bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fertility Decline in India’s Kerala State: A Unique Example of Below Replacement Fertility in a High Fertility Country
Authors: George M. V.
Published: July 2017

This paper attempts to fill a gap in an updated study of the rapid fertility
decline in Kerala, which has evoked world wide interest, using historical
and recent data from direct and indirect sources. The three determinants
of fertility decline – changes in age at marriage; the use of effective family planning methods as a result of the state’s aggressive family planning program; and the unique Kerala characteristics - have contributed to the fall in fertility. Additional insights are provided by comparing this with similar fertility decline in six countries of the region.
Suicide Mortality in Canada and Quebec, 1926-2008: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Thibodeau Lise
Published: July 2017

Suicide rates raise with age has remained consistent for more than 150 years but over the last 50 years major changes occurred. We examined Age-Period-Cohort (APC) effects on suicide mortality rate by gender in Canada and in Quebec from 1926 to 2008. Durkheim theoretical framework is used to interpret our findings. Descriptive analysis and APC models relating to the Intrinsic Estimator (IE) were used to assess these effects. IE model shows suicide net age effect for men in Canada and Quebec as death rate increased until 25 years old before reaching a plateau. For women it’s an inverted "U" shape peaking at mid-adulthood. While period effect differs, a net cohort effect is found for men born in 1941, and women in 1981 until most recent cohorts.
Becoming British Columbia: A Population History
Authors: Marr Bill
Published: July 2017

Becoming British Columbia: A Population History
Household bednet ownership and use in Ghana: Implications for malaria control
Authors: Adjei Jones K. , Gyimah Stephen Obeng
Published: July 2017

The distribution of insecticide bednets has become a key malaria control strategy in endemic regions. The literature, however, points to a gap between availability and use. Using nationally representative household data from Ghana, this study investigates the factors that associate with household bednet ownership and use among minor children. The results indicate that more than half of Ghanaian households do not own any bednet; while among those who do, household crowding and other socio-demographic factors tend to impede their use. This notwithstanding, the analysis suggests that scaling up bednet distribution could facilitate increased use among vulnerable populations.
Effects of an experimental resource pulse on the macrofaunal assemblage inhabiting seagrass macrophytodetritus
Authors: Remy François , Gobert Sylvie , Lepoint Gilles
Published: July 2017

Physical disturbances and resource pulses are major structuring drivers of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The accumulations of exported dead leaves from the Neptune grass, Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile are ephemeral and highly dynamic detrital habitats offering food sources and shelter for vagile macrofauna community. These habitats are frequently subject to wind and storms which can add “new” detrital material to previous accumulations; these can be defined as resource pulses and could potentially impact the associated macrofauna. This study assesses the impact of an experimental resource pulse on the macrofauna associated with exported P. oceanica litter accumulations. The experimental design consisted of two pulse treatments (the addition of dead leaves with and without the associated fauna), and two controls (one procedural, and one total control), where the added material was left underwater for 14 days. Invertebrates then present in the sampled detritus were all identified and counted. Our data suggest that the responses of these invertebrates to resource pulses present intermediate characteristics between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems responses. Inputting a moderate amount of dead P. oceanica leaves into experimental mesocosms had a non-negligible impact and rapidly affected the macrofauna community. Specialist detritivores species were boosted while herbivore/detritivore species dramatically decreased. Predators also showed a modest but significant density increase, demonstrating the fast propagation of the pulse response throughout the entire community and through several trophic levels. Strict hypoxia-tolerant species were also only observed in the treated mesocosms, indicating the strong influence of resource pulses on physico-chemical conditions occurring inside litter accumulations.
Vaccines, Pesticides, and Narratives of Exposure and Evidence
Authors: Conis Elena
Published: July 2017

This essay considers the cultural work performed by two public health narratives — the DDT narrative and the vaccine narrative — as they appeared in popular and professional discourse concerning two recent media events: controversy over an antivaccination film, and the emergence of a Zika global public health emergency. Like all narratives in the history of medicine, the stories historians and others tell about DDT and about vaccines organize a shared past to explain the present. They also point to a hoped-for future. The DDT and vaccine narratives share several themes: public health, expertise, evidence, exposure, and power. Their inclusions and exclusions, however, convey distinct messages about these themes, particularly regarding the right conduct of health citizens in the pursuit of public health. These narratives are analyzed to compare their agendas, and to propose a case study of how historical work can shed light on contemporary public health norms, practice, and challenges.
Confirmation of tensile residual stress reduction in electron beam welding using low transformation temperature materials (LTT) as localized metallurgical injections – Part 2: Residual stress measurement
Authors: Gach Stefan , Olschok Simon , Francis John Anthony , Reisgen Uwe
Published: July 2017

