bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloperoxidase as an Active Disease Biomarker: Recent Biochemical and Pathological Perspectives
Authors: Khan Amjad A. , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Rahmani Arshad H.
Published: April 2018

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) belongs to the family of heme-containing peroxidases, produced mostly from polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The active enzyme (150 kDa) is the product of the MPO gene located on long arm of chromosome 17. The primary gene product undergoes several modifications, such as the removal of introns and signal peptides, and leads to the formation of enzymatically inactive glycosylated apoproMPO which complexes with chaperons, producing inactive proMPO by the insertion of a heme moiety. The active enzyme is a homodimer of heavy and light chain protomers. This enzyme is released into the extracellular fluid after oxidative stress and different inflammatory responses. Myeloperoxidase is the only type of peroxidase that uses H2O2 to oxidize several halides and pseudohalides to form different hypohalous acids. So, the antibacterial activities of MPO involve the production of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Controlled MPO release at the site of infection is of prime importance for its efficient activities. Any uncontrolled degranulation exaggerates the inflammation and can also lead to tissue damage even in absence of inflammation. Several types of tissue injuries and the pathogenesis of several other major chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, and cancer have been reported to be linked with MPO-derived oxidants. Thus, the enhanced level of MPO activity is one of the best diagnostic tools of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers among these commonly-occurring diseases.
Source and Enrichment of Toxic Elements in Coal Seams around Mafic Intrusions: Constraints from Pyrites in the Yuandian Coal Mine in Anhui, Eastern China
Authors: An Yanfei , Liu Lingling , Wang Mina , Zheng Shuo , Guo Yuanjie , Zhang Shuai , Lai Chunkit
Published: April 2018

Pyrite, a mineral that can cause potential environmental issues in coal mining, is commonly found in coal seams around intrusions. In this paper, pyrites from the Yuandian Coal Mine (Huaibei Coalfield, Anhui, Eastern China) were studied using SEM, Raman and LA-ICP-MS. The pyrite morphologic and geochemical data suggest that (1) four pyrite generations are present (framboidal sedimentary pyrites (Py I) in the original coal, coarse-grained magmatic pyrites (Py II) in the intruding diabase, fine-grained metamorphic pyrites (Py III) in the intrusive contact aureole, and spheroid/vein hydrothermal pyrites (Py IV) in the cokeite); and (2) concentrations of cobalt, nickel, arsenic, selenium, lead and copper in the metamorphic pyrites are much higher than the other pyrite generations. We propose that mafic magmatism is the main contributor of the toxic elements to the intrusion-related cokeite at Yuandian.
Thermal Calcination-Based Production of SnO2 Nanopowder: An Analysis of SnO2 Nanoparticle Characteristics and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Al-Hada Naif Mohammed , Kamari Halimah Mohamed , Baqer Anwar Ali , Shaari Abdul H. , Saion Elias
Published: April 2018

SnO2 nanoparticle production using thermal treatment with tin(II) chloride dihydrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone capping agent precursor materials for calcination was investigated. Samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse UV-vis reflectance spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and the electron spin resonance (ESR). XRD analysis found tetragonal crystalline structures in the SnO2 nanoparticles generated through calcination. EDX and FT-IR spectroscopy phase analysis verified the derivation of the Sn and O in the SnO2 nanoparticle samples from the precursor materials. An average nanoparticle size of 4–15.5 nm was achieved by increasing calcination temperature from 500 °C to 800 °C, as confirmed through TEM. The valence state and surface composition of the resulting nanoparticle were analyzed using XPS. Diffuse UV-vis reflectance spectra were used to evaluate the optical energy gap using the Kubelka-Munk equation. Greater calcination temperature resulted in the energy band gap falling from 3.90 eV to 3.64 eV. PL spectra indicated a positive relationship between particle size and photoluminescence. Magnetic features were investigated through ESR, which revealed the presence of unpaired electrons. The magnetic field resonance decreases along with an increase of the g-factor value as the calcination temperature increased from 500 °C to 800 °C. Finally, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Gram (–ve) and Bacillus subtilis UPMC 1175 Gram (+ve) were used for in vitro evaluation of the tin oxide nanoparticle’s antibacterial activity. This work indicated that the zone of inhibition of 22 mm has good antibacterial activity toward the Gram-positive B. subtilis UPMC 1175.
Meeting Vitamin D Requirements in White Caucasians at UK Latitudes: Providing a Choice
Authors: Webb Ann R. , Kazantzidis Andreas , Kift Richard C. , Farrar Mark D. , Wilkinson Jack , Rhodes Lesley E.
Published: April 2018

