bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and Challenges for the Estimation of Aquaculture Production Based on Earth Observation Data
Authors: Ottinger Marco , Clauss Kersten , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: July 2018

Aquaculture makes a crucial contribution to global food security and protein intake and is a basis for many livelihoods. Every second fish consumed today is produced in aquaculture systems, mainly in land-based water ponds situated along the coastal areas. Satellite remote sensing enables high-resolution mapping of pond aquaculture, facilitating inventory analyses to support sustainable development of the planet’s valuable coastal ecosystems. Free, full and open data from the Copernicus earth observation missions opens up new potential for the detection and monitoring of aquaculture from space. High-resolution time series data acquired by active microwave instruments aboard the Sentinel-1 satellites and fully automated, object-based image analysis allow the identification of aquaculture ponds. In view of the diversity and complexity in the production of aquaculture products, yield and production varies greatly among species. Although national statistics on aquaculture production exist, there is a large gap of pond-specific aquaculture production quantities. In this regard, earth observation-based mapping and monitoring of pond aquaculture can be used to estimate production and has great potential for global production projections. For the deltas of the Mekong River, Red River, Pearl River, and Yellow River, as one of the world’s most significant aquaculture production regions, we detected aquaculture ponds from high spatial resolution Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. We collected aquaculture production and yield statistics at national, regional and local levels to link earth observation-based findings to the size, number and distribution of aquaculture ponds with production estimation. With the SAR derived mapping product, it is possible for the first time to assess aquaculture on single pond level at a regional scale and use that information for spatial analyses and production estimation.
Systematic Experimental Assessment of a 2D-Motion Sensor to Detect Relative Movement between Residual Limb and Prosthetic Socket
Authors: Noll Veronika , Rinderknecht Stephan , Beckerle Philipp
Published: July 2018

A sensor system for measuring the relative movement between prosthetic socket and residual limb based on a 2D-motion sensor is introduced and thoroughly tested experimentally. The quantitative analysis of test rig evaluation is used to identify advantageous sensor settings and liner configurations. Considering these favorable settings, sensor functionality is quantified to errrel=0.52±1.78%. Advancing to convex measurement surfaces, the sensor shows absolute errors of errabs≤1 mm in an observable measurement scenario. The feasibility of measuring gait-induced relative movement with the proposed 2D-motion sensor is shown via a biomechanical plausibility study. Overall, the findings suggest that the proposed sensor system is suitable for investigating the relative movement between residual limb and prosthetic socket in dynamic gait situations.
A New Vegetation Index Based on Multitemporal Sentinel-2 Images for Discriminating Heavy Metal Stress Levels in Rice
Authors: Zhang Zhijiang , Liu Meiling , Liu Xiangnan , Zhou Gaoxiang
Published: July 2018

Heavy metal stress in crops is a worldwide problem that requires accurate and timely monitoring. This study aimed to improve the accuracy of monitoring heavy metal stress levels in rice by using multiple Sentinel-2 images. The selected study areas are in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province, China. Six Sentinel-2 images were acquired in 2017, and heavy metal concentrations in soil were measured. A novel vegetation index called heavy metal stress sensitive index (HMSSI) was proposed. HMSSI is the ratio between two red-edge spectral indices, namely the red-edge chlorophyll index (CIred-edge) and the plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI). To demonstrate the capability of HMSSI, the performances of CIred-edge and PSRI in discriminating heavy metal stress levels were compared with that of HMSSI at different growth stages. Random forest (RF) was used to establish a multitemporal monitoring model to detect heavy metal stress levels in rice based on HMSSI at different growth stages. Results show that HMSSI is more sensitive to heavy metal stress than CIred-edge and PSRI at different growth stages. The performance of a multitemporal monitoring model combining the whole growth stage images was better than any other single growth stage in distinguishing heavy metal stress levels. Therefore, HMSSI can be regarded as an indicator for monitoring heavy metal stress levels with a multitemporal monitoring model.
Temperature Compensation of Elasto-Magneto-Electric (EME) Sensors in Cable Force Monitoring Using BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Ru , Duan Yuanfeng , Zhao Yang , He Xuan
Published: July 2018

