plus de 120 hypogées ne comportant qu’une seule chambre. Les mobiliers de ces deux types d’architecture funéraire apparaissent typo-technologiquement contemporains. Ces différents types d’architecture funéraire pourraient correspondre à des faciès culturels, ou bien à des fonctionnements sociaux différents.
Environmental context of the Kura-Araxes culture
Authors: Connor Simon E. , Kvavadze Eliso
Published: May 2017

La culture Kura-Araxe s’est épanouie dans le sud du Caucase et les régions voisines au cours des 4e et 3e millénaires. De façon plus marquée que dans les périodes précédentes, cette époque a connu une concentration de populations sur les hautes terres de la région, qui couvrent un vaste territoire. Les données paléoécologiques suggèrent que les forêts à feuilles caduques ont atteint leur extension maximale à cette époque, par suite de changements de températures et dans les précipitations. Dans cet article, les conditions environnementales qui ont prévalu pendant la culture Kura-Araxe sont reconstituées à partir des données paléoécologiques de la région, en replaçant les différents modes de peuplement dans leur contexte et en donnant un aperçu des interactions homme-environnement pendant cette période de mutation environnementale et sociétale.
Rethinking the Kura-Araxes Genesis
Authors: Sagona Antonio
Published: May 2017

L’horizon Kura-Araxe est probablement le complexe archéologique du Proche-Orient préhistorique qui a connu la plus grande extension dans le temps et dans l’espace ; il s’étire du Sud Caucase à l’Anatolie orientale et au nord-ouest de l’Iran, puis aux régions situées au-delà. Cette culture possède aussi une forte originalité avec un «bagage » culturel qui la distingue des traditions contemporaines. Dans cet article sont étudiées les origines de cette «surprenante » tradition, que l’on situe généralement autour de 3500/ 3400 av. J.-C., avec un examen critique des données. À partir de séquences bien établies et des fouilles récentes, dont celles de Chobareti dans le sud-ouest de la Géorgie, il est démontré que le 4e millénaire dans le sud du Caucase fut une période d’interaction culturelle. Cette vision suppose plus d’interconnexions que le schéma traditionnel et implique l’existence de relations entre des éléments culturels locaux et intrusifs.
The Kura-Araxes Culture in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia: An overview
Authors: Rova Elena
Published: May 2017

Située au centre de l’actuelle Géorgie, dans ce qui est traditionnellement considéré comme le coeur de la culture Kura-Araxe, la région de Shida Kartli abrite un nombre relativement élevé de sites Kura-Araxe fouillés, mais aussi plusieurs sites antérieurs, du Chalcolithique récent, et postérieurs (époque des ‘ Early Kurgans’). Cette région offre donc une bonne opportunité pour analyser l’une des variantes régionales de la culture Kura-Araxe dans son développement diachronique. Dans cet article, la stratigraphie des principaux sites Kura-Araxe de la région est décrite ; y sont examinées les données disponibles sur l’architecture, la répartition des sites, les coutumes funéraires, la poterie et d’autres catégories de mobilier. Une chronologie relative de la région est dressée sur la base de données stratigraphiques, chrono-typologiques et de datations radiocarbone récentes. Les origines et la fi n de la culture Kura-Araxe dans la région de Shida Kartli et l’évolution des modes de subsistance et d’organisation sociale de la population locale sont présentées dans le cadre élargi des développements contemporains dans les régions voisines.
New data on the periodization and chronology of the Kura-Araxes culture in Armenia
Authors: Badalyan Ruben S.
Published: May 2017

This article discusses the following issues : The Kura-Araxes sequence was of discrete character ; its periodization can be dated in-between 3600/ 3500-2900 (KA I) and 2900-2600/ 2500 (KA II) BC. The discreteness of the Kura-Araxes phenomenon is refl ected in the largely single-layered character of both early (KA I) and late (KA II) settlements : a destructive layer demonstrates the discontinuity of certain multi-layered (KA I-II) settlements. The KA I phase represented throughout Armenia is marked by ‘ Elar-Aragats’ type ceramics, which belong to a rather homogeneous complex, widespread almost all over the Armenian Highland. The homogeneity of the complex disintegrates around 2900 BC, and the relative unity is followed by a mosaic of local ceramic styles. The KA II phase contains a series of ceramic complexes similar in basic characteristics but stylistically rather specific. Today, at least three synchronous complexes can be identified on the territory of Armenia, whose areas correspond to physical-geographical regions of the country : the ‘Shresh-Mokhrablur’ complex in the central part of Ararat valley, ‘Karnut-Shengavit’ to the north and east (Aragatsotn, Shirak, Kotayk, Lori-Pambak regions), and ‘Ayrum-Teghut’ in the basins of Aghstev and Debed rivers.
Early Bronze developments on the West Caspian Coastal Plain
Authors: Kohl Philip L. , Magomedov Rabadan G.
Published: May 2017

