bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary supplementation of ginger on feed conversion ratio, carcass physiognomies and haematological parameters in broiler
Authors: Mahdy Md Sadik Al , Islam Md Faridul , Hasan Md Nakibul , Habib Ashadul , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the effect of ginger on the growth performance, carcass quality of broiler chickens. A total of 40 broiler chickens were randomly selected into four groups identified as A (1% ginger extract), B (2% ginger extract), C (positive control) and D (negative control). All groups contain equal number of birds (n=10.) Birds were treated with aqueous ginger extract via drinking water. Significant variations (p<0.05) existed between the control and other treatments in mean final body weight, dressed weight, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. At the end of experiment (35th day) for 1% ginger extraction treatment the live body weight is 1745gm (p<0.05), dressing weight 1135.3 (p<0.05) and FCR is 1.66 (p<0.05). The usage of the test ingredients had a significant effect (p<0.05) on dressing percentage. Administration of ginger to broiler chickens increased their performance, FCR as well as blood parameters. It is, thus, recommended in broiler chicken production alternative to antibiotic and/or growth promoter.Res. Agric. Livest. Fish.4(3): 173-179, December 2017
Prevalence of foot diseases in cattle in two dairy farms
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Hossain Md Akhtar , Hashim Mirza Abul , Begum Tahmina , Rahman Bayzer , Rashid Maksudur
Published: December 2017

The prevalence of claw affections was investigated in 602 cattle in two organized dairy farms during June 2010 to May 2011. Of these cattle 176 were from Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm (BAUDF) and 426 were from Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (CCBSDF). These animals were studied under 6 groups: calf, heifer, pregnant cow, lactating cow, dry cow and breeding bull. Out of 426 cattle in CCBSDF, 85 animals were affected with various claw affections, the prevalence being 19.95%. The prevalence in BAUDF was 22.72%. Claw affections causing lameness comprised sole ulcer (3.82%), heel erosion (2.49%), interdigital necrobacillosis (2.15%), sand crack (1.82%), hoof overgrowth (3.32%) and white line disease (2.32%). The prevalence of lameness in BAUDF was 13.06% and that in CCBSDF was 11.50%. Sole ulcer (3.82%) was predominantly associated with lameness in both farms while the lowest prevalence of lameness was encountered with interdigital dermatitis (1.39%). The lowest prevalence of lameness was observed in calves in both BAUDF (0.56%) and CCBSDF (0.93%). Pregnant cows were the most vulnerable to claw diseases and manifested lameness of varying degrees. Hind limbs were more frequently affected with claw affections than fore limbs. Animals of over 5 years were mostly affected with foot diseases. Breeding bulls showed 2.27% prevalence of lameness in BAUDF and 1.87% CCBSDF. Among various affections sole ulcer ranked the highest in both the farms. Sand crack and interdigital necrobacillosis registered the lowest prevalence in BAUDF and interdigital dermatitis was the lowest in CCBSDF. Sole ulcer ranked the highest among all claw affections. Pregnant cow were more vulnerable to lameness. Hind limbs were frequently affected with various lesions than the forelimbs.Res. Agric. Livest. Fish.4(3): 193-199, December 2017
Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed varying dietary phosphorus levels
Authors: Onyemaechi Ezike Christopher , Queen Chukwuka Doris , Okaliwe Echor Felix
Published: December 2017

One hundred and twenty (120) juveniles of African catfish Clarias gariepinus were obtained in May 2015 from a reputable Fish Farm in Enugu to the University Research Farm (latitude 074o North and 082o South, longitude 068o East and 076o West with annual mean temperature of 30oC). The fish were fed for 49 days from June – July 2015 with diets containing 4 different inclusion levels of phosphorus T1 [0.6% P], T2 [0.8% P], T3 [1.00% P], T4 [1.2% P] and T5 [0% P] which served as control diet, to determine optimum P requirement for fish growth at probability level of P < 0.05 between various treatments and control. Each diet was formulated to contain 40% crude protein composed of yellow maize, soybean cake, palm kernel cake and fish meal. Fish fed with graded levels of phosphorus were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than control in FW and MDWG. There was however no significant difference (P > 0.05) in FCR and PER between T1, T2, T4 and control but T3 was significantly (P < 0.05) better in FCR (0.33) than control (0.39). Similarly, T3 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PER than control. Fish in T3 had the best growth performance indicative that 1% P is the optimum requirement for the growth of C. gariepinus.Res. Agric. Livest. Fish.4(3): 215-220, December 2017
Natural Nanoparticles: A Particular Matter Inspired by Nature
Authors: Griffin Sharoon , Masood Muhammad , Nasim Muhammad , Sarfraz Muhammad , Ebokaiwe Azubuike , Schäfer Karl-Herbert , Keck Cornelia , Jacob Claus
Published: December 2017

