bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haïti : les pouvoirs de l'art dans Le Sang et la Mer de Gary Victor et La Belle Amour humaine de Lyonel Trouillot
Authors: Gannier Odile
Published: August 2017

Dans cet article, l'auteure pose une question en écho aux événements de janvier 2010 : "comment écrire encore après les catastrophes ?". Elle en prend pour témoins les œuvres de Gary Victor et de Lyonel Trouillot (respectivement parues en 2010 et 2011) qui, pour l'une, raconte l'histoire d'une orpheline, Hérodiane, au parcours difficile, et rapporte, pour l'autre, l'enquête d'Anaïse, une étrangère, sur les traces de sa famille haïtienne. Odile Gannier analyse la construction de l'intrigue et des personnages, mais aussi les tonalités et les genres représentés dans les deux œuvres, ainsi que leurs multiples similitudes avec d'autres formes de production artistique (la peinture en particulier).
Beggar, Abderrahman. Ethique et rupture bouraouïennes
Authors: Bonifaci Gabrielle
Published: August 2017

compte rendu
Three decades of medical school: Journey from a student to an educator
Authors: Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: August 2017

NOt available. Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2017) Vol. 5(1): 64-67
Clinical Profile of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Authors: Ahmed Shahana , Parvin Selina , Shaha Dipti Rani , Begum Poly , Sanjowal Lipika , Hassan Md Kamrul , Mohammad Arif Khan
Published: August 2017

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an important and major health problem in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to find out the common clinical presentation of pelvic inflammatory disease in relation to reproductive health of women in our country. This study has been carried out at the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sher- EBangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, during period from January 2010 to December 2010. In this descriptive type of cross sectional study, total number of 150 patients suffering from PID were selected. Details history and thorough clinical examination was performed with the aim of find out clinical presentation of PID. Related investigations were done. This study shows that 54% belongs to age group 26-35 years, 90% patients were married and 4% were separated, 90% were house wifes, 60% patients were from lower socio-economic status. All patients complained lower abdominal pain, 60% had vaginal discharge, 80% patients delivered solely at home and 73.33% were delivered by untrained birth attendants at home. Pelvic inflammatory disease is detrimental to reproductive health and makes the women cripple physically, mentally and socially. So appropriate measures e.g. better obstetric and delivery care, family planning care, safe way of pregnancy termination; health education etc. should be made for our women.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2017;12(1): 25-30
Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Baby: A Review
Authors: Begum Poly , Hassan Md Kamrul , Saha Aloke Kumar , Akter Tahmina , Afrin Mahmuda
Published: August 2017

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main predictors of infant mortality. The global incidence of LBW is around 17%, although estimates vary from 19% in the developing countries like Bangladesh to 5-7% in the developed countries. About one third of delivery is low birth weight. LBW is generally associated with situations in which uterine malnutrition is produced due to alterations in placental circulation. There are many known risk factors, the most important of which are socio-economic factors, medical risks before or during gestation and maternal lifestyles. However, although interventions exist to prevent many of these factors before and during pregnancy, the incidence of LBW has not decreased.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2017;12(1): 40-46
In vitro regeneration and PCR-RAPD based detection of somaclonal variation in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)
Authors: Haque MS , Biswas T , Islam MS , Hossain MS
Published: August 2017

Though direct systems of regeneration through culture of organized meristems usually produce true-to-type plants, variations in the progenies have widely been reported. Fiber producing kenaf plants (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) were regenerated from petiole, hypocotyls and cotyledonous petiole explants on MS medium containing BAP (benzyl amino purine) and NAA (?-napthaleneacetic acid) followed by assessment of regenerants by RAPD markers to detect somaclonal variation among them. Genomic DNA from twenty seven plants [three mother plants and two clones (clone 1 and 2) from each mother plant with three replications] was subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Fifteen polymorphic loci amplified by three decamer random primers were used to estimate genetic diversity and relatedness in mother plants and their regenerated plantlets. The results showed some degree of polymorphism between mother plants and their regenerated plantlets as well as between regenerated plantlets indicating somaclonal variation among the regenerants. These suggest that the RAPD technique could effectively be used to detect somaclonal variation in H. cannabinus and could be promising for the detection of markers associated with desirable traits.Progressive Agriculture 28 (2): 100-108, 2017
Nature and extent of forest resource extraction from Modhupur Sal forest by the community
Authors: Nayeem FMH , Hoque MN , Ali M , Islam MM , Haque S
Published: August 2017