Techniques based on the elasto-magnetic (EM) effect have been receiving increasing attention for their significant advantages in cable stress/force monitoring of in-service structures. Variations in ambient temperature affect the magnetic behaviors of steel components, causing errors in the sensor and measurement system results. Therefore, temperature compensation is essential. In this paper, the effect of temperature on the force monitoring of steel cables using smart elasto-magneto-electric (EME) sensors was investigated experimentally. A back propagation (BP) neural network method is proposed to obtain a direct readout of the applied force in the engineering environment, involving less computational complexity. On the basis of the data measured in the experiment, an improved BP neural network model was established. The test result shows that, over a temperature range of approximately −10 °C to 60 °C, the maximum relative error in the force measurement is within ±0.9%. A polynomial fitting method was also implemented for comparison. It is concluded that the method based on a BP neural network can be more reliable, effective and robust, and can be extended to temperature compensation of other similar sensors.
Role of Carboxyl and Amine Termination on a Boron-Doped Diamond Solution Gate Field Effect Transistor (SGFET) for pH Sensing
Authors: Falina Shaili , Kawai Sora , Oi Nobutaka , Yamano Hayate , Kageura Taisuke , Suaebah Evi , Inaba Masafumi , Shintani Yukihiro , Syamsul Mohd , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we report on the effect of carboxyl- and amine terminations on a boron-doped diamond surface (BDD) in relation to pH sensitivity. Carboxyl termination was achieved by anodization oxidation in Carmody buffer solution (pH 7). The carboxyl-terminated diamond surface was exposed to nitrogen radicals to generate an amine-terminated surface. The pH sensitivity of the carboxyl- and amine-terminated surfaces was measured from pH 2 to pH 12. The pH sensitivities of the carboxyl-terminated surface at low and high pH are 45 and 3 mV/pH, respectively. The pH sensitivity after amine termination is significantly higher—the pH sensitivities at low and high pH are 65 and 24 mV/pH, respectively. We find that the negatively-charged surface properties of the carboxyl-terminated surface due to ionization of –COOH causes very low pH detection in the high pH region (pH 7–12). In the case of the amine-terminated surface, the surface properties are interchangeable in both acidic and basic solutions; therefore, we observed pH detection at both low and high pH regions. The results presented here may provide molecular-level understanding of surface properties with charged ions in pH solutions. The understanding of these surface terminations on BDD substrate may be useful to design diamond-based biosensors.
The Sustainable Development of Street Texture of Historic and Cultural Districts―A Case Study in Shichahai District, Beijing
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Zhang Jingqiu , Yu Shaolu , Zhou Jiaying
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the sustainable development of historic and cultural districts based on the case study of the Shichahai District in Beijing, China. By using the space syntax method, this paper traces the changing street texture of the Shichahai District during the Yuan period, the Ming period, the Qing period, and the current period. It attempts to examine (1) the characteristics of the traditional street structure of Old Beijing; (2) the major changes of street fabric and their causes during the historical periods; and (3) the impacts of modern land use pattern on urban street structure. This research finds that the main street texture remains relatively stable in the Shichahai District. However, the increasing dependence on cars in Beijing decreases street vitality in general. But the combination of pedestrian and community-level commercial streets helps enhancing the liveliness of historic and cultural districts, which further promotes the preservation and development of these neighborhoods.
Startups’ Roads to Failure
Authors: Cantamessa Marco , Gatteschi Valentina , Perboli Guido , Rosano Mariangela
Published: July 2018

The role of a relatively small cadre of high-tech startup firms in driving innovation and economic growth has been well known and amply celebrated in recent history. At the same time, it is well recognized that, while the overall contribution of startups is crucial, the high-risk and high-reward strategy followed by these startups leads to significant failure rates and a low ratio of successful startups. So, it is curious to notice that literature tends to focus on successful startups and on quantitative studies looking for determinants of success while neglecting the numerous lessons that can be drawn by examining the stories of startups that failed. This paper aims to fill this gap and to contribute to the literature by providing a repeatable and scalable methodology that can be applied to databases of unstructured post-mortem documents deriving startup failure patterns. A further and related contribution is the analysis carried out with this methodology to a large database of 214 startup post-mortem reports. Descriptive statistics show how the lack of a structured Business Development strategy emerges as a key determinant of startup failure in the majority of cases.
Catalyst or Barrier? The Influence of Place Attachment on Perceived Community Resilience in Tourism Destinations
Authors: Guo Yongrui , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yuling , Zheng Chunhui
Published: July 2018

The concept of resilience has recently received a substantial amount of attention in sustainable tourism research. Nevertheless, empirical studies on the factors that may influence the perceived resilience of community residents in tourism destinations remain lacking. A thorough analysis is needed to examine place attachment as a catalyst of or a barrier to community resilience in tourism destinations. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the influence of place attachment on perceived resilience based on data derived from 655 residents in two earthquake-affected tourism communities in Sichuan Province, China. The empirical results indicate that place identity and place dependence have a positive influence on the perceived resilience of community residents in tourism destinations. The equality test for the structural model demonstrates that the influence of place attachment on perceived community resilience is invariant across native residents and lifestyle tourism immigrants. Residents who develop strong place attachment to their communities exhibit greater resilience and adaptive capacity.
A Model Constructed to Evaluate Sustainable Operation and Development of State-Owned Enterprises after Restructuring
Authors: Ho Li-Hsing , Tsai Chen-Cheng
Published: July 2018

