bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender difference in drinking among the urban squatters of Nepal
Authors: Thapa Pushpa , Mishra Shiva Raj
Published: March 2016

Background: Globally, more men drink than women. However, we remain unknown about this phenomenon among the urban poor of Nepal. The current study investigated gender differences in drinking among the urban poor residing in urban squatter settlements of Nepal.Methodology: We approached 422 households of four squatter settlements of Kathmandu Valley, using modified Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study questionnaire. Following cross-sectional design, we executed study from November, 2013 to March, 2014. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done in R version 3.1.2.Results: Odds of being current drinker (adjusted odds ratio: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.50-13.72) was higher in men than the women. Men were also more likely to be frequent drinkers (adjusted odds ratio: 6.61, 95% CI: 1.45- 30.11) than their women counterparts. Men and women did not differ significantly in contexts of drinking and types of drinking. Men also carried higher possibility of being current drinker in various strata of socio-demographic characteristics. The respective crude odds ratio were accordingly: (18-24 years: 12.73, 95% CI: 4.13-40.98); (25-44 years: 9.94, 95% CI: 4.54-22.13); (45-65 years: 8.23, 95% CI: 3.70-18.57); (dalit and disadvantaged janajati:9.80, 95% CI: 5.61-17.21); ( upper caste: 9.00, 95% CI: 3.25-25.78); ( Hindu: 8.67, 95% CI: 4.79-15.80); (non-Hindu: 13.64, 95% CI: 5.46-34.88); (secondary and below education: 10.22, 95% CI: 6.01-17.46); (above secondary education:7.00, 95% CI: 2.05-25.06); (employed: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.74-8.99);(unemployed: 14.08, 95% CI: 7.45-26.84); (married: 9.79, 95% CI: 95% CI: 5.27-18.33); (unmarried and others: 9.33, 95% CI: 4.18-21.15).Conclusion: The study revealed significant gender differences in drinking. Gender sensitive and specific alcohol interventions should be planned and implemented covering urban squatter settlements.
Abstract Volume of Sixth Nepal Geolgical Congress on Geology, Natural Resources, Infrastructures, Climate Change and Natural Disasters, 15 – 17 November 2010, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Rai Santa Man
Published: March 2016

This is the full volume of the Abstracts from the Sixth Nepal Geolgical Congress on Geology, Natural Resources, Infrastructures, Climate Change and Natural Disasters, 15 – 17 November 2010, Kathmandu, NepalJournal of Nepal Geological Society, 2010, Vol. 41 (Sp. Issue)
Title Index JNPS: Vol 27/2, 28/1. 28/2, & 29/1
Authors: Neopane Arun
Published: March 2016

No abstract available.
Influence of Material Composition on Structural and Optical Properties of HfO2-TiO2 Mixed Oxide Coatings
Authors: Mazur Michal , Kaczmarek Danuta , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Wojcieszak Damian , Poniedzialek Agata
Published: March 2016

In this paper the influence of material composition on the structural, surface and optical properties of HfO2-TiO2 mixed oxide coatings was investigated and discussed. Five sets of thin films were deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering: HfO2, TiO2 and three sets of mixed HfO2-TiO2 coatings with various titanium content. The change in the material composition had a significant influence on the structural, surface and optical properties. All of the deposited coatings, except for (Hf0.55Ti0.45)Ox, were nanocrystalline with crystallites ranging from 6.7 nm to 10.8 nm in size. Scanning electron microscopy measurements revealed that surface of nanocrystalline thin films consisted of grains with different shapes and sizes. Based on optical transmission measurements, it was shown that thin films with higher titanium content were characterized by a higher cut-off wavelength, refractive index and lower optical band gap energy. The porosity and packing density were also determined.
The Effects of Coarse Particles on Daily Mortality: A Case-Crossover Study in a Subtropical City, Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Meng-Hsuan , Chiu Hui-Fen , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: March 2016

Many studies have examined the effects of air pollution on daily mortality over the past two decades. However, information on the relationship between levels of coarse particles (PM2.5–10) and daily mortality is relatively sparse due to the limited availability of monitoring data. Furthermore, the results are inconsistent. In the current study, the association between coarse particle levels and daily mortality in Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city, which has a subtropical climate, was undertaken for the period 2006–2008 using a time-stratified case-crossover analysis. For the single pollutant model (without adjustment for other pollutants), PM2.5–10 showed statistically significant association with total mortality both on warm and cool days, with an interquartile range increase associated with a 11% (95% CI = 6%–17%) and 4% (95% CI = 1%–7%) rise in number of total deaths, respectively. In two-pollutant models, PM2.5–10 remained significant effects on total mortality after the inclusion of SO2 and O3 both on warm and cool days. We observed no significant associations between PM2.5–10 and daily mortality from respiratory diseases both on warm and cool days. For daily mortality from circulatory diseases, the effect of PM2.5–10 remained significant when SO2 or O3 was added in the regression model both on warm and cool days. Future studies of this type in cities with varying climates and cultures are needed.
Enantioselective Determination of Polycyclic Musks in River and Wastewater by GC/MS/MS
Authors: Lee Injung , Gopalan Anantha-Iyengar , Lee Kwang-Pill
Published: March 2016