The study was undertaken to document the nature and extent of forest resource extraction from the Modhupur Sal forest by the community people. It was conducted at Rosulpur village in Muktagachha Upazila which is adjacent to Modhupur Upazila of Tangail district. A total of 60 households were selected for data collection using purposive sampling technique. The collected data through field survey method were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the forest users was aged between 25 to 34 years and had a literacy status of below secondary school certificate level. Around 30% of the forest users depend on agriculture but forest resource extraction was the subsidiary occupation for most of the households that was done by mostly female members of the respondents family. Forty percent of the forest users income varies from Tk. 10000 to Tk. 15000 per month. Besides these, majority of them had 0.51 to 1.0 acre of cultivable lands. Though different resources are extracted from Modhupur Sal forest such as timber, fuel wood, medicinal plants, etc, but timber is collected by 100% of the respondents. Number of livestock, level of landholding and labor time spent for forest resources collection were the influencing factors for households forest resources collection. The majority of the forest users suggested that government need to invest in awareness building program and enforce rules and regulations so that community people can contribute and participate to conserve the forest.Progressive Agriculture 28 (2): 148-155, 2017
A Sliding Surface-Regulated Current-Mode Pulse-Width Modulation Controller for a Digital Signal Processor-Based Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter-Type Power Factor Correction Rectifier
Authors: Shieh Hsin-Jang , Chen Ying-Zuo
Published: August 2017

To efficiently supply wide-range DC voltage from a pulse-width modulation (PWM) rectifier, this paper presents a single-phase, full-wave, diode-bridge, single-ended primary-inductor converter-type (SEPIC-type) power-factor-correction (PFC) rectifier in continuous conduction mode with a sliding surface-regulated current-mode PWM controller. According to the switched-mode operation of the rectifier, a fourth-order switch model of the SEPIC is derived. From the fourth-order model, a simplified state-averaged model which approximately describes the dynamic behaviors of both the output voltage and inductor current is proposed. Then, from the simplified state-averaged model, the sliding surface-regulated current-mode PWM controller for the SEPIC-type PFC rectifier is proposed. The sliding surface-regulated current-mode PWM controller comprises a sliding-mode voltage controller in outer loop for robust control of the output DC-voltage and a sliding-mode current controller in inner loop for phase-synchronized control of the inductor current. For experimental studies, implementation of the proposed control algorithm in a DSP controller and a laboratory prototype of the SEPIC-type rectifier with the DSP-based PWM controller were carried out. Experimental results from the DSP controller-applied SEPIC-type rectifier are illustrated to confirm the validity of the proposed controller for practical applications.
Utility of Milk Coagulant Enzyme of Moringa oleifera Seed in Cheese Production from Soy and Skim Milks
Authors: Sánchez-Muñoz María , Valdez-Solana Mónica , Avitia-Domínguez Claudia , Ramírez-Baca Patricia , Candelas-Cadillo María , Aguilera-Ortíz Miguel , Meza-Velázquez Jorge , Téllez-Valencia Alfredo , Sierra-Campos Erick
Published: August 2017

In this study, the potential use of Moringa oleifera as a clotting agent of different types of milk (whole, skim, and soy milk) was investigated. M. oleifera seed extract showed high milk-clotting activity followed by flower extract. Specific clotting activity of seed extract was 200 times higher than that of flower extract. Seed extract is composed by four main protein bands (43.6, 32.2, 19.4, and 16.3 kDa). Caseinolytic activity assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and tyrosine quantification, showed a high extent of casein degradation using M. oleifera seed extract. Milk soy cheese was soft and creamy, while skim milk cheese was hard and crumbly. According to these results, it is concluded that seed extract of M. oleifera generates suitable milk clotting activity for cheesemaking. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report comparative data of M. oleifera milk clotting activity between different types of soy milk.
Interfacial Reaction and Mechanical Properties of Sn-Bi Solder joints
Authors: Wang Fengjiang , Huang Ying , Zhang Zhijie , Yan Chao
Published: August 2017

Sn-Bi solder with different Bi content can realize a low-to-medium-to-high soldering process. To obtain the effect of Bi content in Sn-Bi solder on the microstructure of solder, interfacial behaviors in solder joints with Cu and the joints strength, five Sn-Bi solders including Sn-5Bi and Sn-15Bi solid solution, Sn-30Bi and Sn-45Bi hypoeutectic and Sn-58Bi eutectic were selected in this work. The microstructure, interfacial reaction under soldering and subsequent aging and the shear properties of Sn-Bi solder joints were studied. Bi content in Sn-Bi solder had an obvious effect on the microstructure and the distribution of Bi phases. Solid solution Sn-Bi solder was composed of the β-Sn phases embedded with fine Bi particles, while hypoeutectic Sn-Bi solder was composed of the primary β-Sn phases and Sn-Bi eutectic structure from networked Sn and Bi phases, and eutectic Sn-Bi solder was mainly composed of a eutectic structure from short striped Sn and Bi phases. During soldering with Cu, the increase on Bi content in Sn-Bi solder slightly increased the interfacial Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC)thickness, gradually flattened the IMC morphology, and promoted the accumulation of more Bi atoms to interfacial Cu6Sn5 IMC. During the subsequent aging, the growth rate of the IMC layer at the interface of Sn-Bi solder/Cu rapidly increased from solid solution Sn-Bi solder to hypoeutectic Sn-Bi solder, and then slightly decreased for Sn-58Bi solder joints. The accumulation of Bi atoms at the interface promoted the rapid growth of interfacial Cu6Sn5 IMC layer in hypoeutectic or eutectic Sn-Bi solder through blocking the formation of Cu6Sn5 in solder matrix and the transition from Cu6Sn5 to Cu3Sn. Ball shear tests on Sn-Bi as-soldered joints showed that the increase of Bi content in Sn-Bi deteriorated the shear strength of solder joints. The addition of Bi into Sn solder was also inclined to produce brittle morphology with interfacial fracture, which suggests that the addition of Bi increased the shear resistance strength of Sn-Bi solder.
The Effect of Temperature on Moisture Transport in Concrete
Authors: Wang Yao , Xi Yunping
Published: August 2017