A state-owned enterprise (SOE) is a mechanism by which market stability is achieved through government intervention. As economic freedom intensifies, most SOEs still have a rigid personnel system, unsound financial structure, and high product costs, along with poor management and operating losses, making them financial burdens. This study uses grey relational analysis and a Boston Consulting Group matrix to develop a sustainable management and development model for enterprises. The 13 business units of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Tainan, Taiwan) created through diversification were evaluated to determine if they have led to new competitiveness. The findings reveal that only two of the business units—land development and property management—have justified their operations, while the other 11 business units have brought no benefits to the country. Overall, diversification has created a greater burden for the country.
CSR and the Supply Chain: Effects on the Results of SMEs
Authors: Valdez-Juárez Luis , Gallardo-Vázquez Dolores , Ramos-Escobar Elva
Published: July 2018

Currently, companies and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) are looking to be more competitive. To achieve this, they are adopting new business models and strategies that allow them to move towards sustainability. Strategies such as CSR (Corporate social responsibility) and supply chain management have become essential for ensuring a company’s permanence and financial consolidation. The literature has stated that theories on stakeholders and sustainability are fundamental pillars for the development and sustained growth of business. The purpose of this article is to examine the effects of CSR and SCMM (supply chain management) on innovation, image and reputation, and, in turn, their influences on profitability in SMEs. An additional purpose is to verify the bidirectional relationship that exists between CSR and SCM in SMEs. This research was based on a sample of 143 companies in the city of Guaymas Sonorain Mexico. For the analysis and validation of the results, we used the ordinal least squares method (OLS) through multiple linear regressions and SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) statistical technique based on the variance, through PLS (Partial Least Squares) (using SmartPLS version 3.2.6 Professional). The findings show that SMEs that develop social and sustainable practices increase their level of innovation, and improve their image, their reputation, and their financial profitability. The results also indicate that CSR and SCM have a strong interdependence. This work contributes mainly to the development of the literature on stakeholders and sustainability.
Effect of Sugarcane Straw and Goat Manure on Soil Nutrient Transformation and Bacterial Communities
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Islam Waqar , Arafat Yasir , Pang Ziqin , Zhang Caifang , Lin Yu , Waqas Muhammad , Lin Sheng , Lin Wenxiong , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2018

Crop residue and animal manure as a soil amendment have been recognized as a feasible agricultural practice owing to its contribution in improving the soil fertility (SF). The primary advantages of this practice are determined by the activities of soil microorganisms. However, goat manure (M), sugarcane straw (S), and goat manure plus straw (MS) amendments influence soil bacteria, their activities, and SF in clay-loam soil remains undefinable. Therefore, this study distinguished the efficacy of M, MS, and S amendment on soil enzyme activities and the availability of nutrients, including various bacterial populations in clay-loamy soil with respect to two different phases (50 and 100 days). In order to analyze the bacterial structure and their activities, we employed high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and soil enzyme activity (SEA) tests. Soil amended with M and MS not only significantly enhanced nutrient availability, including C, P, and N, soil pH, as well as SEA for C and N cycles in both phases. Additionally, the increase in nutrient availability was greater in M- and MS-amended soils in the second phase (100 days) compared to the M- and S-amended soils in the first phase (50 days). Moreover, plant growth promoting and lignocellulose degrading bacterial genera were enhanced under M- and MS-amended soil compared to S-amended soil in both phases. Distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) showed that soil pH, carbon-nitrogen ratio (C:N), and nitrates (NO3−) were inducing the fewest changes, while total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), total phosphorus (TP), available potassium (AK), and ammonium (NH4+) were the main operators in terms of change in bacterial populations. In general, we observed that M and MS are better amendment sources as compared to S amendment in order to enhance the SF in the clay-loamy soil in both phases, but greater fertility was exhibited in the second phase.
The Effects of Bandpass Variations on Foreground Removal Forecasts for Future CMB Experiments
Authors: Ward J. T. , Alonso D. , Errard J. , Devlin M. J. , Hasselfield M.
Published: July 2018