The body gains vitamin D through both oral intake (diet/supplementation) and synthesis in skin upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Sun exposure is the major source for most people even though sun exposure is complex and limited by climate and culture. We aimed to quantify the sun exposure required to meet vitamin D targets year-round and determine whether this can be safely achieved in a simply defined manner in the UK as an alternative to increasing vitamin D oral intake. Data from observation (sun exposure, diet, and vitamin D status) and UVR intervention studies performed with white Caucasian adults were combined with modeled all-weather UVR climatology. Daily vitamin D effective UVR doses (all-weather) were calculated across the UK based on ten-year climatology for pre-defined lunchtime exposure regimes. Calculations then determined the time necessary to spend outdoors for the body to gain sufficient vitamin D levels for year-round needs without being sunburnt under differing exposure scenarios. Results show that, in specified conditions, white Caucasians across the UK need nine minutes of daily sunlight at lunchtime from March to September for 25(OH)D levels to remain ≥25 nmol/L throughout the winter. This assumes forearms and lower legs are exposed June-August, while in the remaining, cooler months only hands and face need be exposed. Exposing only the hands and face throughout the summer does not meet requirements.
Penetration Enhancement of Topical Formulations
Authors: Ng Keng Wooi
Published: April 2018

This special issue, which is entitled “Penetration Enhancement of Topical Formulations”, presents a selection of the latest research that elucidates the challenges facing topical formulations for human skin in addition to proposing interesting solutions.[…]
High-Performance and Simply-Synthesized Ladder-Like Structured Methacrylate Siloxane Hybrid Material for Flexible Hard Coating
Authors: Kim Yun Hyeok , Choi Gwang-Mun , Bae Jin Gyu , Kim Yong Ho , Bae Byeong-Soo
Published: April 2018

A high performance ladder-like structured methacrylate siloxane hybrid material (LMSH) was fabricated via simple hydrolytic sol–gel reaction, followed by free-radical polymerization. A structurally ordered siloxane backbone, the ladder-like structure, which is an essential factor for high performance, could be achieved by a short period of sol–gel reaction in only 4 h. This results in superior optical (Transmittance > 90% at 550 nm), thermal (T5 wt % decomposition > 400 ℃ ), mechanical properties(elastic recovery = 0.86, hardness = 0.6 GPa) compared to the random- and even commercialized cage-structured silsesquioxane, which also has ordered structure. It was investigated that the fabricated ladder-like structured MSH showed the highest overall density of organic/inorganic co-networks that are originated from highly ordered siloxane network, along with high conversion rate of polymerizable methacrylate groups. Our findings suggest a potential of the ladder-like structured MSH as a powerful alternative for the methacrylate polysilsesquioxane, which can be applied to thermally stable and flexible optical coatings, even with an easier and simpler preparation process.
Utilisation of Library Information Resources among Generation Z Students: Facts and Fiction
Authors: Salubi Oghenere Gabriel , Ondari-Okemwa Ezra , Nekhwevha Fhulu
Published: April 2018

Generation Z was the foremost generation to have prevalent access to the Internet from an early age. Technology has strongly influenced this generation in terms of communication, education and consequently their academic information behaviour. With the next generation of scholars already being trained, in a decade, most of the researchers will be mainly digital natives. This study sought to establish the library information resources use pattern in relation to users’ preferred information media in order to render better academic information services to library users. A total of 390 respondents were surveyed at the Nelson Mandela University and the University of Fort Hare using quantitative and qualitative methods. Most of the respondents, 82.3%, were aged between 18 and 23 years; while the average library use time was two hours daily. The most utilised library resource is the Wi-Fi with e-books and e-journals found to be lowly utilised. Records from the E-librarians revealed that undergraduate students account for no more than 6% of total users of electronic databases with 62.3% of the respondents preferring print information resources. Better understanding of library users’ demographics and information media preference is essential in proving the right kind of information services to Generation Z library users.
The Paranormal in Jane Jensen’s “Gray Matter”
Authors: Nosachev Pavel
Published: April 2018

The main research issue of this article is to determine the extent to which Western esotericism influences the formation of computer game plots. The methodological framework is the occultural bricolage theory (C. Partridge). This article looks at how the paranormal is represented in the game “Gray Matter”, created by J. Jensen. Jensen has always used occult bricolage as the main method for creating her games, but in “Gray Matter” this method is perfected. Although the game plot is built around paranormal events, they are not given any unambiguous interpretation; their status is the main question of the game. There are three answers to this question. The first answer is the beliefs of Sam Everett, a girl magician who does not believe in the supernatural. The second answer is the research of Dr. Styles, a neurobiologist convinced that the mind is an energy that can be objectified after death. The third answer is the theory of Dr. Ramusskin, a psi-phenomena specialist, who believes that super-abilities are real, and that spirits and the afterlife exist. It is the last answer that Jensen promotes in creating the game. The basis of “Gray matter” is a bricolage of Stephen King, the works of the Society for Psychical Research, works on parapsychology and the debates around psi-phenomena in neuropsychology.
Drift Correction of Lightweight Microbolometer Thermal Sensors On-Board Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco-Javier , Pérez-Porras Fernando , Meroño de Larriva Jose , Mena Frau Carlos , Agüera-Vega Francisco , Carvajal-Ramírez Fernando , Martínez-Carricondo Patricio , García-Ferrer Alfonso
Published: April 2018

