bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Management In Developing Countries: Evidence From Multinational And Country Financial Risk Analysis
Authors: Osho Gbolahan , Osagie Johnston , Adams Michael O.
Published: February 2016

Much better access to international financial markets has granted many benefits to developing countries, but at the same time this approach has also exposed them to the unpredictable changes of these markets.  However, the amount that can be hedged is limited because the other parties are usually given a ceiling to the total debt that they can get into with another country.  Unlike borrowers, developing countries have limited possibilities of exploiting market niches to develop their investor base. The objective of this research paper is to look at different countries such as Russia and Mexico, and also realize how economic, political, and social risks account for these developing countries foreign and public debts; and how the management of these risks are necessary to combat the overall exposures these countries come across. With a fiscal view the primary cause of monetary growth in developing economies is usually found in large financial imbalances.  The effect of inflation itself on the actual value of these countries financial deficits indicates the link between fiscal deficits, money growth, and inflation.
Substance Abuse In The Workplace
Authors: Ashe Carolyn , Nealy Chynette
Published: February 2016

Substance abuse is a problem that many businesses encounter.  Seventy-one percent of illegal drug users were employed in 1991 compared to 76.4 percent in 2001(National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery month, 1999; National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 2001). This paper presents findings from a study conducted to determine (1) if employers and employees agree about the importance of a substance abuse program in the workplace, (2) the extent the employer should be allowed to probe to identify employee substance issues, and (3) factors associated with an employee’s reluctance to seek help from their employer for drug or alcohol abuse.
Superleader Behaviors And Self-Managed Work Teams: Perceptions Of Supervisory Behaviors, Satisfaction With Growth, And Team Functions
Authors: Elloy David F.
Published: February 2016

This study examined the effects of SuperLeader behaviors on self-managed work groups in a non-union paper mill which had self-managed work teams in place since it began its operation. Based on a sample of 141 employees, the results indicated groups that were led by a supervisor who exhibited the characteristics of a SuperLeader (as described by Manz and Sims, 1990) exhibited higher levels of fairness, trust, growth and overall support. These groups also reported higher levels of team communication, team effectiveness, team training and recognition.
Diferencias salariales por género en el departamento de Santander - Colombia
Authors: Cortés Aguilar Alexandra , Flórez Vera María Alejandra
Published: February 2016

Este trabajo analiza los factores que influyen en el salario por hora y sus diferencias por género para el departamento de Santander durante los años 2012 a 2014. Específicamente, se explora si dicho diferencial obedece o no a un factor discriminatorio en el mercado de trabajo santandereano, utilizando los datos proporcionados por la Gran Encuesta Integrada de Hogares, GEIH. Luego de presentar un análisis descriptivo del mercado laboral santandereano, se realizan estimaciones econométricas aplicando la metodología Blinder-Oaxaca para evidenciar la existencia de un componente discriminatorio. Los resultados indican que, para el total de la muestra en la región santandereana, entre un 25% y 30% de las diferencias salariales por género se asocian al componente discriminatorio no explicado.
Análisis de la evolución de la inversión extranjera directa en el sector minero del carbón en Colombia de 2004 a 2013
Authors: Plazas Díaz Fabián Alfredo
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se analiza la evolución de nla invresión extranjera directa (IED) en el sector minas y canteras y en la extracción de carbón, lignito y turba en Colombia en el periodo de 2004 a 2013, utilizando Minero Colombiano. Se presenta un panorama del sector minero del carbón en Colombia y la evolución de la IED en el periodo descrito. Se concluye que el sector minero del carbón en Colombia posee un enorme potencial que favoreció la entrada de capitales foráneos durante el periodo, pero terminó siendo un indicador de la primarización de la IED en el país en el mismo periodo.
El proceso de sustitución de combustibles pesados por gas natural en el sector industrial del Valle del Cauca y del Cauca - Colombia 2004-2012
Authors: Rangel Jiménez Andrés Eduardo , Portilla Salazar Carlos Johnny
Published: February 2016