Time-dependent and systematic variations in the band gain and central frequencies of instruments used to study the cosmic microwave background (CMB) are important factors in the data-to-map analysis pipeline. If not properly characterized, they could limit the ability of next-generation experiments to remove astrophysical foreground contamination. Uncertainties include the instrument detector band, which could systematically change across the focal plane, as well as the calibration of the instrument used to measure the bands. A potentially major effect is time-dependent bandpass uncertainties caused by atmospheric fluctuations. More specifically, changes in atmospheric conditions lead to frequency-dependent changes in the atmospheric transmission which, in turn, leads to variations in the effective gain and central frequency of the instrument’s bandpass. Using atmospheric modeling software and ACTPol bandpasses, we simulate the expected variations in band gain and central frequency for 20, 40, 90, 150, and 240 GHz bands as a function of precipitable water vapor, observing angle, and ground temperature to set limits on the expected uncertainties in band gain and central frequency. We then introduce the uncertainties to parametric maximum-likelihood component separation methods on simulated CMB maps to forecast foreground removal performance and likelihoods on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r. We conclude that to confidently measure a σ(r = 0) ∼ 10−3 with a bias on the recovered r under control, the uncertainty in the relative gain of the bandpass must be less than 2% and the uncertainty in the central frequency must be less than 1%. We also comment on the possibility of self-calibrating bandpass uncertainties.
High-resolution Spectroscopy Using Fabry–Perot Interferometer Arrays: An Application to Searches for O2 in Exoplanetary Atmospheres
Authors: Ben-Ami Sagi , López-Morales Mercedes , Garcia-Mejia Juliana , Abad Gonzalo Gonzalez , Szentgyorgyi Andrew
Published: July 2018

We present a novel implementation for extremely high-resolution spectroscopy using custom-designed Fabry–Perot Interferometer (FPI) arrays. For a given telescope aperture at the seeing-limited case, these arrays can achieve resolutions well in excess of R ∼ 105 using optical elements that are orders of magnitude smaller in size than standard echelle spectrographs of similar resolution. We apply this method specifically to the search for O2 in exoplanetary atmospheres using the O2
A band at 0.76 μm and show how an FPI array composed of ∼10 etalons with parameters optimized for this science case can record R = 3–5 × 105 spectra covering the full O2
A band. Using simulated observations of the atmosphere of a transiting nearby Earth-like planet, we show how observations with an FPI array coupled to a long-slit spectrograph can reduce the number of transit observations needed to produce a 3σ detection of O2 by ∼30% compared to observations with an R = 105 echelle spectrograph. This in turn leads to a decrease in an observing program duration of several years. The number of transits needed for a 3σ detection can be further reduced by increasing the efficiency of FPI arrays using dualons (an etalon with a buried reflective layer) and by coupling the FPI array to a dedicated spectrograph optimized for the O2
A band.
Review of the Japanese records of an endangered grouper, Epinephelus tukula, with comments on its population status (Teleostei, Serranidae)
Authors: Murase Atsunobu , Miki Ryohei , Wada Masaaki , Itou Masahide , Motomura Hiroyuki , Senou Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

The Potato Grouper, Epinephelustukula, is relatively rare worldwide. Records from the northernmost part of its range (Japan) have been few, resulting in a “Critically Endangered” listing on the Red List for Japan. The Japanese records were revised by examining literature, new specimens, photographs, and the internet, and a continuous distribution pattern from the tropical Ryukyu Islands (including adult individuals) to temperate regions affected by the Kuroshio Current were delineated; this suggests the species inhabits tropical Japan and can spread to temperate regions via the warm current. The species possibly reproduces in Japanese waters but further reproductive ecology research is required.
Corps honteux et troubles neurologiques
Authors: Peretti Pascale
Published: July 2018

Honte et dégoût du corps apparaissent comme des affects massivement présents dans la clinique des sujets neuro-affectés. Les déconstructions psychiques et narcissiques, qu’engagent de telles affections neurologiques, impliquent un vacillement identitaire, fréquemment associé au sentiment de chuter dans le désir de l’Autre, tandis qu’un certain nombre de troubles cristallise, en outre, la honte de ces sujets autour d’un corps qui défaille, qui chute ou qui s’autonomise, échappant totalement au contrôle de la volonté. Sur la base de quelques exemples cliniques, issus d’une consultation psychologique ambulatoire, dans un service de neurologie en milieu hospitalier et d’un passage par le traitement socio-historique de ces troubles, nous nous proposons d’examiner ce qui fonde l’affect honteux dans cette expérience d’un corps qui « laisse tomber » le sujet ou qui se révèle incontrôlable, comme déshabité, « rendu à lui-même » ou à sa seule nature pulsionnelle : qu’est-ce qui choit véritablement pour le sujet et se dévoile ainsi au regard de l’Autre et quels peuvent être les manifestations réactionnelles et les modes de « relève » de la honte ?
Orlando Ribeiro, maestro de geógrafos
Authors: Cabo Alonso Angel
Published: July 2018

No disponible.
La geografía militar española, 1939-1945
Authors: Herrero Fabregat Clemente
Published: July 2018

La geografía militar española durante el período 1939-1945 se caracterizó por seguir la tradición geográfica anterior a la guerra civil española, en la que se realizaban estudios estratégicos y tácticos al margen de las teoría geopolíticas que a partir de finales del siglo xix predominaban en Europa. No obstante, debido a la influencia política de las potencias del Eje se dio una influencia, de la geopolítica alemana en un sector de la cúpula militar, siendo abandonada al finalizar la contienda mundial. En cambio, en los círculos del Derecho Internacional y perídisticos la penetración fue muy intensa, contrastándose con la geografía universitaria que mantuvo su rigor científico.
La cartografía en la obra de Jaume Vicens Vives
Authors: Villanova José Luis
Published: July 2018