The development of lightweight sensors compatible with mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has expanded the agronomical applications of remote sensing. Of particular interest in this paper are thermal sensors based on lightweight microbolometer technology. These are mainly used to assess crop water stress with thermal images where an accuracy greater than 1 °C is necessary. However, these sensors lack precise temperature control, resulting in thermal drift during image acquisition that requires correction. Currently, there are several strategies to manage thermal drift effect. However, these strategies reduce useful flight time over crops due to the additional in-flight calibration operations. This study presents a drift correction methodology for microbolometer sensors based on redundant information from multiple overlapping images. An empirical study was performed in an orchard of high-density hedgerow olive trees with flights at different times of the day. Six mathematical drift correction models were developed and assessed to explain and correct drift effect on thermal images. Using the proposed methodology, the resulting thermally corrected orthomosaics yielded a rate of error lower than 1° C compared to those where no drift correction was applied.
A Thin-Cloud Mask Method for Remote Sensing Images Based on Sparse Dark Pixel Region Detection
Authors: Wu Wei , Luo Jiancheng , Hu Xiaodong , Yang Haiping , Yang Yingpin
Published: April 2018

Thin clouds in remote sensing images increase the radiometric distortion of land surfaces. The identification of pixels contaminated by thin clouds, known as the thin-cloud mask, is an important preprocessing procedure to guarantee the proper utilization of data. However, failure to effectively separate thin clouds and high-reflective land-cover features causes thin-cloud masks to remain a challenge. To overcome this problem, we developed a thin-cloud masking method for remote sensing images based on sparse dark pixel region detection. As a result of the effect of scattering, the path radiance is added to the radiance recorded by the sensor in the thin-cloud area, which causes the number of dark pixels in the thin-cloud area to be much less than that in the clear area. In this study, the area of a Thiessen polygon (a nonparametric measure) is used to evaluate the density of local dark pixels, and the region with the sparse dark pixel is selected as the thin-cloud candidate. Then, thin-cloud and clear areas are used as samples to train the background suppression haze thickness index (BSHTI) transform parameters, and convert the original multiband images into single-band images. Finally, an accurate thin-cloud mask is obtained for every buffered thin-cloud candidate, via the segmentation of the BSHTI band. Additionally, the multispectral images obtained by the Wide Field View (WFV), on board the Chinese GaoFen1, and the Operational Land Imager (OLI), on board the Landsat 8, are employed to evaluate the performance of the method. The results reveal that the proposed approach can obtain a thin-cloud mask with a high true-value ratio and detection ratio. Thin-cloud masks can satisfy various application demands.
An Assessment of Existing Methodologies to Retrieve Snow Cover Fraction from MODIS Data
Authors: Masson Théo , Dumont Marie , Mura Mauro Dalla , Sirguey Pascal , Gascoin Simon , Dedieu Jean-Pierre , Chanussot Jocelyn
Published: April 2018

The characterization of snow extent is critical for a wide range of applications. Since 1966, snow maps at different spatial resolutions have been produced using various satellite sensor images. Nowadays, the most widely used products are likely those derived from Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, which cover the whole Earth at a near-daily frequency. There are a variety of snow mapping methods for MODIS data, based on different methodologies and applied at different spatial resolutions. Up to now, all these products have been tested and evaluated separately. This study aims to compare the methods currently available for retrieving snow from MODIS data. The focus is on fractional snow cover, which represents the snow cover area at the subpixel level. We examine the two main approaches available for generating such products from MODIS data; namely, linear regression of the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) and spectral unmixing (SU). These two approaches have resulted in several methods, such as MOD10A1 (the NSIDC MODIS snow product) for NDSI regression, and MODImLAB for SU. The assessment of these approaches was carried out using higher resolution binary snow maps (i.e., showing the presence or absence of snow) at spatial resolutions of 10, 20, and 30 m, produced by SPOT 4, SPOT 5, and LANDSAT-8, respectively. Three areas were selected in order to provide landscape diversity: the French Alps (117 dates), the Pyrenees (30 dates), and the Moroccan Atlas (24 dates). This study investigates the impact of reference maps on accuracy assessments, and it is suggested that NDSI-based high spatial resolution reference maps advantage NDSI medium-resolution snow maps. For MODIS snow maps, the results show that applying an NDSI approach to accurate surface reflectance corrected for topographic and atmospheric effects generally outperforms other methods for the global retrieval of snow cover area. The improvements to the newer version of MOD10A1 (Collection 6) compared to the older version (Collection 5) are significant. Products based on SU provide a good alternative and more accurate retrieval of the snow fraction where wider ranges of land covers are concerned. The fusion process and its resulting 250 m spatial resolution product improve snow line retrieval. False detection in mixed pixels, probably due to the spectral variability associated with the various materials in the spectral mixture, has been identified as an area that will require improvement.
Reconstruction-Based Change Detection with Image Completion for a Free-Moving Camera
Authors: Minematsu Tsubasa , Shimada Atsushi , Uchiyama Hideaki , Charvillat Vincent , Taniguchi Rin-ichiro
Published: April 2018