Cet article passe en revue les recherches menées sur le Complexe du Bronze ancien de Velikent et sur les sites liés à la culture de Velikent, établis sur la plaine côtière de la rive ouest de la mer Caspienne, au Daghestan (Russie) et, plus au sud, dans le nord-est de l’Azerbaïdjan. Des prospections ont montré que cette plaine littorale fut occupée de façon dense pour la première fois au milieu du 4e millénaire, par une population qui utilisait déjà le tour de potier pour façonner des céramiques cuites à haute température et qui était capable de fondre, couler, et vraisemblablement de créer des alliages de bronze pour des outils, des armes et des parures. Les analyses techniques du mobilier de Velikent et des sites apparentés sont présentées brièvement, tout comme les descriptions et illustrations du mobilier des tombes collectives et des établissements de Velikent. L’article définit une ‘ Culture de Velikent’ spécifi que, qui est reliée à la Communauté culturelle et historique Kura-Araxe, mais qui en diffère suffi samment pour justifier sa propre appellation en tant que culture archéologique.
On the Genesis of the Kura-Araxes phenomenon: New evidence from Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Marro Catherine , Bakhshaliyev Veli , Berthon Rémi
Published: May 2017

The formative processes of the Kura-Araxes cultural complex, in particular the date and circumstances of its rise, have been debated for decades. This article takes advantage of the recent data retrieved from Ovçular Tepesi, a Late Chalcolithic settlement located in Nakhchivan by the Arpaçay river, to demonstrate that the earliest manifestation of the Kura-Araxes phenomenon should be dated back at least to the last quarter of the 5th millennium BC. More importantly, since the early Kura-Araxes pottery from Ovçular Tepesi was found within the Late Chalcolithic habitat together with buff-coloured Chaff-Faced Ware, we make use of technological and functional evidence to argue that the coexistence of Kura-Araxes and Chaff-Faced vessels corresponds to a multicultural settlement pattern, which involves two human communities that interact at the regional level. We then compare this pattern with later examples of multiculturalism involving Kura-Araxes societies in the Kura and Euphrates basins, but also in Palestine.
The Early Trans-Caucasian Culture in Iran: Perspectives and problems
Authors: Summers Geoffrey D.
Published: May 2017

Most recent synthetic studies of the Early Trans-Caucasian (ETC) Culture have omitted inclusion of evidence from Iran, concentrating instead on the Trans-Caucasus and Eastern Turkey. Recent publication of Godin Tepe level IV and ETC stratigraphy and architecture at Yanik Tepe permit a wider assessment. Brief reports of new work undertaken by Iranian archaeologists have extended the range of ETC settlements to the edge of the Caspian Basin. Despite chronological imprecision arising from absence of 14C dates, an overview of the Urmia Basin and Western Zagros is attempted. Current evidence suggests that the ETC arrived in the Urmia Basin fully developed and rapidly spread south. This overview addresses local and regional differences in material culture, from building traditions to ceramic styles, against the overwhelming sense of cultural conservatism. A fi nal section is concerned with the end of the ETC and its apparent replacement by the Yayla Culture (Urmia Ware), in the Urmia Basin and portions of Eastern Anatolia.
Floral traits influencing plant attractiveness to three bee species: Consequences for plant reproductive success
Authors: Bauer Austin A. , Clayton Murray K. , Brunet Johanne
Published: May 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The ability to attract pollinators is crucial to plants that rely on insects for pollination. We contrasted the roles of floral display size and flower color in attracting three bee species and determined the relationships between plant attractiveness (number of pollinator visits) and seed set for each bee species.

METHODS:

We recorded pollinator visits to plants, measured plant traits, and quantified plant reproductive success. A zero‐inflated Poisson regression model indicated plant traits associated with pollinator attraction. It identified traits that increased the number of bee visits and traits that increased the probability of a plant not receiving any visits. Different components of floral display size were examined and two models of flower color contrasted. Relationships between plant attractiveness and seed set were determined using regression analyses.