Este documento tiene por objetivo analizar el proceso de sustitución de la utilización de combustibles pesados hacia el gas natural por parte de medianas y grandes empresas ubicadas en el Valle del Cauca y norte del Cauca, que se observan durante el periodo 2004-2012. Asimismo, utilizando un modelo Probit de efectos aleatorios en Panel, se estima la propensión de estas industrias a sustituir un combustible altamente contaminante por gas natural. Los resultados muestran que la diferencia de gasto en gas con relación a otros combustibles es determinante en la probabilidad de conversión. Adicionalmente, se confirma que las industrias con menos probabilidad de realizar la conversión son aquellas que utilizan carbón en los procesos de producción.
La reforma laboral implementada durante el segundo gobierno de Alfonso López Pumarejo
Authors: Toscano Óliver Mora
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se estudian los elementos más relevantes de la reforma laboral propuesta y puesta en práctica por el presidente Alfonso López Pumarejo durante su segunda gestión de Gobierno. La reforma fue implementada fundamentalmente a través de la Ley 6ª de 1945. Los elementos más relevantes de la misma fueron la institucionalización y regulación de los movimientos obreros para que contribuyesen de esta forma a la estabilidad del crecimiento económico y el desarrollo empresarial pretendido en ese momento por el Estado colombiano, así como el reconocimiento de un conjunto de reivindicaciones y derechos a los trabajadores urbanos, que hicieron de esta reforma la más avanzada en Colombia en términos sociales durante el siglo XX.
¿Crisis financiera o de gestión? Evolución del sector salud desde la perspectiva de los entes territoriales
Authors: Santos Ospina Andrés Camilo , García Molina Mario , Chicaíza Becerra Liliana
Published: February 2016

Tradicionalmente, los problemas asociados al sector salud en los entes territoriales se han enmarcado principalmente en un plano financiero. En esa línea los problemas de eficiencia se han venido tratando con medidas fiscales o financieras. El artículo presenta la situación financiera del sector salud desde los entes territoriales, para ello estudia la normatividad y la evolución de las principales cifras entre 2010 y 2014. El superávit de los últimos años de los fondos departamentales de salud sugiere que la política pública debería trascender de lo financiero y concentrarse en el fortalecimiento de herramientas institucionales y de gestión que permitan mejorar los resultados en salud.
El tratado comercial más grande del mundo
Authors: Vallejo Zamudio Luis Eudoro
Published: February 2016

El Acuerdo de Asociación Transpacífico (TPP, por sus siglas en inglés) se creó en los primeros días del mes de octubre, después de ocho años de negociación, y de él hacen parte Estados Unidos, Canadá, Japón, Australia, México, Chile, Perú, Malasia, Nueva Zelanda, Singapur, Vietnam y Brunéi.
INTEGRATION BETWEEN RELIGION AND SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LEARNING
Authors: Rahayu Muliza
Published: February 2016

This research is based on research library research literature in this study wanted to try integrate between Religion and Science in learning, there are three questions; first, circumstances of integration between Religion and Science, a description of the example Integration of Religion and Science form the Moon and the theme of nature and explanation in the Qur'an. With analysis and normative content of the Qur'an explain the phenomena of nature with science and science context. Soon is the first research results, the integration of science with nature is a necessity and it is becoming important in the development of sciences as theology that include common knowledge.

INTEGRATION BETWEEN RELIGION AND SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LEARNING
Deteksi Iris Berdasarkan Metode Black Hole dan Circle Curve Fitting
Authors: Kurnianto Danny , Soesanti Indah , Nugroho Hanung Adi
Published: February 2016