Reconstruction-based change detection methods are robust for camera motion. The methods learn reconstruction of input images based on background images. Foreground regions are detected based on the magnitude of the difference between an input image and a reconstructed input image. For learning, only background images are used. Therefore, foreground regions have larger differences than background regions. Traditional reconstruction-based methods have two problems. One is over-reconstruction of foreground regions. The other is that decision of change detection depends on magnitudes of differences only. It is difficult to distinguish magnitudes of differences in foreground regions when the foreground regions are completely reconstructed in patch images. We propose the framework of a reconstruction-based change detection method for a free-moving camera using patch images. To avoid over-reconstruction of foreground regions, our method reconstructs a masked central region in a patch image from a region surrounding the central region. Differences in foreground regions are enhanced because foreground regions in patch images are removed by the masking procedure. Change detection is learned from a patch image and a reconstructed image automatically. The decision procedure directly uses patch images rather than the differences between patch images. Our method achieves better accuracy compared to traditional reconstruction-based methods without masking patch images.
A Closed-Form Error Model of Straight Lines for Improved Data Association and Sensor Fusing
Authors: Sommer Volker
Published: April 2018

Linear regression is a basic tool in mobile robotics, since it enables accurate estimation of straight lines from range-bearing scans or in digital images, which is a prerequisite for reliable data association and sensor fusing in the context of feature-based SLAM. This paper discusses, extends and compares existing algorithms for line fitting applicable also in the case of strong covariances between the coordinates at each single data point, which must not be neglected if range-bearing sensors are used. Besides, in particular, the determination of the covariance matrix is considered, which is required for stochastic modeling. The main contribution is a new error model of straight lines in closed form for calculating quickly and reliably the covariance matrix dependent on just a few comprehensible and easily-obtainable parameters. The model can be applied widely in any case when a line is fitted from a number of distinct points also without a priori knowledge of the specific measurement noise. By means of extensive simulations, the performance and robustness of the new model in comparison to existing approaches is shown.
A Study on the Development and Application of Spatial-TDR Sensor for the Management of Groundwater at Riverside
Authors: Park Mincheol
Published: April 2018

For sustainable use of water and land, efficient management of river water and groundwater at riverside is required for development. For this purpose, both the groundwater as well as the unsaturated areas should be measured and managed. However, existing point-type sensors have physical limitations. In this study, we developed a spatial-TDR (Time-Domain reflectometer) sensor and calibration algorithm for efficient management of riverside groundwater and conducted laboratory and field experiments on whether groundwater level and the unsaturated area can be measured. The rod-type probe shown in ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D 6780-05 was modified into a steel wire-type sensing line so that it could be penetrated into the boring hole. The developed sensing line with steel wire is superior in transport and construction to make observations on the groundwater level, but it requires a separate filtering and calibration procedure because it contains a relatively large amount of noise. The raw data of the electric waveform is filtered by applying the moving-average method and the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The calibration equation for the voltage of electric pulse and degree of saturation of soil calculated in laboratory experiments can be used to calculate the groundwater level and the unsaturated area of the real embankment. The spatial-TDR sensor developed in this study can measure both the groundwater level and the unsaturated area by improving the physical limit of the existing point-TDR sensor of probe-type. Therefore, it can greatly help efficient management of groundwater at riverside. It is necessary to put them into practical use through continuous improvement and experimental verification.
Energy and Exergy Analyses of Different Aluminum Reduction Technologies
Authors: Obaidat Mazin , Al-Ghandoor Ahmed , Phelan Patrick , Villalobos Rene , Alkhalidi Ammar
Published: April 2018

This paper examines and compares different aluminum reduction technologies found in the literature as alternatives to the current Hall–Heroult technology. The main inefficiencies in the current Hall–Heroult technology were identified and the advantages of the different proposed technologies over the Hall–Heroult technology were determined. The comparison between the different technologies, namely Hall–Heroult, wetted drained cathode, inert anode, and carbothermic, was based on energy and material requirements, and environmental impact. In order to combine all of the evaluation criteria into one numerical value, the exergy concept was utilized as a decision tool. The results emphasize that in order to analyze any conversion system, the exergy of energy, material, environmental impact, and their associated chain production should be taken into consideration.
Investigating Stakeholder Perceptions of Fish Decline: Making Sense of Multiple Mental Models
Authors: Horowitz Jeremy , Pressey Robert L. , Gurney Georgina G. , Wenger Amelia S. , Pahang Kristina A.
Published: April 2018