In welding, the change of the aggregate state solid-liquid-solid is, via a localized heat action at the welding point used for the material binding joining of parts. Due to the thermal expansion and also due to structural changes, heat residual stresses and transformation residual stresses develop which often exert a negative influence on the precision of the part. When the shrinkage-induced residual stresses exceed the temperature-dependent yield stress, weldment distortion is the consequence. For reduction of the distortion and the residual tensile stresses in welded seams on carbon manganese steels, low transformation temperature materials (LTT) were developed. These materials use the volume expansion effect during martensitic transformation. The volume expansion counteracts volume shrinkage during cooling. The metallographic analysis of an electron beam welded seam in unalloyed steel with LTT filler material has been demonstrated in Part 1. This second part shows the effect on near-surface residual stresses examined by hole drilling method in combination with an optical evaluation by electronic speckle pattern interferometry.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for large vestibular schwannomas greater than 3 cm in diameter
Authors: Huang Cheng-Wei , Tu Hsien-Tang , Chuang Chun-Yi , Chang Cheng-Siu , Chou Hsi-Hsien , Lee Ming-Tsung , Huang Chuan-Fu
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important alternative management option for patients with small- and medium-sized vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Its use in the treatment of large tumors, however, is still being debated. The authors reviewed their recent experience to assess the potential role of SRS in larger-sized VSs.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2014, 35 patients with large VSs, defined as having both a single dimension > 3 cm and a volume > 10 cm3, underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Nine patients (25.7%) had previously undergone resection. The median total volume covered in this group of patients was 14.8 cm3 (range 10.3–24.5 cm3). The median tumor margin dose was 11 Gy (range 10–12 Gy).

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 48 months (range 6–156 months). All 35 patients had regular MRI follow-up examinations. Twenty tumors (57.1%) had a volume reduction of greater than 50%, 5 (14.3%) had a volume reduction of 15%–50%, 5 (14.3%) were stable in size (volume change < 15%), and 5 (14.3%) had larger volumes (all of these lesions were eventually resected). Four patients (11.4%) underwent resection within 9 months to 6 years because of progressive symptoms. One patient (2.9%) had open surgery for new-onset intractable trigeminal neuralgia at 48 months after GKRS. Two patients (5.7%) who developed a symptomatic cyst underwent placement of a cystoperitoneal shunt. Eight (66%) of 12 patients with pre-GKRS trigeminal sensory dysfunction had hypoesthesia relief. One hemifacial spasm completely resolved 3 years after treatment. Seven patients with facial weakness experienced no deterioration after GKRS. Two of 3 patients with serviceable hearing before GKRS deteriorated while 1 patient retained the same level of hearing. Two patients improved from severe hearing loss to pure tone audiometry less than 50 dB.

The authors found borderline statistical significance for post-GKRS tumor enlargement for later resection (p = 0.05, HR 9.97, CI 0.99–100.00). A tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3 was a significant factor predictive of GKRS failure (p = 0.005). No difference in outcome was observed based on indication for GKRS (p = 0.0761).

CONCLUSIONS

Although microsurgical resection remains the primary management choice in patients with VSs, most VSs that are defined as having both a single dimension > 3 cm and a volume > 10 cm3 and tolerable mass effect can be managed satisfactorily with GKRS. Tumor volume ≥ 15 cm3 is a significant factor predicting poor tumor control following GKRS.
Emergency separation of craniopagus twins: case report
Authors: Nejat Farideh , Habibi Zohreh , Goudarzi Mehrdad , Azad Mahdi Souraki , Moradi Ehsan , Heidari Vahid , Kadivar Maliheh , Soltani Zahra Ebrahim , Kouchakzadeh Leila
Published: July 2017

Craniopagus is a very rare congenital anomaly that tends to affect females more often than males. It is classified as partial or total. Most affected twins are either stillborn or die during the perinatal period. Those who survive birth should undergo detailed radiological evaluations soon after their condition becomes stable so that the precise anatomy of the conjoined part can be defined and surgery can be planned in detail by a multidisciplinary team. Recommendations for decreasing the risk of unsuccessful surgery include performing surgery on an elective basis after extensive preoperative radiological evaluations as well as when the twins are at an acceptable age and weight for a complex surgical separation, generally as staged procedures. In addition, the operation should be performed by a well-equipped expert multidisciplinary team.

When one of the conjoined twins dies, however, surgical separation cannot be postponed because the shared circulatory system predisposes the alive child to life-threatening complications, including coagulopathy. The authors report on the successful separation of craniopagus twins performed on an emergency basis at 32 weeks of gestational age because of the sudden death of one of them. At the time of separation surgery, the twins each weighed 1250 g. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the youngest age and lowest weight yet reported for successful surgical separation. The surviving twin developed a pseudomeningocele, which required a second operation and placement of a cystoperitoneal shunt 4 months after the operation. Additional surgery is planned to repair a cranial defect that resulted from the pseudomeningocele, but his general physical and mental condition was otherwise good at latest follow-up (12 months after separation surgery).
Microendoscopic laminotomy versus conventional laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Minamide Akihito , Yoshida Munehito , Simpson Andrew K. , Yamada Hiroshi , Hashizume Hiroshi , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Tsutsui Shunji , Okada Motohiro , Takami Masanari , Nakao Shin-ichi
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to characterize the long-term clinical and radiological results of articular segmental decompression surgery using endoscopy (cervical microendoscopic laminotomy [CMEL]) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and to compare outcomes to conventional expansive laminoplasty (ELAP).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CSM who required surgical treatment were enrolled. All enrolled patients (n = 78) underwent CMEL or ELAP. All patients were followed postoperatively for more than 5 years. The preoperative and 5-year follow-up evaluations included neurological assessment (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score), JOA recovery rates, axial neck pain (using a visual analog scale), the SF-36, and cervical sagittal alignment (C2–7 subaxial cervical angle).

