bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of PCR primers for environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of Amphibia
Authors: Sakata Masayuki K. , Kawata Mone U. , Kurabayashi Atsushi , Kurita Takaki , Nakamura Masatoshi , Shirako Tomoyasu , Kakehashi Ryosuke , Nishikawa Kanto , Hossman Mohamad Yazid , Nishijima Takashi , Kabamoto Junichi , Miya Masaki , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: February 2022

Biodiversity monitoring is important for the conservation of natural ecosystems in general, but particularly for amphibians, whose populations are pronouncedly declining. However, amphibians’ ecological traits (e.g. nocturnal or aquatic) often prevent their precise monitoring. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding – analysis of extra-organismal DNA released into the environment – allows the easy and effective monitoring of the biodiversity of aquatic organisms. Here, we developed and tested the utility of original PCR primer sets. First, we conducted in vitro PCR amplification tests with universal primer candidates using total DNA extracted from amphibian tissues. Five primer sets successfully amplified the target DNA fragments (partial 16S rRNA gene fragments of 160–311 bp) from all 16 taxa tested (from the three living amphibian orders Anura, Caudata and Gymnophiona). Next, we investigated the taxonomic resolution retrieved using each primer set. The results revealed that the universal primer set “Amph16S” had the highest resolution amongst the tested sets. Finally, we applied Amph16S to the water samples collected in the field and evaluated its detection capability by comparing the species detected using eDNA and physical survey (capture-based sampling and visual survey) in multiple agricultural ecosystems across Japan (160 sites in 10 areas). The eDNA metabarcoding with Amph16S detected twice as many species as the physical surveys (16 vs. 8 species, respectively), indicating the effectiveness of Amph16S in biodiversity monitoring and ecological research for amphibian communities.
Island hoppers: Integrative taxonomic revision of Hogna wolf spiders (Araneae, Lycosidae) endemic to the Madeira islands with description of a new species
Authors: Crespo Luís C. , Silva Isamberto , Enguídanos Alba , Cardoso Pedro , Arnedo Miquel
Published: February 2022

Because of their ability for aerial dispersal using silk and preference for open habitats, many wolf spiders are formidable colonisers. Pioneering arachnologists were already aware of the large and colourful wolf spiders in the Madeira archipelago, currently included in the genus Hogna Simon, 1885. The origins were investigated and species boundaries of Madeiran Hogna examined by integrating target-gene and morphological information. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of a thorough sampling across wolf-spider diversity suggested a single origin of Madeiran endemics, albeit with low support. Divergence time estimation traced back their origin to the late Miocene, a time of major global cooling that drove the expansion of grasslands and the associated fauna. Morphological examination of types and newly collected material revealed a new species, hereby described as H. isambertoi Crespo, sp. nov. Additionally, H. blackwalli is revalidated and three new synonymies are proposed, namely H. biscoitoi Wunderlich, 1992, junior synonym of H. insularum Kulczynski, 1899, H. schmitzi Wunderlich, 1992, junior synonym of H. maderiana (Walckenaer, 1837), and Arctosa maderana Roewer, 1960 junior synonym of H. ferox (Lucas, 1838). Species delimitation analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear markers provided additional support for morphological delineations. The species pair H. insularum and H. maderiana, however, constituted an exception: the lack of exclusive haplotypes in the examined markers, along with the discovery of intermediate forms, pointed to hybridisation between these two species as reported in other congeneric species on islands. Finally, the conservation status of the species is discussed and candidates for immediate conservation efforts are identified.
Entre Arts et Sciences. Les valeurs de l’interdisciplinarité
Authors: Fourmentraux Jean-Paul
Published: February 2022

Un comédien virtuel, des images interactives, un cirque transmédia… Dans les nouveaux laboratoires de la création artistique et informatique – Ircam, Hexagram, Cnam – des œuvres hybrides rendent irréversible le morcellement des anciennes frontières opposant art et science. En articulant des contributions interdisciplinaires, l’art numérique instaure en effet un morcellement de l’activité créatrice et des modes pluriels de désignation de ce qui fait œuvre. Cet article propose d’éclairer ces logiques de conception et la régulation du travail qui en découle, désormais orientée vers une pluralité d’enjeux : exposition (artistique), invention (technologique) et connaissance (académique).
Entre science légitime et science amateur : le devenir trivial d’une information scientifique sur Internet
Authors: Boure Robert , Lefebvre Muriel
Published: February 2022

À partir de l’exemple d’un article scientifique publié dans la revue américaine en ligne PLoS ONE, on montre que la circulation d’une information scientifique sur le Net peut rapidement et massivement déborder des cadres habituels de la diffusion de la culture scientifique (médias, passeurs individuels et collectifs labellisés…). Cette recherche interroge ce que le « devenir trivial » d’une information scientifique dit des relations connaissances scientifiques/vulgarisation, science légitime/science amateur et plus généralement sciences/société. Car si la circulation d’un « être culturel » hors de son champ de pertinence trouve un terreau fécond au sein même de la sphère scientifique, ses frontières avec les sphères profanes sont également autant des coupures que des coutures.
Customer Relationship Management – Entre injonction à la créativité et fonction de cadrage d’une interaction médiatisée
Authors: Bonnet Fabien
Published: February 2022