Stakeholders have different educational backgrounds, personal experiences and priorities that contribute to different perceptions about what causes natural resource decline and how to sustain a resource. Yet stakeholders have a common interest, which is to keep the resource of interest from declining. Effective co-management requires sharing of perceptions pertaining to the sustainability of a resource and making decisions that benefit all stakeholders. Therefore, this study used modified causal networks, referred to here as mental models, to elicit and compare stakeholder perceptions about fish decline in the Danajon Bank, Philippines. Perceptions were elicited from three types of stakeholders, each composed of two or three elicitation groups: fishers, local government and environmental organizations. Data were also elicited through semi-structured discussions to investigate why perceptions differed and how stakeholders communicated with one another. Hierarchical clustering revealed two broad clusters of similar perceptions about drivers of fish decline: one being environmental groups and the second being local government and fisher groups. Stakeholder communication patterns revealed that communication was weakest between environmental groups and fishers. A likely contributing factor for the lack of shared perceptions was that knowledge-sharing was constrained by the small number of environmental personnel available to exchange information effectively with the much larger number of fishers and local government personnel. To better co-manage fish populations in Danajon Bank, we suggest modifications to the governance framework to improve knowledge-sharing and social and ecological outcomes.
Power Quality and Rooftop-Photovoltaic Households: An Examination of Measured Data at Point of Customer Connection
Authors: Miller Wendy , Liu Aaron , Amin Zakaria , Wagner Andreas
Published: April 2018

Photovoltaics (PVs) have been widely reported as causing power quality problems for electricity distribution networks. Much of this literature gives the impression that networks, particularly low voltage networks, were effectively and proficiently managed and operated before the rise of PVs and that this new technology is causing problems that did not previously exist and would not currently exist if there were no rooftop PV systems. The purpose of this paper is to examine measured data of power quality at the customer service point of four random households in four different distribution networks in Australia. This is the first report of power quality examination from the perspective of the end-user (solar households). The results show that the low voltage distribution networks reported in this study do not have networks that meet required power quality standards—and this cannot be attributed to the rooftop PV systems reported here. The paper proposes that power quality failures in these low voltage networks could be attributed to poor historical management, missed opportunities to embrace PVs as a means of better network management, lack of acknowledgement of the emergence of the prosumer and lack of total quality management and systems thinking.
From Julius Caesar to Sustainable Composite Materials: A Passage through Port Caisson Technology
Authors: Cejuela Eduardo , Negro Vicente , Esteban María Dolores , López-Gutiérrez José Santos , Ortega José Marcos
Published: April 2018

The breakwater construction technique using floating concrete caissons is well-known nowadays as a widespread system. Yet do we really know its origin? Since Julius Caesar used this technology in Brindisi (Italy) up to the Normandy landings in June 1944, not only has this technology been developed, but it has been a key item in several moments in history. Its development has almost always been driven by military requirements. The greatest changes have not been conceptual but point occurring, backed by the materials used. Parallelisms can be clearly seen in each new stage: timber, opus caementitium (Roman concrete), iron and concrete… However, nowadays, achieving a more sustainable world constitutes a major challenge, to which the construction of caissons breakwaters must contribute as a field of application of new eco-friendly materials. This research work provides a general overview from the origins of caissons until our time. It will make better known the changes that took place in the system and their adaptation to new materials, and will help in clarifying the future in developing technology towards composite sustainable materials and special concrete. If we understand the past, it will be easier to define the future.
Rainfall Runoff Mitigation by Retrofitted Permeable Pavement in an Urban Area
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Kim Reeho , Kyung-Ho Kwon
Published: April 2018

Permeable pavement is an effective low impact development (LID) practice that can play an important role in reducing rainfall runoff amount in urban areas. Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) was retrofitted in a tremendously developed area of Seoul, Korea and the data was monitored to evaluate its effect on the hydrology and stormwater quality performance for four months. Rainfall runoff was first absorbed by different layers of the PICP system and then contributed to the sewage system. This not only helps to reduce the runoff volume, but also increase the time of concentration. In this experiment, different real rain events were observed and the field results were investigated to check the effectiveness of the PICP system for controlling the rainfall runoff in Songpa, Korea. From the analysis of data, results showed that the PCIP system was very effective in controlling rainfall runoff. Overall runoff reduction performance from the PCIP was found to be around 30–65% during various storm events. In addition, PICP significantly reduced peak flows in different storm events which is very helpful in reducing the chances of water-logging in an urbanized area. Research results also allow us to sum up that retrofitted PICP is a very effective approach for rainfall runoff management in urban areas.
Challenges for Sustainable Use of the Fish Resources from Lake Balkhash, a Fragile Lake in an Arid Ecosystem
Authors: Pueppke Steven G. , Iklasov Margulan K. , Beckmann Volker , Nurtazin Sabir T. , Thevs Niels , Sharakhmetov Sayat , Hoshino Buho
Published: April 2018

