bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical in-Solution Conformational/Tautomeric Analyses for Chain Systems with Conjugated Double Bonds Involving Nitrogen(s)
Authors: Nagy Peter
Published: May 2015

Conformational/tautomeric transformations for X=CH–CH=Y structures (X = CH2, O, NH and Y = NH) have been studied in the gas phase, in dichloromethane and in aqueous solutions. The paper is a continuation of a former study where s-cis/s-trans conformational equilibria were predicted for analogues. The s-trans conformation is preferred for the present molecules in the gas phase on the basis of its lowest internal free energy as calculated at the B97D/aug-cc-pvqz and CCSD(T)CBS (coupled-cluster singles and doubles with non-iterative triples extrapolated to the complete basis set) levels. Transition state barriers are of 29–36 kJ/mol for rotations about the central C–C bonds. In solution, an s-trans form is still favored on the basis of its considerably lower internal free energy compared with the s-cis forms as calculated by IEF-PCM (integral-equation formalism of the polarizable continuum dielectric solvent model) at the theoretical levels indicated. A tetrahydrate model in the supermolecule/continuum approach helped explore the 2solute-solvent hydrogen bond pattern. The calculated transition state barrier for rotation about the C–C bond decreased to 27 kJ/mol for the tetrahydrate. Considering explicit solvent models, relative solvation free energies were calculated by means of the free energy perturbation method through Monte Carlo simulations. These calculated values differ remarkably from those by the PCM approach in aqueous solution, nonetheless the same prevalent conformation was predicted by the two methods. Aqueous solution structure-characteristics were determined by Monte Carlo. Equilibration of conformers/tautomers through water-assisted double proton-relay is discussed. This mechanism is not viable, however, in non-protic solvents where the calculated potential of mean force curve does not predict remarkable solute dimerization and subsequent favorable orientation.
Optimization of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights Gained from Clinically-Derived Computer Models
Authors: Zhao Jichao , Kharche Sanjay , Hansen Brian , Csepe Thomas , Wang Yufeng , Stiles Martin , Fedorov Vadim
Published: May 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, and its treatment is an increasing economic burden on the health care system. Despite recent intense clinical, experimental and basic research activity, the treatment of AF with current antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter/surgical therapies remains limited. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is widely used to treat patients with AF. Current clinical ablation strategies are largely based on atrial anatomy and/or substrate detected using different approaches, and they vary from one clinical center to another. The nature of clinical ablation leads to ambiguity regarding the optimal patient personalization of the therapy partly due to the fact that each empirical configuration of ablation lines made in a patient is irreversible during one ablation procedure. To investigate optimized ablation lesion line sets, in silico experimentation is an ideal solution. 3D computer models give us a unique advantage to plan and assess the effectiveness of different ablation strategies before and during RFCA. Reliability of in silico assessment is ensured by inclusion of accurate 3D atrial geometry, realistic fiber orientation, accurate fibrosis distribution and cellular kinetics; however, most of this detailed information in the current computer models is extrapolated from animal models and not from the human heart. The predictive power of computer models will increase as they are validated with human experimental and clinical data. To make the most from a computer model, one needs to develop 3D computer models based on the same functionally and structurally mapped intact human atria with high spatial resolution. The purpose of this review paper is to summarize recent developments in clinically-derived computer models and the clinical insights they provide for catheter ablation.
Possibility of Breast Cancer Prevention: Use of Soy Isoflavones and Fermented Soy Beverage Produced Using Probiotics
Authors: Takagi Akimitsu , Kano Mitsuyoshi , Kaga Chiaki
Published: May 2015

The various beneficial effects of soybeans, which are rich in phytochemicals, have received much attention because of increasing health awareness. Soy milk that has been fermented using lactic acid bacteria has been used to prepare cheese-like products, tofu (bean-curd), and yogurt-type products. However, the distinct odor of soybeans has limited the acceptance of such foods, particularly in Western countries. In Japan, while tofu and soy milk have long been habitually consumed, the development of novel, palatable food products has not been easy. The unpleasant odor of soy milk and the absorption efficiency for isoflavones can be improved using a recently developed fermented soy milk beverage. Cancer has been the leading cause of death, and breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. The most common type of breast cancer is estrogen-dependent, and the anti-estrogenic effects of isoflavones are known. The present review focuses on the characteristics of soy milk fermented using probiotics, an epidemiological study examining the incidence of breast cancer and soy isoflavone consumption, and a non-clinical study examining breast cancer prevention using fermented soy milk beverage.
Advanced Electrocardiography Identifies Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Tracks Serial Change over Time
Authors: Johnson Kerryanne , Neilson Stacey , To Andrew , Amir Nezar , Cave Andrew , Scott Tony , Orr Martin , Parata Mia , Day Victoria , Gladding Patrick
Published: May 2015