Sistem pengenalan identitas personal berdasarkan ciri biometrika adalah suatu sistem pengenalan seseorang berdasarkan pada ciri biometrika yang melekat pada orang tersebut. Iris mata merupakan salah satu ciri biometrik yang handal untuk sistem pengenalan identitas personal. Bagian sistem pengenalan identitas personal berdasarkan biometrik iris yang dianggap paling krusial adalah deteksi lokasi iris, karena akurasi deteksi iris berpengaruh pada tingkat akurasi sistem secara keseluruhan. Lokasi iris pada citra mata dibatasi oleh dua buah lingkaran yang memisahkan antara bagian iris  dengan pupil dan sklera. Telah banyak metode-metode yang diusulkan oleh para peneliti untuk menghasilkan deteksi lokasi iris dengan akurat dan cepat. Masalah akurasi, kecepatan waktu eksekusi dan ketahanan terhadap noise merupakan bidang penelitian yang menantang pada deteksi iris. Makalah ini menyajikan metode deteksi iris menggunakan metode black hole dan circle curve fitting. Langkah pertama, mencari batas dalam lingkaran iris yang memisahkan antara daerah iris dan pupil. Dengan metode black hole yang bekerja berdasarkan fakta bahwa lokasi pupil merupakan daerah  lingkaran yang paling hitam dan memiliki distribusi nilai intensitas yang seragam, maka lokasi pupil dapat ditentukan dengan teknik pengambangan. Batas lingkaran pupil dapat ditentukan dengan circle curve fitting dari parameter lingkaran daerah pupil. Langkah kedua,  mencari batas luar lingkaran iris yang memisahkan antara iris dan sklera. Peta tepi citra iris dicari dengan menggunakan deteksi tepi Canny, kemudian diambil satu komponen tepi arah vertikal yang dapat mewakili batas lingkaran luar iris. Dari komponen tepi tersebut, dihitung jari-jari iris yang berpusat di pusat pupil. Dengan jari-jari iris dan pusat iris maka dapat ditentukan batas luar iris menggunakan circle curve fitting.
Perencanaan Kebutuhan Pengembangan Sistem Informasi (Studi Kasus : Perpustakaan Daerah Kota XYZ)
Authors: Mayadewi Paramita
Published: February 2016

Perpusda Kota XYZ merupakan organisasi nirlaba yang memberikan layanan kepada masyarat dengan menyediakan buku-buku sebagai sumber informasi.  Dalam  pencapaian tujuan Perpusda Kota XYZ untuk mewujudkan penyelenggaraan Perpusda sebagai pusat kegiatan belajar masyarakat serta sebagai sarana sumber informasi, diperlukan rencana sistem informasi yang sejalan dengan tujuan organisasi. Kegagalan implementasi sistem informasi dalam organisasi sering terjadi akibat ketidaksesuaian sistem informasi dengan tujuan dan sasaran bisnis organisasi mereka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merencanakan strategi pengembangan sistem informasi bagi Perpusda Kota XYZ utuk mengidentifkasi kebutuhan aplikasi yang diperlukan yang dapat mendukung tujuan organisasi. Perencanaan strategi dilakukan dengan menggunakan tools analisis seperti analisis PEST, SWOT, Value Chain, dan Business System Planning.
Persebaran Layanan dan Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Provinsi Papua
Authors: Ibnugraha Prajna Deshanta , Fahrudin Tora
Published: February 2016

Layanan dan infrastruktur telekomunikasi merupakan bagian penting dari kehidupan modern karena hampir di segala bidang membutuhkan hal tersebut seperti pendidikan, pemerintahan, ekonomi dan sebagainya. Oleh karena pentingnya sektor telekomunikasi di Indonesia sebagai negara kepulauan maka perlu evaluasi tentang penyebaran layanan dan infrastrukturnya selain dilihat dari sisi fungsional dan perkembangan teknologinya. Provinsi Papua adalah provinsi terbesar di Indonesia namun justru memiliki layanan telekomunikasi yang paling sedikit dan terbatas. Demikian pula untuk penyebaran layanan ke kabupaten maupun ke distrik (kecamatan) masih belum merata. Hal tersebut terbukti dari laporan hasil distribusi pita frekuensi yang hanya 1,5% untuk kawasan Maluku dan Papua serta kerapatan layanan tiap kabupaten yang ditunjukkan pada hasil penelitian ini.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Pakar Pendiagnosa Penyakit Paru-Paru Menggunakan Metode Case Based Reasoning
Authors: Kusuma Diki Andita , Chairani Chairani
Published: February 2016