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were included for analysis, 31 in the CMEL group and 30 in the ELAP group. The mean preoperative JOA score was 10.1 points in the CMEL group and 10.9 points in the ELAP group (p > 0.05). The JOA recovery rates were similar, 57.6% in the CMEL group and 55.4% in the ELAP group (p > 0.05). The axial neck pain in the CMEL group was significantly lower than that in the ELAP group (p < 0.01). At the 5-year follow-up, cervical alignment was more favorable in the CMEL group, with an average 2.6° gain in lordosis (versus 1.2° loss of lordosis in the ELAP group [p < 0.05]) and lower incidence of postoperative kyphosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CMEL is a novel, less invasive technique that allows for multilevel posterior cervical decompression for the treatment of CSM. This 5-year follow-up data demonstrates that after undergoing CMEL, patients have similar neurological outcomes to conventional laminoplasty, with significantly less postoperative axial pain and improved subaxial cervical lordosis when compared with their traditional ELAP counterparts.
Using a Multiobjective Approach to Compare Multiple Design Alternatives—An Application to Battery Dynamic Model Tuning
Authors: Pajares Alberto , Blasco Xavier , Herrero Juan , Simarro Raúl
Published: July 2017

A design problem is usually solvable in different ways or by design alternatives. In this work, the term “concept” is used to refer to the design alternatives. Additionally, it is quite common that a design problem has to satisfy conflicting objectives. In these cases, the design problem can be formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem (MOP). One of the aims of this work was to show how to combine multiobjective requirements with concepts’ comparisons, in order to attain a satisfactory design. The second aim of this work was to take advantage of this methodology to obtain a battery model that described the dynamic behavior of the main electrical variables. Two objectives related to the model accuracy during the charge and discharge processes were used. In the final model selection, three different concepts were compared. These concepts differed in the complexity of their model structure. More complex models usually provide a good approximation of the process when identification data are used, but the approximation could be worse when validation data are applied. In this article, it is shown that a model with an intermediate complexity supplies a good approximation for both identification and validation data sets.
Validating a Wave-to-Wire Model for a Wave Energy Converter—Part II: The Electrical System
Authors: Penalba Markel , Cortajarena José-Antonio , Ringwood John
Published: July 2017

The incorporation of the full dynamics of the different conversion stages of wave energy converters (WECs), from ocean waves to the electricity grid, is essential for a realistic evaluation of the power flow in the drive train. WECs with different power take-off (PTO) systems, including diverse transmission mechanisms, have been developed in recent decades. However, all the different PTO systems for electricity-producing WECs, regardless of any intermediate transmission mechanism, include an electric generator, linear or rotational. Therefore, accurately modelling the dynamics of electric generators is crucial for all wave-to-wire (W2W) models. This paper presents the models for three popular rotational electric generators (squirrel cage induction machine, permanent magnet synchronous generator and doubly-fed induction generator) and a back-to-back (B2B) power converter and validates such models against experimental data generated using three real electric machines. The input signals for the validation of the mathematical models are designed so that the whole operation range of the electrical generators is covered, including input signals generated using the W2W model that mimic the behaviour of different hydraulic PTO systems. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the models in accurately reproducing the characteristics of the three electrical machines, including power losses in the different machines and the B2B converter.
Anticipated Communication in the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Capizzani Mario , Mittone Luigi , Musau Andrew , Vaccaro Antonino
Published: July 2017

Anticipated verbal feedback in a dictator game has been shown to induce altruistic behavior. However, in the ultimatum game which, apart from generosity, entails a strategic component since a proposer may (rightly) fear that the responder will reject a low offer, it remains an open question whether anticipated verbal communication can be effective in increasing offers. We implement a between-subjects experimental design in the ultimatum game with strategy method manipulating the form of anticipated verbal communication (no communication, one-sided communication from proposers and two-sided communication) and find that offers are significantly higher in the presence of anticipated two-sided communication. However, anticipated one-sided communication from proposers has no effect on offers, suggesting, as found in previous studies, that it is the anticipation of feedback that is relevant.
Hybridizing Adaptive Biogeography-Based Optimization with Differential Evolution for Multi-Objective Optimization Problems
Authors: Feng Siling , Yang Ziqiang , Huang Mengxing
Published: July 2017