Electrocardiogram (ECG)-based detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) has poor specificity and positive predictive value, even when including major ECG abnormalities, such as left bundle branch block (LBBB) within the criteria for diagnosis. Although machine-read ECG algorithms do not provide information on LVSD, advanced ECG (A-ECG), using multiparameter scores, has superior diagnostic utility to strictly conventional ECG for identifying various cardiac pathologies, including LVSD. Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic utility of A-ECG in a case-control study of 40 patients with LVSD (LV ejection fraction < 50% by echocardiography), due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), and 39 other patients without LVSD. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for LVSD were determined after applying a previously validated probabilistic A-ECG score for LVSD to stored standard (10 s) clinical 12L ECGs. In 25 of the NICM patients who had serial ECGs and echocardiograms, changes in the A-ECG score versus in echocardiographic LV ejection fraction were also studied to determine the level of agreement between the two tests. Results: Analyses by A-ECG had a sensitivity of 95% for LVSD (93% if excluding N = 11 patients with LBBB) and specificity of 95%. In the 29 NICM patients without LBBB who had serial ECGs, sensitivity improved to 97% when all ECGs were considered. By comparison, human readers in a busy clinical environment had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 63%. A-ECG score trajectories demonstrated improvement, deterioration or no change in LVSD, which agreed with echocardiography, in 76% of cases (n = 25). Conclusion: A-ECG scoring detects LVSD due to NICM with high sensitivity and specificity. Serial A-ECG score trajectories also represent a method for inexpensively demonstrating changes in LVSD. A-ECG scoring may be of particular value in areas where echocardiography is unavailable, or as a gatekeeper for echocardiography.
Mechanical Properties and Cytocompatibility Improvement of Vertebroplasty PMMA Bone Cements by Incorporating Mineralized Collagen
Authors: Jiang Hong-Jiang , Xu Jin , Qiu Zhi-Ye , Ma Xin-Long , Zhang Zi-Qiang , Tan Xun-Xiang , Cui Yun , Cui Fu-Zhai
Published: May 2015

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a commonly used bone adhesive and filling material in percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty surgeries. However, PMMA bone cements have been reported to cause some severe complications, such as secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral bodies, and loosening or even dislodgement of the set PMMA bone cement, due to the over-high elastic modulus and poor osteointegration ability of the PMMA. In this study, mineralized collagen (MC) with biomimetic microstructure and good osteogenic activity was added to commercially available PMMA bone cement products, in order to improve both the mechanical properties and the cytocompatibility. As the compressive strength of the modified bone cements remained well, the compressive elastic modulus could be significantly down-regulated by the MC, so as to reduce the pressure on the adjacent vertebral bodies. Meanwhile, the adhesion and proliferation of pre-osteoblasts on the modified bone cements were improved compared with cells on those unmodified, such result is beneficial for a good osteointegration formation between the bone cement and the host bone tissue in clinical applications. Moreover, the modification of the PMMA bone cements by adding MC did not significantly influence the injectability and processing times of the cement.
High Fluorescent Porphyrin-PAMAM-Fluorene Dendrimers
Authors: Garfias-Gonzalez Karla , Organista-Mateos Ulises , Borja-Miranda Andrés , Gomez-Vidales Virginia , Hernandez-Ortega Simon , Cortez-Maya Sandra , Martínez-García Marcos
Published: May 2015

Two new classes of dendrimers bearing 8 and 32 fluorene donor groups have been synthesized. The first and second generations of these porphyrin-PAMAM-fluorene dendrimers were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, elemental analyses and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The UV-vis spectra showed that the individual properties of donor and acceptor moieties were preserved, indicating that the new dendrimers could be used as photosynthetic antennae. Furthermore, for fluorescent spectroscopy, these dendrimers showed good energy transfer.
Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spiropyrazolones
Authors: Ceban Victor , Olomola Temitope , Meazza Marta , Rios Ramon
Published: May 2015

We report a highly diastereoselective synthesis of spiropyrazolones catalyzed by secondary amines. The reported Michael-Aldol cascade reaction affords the desired spiropyrazolones bearing four chiral centers as a single diastereomer in excellent yields.
Studies on Transition Metal-Quercetin Complexes Using Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yuanzhen , Guo Mingquan
Published: May 2015

To systematically study the effects of the number of d electrons of the first transition metal ions (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) on the formation and stability of metal flavonoid complexes, we took the quercetin/M2+ complex as a model system to investigate the structures and properties of these complexes. Based on considerable structural information obtained through ESI-MSn, all of the first transition metal ions (Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) were found to form different complexes with quercetin, while with the number of chelating flavonoids decreasing along with the reduction of the metal ionic radius. Quercetin forms different complexes with the above metal divalent ions through its 5-OH and 4-carbonyl groups; the complex stability is highly dependent on both the metallic ion and the flavonoid chelator itself. As for the central ion (M2+), when chelated with quercetin to form the complex, the stability of the complex decreased in the following order: Cu2+ > Ni2+ > Co2+ > Fe2+ > Zn2+. With flavonoid: metal stoichiometries at 2:1, the complexes formed between quercetin and metal ions (Fe2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+) have the similar fragmentation mechanism, while Cu2+ displayed different fragmentation mechanism due to the concurrent oxidation.
Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil and Its Main Constituent Piperitenone Oxide: Biological Activities and Chemistry
Authors: Božović Mijat , Pirolli Adele , Ragno Rino
Published: May 2015