KEY RESULTS:

Plants with more racemes received more bee visits from all three bee species. Plants with few racemes were more likely not to receive any bee visits. The role of flower color varied with bee species and was influenced by the choice of the flower color model. Increasing bee visits increased seed set for all three bee species, with the steepest slope for leafcutting bees, followed by bumble bees, and finally honey bees.

CONCLUSIONS:

Floral display size influenced pollinator attraction more consistently than flower color. The same plant traits affected the probability of not being visited and the number of pollinator visits received. The impact of plant attractiveness on female reproductive success varied, together with pollinator effectiveness, by pollinator species.
USE OF QUANTITATIVE CRITERIA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: TAUJANSKAITĖ Kamilė , MILČIUS Eugenijus , DOBROVOLSKIENĖ Nomeda
Published: May 2017

Various non-economic factors, like social, cultural, psychologic and others strongly affect the decision-making related to the management of personal consumption expenditure (PCE) in households and often compromise its efficiency. PCE management tools and methods currently used by households are not helpful either as rational distribution of funds among the purchases is usually out of their scope. Therefore, rational use of resources still remains a challenging task for many households. The goal of this study is to analyse the PCE management process in households and the obstacles preventing its efficiency. Methods used in the article comprise: comparative and critical analysis methods; vector analysis tools. The paper identifies shortcomings of currently used PCE management methods and tools and introduces a system of quantitative criteria enabling objective evaluation of consumption alternatives. The use of quantitative criteria limits the influence of subjective, non-economic factors on consumption-related resource management in households and can positively affect its efficiency. The criteria are justified theoretically and the benefits from their use demonstrated with some practical evidence.
Bridging the Gap of Idea Management Systems Application and Organizational Effectiveness with Adaptive Structuration Theory
Authors: Mikelsone Elina , Liela Elita
Published: May 2017

Information technologies that help to manage knowledge have a scientific and practical topicality. Among such technologies are web-based idea management systems (IMS). But there is little scientific evidence on how web-based IMS application materializes with in organizations and how they relate with organization effectiveness (OE). Authors of this paper aim to develop conceptual bases to fill this gap. The paper is based on an extensive review of literature about IMS, OE, and Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST). The aim is to develop a new research framework to explore how can the concepts – IMS, AST, OE, – be operationalized for empirical research to explore how IMS application and its results relate with OE and what are the main input and process elements in these relations? Based on a systematic literature review, that was analysed through content analysis technique and exploratory meta-analysis, authors created the adapted framework of AST for IMS context and proposed hypothesis. The paper contributes by developing detailed characterization of AST construct in webbased IMS application context on organizations. Authors propose theoretical guidance on how to explore the IMS impact on OE and expands the domain of outcomes of AST researching outcomes of web-based IMS by including OE dimensions.
Creation and Implementation of High Technologies in Lithuania under Conditions of Globalization
Authors: Kvedarienė Audronė , Švedienė Laima , Švedaitė Giedrė
Published: May 2017

The development, dissemination and implementation of high technologies in Lithuanian market is a complex process within national innovation system. The comprehension of trends in the global market requires investigation of implications of regionalization, globalization and internationalization phenomena. EU policies significantly support R&D though the efficiency of innovation commercialization is not far reaching comparing with the leading countries in high technologies development, dissemination and implementation. To overcome this European paradox and social, environmental challenges, EU Commission ascertained Innovation Union 2020 Strategy. The objective of this article is to explore the EU regionalization impact on Lithuanian high technology development, dissemination and implementation performance, therefore the value chain theories relevant for the global markets aspect are reflected.
Temporalités « brisées » et âges de la vie : Juifs d’Égypte en exil
Authors: Baussant Michèle
Published: May 2017

Résumé Cet article propose une réflexion sur le rapport différencié, réflexif et émotionnel au passé et au présent, ainsi qu’aux espaces qui leur sont associés, en fonction de l’âge au moment du départ, dans le cadre d’un exil forcé ou vécu comme tel. Il s’appuie ici sur trois trajectoires de Juifs nés en Égypte et aujourd’hui installés en France.
Composer les mémoires et recomposer les identités : être « juif de Libye » à Rome
Authors: Rossetto Piera
Published: May 2017

Résumé Des juifs de Libye, obligés de fuir le pays en 1967 à la suite du déclenchement de la guerre des Six Jours se sont installés à Rome, « patrie » de la millénaire communauté juive romaine. Dans la « rencontre-accrochage » de ces deux groupes, l’entrelacement entre composition des mémoires et recomposition des identités sur le plan public devient particulièrement intéressant.
Du militantisme à la commémoration. Un monument en hommage à l’immigration espagnole à Liège
Authors: Molina Mármol Maite
Published: May 2017