En este artículo se realiza un análisis introductorio de los planteamientos del historiador Jaume Vicens Vives sobre la cartografía, a la que concedió extraordinaria importancia en su vida profesional y que puede considerarse un elemento clave de su obra. Se estudian el origen de este interés, sus ideas, fuentes utilizadas, aportaciones, estructura de algunos de sus trabajos y el papel que otorgó a la cartografía en el conjunto de su obra histórica, geográfica y geopolítica, tanto a nivel académico como divulgativo y educativo. Entre sus aportaciones cabe destecar que fue el introductor en España de los principios y técnicas cartográficas de la escuela alemana de geopolítica.

[fr] Dans ce article on réalise une analyse d'introduction aux idées de l'historien Jaume Vicens Vives sur la cartographie. Vicens concéda une extraordinaire importance, dans sa vie professionelle, à la cartographie et on peut la considérer un élément clé de ses travaux. On y étudient l'origine de son interest, ses idées, les fonts utilisées, ses apports, la structure de certains de ses travaux et le rôle que Vicens attribua à la cartographie dans l'ensemble de son ouvrage historique, géographique et géopolitique, au niveau universitaire, éducatif et de divulgation. Parmi ses apports, on peut souligner que Vicens fut l'introducteur en Espagne des principes et techniques cartographiques de l'école allemande de géopolitique.
The abundance, diversity and distribution of small fishes in mangrove and non-mangrove estuaries in warm temperate South Africa
Authors: McGregor Steven , Strydom Nadine A.
Published: July 2018

Mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions have been well documented in terms of the advantages they provide and their role in structuring ichthyofaunal assemblages, but little is known about their warm temperate counterparts. The study aimed to investigate the importance of warm temperate mangroves by comparing the abundance, diversity and distribution of small fishes in mangrove and non-mangrove estuaries in warm temperate South Africa. A 50x2 m (12-mm mesh) seine net was used over three summer seasons to sample small fishes in the Gonubie, Qora, Nahoon and Xhora estuaries (the latter two being mangrove estuaries). Fish abundance and diversity showed little variation among estuaries, despite the presence of mangroves. Estuaries in warm temperate areas are not only at the edge of mangrove distribution, but also offer alternative habitats which lend similar advantages to fish survival. It appears that warm temperate ichthyofauna have not yet evolved a dependence on mangrove systems in terms of the food, refuge and other ecological services they provide. Understanding the function of habitats and their value in enhancing fish survival in estuarine nursery areas is essential for fish conservation.
Free-diving underwater fish photography contests: a complementary tool for assessing littoral fish communities
Authors: Gordoa Ana , Boada Jordi , García-Rubies Antoni , Sagué Oscar
Published: July 2018

Characterizing fish communities must be a priority to safeguard resources and determine critical changes. Here, species richness and the spatial and temporal evolution in the structure of fish assemblages were analysed based on photos taken in underwater free-diving contests. A total of 29 contests held from 2008 to 2015 at four different locations along the northeastern Spanish coast, including a marine protected area were analysed. Contests reward the number of species per participant and photographic quality. Species image frequency from each tournament were standardized to catch image rate. A total of 88 taxa were recorded, including 32 cryptobenthic species, the highest number recorded in the Mediterranean littoral system so far. Cluster analyses yielded four major groups. Catch image rates in the marine protected area were significantly higher for seven species of high commercial interest and for two big labrids of recreational interest, including an endangered species (Labrus viridis). Overall, the study showed that photographic free-diving contest data are a potential tool for determining species richness in littoral systems since contest rules promote competition between participants to obtain maximum fish diversity. We believe that this type of cost-effective data can be applied worldwide as a complementary way of monitoring littoral fish assemblage.
An Efficient and Robust Technique for Facial Expression Recognition Using Modified Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Rahul Mayur , Mamoria Pushpa , Kohli Narendra , Agrawal Rashi
Published: July 2018

Partition-based feature extraction is widely used in the pattern recognition and computer vision. This method is robust to some changes like occlusion, background, etc. In this article, a partition-based technique is used for feature extraction and extension of HMM is used as a classifier. The new introduced multi-stage HMM consists of two layers. In which bottom layer represents the atomic expression made by eyes, nose and lips. Further, the upper layer represents the combination of these atomic expressions such as smile, fear, etc. Six basic facial expressions are recognized, i.e. anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness and surprise. Experimental results show that the proposed system performs better than normal HMM and has an overall accuracy of 85% using the JAFFE database.
Exploring EFL Learners' Perspectives on Instructional Videos
Authors: Ding Yan
Published: July 2018