Since herbal medicines play an important role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, there is a growing need for their quality control and standardization. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (MS) is an aromatic herb with fruit and a spearmint flavor, used in the Mediterranean areas as a traditional medicine. It has an extensive range of biological activities, including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and insecticidal properties, among others. This study aims to review the scientific findings and research reported to date on MS that prove many of the remarkable various biological actions, effects and some uses of this species as a source of bioactive natural compounds. On the other hand, piperitenone oxide (PO), the major chemical constituent of the carvone pathway MS essential oil, has been reported to exhibit numerous bioactivities in cells and animals. Thus, this integrated overview also surveys and interprets the present knowledge of chemistry and analysis of this oxygenated monoterpene, as well as its beneﬁcial bioactivities. Areas for future research are suggested.
MiRNA-194 Regulates Palmitic Acid-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4 Inflammatory Responses in THP-1 Cells
Authors: Tian Huiqun , Liu Chaoqi , Zou Xiaohua , Wu Wei , Zhang Changcheng , Yuan Ding
Published: May 2015

There is strong evidence to suggest that inflammatory responses link obesity and diseases, and the understanding of obesity-induced inflammatory mechanisms is central to the pathogenesis of diseases such asnonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and atherosclerosis that are modified by obesity. Based on this, anti-inflammatory treatments become a potential therapies for obesity-related diseases like NAFLD.A critical role of toll-like receptor (TLR) and its downstream molecules such as tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6) has been documented in inflammatory response induced by fatty acid. TLR pathway regulation provides a new insight to controlling the inflammatory response induced by fatty acid. Taken together, our study was aimed to understand the mechanism of fatty acid-mediated inflammation and look for an effective target which can prevent the inflammatory response induced by obesity. In this study, we used the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA) to activate TLR4 signal pathway in human monocyte cells THP-1 that established an intracellular inflammatory model. Followed with activated TLR4, downstream molecular TRAF6 was upregulated and ultimately induced proinflammatory cytokine production. Based on this model, we also found that PA downregulated miR-194 expression with TLR4 activation. Moreover, our results showed that key signal molecular TRAF6 is a target of miR-194, overexpression of miR-194 directly decreased TRAF6 expression and attenuated the release of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in PA-activated monocyte THP-1. We conclude that miR-194 negatively regulates the TLR4 signal pathway which is activated by PA through directly negative TRAF6 expression.
A Remote Sensing Method for Estimating Surface Air Temperature and Surface Vapor Pressure on a Regional Scale
Authors: Zhang Renhua , Rong Yuan , Tian Jing , Su Hongbo , Li Zhao-Liang , Liu Suhua
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a method of estimating regional distributions of surface air temperature (Ta) and surface vapor pressure (ea), which uses remotely-sensed data and meteorological data as its inputs. The method takes into account the effects of both local driving force and horizontal advection on Ta and ea. Good correlation coefficients (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the measurements of Ta/ea at weather stations and Ta/ea estimates were obtained; with R2 of 0.77, 0.82 and 0.80 and RMSE of 0.42K, 0.35K and 0.20K for Ta and with R2 of 0.85, 0.88, 0.88 and RMSE of 0.24hpa, 0.35hpa and 0.16hpa for ea, respectively, for the three-day results. This result is much better than that estimated from the inverse distance weighted method (IDW). The performance of Ta/ea estimates at Dongping Lake illustrated that the method proposed in the paper also has good accuracy for a heterogeneous surface. The absolute biases of Ta and ea estimates at Dongping Lake from the proposed method are less than 0.5Kand 0.7hpa, respectively, while the absolute biases of them from the IDW method are more than 2K and 3hpa, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the Ta estimation method presented in the paper is most sensitive to surface temperature and that the ea estimation method is most sensitive to available energy.
Assessment of Taste Attributes of Peanut Meal Enzymatic-Hydrolysis Hydrolysates Using an Electronic Tongue
Authors: Wang Li , Niu Qunfeng , Hui Yanbo , Jin Huali , Chen Shengsheng
Published: May 2015

Peanut meal is the byproduct of high-temperature peanut oil extraction; it is mainly composed of proteins, which have complex tastes after enzymatic hydrolysis to free amino acids and small peptides. The enzymatic hydrolysis method was adopted by using two compound proteases of trypsin and flavorzyme to hydrolyze peanut meal aiming to provide a flavor base. Hence, it is necessary to assess the taste attributes and assign definite taste scores of peanut meal double enzymatic hydrolysis hydrolysates (DEH). Conventionally, sensory analysis is used to assess taste intensity in DEH. However, it has disadvantages because it is expensive and laborious. Hence, in this study, both taste attributes and taste scores of peanut meal DEH were evaluated using an electronic tongue. In this regard, the response characteristics of the electronic tongue to the DEH samples and standard five taste samples were researched to qualitatively assess the taste attributes using PCA and DFA. PLS and RBF neural network (RBFNN) quantitative prediction models were employed to compare predictive abilities and to correlate results obtained from the electronic tongue and sensory analysis, respectively. The results showed that all prediction models had good correlations between the predicted scores from electronic tongue and those obtained from sensory analysis. The PLS and RBFNN prediction models constructed using the voltage response values from the sensors exhibited higher correlation and prediction ability than that of principal components. As compared with the taste performance by PLS model, that of RBFNN models was better. This study exhibits potential advantages and a concise objective taste assessment tool using the electronic tongue in the assessment of DEH taste attributes in the food industry.
NDIR Gas Sensor for Spatial Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Naturally Ventilated Livestock Buildings
Authors: Mendes Luciano , Ogink Nico , Edouard Nadège , Van Dooren Hendrik , Tinôco Ilda , Mosquera Julio
Published: May 2015