Penelitian ini membahas tentang pembuatan sistem pakar yang dapat digunakan untuk mendiagnosa penyakit paru-paru. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode Case Base Reasoning (CBR). CBR merupakan salah satu metode yang menggunakan pendekatan kecerdasan buatan (Artificial Intelligent) dan menitikberatkan pemecahan masalah dengan didasarkan pada knowledege dari kasus-kasus sebelumnya.  Kasus-kasus yang digunakan diperoleh dari catatan penangan kasus diagnosa penyakit paru dari seorang dokter spesialis paru sebanyak 8 kasus dan disediakan satu buah kasus baru untuk dihitung nilai kedekatannya dengan kasus lama. Hasil dari penilitian ini memberikan keluaran berupa kemungkinan penyakit dan saran pengobatan yang didasarkan pada kemiripan kasus baru dengan pengetahuan yang dimiliki sistem. Nilai kedekatan dari 8 kasus lama terhadap kasus baru dari seorang pasien adalah 0.38 terhadap data kasus pertama, 0.45 terhadap data kasus kedua, 0.56 terhadap data kasus ketiga, 0.56 terhadap data kasus keempat, 0.72 terhadap data kasus kelima, 0.93 terhadap data kasus keenam, 0.52 terhadap data kasus ketujuh, dan 0.66 terhadap data kasus kedepelapan. Nilai kedekatan paling maximum diperoleh terhadap data kasus keenam, yaitu sebesar  0.93 atau 93%, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa pasien didiagnosa terserang penyakit radang paru.
Pengendali Listrik Rumah Berbasis Cloud Computing
Authors: Iksan Nur , Arfriandi Arief
Published: February 2016

Makalah ini membahas mengenai cara untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi pada rumah melalui penyediaan informasi kepada penghuni mengenai penggunaan listrik di rumahnya, dan menyediakan cara yang efektif untuk merespon informasi tersebut. Makalah ini mengusulkan sebuah Sistem Monitoring Listrik Rumah (SMLR). Sensing, monitoring, dan actuating adalah bagian dari SMLR yang berperan penting dalam mengurangi konsumsi energi di rumah dapat diakses melalui web browser dan perangkat mobile. Sistem ini dibangun dalam sebuah platform cloud computing yang menyediakan tools dan mekanisme yang membantu pengembangan aplikasi di lingkungan cloud yang membantu user untuk memonitor dan mengontrol peralatan listrik yang ada dirumah. Hasil Riset ini diharapkan dapat mendorong pengguna untuk mengubah kebiasaan mereka dalam menggunakan listrik. Pengguna akan memperhatikan penggunaan listrik mereka karena mereka sadar untuk menggunakan listrik se-efisien mungkin. Semakin banyak listrik yang dihemat, semakin sedikit mereka menghabiskan uang untuk membayar tagihan
ANALISIS DAN PEMODELAN PROSES BISNIS PROSEDUR PELAKSANAAN PROYEK AKHIR SEBAGAI ALAT BANTU IDENTIFIKASI KEBUTUHAN SISTEM
Authors: Sari Siska Komala , Asniar Asniar
Published: February 2016

Proyek Akhir (PA) adalah mata kuliah yang diajukan untuk memenuhi persyaratan studi Diploma di suatu Perguruan Tinggi. Mata kuliah ini dilaksanakan pada Semester 6 (enam) atau tingkat akhir dari perkuliahan studi Diploma. Sebuah proses bisnis dapat dijelaskan dengan sederhana sebagai aliran aktifitas kegiatan. Proses bisnis adalah kumpulan dari tugas atau aktivitas yang terstruktur yang dapat menghasilkan layanan atau produk tertentu untuk satu atau banyak konsumen. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan analisis dan pemodelan proses bisnis dalam pelaksanaan proyek akhir. Hasil analisis dan pemodelan proses bisnis ini digunakan untuk memperbaiki alur kerja dan sebagai dasar pengembangan sistem informasi manajemen proyek akhir yang mampu mendukung alur pelaksanaan proyek akhir meliputi pengajuan topik, penentuan pembimbing, pelaksanaan seminar dan pelaksanaan sidang. Dalam analisa proses bisnis pelaksanaan proyek akhir ini kita dapat mengidentifikasi bahwa ada kasus yang dapat dimodelkan dengan BPMN (Business Process Modelling & Notation) dan ada kasus yang cukup dimodelkan dengan notasi swimlanes s dimana masing-masing model memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing. Analisis dan pemodelan proses bisnis pelaksanaan proyek akhir ini dapat digunakan sebagai alat bantu untuk mengidentifikasi kebutuhan sistem
Quantitative Framework for Preferential Flow Initiation and Partitioning
Authors: Nimmo John R.
Published: February 2016

Core Ideas

Preferential flow can be predicted from the distribution of mesoscale matrix infiltrability.