In order to improve the performance of optimization, we apply a hybridization of adaptive biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm and differential evolution (DE) to multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs). A model of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) is established, in which the habitat suitability index (HSI) is redefined, based on the Pareto dominance relation, and density information among the habitat individuals. Then, we design a new algorithm, in which the modification probability and mutation probability are changed, according to the relation between the cost of fitness function of randomly selected habitats of last generation, and average cost of fitness function of all habitats of last generation. The mutation operators based on DE algorithm, are modified, and the migration operators based on number of iterations, are improved to achieve better convergence performance. Numerical experiments on different ZDT and DTLZ benchmark functions are performed, and the results demonstrate that the proposed MABBO algorithm has better performance on the convergence and the distribution properties comparing to the other MOEAs, and can solve more complex multi-objective optimization problems efficiently.
The Role of Functional Heads in Code-Switching Evidence from Swiss Text Messages (sms4science.ch)
Authors: Robert-Tissot Aurélia , Morel Etienne
Published: July 2017

This study aims to test two principles of code-switching (CS) formulated by González Vilbazo (2005): The Principle of the Functional Restriction (PFR) and the Principle of Agreement (PA). The first states that a code-switch between the morphological exponents of functional heads belonging to the same extended projection of a lexical category (N° or V°) is not possible. The second claims that inside a phrase, agreement requirements have to be satisfied, regardless of the language providing the lexical material. The corpus on which we tested these hypotheses consists of 25,947 authentic text messages collected in Switzerland in 2009 and 2010. In our corpus, the PA is maintained. The PFR also seems to hold, even if data is limited. Interestingly, contradicting examples can be explained by phonological principles or the sociolinguistic background of the authors, who are not native speakers. Overall, the evidence found in spontaneously written non-standard data like text messages seems to confirm the validity of the two principles.
Synthesis of Poly(norbornene-methylamine), a Biomimetic of Chitosan, by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Authors: Li Na , Wang Huanhuan , Qu Xiaosai , Chen Yu
Published: July 2017

ROMP is an effective method for preparing functional polymers due to its having characteristics of “living” polymerization and rapid development of catalysts. In the present work, poly(norbornene-methylamine), a mimic of chitosan, was synthesized via ROMP reaction. The amino-protected product, 5-norbornene-2-(N-methyl)-phthalimide, was prepared by a reaction of 5-norbornene-2-methylamine with phthalic anhydride, which was then subjected to the ROMP reaction in the presence of Hoveyda-Grubbs 2nd catalyst to afford poly(norbornene-(N-methyl)-phthalimide). The target product, poly(norbornene-methylamine), was obtained by deprotection reaction of poly(norbornene-(N-methyl)-phthalimide). The products in each step were characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR, and their thermal stabilities were determined by TG analysis. The effects of molar ratio between monomer ([M]/[I]) and catalyst on the average relative molecular weight ( M n ¯ ) and molecular weight distribution of the produced polymer products were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It was found that the M n ¯ of poly(norbornene-(N-methyl)-phthalimide) was controllable and exhibited a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) (~1.10). The synthesis condition of 5-norbornene-2-(N-methyl)-phthalimide was optimized by determining the yields at different reaction temperatures and reaction times. The highest yield was obtained at a reaction temperature of 130 °C and a reaction time of 20 min. Our work provides a new strategy to synthesize polymers with controllable structures and free –NH2 groups via ROMP.
An Efficient Approach for Lithium and Aluminum Recovery from Coal Fly Ash by Pre-Desilication and Intensified Acid Leaching Processes
Authors: Li Shenyong , Qin Shenjun , Kang Lianwei , Liu Jianjun , Wang Jing , Li Yanheng
Published: July 2017

A novel technique was developed for the recovery of lithium and aluminum from coal fly ash using a combination of pre-desilication and an intensified acid leaching process. The main components of the high-aluminum fly ash were found to be Al2O3 and SiO2, and the Al/Si ratio increased from 1.0 to 1.5 after desiliconization. The lithium content of the coal fly ash met national recycling standards. The optimal acid leaching conditions, under which the leaching efficiencies of lithium and aluminum were 82.23% and 76.72%, respectively, were as follows: 6 mol/L HCl, 1:20 solid to liquid ratio, 120 °C and 4 h. During the hydrochloric acid pressure leaching process, spherical particles of desilicated fly ash were decomposed into flakes. Part of the mullite phase was dissolved, and most of the glass phase leached into the liquor. The generation of the silicates hindered lithium transport, which decreased the leaching rate of lithium. This work suggests that the preprocessing is a promising option for effective recovery of high-aluminum and fly ash-associated lithium.
The Exact Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement: Recent Advances
Authors: Nichols Parker , Born Alexandra , Henen Morkos , Strotz Dean , Orts Julien , Olsson Simon , Güntert Peter , Chi Celestine , Vögeli Beat
Published: July 2017

