bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drawing as transcription: how do graphical techniques inform interaction analysis?
Authors: Saul Albert
Published: March 2019

Drawing as a form of analytical inscription can provide researchers with highly flexible methods for exploring embodied interaction. Graphical techniques can combine spatial layouts, trajectories of action and anatomical detail, as well as rich descriptions of movement and temporal effects. This paper introduces some of the possibilities and challenges of adapting graphical techniques from life drawing and still life for interaction research. We demonstrate how many of these techniques are used in interaction research by illustrating the postural configurations and movements of participants in a ballet class. We then discuss a prototype software tool that is being developed to support interaction analysis specifically in the context of a collaborative data analysis session.
Through the Fictive to the Real(ish): Affective Time and the Representation of “Real Newfoundland” in Rising Tide Theatre’s Trinity Pageant
Authors: Jacobson Kelsey
Published: March 2019

In this article, Jacobson examines the ways in which the Trinity Pageant in Trinity, Newfoundland, Canada aims to animate local culture through a two-hour walking tour around the town’s historic sites that is largely predicated on a sense of realness. Using interviews with audience members and the pageant’s director Donna Butt as primary source material, Jacobson considers the perception and function of realness in the pageant’s re-enactment. She first uses theories of site-specificity, historical re-enactment, and theatrical time to consider the various forms of the “real” at work in the production. Jacobson then suggests the work that might be accomplished by such affectively real performance, as both a marker and maker of real identity, supported by the theories of Elin Diamond and Erin Hurley. Using concepts from Rebecca Schneider and Tracy C. Davis, Jacobson also argues that the affective time created by the pageant’s blending of past history and present-day performance creates a future imperative in which audience members are compelled to save the authentic culture they have just witnessed. Finally, she considers the implicitly conservative preservationist impulse that underscores the pageant’s re-enactment to trouble notions of inclusion, belonging, and community.
Le procès Al Mahdi : « Un pas de géant » pour la Cour pénale internationale ?
Authors: Ouédraogo Émile
Published: March 2019

Le 28 septembre 2016, la Chambre de première instance de la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) a rendu son verdict dans l’affaire Le Procureur c Ahmad Al Faqi AlMahdi relative à la destruction des mausolées de Tombouctou. Ce procès, perçu comme un instant historique, était très attendu par les acteurs de la justice pénale internationale, car c’était la première fois que la Cour a connu, depuis sa création, une affaire concernant les violations des règles qui protègent le patrimoine culturel. Toutefois, la décision de la Cour, eu égard au moyen par lequel elle est intervenue, à savoir le plaidoyer de culpabilité, semble limiter l’apport du premier jugement sur les biens culturels selon certains observateurs. Cet article revient sur les différents points de vue et porte une analyse critique sur les enjeux du procès quant à l’avenir de la CPI, soit la signification du plaidoyer de culpabilité, son incidence sur le procès et sur les attentes des victimes, l’avenir de la répression des violations des règles de protection des biens culturels ainsi que la stratégie du bureau du procureur dans la gestion de ce dossier.
L’africanisation de la justice pénale internationale : entre motivations politiques et juridiques
Authors: Bitié Abdoul Kader
Published: March 2019

Le développement de la justice pénale internationale, comme branche incidente des processus de maintien de la paix, ne laisse pas indifférents les Africains, particulièrement concernés par les violations graves du droit international humanitaire occasionnées par les conflits armés. L’Union africaine, dont l’Acte constitutif fait du rejet de l’impunité un principe fondamental, plaide, depuis les divergences politiques qui ont entravé la collaboration de ses membres avec la Cour pénale internationale, pour une régionalisation accélérée de la répression pénale internationale. Cet article a pour objectif d’apprécier les enjeux juridiques de cette africanisation de la justice pénale motivée par de nombreux facteurs politiques.
Ambivalence étymologique du mot religio chez Augustin : l’étymologie au service de la persuasion
Authors: Aubin Jeffery
Published: March 2019

La double étymologie de religio proposée par les auteurs anciens a fait couler beaucoup d’encre. Entre la proposition de Cicéron et celle de Lactance se trouve la position ambivalente d’Augustin. Les analyses modernes de ces passages, très influencées par les critères de la linguistique, se sont concentrées sur l’origine véritable du mot religio et sur son sens originel ; or, Augustin se situe très loin des deux. Cet article propose une analyse rhétorique des étymologies et les considère comme preuve de l’argumentation. Cette approche permet de dégager les raisons qui poussent Augustin à choisir l’une ou l’autre en fonction du destinataire. Lorsqu’il s’adresse aux non-chrétiens, Augustin choisit l’étymologie de Cicéron (relegere) et, quand il s’occupe de controverse avec les manichéens, il choisit l’étymologie fondée sur religare.
Les enjeux éthiques en réadaptation. Un état des lieux de la conceptualisation de notions éthiques
Authors: Goulet Marie , Drolet Marie-Josée
Published: March 2019