Most concrete structures and buildings are under temperature and moisture variations simultaneously. Thus, the moisture transport in concrete is driven by the moisture gradient as well as the temperature gradient. This paper presents an experimental approach for determining the effect of different temperature gradients on moisture distribution profiles in concrete. The effect of elevated temperatures under isothermal conditions on the moisture transport was also evaluated, and found not to be significant. The non-isothermal tests show that the temperature gradient accelerates the moisture transport in concrete. The part of increased moisture transfer due to the temperature gradient can be quantified by a coupling parameter DHT, which can be determined by the present test data. The test results indicated that DHT is not a constant but increases linearly with the temperature variation. A material model was developed for DHT based on the experimental results obtained in this study.
Characterization of Reagent Pencils for Deposition of Reagents onto Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Liu Cheyenne , Noxon Isabelle , Cuellar Leah , Thraen Amanda , Immoos Chad , Martinez Andres , Costanzo Philip
Published: August 2017

Reagent pencils allow for solvent-free deposition of reagents onto paper-based microfluidic devices. The pencils are portable, easy to use, extend the shelf-life of reagents, and offer a platform for customizing diagnostic devices at the point of care. In this work, reagent pencils were characterized by measuring the wear resistance of pencil cores made from polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with different molecular weights and incorporating various concentrations of three different reagents using a standard pin abrasion test, as well as by measuring the efficiency of reagent delivery from the pencils to the test zones of paper-based microfluidic devices using absorption spectroscopy and digital image colorimetry. The molecular weight of the PEG, concentration of the reagent, and the molecular weight of the reagent were all found to have an inverse correlation with the wear of the pencil cores, but the amount of reagent delivered to the test zone of a device correlated most strongly with the concentration of the reagent in the pencil core. Up to 49% of the total reagent deposited on a device with a pencil was released into the test zone, compared to 58% for reagents deposited from a solution. The results suggest that reagent pencils can be prepared for a variety of reagents using PEGs with molecular weights in the range of 2000 to 6000 g/mol.
Trans Fat Intake and Its Dietary Sources in General Populations Worldwide: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wanders Anne , Zock Peter , Brouwer Ingeborg
Published: August 2017

After the discovery that trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease, trans fat content of foods have considerably changed. The aim of this study was to systematically review available data on intakes of trans fat and its dietary sources in general populations worldwide. Data from national dietary surveys and population studies published from 1995 onward were searched via Scopus and websites of national public health institutes. Relevant data from 29 countries were identified. The most up to date estimates of total trans fat intake ranged from 0.3 to 4.2 percent of total energy intake (En%) across countries. Seven countries had trans fat intakes higher than the World Health Organization recommendation of 1 En%. In 16 out of 21 countries with data on dietary sources, intakes of trans fat from animal sources were higher than that from industrial sources. Time trend data from 20 countries showed substantial declines in industrial trans fat intake since 1995. In conclusion, nowadays, in the majority of countries for which data are available, average trans fat intake is lower than the recommended maximum intake of 1 En%, with intakes from animal sources being higher than from industrial sources. In the past 20 years, substantial reductions in industrial trans fat have been achieved in many countries.
Impact of Biological Feedback and Incentives on Blood Fatty Acid Concentrations, Including Omega-3 Index, in an Employer-Based Wellness Program
Authors: McBurney Michael , Bird Julia
Published: August 2017

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) are important fatty acids for the retina and brain. More than 95% of Americans have suboptimal EPA + DHA blood concentrations. This cross-sectional employer-based study assessed whole blood fatty acid levels of volunteers participating in an onsite wellness biometric screening program and was designed to determine if an incentive, a $5 coupon for a 90-day supply of fish oil supplement typically costing $18–30, stimulated incremental dietary behavior change relative to nutritional status assessment alone to increase EPA + DHA concentrations. Volunteers completed a dietary survey and finger stick blood samples were collected to be analyzed for fatty acid composition. In addition, 636 individuals participated in the initial onsite biometric screening. Three months later, and without prior knowledge, all employees were invited to a second screening. At the second screening, 198 employees volunteered for the first time and 149 employees had a second test (17.9%). At baseline, the average age (n = 834) was 45 year and omega-3 index was 5.0% with 41% female. EPA + DHA concentration, i.e., omega-3 index, was significantly lower in men (4.8%) than women (5.2%), as were DHA and linoleic acid (LA) concentrations (p < 0.05). Baseline omega-3 index was positively and linearly associated with omega-3 intake. Only 4% of volunteers had an omega-3 index >8% on initial screening. Among the 149 individuals with two measurements, omega-3 intake from supplements, but not food, increased significantly from 258 to 445 mg/d (p < 0.01) at the second test as did the omega-3 index (+0.21, p < 0.02). In this employed population, only 1% redeemed a coupon for an omega-3 supplement.
Professionals’ Recommended Strategies to Improve Australian Adolescents’ Knowledge of Nutrition and Food Systems
Authors: Sadegholvad Sanaz , Yeatman Heather , Parrish Anne-Maree , Worsley Anthony
Published: August 2017