Although often depicted as rigid structures, proteins are highly dynamic systems, whose motions are essential to their functions. Despite this, it is difficult to investigate protein dynamics due to the rapid timescale at which they sample their conformational space, leading most NMR-determined structures to represent only an averaged snapshot of the dynamic picture. While NMR relaxation measurements can help to determine local dynamics, it is difficult to detect translational or concerted motion, and only recently have significant advances been made to make it possible to acquire a more holistic representation of the dynamics and structural landscapes of proteins. Here, we briefly revisit our most recent progress in the theory and use of exact nuclear Overhauser enhancements (eNOEs) for the calculation of structural ensembles that describe their conformational space. New developments are primarily targeted at increasing the number and improving the quality of extracted eNOE distance restraints, such that the multi-state structure calculation can be applied to proteins of higher molecular weights. We then review the implications of the exact NOE to the protein dynamics and function of cyclophilin A and the WW domain of Pin1, and finally discuss our current research and future directions.
Solar or UVA-Visible Photocatalytic Ozonation of Water Contaminants
Authors: Beltrán Fernando , Rey Ana
Published: July 2017

An incipient advanced oxidation process, solar photocatalytic ozonation (SPO), is reviewed in this paper with the aim of clarifying the importance of this process as a more sustainable water technology to remove priority or emerging contaminants from water. The synergism between ozonation and photocatalytic oxidation is well known to increase the oxidation rate of water contaminants, but this has mainly been studied in photocatalytic ozonation systems with lamps of different radiation wavelength, especially of ultraviolet nature (UVC, UVB, UVA). Nowadays, process sustainability is critical in environmental technologies including water treatment and reuse; the application of SPO systems falls into this category, and contributes to saving energy and water. In this review, we summarized works published on photocatalytic ozonation where the radiation source is the Sun or simulated solar light, specifically, lamps emitting radiation to cover the UVA and visible light spectra. The main aspects of the review include photoreactors used and radiation sources applied, synthesis and characterization of catalysts applied, influence of main process variables (ozone, catalyst, and pollutant concentrations, light intensity), type of water, biodegradability and ecotoxicity, mechanism and kinetics, and finally catalyst activity and stability.
Functionalization of Endohedral Metallofullerenes with Reactive Silicon and Germanium Compounds
Authors: Kako Masahiro , Nagase Shigeru , Akasaka Takeshi
Published: July 2017

Exohedral derivatization of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) has been exploited as a useful method for characterizing the structural and chemical properties of EMFs, and for functionalizing them for potential applications. The introduction of heteroatoms, such as electropositive silicon atoms, to fullerene cages is a novel functionalization method that remarkably affects the electronic characteristics of fullerenes. This review comprehensively describes the results of the reactions of monometallofullerene, dimetallofullerene, and trimetallic nitride template EMFs with disilirane, silirane, silylene, and digermirane, which afforded the corresponding silylated and germylated fullerenes. Several examples emphasize that exohedral functionalization regulates the dynamic behaviors of the encapsulated metal atoms and clusters in the fullerene cages. The electronic effects of silyl and germyl groups are represented by comparing the redox properties of silylated and germylated EMFs with those of other EMFs derivatized with carbon-atom-based functional groups.
Crystal Structure Analysis of the First Discovered Stability-Enhanced Solid State of Tenofovir Disoproxil Free Base Using Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction
Authors: An Ji-Hun , Kiyonga Alice , Yoon Woojin , Ryu Hyung , Kim Jae-Sun , Kang Chaeri , Park Minho , Yun Hoseop , Jung Kiwon
Published: July 2017

Tenofovir disoproxil (TD), an anti-virus drug, is currently marketed under its most stable form, Form-I of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, studies regarding the properties of TD free base crystal as a promising drug as well as its crystal structure have not yet been reported. This assumption was made because TD free base is not directly produced in a solid form during the manufacturing process. TD free base is first obtained in an oil form, and is then synthesized into TDF crystal. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate both the potentiality of TD free base to be an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its crystal structure. Here, TD free base solid was produced by means of drowning-out crystallization. Next, single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXD) was employed to determine the crystal structure. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were performed to evaluate the crystal’s properties. Furthermore, experiments were carried out at 15%, 35%, 55%, 75%, and 95% relative humidity (RH) for 12 h using a hygroscopic tester to determine and to compare the hygroscopicity and stability of TD free base with TDF crystal. Additionally, experiments were conducted under accelerated (40 °C, RH 75%) and stress storage (60 °C, RH 75%) conditions for 30 days to investigate the changes in purity and the formation of dimer. In this work, we report that TD free base possesses lower hygroscopicity, and thus does not generate dimer impurity from hydrolysis. Primarily, this is attributed to the fact that TD free base is not an easily ionized salt but comprises neutral hydrophobic molecules. According to the structural properties, the improved hygroscopic property of the TD free base crystal was due to the decrease of crystal polarity owing to the intermolecular H-bonds present in TD free base rings. In addition, the solubility investigation study carried out in aqueous solution and at gastrointestinal pH revealed a similarity in TDF and TD free base solubility under the mentioned conditions. Accordingly, we could confirm the potentiality of TD free base as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Solvent Supercritical Fluid Technologies to Extract Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources: A Review
Authors: Khaw Kooi-Yeong , Parat Marie-Odile , Shaw Paul Nicholas , Falconer James Robert
Published: July 2017