En réadaptation, l’éthique suscite de plus en plus d’intérêt. Cela dit, peu de réflexions méta-éthiques ont, à ce jour, été menées. C’est pourquoi une recension et une analyse critique de l’usage du concept d’« enjeu éthique » s’avèrent pertinentes. Pour ce faire, une recension systématique et critique des écrits discutant d’enjeux éthiques en réadaptation a été effectuée. Cette recension, qui s’inspire de la méthode développée par McCullough et ses collaborateurs, a permis de recenser et d’analyser 80 articles. Plusieurs caractéristiques et lacunes dans la conceptualisation du concept d’enjeu éthique ont été notées. Trois principaux constats ressortent de l’étude, soit: 1) le corpus de textes étudiés est dominé par l’éthique descriptive; 2) la conceptualisation éthique y est marginale, en ceci que les concepts éthiques sont généralement énoncés sans être définis; et 3) le corpus se caractérise par l’usage d’amalgames et par la multiplication de concepts éthiques imprécis et souvent utilisés comme des synonymes alors qu’ils réfèrent à des phénomènes distincts. Ces lacunes conceptuelles occasionnent des confusions et des imprécisions conceptuelles qui peuvent nuire à la recherche en éthique, à son enseignement et au respect de l’éthique en clinique, de même que discréditer la discipline qu’est l’éthique.
Prioritization of Referrals in Outpatient Physiotherapy Departments in Québec and Implications for Equity in Access
Authors: Deslauriers Simon , Raymond Marie-Hélène , Laliberté Maude , Hudon Anne , Desmeules François , Feldman Debbie E. , Perreault Kadija
Published: March 2019

In the context of long waiting time to access rehabilitation services, a large majority of settings use referral prioritization to help manage waiting lists. Prioritization practices vary greatly between settings and there is little consensus on how best to prioritize referrals. This paper describes the prioritization processes for physiotherapy services in Québec and its potential implications in terms of equity in access to services. This is a secondary analysis of a survey of outpatient physiotherapy departments (n=98; proportion of participation was 99%) conducted in 2015 across publicly funded hospitals in Québec. In many settings, persons with acute orthopaedic conditions were prioritized while chronic conditions were given a lower priority. There were 72 different combinations of prioritization criteria used in outpatient physiotherapy departments. Variability was also observed in the type of personnel involved in the prioritization process, the number of priority levels used to rank the referrals and the source of information used to prioritize referrals. These results highlight potential issues regarding equity in access to physiotherapy services: the prioritization of persons with acute conditions to the detriment of those with chronic conditions, the lack of consensus on a fair prioritization process and the importance to adequately assess patients’ needs for treatment. Further research and interventions on prioritization criteria and processes are needed to ensure equitable access to physiotherapy services, especially in the public sector.
Beyond Empathy: Teaching Alterity
Authors: Burcher Paul
Published: March 2019

Clinical empathy has been increasingly recognized as an important component of both professionalism and good patient care. It is generally understood as identifying commonality between patient and provider and responding to this shared experience with appropriate care and concern. However, many clinical encounters are between strangers with little shared experience, which seems to present a challenge for both empathy and a sense of responsibility toward the patient. Physicians can also develop a deep sense of caring and responsibility by learning to appreciate the alterity, the otherness, of the patient, and this skill, like clinical empathy can be modeled and taught. Philosopher Emmanuel Levinas described respect for alterity as foundational to human relationships. That is, my primary experience in meeting other people is one of difference, not an immediate sense of similarity. This sense of difference is both superficial and profound, although in most cases we will recognize only the superficial. Recognizing the profundity of difference opens one up to a radical sense of alterity that is the source of ethics, including our responsibility to the other. By exploring Levinas’ descriptions of human responsibility, humans as infinite and unique, and the consequences of this philosophy for the clinical encounter, it is evident that respect for alterity represents an underappreciated source of human caring, accessible in clinical relationships, even between a patient and physician with radically different life experiences. The implications of this for medical education are that we must help students appreciate and respect both the commonality we share with our patients, and the differences that makes them special and worthy of our care and attention.
From the Middle Ages to the 21st Century. Abortion, Assisted Reproduction Technologies and LGBT Rights in Argentina
Authors: Luna Florencia
Published: March 2019

Despite "progressive" legislative changes concerning the LGBT collective and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in Argentina, women and their sexual and reproductive rights have been overlooked. This article presents a critical perspective of some of these legislative modifications in the country. It addresses why some legislators and society are prepared to challenge a conservative or traditional approach for certain groups while ignoring others. Several factors are at play. There is no all-inclusive explanation. I stress that a striking double standard prevails in Argentina with respect to women and their sexual and reproductive rights. I also contend that powerful discrimination exists, in particular against poor women, who continue to suffer and are "punished" by the criminalization of abortion.
Au-delà de la bureaucratie obligatoire : comment bien travailler avec des comités d’éthique de la recherche
Authors: Bousquet Marie-Pierre , Williams-Jones Bryn
Published: March 2019