Soil matrix material, rather than the characteristics of macropores, largely controls preferential flow.

Two different scales of representative areas are needed to predict matrix–macropore partitioning.

A model for preferential flow in macropores is based on the short‐range spatial distribution of soil matrix infiltrability. It uses elementary areas at two different scales. One is the traditional representative elementary area (REA), which includes a sufficient heterogeneity to typify larger areas, as for measuring field‐scale infiltrability. The other, called an elementary matrix area (EMA), is smaller, but large enough to represent the local infiltrability of soil matrix material, between macropores. When water is applied to the land surface, each EMA absorbs water up to the rate of its matrix infiltrability. Excess water flows into a macropore, becoming preferential flow. The land surface then can be represented by a mesoscale (EMA‐scale) distribution of matrix infiltrabilities. Total preferential flow at a given depth is the sum of contributions from all EMAs. Applying the model, one case study with multi‐year field measurements of both preferential and diffuse fluxes at a specific depth was used to obtain parameter values by inverse calculation. The results quantify the preferential–diffuse partition of flow from individual storms that differed in rainfall amount, intensity, antecedent soil water, and other factors. Another case study provided measured values of matrix infiltrability to estimate parameter values for comparison and illustrative predictions. These examples give a self‐consistent picture from the combination of parameter values, directions of sensitivities, and magnitudes of differences caused by different variables. One major practical use of this model is to calculate the dependence of preferential flow on climate‐related factors, such as varying soil wetness and rainfall intensity.
Enhanced power production from microbial fuel cells with high cell density culture
Authors: Zhai Dan-Dan , Li Bing , Sun Jian-Zhong , Sun De-Zhen , Si Rong-Wei , Yong Yang-Chun
Published: February 2016

Improvement of power production in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a high cell density culture strategy was developed. By using high cell density culture, the voltage output and power density output of the MFC were enhanced about 0.6 and 1.6 times compared to the control, respectively. Further analysis showed that riboflavin concentration in the MFC was dramatically increased from 0.1 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L by high cell density culture. Moreover, the biofilm formation on the anode surface was significantly enhanced by this new strategy. The increased accumulation of electron shuttle (riboflavin) as well as enhanced biofilm formation contributed to the improvement in anodic electrochemical activity and these factors were the underlying mechanism for MFC performance improvement by high cell density culture. This work demonstrated that high cell density culture would be a simple and practical strategy for MFC manipulation.
Learning in One-to-One Laptop Environments
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Warschauer Mark , Lin Chin-Hsi , Chang Chi
Published: February 2016

Over the past decade, the number of one-to-one laptop programs in schools has steadily increased. Despite the growth of such programs, there is little consensus about whether they contribute to improved educational outcomes. This article reviews 65 journal articles and 31 doctoral dissertations published from January 2001 to May 2015 to examine the effect of one-to-one laptop programs on teaching and learning in K–12 schools. A meta-analysis of 10 studies examines the impact of laptop programs on students’ academic achievement, finding significantly positive average effect sizes in English, writing, mathematics, and science. In addition, the article summarizes the impact of laptop programs on more general teaching and learning processes and perceptions as reported in these studies, again noting generally positive findings.
Streptomyces: isolation, optimization of culture conditions and extraction of secondary metabolites
Authors: Khattab Ahmed I. , Babiker Eltahir H. , Saeed Humodi A.
Published: February 2016