Les professionnels du marketing et de la communication sont aujourd’hui nombreux à revendiquer une implication de leurs organisations dans une relation de proximité avec la clientèle. Cette relation outillée et gérée dépasserait la simple transaction économique pour conquérir le champ du social, voire du culturel, comme en témoigne le développement actuel des pratiques et des discours relatifs aux marques. Ces évolutions s’accompagnent d’un renforcement de la thématique de la créativité, que celle-ci concerne le professionnel en charge de « créer du lien » ou le client qui « crée ses usages ». Cet article questionne la mobilisation de cette notion de créativité dans les discours Marketing, en lieu et place de celles d’interprétation ou d’appropriation, pour mettre en évidence ses liens avec la promotion de certaines stratégies et de certains dispositifs marketing, tout autant que son rôle dans le cadrage d’une relation client souhaitée et outillée par les professionnels.
Analyse des activités info-communicationnelles territoriales : le déploiement de dispositifs sociotechniques au service du modèle de « gouvernance ouverte »
Authors: Akrab Hakim
Published: February 2022

L’expression de « gouvernance ouverte » s’est imposée dans les discours sociaux comme un modèle collaboratif et transparent inspiré du mouvement open source . Nos travaux observent que les institutions territoriales s’appuient sur ce modèle dans l’évolution de leur mode de gestion. Fortement imprégnées par un finalisme technologique, ces structures dans un mouvement hétérogène déploient des dispositifs numériques qui visent à concrétiser un idéal d’intelligence collective. L’analyse de la plateforme Influents permettra d’étudier la configuration sociotechnique du dispositif et de conduire une analyse fine des usages et représentations qu’elle développe.
Des plates-formes numériques dans les champs de l’éducation et de l’orientation révélatrices de mutations industrielles et sociales
Authors: Combès Yolande , Petit Laurent
Published: February 2022

Cet article se propose, à partir d’une approche comparative entre deux terrains situés dans les secteurs de l’éducation et de l’orientation de montrer comment la montée en puissance de plates-formes spécialisées, Corrélyce et Orientation pour tous , tend à inscrire dans une dynamique d’industrie et d’économie de services, des secteurs qui en étaient jusqu’ici éloignés. Nous verrons dans un premier temps que la fonction d’intermédiation nouvelle qui se construit peu à peu dans les deux cas répond à trois impératifs qu’il nous faudra expliciter. Nous préciserons ensuite les formes de « design organisationnel » mises en œuvre dans ces projets et les ruptures ainsi introduites par rapport aux expériences antérieures. Nous tenterons enfin de voir dans quelle mesure ces plates-formes font évoluer la manière dont les professionnels en contact avec les usagers considèrent leur travail.
La musique dont vous êtes le héros. Quelques nouvelles formes de prescription culturelle à travers l’étude des plateformes musicales sur le web
Authors: Dupuy-Salle Manuel , Jutant Camille , Spano William
Published: February 2022

Depuis plusieurs années, un certain nombre de plateformes web musicales s’appuient sur la participation des internautes pour proposer une sélection de chansons, censée être en adéquation avec les goûts de chacun. En déplaçant l’expertise et la confiance des médiateurs traditionnels (journaux de presse écrite, émissions audiovisuelles…) vers les « amis » ou autres « fans », ces plateformes web misent sur le fait que la musique proposée en ligne est choisie par ceux-là mêmes qui l’écoutent et l’apprécient. Comment s’y prennent-elles pour organiser et valoriser les contributions des internautes ? Comment envisagent-elles leur rôle de prescription culturelle dès lors que celle-ci semble déléguée aux contributeurs ? Dans quelles mesures parviennent-elles à se présenter comme un intermédiaire pertinent et nécessaire à la diffusion de la musique alors que c’est l’internaute lui-même qui en deviendrait le héros ?
La médiatisation de et par internet lors de la campagne présidentielle française de 2012
Authors: Gadras Simon
Published: February 2022

À travers le cas de la campagne pour l’élection présidentielle française de 2012, cet article montre comment différentes formes de médiatisation marquent les pratiques de communication d’acteurs politiques sur le web, les outils qu’ils mobilisent (sites web, réseaux socionumériques) mais aussi la façon dont les journalistes relatent la « web campagne ». Notre démarche consiste à s’intéresser conjointement aux productions médiatiques, aux logiques stratégiques du recours à internet par les équipes de campagnes des candidats 1 et aux outils techniques qu’ils mettent en place sur le web. La médiatisation apparaît alors comme un impensé, dont l’analyse révèle pourtant des enjeux importants liés au travail de communication politique et aux relations entre les médias et le champ politique.
Le parcours d’interaction sur le web comme expérience d’immersion : entre promesses des interfaces des ONG et mode de perception de l’usager
Authors: Mellot Sandra
Published: February 2022

Nous analysons les interfaces d’ONG présentant un parcours immersif afin d’évaluer le potentiel de factivité des dispositifs numériques, en considérant l’objectif d’adhésion aux valeurs de l’ONG. Nous définissons un cadre d’analyse sémiotique des dispositifs permettant de mesurer l’étendue des expériences possibles pour l’utilisateur. C’est ensuite l’intensité avec laquelle l’usager rentre en contact avec les valeurs de l’ONG médiées par le dispositif que nous tentons de déterminer.
There are still many Dissimilarities between Creative Industries and Cultural Industries
Authors: Miège Bernard
Published: February 2022