Les comités d’éthique de la recherche (CÉR) universitaire, même s’ils sont bien établis en Amérique du nord depuis les années 1980, ont encore parfois mauvaise réputation au sein des chercheurs. Parfois, ils sont vus par les membres de la communauté scientifique comme un système bureaucratique voué à empêcher ou à ralentir la recherche et ne comprenant pas la réalité des chercheurs. Cette vision négative relève souvent de la mécompréhension 1) de la part des chercheurs et 2) de certains CÉR de ce qu’est le mandat d’un CÉR et de la façon dont il doit fonctionner. Fondée sur une expérience d’une présidente d’un CÉR et d’un bioéthicien, cette foire aux questions vise à démystifier l’éthique de la recherche pour que les chercheurs et les CÉR puissent collaborer dans l’avancement des connaissances, tout en assurant une conduite de recherche éthique et responsable.
Publication et collaboration avec le financeur d'un contrat de recherche
Authors: Ridde Valéry
Published: March 2019

Cette étude de cas en santé mondiale met au jour les enjeux éthiques associés à la signature scientifique dans le contexte d'un contrat de recherche octroyé par une organisation internationale.
Partager et renforcer les capacités d’enseignement au Sud : les défis déontologiques des droits d’auteurs
Authors: Ridde Valéry
Published: March 2019

Dans le domaine de la coopération internationale et notamment en santé mondiale, depuis très longtemps, des enseignants du Nord se rendent dans des institutions du Sud pour participer au renforcement des capacités de leurs collègues. Ainsi, il arrive bien souvent que des enseignants-chercheurs du Nord et du Sud collaborent pour préparer des recherches ou donner des formations, avec souvent l’objectif que ces processus permettent aux premiers de partager leurs expertises spécifiques au second. Dans ce contexte particulier, souvent empreint d’enjeux de pouvoir et d’accès aux ressources, des défis éthiques et déontologiques se posent. Dans cette étude de cas fictive fondée sur des expériences réelles, nous mettons notamment en avant les enjeux concernant les droits d’auteurs associés à la production de protocoles de recherche ou de matériel pédagogique dans ce contexte de collaboration pour le renforcement des capacités.
Guyana - How Do You Know Where to Get the Information You Need? Determining Ethics Approval Requirements in a Developing Country
Authors: Song Gloria
Published: March 2019

Determining the process for obtaining local research ethics approval, or whether such a requirement even exists, may not always be straightforward in the context of some developing countries where such information may not be easily accessible to overseas researchers. How far do a researcher's ethical obligations extend in determining whether there is a requirement for local research ethics approval, and what form this would take (e.g., institutional or centralised ethics review)? In other words, how far should a researcher be expected to go in seeking out local ethics approval, especially where such information is not readily available? As part of this discussion, this case study describes the steps that I took as the principal researcher, before I was able to reasonably conclude that no national ethics approval requirement existed in Guyana for my particular research, which involved interviewing justice service providers about the implementation of Guyana's Domestic Violence Act. Drawing on this experience, I discuss various considerations that an international development researcher should bear in mind when planning and conducting research that seeks to meet leading international norms of research ethics.
Being Ethical in a Context with Limited Ethics Oversight: A Study on Flooding Risk Management by Local Governments in India
Authors: Subramanyam Nidhi
Published: March 2019

This case describes and reflects on ethical questions that we faced as we obtained permission to conduct research on local government policy implementation processes in India, which has no legal guidelines or REBs for ethical oversight of social science research. We focus on questions of voluntary consent and exposure to unintended risks, where, in this case, staff in local governments might feel coerced to participate based on the institutional permission to conduct research granted by their superiors.
Ti6Al4V Surface Modification by Hydroxyapatite Powder Mixed Electrical Discharge Machining for Medical Applications
Authors: OPOZ Tahsin , YASAR Hamidullah , MURPHY Mark , EKMEKCİ Nihal , EKMEKCİ Bulent
Published: March 2019

Titanium surface modification by the Hydroxyapatite (HA) mixed Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is an alternative and promising technique to enhance the biocompatibility and to promote the biological performance in bone, which is dependent on surface properties, such as surface roughness, chemistry, and wettability. HA powder is used for the first time with electrical discharge machining to improve osteoblastic cell activity on the developed surfaces for Ti6Al4V. Different HA concentrations in deionized water were tested as an experimental variable during EDM. Abrasive polishing and electrical discharge machined control surfaces without powder addition also analyzed to compare the results. The surface characteristics of analyzed samples were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), white light interferometry, and contact angle measurements. The wettability tests suggest that the hydroxyapatite powder mixed EDM’ed surfaces shows highly hydrophilic characteristics compared the other surfaces, abrasive polished and EDM’ed without powder addition in the dielectric. The results from the MTT assay revealed that those surfaces modified using HA powder addition in distilled water dielectric liquid promoted the most significant cell attachment/growth. The results indicate that HA powder mixed EDM offers a promising method for the surface modification of biomaterials such as titanium alloys
Effect of Machining on Workpiece Surface Characteristics in Electric Discharge Drilling (EDD)
Authors: ERDEM Oğuz , ÇOĞUN Can , USLAN İbrahim
Published: March 2019