Instructional videos play a central role in most online English courses of the current generation. However, previous research on the design and production of these videos has not been adequate, with direct feedback of learners largely neglected. To address the gap, the present study provides an explorative investigation of the perspectives of EFL learners on instructional videos used in online English courses. Through content analysis of students' comments on three existing instructional videos, it reveals the most favorable features of an instructional video, the means to actualize these features, and students' perceptions of different aspects of the physical design of an instructional video. The findings provide video producers with suggestions on the design and production of instructional videos used in online English courses.
Output Register Parallelism in an Identical Direct and Semi-Direct Speaking Test
Authors: Quaid Ethan Douglas
Published: July 2018

The present trend in developing and using semi-direct speaking tests has been supported by test developers and researchers' claim of their increased practicality, higher reliability and concurrent validity with test scores in direct oral proficiency interviews. However, it is universally agreed within the language testing and assessment community that interchangeability must be investigated from multiple perspectives. This study compared test taker output from a computer-based Aptis General speaking test and a purposively developed identical face-to-face direct oral proficiency interview using a counterbalanced research design. Within subject analyses of salient output features identified in prior related research were completed. Results showed that test taker output in the computer-based test was less contextualised, with minimally higher lexical density and syntactic complexity. Given these findings, the indicated slight register shift in output may be viewed as non-consequential, or even as advantageous, for semi-direct speaking tests.
Development of Part of Speech Tagger for Assamese Using HMM
Authors: Daimary Surjya Kanta , Goyal Vishal , Barbora Madhumita , Singh Umrinderpal
Published: July 2018

This article presents the work on the Part-of-Speech Tagger for Assamese based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Over the years, a lot of language processing tasks have been done for Western and South-Asian languages. However, very little work is done for Assamese language. So, with this point of view, the POS Tagger for Assamese using Stochastic Approach is being developed. Assamese is a free word-order, highly agglutinate and morphological rich language, thus developing POS Tagger with good accuracy will help in development of other NLP task for Assamese. For this work, an annotated corpus of 271,890 words with a BIS tagset consisting of 38 tag labels is used. The model is trained on 256,690 words and the remaining words are used in testing. The system obtained an accuracy of 89.21% and it is being compared with other existing stochastic models.
Effectiveness of Risk Assessment Models in Business Decisions
Authors: Raghunath K. Madhu Kishore , Devi S L Tulasi
Published: July 2018

Survival being the rationale for every organisation, there are infinite dynamics which contribute to every organisations growth and survival. Weighing in all the dynamics available, if organisations have to contemplate on the one which acts as catalyst for ultimate survival it is business decision making process. Risk is an inherent ailment that exacerbates organisational decision making ever since the dawn of industrialization, with their reach proliferating ever since. In the present article, the authors articulate the effectiveness of risk assessment models on key business decisions to testify how risk models operate in isolation and when combined together. Authors also analyse the significant effect risk models have on business decision, which serves as justification for organisational efficiency.
On the Selection of Optimum Threshold Bound of Body Surface to External Communication in Body Area Network
Authors: Kaur Sukhraj , Malhotra Jyoteesh
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the optimum threshold bounds for the signal travelling through a body surface to external nodes of a body area network. An ultra-wideband system ranging from 3.1-10.6 GHz is used for the observations of the signal transmitting through different body directions using NICT's statistical model. Through simulative investigation, the link performance is evaluated by calculating outage probability using sub-optimum Rake receivers, which are based on either partial combining (P-Rake) or selective combining (S-Rake). The optimum numbers of Rake taps are also identified. The obtained results give an assessment to better understand the effect of body direction and Rake structure on the selection of optimum threshold bounds for a channel model CM4 of body area communication.
Isotype-Switched Autoantibodies Are Necessary To Facilitate Central Nervous System Autoimmune Disease in Aicda−/− and Ung−/− Mice
Authors: Galicia Georgina , Lee Dennis S. W. , Ramaglia Valeria , Ward Lesley A. , Yam Jennifer Y. , Leung Leslie Y. T. , Li Rui , Handy Marcus , Zhang Junxian , Drohomyrecky Paulina C. , Lancaster Eric , Bar-Or Amit , Martin Alberto , Gommerman Jennifer L.
Published: July 2018