During the last couple of decades, the rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology has produced a wide palette of nanomaterials, most of which are considered as “synthetic” and, among the wider public, are often met with a certain suspicion. Despite the technological sophistication behind many of these materials, “nano” does not always equate with “artificial”. Indeed, nature itself is an excellent nanotechnologist. It provides us with a range of fine particles, from inorganic ash, soot, sulfur and mineral particles found in the air or in wells, to sulfur and selenium nanoparticles produced by many bacteria and yeasts. These nanomaterials are entirely natural, and, not surprisingly, there is a growing interest in the development of natural nanoproducts, for instance in the emerging fields of phyto- and phyco-nanotechnology. This review will highlight some of the most recent—and sometimes unexpected—advances in this exciting and diverse field of research and development. Naturally occurring nanomaterials, artificially produced nanomaterials of natural products as well as naturally occurring or produced nanomaterials of natural products all show their own, particular chemical and physical properties, biological activities and promise for applications, especially in the fields of medicine, nutrition, cosmetics and agriculture. In the future, such natural nanoparticles will not only stimulate research and add a greener outlook to a traditionally high-tech field, they will also provide solutions—pardon—suspensions for a range of problems. Here, we may anticipate specific biogenic factories, valuable new materials based on waste, the effective removal of contaminants as part of nano-bioremediation, and the conversion of poorly soluble substances and materials to biologically available forms for practical uses.
Modeling Aggregate Hourly Energy Consumption in a Regional Building Stock
Authors: Kipping Anna , Trømborg Erik
Published: December 2017

Sound estimates of future heat and electricity demand with high temporal and spatial resolution are needed for energy system planning, grid design, and evaluating demand-side management options and polices on regional and national levels. In this study, smart meter data on electricity consumption in buildings are combined with cross-sectional building information to model hourly electricity consumption within the household and service sectors on a regional basis in Norway. The same modeling approach is applied to model aggregate hourly district heat consumption in three different consumer groups located in Oslo. A comparison of modeled and metered hourly energy consumption shows that hourly variations and aggregate consumption per county and year are reproduced well by the models. However, for some smaller regions, modeled annual electricity consumption is over- or underestimated by more than 20%. Our results indicate that the presented method is useful for modeling the current and future hourly energy consumption of a regional building stock, but that larger and more detailed training datasets are required to improve the models, and more detailed building stock statistics on regional level are needed to generate useful estimates on aggregate regional energy consumption.
Spatiotemporal Risk of Bacillary Dysentery and Sensitivity to Meteorological Factors in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Xu Chengdong , Xiao Gexin , Wang Jinfeng , Zhang Xiangxue , Liang Jinjun
Published: December 2017

Bacillary dysentery remains a public health concern in the world. Hunan Province is one of the provinces having the highest risk of bacillary dysentery in China, however, the spatial-temporal distribution, variation of bacillary dysentery and sensitivity to meteorological factors in there are unclear. In this paper, a Bayesian space-time hierarchical model (BSTHM) was used to detect space-time variation, and effects of meteorological factors between 2010 and 2015. The risk of bacillary dysentery showed apparent spatial-temporal heterogeneity. The highest risk occurred in the summer season. Economically undeveloped mountainous areas in the west and south of the province had the highest incidence rates. Twenty three (18.9%) and 20 (16.4%) counties were identified as hot and cold spots, respectively. Among the hotspots, 11 counties (47.8%) exhibited a rapidly decreasing trend, suggesting they may become low-risk areas in the future. Of the cold spot counties, six (30%) showed a slowly decreasing trend, and may have a higher risk in the future. Among meteorological factors, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed all played a significant role in the spatial-temporal distribution of bacillary dysentery risk. These findings can contribute to the implementation of an early warning system for controlling and preventing bacillary dysentery.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Non-Pharmaceutical Ischemic Stroke Therapy in Aged Subjects
Authors: Sandu Raluca , Dumbrava Danut , Surugiu Roxana , Glavan Daniela-Gabriela , Gresita Andrei , Petcu Eugen
Published: December 2017

The incidence of ischemic stroke in humans increases exponentially above 70 years both in men and women. Comorbidities like diabetes, arterial hypertension or co-morbidity factors such as hypercholesterolemia, obesity and body fat distribution as well as fat-rich diet and physical inactivity are common in elderly persons and are associated with higher risk of stroke, increased mortality and disability. Obesity could represent a state of chronic inflammation that can be prevented to some extent by non-pharmaceutical interventions such as calorie restriction and hypothermia. Indeed, recent results suggest that H2S-induced hypothermia in aged, overweight rats could have a higher probability of success in treating stroke as compared to other monotherapies, by reducing post-stroke brain inflammation. Likewise, it was recently reported that weight reduction prior to stroke, in aged, overweight rats induced by caloric restriction, led to an early re-gain of weight and a significant improvement in recovery of complex sensorimotor skills, cutaneous sensitivity, or spatial memory. Conclusion: animal models of stroke done in young animals ignore age-associated comorbidities and may explain, at least in part, the unsuccessful bench-to-bedside translation of neuroprotective strategies for ischemic stroke in aged subjects.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Potato and Their Potential Role in Tuber Sprouting Process
Authors: Hou Xiaodong , Du Yongmei , Liu Xinmin , Zhang Hongbo , Liu Yanhua , Yan Ning , Zhang Zhongfeng
Published: December 2017