The tracer gas ratio method, using CO2 as natural tracer, has been suggested as a pragmatic option to measure emissions from naturally ventilated (NV) barns without the need to directly estimate the ventilation rate. The aim of this research was to assess the performance of a low-cost Non-Dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) sensor for intensive spatial field monitoring of CO2 concentrations in a NV dairy cow house. This was achieved by comparing NDIR sensors with two commonly applied methods, a Photo-Acoustic Spectroscope (PAS) Gas Monitor and an Open-Path laser (OP-laser). First, calibrations for the NDIR sensors were obtained in the laboratory. Then, the NDIR sensors were placed in a dairy cow barn for comparison with the PAS and OP-laser methods. The main conclusions were: (a) in order to represent the overall barn CO2 concentration of the dairy cow barn, the number of NDIR sensors to be accounted for average concentration calculation was dependent on barn length and on barn area occupation; and (b) the NDIR CO2 sensors are suitable for multi-point monitoring of CO2 concentrations in NV livestock barns, being a feasible alternative for the PAS and the OP-laser methods to monitor single-point or averaged spatial CO2 concentrations in livestock barns.
Neuromuscular Retraining in Female Adolescent Athletes: Effect on Athletic Performance Indices and Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Rates
Authors: Noyes Frank , Barber-Westin Sue
Published: May 2015

While many anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevention programs have been published, few have achieved significant reductions in injury rates and improvements in athletic performance indices; both of which may increase compliance and motivation of athletes to participate. A supervised neuromuscular retraining program (18 sessions) was developed, aimed at achieving both of these objectives. The changes in neuromuscular indices were measured after training in 1000 female athletes aged 13–18 years, and the noncontact ACL injury rate in 700 of these trained athletes was compared with that of 1120 control athletes. There were significant improvements in the drop-jump test, (p < 0.0001, effect size [ES] 0.97), the single-leg triple crossover hop (p < 0.0001, ES 0.47), the t-test (p < 0.0001, ES 0.64), the multi-stage fitness test (p < 0.0001, ES 0.57), hamstring strength (p < 0.0001), and quadriceps strength (p < 0.01). The trained athletes had a significant reduction in the noncontact ACL injury incidence rate compared with the controls (1 ACL injury in 36,724 athlete-exposures [0.03] and 13 ACL injuries in 61,244 exposures [0.21], respectively, p = 0.03). The neuromuscular retraining program was effective in reducing noncontact ACL injury rate and improving athletic performance indicators.
Governance and One Health: Exploring the Impact of Federalism and Bureaucracy on Zoonotic Disease Detection and Reporting
Authors: Allen Heather
Published: May 2015

The merits of One Health have been thoroughly described in the literature, but how One Health operates in the United States federal system of government is rarely discussed or analyzed. Through a comparative case-study approach, this research explores how federalism, bureaucratic behavior, and institutional design in the United States may influence zoonotic disease outbreak detection and reporting, a key One Health activity. Using theoretical and empirical literature, as well as a survey/interview instrument for individuals directly involved in a past zoonotic disease outbreak, the impacts of governance are discussed. As predicted in the theoretical literature, empirical findings suggest that federalism, institutional design, and bureaucracy may play a role in facilitating or impeding zoonotic disease outbreak detection and reporting. Regulatory differences across states as well as compartmentalization of information within agencies may impede disease detection. However, the impact may not always be negative: bureaucracies can also be adaptive; federalism allows states important opportunities for innovation. While acknowledging there are many other factors that also matter in zoonotic disease detection and reporting, this research is one of the first attempts to raise awareness in the literature and stimulate discussion on the intersection of governance and One Health.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Extreme Hourly Precipitation Patterns in Hainan Island, South China
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Chen Chenghao , Li Longbing , Xing Litao , Huang Guoru , Wu Chuanhao
Published: May 2015

To analyze extreme precipitation patterns in Hainan Island, hourly precipitation datasets from 18 stations, for the period from 1967 to 2012, were investigated. Two precipitation concentration indices (PCI) and 11 extreme precipitation indices (EPI) were chosen. PCI1 indicated a moderate seasonality in yearly precipitation and PCI2 showed that at least 80% of the total precipitation fell in 20% of the rainiest hours. Furthermore, the spatial variations of PCI1 and PCI2 differed. Linear regression indicated increasing trends in 11 of the calculated EPI. Principal component analysis found that the first recalculated principal component represented the 11 EPI. The recalculated principal component revealed an increasing trend in precipitation extremes for the whole island (except the interior section). Trend stability analysis of several of EPI suggested that the southern parts of Hainan Island, and especially the city of Sanya, should receive more attention to establish the drainage facilities necessary to prevent waterlogging.
Multivalent dendritic polyglycerolamine with arginine and histidine end groups for efficient siRNA transfection
Authors: Sheikhi Mehrabadi Fatemeh , Zeng Hanxiang , Johnson Mark , Schlesener Cathleen , Guan Zhibin , Haag Rainer
Published: May 2015