Supercritical fluid technologies offer a propitious method for drug discovery from natural sources. Such methods require relatively short processing times, produce extracts with little or no organic co-solvent, and are able to extract bioactive molecules whilst minimising degradation. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) provides a range of benefits, as well as offering routes to overcome some of the limitations that exist with the conventional methods of extraction. Unfortunately, SFE-based methods are not without their own shortcomings; two major ones being: (1) the high establishment cost; and (2) the selective solvent nature of CO2, i.e., that CO2 only dissolves small non-polar molecules, although this can be viewed as a positive outcome provided bioactive molecules are extracted during solvent-based SFE. This review provides an update of SFE methods for natural products and outlines the main operating parameters for extract recovery. Selected processing considerations are presented regarding supercritical fluids and the development and application of ultrasonic-assisted SFE methods, as well as providing some of the key aspects of SFE scalability.
Spatial Variation of Sea Level Rise at Atlantic and Mediterranean Coastline of Europe
Authors: Aral Mustafa , Chang Biao
Published: July 2017

The inundation impact of sea level rise (SLR) is critical, since coastal regions of Europe house important critical infrastructures and large population centers. According to International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) studies, the analysis of the SLR problem is complicated. Beyond the reported complexities involved in the analysis of this phenomenon, the expected spatial variability of SLR in oceans further complicates this analysis. Spatial variability of SLR in oceans is both observed and also expected, according to IPCC studies. Estimation of spatial variation of SLR in oceans is necessary to identify the level of potential threats that may impact different coastline regions. Identification of geographic patterns of SLR based on local coastal data has been reported in the literature. Unfortunately, these estimates cannot be used in predictive analysis over a century. Thus, the solution of this problem using mathematical models is the other alternative that can be employed. Modeling solutions to this problem is currently in its infancy, and further studies in this field are needed. In this study, a methodology developed by the authors is used to estimate the SLR for the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coastline of Europe that also includes the other oceans. This effort utilizes the dynamic system model (DSM) with spatial analysis capability (S-DSM) to predict the regional sea level change. Results obtained provide consistent assessment of spatial variability of SLR pattern in oceans as well as the temperature changes over the 21st century. This approach may also be used in other coastal regions to aid management decision in a timely manner.
Formation of ferromagnetic molecular thin films from blends by annealing
Authors: Robaschik Peter , Ma Ye , Din Salahud , Heutz Sandrine
Published: July 2017

We report on a new approach for the fabrication of ferromagnetic molecular thin films. Co-evaporated films of manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) have been produced by organic molecular beam deposition (OMBD) on rigid (glass, silicon) and flexible (Kapton) substrates kept at room temperature. The MnPc:TCNQ films are found to be entirely amorphous due to the size mismatch of the molecules. However, by annealing while covering the samples highly crystalline MnPc films in the β-polymorph can be obtained at 60 °C lower than when starting with pure MnPc films. The resulting films exhibit substantial coercivity (13 mT) at 2 K and a Curie temperature of 11.5 K.
DATA INTEROPERABILITY ASSESSMENT THOUGH IFC FOR BIM IN STRUCTURAL DESIGN – A FIVE-YEAR GAP ANALYSIS
Authors: MULLER Marina Figueiredo , GARBERS Amanda , ESMANIOTO Filipe , HUBER Natan , LOURES Eduardo Rocha , CANCIGLIERI Junior Osiris
Published: July 2017

In the last years the aec (architecture, engineering and construction) industry has been influenced by the development of building information modelling (bim). With the creation of complex systems, the need for efficient in­teroperability arises. Based on a study of bim interoperability dimensions and its levels, this research presents an inter­operability assessment of bim system in the structural domain, especially considering cast-in-place concrete structures, since they present some special challenges for system interoperability. This assessment was conducted by experiments that imported and exported structural models and structural elements through a non-proprietarz standard for bim mod­els (ifc- industry foundation classes). The experiments were conducted twice, with a five year gap from each other, so the evolution of the interoperability could be assessed as well. The results showed that some special characteristics must be considered in order to achieve efficient interoperability for cast-in-place concrete structures – these structures are monolithic and they have reinforcement steel bars that need detailing. Also, the research showed that in the five-year gap there were evolutions in interoperability, like in object identifiers, which had a considerable improvement. However, some of the major problems remain, such as overlapping of structural parts.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF GLULAM BEAMS REINFORCED WITH CFRP PLATES
Authors: GLIŠOVIĆ Ivan , PAVLOVIĆ Marko , STEVANOVIĆ Boško , TODOROVIĆ Marija
Published: July 2017