Background: Education and policy measures within schools are valuable strategies to promote health. This study explored views of experienced food-related educators, researchers and policy-makers regarding their recommended strategies to improve Australian adolescents’ knowledge of nutrition and food systems (N&FS). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one experienced food-related experts from across Australia. Interviews were conducted either by telephone or face-to-face. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Five central themes and five sub-themes were identified from food professionals’ suggestions for best strategies to improve adolescents’ knowledge of N&FS. The central themes included: (1) specific improvements in schools’ core curricula; (2) pre-service and in-service training of school teachers about N&FS; (3) training students to develop a critical mind about N&FS issues; (4) multidisciplinary collaborations to improve school-based N&FS education; and (5) a supportive N&FS education environment for students. Conclusion and implication: These findings provide a guide for curriculum developers, educational policy developers, and food educators to incorporate the suggested N&FS strategies into Australian education programs in order to improve Australian adolescents’ knowledge and skills of N&FS issues. The results of this investigation also may assist the development of international N&FS curricula guides.
The Role of Nutritional Aspects in Food Allergy: Prevention and Management
Authors: Mazzocchi Alessandra , Venter Carina , Maslin Kate , Agostoni Carlo
Published: August 2017

The prevalence of food allergy in childhood appears to be increasing in both developed and transitional countries. The aim of this paper is to review and summarise key findings in the prevention and management of food allergy, focusing on the role of dietary components and nutritional habits in the development and optimal functioning of the immune system. Essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin D are likely to enhance the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative barrier and promote immunologic tolerance. Additionally, nutritional components such as pre- and probiotics represent a novel research approach in the attempt to induce a tolerogenic immune environment. For all these reasons, the traditional avoidance diet has been, in recent years, completely reconsidered. New findings on the protective effect of an increased diversity of food introduced in the first year of life on allergic diseases are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to a variety of food antigens during early life might play a role in the development of immune tolerance. Accordingly, therapeutic (and even preventive) interventions should be planned on an individual basis.
Evaluation of Early-Age Concrete Compressive Strength with Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Yoon Hyejin , Kim Young , Kim Hee , Kang Jun , Koh Hyun-Moo
Published: August 2017

Surface wave velocity measurement of concrete using ultrasonic sensors requires testing on only one side of a member. Thus, it is applicable to concrete cast inside a form and is often used to detect flaws and evaluate the compressive strength of hardened concrete. Predicting the in situ concrete strength at a very early stage inside the form helps with determining the appropriate form removal time and reducing construction time and costs. In this paper, the feasibility of using surface wave velocities to predict the strength of in situ concrete inside the form at a very early stage was evaluated. Ultrasonic sensors were used to measure a series of surface waves for concrete inside a form in the first 24 h after placement. A continuous wavelet transform was used to compute the travel time of the propagating surface waves. The cylindrical compressive strength and penetration resistance tests were also performed during the test period. Four mixtures and five curing temperatures were used for the specimens. The surface wave velocity was confirmed to be applicable to estimating the concrete strength at a very early age in wall-like elements. An empirical formula is proposed for evaluating the early-age compressive strength of concrete considering the 95% prediction intervals.
Benchmarking the Performance of Solar Installers and Rooftop Photovoltaic Installations in California
Authors: Wang Dadi
Published: August 2017

Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are rapidly proliferating around the world. Whether the PV systems have been efficiently installed is an issue of utmost importance for both solar installers and policymakers. However, the impact of solar installers on PV performance is not well understood. In this paper, we investigate the performance of rooftop PV installations and the solar installers using a dataset of 1035 projects developed by 213 installers in California. Based on data envelopment analysis (DEA), our study takes the PV system capacity, electricity generation, cost, modules, solar irradiance, and ambient temperature into account simultaneously to construct a unified measure for the efficiency of PV installations. We analyze the relationship between installer characteristics and PV system performance. We find PV installations with the installer also being the module manufacturer, exhibit significantly better performance than other installations. PV installations by subsidiaries of oil firms have inferior performance. PV installations by large installers on average do not perform better than the installations by small installers. Geographic diversification of an installer’s operations is significantly and inversely related to the performance of installations. We demonstrate the aforementioned findings have significant implications for policymakers and the solar installation industry.
Are Commercial Financial Databases Reliable? New Evidence from Korea
Authors: Nam Hyunjung , No Won , Lee Youngsu
Published: August 2017