In electric discharge drilling (EDD), rapid
local heating and cooling of the workpiece surface by means of electric
discharges results in surface layers (recast, heat affected and base material).
In this study, the main workpiece surface texture measures, namely the recast
layer thickness (RLT) and average surface roughness (Ra)
characteristics were investigated for varying machining parameters (discharge
current and pulse on time). The conducted experiments revealed the strong
dependence of surface characteristics on machining parameters.
The Effect of Processing on The Surface and Subsurface Characteristic of Plastic Injection Mold Steel
Authors: KAMBER Ömer Şaban , TAŞÇIOĞLU Emre
Published: March 2019

AISI P20 is prehardened
mold steel that is commonly used to manufacture plastic injection molding. The
surface characteristics of molds play crucial role to control plastic injected
molds parts. Besides, the characteristic of molds is mainly influenced by
machining process, the manufacturing process to produce molds. This study
presents the extensive experimental work focusing on the machining processing
conditions on the surface characteristics of Plastic Injection mold steels. The
input parameters are cutting speeds, feed rates and cutting inserts’ geometry
(wiper and non-wiper). The measured output parameters are subsurface hardness
of machined parts and phase transformation induced from cutting process.
Experimental results show that wiper insert significantly helps to improve
surface quality of components. Besides, microhardness measurement shows that
thermal softening occurs resulting from machining of this alloy. XRD data
illustrates peak broadening and increased intensity with machined samples.
Evaluating the effects of a temporary fostering program on shelter dog welfare
Authors: Gunter Lisa M. , Feuerbacher Erica N. , Gilchrist Rachel J. , Wynne Clive D.L.
Published: March 2019

One of the greatest stressors for dogs living in animal shelters is social isolation. Many studies have demonstrated that human interaction reduces cortisol in shelter dogs, with the possibility that longer periods of interaction may yield greater effects. These types of interventions are contingent upon removing the dog from the kennel and any such reductions in cortisol are often lost when the dog returns to the kennel. More recently, animal shelters are utilizing short-term fostering programs to provide relief from the perceived stresses of kennel life; however the effects of these programs are not well understood. This study assessed the impacts of one- and two-night fostering programs on the urinary cortisol levels, resting pulse rates, longest bout of uninterrupted rest, and proportion of time spent resting of dogs awaiting adoption. Five animal shelters, open and limited-admission facilities, from across the United States participated in the study. During the study, dogs’ urine was collected in the morning before, during, and after fostering stays for cortisol: creatinine analysis. Non-invasive health monitors were worn by the dogs, which collected heart rates and activity levels, in the shelter and in foster homes. In total, 207 dogs participated in the study, and 1,076 cortisol values were used in our analysis. Across all shelters, we found that dogs’ cortisol: creatinine ratios dropped significantly during their fostering stay, but returned to baseline levels after return to the shelter. However, the observed reduction in cortisol varied in magnitude across shelters. We found that dogs of greater weight, age, and average resting pulse rate had higher cortisol levels; and dogs with longer bouts of uninterrupted rest had lower cortisol levels. Dogs had their longest bouts of rest during sleepovers, followed by in the shelter after their sleepovers. Lastly, significant differences were found when comparing in-shelter cortisol values at our five shelters, differences that were in some cases greater than the impact of the fostering intervention itself. Considering the diversity of facilities that participated in this study, it is possible that as yet unstudied, shelter-specific, environmental factors could be contributing to the overall welfare of shelter dogs. Thus while a reprieve from the shelter is impactful for dogs awaiting adoption, mitigating the stressors present in kenneling conditions should also be addressed to improve the lives of shelter dogs.
Algal-biomass Production from Chlorella sp. Using Hot and Cold Water Infusions of Poultry Droppings
Authors: Effiong E. , Agwa O. K. , Abu G. O.
Published: March 2019

Background: Microbial biomass is a valuable resource to the development of sustainable energy. However, the challenge of having an effective media for energy production have adversely affected biotechnological development. This study was aimed at comparing algal biomass produced by Chlorella sp. using hot and cold water extracts of poultry droppings.

Methodology: Fifteen grams (15 g) of poultry droppings was infused into 500 mL (cold and hot water) and allowed to stand for 48 h prior. Algal growth was monitored by cell dry weight and optical density readings taken at 620 nm using a spectrophotometer.