The success of siRNA-based therapeutics highly depends on a safe and efficient delivery of siRNA into the cytosol. In this study, we post-modified the primary amines on dendritic polyglycerolamine (dPG-NH2) with different ratios of two relevant amino acids, namely, arginine (Arg) and histidine (His). To investigate the effects from introducing Arg and His to dPG, the resulting polyplexes of amino acid functionalized dPG-NH2s (AAdPGs)/siRNA were evaluated regarding cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, and cellular uptake. Among AAdPGs, an optimal vector with (1:3) Arg to His ratio, showed efficient siRNA transfection with minimal cytotoxicity (cell viability ≥ 90%) in NIH 3T3 cells line. We also demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of dPG-NH2 decreased as a result of amino acid functionalization. While the incorporation of both cationic (Arg) and pH-responsive residues (His) are important for safe and efficient siRNA transfection, this study indicates that AAdPGs containing higher degrees of His display lower cytotoxicity and more efficient endosomal escape.
CHALLENGES IN THE PRESERVATION OF RIGA’S ARCHITECTURAL CULTURAL HERITAGE / IŠŠŪKIAI, SU KURIAIS SUSIDURIA RYGOS ARCHITEKTŪRINIO KULTŪROS PAVELDO APSAUGA
Authors: Barvika Sarmite , Treija Sandra , Berzins Egons
Published: May 2015

Historical buildings are the most visible part of cultural heritage. They make up Latvia’s historical landscape that has been centuries in the making. In the vast majority of cases these buildings are included in the historical cultural heritage of Latvia. However, the practical mechanisms of their preservation (ownership preservation, maintenance, renewal opportunities) and, consequently, their economic potential, still have not yet been fully evaluated. Does cultural value interact with market value? What factors affect urban planning in the Historic Centre of Riga and its PZ – a UNESCO World Heritage site? Answers to these questions, as well as the main challenges in the preservation of values of Riga’s architectural heritage will be discussed in the paper. Istoriniai pastatai – matomiausia kultūrinio paveldo dalis. Jie išryškina šimtmečiais kurtą Latvijos istorinį kraštovaizdį. Dauguma tokių pastatų įrašyta į Latvijos istorinio kultūros paveldo sąrašus. Vis tik praktiniai jų apsaugos mechanizmai (nuosavybės apsauga, priežiūra, atnaujinimo galimybės), o kartu ir ekonominis potencialas dar nėra visapusiškai įvertinta. Ar yra kultūrinės vertės ir rinkos vertės tarpusavio sąveika? Kokie veiksniai turi įtakos Rygos istorinio centro urbanistiniam planavimui – ar tai, pavyzdžiui, buvimas UNESCO pasaulio paveldo sąraše? Bandoma atsakyti į šiuos klausimus, aptariami Rygos architektūrinio paveldo vertybių apsaugos srityje kylantys iššūkiai.
Le rôle de l’identité nationale dans le républicanisme critique
Authors: Guérard de Latour Sophie
Published: May 2015

Contre les récupérations idéologiques du thème de « l’identité nationale », ce texte mobilise la perspective du néo-républicanisme afin de réhabiliter la portée philosophique de cette notion controversée. Le concept de non-domination y opère comme un vecteur critique susceptible d’articuler l’identification à une communauté politique et l’intégration des minorités ethnoculturelles. Sur cette base philosophique, le texte défend la légitimité d’une éducation qui inculque aux futurs citoyens une vision multiculturelle de leur identité nationale.
L’identité nosologique en question
Authors: Martin Emmanuel
Published: May 2015

La récente remise en cause de la classification mondiale des maladies mentales est l’occasion d’un questionnement de l’identité nosologique et de l’usage qui en est fait. La mise en évidence de l’impossible et de l’indécidable qui gît au cœur de l’identité, par le biais de la trace telle que Derrida, Levinas et Lacan la conceptualisent, permet de penser une modalité d’accueil dans le domaine du soin qui ne repose pas sur l’objectivation et l’administration de la preuve, mais sur une hospitalité qui laisse place à l’ouverture identitaire, à l’inattendu, non dans une temporalité de la récupération, mais de l’écho ou de la ré-itération.
L’hétérologie de l’Europe : crise identitaire ou défi altéritaire ?
Authors: Ballangé Aliénor
Published: May 2015

À l’heure où l’avenir de l’Europe semble des plus incertains – percée des mouvements « ethno-populistes », accentuation de la fracture Nord-Sud, refus des « uns » de payer pour les « autres » – la tentation est grande d’en appeler à un discours rassembleur vantant les mérites d’une « identité européenne » singulière. Toutefois, il s’agit là d’une attitude risquée : non seulement cela tend à effacer les divisions internes aux peuples européens, mais, de surcroît, cela dresse une frontière culturelle, civilisationnelle, voire spirituelle, entre ceux qui incarnent l’Europe et ceux qui sont voués à en demeurer exclus. Dès lors, faut-il continuer à mobiliser l’idée d’une identité européenne et, si oui, comment reconnaître son caractère hétérologique ?
Travail et identité chez Levinas : la dimension économique de l’existence comme réalisation de soi
Authors: Wolfs Simon
Published: May 2015