Vingt ans après leurs premiers développements, les industries créatives en sont encore à un stade de grand projet. L’hypothèse sur laquelle porte cet article est que l’inclusion des industries créatives et des industries culturelles dans la même catégorie ne peut être considérée comme réelle ou efficace, pas plus que l’émergence d’une catégorie unique, celle des industries créatives. Si la cohérence des industries culturelles est désormais relativement bien connue (l’auteur cite cinq caractéristiques qu’il considère comme essentielles), ce n’est pas encore le cas pour les industries créatives, qui restent très hétérogènes. Il est donc possible d’énumérer les similitudes et les dissemblances entre ces deux catégories d’industries et même d’identifier un certain nombre de différences structurelles entre elles, et pour qu’elles apparaissent encore dans 11 segments de marché dont les données étaient disponibles en 2014 pour les 27 États membres de l’Union européenne. Dans les conditions actuelles, la prééminence quantitative des industries culturelles n’est pas près de s’arrêter.
Les conseils citoyens, des espaces de délibération sous contrainte
Authors: Souillard Natacha
Published: February 2022

La récente refonte de la politique de la ville matérialisée par la loi de programmation du 21 février 2014, a instauré un nouveau type d’assemblée citoyenne : les conseils citoyens. Associés à l’élaboration, la mise en œuvre et l’évaluation du contrat de ville, les conseils citoyens font partie intégrante des dispositifs de gouvernance locale. Ils sont ainsi révélateurs des tensions de politisation/dépolitisation (Comby, 2009) des problèmes publics locaux entre autonomie et co- responsabilité. Nous interrogeons ces nouveaux dispositifs de participation, comme des espaces de délibération (Blondiaux & Sintomer, 2002) sujets à de multiples contraintes. Ils sont les lieux d’expression d’un “agir communicationnel” (Monnoyer-Smith, 2006) institutionnellement normé et témoignent de spécificités territorialisées.
Mettre en scène Twitter dans les émissions politiques télévisées : pratique journalistique hybride et construction artefactuelle d’une « opinion publique connectée »
Authors: Nexon Michael
Published: February 2022

Cet article vise à comprendre la manière dont les journalistes politiques – bousculés dans leur identité, leur centralité et leurs pratiques professionnelles par les réseaux socionumériques – se saisissent de discours produits sur Twitter comme éléments objectifs d’une opinion publique « connectée ». Or, si cette dernière ne peut être scientifiquement prouvée, elle trouve dans les discours journalistiques une évidence qui empêche toute remise en question. Mettre en scène cette « opinion publique » permet surtout de replacer le journaliste dans une position magistrale et hybride, entre expertise et info-divertissement. Notre analyse sémio-pragmatique et discursive porte sur l’émission Des paroles et des actes et plus particulièrement la séquence finale dédiée aux réactions des internautes animée par un journaliste « expert » des réseaux socionumériques chargé de relayer la parole et l’opinion des « Français ».
Mali - France
Authors: Dufour Françoise
Published: February 2022

Les discours coloniaux sur le Soudan Français fondés sur l’idée du « progrès de la civilisation » ont véhiculé un certain nombre de stéréotypes sur le colonisé, qui ont déterminé un système de catégorisations discriminatoires (« primitif », « sauvage », « barbare », « arriéré » vs « civilisé ») qui a contribué à légitimer et à pérenniser une relation de dominance entre la France et sa colonie. Les relations que l’Etat malien entretient avec la France, dans la période post-coloniale, à travers les contrat bi-latéraux d’aide et d’assistance, donnent lieu à un nouveau type de discours, fondés sur l’idée du « développement ». Dans ce nouveau type de discours, les catégorisations coloniales stéréotypées sont remplacées par des catégorisations évaluatives (« pays sous -développé » ou « pays en voie de développement » vs « pays développés »). Formées à partir du même radical, elles ont une double fonction : signaler l’appartenance du Mali à la famille du développement et en marquer simultanément les limites. Le système construit à partir de la référence au modèle occidental, représenté notamment par la France, fait jouer de facto à cette dernière, le rôle de modèle dominant. L’usage des mots du développement par les locuteurs Maliens et Français a une fonction performative : il contribue à faire perdurer une forme de relation de dominance entre le Mali et la France.
Mali - France
Authors: Morabito Vittorio
Published: February 2022

Trois regards : le film L’Homme du Niger , les écrits de deux romanciers à l’origine du film et l’histoire de l’ Office du Niger . Le film de Jacques de Baroncelli L’Homme du Niger , un des fleurons du cinéma colonial français, fut tourné en 1939 en bonne partie au Soudan-Mali à partir d’un scénario tiré du roman Ghâna, ville perdue et du récit de voyage Périple noir de Jean Paillard. L’écrivain Joseph Kessel en prépara les dialogues avec talent. Le projet, visant à la création d’un immense territoire destiné à la culture intensive au centre du Soudan, avait pris naissance entre 1919 et 1932 grâce à la volonté tenace de l’ingénieur Émile Bélime, le véritable « Homme du Niger », autour duquel le roman et le film ont créé des aventures sentimentales. L’analyse des sources d’inspiration et du projet réel met en lumière le caractère propre à chaque auteur dans le climat de fièvre coloniale des années trente.
Mali - France
Authors: Daum Christophe
Published: February 2022