Results: Physicochemical composition of the poultry droppings for cold water infusion revealed the following: pH, 6.7; conductivity, 3404.1 µs/cm; phosphate, 25.3 ppm; nitrate,1.88 ppm; phosphate, 25.3 ppm; Mg2+, 27.20 ppm; TOC, 38.03 ppm and COD, 53.8 ppm after 48 h. Whereas, the values obtained for hot extractions were: pH, 6.28; conductivity, 3.82 µs/cm; nitrate, 1.24 ppm; phosphate, 28.0 ppm; Mg2+, 19.85 ppm; TOC, 64.03 ppm and COD, 553.3 ppm. The proximate composition of extract revealed crude fibre, 17.69%, ash content, 24.16%; crude fibre, 22.7%; crude protein, 21.02%; crude fat, 3.19% and crude carbohydrate 23.02%. Microflora obtained from the biostability test revealed the presence of Proteus sp, Vibrio sp. and Salmonella sp. in cold extract while hot extract had Bacillus sp. and Serratia sp. The Chlorella sp. was identified using colonial and microscopic features. Biomass yield of 3.1 g/L and 2.8 g/l wet weight of Chlorella biomass was recorded for the cold and hot aqueous extracts of the poultry droppings respectively.

Conclusion: This study revealed that hot poultry droppings extract (PDE) could offer a better feedstock for biodiesel production.
Phytochemical Composition of Lippia javanica (Burm. F) Sprengel and Evaluation of Its Botanical Extracts on Aphid (Aphis craccivora) C.L (Koch) Management on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp
Authors: Masinde Collins Wafula
Published: March 2019

Lippia javanica (Burm F.) Spreng occurs naturally in Eastern, Central, and southern Africa. The species is also known to occur in the tropical Indian subcontinent. Lippia javanica is exploited widely for its potential uses as an herbal tea, in ethno medicine, pharmacognosy, and as a botanical pesticide. Despite the general utilization as a botanical pesticide, little is known about the phytochemical composition and efficacy of the extracts of L. javanica on common aphid of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp in Kenya. This study ascertained the non-volatile phytochemical compounds, and assessed the efficacy of the crude extracts of L. javanica on Vigna  unguiculata  aphid  (Aphis  craccivora) C,L (Koch). Phytochemical composition of the L.  javanica was determined by screening of the crude extracts for presence or absence of the bioactive compounds. The screening test was conducted at the botany laboratory of Maseno University, Kenya in September 2016. The evaluation of the effectiveness of L. javanica extracts against Aphis craccivora, was conducted at Nzouni sub-location, Makueni County from November 2016 to March 2017. A completely randomized block design with five treatments (1%, 5%, 10%, positive, and negative controls) was adopted for the field efficacy experiment. Lippia javanica was found to be rich in phenols, flavonoids, flavones, cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, anthocyanins, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids that could be postulated to exhibit toxicity effects on aphids. Application of the extracts irrespective of concentrations significantly suppressed aphid pest population at P≤ 0.05. The suppression and inactivity of aphids increased with increasing concentration. It is notable that the mixture of L. javanica extracts at 10% surpassed 1% and 5%. In addition, the 10% extract favorably competes with the synthetic insecticide such as Atom or Osho Syngenta.
Antibacterial Activity of Anabaena circinalis Isolated from Fresh Water
Authors: Abobaker Hanan. M. , Elsalhin Hamida. EL.
Published: March 2019

Cultures of the blue green algae (cyanobacteria) Anabaena circinalis were identified and isolated from freshwater and their antimicrobial effect was studied. The extract of A. circinalis was tested to   investigate its efficiency against four bacterial strains (Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae. Antimicrobial test was determined by disk diffusion method. Different concentrations of algal extracts (25, 50, 75 and 100%) were tested. Results showed that the highest level of antimicrobial activity was recorded against S. dysenteriae at 100% concentration followed by 25% extract concentration against the same bacteria. In comparison with two antibiotics Ampicillin (AMP), oxacilina (OXA), AMP was the most effective on S. dysenteriae followed by OXA. S. aureus and E. coli were resistant to both antibiotics while they were sensitive to A. circinalis extracts at even at low concentrations (25% and 50%). Thus the present study revealed that extracts of A. circinalis extract is would be a promising natural source, for novel antibiotics, hence worthy for more investigations.
Microorganisms Isolated from Hospital Environmental Surfaces in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Palmer O. G. , Onifade A. K.
Published: March 2019

Nosocomial infection is a rising problem in developing countries. Microorganisms Isolated from three private and public hospital environmental surfaces in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria were investigated in this study. Bacterial and fungal organisms were isolated and compared among the three hospitals. The study revealed that bacteria were the most predominant microorganisms found in the hospital environmental surfaces than fungi. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus were the bacterial isolates while fungi include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.  Staphylococcus aureus was found to be predominant bacteria but Aspergillus funmigatus was the predominant fungi. The result showed that the microbial loads of the public hospitals were higher than that of the private hospitals. The bacteria load of the male ward was found to be higher than that of the female ward while the fungal loads of each of the hospital environmental surfaces of female were higher than that of the male. The study revealed that bacteria were the most predominant microorganisms found in the hospital environment than fungi. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus were the bacterial isolates while fungi include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.  Staphylococcus aureus was found to be predominant bacteria. All the hospital environmental surfaces were contaminated with one or more microorganisms in the course of the research.
Response of Soil Microorganisms to Oilfield Wastewater
Authors: Owhonka Aleruchi , Omokaro Obire,
Published: March 2019