Résumé À Liège a été inauguré en octobre 2010 le premier monument de Belgique rendant spécifiquement hommage à l’immigration espagnole « ayant fui la dictature franquiste » et qui a trouvé dans cette ville une « terre d’accueil ». Cet article met en perspective la genèse du collectif « Generación Lorca », porteur du projet, et retrace l’évolution de ce dernier en s’attachant plus spécifiquement au remaniement identitaire opéré et mis en avant pour bénéficier de cette visibilité et de cette reconnaissance dans l’espace public local.
L’immigration produit du patrimoine négatif. Le rôle du musée
Authors: Wahnich Sophie
Published: May 2017

Résumé Les musées de l’immigration ne cachent pas les événements de cruauté produits à l’encontre des migrants, mais ils ne font pas loi contre cette cruauté pour aujourd’hui, ils ne l’archivent pas. Ils archivent la réconciliation. La visite s’apparente alors à une sorte de rituel d’apaisement où seule la bonne face des trajectoires des migrants est vraiment muséalisée. La négativité n’est traitée que par des marges scripturales, des témoignages et des œuvres d’art qui même s’ils donnent à penser, ne permettent pas de produire pour le visiteur un savoir historique critique construit. C’est alors la dimension politique de ces musées qui s’évanouit.
Un public à la recherche de son histoire : les visiteurs d’une exposition sur l’immigration espagnole en France
Authors: Ribert Evelyne
Published: May 2017

Résumé Cet article étudie le public d’une exposition sur l’immigration espagnole en France : ses motivations, ses attentes et son regard sur l’exposition. À l’exception de quelques visiteurs venus pour des raisons professionnelles, le public s’est majoritairement déplacé en raison de sa proximité avec l’histoire présentée, qu’il s’agisse de migrants, de descendants de migrants ou de leurs proches, tous étant d’une manière ou d’une autre en quête de leur histoire. Pour autant, leurs regards et leurs interprétations divergent. Ils convergent en revanche sur l’absence de lecture de cette exposition en termes de reconnaissance de leur histoire.
Behavioral Responses of Pacific Lamprey to Alarm Cues
Authors: Porter Laurie L. , Hayes Michael C. , Jackson Aaron D. , Burke Brian J. , Moser Mary L. , Wagner R. Steven
Published: May 2017

Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), an anadromous ectoparasite, faces several challenges during adult migration to spawning grounds. Developing methods to address these challenges is critical to the success of ongoing conservation efforts. The challenges are diverse, and include anthropogenic alterations to the ecosystem resulting in loss of habitat, impassable barriers such as dams, climate change impacts, and altered predator fields. We conducted a behavioral study to understand how adult migrating Pacific lamprey respond to potential alarm cues: White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), human saliva, decayed Pacific lamprey, and river otter (Lontra canadensis). Research has shown that some species of lamprey can be guided to a location using odors and similar cues may be useful as a management tool for Pacific lamprey. Experiments were conducted over 2 nights and measured the number of entries (count) and duration of time spent (occupancy) by adult lamprey in each arm of a two-choice maze. During the first night, no odor was added to test for selection bias between arms. During the second night odor was added to one arm of the maze. Contrary to expectations, lamprey were significantly attracted to the river otter odor in both count and occupancy. No significant differences were found in the response of lamprey to the other three odors. Results from this study indicate that Pacific lamprey do respond to some odors; however, additional tests are necessary to better identify the types of odors and concentrations that elicit a repeatable response.
AFFECTIVE AUTONOMIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MONOLINGUALS AND BILINGUALS: ELICITED BY PICTORIAL STIMULI
Authors: Goshvarpour Ateke , Abbasi Ataollah , Goshvarpour Atefeh
Published: May 2017