B cell–depleting therapies have been shown to ameliorate symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. Following priming with Ag, B cells undergo secondary diversification of their BCR, including BCR class-switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), with both processes requiring the enzyme activation-induced (cytidine) deaminase. We previously reported that activation-induced (cytidine) deaminase is required for full clinical manifestation of disease in an animal model of MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; EAE) provoked by immunization with the extracellular domain of recombinant human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (hMOG). In this study, we investigated the role of CSR versus SHM in the pathogenesis of EAE. We found that passive transfer of class-switched anti-MOG IgG1 Abs into hMOG-primed Aicda−/− mice is sufficient to fully rescue EAE disease. In addition, we found that the nature of the Ag is an important determinant of EAE severity in Aicda−/− mice because the lack of a diversified BCR does not affect the induction of EAE when immunized with the extracellular domain of rat MOG. To discriminate the effect of either CSR or SHM, we induced EAE in uracil DNA glycosylase–deficient mice (Ung−/−) that exhibit a defect primarily in CSR. We observed that Ung−/− mice exhibit milder clinical disease compared with control mice, concomitant with a reduced amount of anti-MOG IgG1 class-switched Abs that preserved normal affinity. Collectively, these results indicate that CSR plays an important role in governing the incidence and severity of EAE induced with hMOG but not rat MOG.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulate the Proliferation and IL-22 Production of Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: van Hoeven Vera , Munneke J. Marius , Cornelissen Anne S. , Omar Said Z. , Spruit Melchior J. , Kleijer Marion , Bernink Jochem H. , Blom Bianca , Voermans Carlijn , Hazenberg Mette D.
Published: July 2018

Infusion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a promising and increasingly applied therapy for patients who suffer from a variety of inflammatory diseases, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a common and life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The therapeutic effect of MSCs is mainly ascribed to their ability to suppress T cells and to support tissue repair. However, clinical response rates in patients with GvHD are limited to 50%, and the determinants for MSC responsiveness are unknown. We recently reported that high frequencies of activated group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were associated with a lower risk of GvHD. This may be related to IL-22 production by ILC3s, a cytokine important for intestinal epithelial cell homeostasis. In this study, we investigated whether ILC3s may contribute to the therapeutic effect of MSCs by studying the interaction between MSCs and ILC3s in vitro. ILC3s isolated from human tonsils were cocultured with human bone marrow–derived MSCs for 5 d in the presence of IL-2. Coculture with MSCs enhanced the proliferation and IL-22 production of ILC3s. Reciprocally, ILC3s promoted ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on MSCs. For both directions, the activation was mainly mediated by cell–cell contact and by MSC-derived IL-7 and likely by aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. Thus, in addition to inhibiting the proliferation of alloreactive T cells, MSCs also promote the expansion and IL-22 production of ILC3s, which may contribute to healthy homeostasis and wound repair in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions in the intestine, including GvHD.
Low Temperature Cofiring and Dielectric Properties of Ca-Doped Al2O3/K2O3–B2O3–SiO2 Composite Ceramics for LTCC Applications
Authors: Song Zhe , Chu Joanna , Huang Kun , Norén Lasse , Fu Zhenxiao , Liu Yun
Published: July 2018

Al2O3/K2O3–B2O3–SiO2 low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) dielectric materials doped with CaCO3 were prepared by using a solid-state reaction. The microstructure and dielectric properties of Al2O3/K–B–Si borosilicate, together with the effects of Ca doping, were investigated. A new material system candidate of Al2O3/KBSiO borosilicate doped by Ca was achieved after sintering at 880°C, which presents an optimized performance on dielectric properties with a permittivity εr < 8 and dielectric loss tan δ ≤ 0.002 and excellent stabilities across very broad frequency and temperature ranges. Most importantly, the initial results have also indicated that the new dielectric composite material is well compatible with the existing LTCC process, suggesting a considerable potential for practical LTCC applications.
Thermal Interface Materials and Cooling Technologies in Microelectronic Packaging—A Critical Review
Authors: Thanu Dinesh P. R. , Liu Boxi , Cartas Marco Aurelio
Published: July 2018

The ever increasing demand for fast computing has led to heterogeneous integration of packages as can be seen in the latest Xeon family segments in the market. Microprocessors are now adjacent to memory chips, transceivers, field-programmable gate arrays, and even other microprocessors within a single substrate. These complex designs have instigated an increase in cooling demand for microprocessors, and hence, there has been an increased focus within the semiconductor industry on developing advance thermal solutions. From the packaging level, thermal interface materials (TIMs) play a key role in thermally connecting various components within the package and helps reduce the thermal resistance between the die surfaces and integrated heat spreaders. From the system level, cooling technology is critical to attain the desired overall thermal dissipation and performance. In this review, progress made in the area of TIMs and system cooling solutions are presented. The focus is on the evolution of TIMs and cooling technologies and their challenges in the integrated circuit packaging. Merits and demerits of various TIM materials available in the commercial market are also discussed. The article will be concluded with some directions for the future that would be potentially very beneficial.
Notes on the Italian distribution of Dolomedes plantarius (Clerck, 1757), species assessed for the IUCN Red List (Araneae: Pisauridae)
Authors: Milano Filippo , Pantini Paolo , Cavalcante Riccardo , Isaia Marco
Published: July 2018