Sprouting is a key factor affecting the quality of potato tubers. The present study aimed to compare the differential expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the apical meristem during the dormancy release and sprouting stages by using lncRNA sequencing. Microscopic observations and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed the changes in the morphology and expression of lncRNAs in potato tubers during sprouting. Meristematic cells of potato tuber apical buds divided continuously and exhibited vegetative cone bulging and vascularisation. In all, 3175 lncRNAs were identified from the apical buds of potato tubers, among which 383 lncRNAs were up-regulated and 340 were down-regulated during sprouting. The GO enrichment analysis revealed that sprouting mainly influenced the expression of lncRNAs related to the cellular components of potato apical buds (e.g., cytoplasm and organelles) and cellular metabolic processes. The KEGG enrichment analysis also showed significant enrichment of specific metabolic pathways. In addition, 386 differentially expressed lncRNAs during sprouting were identified as putative targets of 235 potato miRNAs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results agreed with the sequencing data. Our study provides the first systematic study of numerous lncRNAs involved in the potato tuber sprouting process and lays the foundation for further studies to elucidate their precise functions.
Extended and Fully Automated Newborn Screening Method for Mass Spectrometry Detection
Authors: Gaugler Stefan , Rykl Jana , Wegner Irene , Von Däniken Tamara , Fingerhut Ralph , Schlotterbeck Götz
Published: December 2017

A new and fully automated newborn screening method for mass spectrometry was introduced in this paper. Pathological relevant amino acids, acylcarnitines, and certain steroids are detected within 4 min per sample. Each sample is treated in an automated and standardized workflow, where a mixture of deuterated internal standards is sprayed onto the sample before extraction. All compounds showed good linearity, and intra- and inter-day variation lies within the acceptance criteria (except for aspartic acid). The described workflow decreases analysis cost and labor while improving the sample traceability towards good laboratory practice.
Synthesis of a α-Chlorosilyl Functionalized Donor-Stabilized Chlorogermylene
Authors: Dhara Debabrata , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David , Jana Anukul
Published: December 2017

Peripherally functionalized low-valent main group species allow for the introduction/interconversion of functional groups without increasing the formal oxidation state of the main group center. Herein, we report a straightforward method for the incorporation of a α-chlorosilyl moiety adjacent to the NHC-coordinated germanium(II) center.
Effects of Salinity on Bubble Cloud Characteristics
Authors: Anguelova Magdalena , Huq Pablo
Published: December 2017

A laboratory experiment investigates the influence of salinity on the characteristics of bubble clouds in varying saline solutions. Bubble clouds were generated with a water jet. Salinity, surface tension, and water temperature were monitored. Measured bubble cloud parameters include the number of bubbles, the void fraction, the penetration depth, and the cloud shape. The number of large (above 0.5 mm diameter) bubbles within a cloud increases by a factor of three from fresh to saline water of 20 psu (practical salinity units), and attains a maximum value for salinity of 12–25 psu. The void fraction also has maximum value in the range 12–25 psu. The results thus show that both the number of bubbles and the void fraction vary nonmonotonically with increasing salinity. The lateral shape of the bubble cloud does not change with increasing salinity; however, the lowest point of the cloud penetrates deeper as smaller bubbles are generated.
Control of Silver Diffusion in Low-Temperature Co-Fired Diopside Glass-Ceramic Microwave Dielectrics
Authors: Chou Chen-Chia , Chang Chun-Yao , Chen Guang-Yu , Liao Wen-Jiao , Feng Kuei-Chih , Tsao Chung-Ya
Published: December 2017

Electrode material for low-temperature co-fired diopside glass-ceramic used for microwave dielectrics was investigated in the present work. Diffusion of silver from the electrode to diopside glass-ceramics degrades the performance of the microwave dielectrics. Two approaches were adopted to resolve the problem of silver diffusion. Firstly, silicon-oxide (SiO2) powder was employed and secondly crystalline phases were chosen to modify the sintering behavior and inhibit silver ions diffusion. Nanoscale amorphous SiO2 powder turns to the quartz phase uniformly in dielectric material during the sintering process, and prevents the silver from diffusion. The chosen crystalline phase mixing into the glass-ceramics enhances crystallinity of the material and inhibits silver diffusion as well. The result provides a method to decrease the diffusivity of silver ions by adding the appropriate amount of SiO2 and appropriate crystalline ceramics in diopside glass-ceramic dielectric materials. Finally, we used IEEE 802.11a 5.8 GHz as target specification to manufacture LTCC antenna and the results show that a good broadband antenna was made using CaMgSi2O6 with 4 wt % silicon oxide.
Electrolytic Plasma Polishing of Pipe Inner Surfaces
Authors: Cornelsen Matthias , Deutsch Carolin , Seitz Hermann
Published: December 2017

Smooth surfaces are becoming increasingly important in many industries, such as medical, chemical or food. In some industrial areas, the mechanical treatment of surfaces (grinding and polishing) does not fulfil desired specifications. Non-abrasive methods (chemical and electrochemical) have the advantage that even complex geometries and free-form shapes can be polished. In the context of this paper, electrochemical surface treatment is considered in more detail. Both electro polishing, which is state of the art, and the novel electrolytic plasma polishing (EPP) process are presented. This paper focusses on the electrolytic plasma polishing because it has many advantages compared to the process of electro polishing. The theoretical operation of the electrolytic plasma polishing is shown. A prototype system for plasma polishing of internal surfaces of pipes was installed and a polishing head was developed. Several parameters are investigated, such as the width of the adjustable polishing head gap and different velocities v or different applied potential differences U, and first results of the average surface roughness Sa as function of the various parameters were evaluated. It can be seen that a stable polishing process can be achieved at the highest potential difference of 320 V and that the average surface roughness Sa reaches a range from 0.065 to 0.090 µm. At the same time, it has been shown that with increasing potential difference, the average surface roughness becomes independent of the width of the adjustable polishing head gap.
Natural Radioactivity of Intrusive-Metamorphic and Sedimentary Rocks of the Balkan Mountain Range (Serbia, Stara Planina)
Authors: Masod Abdulqader Sanna , Vakanjac Boris , Kovačević Jovan , Naunovic Zorana , Zdjelarević Nevena
Published: December 2017