The main objective of the current study was to evaluate differences between autonomic responses of monolinguals and Turkish- and Kurdish-bilinguals, while pictorial stimuli with four emotional contents, including happy, relax, sad and fear was presented. The galvanic skin responses (GSR), electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse signal (PS) of 21 college students, including seven Persian monolinguals, seven Kurdish–Persian, and seven Turkish–Persian bilinguals were collected. Estimating the maximum value of the power spectral density and some nonlinear features including Lyapunov exponents (LE), Sample entropy (SaEn), and Lempel–Ziv (LZ) complexity, significant differences were examined by means of statistical analysis. Heightened autonomic responses were found for maximum power and LZ of bilinguals in comparing to monolinguals. A reverse pattern was revealed for other measures. Another important finding was the significant differences between bilinguals and monolinguals autonomic indices; however, no significant differences within two groups of bilinguals were observed. It can be concluded that the autonomic responses to pictorial stimuli can reveal emotional differences of monolingual and bilingual individuals. The results of the current study will be of interest to the researchers working in affective sciences, psycholinguistics, and cross-cultural psychology.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON PUPIL SIZE CHANGES DETECTION ON MENTAL STRESS WITH MENTAL STRESSOR
Authors: Lee Poh Foong , Lee Khai Shan
Published: May 2017

This is a study on measuring the effect of stress that stimulated by the different difficulty of game level on pupil dilation. Playing games are claimed a method to distress in the community, however, this activity is enhancing stress level? The effect of the game playing on the changes of pupil dilation is unknown. An investigation was conducted on relating the changes of pupil diameter measurement at the different difficulty levels of the game. A simple tool was developed by using a webcam as image acquisition device together with MATLAB Image Processing Tool to analyze the acquired images. Here, experiments on the pupil detection algorithm, which consisted of four different methods are to work alternatively with one another and to provide higher chances of pupil detection. 10 subjects were involved in the experiments, which they were requested to play a selected game with four different ascending increased in difficulties, meanwhile, pupil size changes were measured simultaneously. The selected game served as a stress stimulus to the subjects. The result showed a positive proportional relationship between increased in game difficulty levels and pupil dilation. The investigation reported that the pupil dilated when the difficulty of game level increased. Limitation of this study is the sample size on the prototype testing should be increased to concrete the outcome.
PRIOR FORECASTING OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURE AND LOCALIZATION OF EPILEPTOGENIC REGION
Authors: Sharma Aarti , Rai J. K. , Tewari R. P.
Published: May 2017

Forecasting of an epileptic seizure and localization of the epileptogenic region is a challenging task. Scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most commonly used signal for studying various brain disorders. This paper presents an algorithm for seizure forecast and detection of epileptogenic region by analyzing EEG signals from frontal, temporal, central and parietal region of the brain. Eight features have been extracted from each EEG signal. Average of features extracted from different regions of brain is computed for each region. An artificial neural network is trained to predict an epileptic seizure by identifying the pre-ictal duration. The trained neural network is tested and found to have an accuracy of 92.3%, sensitivity of 100% and specificity, of 83.3%. Two prominent features, accumulated energy and power in beta band, have been identified to identify the epileptogenic region. The result shows that the region corresponding to temporal lobe has maximum variation in these two features for pre-ictal and inter-ictal duration. The result validates the proposed algorithm to identify the pre-ictal state and predict the seizure in advance and identification of the epileptogenic region.
A Multi-Objective and Multi-Product Advertising Billboard Location Model with Attraction Factor Mathematical Modeling and Solutions
Authors: Lotfi Reza , Mehrjerdi Yahia Zare , Mardani Nooshin
Published: May 2017

Location of advertising is one of the most important factors of marketing strategy, as finding the best location to install advertising billboards can have a major impact on profitability of the entire marketing process. This paper provides a billboard location model, which can determine the optimal locations for installing such billboards. The multi-objective and multi-product model developed for this purpose has two objective functions: optimizing the sales profit minus the costs of designing and installing the billboards, and attracting most visitors through maximization of an attraction factor. The designing cost is assumed to be associated with the attraction factor. This model finds the best location of billboards based on constraint such as number of visits and sales volume. Finally, a set of small and large-scale numerical examples are solved by implementing the solution method in GAMS\Cplex solver software. To solve the large-scale variants of the problem, the genetic algorithm.
A Review on the Contribution of Emergency Department Simulation Studies in Reducing Wait Time
Authors: Almoaber Basmah , Amyot Daniel
Published: May 2017

Background: Because of the important role of hospital emergency departments (EDs) in providing urgent care, EDs face a constantly large demand that often results in long wait times. Objective: To review and analyze the existing literature in ED simulation modeling and its contribution in reducing patient wait time. Methods: A literature review was conducted on simulation modeling in EDs. Results: A total of 41 articles have met the inclusion criteria. The papers were categorized based on their motivations, modeling techniques, data collection processes, patient classification, recommendations, and implementation statuses. Real impact is seldom measured; only four papers (~10%) have reported the implementation of their recommended changes in the real world. Conclusion: The reported implementations contributed significantly to wait time reduction, but the proportion of simulation studies that are implemented is too low to conclude causality. Researchers should budget resources to implement their simulation recommendations in order to measure their impact on patient wait time.
Big Data in Healthcare and Social Sciences
Authors: López Victoria , Urgelés Diego , Sánchez Óscar , Valverde Gabriel
Published: May 2017