The great raft spider, Dolomedes plantarius, is a semi-aquatic spider species with an Eurosiberian distribution. As a result of habitat loss and degradation, in 1996 the species was classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but since then the status has never been updated. We present the frame of the existing knowledge on the distribution of this rare spider species in Italy, based on literature data and on original records gathered in recent years. Finally, we discuss the conservation value of the Italian populations, in light of their peripheral position within the species range and in light of the future reduction of the bioclimatic range of the species due to climate and land cover changes associated with anthropic disturbance
Sexual and physical intimate partner violence among women using antenatal care in Nampula, Mozambique
Authors: Chaquisse Eusébio , Fraga Sílvia , Meireles Paula , Macassa Glória , Soares Joaquim , Mbofana Francisco , Barros Henrique
Published: July 2018

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of sexual and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and its associated factors, in a sample of pregnant women using antenatal care (ANC) in Nampula province - Mozambique. This cross-sectional study was carried out in six health units in Nampula, from February 2013 to January 2014. Overall, 869 participants answered the Conflict Tactics Scale 2. The lifetime and past year prevalence of sexual abuse was 49% and 46%, and of physical abuse was 46% and 44%, respectively. Lifetime and past year sexual abuse was significantly associated with living as a couple, alcohol drinking and having a past diagnosis of gonorrhea. Lifetime and past year physical abuse increased significantly with age and was associated with living as a couple, alcohol drinking and history with syphilis. The prevalence of lifetime and previous year violence among women using ANC was high and similar showing that most women were constantly exposed to IPV. ANC provides a window of opportunity for identifying and acting on violence against women.
Performance based financing and job satisfaction in a semiurban health district in Cameroon
Authors: Owona Manga Leon Jules , Fouda André Arsène Bita , Mbida Lucien , Mvogo Come Ebana
Published: July 2018

The performance based financing approach is being tested in four regions of Cameroon, including the Littoral region. Our study aimed to study the effects associated with the implementation of the performance based financing approach within the health facilities based in the health district of Edea in the Littoral region in Cameroon. We’ve carried out a crosssectional analytical study among 178 health personnel from 21 health facilities under PBF-contract within the health district of Edea. We have studied their sociodemographic characteristics, the individual and collective effects resulting from the performance based financing subsidies and the level of job satisfaction. Participants’ job satisfaction was measured with the French version of the Minnesota satisfaction scale. The results were presented in a descriptive and analytical form at the alpha = 5% and the P-value 5%. We recruited 113 women and 65 men. The mean age was 39.19 ± 8.95 years. The individual results of the performance based financing were the regular collection of subsidies between F CFA 20-40.000 (42.1%), the improvement of working conditions (74.2%) and living conditions (67.4%) and the acquisition of new skills (69.7%). Collectively, participants confirmed the increase of the users attendance (65.7%), the improvement of the internal organization (79.8%), the purchase of new equipment (84.3%) and the improved quality of health care (86%). Satisfaction is influenced by age (P=0.016), gender (P=0.01), occupational category (P=0.04), type of health facility (P=0.02) and the amount of subsidies (P=0.03). The healthcare personnel’s were satisfied with the improvement of their social conditions (66.67%), working conditions (62.88%), the transparency in health centers management (69%) and their involvement in the health centers’ functioning (76.6%). Participants were dissatisfied with their salaries (70.2%) and the lack of opportunities for advancement (47.8%). The positive effects of the performance based financing approach contributed to the job satisfaction of the healthcare workers in the Edea health district. These results should prompt the government to extend the performance based financing approach to communities and other health districts in Cameroon.
Macrophage activation syndrome in adult systemic lupus erythematosus: report of seven adult cases from a single Italian rheumatology center
Authors: Dall'Ara F. , Cavazzana I. , Frassi M. , Taraborelli M. , Fredi M. , Franceschini F. , Andreoli L. , Rossi M. , Cattaneo C. , Tincani A. , Airò P.
Published: July 2018

The aim was to describe the macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening syndrome characterized by excessive immune activation that can be triggered by conditions affecting immune homeostasis, in a cohort of adult Italian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This was a monocentric retrospective evaluation. The utility of the H-score, developed to estimate the individual risk of having reactive MAS in adult patients, was assessed. Among 511 patients with SLE, 7 cases (1.4%) of MAS (all females) were identified and their medical records reviewed. In all cases, MAS was simultaneous to the onset of SLE. All patients had fever, lymphadenopathy, hematological involvement, and high titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies. Workup for infections and malignancies was negative. In all cases, the H-score was higher than the cut-off suggested for the classification of reactive MAS. All cases required hospital admission, and 2 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Most patients were treated successfully with high doses of corticosteroids and with immunosuppressive drugs, whereas the full therapeutic regimen developed for primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis HLH was used only in one case. No death from MAS was observed. MAS is a rare and severe disorder that complicated the onset of SLE in our cohort. The H-score may be useful in the classification of these patients.