Stara Planina (also known as the Balkan mountain range) is known for numerous occurrences and deposits of uranium and associated radionuclides. It is also famous for its geodiversity. The geologic framework is highly complex. The mountain is situated between the latitudes of 43° and 44° N and the longitudes from 22°16′ to 23°00′ E. Uranium exploration and radioactivity testing on Stara Planina began back in 1948. Uranium has also been mined in the zone of Kalna, within the Janja granite intrusive. The naturally radioactive geologic units of Stara Planina are presented in detail in this paper. The main sources of radioactivity on Stara Planina can be classified as: 1. Granitic endogenous—syngenetic–epigenetic deposits and occurrences; 2. Metamorphogenic—syngenetic; and 3. Sedimentary, including occurrences of uranium deposition and fluctuation caused by water in different types of sedimentary rocks formed in a continental setting, which could be classified under epigenetic types. The area of Stara Planina with increased radioactivity (higher than 200 cps), measured by airborne gamma spectrometry, is about 380 square kilometers. The highest values of measured radioactivity and uranium grade were obtained from a sample taken from the Mezdreja uranium mine tailing dump, where 226Ra measures 2600 ± 100 Bq/kg and the uranium grade is from 76.54 to 77.65 ppm U. The highest uranium (and lead) concentration, among all samples, is measured in graphitic schist with high concentrations of organic (graphitic) material from the Inovska Series—99.47 ppm U and 107.69 ppm Pb. Thorium related radioactivity is the highest in granite samples from the Janja granite in the vicinity of the Mezdreja granite mine and the Gabrovnica granite mine tailing dump, and it is the same—250 ± 10 Bq/kg for 232Th, while the thorium grade varies from 30.82 to 60.27 ppm Th. In gray siltstones with a small amount of organic material, the highest radioactivity is related to potassium—2080 ± 90 Bq/kg for 40K.
Chemical Constituents of the Ethyl Acetate Extract from Diaphragma juglandis Fructus and Their Inhibitory Activity on Nitric Oxide Production In Vitro
Authors: Wang Dan , Mu Yan , Dong Hongjing , Yan Huijiao , Hao Cui , Wang Xiao , Zhang Lisi
Published: December 2017

Diaphragma juglandis fructus contains various bioactive constituents. Fourteen compounds were isolated from Diaphragma juglandis fructus by preparative high performance liquid chromatography (pre-HPLC) and high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Compounds (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (12), (6R,9R)-9-hydroxymegastigman-4-en-3-one (13) and (6R,9S)-9-hydroxymegastigman-4-en-3-one (14) are found from Juglans regia L. for the first time. Compounds dihydrophaseic acid (2), blumenol B (3) and (4S)-4-hydroxy-1-tetralone (11) are isolated from Diaphragma juglandis fructus for the first time. The anti-inflammatory effects of isolated compounds were evaluated by an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compounds gallic acid (1), ethyl gallate (9) and (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (12) exhibited inhibitory activity on the nitric oxide production of RAW 264.7 at a concentration of 25 μM. The result indicated that the combination HSCCC with pre-HPLC is an effective way for compound separation and purification. And Diaphragma juglandis fructus constituents have the potential for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases.
A Novel Long Non-Coding RNA in the hTERT Promoter Region Regulates hTERT Expression
Authors: Malhotra Sanandan , Freeberg Mallory , Winans Shelby , Taylor James , Beemon Karen
Published: December 2017

A novel antisense transcript was identified in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter region, suggesting that the hTERT promoter is bidirectional. This transcript, named hTERT antisense promoter-associated (hTAPAS) RNA, is a 1.6 kb long non-coding RNA. hTAPAS transcription is initiated 167 nucleotides upstream of the hTERT transcription start site and is present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, we observed that a large fraction of the hTERT polyadenylated RNA is localized in the nucleus, suggesting this might be an additional means of regulating the cellular abundance of hTERT protein. Both hTAPAS and hTERT are expressed in immortalized B-cells and human embryonic stem cells but are not detected in normal somatic cells. hTAPAS expression inversely correlates with hTERT expression in different types of cancer samples. Moreover, hTAPAS expression is not promoted by an hTERT promoter mutation (-124 C>T). Antisense-oligonucleotide mediated knockdown of hTAPAS results in an increase in hTERT expression. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of hTAPAS down regulates hTERT expression, suggesting a negative role in hTERT gene regulation. These observations provide insights into hTAPAS as a novel player that negatively regulates hTERT expression and may be involved in telomere length homeostasis.
Polypropylene-Based Porous Membranes: Influence of Polymer Composition, Extrusion Draw Ratio and Uniaxial Strain
Authors: Castejón Pilar , Habibi Kian , Saffar Amir , Ajji Abdellah , Martínez Antonio , Arencón David
Published: December 2017