The quality of financial information is crucial for the effective decision-making of practitioners and academics. A number of studies have shown the existence of errors in proprietary databases provided by financial data aggregators (e.g., Compustat and Value Line) in advanced markets like the U.S. However, no study has examined the quality of the financial data offered by aggregators in emerging markets. Research on such markets is needed as financial investment frequently occurs in emerging markets due to the globalization of capital. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by investigating whether financial data provided by aggregators is the same as the data reported in firms’ financial statements in emerging markets. Another purpose of this study is to examine the impact on academic research. Comparing the 18 most widely-used financial items found in the original filings of firms with the corresponding data provided by all three data aggregators currently available in South Korea (i.e., DataGuide, KisValue, and TS2000), we found a considerable number of differences; many of the differences are substantially greater than conventional materiality. We also found that the differences between data sources lead to different prediction results in bankruptcy prediction model.
Learning in two butterfly species when using flowers of the tropical milkweed Asclepias curassavica: No benefits for pollination
Authors: Ramos Bruna de Cássia Menezes , Rodríguez‐Gironés Miguel Angel , Rodrigues Daniela
Published: August 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The ability of insect visitors to learn to manipulate complex flowers has important consequences for foraging efficiency and plant fitness. We investigated learning by two butterfly species, Danaus erippus and Heliconius erato, as they foraged on the complex flowers of Asclepias curassavica, as well as the consequences for pollination.

METHODS:

To examine learning with respect to flower manipulation, butterflies were individually tested during four consecutive days under insectary conditions. At the end of each test, we recorded the number of pollinaria attached to the body of each butterfly and scored visited flowers for numbers of removed and inserted pollinia. We also conducted a field study to survey D. erippus and H. erato visiting flowers of A. curassavica, as well as to record numbers of pollinaria attached to the butterflies’ bodies, and surveyed A. curassavica plants in the field to inspect flowers for pollinium removal and insertion.

KEY RESULTS:

Learning improves the ability of both butterfly species to avoid the nonrewarding flower parts and to locate nectar more efficiently. There were no experience effects, for either species, on the numbers of removed and inserted pollinia. Heliconius erato removed and inserted more pollinia than D. erippus. For both butterfly species, pollinium removal was higher than pollinium insertion.

CONCLUSION:

This study is the first to show that Danaus and Heliconius butterflies can learn to manipulate complex flowers, but this learning ability does not confer benefits to pollination in A. curassavica.
Transitions from distyly to homostyly are associated with floral evolution in the buckwheat genus (Fagopyrum)
Authors: Wu Ling‐Yun , Wang Bo , Schoen Daniel J. , Huang Shuang‐Quan
Published: August 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Documenting trait transitions among species with dimorphic flowers can help to test whether similar patterns of selection are responsible for divergence in floral traits among different species. Heterostyly is thought to promote outcrossing. Theory suggests that the evolutionary transition from heterostylous to homostylous flowers should be accompanied by a reduction in floral size in which pollen size and style length are expected to covary. Patterns of such correlated floral trait evolution have not, however, been widely examined.

METHODS:

The evolutionary history of heterostyly and homostyly was reconstructed from a molecular phylogeny of 13 species of Fagopyrum and two outgroups, based on one nuclear gene (nrITS) and three chloroplast regions (matK, atpB‐rbcL, and psbA‐trnH spacer). Floral traits of nine Fagopyrum species including pollen number and size, as well as stigma depth (length of the capitate stigma), were measured and ancestral characters of the herkogamic condition were reconstructed.

KEY RESULTS:

Three transitions from distyly to homostyly were observed. In two transitions, flower size (corolla diameter, pedicel length), herkogamy (stigma‐anther distance) and pollen production decreased, but stigma depth and pollen size did not. Changes of anther height and style length were inconsistent. The predicted positive relationship between style length and pollen size in the two transitions to homostyly was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Floral evolution accompanying transitions to homostyly in Fagopyrum were found to be consistent with predictions of mating system evolution theory, and the correlation of traits in distylous vs. homostylous species revealed that pollen size generally correlates with stigma depth rather than style length.
An Evaluation of Motivational Interviewing for Increasing Hearing Aid Use: A Pilot Study
Authors: Solheim Jorunn , Gay Caryl , Lerdal Anners , Hickson Louise , Kvaerner Kari J.
Published: August 2017