Environmental pollution resulting from oil exploitation and exploration has impacted negatively on the biodiversity of the affected areas. Therefore, this study investigated the response of soil microorganisms to oilfield wastewater. The oilfield wastewater and soil samples were collected from an onshore oil producing platform fortnightly for a period of three months and microbiological analyses were performed using standard methods. Soil around pond average counts for THB and HUB (Log10 CFU/g) were 7.32 to 7.35 and 4.16 to 4.22 respectively. Soil 80 m away from pond average range for THB and HUB were 7.38 to 7.40 and 3.32 to 3.34 respectively. For TF and HUF, Soil around the pond mean recorded 4.65 to 4.85 and 4.12 to 4.16 (Log10 CFU/g) respectively. Mean monthly counts for soil 80m away TF and HUF (Log10 CFU/g) were 5.03 to 5.05 and 3.26 to 3.34 respectively. Soil around the pond recorded lower total heterotrophic bacteria count and total fungi count but higher hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi than soil 80 m away.

There was significant difference (P<0.05) between the THB and HUB in the various samples. For the fungi count there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between TF and HUF in all the samples except in sample obtained from soil 80 m away from pond.

Bacteria species isolated from the study include: Bacillus, Aeromonas, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Chryseomonas, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella. Apart from Aeromonas and Chryseomonas the rest of the isolate were identified also as hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. While fungi species isolated includes: Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Geotricum, Trichoderma, Fusarium and Penicillium. Hydrocarbon utilizing fungi that occurred includes: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The response of these microorganisms in the oil polluted environment suggests that the isolated bacteria and fungi could utilize the oil as energy and carbon source and could be effective in the cleanup of the polluted sites.
Stochastic Optimal Control Model of Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Disease
Authors: Nana-Kyere Sacrifice , Banon Desmond Titus , Marmah Seth N. , Kwarteng Daniel
Published: March 2019

In this research article, a model for the transmission dynamics of haemorrhagic conjunctivitis disease is presented. The tool of dynamical system is employed in investigating the potency of the spreading of the epidemic. The analysis revealed the likelihood of the epidemic to spread when the basic reproduction number exceeds one. The model is reformulated as optimal control problem to assess the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Maximum Principle was employed to derive the necessary conditions for the existence of optimal control. Numerical solution of the optimality was derived and computed to investigate the optimum control strategy that would be efficacious to be implemented in reducing the number of exposed and infected individuals. Stochastic version of the model is deduced by introducing stochastic perturbations in the deterministic one. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the differences in the dynamics of the models and to understand the epidemic phenomenon.
Quality of Life of Diabetic Children in Public Diabetes Specialized Clinics, Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Elzaki Hiba Ali , Ali Kamil Merghani , Elkhidir Osama Ahmed , Kheir Sarra Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Background: Quality of life assessment can be a good baseline measures to determine the efficacy of health policies that are designed to reduce or eradicate the detrimental disease effect.

Aim: This study aimed at assessing the different dimensions of quality of life in children with diabetes including physical, social, emotional and school function.

Methods: The study was conducted in Khartoum state - Sudan using a cross sectional design. Data was obtained in 2018 at three outpatient diabetes clinics, using systematic random sampling with sample size of 138 diabetic children aged between 2-18 years, via structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and test the relationship between quality of life and other independent variables: demography ( age, gender, parents’ education, age, residency and occupation), type of diabetes, type of treatment, duration of illness, control of diabetes and insurance status.

Results:  The mean age of children was 11.1±3.64 years. Most of them were females 63%. More than half of participants were not covered by any insurance scheme. Those with diabetes reported personal and adverse social effects, poor control; HA1C more than 6.5% in 90% of participants. Mean generic quality of life was 80.03 ± 27 and 80.84 ± 28 p-value =0.73 for parents and children respectively.

Conclusion: Diabetes adversely affects the quality of life of diabetic children which is influenced by history of hospitalization. Further studies on Diabetes quality of life are recommended.
Climate Adaptation/Mitigation
Authors: McBean Gordon A.
Published: March 2019

The climate is changing due to humans' actions and humans need to respond through mitigation – emission reductions – to reduce the rate of change and through adaptation to reduce the impacts and gain the benefits. The Climate Convention, with the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
and the Sustainable Development Goals, provides an international framework for both mitigation and adaptation, but countries need to develop and implement national strategies on the basis of scientific‐technological and socioeconomic information and analyses and their national to local capabilities.
City Logistics
Authors: Dablanc Laetitia
Published: March 2019

City logistics represents more than the mere transportation of goods within urban areas. It can be defined asany service provision contributing to efficiently managing the movements of goods in cities and providing innovative responses to customer demands. As such, city logistics does not apply well to the way goods are currently delivered and picked up in cities worldwide, as a significant portion of these activities remain inefficient and impact urban environments. As urban freight challenges increase in cities worldwide, new logistics services have emerged, especially in areas with a high level of activity, such as city centers. These practices provide new directions for more sustainable city logistics activities, with increasing applications around the world.
National and Regional Integration
Authors: Agnew John
Published: March 2019