This paper presents an analysis of bending behaviour of glued laminated timber (glulam) beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates, based on finite element numerical modelling. Nonlinear 3-dimen­sional model was developed and validated by experimental tests carried out on unreinforced beams and beams reinforced with two different reinforcement arrangements. Suitable constitutive relationships for each material were utilised in the model, as well as anisotropic plasticity theory for timber in compression. Adhesive bond between CFRP plate and timber was modelled as a perfect connection. Beam failure in the model was defined by maximum stress criterion. The predicted behaviour of beams has shown good agreement with the experimental results in relation to load-deflection relationship, ultimate load, elastic stiffness and strain profile distribution. The non-linear behaviour of reinforced beams before failure was also achieved in the numerical analysis, confirming the finite element model to be accurate past the linear-elastic range. Experimentally tested reinforced beams usually failed in tensile zone after compressive plasticiza­tion of top lamination, which was also simulated in the numerical model. The results proved that the load carrying ca­pacity, stiffness and ductility of glulam beams were successfully increased by addition of CFRP plate at tension side of the section.
RANDOM FIELDS OF INITIAL OUT OF STRAIGHTNESS LEADING TO COLUMN BUCKLING
Authors: KALA Zdeněk , VALEŠ Jan , JÖNSSON Jeppe
Published: July 2017

The elastic load-carrying capacity and buckling trajectory of steel columns under compression with open and hollow cross-sections, whose axis is curved by spatial random fields, are studied in the article. As a result of the spatial curvature of the axis the cross-sections are subjected to compression, bending and torsion from the onset of loading. Numerical simulations are performed using the geometrically non-linear model created using the ANSYS software pack­age. Each simulation run has input random realizations of yield strength and the random field generated using the Latin Hypercube Sampling method. In the plane perpendicular to a perfectly straight column axis, the random observations of deformation trajectories of a node in the middle of the column height are studied. The increasing compression load moves the node along the curve path (open sections) or along the linear path (hollow sections). Large discrepancies in the deformation trajectories of open sections (curvilinear paths) and hollow sections (linear paths) were observed from the comparison of simulation runs. The average and design load-carrying capacities of compressed columns with open cross-sections are lower in comparison to columns with hollow cross-sections due to the lower efficiency of open cross-sections in torsion.
MODELLING CHLORIDE DIFFUSION IN CONCRETE WITH INFLUENCE OF CONCRETE STRESS STATE
Authors: WANG Jian , NG Pui-Lam , WANG Weishan , DU Jinsheng , SONG Jianyong
Published: July 2017

Under coastal or marine conditions, chloride erosion is the major accelerating factor of reinforcement corrosion. Therefore, it is of vital importance to investigate the chloride diffusion model. Research reveals that the concrete stress state has great influence on chloride diffusion; therefore a stress influence coefficient was incorporated in chloride diffusion coefficient model by many researchers. By referring to the experimental data from eight different researchers, the law between stress influence coefficient and concrete stress ratio is studied in detail, and equations relating the stress influence coefficient with the concrete stress ratio are established. Compared with three typical existing groups of equations, it is found that the proposed equations give the most accurate estim.ation of the stress influence coefficient. Hence, the proposed equations can be adopted to improve the valuation of chloride diffusion coefficient, and a modified chloride diffusion model is put forward. Three groups of experimental data are used to validate the modified chloride diffusion model, which is shown to be reasonable and having high prediction accuracy.
The Origins of UV–optical Color Gradients in Star-forming Galaxies at z ∼ 2: Predominant Dust Gradients but Negligible sSFR Gradients
Authors: Liu F. S. , Jiang Dongfei , Faber S. M. , Koo David C. , Yesuf Hassen M. , Tacchella Sandro , Mao Shude , Wang Weichen , Guo Yicheng , Fang Jerome J. , Barro Guillermo , Zheng Xianzhong , Jia Meng , Tong Wei , Liu Lu , Meng Xianmin
Published: July 2017

The rest-frame UV–optical (i.e., NUV − B) color is sensitive to both low-level recent star formation (specific star formation rate—sSFR) and dust. In this Letter, we extend our previous work on the origins of NUV − B color gradients in star-forming galaxies (SFGs) at

to those at

. We use a sample of 1335 large (semimajor axis radius

) SFGs with extended UV emission out to

in the mass range

at

in the CANDELS/GOODS-S and UDS fields. We show that these SFGs generally have negative NUV − B color gradients (redder centers), and their color gradients strongly increase with galaxy mass. We also show that the global rest-frame FUV − NUV color is approximately linear with

, which is derived by modeling the observed integrated FUV to NIR spectral energy distributions of the galaxies. Applying this integrated calibration to our spatially resolved data, we find a negative dust gradient (more dust extinguished in the centers), which steadily becomes steeper with galaxy mass. We further find that the NUV − B color gradients become nearly zero after correcting for dust gradients regardless of galaxy mass. This indicates that the sSFR gradients are negligible and dust reddening is likely the principal cause of negative UV–optical color gradients in these SFGs. Our findings support that the buildup of the stellar mass in SFGs at Cosmic Noon is self-similar inside