L’intérêt de la pensée de Levinas concernant l’identité réside dans l’articulation qu’il propose entre une conception de l’identité comme énergie d’une part, et une conception de l’identité résultant de l’inscription du sujet dans le monde d’autre part. Cette articulation oblige à comprendre l’identité comme un procès inscrit dans le monde au sein duquel le sujet s’approprie son existence. Cette inscription du sujet dans l’être par laquelle s’élabore l’existence économique commence avec l’habitation. Celle-ci est le lieu où s’enracinent le travail et la possession qui permettent au Moi d’avoir une stabilité, un ancrage dans l’être. Ces dimensions de l’existence économique réalisent l’ ici fondamental sur lequel repose l’identité.
Grandeur et décadence de la philosophie romaine
Authors: Citot Vincent
Published: May 2015

La philosophie romaine est négligée par les historiens de la philosophie. Coincée entre les cultures grecque et chrétienne, elle est considérée comme une simple inflexion de la philosophie hellénistique. L’objet de ce travail est de montrer l’irréductibilité de la philosophie romaine et la cohérence de son cycle de développement. Comme la civilisation qui la porte, la philosophie romaine naît, mûrie, triomphe, vieillie et meurt. Les rapports qu’elle entretient avec la religion et la science fournissent les critères de cette vision cyclique de l’histoire.
La métaphysique des forces et les formes du psychisme Deleuze, Sartre et les autres
Authors: Fruteau de Laclos Frédéric
Published: May 2015

La pensée française a beaucoup perdu à se couper de la « psycho-philosophie » de l’entre-deux-guerres. Non seulement les injections massives de phénoménologie ont occulté les possibilités de jonction entre psychologie positive et métapsychologie, mais la nature des thèses inventées par Sartre et relayées par Deleuze, d’une individuation toujours solitaire et solipsiste, ont rendu incompréhensibles les processus de cogenèse des consciences.
Psychologie de Sartre
Authors: Mouzet Jean
Published: May 2015

En appliquant la méthode de la psychanalyse existentielle à son propre inventeur, il s’agit de comprendre la genèse concrète de la psychologie phénoménologique de Sartre à partir des événements existentiels et intellectuels qui ont jalonné son adolescence et sa jeunesse. La psychologie singulière de ce philosophe en devenir éclaire l’originalité de ses créations conceptuelles.
Du comportement à l’action. Faire de la psychologie après Wittgenstein ?
Authors: Aucouturier Valérie
Published: May 2015

La philosophie de l’action wittgensteinienne, par sa clarification conceptuelle, permet une critique radicale de la métaphysique dualiste impliquée par la psychologie empirique. Si le psychologique est constitué concrètement par nos pratiques, une philosophie wittgensteinienne de l’action peut aider la psychologie à sortir des impasses dues à ses confusions sur la nature de son objet, en substituant à la notion réductrice de comportement le concept d’action.
Effect of Petroleum Pricing on Agricultural Production in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatayo Isaac B. , Ukpe Henrietta U.
Published: May 2015

Nigeria is a dominant economic force in sub-Saharan Africa with a strong economy as well as booming oil and agricultural sectors. However, over-dependence on the production and export of oil as well as food imports has rendered the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. The increasing spate of fluctuations in the world price of oil affects not only the economic sector but also agricultural production. Despite the huge earnings from oil, Nigeria remains one of the most food insecure countries in the world. This study therefore estimates the effect of petrol or premium motor spirit (PMS) pricing on agricultural production using available time series data for 41 years (1970-2010) obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria's Annual Statistical Reports and National Bureau of Statistic's Bulletins. The study reveals that the trend in production level of agricultural products persistently increased between 1984 and 2000, followed by a much lower growth rate between 2001 and 2002 sub-period and the increasing trend picked up again in 2003. There was an increasing trend pattern of petrol (PMS) prices except for 2009 when the price dropped from N70 to N65. Consumption of PMS was not relatively constant either. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) results show that the quantity of agricultural output increased with the price of PMS. However, consumption of PMS had an inverse relationship with agricultural output.
New Design Approach to Handle Spatial Vagueness in Spatial OLAP Datacubes
Authors: Edoh-Alove Elodie , Bimonte Sandro , Pinet François , Bédard Yvan
Published: May 2015