The separation of chiral compounds is an interesting and challenging topic in analytical chemistry, especially in environmental fields. Enantioselective degradation or bioaccumulation has been observed for several chiral pollutants. Polycyclic musks are chiral and are widely used as fragrances in a variety of personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and perfumes. In this study, the gas chromatographic separation of chiral polycyclic musks, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclo-penta-γ-2-benzopyrane (HHCB), 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydronaphthalene (AHTN), 6-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,5-hexamethylindane (AHDI), 5-acetyl-1,1,2,6-tetramethyl-3-iso-propylindane (ATII), and 6,7-dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanone (DPMI) was achieved on modified cyclodextrin stationary phase (heptakis (2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-β-CD in DV-1701)). Separation techniques are coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), as it provides the sensitivity and selectivity needed. River and wastewaters (influents and effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)) in the Nakdong River were investigated with regard to the concentrations and the enantiomeric ratios of polycyclic musks. HHCB was most frequently detected in river and wastewaters, and an enantiomeric enrichment was observed in the effluents of one of the investigated wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We reported the contamination of river and wastewaters in Korea by chiral polycyclic musks. The results of this investigation suggest that enantioselective transformation may occur during wastewater treatment.
C/EBP β Mediates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Regulated Inflammatory Response and Extracellular Matrix Degradation in LPS-Stimulated Human Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Bai Yudi , Wei Yi , Wu Lian , Wei Jianhua , Wang Xiaojing , Bai Yuxiang
Published: March 2016

Periodontitis is an oral inflammatory disease that not only affects the integrity of local tooth-supporting tissues but also impacts systemic health. A compositional shift in oral microbiota has been considered as the main cause of periodontitis; however, the potential mechanism has not been fully defined. Herein, we investigated the role of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBP β), a member of the C/EBP family of transcription factors, in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of C/EBP β was significantly increased in hPDLCs stimulated with LPS stimuli. Overexpression of C/EBP β by the recombinant adenoviral vector pAd/C/EBP β markedly increased the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 and -9 in hPDLCs in response to LPS. Furthermore, the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was confirmed in LPS-stimulated hPDLCs by measuring the expression of the ER stress marker molecules protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), eIF2α, GRP78/Bip, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). The ER stress inhibitor salubrinal repressed, but inducer tunicamycin enhanced, the production of IL-6, IL-8, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in hPDLCs. Additionally, ER stress inducer tunicamycin significantly increased the expression level of C/EBP β in hPDLCs. Blocking of C/EBP β by siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 and expression of MMP-8 and MMP-9 induced by tunicamycin treatment in hPDLCs. Taken together, ER stress appears to play a regulatory role in the inflammatory response and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in hPDLCs in response to LPS stimuli by activating C/EBP β expression. This enhances our understanding of human periodontitis pathology.
Isolation and Expression Analysis of STAT Members from Synechogobius hasta and Their Roles in Leptin Affecting Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Wu Kun , Tan Xiao-Ying , Wei Chuan-Chuan , You Wen-Jing , Zhuo Mei-Qin , Song Yu-Feng
Published: March 2016

Signal transducers and activators of transcription proteins (STATs) act as important mediators in multiple biological processes induced by a large number of cytokines. In the present study, full-length cDNA sequences of seven STAT members, including some splicing variants different from those in mammals, were obtained from Synechogobius hasta. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the seven STAT members were derived from paralogous genes that might have arisen by whole genome duplication (WGD) events during vertebrate evolution. All of these members share similar domain structure compared with those of mammals, and were widely expressed across the tested tissues (brain, gill, heart, intestine, liver, muscle and spleen), but at variable levels. Incubation in vitro of recombinant human leptin changed the intracellular triglyceride (TG) content and mRNA levels of several STATs members, as well as expressions and activities of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Furthermore, Tyrphostin B42 (AG490), a specific inhibitor of the Janus Kinase 2(JAK2)-STAT pathway, partially reversed leptin-induced change on STAT3 and its two spliced isoforms expression, as well as expressions and activities of genes involved in lipid metabolism. As a consequence, the decrease of TG content was also reversed. Thus, our study suggests that STAT3 is the requisite for the leptin signal and the activation of the STAT3 member may account for the leptin-induced changes in lipid metabolism in S. hasta.
Myricetin Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss in an Experimental Ovariectomized Mouse Model of Periodontitis
Authors: Huang Jialiang , Wu Chuanlong , Tian Bo , Zhou Xiao , Ma Nian , Qian Yufen
Published: March 2016

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which leads to alveolar bone resorption. Healthy and functional alveolar bone, which can support the teeth and enable their movement, is very important for orthodontic treatment. Myricetin inhibited osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the expression of some genes, signaling pathways, and cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of myricetin on alveolar bone loss in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of periodontitis as well as in vitro osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Twenty-four healthy eight-week-old C57BL/J6 female mice were assigned randomly to four groups: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control (sham) OVX + ligature + PBS (vehicle), and OVX + ligature + low or high (2 or 5 mg∙kg−1∙day−1, respectively) doses of myricetin. Myricetin or PBS was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) every other day for 30 days. The maxillae were collected and subjected to further examination, including micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; a resorption pit assay was also performed in vitro to evaluate the effects of myricetin on receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. Myricetin, at both high and low doses, prevented alveolar bone resorption and increased alveolar crest height in the mouse model and inhibited osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro. However, myricetin was more effective at high dose than at low dose. Our study demonstrated that myricetin had a positive effect on alveolar bone resorption in an OVX mouse model of periodontitis and, therefore, may be a potential agent for the treatment of periodontitis and osteoporosis.
An Investigation of Processes for Glass Micromachining
Authors: Van Toan Nguyen , Toda Masaya , Ono Takahito
Published: March 2016