Lake Balkhash is the largest water body in Central Asia. More than three-quarters of its inflow comes from the Ili River, which is under increasing strain due to the diversion of water for energy and food production. Commercial fishing in Lake Balkhash began in 1929 and is currently in a state of crisis. The construction of the Balkhash dam and reservoir in the late 1960s reduced Ili River flows into the lake and upset the natural cycle of spring floods, which greatly reduced spawning and feeding areas for carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carp populations were consequently reduced by more than 90% during the filling of the reservoir and have not recovered, even though the lake’s level subsequently rose. Catches of carp and freshwater bream (Abramis brama orientalis) have shown an inverse relationship since the 1960s, and the age structure of freshwater bream is changing. Historically, most captured fish of this species were 4- to 7-years-old, but smaller, 3- to 5-year-old fish have dominated recent catches. The total fish harvest from Lake Balkhash is currently at near historical lows, not just because of environmental factors, but also because of structural changes triggered by the collapse of the Soviet Union. Poaching, government disinterest, lack of enforcement of fishing regulations, and the economic challenges faced by today’s small fishing enterprises all contribute to the problem.
Herb-Induced Liver Injuries in Developing Nations: An Update
Authors: Amadi Cecilia Nwadiuto , Orisakwe Orish Ebere
Published: April 2018

The last few decades have seen a rise in the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines. However, there are growing concerns related to the safety and toxicities of these medicines. These herbal medicines are associated with complications such as liver damage with a high incidence of mortalities and morbidities. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic cases with abnormal liver functions tests to sudden and severe liver failure necessitating liver transplantation. This work aimed to review the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and selected clinical case reports of herbal hepatotoxicity in developing nations. PubMed and Google Scholar searches were undertaken to identify relevant literature. Furthermore, we scanned the reference lists of the primary and review articles to identify publications not retrieved by electronic searches. Little data exists on clinical cases of herb-induced liver injury in some developing countries such as Nigeria, as most incidences are either not reported to health care providers or reports from hospitals go unpublished. Studies in Nigeria have highlighted a possible correlation between use of herbs and liver disease. In Uganda, and association between the use of traditional herbal medicine with liver fibrosis in HIV-infected and non-HIV patients was demonstrated. Reports from China have revealed incidences of acute liver failure as a result of herbal medicine use. The actual incidence and prevalence of HILI in developing nations remain largely unknown due to both poor pharmacovigilance programs and non-application of emerging technologies. Improving education and public awareness of the potential risks of herbals and herbal products is desirable to ensure that suspected adverse effects are formally reported. There is need for stricter regulations and pre-clinical studies necessary for efficacy and safety.
Fake Perfect in X-marked Conditionals
Authors: Schulz Katrin
Published: April 2018

The topic of this paper is a problem concerning the interpretation of tense in conditionals: Fake Tense. Fake Tense refers to the observation that in English subjunctive conditionals the Simple Past, and sometimes also the Past Perfect, appear not to be interpreted as semantic past tense or past perfect. We will focus in particular on the function of the perfect in conditionals with fake past perfect. Two different lines of approach to fake tense can be distinguished in the literature: past-as-modal approaches (PaM) claim that the past tense markers receive in these contexts a modal interpretation; past-as-past approaches (PaP) propose that the past still receives a temporal interpretation, though it contributes in an unexpected way to the meaning of the sentences. We will first spell out a PaM approach based on a idea in Schulz (2014) and then argue that this approach is not convincing. This will be partly done based on two empirical studies concerning the form of generic counterfactuals/counterpossibles. We will then propose a PaP approach to fake perfect. This approach will build on an interventionist account of counterfactuals using causal structural models  (Pearl 2000, 2013).
The sensitivity of natural language to the distinction between class nouns and role nouns
Authors: Zobel Sarah
Published: April 2018

This paper argues that language makes a distinction among individual count nouns between class nouns (e.g., man) and role nouns (e.g., judge). This is reflected in the effects of class nouns vs. role nouns in three positions: (i) the complement of as in restrictive role as-phrases, (ii) the descriptive content of definite descriptions in a certain type of logical argument, and (iii) the predicative expression in German copular clauses. To capture the sensitivity to this distinction formally, I introduce a domain of roles D_r and a type-shifting operator PLAY , which connects D_r to the domain of individuals D_e . Using these tools, I propose analyses of the contrasts arising in (i)–(iii) that account for the observed sensitivity to role nouns.
The elasticity of verb meaning revisited
Authors: Levin Beth
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates the source of systematic argument realization differences among two classes of manner verbs, hitting and wiping verbs. Its starting point is the hypothesis that argument realization patterns can largely be attributed to grammatical constraints on argument expression interacting with grammatically privileged properties of a verb's root.  These properties include the root's ontological category and, as argued here, whether it encodes contact at a point or a region.
Unrecognized biodiversity in a world’s hotspot: three new species of Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from tributaries of the right bank of the Rio Paraná basin, Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Volcan Matheus V. , Severo-Neto Francisco , Lanés Luis Esteban K.
Published: April 2018