Several commercial grades of homo-polymer and its blends were selected to prepare microporous membranes through melt extrusion-annealing-uniaxial stretching technique (MEAUS). Branched or very fluid polypropylene was employed to modify the polymeric composition. In some blends, micro-sized calcium carbonate was added. We analysed the influence of sample composition, extrusion draw ratio, and we performed a deep study concerning the uniaxial strain rate, using in some cases extreme strain rates and strain extents. The crystalline features were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the morphology of porous structure was analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermal stability and thermomechanical performance was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic-mechanical-thermal (DTMA) study. A close relationship was found between crystalline characteristics, porous morphology and the trends registered for permeability.
A Land Product Characterization System for Comparative Analysis of Satellite Data and Products
Authors: Gallo Kevin , Stensaas Greg , Dwyer John , Longhenry Ryan
Published: December 2017

A Land Product Characterization System (LPCS) has been developed to provide land data and products to the community of individuals interested in validating space-based land products by comparing them with similar products available from other sensors or surface-based observations. The LPCS facilitates the application of global multi-satellite and in situ data for characterization and validation of higher-level, satellite-derived, land surface products (e.g., surface reflectance, normalized difference vegetation index, and land surface temperature). The LPCS includes data search, inventory, access, and analysis functions that will permit data to be easily identified, retrieved, co-registered, and compared statistically through a single interface. The system currently includes data and products available from Landsat 4 through 8, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua, Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP)/Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and simulated data for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). In addition to the future inclusion of in situ data, higher-level land products from the European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-2 and -3 series of satellites, and other high and medium resolution spatial sensors, will be included as available. When fully implemented, any of the sensor data or products included in the LPCS would be available for comparative analysis.
Monitoring Inter- and Intra-Seasonal Dynamics of Rapidly Degrading Ice-Rich Permafrost Riverbanks in the Lena Delta with TerraSAR-X Time Series
Authors: Stettner Samuel , Beamish Alison , Bartsch Annett , Heim Birgit , Grosse Guido , Roth Achim , Lantuit Hugues
Published: December 2017

Arctic warming is leading to substantial changes to permafrost including rapid degradation of ice and ice-rich coasts and riverbanks. In this study, we present and evaluate a high spatiotemporal resolution three-year time series of X-Band microwave satellite data from the TerraSAR-X (TSX) satellite to quantify cliff-top erosion (CTE) of an ice-rich permafrost riverbank in the central Lena Delta. We apply a threshold on TSX backscatter images and automatically extract cliff-top lines to derive intra- and inter-annual CTE. In order to examine the drivers of erosion we statistically compare CTE with climatic baseline data using linear mixed models and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Our evaluation of TSX-derived CTE against annual optical-derived CTE and seasonal in situ measurements showed good agreement between all three datasets. We observed continuous erosion from June to September in 2014 and 2015 with no significant seasonality across the thawing season. We found the highest net annual cliff-top erosion of 6.9 m in 2014, in accordance with above-average mean temperatures and thawing degree days as well as low precipitation. We found high net annual erosion and erosion variability in 2015 associated with moderate mean temperatures but above average precipitation. According to linear mixed models, climate parameters alone could not explain intra-seasonal erosional patterns and additional factors such as ground ice content likely drive the observed erosion. Finally, mean backscatter intensity on the cliff surface decreased from −5.29 to −6.69 dB from 2013 to 2015, respectively, likely resulting from changes in surface geometry and properties that could be connected to partial slope stabilization. Overall, we conclude that X-Band backscatter time series can successfully be used to complement optical remote sensing and in situ monitoring of rapid tundra permafrost erosion at riverbanks and coasts by reliably providing information about intra-seasonal dynamics.
Fog-Based Two-Phase Event Monitoring and Data Gathering in Vehicular Sensor Networks
Authors: Lai Yongxuan , Yang Fan , Su Jinsong , Zhou Qifeng , Wang Tian , Zhang Lu , Xu Yifan
Published: December 2017

Vehicular nodes are equipped with more and more sensing units, and a large amount of sensing data is generated. Recently, more and more research considers cooperative urban sensing as the heart of intelligent and green city traffic management. The key components of the platform will be a combination of a pervasive vehicular sensing system, as well as a central control and analysis system, where data-gathering is a fundamental component. However, the data-gathering and monitoring are also challenging issues in vehicular sensor networks because of the large amount of data and the dynamic nature of the network. In this paper, we propose an efficient continuous event-monitoring and data-gathering framework based on fog nodes in vehicular sensor networks. A fog-based two-level threshold strategy is adopted to suppress unnecessary data upload and transmissions. In the monitoring phase, nodes sense the environment in low cost sensing mode and generate sensed data. When the probability of the event is high and exceeds some threshold, nodes transfer to the event-checking phase, and some nodes would be selected to transfer to the deep sensing mode to generate more accurate data of the environment. Furthermore, it adaptively adjusts the threshold to upload a suitable amount of data for decision making, while at the same time suppressing unnecessary message transmissions. Simulation results showed that the proposed scheme could reduce more than 84 percent of the data transmissions compared with other existing algorithms, while it detects the events and gathers the event data.
Simplified Antenna Group Determination of RS Overhead Reduced Massive MIMO for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Byung
Published: December 2017