This paper presents processes for glass micromachining, including sandblast, wet etching, reactive ion etching (RIE), and glass reflow techniques. The advantages as well as disadvantages of each method are presented and discussed in light of the experiments. Sandblast and wet etching techniques are simple processes but face difficulties in small and high-aspect-ratio structures. A sandblasted 2 cm × 2 cm Tempax glass wafer with an etching depth of approximately 150 µm is demonstrated. The Tempax glass structure with an etching depth and sides of approximately 20 μm was observed via the wet etching process. The most important aspect of this work was to develop RIE and glass reflow techniques. The current challenges of these methods are addressed here. Deep Tempax glass pillars having a smooth surface, vertical shapes, and a high aspect ratio of 10 with 1-μm-diameter glass pillars, a 2-μm pitch, and a 10-μm etched depth were achieved via the RIE technique. Through-silicon wafer interconnects, embedded inside the Tempax glass, are successfully demonstrated via the glass reflow technique. Glass reflow into large cavities (larger than 100 μm), a micro-trench (0.8-μm wide trench), and a micro-capillary (1-μm diameter) are investigated. An additional optimization of process flow was performed for glass penetration into micro-scale patterns.
Investigating the Effect of Carbon Nanotube Diameter and Wall Number in Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Grace Tom , Yu LePing , Gibson Christopher , Tune Daniel , Alturaif Huda , Al Othman Zeid , Shapter Joseph
Published: March 2016

Suspensions of single-walled, double-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were generated in the same solvent at similar concentrations. Films were fabricated from these suspensions and used in carbon nanotube/silicon heterojunction solar cells and their properties were compared with reference to the number of walls in the nanotube samples. It was found that single-walled nanotubes generally produced more favorable results; however, the double and multi-walled nanotube films used in this study yielded cells with higher open circuit voltages. It was also determined that post fabrication treatments applied to the nanotube films have a lesser effect on multi-walled nanotubes than on the other two types.
Multilayer Graphene/Carbon Black/Chlorine Isobutyl Isoprene Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Frasca Daniele , Schulze Dietmar , Wachtendorf Volker , Krafft Bernd , Rybak Thomas , Schartel Bernhard
Published: March 2016

High loadings of carbon black (CB) are usually used to achieve the properties demanded of rubber compounds. In recent years, distinct nanoparticles have been investigated to replace CB in whole or in part, in order to reduce the necessary filler content or to improve performance. Multilayer graphene (MLG) is a nanoparticle made of just 10 graphene sheets and has recently become commercially available for mass-product nanocomposites. Three phr (part for hundred rubbers) of MLG are added to chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/CB composites in order to replace part of the CB. The incorporation of just 3 phr MLG triples the Young’s modulus of CIIR; the same effect is obtained with 20 phr CB. The simultaneous presence of three MLG and CB also delivers remarkable properties, e.g. adding three MLG and 20 phr CB increased the hardness as much as adding 40 phr CB. A comprehensive study is presented, showing the influence on a variety of mechanical properties. The potential of the MLG/CB combination is illustrated to reduce the filler content or to boost performance, respectively. Apart from the remarkable mechanical properties, the CIIR/CB/MLG nanocomposites showed an increase in weathering resistance.
Mussel-Inspired Anisotropic Nanocellulose and Silver Nanoparticle Composite with Improved Mechanical Properties, Electrical Conductivity and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Nguyen Hoang-Linh , Jo Yun , Cha Minkyu , Cha Yun , Yoon Dong , Sanandiya Naresh , Prajatelistia Ekavianty , Oh Dongyeop , Hwang Dong
Published: March 2016

Materials for wearable devices, tissue engineering and bio-sensing applications require both antibacterial activity to prevent bacterial infection and biofilm formation, and electrical conductivity to electric signals inside and outside of the human body. Recently, cellulose nanofibers have been utilized for various applications but cellulose itself has neither antibacterial activity nor conductivity. Here, an antibacterial and electrically conductive composite was formed by generating catechol mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of cellulose nanofibers. The chemically immobilized catechol moiety on the nanofibrous cellulose network reduced Ag+ to form AgNPs on the cellulose nanofiber. The AgNPs cellulose composite showed excellent antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the catechol conjugation and the addition of AgNP induced anisotropic self-alignment of the cellulose nanofibers which enhances electrical and mechanical properties of the composite. Therefore, the composite containing AgNPs and anisotropic aligned the cellulose nanofiber may be useful for biomedical applications.
Comparison of Data Fusion Methods Using Crowdsourced Data in Creating a Hybrid Forest Cover Map
Authors: Lesiv Myroslava , Moltchanova Elena , Schepaschenko Dmitry , See Linda , Shvidenko Anatoly , Comber Alexis , Fritz Steffen
Published: March 2016