A plus d’un titre, la communauté malienne émigrée est révélatrice de la forte ambivalence du regard dominant en France, concernant à la fois les immigrés et, plus généralement, le Mali. Ces immigrés sont à la fois trop présents en France, par leur nombre supposé fortement exagéré ou encore par leur implication dans de nombreux mouvements sociaux (à propos du droit au logement ou encore au séjour) ; mais, également, pas assez, car considérés comme non intégrables. Ils sont captivants pour les uns, pour les valeurs culturelles qu’ils portent ; ou au contraire renvoyés à la dimension archaïque de ces mêmes valeurs pour les autres, ces valeurs étant dans tous les cas coupées de leur contexte. Enfin, ils sont trop présents dans leurs villages d’origine, par leurs envois d’argent et leurs activités associatives qui ont permis d’y multiplier les infrastructures sociales ; mais en même temps critiqués pour ne pas avoir financé de réalisations considérées comme « créatrices d’emplois ». L’article s’efforce de relever ces ambivalences et de déconstruire les préjugés souvent ethnocentristes et stigmatisant sur ces questions.
Mali - France
Authors: Géronimi Vincent , Sacko Issa
Published: February 2022

Pays sahélien et continental, le Mali a de multiples potentialités économiques. Cependant ses faibles performances économiques à long terme conduisent à le caractériser comme pris dans une « trappe à pauvreté ». La mobilisation d’une telle notion a deux avantages pour le propos de cet article. Elle dirige l’analyse sur les questions du long terme, et elle permet d’interroger le rôle de certaines interventions de la France dans les dynamiques économiques du Mali depuis les indépendances. Partenaire commercial privilégié, soutien aux politiques de stabilisation (STABEX, filière coton), la France, par ses interventions, n’a pas permis la sortie de cette trappe à pauvreté. Cet échec renvoie pour partie à l’insuffisante prise en compte de l’inertie de la spécialisation primaire du Mali et des instabilités, qui sont des « faits stylisés » de la croissance à long terme. Ces facteurs négligés questionnent la cohérence dans le temps des politiques de stabilisation, qui reviennent au premier plan des préoccupations du développement.
Mali - France
Authors: Hugon Philippe
Published: February 2022

Les filières coton du Mali et des pays d’Afrique Subsaharienne s’inscrivent dans le riche patrimoine culturel qui s’est constitué autour du textile. Elles illustrent les processus historiques qu’ont connus les colonies. Elles reflètent les conflits de partage de la valeur ajoutée entre les différents acteurs de la filière. Elles témoignent des relations asymétriques internationales entre les pays producteurs et les pays industriels. Elles renvoient également aux réformes de libéralisation et de privatisation et de débats entre les différents acteurs maliens, la coopération bilatérale et les institutions multilatérales financières comme la Banque Mondiale. Cette communication présente dans un premier temps la libéralisation des filières cotonnières intégrées au Mali et en Afrique Zone Franc, avant de les mettre à l’épreuve des différentes analyses économiques, puis elle prend en compte le contexte international et en dégage des implications pour les réformes organisationnelles et institutionnelles souhaitables au regard de la privatisation en cours.
Local well-posedness for the Maxwell-Dirac system in temporal gauge
Authors: Pecher Hartmut
Published: February 2022

We consider the low regularity well-posedness problem for the Maxwell-Dirac system in 3+1 dimensions:

   \begin{document}$ \begin{align*} \partial^{\mu} F_{\mu \nu} & = - \langle \psi, \alpha_{\nu} \psi \rangle \ \\ -i \alpha^{\mu} \partial_{\mu} \psi & = A_{\mu} \alpha^{\mu} \psi \, , \end{align*} $\end{document}

where \begin{document}$ F_{\mu \nu} = \partial^{\mu} A_{\nu} - \partial^{\nu} A_{\mu} $\end{document}, and \begin{document}$ \alpha^{\mu} $\end{document} are the 4x4 Dirac matrices. We assume the temporal gauge \begin{document}$ A_0 = 0 $\end{document} and make use of the fact that some of the nonlinearities fulfill a null condition. Because we work in the temporal gauge we also apply a method, which was used by Tao for the Yang-Mills system.
HONK!United: A Virtual Global Festival of Activist Brass Bands during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Snyder Andrew , Allen Erin , Garofalo Reebee
Published: February 2022

While many social activities abruptly went online due to the pandemic, the HONK! Festivals of Activist Brass Bands would seem an unlikely candidate for going virtual. The global network of HONK! Festivals that emerged in Boston in 2006 fills public spaces around the world with crowds and acoustic music, promoting live, “unmediated” musical experiences. As such gatherings became impossible in 2020, this global festival network conceived of a virtual festival that would connect the diffuse festivals, which had generally been limited to local, ephemeral events. In the course of fifty hours over eight days in October 2020, HONK!United brought together musicians and activists from all seven continents to share music videos, documentaries, live chats, workshops, and panels, providing an opportunity for these disparate communities to gain unprecedented self-consciousness as a global movement. Drawing on the works of Judith Butler and Anna Tsing, this article discusses the practical and conceptual implications of making an in-person event virtual, the politics of public assembly in a virtual format, and frictions between diverse musical communities in global conversation. We argue that although the pandemic presented tremendous challenges to the sustainability of live music cultures, it also provided previously unimaginable opportunities for musical movement building across the world.
A Model of Semantic-Based Image Retrieval Using C-Tree and Neighbor Graph
Authors: Nhi Nguyen Thi Uyen , Le Thanh Manh , Thanh The Van
Published: February 2022