The genusMelanorivuluspresents a wide geographical distribution in the Neotropical region. AmongMelanorivulus, theM.pictusspecies group has currently 18 species distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado, mainly in the upper Rio Paraná basin, with some species occurrences in the upper Rio Araguaia and Tocantins. In the present study, we describe three newMelanorivulusspecies, belonging to theM.pictusspecies group from different drainages of the right bank of the Rio Paraná basin in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. These new species are easily distinguished from the others by their unique colour patterns.Melanorivulusinterruptusis distinguished from all species of theM.pictusgroup by the presence of oblique chevron-like red bars interrupted, mainly on the midline of the flank in males; whileM.ivinhemensisby the yellow colouration of the caudal fin with thin red bars arranged only in the median region of the fin in males.Melanorivulusamambaiensisis distinguished from all species of theM.pictusspecies group by having an orange anal fin or sometimes more reddish-orange with distal margin grey or dark grey and chevron-like bars along the body, distinctly branched ventrally forming an inverted Y-shape in males. The high diversity of theMelanorivulusspecies with high levels of endemism demands the development of conservation strategies to avoid the loss of their vulnerable habitats in the Cerrado biome. We expect presence of more species of theM.pictusspecies group also along the lower reaches of the tributaries of the Rio Paraná. Additionally a dichotomic identification key of theM.pictusspecies group is provided.
Les ivresses inattendues du pouvoir local (voyage en ego-politique)
Authors: Faure Alain
Published: April 2018

Notre propos vise à repérer les larmes, les blessures et les élans de la politique locale contemporaine qui font écho aux travaux de Clastres. Dans les enquêtes que nous avons consacrées aux élus locaux dans plusieurs métropoles du monde, il apparaît que l’accès et l’exercice du pouvoir local se nourrissent d’ivresses non-coercitives.
Qu’est-ce qu’une Zone A Défendre ?
Authors: Taïbi Nadia
Published: April 2018

On interdit tout aménagement et toute construction sur un territoire donné en vue d’un projet d’aménagement remis à plus tard, ici à Notre Dame des Landes, et comme chacun le sait : un aéroport. Dès 1970, le site de Notre-Dame-des-Landes est retenu par l’Organisme régional d’étude et d’aménagement d’aire métropolitaine (O.R.E.A.M) et par la direction des bases aériennes.
La ruse d’Uber : penser « en même temps »
Authors: Taïbi Nadia
Published: April 2018

L’uberisation définit bien une Révolution, une transformation radicale des rapports sociaux où ce ne sont plus les choses qui lient les hommes mais l’usage qu’ils en font. Aussi la réputation et la e-reputation, ce que nous disons des choses, ce qu’elles pourraient être, forment ce qui compte – en réalité. Et alors que les choses s’épuisent les discours que nous formons sur elles sont infinis. La question que pose l’ubérisation est donc bien celle de la consistance des hommes et du monde.
Le spanglish : un outil de résistance aux États-Unis ?
Authors: Lemus Aura
Published: April 2018

Le terme spanglish fait référence à la stratégie linguistique employée par les locuteurs bilingues qui consiste à faire des aller-retours entre l’anglais et l’espagnol, en faisant preuve d’une double compétence linguistique et d’une capacité à utiliser les deux langues pour marquer et revendiquer son appartenance à une communauté linguistique et culturelle.
Évaluation des politiques publiques et sociologie : état des lieux d’une relation distanciée
Authors: Delahais Thomas , Devaux-Spatarakis Agathe
Published: April 2018

Résumé Quelle place pour la sociologie dans l’évaluation des politiques publiques en France ? Une étude de la commande publique met en évidence l’absence de demande explicite pour des évaluations sociologiques, mais le besoin pour une démarche explicative approfondie est plus que jamais présent. Or, le processus d’évaluation « à la française » offre potentiellement les espaces de liberté permettant à une démarche sociologique de s’épanouir. Surtout, alors que la demande pour des évaluations rigoureuses se fait plus pressante ces dernières années, les sociologues peuvent avoir un apport précieux pour contribuer à la diversité des approches dans le champ des politiques publiques.
Mesurer et comprendre : quelles demandes pour quelles disciplines ?
Authors: Simha Jules
Published: April 2018

Résumé En réponse aux nombreuses demandes sociales d'évaluation de politiques publiques, les membres de la communauté scientifique ont été appelés à se constituer en tant qu'évaluateurs. Ils ont ainsi alimenté les représentations spécifiques de leurs disciplines portées à la fois par les commanditaires de ces évaluations, et par leurs propres pratiques et postures. Mobilisant une approche comparative, cet article qualifie ces demandes d'évaluation adressées à la sociologie et les postures adoptées par ces « évaluateurs » singuliers à l'aune de celles caractérisant l'économie.
Valoriser au plan académique une « évaluation » en évitant l'instrumentalisation inversée. Le cas d'une expérimentation en télémédecine d'urgence
Authors: Gaglio Gérald
Published: April 2018