Data fusion represents a powerful way of integrating individual sources of information to produce a better output than could be achieved by any of the individual sources on their own. This paper focuses on the data fusion of different land cover products derived from remote sensing. In the past, many different methods have been applied, without regard to their relative merit. In this study, we compared some of the most commonly-used methods to develop a hybrid forest cover map by combining available land cover/forest products and crowdsourced data on forest cover obtained through the Geo-Wiki project. The methods include: nearest neighbour, naive Bayes, logistic regression and geographically-weighted logistic regression (GWR), as well as classification and regression trees (CART). We ran the comparison experiments using two data types: presence/absence of forest in a grid cell; percentage of forest cover in a grid cell. In general, there was little difference between the methods. However, GWR was found to perform better than the other tested methods in areas with high disagreement between the inputs.
A 30+ Year AVHRR LAI and FAPAR Climate Data Record: Algorithm Description and Validation
Authors: Claverie Martin , Matthews Jessica , Vermote Eric , Justice Christopher
Published: March 2016

In- land surface models, which are used to evaluate the role of vegetation in the context of global climate change and variability, LAI and FAPAR play a key role, specifically with respect to the carbon and water cycles. The AVHRR-based LAI/FAPAR dataset offers daily temporal resolution, an improvement over previous products. This climate data record is based on a carefully calibrated and corrected land surface reflectance dataset to provide a high-quality, consistent time-series suitable for climate studies. It spans from mid-1981 to the present. Further, this operational dataset is available in near real-time allowing use for monitoring purposes. The algorithm relies on artificial neural networks calibrated using the MODIS LAI/FAPAR dataset. Evaluation based on cross-comparison with MODIS products and in situ data show the dataset is consistent and reliable with overall uncertainties of 1.03 and 0.15 for LAI and FAPAR, respectively. However, a clear saturation effect is observed in the broadleaf forest biomes with high LAI (>4.5) and FAPAR (>0.8) values.
Examining Urban Impervious Surface Distribution and Its Dynamic Change in Hangzhou Metropolis
Authors: Li Longwei , Lu Dengsheng , Kuang Wenhui
Published: March 2016

Analysis of urban distribution and its expansion using remote sensing data has received increasing attention in the past three decades, but little research has examined spatial patterns of urban distribution and expansion with buffer zones in different directions. This research selected Hangzhou metropolis as a case study to analyze spatial patterns and dynamic changes based on time-series urban impervious surface area (ISA) datasets. ISA was developed from Landsat imagery between 1991 and 2014 using a hybrid approach consisting of linear spectral mixture analysis, decision tree classifiers, and post-processing. The spatial patterns of ISA distribution and its dynamic changes in eight directions—east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, north, and northeast—at the temporal scale were analyzed with a buffer zone-based approach. This research indicated that ISA can be extracted from Landsat imagery with both producer and user accuracies of over 90%. ISA in Hangzhou metropolis increased from 146 km2 in 1991 to 868 km2 in 2014. Annual ISA growth rates were between 15.6 km2 and 48.8 km2 with the lowest growth rate in 1994–2000 and the highest growth rate in 2005–2010. Urban ISA increase before 2000 was mainly due to infilling within the urban landscape, and, after 2005, due to urban expansion in the urban-rural interfaces. Urban expansion in this study area has different characteristics in various directions that are influenced by topographic factors and urban development policies.
Classification of Hyperspectral or Trichromatic Measurements of Ocean Color Data into Spectral Classes
Authors: Prasad Dilip , Agarwal Krishna
Published: March 2016

We propose a method for classifying radiometric oceanic color data measured by hyperspectral satellite sensors into known spectral classes, irrespective of the downwelling irradiance of the particular day, i.e., the illumination conditions. The focus is not on retrieving the inherent optical properties but to classify the pixels according to the known spectral classes of the reflectances from the ocean. The method compensates for the unknown downwelling irradiance by white balancing the radiometric data at the ocean pixels using the radiometric data of bright pixels (typically from clouds). The white-balanced data is compared with the entries in a pre-calibrated lookup table in which each entry represents the spectral properties of one class. The proposed approach is tested on two datasets of in situ measurements and 26 different daylight illumination spectra for medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS), moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), sea-viewing wide field-of-view sensor (SeaWiFS), coastal zone color scanner (CZCS), ocean and land colour instrument (OLCI), and visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS) sensors. Results are also shown for CIMEL’s SeaPRISM sun photometer sensor used on-board field trips. Accuracy of more than 92% is observed on the validation dataset and more than 86% is observed on the other dataset for all satellite sensors. The potential of applying the algorithms to non-satellite and non-multi-spectral sensors mountable on airborne systems is demonstrated by showing classification results for two consumer cameras. Classification on actual MERIS data is also shown. Additional results comparing the spectra of remote sensing reflectance with level 2 MERIS data and chlorophyll concentration estimates of the data are included.
Application of Thin ZnO ALD Layers in Fiber-Optic Fabry-Pérot Sensing Interferometers
Authors: Majchrowicz Daria , Hirsch Marzena , Wierzba Paweł , Bechelany Michael , Viter Roman , Jędrzejewska‑Szczerska Małgorzata
Published: March 2016