The problems of image mining and semantic image retrieval play an important role in many areas of life. In this paper, a semantic-based image retrieval system is proposed that relies on the combination of C-Tree, which was built in our previous work, and a neighbor graph (called Graph-CTree) to improve accuracy. The k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) algorithm is used to classify a set of similar images that are retrieved on Graph-CTree to create a set of visual words. An ontology framework for images is created semi-automatically. SPARQL query is automatically generated from visual words and retrieve on ontology for semantics image. The experiment was performed on image datasets, such as COREL, WANG, ImageCLEF, and Stanford Dogs, with precision values of 0.888473, 0.766473, 0.839814, and 0.826416, respectively. These results are compared with related works on the same image dataset, showing the effectiveness of the methods proposed here.
Doc2KG
Authors: Stylianou Nikolaos , Vlachava Danai , Konstantinidis Ioannis , Bassiliades Nick , Peristeras Vassilios
Published: February 2022

Document Management Systems (DMS) are used for decades to store large amounts of information in textual form. Their technology paradigm is based on storing vast quantities of textual information enriched with metadata to support searchability. However, this exhibits limitations as it treats textual information as black box and is based exclusively on user-created metadata, a process that suffers from quality and completeness shortcomings. The use of knowledge graphs in DMS can substantially improve searchability, providing the ability to link data and enabling semantic searching. Recent approaches focus on either creating knowledge graphs from document collections or updating existing ones. In this paper, we introduce Doc2KG (Document-to-Knowledge-Graph), an intelligent framework that handles both creation and real-time updating of a knowledge graph, while also exploiting domain-specific ontology standards. We use DIAVGEIA (clarity), an award winning Greek open government portal, as our case-study and discuss new capabilities for the portal by implementing Doc2KG.
Handling Data Scarcity Through Data Augmentation in Training of Deep Neural Networks for 3D Data Processing
Authors: Srivastava Akhilesh Mohan , Rotte Priyanka Ajay , Jain Arushi , Prakash Surya
Published: February 2022

Due to the availability of cheap 3D sensors such as Kinect and LiDAR, the use of 3D data in various domains such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail to achieve operational safety, improved outcomes, and enhanced customer experience has gained momentum in recent years. In many of these domains, object recognition is being performed using 3D data against the difficulties posed by illumination, pose variation, scaling, etc present in 2D data. In this work, we propose three data augmentation techniques for 3D data in point cloud representation that use sub-sampling. We then verify that the 3D samples created through data augmentation carry the same information by comparing the Iterative Closest Point Registration Error within the sub-samples, between the sub-samples and their parent sample, between the sub-samples with different parents and the same subject, and finally, between the sub-samples of different subjects. We also verify that the augmented sub-samples have the same characteristics and features as those of the original 3D point cloud by applying the Central Limit Theorem.
Deep Embedding Learning With Auto-Encoder for Large-Scale Ontology Matching
Authors: Khoudja Meriem Ali , Fareh Messaouda , Bouarfa Hafida
Published: February 2022

Ontology matching is an efficient method to establish interoperability among heterogeneous ontologies. Large-scale ontology matching still remains a big challenge for its long time and large memory space consumption. The actual solution to this problem is ontology partitioning which is also challenging. This paper presents DeepOM, an ontology matching system to deal with this large-scale heterogeneity problem without partitioning using deep learning techniques. It consists on creating semantic embeddings for concepts of input ontologies using a reference ontology, and use them to train an auto-encoder in order to learn more accurate and less dimensional representations for concepts. The experimental results of its evaluation on large ontologies, and its comparison with different ontology matching systems which have participated to the same test challenge, are very encouraging with a precision score of 0.99. They demonstrate the higher efficiency of the proposed system to increase the performance of the large-scale ontology matching task.
Growing apples in tropical semiarid: N and K fertigation
Authors: Marques Adenaelson de Sousa , Lopes Paulo Roberto Coelho , Oliveira Inez Vilar de Morais , Lima Firmino Nunes de , Cavalcante Ítalo Herbert Lucena
Published: February 2022