Background:Motivational interviewing (MI) has been used in consultation settings to motivate hearing aid users to increase hearing aid usage. However, the effect of MI on those who use their hearing aids only rarely or not at all has not been explored.Purpose:The aims
of this pilot study were to evaluate the effect of MI counseling with elderly hearing aid recipients found to have low hearing aid use at a six-month follow-up appointment and to describe clients’ subjective assessments of their perceived need for hearing aids three months after MI counseling.Research
Design:The study had a within-subjects pretest‐posttest design.Study Sample:Forty seven hearing aid recipients who had used their new hearing aids, an average of <90 min/day, were recruited at a follow-up appointment six months after hearing aid fitting.Intervention:Thirty
minutes of MI counseling was provided at the six-month follow-up appointment. If needed, hearing aid adjustments and technical support were also provided.Data Collection and Analysis:The effect of MI counseling in combination with adjustments and technical support was assessed in relation
to datalogged hearing aid use, which was assessed immediately before (at the six-month follow-up) and three months after (at the nine-month follow-up) the intervention. Hearing aid experiences were also assessed three months after MI.Results:Thirty seven participants (79%) returned
for the nine-month follow-up visit and had modest but significant increases in datalogged hearing aid use in the three months following MI counseling. Of the 37 participants who returned, 51% had increased their hearing aid use to at least 2 h/day after the MI counseling. Most of the 37 participants
who attended the nine-month follow-up reported increased need for (59%) or increased benefit and contentment with (57%) their hearing aid three months after MI; these participants also had significantly higher datalogged hearing aid use following MI.Conclusions:These findings suggest
that follow-up appointments using MI counseling in conjunction with technical support may be useful for increasing hearing aid usage among low-users, and a randomized controlled trial is warranted.
CosmosDG: An hp-adaptive Discontinuous Galerkin Code for Hyper-resolved Relativistic MHD
Authors: Anninos Peter , Bryant Colton , Fragile P. Chris , Holgado A. Miguel , Lau Cheuk , Nemergut Daniel
Published: August 2017

We have extended Cosmos++, a multidimensional unstructured adaptive mesh code for solving the covariant Newtonian and general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, to accommodate both discrete finite volume and arbitrarily high-order finite element structures. The new finite element implementation, called CosmosDG, is based on a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation, using both entropy-based artificial viscosity and slope limiting procedures for the regularization of shocks. High-order multistage forward Euler and strong-stability preserving Runge–Kutta time integration options complement high-order spatial discretization. We have also added flexibility in the code infrastructure allowing for both adaptive mesh and adaptive basis order refinement to be performed separately or simultaneously in a local (cell-by-cell) manner. We discuss in this report the DG formulation and present tests demonstrating the robustness, accuracy, and convergence of our numerical methods applied to special and general relativistic MHD, although we note that an equivalent capability currently also exists in CosmosDG for Newtonian systems.
La stratégie du conglomérat : l’État banquier et entrepreneur en Italie
Authors: Castronovo Valerio
Published: August 2017

Depuis sa création en 1933 par le régime fasciste, l’Institut pour la Reconstruction Industrielle (IRI) est l’outil privilégié de l’intervention publique dans les domaines bancaire et industriel. En organisant la séparation des banques et des grands groupes industriels, il a permis à l’Italie de limiter les conséquences économiques de la crise des années 1930. De nouvelles conditions de financement des entreprises contrôlées ont été mises en place. On pouvait alors parler d’économie mixte. Après 1945, l’IRI a survécu à la chute politique de ses fondateurs. Il est devenu l’instrument de la reconstruction et de la modernisation de l’économie. Toutefois, la multiplication d’objectifs contradictoires au sein des politiques gouvernementales a réduit l’efficacité de ses interventions. La crise des années 1970-1980 et les restructurations industrielles ont repositionné l’IRI au centre des politiques publiques. Ses missions de contrôle se sont depuis lors développées au détriment de ses interventions directes.
The development of the retailing industry in Japan
Authors: Kawabe Nobuo
Published: August 2017

Cet article analyse la croissance du secteur de la distribution au Japon de l’époque Meiji à nos jours. Il souligne combien les distributeurs japonais ont toujours été prompts à adapter des pratiques étrangères pour les introduire sur le marché japonais, ainsi qu’à ajuster les institutions nationales en réponse aux besoins des consommateurs. Les distributeurs ont mis au point de nombreuses innovations, en se préoccupant avant tout d’une rotation rapide des marchandises et en gardant des marges très modestes. L’Etat est aussi intervenu par diverses mesures pour protéger les commerçants indépendants par rapport aux stratégies de marketing agressives des grands marchands. Avec l’émergence d’une société de consommation de masse après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, la distribution au Japon est entrée dans une phase de croissance. Les distributeurs ont continué à se développer, y compris grâce à l’entrée de nombreux entrepreneurs dans le secteur. Puis des fusions ont été réalisées en raison de l’intensification de la concurrence. En conséquence, les grands distributeurs japonais ont pu effectuer récemment une expansion multinationale.
Les Établissements Blin et Blin d’Elbeuf à la fin du XIX e siècle : capital familial, industrialisme et paternalisme dans un secteur en déclin
Authors: Daumas Jean-Claude
Published: August 2017