In this paper we investigated the response of a fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot sensing interferometer with thin ZnO layers deposited on the end faces of the optical fibers forming the cavity. Standard telecommunication single-mode optical fiber (SMF-28) segments were used with the thin ZnO layers deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Measurements were performed with the interferometer illuminated by two broadband sources operating at 1300 nm and 1550 nm. Reflected interference signal was acquired by an optical spectrum analyzer while the length of the air cavity was varied. Thickness of the ZnO layers used in the experiments was 50 nm, 100 nm, and 200 nm. Uncoated SMF-28 fiber was also used as a reference. Based on the results of measurements, the thickness of the ZnO layers and the length of the cavity were selected in order to achieve good visibility. Following, the interferometer was used to determine the refractive index of selected liquids.
Analysis of Camera Arrays Applicable to the Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Jiachen , Xu Ru , Lv Zhihan , Song Houbing
Published: March 2016

The Internet of Things is built based on various sensors and networks. Sensors for stereo capture are essential for acquiring information and have been applied in different fields. In this paper, we focus on the camera modeling and analysis, which is very important for stereo display and helps with viewing. We model two kinds of cameras, a parallel and a converged one, and analyze the difference between them in vertical and horizontal parallax. Even though different kinds of camera arrays are used in various applications and analyzed in the research work, there are few discussions on the comparison of them. Therefore, we make a detailed analysis about their performance over different shooting distances. From our analysis, we find that the threshold of shooting distance for converged cameras is 7 m. In addition, we design a camera array in our work that can be used as a parallel camera array, as well as a converged camera array and take some images and videos with it to identify the threshold.
Improving Sustainability Performance for Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Projects
Authors: Shen Liyin , Tam Vivian , Gan Lin , Ye Kunhui , Zhao Zongnan
Published: March 2016

Improving sustainability performance in developing infrastructure projects is an important strategy for pursuing the mission of sustainable development. In recent years, the business model of public-private-partnership (PPP) is promoted as an effective approach in developing infrastructure projects. It is considered that the distribution of the contribution on project investment between private and public sectors is one of the key variables affecting sustainability performance of PPP-type projects. This paper examines the impacts of the contribution distribution between public and private sectors on project sustainability performance. A model named the sustainability performance-based evaluation model (SPbEM) is developed for assisting the assessment of the level of sustainability performance of PPP projects. The study examines the possibility of achieving better sustainability through proper arrangement of the investment distribution between the two primary sectors in developing PPP-type infrastructure projects.
Mycobacterial Peritonitis in CAPD Patients in Limpopo: A 6-Year Cumulative Report from a Single Center in South Africa
Authors: Tamayo-Isla Ramon A. , de la Cruz Mauro Cuba , Okpechi Ikechi G.
Published: March 2016

South Africa has one of the highest incidences of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide due to the ongoing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. There are, however, no reports on peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in South Africa. The aim of this study is to discuss our experience of tuberculous peritonitis in CAPD patients from a rural endemic area of South Africa. This is a retrospective descriptive study of CAPD patients diagnosed with mycobacterium peritonitis infection from January 2008 to August 2014 at the Limpopo Kidney and Dialysis Centre (LKDC) in South Africa. The diagnosis of peritonitis was based on the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) 2010 recommendations. Peritoneal fluid samples were collected in BACTEC Myco/F Lytic Culture Vials (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Dublin, Ireland). Tenckhoff catheter tips were sent for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and TB culture. Mycobacterium infection was considered in patients with clinical features of peritonitis if 1) AFB smear or TB culture was positive or 2) if the patient was smear- or culture-negative but had suggestive radiological features of TB in the lungs or abdomen or 3) if the patient improved clinically following treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs. Of 170 patients on CAPD for the period reviewed, 12 (7.1%) were diagnosed and treated for mycobacterial peritonitis. There was an equal number of males and females, and all the patients were Black Africans with a mean age of 35.4 years (17 – 51 years). Eight of the 12 patients (66.7%) had had previous episodes of non-tuberculous peritonitis. Four patients (33.3%) had elevated white blood cell count (WCC) while 9 had higher polymorph count in the PD fluid than lymphocyte count. Mycobacterial organism was confirmed in 9/12 (75%), while the diagnosis was made on clinical and radiological features in the remaining 3 patients. Seven patients (58.3%) died, 10 patients were permanently transferred to hemodialysis (HD), 1 patient returned to PD after a short stay on HD, 1 patient died after 2 years on HD due to lack of further access to dialysis, and in 1 patient, the catheter could not be removed before death. This case series corroborates findings from other previous series that mycobacterial infection in PD patients carries a high mortality and can often pose a diagnostic challenge to attending clinicians. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for mycobacterial peritonitis in CAPD patients with features of peritonitis who do not respond promptly to conventional anti-microbial agents. We feel that the recommendation about catheter removal during mycobacterial peritonitis should be revisited, as it had no impact on our patients’ outcome.
RANDOM COEFFICIENT MODELING RESEARCH ON SHORT-TERM FORECAST OF PASSENGER FLOW INTO AN URBAN RAIL TRANSIT STATION
Authors: Feng Xuesong , Zhang Hemeizi , Gan Tiantian , Sun Qipeng , Ma Fei , Sun Xun
Published: March 2016