Apple tree has been experimentally grown Brazilian tropical semiarid. In these new regions, fertilizing management research for N and K is crucial to reach apple high yields. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of N and K fertilizing on fruit production, leaf chlorophyll and N and K nutritional status of apple cv. ‘Julieta’ grown in Brazilian tropical semiarid. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with treatments disposed in a factorial arrangement (4 x 4) referring to nitrogen doses (30, 60, 90, and 120 g of N plant-1) and potassium doses (30, 60, 90, and 120 g of K2O plant-1), with three replications and three plants in each parcel. ‘Julieta’ apple trees propagated by grafting (with ‘M9 filter and Maruba rootstock) and transplanted in 2013 were used in this study. The following variables were evaluated: i) fruit production (kg plant-1); ii) number of fruits (in a plant); iii) leaf chlorophyll index (‘a’, ‘b’, and total); and iv) leaf N and K concentrations (g kg-1). N and K doses effects depend on the consecutive production cycles of apple cv. ‘Julieta’ grown in tropical semiarid. An adequate N supply is very important for the subsequent production cycle. K fertilization until 120 g plant-1 of K2O is not enough to supply K demand of apple cv. ‘Julieta’ grown in tropical semiarid. In tropical semiarid, 60-90 g plant-1 of N through fertirrigation is enough for ‘Julieta’ apple production.
Alternative FCBGA Package Solution Evaluation: High-speed Design Optimization and Electrical Characterization of FOBGA
Authors: Cheng Hung-Hsiang , Wu Cheng-Yu , Kuo Hung-Chun , Wang Chen-Chao , Liao Guo-Cheng , Tien Yun-Hsiang , Ding Yi-Chuan
Published: February 2022

There are 2 potentially alternative package solutions proposed to replace Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) with Ajinomoto build-up film (ABF) substrate. First one is ABF-free solution, Flip-Chip Scale Packages (FCCSP) with laminate-based prepreg material. FCCSP is a mature package solution, and there are various prepreg materials which can be selected to match the original ABF characterization. The focused FCBGA size for FCCSP is from 10 mm x 10 mm to 21 mm x 21 mm, and substrate layer count from 1+2+1L to 2+2+2L. The applications cover memory controllers, Wi-Fi processors, and DTV SoCs. The other package solution is Fan-out Ball Grid Array (FOBGA) which is targeting larger FCBGA with high ABF layer count. The focused maximum package size and layer count of FCBGA are 55 mm x 55 mm and 6+2+6L individually. The potential applications are CPUs, AI accelerators, and networking switches which require extremely high electrical performance. The design concept of FOBGA is to redistribute signal bump locations on FO die, and make an ABF substrate layer accommodate more I/O signals to further reduce the layer count of the ABF substrate. The package signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analyses are performed to validate the electrical performance of proposed package solutions. Finally, we come out with design guidelines of FOBGA to mitigate the performance degradation due to substrate layer reduction.
Association between the chemokine receptor 3 gene polymorphism and clinical asthma phenotypes among Egyptian asthmatic children
Authors: Zedan Magdy M. , Darwish Ahmad , wassefy Mona El , Khashaba Eman O. , Osman Engy , Osman Amal , Ellithy Nesma
Published: February 2022

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodic reversible airway obstruction. Regarding asthma pathogenesis, two eotaxin polymorphisms were found to be associated with asthma and high serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, correspondingly.

Objective

This study was done to explore the association between the underlying gene polymorphisms in chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) and symptom-based clinical asthma phenotypes among the studied group.

Patients and methods

This was a case–control study conducted on 60 asthmatic patients with different clinical phenotypes who were compared with 100 healthy controls of matched age and sex. The included asthmatic children aged from 6 to 16 years old and were diagnosed according to the criteria of GINA 2020 by the presence of typical asthma symptoms and with confirmed variable expiratory airflow obstruction. We excluded asthmatic patients with comorbidities.

Results

A total of 60 asthmatic cases with different clinical phenotypes were compared with 100 healthy controls, and the outcomes showed that total serum IgE had a significant increase in asthmatic cases versus controls. There were no statistically significant differences regarding CCR3
T51C genotype or its allelic polymorphism frequency. There was no clinical significance found correlating eosinophilic percent and serum IgE and CCR3
T51C gene polymorphism in both asthmatic cases and control. There was no statistical significance correlating eosinophilic count, eosinophilic percent, and total serum IgE with different clinical asthma phenotypes.

Conclusion

Total serum IgE was demonstrated to be significantly increased among asthmatic cases; however, there were no statistically significant differences regarding CCR3
T51C genotype or its allelic polymorphism frequency. Eosinophilic percent and serum IgE and CCR3
T51C gene polymorphism seemed to be comparable among asthmatic cases and controls. Moreover, no significant correlation was detected associating eosinophilic count, eosinophilic percent, and total serum IgE with different clinical asthma phenotypes.
Timing of surgery in essential infantile esotropia – What more do we know since the turn of the century?
Authors: Bhate Manjushree , Flaherty Maree , Martin Frank J
Published: February 2022

This review summarizes the results and interpretations of studies pertaining to the long-standing debate regarding the timing of surgery in infantile esotropia, more recently referred to as essential infantile esotropia. A systematic search of studies from the year 2000 onward pertaining to the timing of surgery in infantile esotropia as listed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane database was performed. Appropriate cross-references from the articles were also included. Data collected included demographics, presentation, time of surgery, complications, and outcomes. Very early surgery, that is, within 6 months of the onset of infantile esotropia, offers significant advantages in terms of the quality of stereopsis and binocular vision as well as promoting the development of cortical visual processing, thereby benefiting cortical development in human infants. However, the postoperative alignment was not found to be significantly different in the very early, early, or late surgery groups. The reduction in the incidence of manifest dissociated vertical deviation postoperatively in the very early surgery group also showed measurable benefits. The results of this recent literature review demonstrated that very early surgery, within 6 months of misalignment, showed demonstrable benefits in essential infantile esotropia.
Cataract in retinopathy of prematurity – A review
Authors: Khokhar Sudarshan , Surve Abhidnya , Verma Saurabh , Azad Shorya , Chandra Parijat , Dhull Chirakshi , Vohra Rajpal
Published: February 2022