Spatial-OLAP (SOLAP) technologies are dedicated to multidimensional analysis of large volumes of (spatial) data. Spatial data are subject to different types of uncertainty, in particular spatial vagueness. Although several researches propose new models to cope with spatial vagueness, their integration in SOLAP systems is still in an embryonic state. Also, analyzing multidimensional data with metadata brought by the exploitation of the new models can be too complex and demanding for decision-makers. To help reduce spatial vagueness consequences on the exactness of SOLAP analysis queries, the authors present a new approach for designing SOLAP datacubes based on end-users' tolerance to the risks of misinterpretation of fact data. An experimentation of the new approach on agri-environmental data is also proposed.
A Brownian Agent Model for Analyzing Changes in a Nation's Product Space Structure
Authors: Jiang Bin , Yang Chao , Yamada Takashi , Terano Takao
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a Brownian agent model for simulating and analyzing changes in a nation's product space structure. A measurement of proximity has been employed to quantify a relationship between two products and proved to be useful in product space analysis. This study employs such proximity measurement, and estimates a continued structure transformation of a nation's product space through feedback between agent movements and network evolutions. Labor resources of an enterprise or a firm are regarded as Brownian agents; they move through different product spaces for higher economic rewards. The simulation results show that trade areas were self-organized through Brownian agent migration and cooperative production with a random initial distribution. Furthermore, we have verified the applicability and efficiency of the model in analyzing changes in Chinese product space structure with empirical data. Main contributions of this paper are: 1) it provides a bottom-up model for analyzing changes of a nation's product space structure; and 2) it also provides both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for a nation's product space structure.
Pertinence and Feasibility of a Unifying Holistic Approach of IT Governance
Authors: Makhlouf Mohamed , Allal-Cherif Oihab
Published: May 2015

In accordance with the Design Science percepts, the authors present in this paper an approach that aims to give a holistic unifying framework that ensures consistency and coherence between the existing IT governance approaches and mechanisms. It considers the advances and best practices suggested by COBIT ITIL, etc. Therefore, it proposes an operational implementation and instantiation of information system of IT governance based on SOA architecture. It meets the requirements posed by gaps in the research on IT governance, which have been proven by the literature study. as well as the managerial problems highlighted by a two-year in-depth case study conducted inside one of the largest telecommunication operators in Europe. The relevance and feasibility of this approach have been proven by the implementation of this approach in a another two-year in-depth action research case study inside another large European telecommunications operator.
Agile Software Development Process Applied to the Serious Games Development for Children from 7 to 10 Years Old
Authors: Cano Sandra P. , González Carina S. , Collazos César A. , Arteaga Jaime Muñoz , Zapata Sergio
Published: May 2015

The development of video games is a complex, multidisciplinary process, which involves different areas as well as a greater number of roles than for traditional software. Serious games face process constraints that concern a number of interactive, educational and psychological factors designed to lead to the fulfillment of educational objectives within a specific context. Based on a case study in the city Cali, Colombia, an iterative and incremental process is proposed, focusing on small and medium development for educational serious games and basing itself on two lines of research: agile development methodology and user-centered design (UCD) for children from 7 to 10 years. The agile methodology eXtreme Programming (XP) offers a useful option for the development of serious games as it establishes a continuous communication with all project stakeholders - including the end user - throughout the project, while UCD allows the user profile to be known and identified so that the game will meet the needs and match the capabilities, expectations and motivations of the child.
Operators Skill Level Evaluation Method for Balancing of an Apparel Assembly Line
Authors: Stojanov Todor , Ding Xue-Mei
Published: May 2015

The Assembly Line Balancing Problem (ALBP) engages the interest of many researchers. However, the number of researchers that treat this problem is still small in the field of apparel manufacturing. The fact that an apparel assembly line is labour intensive and insufficiently automated further complicates the problem. Operator Skill Level (OSL) as a category that has a significant effect on ALBP in the industry also has not been analysed enough. This study presents a model for evaluation and comparison of the OSL and based on that, designs algorithm for optimal scheduling of the operators on the production line in response to customer demand. The application of this model is demonstrated through conducting a case study in an apparel company. It is determined that the proposed model can lead to significant improvement of the performance of the production line by better operator allocation based on skill levels. The model can ensure improvements related to increasing the line efficiency for 28%, daily output for 27.3% and decrease labour force for 18.5% and production time for 20%.
Customer Perception Towards Borrowing Bank Loans
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: May 2015

In the present life of an individual finance is an important aspect. This finance is provided by banks to almost all the individuals and all types of business enterprises. Banks provide loans for agriculture, industry, trade, commerce and personal needs of individuals. The growth of banking sector has been highly depending on the needs of the customers, cost of service offered, level of income, repaying capacity, expectation of the customer and the service quality. The banking system is facing challenges with stiff competition and advancement of technology. It becomes imperative for service providers to meet or exceed the target customer's satisfaction with quality of services expected by them. Hence, the present study is an attempt to know the customers' perception towards different banks and the problems faced while borrowing the loans from the banks. It also throws light on the quality of services, both transaction based and IT enabled in terms of its constituent factors in public sector, private sector and foreign banks.
Taguchi -Grey Based Optimization of Friction and Wear of Electroless Ni-P Coatings in Acidic Environment
Authors: Panja Bikash , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: May 2015