Taking a representative metro station in Beijing as example, this research has newly developed a random coefficient model to predict the short-term passenger flows with sudden increases sometimes into an urban rail transit station. The hierarchical Bayesian approach is iteratively applied in this work to estimate the new model and the estimation outcomes in each of the iterative calibrations are improved by sequential Bayesian updating. It has been proved that the estimation procedure is able to effectively converge to rational results with satisfying accuracies. In addition, the model application study reveals that besides sufficient preparations in manpower, devices, etc.; the information of the factors affecting the passenger flows into an urban rail transit station should be timely transferred in advance from important buildings, road intersections, squares and so on in neighborhood to this station. In this way, this station is able to cope with the unexpectedly sharp increases of the passenger flows into the station to ensure its operation safety.
REST-FRAME OPTICAL EMISSION LINES IN z ∼ 3.5 LYMAN-BREAK-SELECTED GALAXIES: THE UBIQUITY OF UNUSUALLY HIGH [O III]/Hβ RATIOS AT 2 Gyr*

†
Authors: Holden B. P. , Oesch P. A. , González V. G. , Illingworth G. D. , Labbé I. , Bouwens R. , Franx M. , Dokkum P. van , Spitler L.
Published: March 2016

We present K-band spectra of rest-frame optical emission lines for 24 star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 3.2–3.7 using MOSFIRE on the Keck I telescope. Strong rest-frame optical [O iii] and Hβ emission lines were detected in 18 Lyman break galaxies (LBGs). The median flux ratio of [O iii]λ5007 to Hβ is

. This is a factor of 5–10 times higher than in local galaxies with similar stellar masses. None of our sources are detected in deep X-ray stacks, ruling out significant contamination by active galactic nuclei. Combining our sample with a variety of LBGs from the literature, including 49 galaxies selected in a very similar manner, we find a high median ratio of [O iii]/Hβ =

. This high ratio seems to be a ubiquitous feature of z ∼ 3–4 LBGs, very different from typical local star-forming galaxies at similar stellar masses. The only comparable systems at z ∼ 0 are those with similarly high specific star formation rates (SSFRs), though ∼5 times lower stellar masses. High SSFRs may result in a higher ionization parameter, higher electron density, or harder ionizing radiation, which, combined different elemental abundances, result in a much higher [O iii]/Hβ line ratio. This implies a strong relation between a global property of a galaxy, the SSFR, and the local conditions of ISM in star-forming regions.
SIMULATIONS OF SOLAR JETS CONFINED BY CORONAL LOOPS
Authors: Wyper P. F. , DeVore C. R.
Published: March 2016

Coronal jets are collimated, dynamic events that occur over a broad range of spatial scales in the solar corona. In the open magnetic field of coronal holes, jets form quasi-radial spires that can extend far out into the heliosphere, while in closed-field regions the jet outflows are confined to the corona. We explore the application of the embedded-bipole model to jets occurring in closed coronal loops. In this model, magnetic free energy is injected slowly by footpoint motions that introduce twist within the closed dome of the jet source region, and is released rapidly by the onset of an ideal kink-like instability. Two length scales characterize the system: the width (N) of the jet source region and the footpoint separation (L) of the coronal loop that envelops the jet source. We find that both the conditions for initiation and the subsequent dynamics are highly sensitive to the ratio L/N. The longest-lasting and most energetic jets occur along long coronal loops with large L/N ratios, and share many of the features of open-field jets, while smaller L/N ratios produce shorter-duration, less energetic jets that are affected by reflections from the far-loop footpoint. We quantify the transition between these behaviors and show that our model replicates key qualitative and quantitative aspects of both quiet Sun and active-region loop jets. We also find that the reconnection between the closed dome and surrounding coronal loop is very extensive: the cumulative reconnected flux at least matches the total flux beneath the dome for small L/N, and is more than double that value for large L/N.
A BARYONIC EFFECT ON THE MERGER TIMESCALE OF GALAXY CLUSTERS
Authors: Zhang Congyao , Yu Qingjuan , Lu Youjun
Published: March 2016

Accurate estimation of the merger timescales of galaxy clusters is important for understanding the cluster merger process and further understanding the formation and evolution of the large-scale structure of the universe. In this paper, we explore a baryonic effect on the merger timescale of galaxy clusters by using hydrodynamical simulations. We find that the baryons play an important role in accelerating the merger process. The merger timescale decreases upon increasing the gas fraction of galaxy clusters. For example, the merger timescale is shortened by a factor of up to 3 for merging clusters with gas fractions of 0.15, compared with the timescale obtained with 0 gas fractions. The baryonic effect is significant for a wide range of merger parameters and is particularly more significant for nearly head-on mergers and high merging velocities. The baryonic effect on the merger timescale of galaxy clusters is expected to have an impact on the structure formation in the universe, such as the cluster mass function and massive substructures in galaxy clusters, and a bias of “no-gas” may exist in the results obtained from the dark matter-only cosmological simulations.
GAS GAPS IN THE PROTOPLANETARY DISK AROUND THE YOUNG PROTOSTAR HL TAU
Authors: Yen Hsi-Wei , Liu Hauyu Baobab , Gu Pin-Gao , Hirano Naomi , Lee Chin-Fei , Puspitaningrum Evaria , Takakuwa Shigehisa
Published: March 2016