State formation worldwide has always involved significant attention to infrastructural and fiscal integration across the state territory. This process is often referred to as national integration. Its absence and/or the exacerbation of disparities between localities and provinces can lead to calls for secession or autonomy, particularly when allied to concentrations of populations with cultural or ethnic differences from the national majority. Historically, localities, regions, and established states have sometimes come together to create federal or similar arrangements in which lower‐order units share governmental powers with higher‐order ones. The creation of such geographical blocs when it involves pre‐existing nation‐states is often referred to as regional integration. Today the best examples of such integration are so‐called supranational regional unions, such as the European Union, and much less institutionalized trading blocs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Earth System Science
Authors: Castree Noel
Published: March 2019

Earth system science (ESS) attempts to understand the surface layer of the planet as an integrated system of considerable complexity, one increasingly perturbed by human activity. This entry describes and explains the origins, and evolution, of ESS across three decades. It then examines how physical and human–environment geographers have contributed to the enterprise. ESS involves integrated physical geography covering the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, building in human forcings. However, geographers have not always been active, or willing, participants in the enterprise for a number of reasons, as this entry explains.
Hydrogenation of (Hetero)aryl Boronate Esters with a Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene–Rhodium Complex: Direct Access to cis‐Substituted Borylated Cycloalkanes and Saturated Heterocycles
Authors: Ling Liang , He Yuan , Zhang Xue , Luo Meiming , Zeng Xiaoming
Published: March 2019

We herein report the hydrogenation of substituted aryl‐ and heteroaryl boronate esters for the selective synthesis of cis‐substituted borylated cycloalkanes and saturated heterocycles. A cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene‐ligated rhodium complex with two dimethyl groups at the ortho‐alkyl scaffold of the carbene showed high reactivity in promoting the hydrogenation, thereby enabling the hydrogenation of (hetero)arenes with retention of the synthetically valuable boronate group. This process constitutes a clean, atom‐economic, as well as chemo‐ and stereoselective route for the generation of cis‐configured, diversely substituted borylated cycloalkanes and saturated heterocycles that are usually elusive and difficult to prepare.
Progressive and disseminated histoplasma infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Dousa Khalid M. , De la Hoz Alejandro , Church Elizabeth , Onger Tiffany , Perez Federico , Saade Elie
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is a life‐threatening underdiagnosed disorder that complicates different infectious syndromes and overlaps with sepsis. No guidelines are available for the management of HLH in adults. A high index of suspicion is required in patients with disseminated histoplasmosis.
Synthesis of CNTs@POP‐Salen Core‐Shell Nanostructures for Catalytic Epoxides Hydration
Authors: Li He , Zhong Mingmei , Li Chunzhi , Ren Yiqi , Chen Jian , Yang Qihua
Published: March 2019

Microporous polymers have been considered as promising heterogeneous catalysts for versatile chemical transformations. However, the mass diffusion barriers through the microporous network still remains a big hindrance. Herein, an efficient and versatile strategy for shortening the mass diffusion pathway through microporous polymer was reported by constructing a CNTs@POP‐salen core‐shell nanostructure. CNTs@POP‐Co(salen) could efficiently catalyze the epoxide hydration reaction at H2O/epoxides ratio as low as 2, demonstrating the efficient cooperation of Co(salen) integrated in the polymer network. CNTs@POP‐Co(salen) showed much higher activity than bulk polymer in propylene oxide (PO) hydration reaction (TOF: 3150 versus 1470 h−1) due to the shortened diffusion pathway, which was further confirmed by adsorption experiment using phenol as probe molecule. Our primary results demonstrated the advantages of core‐shell nanostructures to improve the catalytic activity of microporous polymers by enhancing the mass diffusion during the catalytic process.
Cultivating Electrochemically Active Biofilms at Continuously Changing Electrode Potentials
Authors: Riedl Sebastian , Brown Robert K. , Alvarez Esquivel Diana Y. , Wichmann Hilke , Huber Katharina J. , Bunk Boyke , Overmann Jörg , Schröder Uwe
Published: March 2019

In this study, electrochemically active microbial biofilms were cultivated and studied at continuously alternating electrode potentials. Compared to cultivation and operation at a single constant potential, this method enhanced microbial turnover and maximum current densities. Electrochemically active microbial biofilms were cultivated in a multi‐carbon source culture for several biofilm generations and were subsequently fed with real, domestic wastewater. Compared to constant potential cultivation, average (N=12) biofilm limiting current density at +0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl increased from 0.350±0.101 to 0.508±0.099 mA cm−2 with a significant reduction in the time required until the maximum current output was reached from 2.01±0.79 to 1.36±0.71 d. The relative increase in maximum current density and decrease in the time required to reach it are similar. The relative differences of higher over lower values are both approximately 45 %. Biofilm community analysis showed a dominance of Geobacteraceae spp. in the electrochemically active biofilms, which is in accordance with the formal potentials derived from cyclic voltammetry. The overall increase in performance is related to the selection of electrochemically active microorganisms, which exhibit local maxima in their electron transfer kinetics between −0.3 and −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
The Role of Zr Doping in Stabilizing Li[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 as a Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Jonghyun , Lee Seung‐Yong , Yoon Sangmoon , Kim Kyeong‐Ho , Kim Miyoung , Hong Seong‐Hyeon
Published: March 2019