The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Streptomyces from soil sediments as well as to optimize cultural growth conditions for maximum antibacterial productivity. A total of fifty soil sediments were collected from Red Sea, Sudan. The soil sediments were pretreated and cultivated on agar medium. Promising Streptomyces spp. were isolated by agar overlay method using indicator organisms. Optimization of chemical and physical culture conditions was carried out. The later was judged by assessment of antibacterial activity. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the secondary metabolite compounds. The separation of the active ingredients was performed using both thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results revealed nine strains of Streptomyces. Of them two (PS1 and PS28) isolates exhibited high activity against pathogenic bacteria. The optimum growth conditions were pH 7.5, temperature at 30°C, soyabean concentration 2.5 g/l, incubation period in 7 days, MgSO4.7H2O conc. 1g/l and K2HPO4 conc. 2.5g/l. TLC test showed three and two fragments from metabolites of PS1 and PS28 respectively, while the GC-MS analysis revealed eight and eleven compounds with antibacterial activity of PS1 and PS28 respectively. It is concluded that marine is promising source of secondary metabolites.Khattab et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2016, 5(3): 27-32
Fast and Cheap in the Fall: Phylogenetic determinants of late flowering phenologies in Himalayan Rhododendron
Authors: Hart Robbie , Georgian Elizabeth M. , Salick Jan
Published: February 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Biotic and abiotic pressures affect the beginning and end of phenologies differently, but little is known about how these temporal components may be determined by phylogeny. We tested for phylogenetic signal in the phenological components and related traits among Himalayan Rhododendron species.

METHODS:

We constructed a phylogeny with trnL‐trnL‐trnF, atpH‐I, RPB2‐I (3F‐4R), and ITS 4‐5, and examined it in combination with trait data recorded for a nine‐species assemblage on Mt. Yulong, Yunnan, China.

KEY RESULTS:

Uniquely among phenological traits, ‘last flowering day’ had a significant phylogenetic signal. Last flowering day was latest in the clade with the smallest fruits. A similar association between the end of flowering and reproductive investment existed in data from Flora of China (Wu et al., 2005) for 160 Yunnan Rhododendron species, for which last flowering month was correlated with fruit size.

CONCLUSIONS:

Phylogenetic determinants of last flowering day and fruit size may be driven by limited time for fruit development before the onset of cold temperatures in autumn—a temporal niche that only small‐fruited species can occupy. This strategy is analogous to ‘fast and cheap’ spring ephemerals. More may be gained from late‐phenology studies, both within and among species and across seasons.
My maize and blue brick road to physical organic chemistry in materials
Authors: McNeil Anne J
Published: February 2016

Similar to Dorothy’s journey along the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz, this perspective carves out the path I took from my early childhood fascinations with science through my independent career at the University of Michigan (maize and blue). The influential research projects and mentors are highlighted, including some fortuitous experimental results that drew me into the field of supramolecular chemistry, specifically, and organic materials, broadly. My research group’s efforts toward designing new sensors based on small molecule gelators are described. In particular, I highlight how our design strategy has evolved as we learn more about molecular gelators. This perspective concludes with some predictions about where molecular gels, as well as my personal and professional life, are headed.
Les timbres solistes dans l’orchestre et leur impact sur l’évolution de l’orchestration dans les concertos de Beethoven
Authors: Rakochi Vadim , Meeùs Nicolas
Published: February 2016

L’analyse de l’orchestration des concertos pour piano de Beethoven fait apparaître une évolution extrêmement rapide. Elle est abordée ici sous un angle négligé par les ouvrages usuels, le rôle soliste que prennent les instruments de l’orchestre dans les concertos pour piano. Chacun des cinq concertos est passé en revue. On y constate le rôle soliste croissant de la clarinette, du basson et du duo clarinette-basson, puis des cordes solistes, enfin du cor et des timbales dans le Cinquième concerto. L’orchestration devient déterminante pour la forme des œuvres. Les innovations de Beethoven annoncent plusieurs développements ultérieurs du xix e siècle.
Charles Ives and the Superposition Technique
Authors: Mesquita Marcos
Published: February 2016

Central Park in the Dark et The Unanswered Question du compositeur nord-américain Charles Ives présentent des structurations temporelles qui se fondent sur procédures de superposition, lesquelles demandent des approches analytiques spécifiques. L’article présente une contribution dans ce contexte et situe les œuvres d’un point de vue historique et esthétique.
Chaotic Liquid State Machine
Authors: Aoun Mario Antoine , Boukadoum Mounir
Published: February 2016