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems can be applied to support numerous internet of things (IoT) devices using its excessive amount of transmitter (TX) antennas. However, one of the big obstacles for the realization of the massive MIMO system is the overhead of reference signal (RS), because the number of RS is proportional to the number of TX antennas and/or related user equipments (UEs). It has been already reported that antenna group-based RS overhead reduction can be very effective to the efficient operation of massive MIMO, but the method of deciding the number of antennas needed in each group is at question. In this paper, we propose a simplified determination scheme of the number of antennas needed in each group for RS overhead reduced massive MIMO to support many IoT devices. Supporting many distributed IoT devices is a framework to configure wireless sensor networks. Our contribution can be divided into two parts. First, we derive simple closed-form approximations of the achievable spectral efficiency (SE) by using zero-forcing (ZF) and matched filtering (MF) precoding for the RS overhead reduced massive MIMO systems with channel estimation error. The closed-form approximations include a channel error factor that can be adjusted according to the method of the channel estimation. Second, based on the closed-form approximation, we present an efficient algorithm determining the number of antennas needed in each group for the group-based RS overhead reduction scheme. The algorithm depends on the exact inverse functions of the derived closed-form approximations of SE. It is verified with theoretical analysis and simulation that the proposed algorithm works well, and thus can be used as an important tool for massive MIMO systems to support many distributed IoT devices.
A Tuned-RF Duty-Cycled Wake-Up Receiver with −90 dBm Sensitivity
Authors: Bdiri Sadok , Derbel Faouzi , Kanoun Olfa
Published: December 2017

A novel wake-up receiver for wireless sensor networks is introduced. It operates with a modified medium access protocol (MAC), allowing low-energy consumption and practical latency. The ultra-low-power wake-up receiver operates with enhanced duty-cycled listening. The analysis of energy models of the duty-cycle-based communication is presented. All the WuRx blocks are studied to obey the duty-cycle operation. For a mean interval time for the data exchange cycle between a transmitter and a receiver over 1.7 s and a 64-bit wake-up packet detection latency of 32 ms, the average power consumption of the wake-up receiver (WuRx) reaches down to 3 μ W . It also features scalable addressing of more than 512 bit at a data rate of 128 k bit / s −1. At a wake-up packet error rate of 10 − 2 , the detection sensitivity reaches a minimum of − 90 dBm . The combination of the MAC protocol and the WuRx eases the adoption of different kinds of wireless sensor networks. In low traffic communication, the WuRx dramatically saves more energy than that of a network that is implementing conventional duty-cycling. In this work, a prototype was realized to evaluate the intended performance.
Environmental and Community Stability of a Mountain Destination: An Analysis of Residents’ Perception
Authors: Demirović Dunja , Radovanović Milan , Petrović Marko , Cimbaljević Marija , Vuksanović Nikola , Vuković Darko
Published: December 2017

This study aims to explore the use of the social-ecological system (SES) in tourism of a mountain area. Authors examined residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts on four SES aspects: ecosystems, local knowledge, people and technology and property rights institutions. The aim is to find area that will be a “common ground” for community and area that can be a source of conflict and will require additional work to solve the differences. Second objective was to examine residents’ perception towards future local development tourism policies (winter tourism, seasonality and environment and culture) and how those policies can affect natural, socio-economic and cultural aspects of mountain area. Residents’ perceptions of sustainable tourism development potential, perceived tourism impacts, analysis of community attachment and employment sector of stakeholder were involved in this study. The authors applied the Q-methodology, as one SES-allied approach, in a small mountain community of Kopaonik, the Republic of Serbia. The results revealed that residents’ agreement/disagreement is connected with two aspects: ecosystem and property rights and that ecosystem can be significantly influenced by all three development policies. Findings suggest that development of future natural conservation plans and new cultural attractions can have positive effects on all parts of social-ecological system. Some practical implications of those findings for tourism planning and development are also discussed.
A Model of Market Positioning of Destinations Based on Online Customer Reviews of Lodgings
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Manuel , Rodríguez-Díaz Rosa , Rodríguez-Voltes Ana , Rodríguez-Voltes Crina
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to develop a methodology to determine the competitive online positioning of lodging companies in different tourist destinations. The rise of the digital age has allowed many customers to share their opinions through specialized websites, providing a dynamic and constantly updated evaluation of the market. In this context, competitiveness is an essential factor in the economic sustainability of destinations. The competitive positioning of destinations is determined by the scale of variables used by Booking.com. The price and lodging category variables are also used, as well as three new variables derived from the initial scale: the quality average, value and added value. This methodology provides a tool to determine the level of competitiveness of the lodging offered in tourist destinations, based on which, actions can be taken to improve destinations’ positioning.
Construire et défendre le libéralisme en période révolutionnaire : les justifications de la préservation illibérale de la liberté chez Sieyès
Authors: Sommerer Erwan
Published: December 2017

Sieyès est sous le Directoire l’un des intellectuels dont la pensée exprime le mieux les ambiguïtés du libéralisme. Confronté au problème de la préservation de l’ordre républicain, il doit gérer tant sur le plan théorique que pratique le passage d’une logique révolutionnaire à une position conservatrice visant à protéger le système politico-institutionnel né de la révolution. Ainsi, l’équivocité de son parcours intellectuel naît de la distinction entre les principes libéraux applicables à une société pacifiée et les méthodes illibérales que l’État assume d’utiliser contre ceux qu’il identifie comme ses ennemis.
Accord national interprofessionnel : de la loi négociée à la loi contestée
Authors: Leroy Yann
Published: December 2017