Preterm babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can become blind if they do not receive appropriate timely intervention. The presence of cataract in these individuals in addition to visual deprivation amblyopia, also delays proper screening, adequate treatment, and makes follow-up assessment difficult. Anatomical differences in these infants and amblyopia management, especially in unilateral cataract, are other important concerns, and hence, management of these cases with cataract and ROP is challenging. In this review, studies where ROP cases were associated with cataract, were evaluated with a focus on preterm individuals less than 6 months age. Preterm babies are at increased risk of developing cataract because of systemic factors. In addition, those with ROP may have cataract associated with retinal detachment or treatment received. The type of cataract, risk factors, and pathophysiology associated with each cause varies. This review highlights these different aspects of cataract in ROP including causes, pathophysiology, types of cataracts, and management. The management of these cases is critical in terms of the timing of cataract surgery and the challenges associated with surgery and posterior segment management for ROP. Anatomical differences, preoperative retina status, pupillary dilatation, neovascularization of iris in aggressive posterior ROP, fundus examination, amblyopia, and follow-up are various important aspects in the management of the same. The preoperative workup, intraoperative challenges, postoperative care, and rehabilitation in these individuals are discussed.
Multitarget microangiopathy in a young healthy man with COVID-19 disease: A case report
Authors: Matilde Roda , Alberto Pazzaglia , Fabio Guaraldi , Leonardo Taroni , di Geronimo Natalie , Michela Fresina , Costantino Schiavi
Published: February 2022

A 41-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of decrease of vision in his left eye. Initial examination was consistent with retrobulbar optic neuritis, and an intravenous drip of methylprednisolone was started. On the third day, the fundus examination revealed the appearance of multiple Purtscher-like cotton-wool spots in the posterior pole and nasally to the optic disc, slight retinal whitening around the fovea, and cherry-red spot. The patient reported flu-like symptoms, and he tested positive at PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for 2019-nCoV (2019 novel coronavirus) infection. Assuming possible 2019-nCoV-related vascular damage, we prescribed low-molecular-weight heparin. The lesions were regressing at follow-up, and we registered a complete visual recovery.
Cataract surgery in colobomatous eyes with advanced cataract
Authors: Shekhar Madhu , Pai Aruna , Prasad Senthil , Waghamare Shalaka
Published: February 2022

Background:

Cataract surgeries are challenging in colobomatous eyes as they are associated with features such as microphthalmia, microcornea, zonular deficit, etc. These factors predispose to capsulorhexis extension, posterior capsular rent, zonular dialysis and result in unfavourable visual outcomes. The most critical step of cataract surgery in such cases is the capsulorhexis as the chances of extension are high in the colobomatous area. In presence of pre-existing zonular dehiscence, nucleus management becomes more challenging in advanced cataracts.

Purpose:

To illustrate efficient management of advanced cataract in colobomatous eyes.

Synopsis:

A 39-year old lady presented with complaints of gradually progressive diminution of vision in both eyes. Examination revealed bilateral nuclear sclerosis grade III-IV with irido-lenticular retinochoroidal coloboma (ILRCC). The patient was scheduled for bilateral cataract surgery after a thorough evaluation. Initially, the left eye was planned for phacoemulsification, in the course of which capsulorhexis extension occurred, leading to nucleus tilt and vitreous disturbance during emulsification. Automated anterior vitrectomy was done and the surgical approach was shifted to manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with 3-piece intraocular lens placement in sulcus. The right eye was hence planned for MSICS and a rhexis extension was noted in this eye as well. Comparing the outcome of both the surgeries it was noted that both had capsulorhexis extension, but the management of nucleus and intraocular lens implantation was efficient in case of MSICS than phacoemulsification. Posterior chamber intraocular lens were placed in both eyes and the patient attained good visual outcome.

Highlights:

MSICS is a better approach to cases of ILRCC with advanced cataract. The capsulo should be tailored according to the site of coloboma such that it should be smaller in the area involving the coloboma and larger away from it. Video link: https://youtu.be/d9FC0eavhRs
Technique of using Cionni capsular tension ring in the management of of ectopia lentis cases
Authors: Fathima Allapitchai , Meenakshi Ravindran
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ectopia lentis is a condition that compromises vision in childhood by inducing either double vision or aphakic visual axis. Correction of lens status is of prime importance to prevent amblyopia or sensory strabismus.

Purpose:

Placing an intraocular lens (IOL) in the bag in such cases will maintain aqueous vitreous barrier but it is a difficult task.This video demonstrates the method of placing modified Cionni capsular tension ring (CTR) and placement of IOL in children.

Synopsis:

This video shows the management of multiple cases of ectopia lentis with more than 180 degree subluxation. Making intact rhexis is crucial and technically difficult in such cases. The way of making a proper capsulorhexis is shown. After making capsulorhexis, all the cases were managed with single loop Cionni CTR. Cionni CTR has a loop with a anterior offset of 0.4 mm to override the anterior capsule. It has two designs – right and left design, based on the position of islet in the CTR. Since the offset of the hook is tiny, there are high chances to flip the Cionni CTR. If the Cionni CTR is placed in a flipped manner, it would not give effective pull of the bag, when fixated to sclera. And also, it could be traumatic to explant and place in correct manner. Hence it is vital to place the Cionni CTR in correct orientation, so that anterior offset will orient anteriorly. This video gives guidance to the viewers about the correct way of placing different designs of Cionni CTR in different types of subluxation.Timing of passing sutures through sclera may be done either before or after placing the Cionni CTR in the bag. Both the ways are demonstrated in different cases.