Installés à Elbeuf après l’annexion de l’Alsace, les Établissements Blin et Blin y représentaient le triomphe de l’industrie moderne face à l’organisation proto-industrielle de la fabrique elbeuvienne. Cette étude cherche à définir leur individualité et leur style propre en articulant capital, structures productives, choix commerciaux et relations sociales dans l’entreprise. Elle montre qu’ils étaient caractérisés par une très forte identification à la famille fondatrice, une gestion de style industrialiste, la mécanisation et l’intégration de toute la production, un attachement à la laine cardée que la diversification des fabrications n’a pas remis en cause, un large recours à l’endettement et une politique sociale paternaliste. La description des structures qui se sont cristallisées à la fin du siècle permet de mettre en évidence les contradictions qui y sont en germe et qui n’apparaîtront au grand jour que dans la crise des années 1900 qui manquera d’entraîner la disparition de l’entreprise.
Optimization of the Cathodic Protection Design in Consideration of the Temperature Variation for Offshore Structures
Authors: Hong M.-S. , Hwang J.-H. , Kim J.H.
Published: August 2017

The temperature effect on the current density which closely related to cathodic protection (CP) design was examined using electrochemical tests. A case study of an optimized CP design for the floating production storage and offloading using a computational analysis tool was also performed. The electrochemical test results showed that the current density and the surface resistance of the specimen (EH36) at 28°C are lower and higher, respectively, compared with the 5°C condition; this phenomenon is the result of a calcareous deposit that was verified by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy surface analyses. The polarization curves which contained the effect of calcareous deposits according to the temperature were used as the computational analysis input data. The simulation results showed that the structure under the 5°C condition did not satisfy the CP criteria (−800 mVSCE to −1,050 mVSCE) at the bottom shell and the mooring chain. It had higher potential than −800 mVSCE. Although the structure at 28°C satisfied the protective potential range, it was sufficiently unstable for the prediction of the corrosion damage. To optimize and resolve the identified problems, the CP design was changed by CP methods, anodes quantities, and anodes distribution. Consequently, the structure at 5°C is sufficient for the satisfaction of the protective-potential criteria (< −800 mVSCE) at the bottom shell and the mooring chain. In the case of the structure at 28°C, a more-even potential distribution was achieved.
Recent climate variations in Chile: constraints from borehole temperature profiles
Authors: Pickler Carolyne , Gurza Fausto Edmundo , Beltrami Hugo , Mareschal Jean-Claude , Suárez Francisco , Chacon-Oecklers Arlette , Blin Nicole , Cortes Maria Theresa , Montenegro Alvaro , Harris Rob , Tassara Andres
Published: August 2017

Abstract. We have compiled, collected, and analyzed 31 temperature depth profiles from boreholes in the Atacama desert in central and northern Chile. After screening these profiles, we found that only 9 profiles at 4 different sites were suitable to invert for ground temperature history. For all the sites, no surface temperature variations could be resolved for the period 1500–1800. In the northern coastal region of Chile, there is no perceptible temperature variation at all from 1500 to present. In the northern central Chile region, between 26˚ S and 28˚ S, the data suggest a cooling from ∼ 1850 to ∼ 1980 followed by a 1.9 K warming starting ∼ 20–40 years BP. This result is consistent with the ground surface temperature histories for Peru and the semiarid regions of South America. The duration of the cooling trend is poorly resolved and it may coincide with a marked short cooling interval in the 1960s that is found in meteorological records. The total warming is greater than that inferred from proxy climate reconstructions for central Chile and southern South America, and by the PMIP3/CMIP5 surface temperature simulations for the north-central Chile grid points. The differences between different climate reconstructions, meteorological records, and models are likely due to differences in spatial and temporal resolution between the various data sets and the models.
Enhancing resilience to coastal flooding from severe storms in the USA: international lessons
Authors: Lumbroso Darren M. , Suckall Natalie R. , Nicholls Robert J. , White Kathleen D.
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Recent events in the USA have highlighted a lack of resilience in the coastal population to coastal flooding, especially amongst disadvantaged and isolated communities. Some low-income countries, such as Cuba and Bangladesh, have made significant progress towards transformed societies that are more resilient to the impacts of cyclones and coastal flooding. To understand how this has come about, a systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature related to resilience of communities to coastal flooding was undertaken in both countries. In both Cuba and Bangladesh the trust between national and local authorities, community leaders and civil society is high. As a consequence evacuation warnings are generally followed and communities are well prepared. As a result over the past 25 years in Bangladesh the number of deaths directly related to cyclones and coastal flooding has decreased, despite an increase of almost 50 % in the number of people exposed to these hazards. In Cuba, over the course of eight hurricanes between 2003 and 2011, the normalized number of deaths related to cyclones and coastal floods was an order of magnitude less than in the USA. In low-income countries, warning systems and effective shelter/evacuation systems, combined with high levels of disaster risk-reduction education and social cohesion, coupled with trust between government authorities and vulnerable communities can help to increase resilience to coastal hazards and tropical cyclones. In the USA, transferable lessons include improving communication and the awareness of the risk posed by coastal surges, mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the education system and building trusted community networks to help isolated and disadvantaged communities, and improve community resilience.
O abastecimento de água na perspectiva da historiografia europeia e hispano-americana
Authors: Quadros Rückert Fabiano
Published: August 2017