Healthcare providers and payers are increasingly turning to Big Data and analytics, to help them understand their patients and the context of their illnesses in more detail. Industry leaders are exploring/using Big Data to reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve patient care. The next future is an innovative approach to improving patient access using lean methods and predictive analytics. Social sciences are very much related to healthcare and both areas develop in a parallel way. In this article, we introduce one example of application: Bip4cast (a bipolar disorder CAD system). This paper shows how Bip4cast deals with different data sources to enrich the knowledge and improve predictive analysis.
Two Rounds Based LEACH
Authors: Boumassata Meriem , Benmohammed Mohamed
Published: May 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are networks formed by a large number of electronic devices called sensor nodes, where each node is capable of measuring environmental or physical values and communicating data, through wireless links, to a base station. The main problem that WSNs routing protocols face, is that sensors are powered with low power batteries, which plays an important role in network lifetime. Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) is a hierarchical cluster based routing protocol that was proposed as a solution for low power consumption in WSNs. One of LEACH protocol limitations is “Extra Transmissions”. This paper studies LEACH protocol, some of its various enhancements and finally proposes a new clustering and selecting cluster head scheme with the goal of optimizing the energy consumption in WSNs.
A New Unicast Routing Algorithm for Hyper Hexa-Cell Interconnection Networks
Authors: Al-Sadi Jehad Ahmed
Published: May 2017

The Hyper Hexa-Cell topology; HHC for short; is a new interconnection network topology that has many attractive topological properties compared to other traditional topologies. There have been a number of studies in the literature on the HHC to explore the promising topological properties of this topology. Furthermore, other studies extend this topology by combining it with OTIS technology to produce a new version called OHHC. We have found that there is a lake of presenting any point to point routing algorithm for the HHC, although there were some efforts on building routing algorithms for the OHHC. To cover this shortage, this paper introduces a new unicast routing algorithm for the HHC. The new routing algorithm for the HHC uses store-and-forward technique which allows a message to be transmitted through a path from the source node to the destination node. In addition to presenting the routing algorithm, we present an example to explore the algorithm steps and also an enhancement on the routing algorithm to apply adaptively on the routing based on parameterized criteria. Finally, we present a theoretical theorem to prove that the algorithm routes any message from any source to any destination via an optimal path.
Buffer Sizing in CCPM Portfolios with Different Resource Capacities
Authors: Ghaffari Mahdi , Emsley Margaret W.
Published: May 2017

Although buffer sizing is one of the most investigated subjects in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), almost all the focus has been on its implications for single-project environments. Among the entire invented buffer sizing methods, the cut and paste method (C&PM) is the most accepted by practitioners and long-established CCPM software packages. This study concentrates on the use of C&PM in CCPM portfolios with different resource capacities with the aim of examining the performance of this method and identifying the most appropriate sizes of project and feeding buffers. This aim is pursued through considering ten different levels of resource capacity, conducting Monte Carlo simulations of randomly generated project data and comparing the results with deterministic duration values of the same portfolios with 30%, 40% and 50% buffer sizes. As a significant contribution, this study recommends what buffer sizes should be allotted in CCPM portfolios with different resource capacities.
An Optimal Routing Algorithm for Internet of Things Enabling Technologies
Authors: Dhumane Amol V. , Prasad Rajesh S. , Prasad Jayashree R.
Published: May 2017

In Internet of things and its relevant technologies the routing of data plays one of the major roles. In this paper, a routing algorithm is presented for the networks consisting of smart objects, so that the Internet of Things and its enabling technologies can provide high reliability while the transmitting the data. The proposed technique executes in two stages. In first stage, the sensor nodes are clustered and an optimal cluster head is selected by using k-means clustering algorithm. The clustering is performed based on energy of sensor nodes. Then the energy cost of the cluster head and the trust level of the sensor nodes are determined. At second stage, an optimal path will be selected by using the Genetic Algorithm (GA). The genetic algorithm is based on the energy cost at cluster head, trust level at sensor nodes and path length. The resultant optimal path provides high reliability, better speed and more lifetimes.