We have analyzed the HCO+ (1–0) data of the Class I–II protostar, HL Tau, obtained from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array long baseline campaign. We generated the HCO+ image cube at an angular resolution of ∼0.″07 (∼10 au) and performed azimuthal averaging on the image cube to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and measure the radial profile of the HCO+ integrated intensity. Two gaps at radii of ∼28 and ∼69 au and a central cavity are identified in the radial intensity profile. The inner HCO+ gap is coincident with the millimeter continuum gap at a radius of 32 au. The outer HCO+ gap is located at the millimeter continuum bright ring at a radius of 69 au and overlaps with the two millimeter continuum gaps at radii of 64 and 74 au. On the contrary, the presence of the central cavity is likely due to the high optical depth of the 3 mm continuum emission and not the depletion of the HCO+ gas. We derived the HCO+ column density profile from its intensity profile. From the column density profile, the FWHM widths of the inner and outer HCO+ gaps are both estimated to be ∼14 au, and their depths are estimated to be ∼2.4 and ∼5.0. These results are consistent with the expectation from the gaps opened by forming (sub-)Jovian mass planets, while placing tight constraints on the theoretical models solely incorporating the variation of dust properties and grain sizes.
WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE: HERMUS AS THE NORTHERN EXTENSION OF THE PHOENIX STREAM
Authors: Grillmair Carl J. , Carlberg Raymond G.
Published: March 2016

We investigate whether the recently discovered Phoenix stream may be part of a much longer stream that includes the previously discovered Hermus stream. Using a simple model of the Galaxy with a disk, bulge, and a spherical dark matter halo, we show that a nearly circular orbit, highly inclined with respect to the disk, can be found that fits the positions, orientations, and distances of both streams. While the two streams are somewhat misaligned in the sense that they do not occupy the same plane, nodal precession due to the Milky Way disk potential naturally brings the orbit into line with each stream in the course of half an orbit. We consequently consider a common origin for the two streams as plausible. Based on our best-fitting orbit, we make predictions for the positions, distances, radial velocities, and proper motions along each stream. If our hypothesis is borne out by measurements, then at ≈183° (≈235° with respect to the Galactic center) and ≈76 kpc in length, Phoenix–Hermus would become the longest cold stream yet found. This would make it a particularly valuable new probe of the shape and mass of the Galactic halo out to ≈20 kpc.
L’évolution de la mortalité depuis le milieu du XX e siècle
Authors: Gaimard Maryse
Published: March 2016

Depuis le milieu du XX° siècle la mortalité a considérablement diminué en Europe conduisant à une augmentation de l’espérance de vie à la naissance dans tous les pays. Cette évolution ne s’est pas réalisée au même rythme partout, laissant les pays de l’Est, frappés par la crise sanitaire, en retard sur le reste de l’Europe. Dans tous les pays, les progrès ont été pendant longtemps plus rapides pour les femmes que pour les hommes. Ce n’est qu’au cours de la dernière décennie qu’une convergence des espérances de vie des hommes et des femmes semble se dessiner. La baisse de la mortalité s’accompagne également d’un changement dans les causes de décès lié à l’avancée des différents pays européens dans la transition sanitaire.
Les régions ultrapériphériques
Authors: Temporal Franck
Published: March 2016

Cet article présente les principales tendances démographiques et migratoires des Régions ultrapériphériques de l’Europe en lien avec leur situation socioéconomique. Les évolutions démographiques y sont contrastées et ces territoires ont chacun leurs spécificités. Les régions ultrapériphériques partagent néanmoins une situation socioéconomique difficile, notamment en matière d’emploi.
Le niveau d’éducation des Européens
Authors: Bergouignan Christophe
Published: March 2016

Cet article propose une analyse de l’évolution du niveau d’éducation des Européens au fil des générations, tout en la mettant en perspective par des comparaisons avec d’autres pays développés. Il s’appuie sur plusieurs sources d’informations : les données de l’UNESCO sur l’analphabétisme résiduel, les enquêtes Emploi qui collectent les parcours scolaires et universitaires, les enquêtes PISA évaluant les connaissances et aptitudes des élèves de 15 ans dans plusieurs domaines fondamentaux, l’enquête PIAAC mesurant les compétences des adultes. Après un commentaire critique des limites de ces sources, il est proposé une analyse comparative de l’accès aux différents niveaux d’éducation pour les Européens nés entre les années 1930 et les années 1980. Pour les quelques pays d’Europe pour lesquels l’enquête PIAAC a été conduite, cet accès aux différents niveaux d’éducation est, pour chaque groupe de générations, mis en relation avec les résultats PIAAC correspondants. Enfin, une analyse prospective est proposée sur la base des résultats des élèves de 15 ans aux tests des enquêtes PISA. L’ensemble de ces analyses conduisent à quatre conclusions principales. 1. Globalement, on observe une forte hausse du niveau d’éducation entre les générations nées dans les années 1930 et celles nées dans les années 1980. 2. Ces progrès ont été plus rapides dans les pays initialement les moins avancés dans ce domaine (Europe du Sud/Sud-Est). 3. Malgré ce rattrapage, ces pays conservent un certain retard éducatif, notamment ceux du Sud-Est de l’Europe. 4. Dans les générations nées depuis les années 1990, les pays d’Europe où le niveau d’éducation était le plus élevé, semblent avoir des difficultés à maintenir, et plus encore à améliorer leurs résultats éducatifs, contrairement à certains pays d’Asie (Japon, Corée du Sud).
Population Policies in Europe
Authors: May John F.
Published: March 2016