No decorrer das últimas décadas do século XX, o abastecimento de água foi gradualmente recebendo maior atenção dos historiadores que abordaram o tema a partir de diferentes perspectivas teóricas e metodológicas e com múltiplas escalas espaciais. Considerando a
valorização do tema na historiografia contemporânea, o texto apresenta um panorama dos estudos sobre a história do abastecimento de água na Europa e na América Latina, destacando aspectos como as relações entre a oferta de água e o capital privado, os conflitos de interesse existentes na gestão dos recursos hídricos e o papel do poder público na criação e administração de sistemas modernos de abastecimento. A primeira seção
do artigo destaca pesquisas realizadas na Inglaterra e França – dois países pioneiros nos estudos sobre a história do abastecimento de água. Na sequência, o artigo explora trabalhos produzidos pela historiografia espanhola. A terceira seção contempla experiências de modernização
do abastecimento de água no México e na Argentina.
Gender Dimension in the Development of Effective Teaching Skills among University of Cape Coast (Ucc) Distance Education Students
Authors: Ahiatrogah Paul Dela
Published: August 2017

The study examined gender dimension in the development of effective teaching skills among distance education (DE)students. The conceptual framework for the study is gender mainstreaming which centres on pluralistic approach todiversity issues among both men and women. A longitudinal developmental research design was used for the study.A sample size of 376 distance education students made up of 173(46.01%) female and 203 (53.99%) male werepurposefully selected from 5 regional study centres of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast(UCC) across Ghana. Data was collected using the Teaching Practice (Practicum) Assessment Form ‘A’ of UCC.The two research questions sought to find out the performance of male and female DE students on On-CentreTeaching Practice (OCTP) and School-Based Teaching Practice (SBTP) respectively. Five hypotheses were alsoformulated to guide the study. Results of the study revealed that the teaching skills acquired by both male and femaleDE students during OCTP and SBTP were good. However, a statistically significant difference exists between theteaching skills acquired by male and female DE students. Similarly, gender was found to have effect on theacquisition of teaching skills. It is recommended that all policy makers in the area of teaching practice should bemindful of gender issues in the development of teaching skills. Institutions involved in training teachers usingdistance education mode should stress the four levels of effective teaching skills assessed in this paper formeaningful practical teaching during teaching practice.
An Investigation into Saudi Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes towards E-resources on BBC Learning English
Authors: Alzahrani Khalid Saleh
Published: August 2017

The BBC Learning English website has become an important method of learning and studying English as a second language, a resource that enhances the importance of e-learning. The aim of the current research is to find Saudi students’ knowledge of and attitude towards e-resources on BBC Learning English. The sample size was 28 participants (17 male and 11 female participants). The knowledge and attitude were assessed based on scales (from a questionnaire) and their outcomes were correlated with each other; the effect of gender, age and reason for learning were also assessed in relation to the knowledge and attitude variables. Using appropriate statistical tests it was found that there is a significant positive relationship between the knowledge of e-resources and the attitude towards them on BBC Learning English. Gender was not found to have an effect on the attitude scale; however age appeared to have a significant effect on the knowledge variable. The reason for learning English was not found to have an effect on the knowledge of e-resources.
Common Core, Socioeconomic Status, and Middle Level Student Achievement: Implications for Teacher Preparation Programs in Higher Education
Authors: Dotson Lauren , Foley Virginia
Published: August 2017

This paper provides a history of the standardized testing and accountability movement, the curriculum standards attached to the accountability movement, and the attempted shift to common core. Student poverty and its impact on student achievement are the focus of this paper. Recognizing the impact of poverty on student achievement as measured by standardized tests the authors question the explicit practices of teacher preparation programs in preparing teacher candidates to work with students of poverty, particularly at the middle level.
Specimen's Geometry Related Influences on Load-Bearing Capacity of Joining Aluminium and UHSS by Innovative Shear-Clinching
Authors: Horhold Rejane , Muller Martin , Merklein Marion , Meschut Gerson
Published: August 2017

Economic conditions as well as comfort and safety-related requirements lead to lightweight design especially in automotive body-in-white production processes. The consequential multi-material mix limits the reliability of conventional thermal joining technologies. Innovative mechanical joining technologies need to be established. Following the lightweight-design requirements, next step for weight-reduction would be the renunciation of additional elements. Clinching technologies support this idea by creating a form- and force-fitting joint, but are limited to the formability of the joining partners. Joining by forming without additional elements even of hot formed ultra-high-strength manganese steels and ductile aluminium can be realised by shear-clinching. A precisely coordinated tool setup initialises a crack in the die-sided material with limited formability without harming the punch-sided ductile aluminium. This paper presents current and detailed investigations of the influences of mechanical loads on strength capacity of multi-material joints using shear-clinching technologies. The results clearly show the promising potential and challenges of this innovative single-step joining technology for multi-material mixes.