The present study describes the synthesis of electroless Ni-P (nickel-phosphorous) coatings on mild steel substrate and optimization of the coating process parameters for minimum friction and wear in acidic (1M H2SO4) solution using Taguchi based grey relation analysis. The study is carried out using different combinations of four coating process parameters, namely, concentration of nickel source, concentration of reducing agent, deposition temperature and annealing temperature with three levels each. The tribological tests are conducted with a pin-on-disk tribometer. Analysis of variance reveals that annealing temperature has the maximum contribution in controlling the friction and wear characteristics of Ni-P coating. The coating is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and XRD analysis, respectively. It is found that Ni-P coating is amorphous in as-deposited condition but gradually turns crystalline with heat treatment. Moreover the wear mechanism is found to be abrasive in nature.
ISO 15189: 2012 : Quels changements pour les laboratoires africains?
Authors: Bouchet Nicolas
Published: May 2015

No abstract available
Effects of dry period management on milk production, dry matter intake, and energy balance of dairy cows
Authors: Khazanehei H. , Li S. , Khafipour E. , Plaizier J. C.
Published: May 2015

Khazanehei, H., Li, S., Khafipour, E. and Plaizier, J. C. 2015. Effects of dry period management on milk production, dry matter intake, and energy balance of dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 433–444. Effects of dry-period management on milk production, feed intake, and energy balance were determined in 11 second-parity (PAR 2) and 15 third or later parity (PAR 3+) cows. Cows were paired based on expected calving date, and randomly assigned to treatments including a conventional 60-d dry period with a 39-d far-off and a 21-d close-up diet (CONV), and a short 40-d dry period with only a close-up diet (SHORT). Treatment did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) and energy balance across the 6 wk before calving and the 4 wk after calving. Across the first 16 wk of lactation, cows on the short treatment had lower milk yield compared to cows on the CONU treatment that was mostly due to the lower production in PAR 3+ cows. Also, PAR 3+ cows on the SHORT treatment had lower milk protein yields and higher somatic cell counts than the other cows. In general, PAR 2 cows on the SHORT treatment had similar DMI, fat corrected milk yields, and protein and fat yields and percentages compared to cows in both parity groups on the CONV treatment. This suggests that the SHORT treatment may be suitable for PAR 2 cows, but not for older cows.
Effects of dry period management and parity on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and liver triacylglyceride in dairy cows
Authors: Khazanehei H. , Li S. , Khafipour E. , Plaizier J. C.
Published: May 2015

Khazanehei, H., Li, S., Khafipour, E. and Plaizier, J. C. 2015. Effects of dry period management and parity on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and liver triacylglyceride in dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 445–453. The effects of dry period management on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and liver triacylglyceride (TAG) were determined in 11 second-parity (PAR 2) and 15 third-parity and older (PAR 3+) cows. Cows were paired and randomly assigned to two treatments: (1) a short 40-d dry period (SHORT) with only a close-up diet [1.43 Mcal kg–1dry matter (DM)], or (2) a conventional 60-d dry period (CONV) with 39 d far-off diet (1.28 Mcal kg–1DM) and 21 d close-up diet (1.43 Mcal kg–1DM) in a randomized block design. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and lactate in rumen fluid, and also concentrations of lactate, beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), urea and insulin in plasma were not affected by treatment. Across the 3 wk after calving, cows on the SHORT treatment had higher blood non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glucose, and at 1 wk after calving, these cows had a higher liver TAG than cows on the CONV treatment. Also, during this time, PAR 3+ cows had higher serum NEFA compared with PAR 2 cows. Results suggest that the SHORT treatment resulted in more lipolysis, TAG accumulation in the liver and glucose sparing in early lactation compared with the CONV treatment, and that this effect was greater in PAR 3+ cows than in PAR 2 cows.
Contrasting growth pattern and nitrogen economy in ancient and modern wheat varieties
Authors: Pourazari F. , Vico G. , Ehsanzadeh P. , Weih M.
Published: May 2015

Pourazari, F., Vico, G., Ehsanzadeh, P. and Weih, M. 2015. Contrasting growth pattern and nitrogen economy in ancient and modern wheat varieties. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 851–860. Nutrient availability, especially nitrogen (N) availability, is a limiting factor for crop production in many regions of the world. Modern crop varieties often produce high yields under high resource availability, whereas ancient varieties are expected to have characteristics more suitable under low resource availability. To test this expectation, we compared the growth and N use efficiency (NUE) of some varieties of ancient hulled wheat, Triticum turgidum spp. dicoccum, and modern free-threshing wheat, T. aestivum and T. turgidum spp. durum. The wheats were grown under different nutrient fertilization (F) levels in two contrasting environments (field in Iran and outdoor growth container in Sweden). Grain yield was significantly higher in modern varieties than in ancient varieties, regardless of fertilization level. In contrast, N uptake efficiency (i.e., mean N in the plant during the main growth period over N in the initial seed grain) and grain N concentration were generally higher in the ancient varieties. Nitrogen use efficiency, defined as the ratio of the grain N content to the sown seed N content, was higher in the ancient varieties only at lower nutrient supply, because in modern varieties higher nutrient supply resulted in a marked increase in NUE through greatly enhanced grain-specific N efficiency (grain yield per mean plant N content during the main growth period). The modern varieties also showed greater fertilization responses in above-ground biomass and leaf area than ancient varieties. The results are relevant in the context of wheat breeding for nutrient use efficiency.