L’Union européenne (28 pays) et l’Europe dans sa totalité (48 pays et entités géopolitiques) ont terminé leur transition démographique. Elles connaissent actuellement une situation « post-transitionnelle » et sont confrontées à trois défis démographiques majeurs, à savoir une sous-fécondité n’assurant plus le remplacement des générations, un vieillissement de la population et l’immigration. En dépit d’attitudes de laissez faire de beaucoup de pays européens, plusieurs gouvernements ont adopté des politiques publiques pour gérer certaines ou toutes ces questions. Cependant, les politiques destinées à augmenter les niveaux de fécondité et celles s’attaquant aux défis du vieillissement ont donné des résultats quelque peu mitigés. Un problème urgent en Europe aujourd’hui est la gestion d’un grand nombre d’immigrants, et en particulier de réfugiés. Concernant cette question, les pays de l’Union européenne (UE) n’ont pas encore été capables de parvenir à un consensus politique fort. Néanmoins, étant donné leur statut « post-transitionnel », l’Europe et l’UE pourraient servir de laboratoire en matière de politiques publiques pour les autres parties du monde lesquelles, tôt ou tard, pourraient être confrontées à des défis démographiques semblables.
Les deux oreilles du roi
Authors: Hamilton John T. , Koenig Raphaël
Published: March 2016

Les œuvres musicales et les sons semblent devoir résister aux tentatives faites pour leur attribuer un sens stable et clairement défini. Historiquement, le flou sémantique qui les caractérise a toujours compliqué la tâche de ceux qui se sont efforcés de leur attribuer une « valeur » esthétique, par exemple au sein d’une hiérarchie des genres. Il s’agit toujours d’endiguer leur dangereux excès asymbolique en les déchiffrant, en leur imposant symboles et prédicats. Le présent essai propose une analyse d’ Un re in ascolto [ Un roi à l’écoute ] d’Italo Calvino (1976), redéfinissant à nouveaux frais la notion de souveraineté afin de mieux comprendre la nature d’une telle stratégie herméneutique, et les raisons de son échec. Le souverain tel que nous le décrit Calvino est-il en mesure de conférer un sens à la musique et au chant en les intégrant au sein d’un système sémantique clos ? Ou l’expérience musicale doit-elle au contraire être décrite comme fondamentalement incompatible avec une telle herméneutique totalisante, appelant une analyse fondée sur une vision pluraliste, horizontale, et non-hiérarchique des relations entre les différents modes d’expression artistique ?
Les arts martiaux japonais comme art de la concorde
Authors: Genin Christophe
Published: March 2016

Face à l’extension d’un art disséminé, nous nous arrêtons sur un registre de pratiques et de notions malentendues, les arts martiaux japonais, confondus avec des « sports de combat ». Par « art » nous entendons une conduite soucieuse de mener une pratique et une production à la perfection, et foncièrement à la perfection de soi, quelle que soit la manière culturelle locale d’envisager cet état d’accomplissement. En regard de l’art du bouquet ( ikebana ), de pratiques shintoïstes (comme le kototama ), nous examinons des notions comme celle d’art martial ou bugei , littéralement l’art ( gei ) d’arrêter la lance ( bu ). Ce que les Occidentaux ont interprété comme un « art de la guerre » se voulait un « art de la paix ». Les arts martiaux japonais mobilisent en ce sens des notions et des expériences parfois connues en Occident comme le ki , l’énergie, ou méconnues comme le shin (le cœur-esprit), le ma (l’espace-temps) ou l’ aï (l’un). Nous nous proposons de démonter un malentendu à partir d’une pratique artistique, le kino-michi , élaboré par Masamichi Noro, dérivée de l’aïkido, en vue de comprendre en quoi ces bugei sont une éducation, une élévation de l’âme et du corps au même titre que la musique ou la danse.
Comparer les arts à l’aune d’une esthétique du divers ?
Authors: Sirven Hélène
Published: March 2016

Dans son Essai sur l’Exotisme. Une Esthétique du Divers (Notes) , Victor Segalen (1878-1919) évoque les arts et l’émergence de la sensation d’exotisme, c’est-à-dire du divers. Il semble que dans cette posture, chaque art apparaisse comme une entité autonome, qui n’a nul besoin d’être comparée à une autre pour exister. L’esthétique du divers pulvériserait le mode comparatif pour privilégier l’altérité, une pensée poétique en archipels dans laquelle les formes artistiques sont des relations imprévisibles, avant d’être peut-être encore des entités pyramidales. L’esthétique du divers et de l’insatisfaction ouvre-t-elle véritablement, dans un monde globalisé, un réseau critique de rapports, de tensions, où toute comparaison serait apparemment vaine ? Cependant, à défaut d’être comparés, les différents arts pourraient-ils être traversés par un élément commun ? La sensation segalenienne comme principe esthétique voyageur qui traverse tous les arts sans les égaliser fait écho aux attitudes artistiques actuelles.