L’une des dimensions de l’Etat social réside dans l’association des acteurs au stade de la création de la norme juridique. C’est ce que réalise la loi du 31 janvier 2007 qui impose une concertation avec les partenaires sociaux préalablement à tout projet de réforme portant sur le droit du travail et leur permet d’engager une négociation qui peut aboutir à un accord national interprofessionnel. Le législateur reprenant souvent, dans un second temps, le fruit de cet accord, se pose la question de sa légitimité et de la place qui doit être réservée, dans l’élaboration de la règle de droit, aux partenaires sociaux. Convient-il, en particulier, de constitutionnaliser ce dialogue social ? Cette volonté de développer le recours à la négociation collective s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une recherche d’une plus grande flexibilité du droit du travail. La loi n’est alors plus seulement négociée, elle se voit contestée à l’aune du critère d’efficacité dont il convient de cerner les limites.
L’état d’urgence : point de vue du droit administratif
Authors: Fardet Christophe
Published: December 2017

Décrété dès la survenance des attentats du 13 novembre 2015, l’état d’urgence, prévu par la loi du 3 avril 1955 modifiée par la loi du 20 novembre 2015, permet à l’autorité administrative de prendre des mesures de police administrative qu’elle ne pourrait pas, d’ordinaire, prendre. Ce faisant, l’état d’urgence augmente d’abord significativement le domaine des mesures de police administrative parce que leur prise de décision est plus simple et plus rapide que d’autres mesures comme celles relevant de la police judiciaire. Il renforce ensuite le pouvoir du gouvernement puisqu’au final, le ministre de l’intérieur ou ses bras séculiers départementaux (les préfets) prennent ces décisions. En permettant de prendre ces mesures de police administrative, l’état d’urgence renforce le rôle du juge administratif. Procéduralement, les procédures de référé, particulièrement le référé-liberté, permettent au juge administratif de statuer en temps utile. Substantiellement, il a importé dans le contrôle en référé, des modalités de contrôle applicable aux mesures de police comparable à celles développées dans l’excès de pouvoir. Ainsi, l’État de droit s’impose à l’état d’urgence.
Le droit constitutionnel et les nations sans État : le constitutionnalisme face à l’historicisme
Authors: Pierré-Caps Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Faute de se prévaloir du droit des peuples à disposer d’eux-mêmes, les nations sans Etat opposent à la légitimité démocratique du constitutionnalisme libéral une légitimité historique fondée sur la permanence d’une identité forgée au fil du temps. Le problème politique et juridique soulevé par la revendication des nations sans Etat ne peut trouver sa solution que dans le cadre existant de la Constitution libérale positive. Or, ce cadre constitutionnel tel qu’interprété par le juge constitutionnel, peut s’avérer plus ou moins flexible (Canada, Ecosse), mais aussi particulièrement intangible (Espagne). Dans ce dernier cas, il tend à renforcer le présupposé historiciste des nations sans Etat.
Droit de décider, démocratie constitutionnelle et pouvoir constituant en Espagne
Authors: Ruiz Ruiz Juan José
Published: December 2017

Le droit de décider dans son contexte actuel soulève de nombreuses interrogations. La principale question n’est pas de s’interroger sur la place ou non de ce droit au sein de l’actuelle Constitution espagnole ou encore si le refus d’une consultation - afin de connaître l’opinion du peuple sur la séparation de l’Espagne - contredit ou non la clause de l’État Démocratique que contient expressément l’art. 1.1 de la Constitution espagnole, mais plutôt si ce droit suppose une négation de l’État constitutionnel. La démonstration proposée s’interroge également sur la mise en place d’un processus de décision démocratique afin qu’une Communauté autonome puisse devenir indépendante de l’Espagne. L’on comprendra aisément que même si une réforme de la Constitution s’impose dans une telle hypothèse, ce n’est pas l’exercice du droit de décider, mais l’exercice d’un pouvoir souverain qui supposerait alors une redéfinition de la titularité de la souveraineté qui, de fait, n’appartiendrait plus à un sujet indivisible.
Discipline et savoirs professionnels pour une disciplinarisation annoncée du travail social
Authors: Rullac Stéphane
Published: December 2017

Le plan gouvernemental pour valoriser le travail social du 21 octobre 2015 propose de disciplinariser les savoirs professionnels, ce que l’avis de la Conférence de consensus « La recherche en/dans/sur le travail social » avait reconnu le 24 juin 2013. Ce processus constitue un enjeu autant politique qu’épistémologique, dans le cadre d’une disciplinarisation secondaire des savoirs professionnels du travail social.
RPS en entreprises : espace d'identification ou de confusion pour le service social du travail ?
Authors: Trouvé Tanguy
Published: December 2017