Ni‐rich layered LiNi1−x−yCoxMnyO2 systems are the most promising cathode materials for high energy density Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, Ni‐rich cathode materials inevitably suffer from rapid capacity fading and poor rate capability owing to structural instability and unstable surface side reactions. Zr doping has proven to be an effective method to enhance the cycle and rate performances by stabilizing the structure and increasing the Li+ diffusion rate. Herein, effects of Zr‐doping on the structural stability and Li+ diffusion kinetics are thoroughly investigated in LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (LNCM) cathode material using atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging, XRD Rietveld refinement, and density functional theory calculations. Zr doping mitigates the degree of cation mixing, decreases the structural transformation, and facilitates Li+ diffusion resulting in improved cyclic performance and rate capability. Based on the obtained results, an atomistic model is proposed to explain the effects of Zr doping on the structural stability and Li+ diffusion kinetics in LNCM cathode materials.
Glycitein induces reactive oxygen species‐dependent apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through the MAPK/STAT3/NF‐κB pathway in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Zang Yan‐Qing , Feng Yan‐Yu , Luo Ying‐Hua , Zhai Yu‐Qing , Ju Xue‐Ying , Feng Yu‐Chao , Wang Jia‐Ru , Yu Chang‐Qing , Jin Cheng‐Hao
Published: March 2019

Glycitein is an isoflavone that reportedly inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. However, its anti‐cancer molecular mechanisms in human gastric cancer remain to be defined. This study evaluated the antitumor effects of glycitein on human gastric cancer cells and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We used MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blotting to investigate its molecular mechanisms with focus on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Our results showed that glycitein had significant cytotoxic effects on human gastric cancer cells. Glycitein markedly decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and increased AGS cells mitochondrial‐related apoptosis, and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating cycle‐related protein. Mechanistically, accompanying ROS, glycitein can activate mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibited the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) signaling pathways. Furthermore, the MAPK signaling pathway regulated the expression levels of STAT3 and NF‐κB upon treatment with MAPK inhibitor andN‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). These findings suggested that glycitein induced AGS cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest via ROS‐related MAPK/STAT3/NF‐κB signaling pathways. Thus, glycitein has the potential to a novel targeted therapeutic agent for human gastric cancer.
Deformation patterns and timing of the thrust‐nappe structures in the Mohe Formation in Mohe Basin, Northeast China: Implication of the closure timing of Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean
Authors: Liang Chenyue , Liu Yongjiang , Zheng Changqing , Li Weimin , Neubauer Franz , Zhang Qian , Zhang Duo
Published: March 2019

The Mohe Basin, to the south of the eastern Mongol–Okhotsk suture belt, contains important stratigraphic records and thrust‐nappe structures for understanding the closure of the eastern Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Meso‐micro structures in the Mohe Formation indicate a low‐temperature deformation/metamorphism (ca. 400°C) under an N‐S compression related to the southward thrusting faulting. The S‐L‐tectonites record strain similar or close to flattening/compressional strain and denote sinistral shearing in analogously N‐S‐trending thrusting. Our new detrital zircon U–Pb ages exhibit that maximum depositional ages of the Mohe Formation were conservatively estimated as latest Middle Jurassic (ca. 165 Ma). The Northeast China and Erguna Block to the south of the Mohe Basin, and Siberian Block to the north were the sources for the Mohe foreland basin's sediments throughout the deposition of the Mohe Formation, which derived from the basement uplift where erosion cuts deep into the dissected arcs. In the latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous, the southward collision and indentation of the Siberian Block (final closure of Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean) led to intense thrust nappe structures, syn‐collisional folds, and low‐temperature metamorphism occurred along the northwestern margin of Mohe Basin.
Complete surgical removal of multiple tumor lesions in malignant pheochromocytomas produces a good prognosis
Authors: Nozaki Satoshi , Naiki Taku , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Hamamoto Shuzo , Etani Toshiki , Iida Keitaro , Unno Rei , Okada Atsushi , Kawai Noriyasu , Yasui Takahiro
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Malignant pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine secreting tumors; there is no definitive strategy for the treatment of malignant pheochromocytomas, especially in cases with multiple tumors.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old woman with diabetic ketoacidosis presented with multiple malignant pheochromocytomas 16 years after undergoing adrenalectomy. After three courses of systemic chemotherapy, there was no change in the size of tumor lesions or serum catecholamine levels; surgical removal of all lesions was carried out. Eighteen months after the operation, the patient has had no recurrences and her diabetes is controlled well by oral medication.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that complete surgical resection should be considered, even in patients with multiple malignant pheochromocytomas.