Highlights:

Different technique of doing Cionni CTR fixation with IOL placement are demonstrated. Surgeons who wish to try this procedure can choose the option that they feel comfortable with. We conclude that choice of Cionni CTR design and technique of placement depends on surgeon’s choice and not based on the type of subluxation. Video link: https://youtu.be/zbdpP0lhykw
A cross-sectional study to compare the normal corneal epithelial thickness in various age groups of Indian population using 9 mm wide optical coherence tomography scans
Authors: Hoshing Abhishek , Bhosale Seema , Samant Monica , Bamne Aditya , Kalyankar Huma
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To compare the corneal epithelial thickness among various age groups of normal Indians with 9-mm-wide optical coherence tomography scans.

Methods:

This cross sectional, observational study recruited patients in the age groups of 5–20 years (group 1), 21–35 years (group 2), 36–50 years (group 3), and more than 51 years (group 4). They underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination and were excluded if found to have any ocular surface or intraocular disease (except cataract and refractive error), undergone any ophthalmic surgery, corneal topography changes suggestive of corneal ectasias, or been continuously using any topical medication in either eye for a period of 3 months or more with the last instillation being within 1 month of inclusion in the study. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The CET data from 25 sectors in each eye were analyzed for each age group.

Results:

There were 71 subjects in group 1, 76 subjects in group 2, 59 subjects in group 3, and 57 subjects in group 4. The mean (± standard deviation) ages in the groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 14.04 ± 5.10, 26.63 ± 4.71, 42.66 ± 3.92, and 61.65 ± 7.47 years, respectively. The central corneal thickness in all age groups was comparable. Maximum variance in CET parameters was seen in superior cornea.

Conclusion:

Central corneal thickness remains fairly stable over various age groups. The maximum variance in CET over age is seen in superior cornea. The findings from the Indian population correlate well with racially and geographically distinct subjects.
Limited pars-plana vitrectomy for optimizing surgical outcome in subluxated cataracts undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
Authors: Sachdev Mahipal S , Gupta Avnindra , Gupta Hemlata , Sachdev Gitansha Shreyas , Malik Raghav , Sachdev Ritika
Published: February 2022

We propose a technique for combined femto laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and limited vitrectomy from the pars-plana site for optimization of surgical results in subluxated cataracts. FLACS creates a free-floating, customised capsulotomy, minimizes stress on compromised zonules, and prechops the nucleus, effectively reducing the ultrasonic power as well as the forces required to chop the nucleus. The area of zonular dehiscence creates a direct communication between the irrigation fluid and the anterior vitreous, leading to its hydration. Trans-limbal vitrectomy creates a continuum between the liquefied vitreous and the main wound, leading to further vitreous loss, and exaggeration of the zonular weakness, while pars-plana vitrectomy avoids this by cutting the liquefied vitreous, near its attachment, thereby preventing further hydration and causing lesser stress to the zonules. A combination of these procedures, along with a capsule support device, gives favorable surgical outcomes in moderate to severe subluxations.
Coats’ disease – Prognostic factors for globe and vision salvage in children, a long-term experience
Authors: Shanmugam Mahesh P , Shah Payal Naresh , Sagar Pradeep , Ramanjulu Rajesh , Mishra Divyansh Kailashchandra
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Coats’ disease is associated with poor outcomes, and there are limited studies on long-term outcomes of Coats’ disease. The purpose of our study is to identify various predictive factors to help in prognosticating the treatment outcomes in advanced Coats’ disease in children.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series from a single tertiary eye care center of children (<18 years) diagnosed with coat’s disease. Sixty-seven patients with Coat’s disease were identified from the medical records from 2009 to 2020. Patients’ demographic data, clinical presentation, stage, extent of involvement, detailed treatment history, clinical sequelae post-treatment (including complications and anatomical and functional outcomes) were noted. Binary logistic regression was performed to correlate the predictive factors for anatomical and functional improvement.

Results:

Of the 67 patients, 51 eyes of 51 patients were included in the study. The male to female proportion was 2.2. Mean age at presentation was 4.98 ± 3.55 years (range: 2 months–15 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 31.53 ± 26.38 months. Overall, our globe salvage rate was 92.2%. We found that vitreoretinal fibrosis (P < 0.001), subretinal gliosis (P < 0.001), vitreous hemorrhage (P = 0.02), tractional or combined retinal detachment (P < 0.001), foveal scar (P < 0.006), and cataract (P < 0.001) to be important factors to affect the outcome.

Conclusion:

Advanced stage of presentation (stage 3B and above), diffuse involvement, cataract, vitreoretinal fibrosis (preretinal and subretinal), vitreous hemorrhage, tractional or combined retinal detachment, and anterior hyaloid proliferation are poor prognostic factors for globe salvage in advanced disease. Subretinal gliotic nodule or scar and lack of visual rehabilitation suggest poor functional outcomes.