A l’appui de son expérience clinique comme assistant de service social du travail, l’auteur invite au débat sur les risques psychosociaux en proposant un point de vue critique sur l’influence de ces nouveaux risques professionnels dans les entreprises françaises aujourd’hui. En posant au préalable les risques psychosociaux comme un espace complexe aux tenants essentiellement économiques, il en vient à faire le lien avec le service social du travail et la démarche que celui-ci doit pouvoir adopter pour offrir l’ensemble de son expertise dans un champ de la santé au travail nouvellement dessiné.
Une nouvelle donne géopolitique, entre méfiance, velléité et intérêt
Authors: Verdier Arthur
Published: December 2017

La Russie a du mal a accepté que l’Asie centrale prenne son indépendance. Aussi a-t-elle mis en œuvre des pactes militaro-écomiques qui s’étendent à tous les jeunes États, et maintenant à la Chine, essayant ainsi de contrer l’influence occidentale.
Gibran en Indonésie
Authors: Naveau Étienne
Published: December 2017

Le Libanais chrétien Gibran Khalil Gibran connaît en Indonésie, pays musulman non arabe, un succès éditorial. Gibran évoque une tradition locale de tolérance religieuse indispensable à l’heure de la mondialisation et des affrontements interconfessionnels.
Chrétiens en Terre Sainte : une réalité contrastée
Authors: Dupeyron Catherine
Published: December 2017

Les chrétiens vivant en terre Sainte vivent des situations contrastées, selon qu’ils se trouvent en Israël ou dans les territoires occupés. Le rêve d’une chrétienté orientale disséminée par-delà les frontières géopolitiques s’est brisé sur les réalités du conflit entre arabes et Juifs. Les raisons de la diminution de leur présence sont à chercher davantage dans leur niveau d’éducation qui favorise l’émigration que dans les atteintes à leurs droits de la part des autorités. Enfin, paradoxalement, la présence chrétienne en Israël est en train de connaître une mutation profonde : la part des chrétiens non arabophones ne cesse de progresser, du fait de l’immigration russe. Ainsi, à la diversité religieuse multiséculaire des chrétiens, s’est superposée une diversité politique et ethno-socio-culturelle.
Les Chrétiens d’Iran
Authors: D. J.
Published: December 2017

Cet article retrace à travers l’Histoire le parcours de ces chrétiens d’Iran, Arméniens et Assyriens, ainsi que le statut très particulier qui régit leur communauté et ses rapports avec l’Etat.
Les orthodoxes syriaques d’Indonésie
Authors: Naveau Étienne
Published: December 2017

L’auteur montre comment les chrétiens d’Indonésie tentent de se faire accepter par l’islam majoritaire en recourant à une identification avec la tradition syriaque, marque d’un héritage oriental et non européen.
La République islamique entre protestation populaire et ouverture américaine
Authors: Hourcade Bernard
Published: December 2017

Le consensus qui permettait à la République islamique de fonctionner a été brisé par l’ampleur des protestations contre la réélection de M. Ahmadinejad mais surtout par la nouvelle politique américaine de dialogue qui a fait éclater un des dogmes du régime islamique. La question du nucléaire est passée au second plan et est liée aux progrès d’une démocratie durable.
Le gouvernement d’Ahmadinejad face aux conséquences économiques de sa politique clientéliste
Authors: Coville Thierry
Published: December 2017

L’économie iranienne a été heurtée de plein fouet par l’effondrement du prix du pétrole depuis l’été 2008. Le ralentissement a été plus brutal que dans le reste du Moyen Orient car cette chute des revenus pétroliers a entraîné un très violent ralentissement des dépenses budgétaires du fait de l’ampleur du déficit budgétaire. Ce ralentissement de la croissance a conduit à une hausse du chômage de 9,6 % fin 2007 à 11,2 % à l’automne 2009. Ce contexte rend difficile la préparation du budget 2010. Le projet du gouvernement de supprimer de nombreuses subventions fait craindre une brusque accélération de l’inflation.
L’imbroglio du Karabakh : une perspective azérie
Authors: Rasizade Alec
Published: December 2017

Les origines du conflit du Nagorny Karabakh remontent au début de notre ère et sont liées à l’histoire de son peuplement. Arméniens et Azéris se disputent un territoire dont ils se considèrent, chacun, comme les héritiers historiques légitimes. Suite au conflit arméno-azéri de 1918-1920, le découpage des frontières opéré par Staline constitue une deuxième cause du conflit qui éclate dès la fin de l’URSS. « Gelé » depuis le cessez feu de 1994, le conflit du Karabakh risque de s’embraser à nouveau en l’absence d’une solution politique négociée. Plus encore, l’Azerbaïdjan dont les pétrodollars ont permis l’achat de vastes quantités d’équipements militaires, envisage de plus en plus une solution militaire. La production pétrolière azérie ayant atteint son pic, son déclin régulier dans la décennie à venir devrait pousser les dirigeants azéris à plus de réalisme.
Une classe moyenne au Maroc ?
Authors: Basty-Hamimi Florence
Published: December 2017

Même si les données sur les groupes à revenus moyens et sur la mobilité sociale font défaut au Maroc et dans le monde entier, il est nécessaire de débattre de la signification politique et économique de l’avènement de la classe moyenne et du sens à donner actuellement à cette catégorie sociale dans un monde globalisé. A l’heure où l’appel à plus de démocratie et de transparence est criant dans tout le monde arabe, la classe moyenne est au cœur du débat car elle est au carrefour de tous les enjeux : politique, économique et social.