Résumé Cet article analyse l'évaluation d'une expérimentation en télémédecine d'urgence que nous avons réalisée. Ce travail avait pour finalité sa valorisation académique. Nous exposons que pour y parvenir, le cadre de l'évaluation est à déborder, notamment en analysant le matériau recueilli dans une double temporalité. Symétriquement, l'évaluation déborde sur le processus de recherche, ce qui peut lui bénéficier. Enfin, nous discutons dans ce contexte le thème de l'instrumentalisation inversée (le sociologue profite de ses commanditaires pour les besoins de sa recherche) et indiquons comment nous avons essayé de l'éviter.
La sociologie au service des économies d'énergie ? Déconstruire les implicites de la commande initiale pour mieux y répondre
Authors: Lagier Elsa
Published: April 2018

Résumé Cette contribution propose une réflexion sur la place donnée et les attentes adressées à la sociologie appliquée en entreprise, lorsqu'elle est mobilisée au service de la conduite d'un projet dont les objectifs, à la définition desquels l'étude est censée participer, sont en grande partie prédéfinis. Après une présentation de la commande initiale, l'article se centre sur la façon dont elle a évolué au fur et à mesure de l'accompagnement. Il souligne l'importance et la richesse de la mobilisation d'une perspective critique pour interroger et déconstruire les attentes normatives initialement contenues dans la commande, et pour proposer une approche adaptée aux enjeux et au contexte.
Faire de la sociologie avec un État autoritaire. Le cas de la Chine
Authors: Breffeil Emmanuel , Dreyfuss Julien
Published: April 2018

Résumé Dans cet article, nous présentons un projet de recherche pour un gouvernement local chinois, qui consistait pour nous à apporter une approche sociologique, concernant le développement de services et infrastructures pour personnes âgées. L'acceptation d'une approche sociologique, bien accueillie au départ, s'est avec l'évolution du projet transformée en tentative d'expulsion du projet, laisser faire, puis mise sous silence des conclusions de notre recherche. Toutefois, quelques interlocuteurs conciliants ont permis à certaines de nos idées d'être, finalement utilisées. En analysant notre travail sur ce projet, nous montrons les difficultés du travail sociologique en milieu autoritaire chinois, tout en expliquant qu'il est possible de conserver une approche critique.
Degree of Anger During Anger-Generating Situations Among Psychiatric Staff Nurses: Association Between Nurses' Attitudes Toward Service Users' Aggression and Confidence in Intervening in Aggressive Situations
Authors: Shimosato Seiji , Kinoshita Aimi
Published: April 2018

Some situations require psychiatric staff nurses to respond to service users' negativity or aggression. As a result, psychiatric staff nurses may experience anger. The current study examined how anger levels of psychiatric staff nurses triggered by anger-generating situations by service users affected nurses' confidence and attitudes. A questionnaire survey was administered among 386 psychiatric staff nurses. The questionnaire surveyed anger levels in anger-generating situations, aggressiveness, nurses' attitudes toward aggression, and self-efficacy of intervening in aggressive situations. Path analysis revealed differences between male and female nurses. Male nurses' anger in response to physical aggression was mild when they were confident in handling aggression. Furthermore, female nurses who had high confidence in intervening in an aggressive situation had low anger levels. Confidence in intervening in aggressive situations appeared to dissipate anger and ease nurses during aggressive interactions. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(9), 51–59.]
Resources for Psychiatric Clinicians Working With Breastfeeding Mothers
Authors: Terres Nancy M.
Published: April 2018

In today's health care–focused climate, in which encouraging breastfeeding is part of national and international health care initiatives, clinicians in any field should have resources available for breastfeeding mothers. The current article provides information for psychiatric clinicians on how breastfeeding may affect women with psychiatric conditions, the type of lactation counselor likely to be best prepared to collaborate with psychiatric clinicians, and resources available regarding maternal psychiatric medications safe for breastfeeding infants. These resources can assist informed choices that support the mother's breastfeeding goals while providing the psychological care the nursing mother requires. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56
(8),37–46.]
Common Queries About Immunizations in Preterm Infants
Authors: Asad Ansul
Published: April 2018

Preterm infants are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite this, delays in routine immunization of preterm infants are common. Available guidelines clearly state that they should be immunized according to chronological age, irrespective of gestational age and birth weight or current weight. In this article, we try to assuage parental and provider doubts by reviewing data about immunogenicity, safety, and responses to routine immunizations in preterm infants with and without comorbidities. We also look at evidence for other strategies to help protect this fragile population.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2018;47(4):e147–e153.]
Nutrition Considerations After NICU Discharge
Authors: Peters Taylor , Pompeii-Wolfe Cecelia
Published: April 2018

Preterm infants are at high nutrition risk during neonatal intensive care and well after discharge. Nutrition care should be individualized and provided by a multidisciplinary team including a dietitian. Breast milk, the gold standard for feeding, may not meet the increased needs of preterm infants and may require fortification or supplementation. Decisions regarding formula choice and calorie concentration can also be challenging and require individualization based on growth, intake, and individual need. Developmental milestones should be considered during the initation of complementary food. This article presents new research on allergenic food introduction to guide practitioners during caregiver education. Finally, an evidence-based weaning practice for enteral feeding-dependent patients is provided with suggestions for outpatient applicability.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2018;47(4):e154–e158.]