.
Encadrement et leadership
Authors: Piot Liesbeth , Kelchtermans Geert
Published: July 2017

Des évolutions récentes dans l’éducation telles que la décentralisation, l’augmentation de la taille (regroupement d’écoles) et une plus grande responsabilisation des écoles affectent le leadership au sein de celles-ci. Ceci soulève la question de la manière de conceptualiser et d’étudier le leadership dans des écoles qui ont significativement changé en taille et en complexité. À partir de ces changements dans les écoles d’aujourd’hui nous avons relu de manière critique et nous avons analysé la littérature récente relative au leadership scolaire. L’analyse nous a conduits à une double réponse à cette question. Tout d’abord il semble y avoir un blocage 2 entre les approches concentrées et les approches distribuées dans le cadre de la théorisation et de la recherche dans le domaine du leadership scolaire. En second lieu, la plupart des théories et des recherches sur le leadership dans les écoles se centrent sur la dimension relative aux tâches du leadership, prêtant peu d’attention à la dimension émotionnelle de celui-ci.
Encadrement et leadership
Authors: Royal Louise , Boyer Michel , Saint-Germain Martine
Published: July 2017

L’efficacité de l’enseignement préoccupe actuellement les systèmes d’éducation nationaux et soulève du même coup la question de la responsabilité du directeur de l’établissement à l’égard de la qualité des services éducatifs et de la supervision pédagogique. Or évoquer la supervision conduit à reconnaître certaines dérives possibles. Une commission scolaire québécoise voulant inscrire cette intervention dans une relation de soutien au développe ment professionnel a entrepris, avec un groupe de directrices et directeurs, une recherche-action-formation qui avait pour objectif la construction du savoir au regard de l’accompagnement. Les résultats montrent comment les participants explorent et s’approprient de nouvelles façons de travailler avec leur personnel enseignant. De plus, à travers un va-et-vient entre l’expérimentation et la théorisation, un modèle de référence commun apportant un sens aux interventions d’accompagnement menées par des directeurs d’établissement s’est construit.
Encadrement et leadership
Authors: Pons Xavier , Bouvier Alain
Published: July 2017

Ce chapitre analyse l’évolution du métier d’inspecteur dans un contexte de mise en œuvre d’une politique d’évaluation externe des établissements scolaires dans trois pays européens (Angleterre, France, Suisse). Adoptant une perspective de sociologie des groupes professionnels dans l’action publique, il interroge les tensions identitaires professionnelles introduites par cette nouvelle politique et les pratiques évaluatives, effectives ou déclarées, auxquelles elle donne lieu. Il mobilise pour cela deux types de matériaux. Les uns proviennent d’une recherche exploratoire de deux ans dans six territoires éducatifs à partir d’une analyse documentaire, d’une revue de la littérature professionnelle et scientifique, d’observations et de 101 entretiens. Les autres sont issus de l’analyse distanciée d’un des auteurs, formateur de cadres, administrateur de l’Éducation nationale française et spécialiste en management public. L’analyse montre ainsi une réception et une reformulation de l’impératif d’évaluation des établissements scolaires par les inspecteurs très différente d’un système éducatif à l’autre selon les configurations d’action publique et les identités professionnelles en présence, et ce même si des tensions identitaires communes peuvent être mises en évidence.
L’audace de faire simple : les leçons de la Kwid, véhicule indien de Renault-Nissan
Authors: Détourbet Gérard , Midler Christophe , Doz Yves
Published: July 2017

Devant être conçue et fabriquée en Inde pour concurrencer les modèles les moins chers du marché, la Kwid impliquait de tout réinventer. La simplicité a été recherchée dans les moindres détails, même en dépit des standards. Pour imposer des choix iconoclastes aux maisons mères, il fallait un directeur de projet charismatique et une organisation réactive. Cette histoire dessine une stratégie pour des entreprises globales : partir des exigences de frugalité des marchés émergents pour inventer des solutions qui se propagent ensuite dans le monde. @@Pour concevoir et fabriquer la Kwid en Inde et ainsi concurrencer les modèles les moins chers de ce marché, il fallait tout réinventer. Imposer des choix iconoclastes aux maisons mères demandait un directeur de projet charismatique et une organisation réactive.
Les quatre Everest de la création d’une marque horlogère
Authors: Marhic Alain
Published: July 2017

Un marché polarisé entre un haut de gamme classique et des marques “sport” abordables, avec une création conventionnelle, laisse place, pour Alain Marhic, à une nouvelle marque, haut de gamme mais créative. D’autant qu’il a déniché un designer ultra-talentueux qui lui semble pouvoir apporter un regard neuf... sans avoir jamais dessiné de montre. La création, codifiée et “surcontrainte”, est un exercice d’équilibriste pour tenter d’imposer une identité nouvelle, mais après sept ans, March LA.B commence à exister dans le monde fermé de la montre.