The authors implement a Liquid State Machine composed from a pool of chaotic spiking neurons. Furthermore, a synaptic plasticity mechanism operates on the connection weights between the neurons inside the pool. A special feature of the system's classification capability is that it can learn the class of a set of time varying inputs when trained from positive examples only, thus, it is a one class classifier. To demonstrate the applicability of this novel neurocomputing architecture, the authors apply it for Online Signature Verification.
Modelling Factors Affecting Patient-Doctor-Computer Communication in Primary Care
Authors: Assis-Hassid Shiri , Heart Tsipi , Reychav Iris , Pliskin Joseph S.
Published: February 2016

This work presents a conceptual model aimed at explaining factors affecting the formation of effective patient-doctor-computer communication at the primary care clinic. The authors define a new construct – patient-doctor-computer communication (PDCC), aimed to replace the traditional concept of dyad patient-doctor communication (PDC). PDC has been characterized as one of the most significant factors affecting healthcare outcomes. To better understand PDCC and its antecedents, the authors integrate theories from the patient-centered care and the Information Systems domains and suggest that the characteristics of the EMR, the user (doctor) and the task determine the doctor's perception of fit between the EMR and the medical task, which in turn positively affects PDCC. The suggested conceptual model contributes to both theory and practice. On the theoretical side, it opens several new research trajectories. For practice, the model implies that there is a need for a tighter collaboration between experts from both the information systems and medicine domains in designing EMR systems that are aligned with and support the medical task at hand.
IL-10+ Innate-like B Cells Are Part of the Skin Immune System and Require α4β1 Integrin To Migrate between the Peritoneum and Inflamed Skin
Authors: Geherin Skye A. , Gómez Daniela , Glabman Raisa A. , Ruthel Gordon , Hamann Alf , Debes Gudrun F.
Published: February 2016

The skin is an important barrier organ and frequent target of autoimmunity and allergy. In this study, we found innate-like B cells that expressed the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the skin of humans and mice. Unexpectedly, innate-like B1 and conventional B2 cells showed differential homing capacities with peritoneal B1 cells preferentially migrating into the inflamed skin of mice. Importantly, the skin-homing B1 cells included IL-10–secreting cells. B1 cell homing into the skin was independent of typical skin-homing trafficking receptors and instead required α4β1-integrin. Moreover, B1 cells constitutively expressed activated β1 integrin and relocated from the peritoneum to the inflamed skin and intestine upon innate stimulation, indicating an inherent propensity to extravasate into inflamed and barrier sites. We conclude that innate-like B cells migrate from central reservoirs into skin, adding an important cell type with regulatory and protective functions to the skin immune system.
Dendritic Cells Regulate GPR34 through Mitogenic Signals and Undergo Apoptosis in Its Absence
Authors: Jäger Elisabeth , Schulz Angela , Lede Vera , Lin Chen-Ching , Schöneberg Torsten , Le Duc Diana
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specifically equipped with the G protein–coupled receptor 34 (GPR34). Tight regulation of GPR34 gene expression seems highly important for proper immunological functions, because the absence of this receptor leads to an alteration of the immune response, whereas overexpression was reported to be involved in neuroinflammation. However, the regulatory mechanism of GPR34 expression has not yet been investigated. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing analysis from spleens and DCs of GPR34 knockout and wild-type mice, combined with protein–protein interaction data, revealed functional modules affected by the absence of this receptor. Among these, NF-κB, MAPK, and apoptosis-signaling pathways showed high significance. Using murine DCs we experimentally show that NF-κB and MAPK pathways are involved in the downregulation of GPR34. DCs lacking GPR34 have a higher caspase-3/7 activity and increased apoptosis levels. Our study reveals a novel role of GPR34 in the fate of DCs and identifies a regulatory mechanism that could be relevant for treatment of GPR34-overexpressing pathologies, such as neuroinflammatory or cancer conditions.
Flt3 Ligand Regulates the Development of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Fetal and Adult Mice
Authors: Baerenwaldt Anne , von Burg Nicole , Kreuzaler Matthias , Sitte Selina , Horvath Edit , Peter Annick , Voehringer David , Rolink Antonius G. , Finke Daniela
Published: February 2016

Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) promotes survival of lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow and differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs), but its role in regulating innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) during fetal and adult life is not understood. By using Flt3L knockout and transgenic mice, we demonstrate that Flt3L controls ILC numbers by regulating the pool of α4β7− and α4β7+ lymphoid tissue inducer cell progenitors in the fetal liver and common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow. Deletion of flt3l severely reduced the number of fetal liver progenitors and lymphoid tissue inducer cells in the neonatal intestine, resulting in impaired development of Peyer’s patches. In the adult intestine, NK cells and group 2 and 3 ILCs were severely reduced. This effect occurred independently of DCs as ILC numbers were normal in mice in which DCs were constitutively deleted. Finally, we could show that administration of Flt3L increased the number of NKp46− group 3 ILCs in wild-type and even in Il7−/− mice, which generally have reduced numbers of ILCs. Taken together, Flt3L significantly contributes to ILC and Peyer’s patches development by targeting lymphoid progenitor cells during fetal and adult life.
Cutting Edge: NFAT Transcription Factors Promote the Generation of Follicular Helper T Cells in Response to Acute Viral Infection
Authors: Martinez Gustavo J. , Hu Joyce K. , Pereira Renata M. , Crampton Jordan S. , Togher Susan , Bild Nicholas , Crotty Shane , Rao Anjana
Published: February 2016

Follicular CD4+ Th (Tfh) cells provide B cell help in germinal center reactions that support class switching, somatic hypermutation, and the generation of high-affinity Abs. In this article, we show that deficiency in NFAT1 and NFAT2 in CD4+ T cells leads to impaired germinal center reactions upon viral infection because of reduced Tfh cell differentiation and defective expression of proteins involved in T/B interactions and B cell help, including ICOS, PD-1, and SLAM family receptors. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation data suggest that NFAT proteins likely directly participate in regulation of genes important for Tfh cell differentiation and function. NFAT proteins are important TCR and Ca2+-dependent regulators of T cell biology, and in this article we demonstrate a major positive role of NFAT family members in Tfh differentiation.
NK Cell Maturation and Cytotoxicity Are Controlled by the Intramembrane Aspartyl Protease SPPL3
Authors: Hamblet Corinne E. , Makowski Stefanie L. , Tritapoe Julia M. , Pomerantz Joel L.
Published: February 2016

NK cell maturation is critical for normal effector function and the innate immune response to tumors and pathogens. However, the molecular pathways that control NK cell maturation remain largely undefined. In this article, we investigate the role of SPPL3, an intramembrane aspartyl protease, in murine NK cell biology. We find that deletion of SPPL3 in the hematopoietic system reduces numbers of peripheral NK cells, clearance of MHC class I–deficient tumors in vivo, and cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro. This phenotype is concomitant with reduced numbers of CD27+CD11b+ and CD27−CD11b+ NK cells, indicating a requirement for SPPL3 in efficient NK cell maturation. NK cell–specific deletion of SPPL3 results in the same deficiencies, revealing a cell-autonomous role for SPPL3 in these processes. CRISPR/Cas9 genomic editing in murine zygotes was used to generate knockin mice with a catalytically compromised SPPL3 D271A allele. Mice engineered to express only SPPL3 D271A in NK cells phenocopy mice deleted for SPPL3, indicating a requirement for SPPL3 protease activity in NK cell biology. Our results identify SPPL3 as a cell-autonomous molecular determinant of NK cell maturation and expand the role of intramembrane aspartyl proteases in innate immunity.
Enhanced Cytotoxic CD8 T Cell Priming Using Dendritic Cell–Expressing Human Papillomavirus-16 E6/E7-p16INK4 Fusion Protein with Sequenced Anti–Programmed Death-1
Authors: Garcia-Bates Tatiana M. , Kim Eun , Concha-Benavente Fernando , Trivedi Sumita , Mailliard Robbie B. , Gambotto Andrea , Ferris Robert L.
Published: February 2016

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has increased in recent decades, though HPV prevention vaccines may reduce this rise in the future. HPV-related cancers express the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. The latter inactivates the tumor suppressor protein retinoblastoma (Rb), which leads to the overexpression of p16INK4 protein, providing unique Ags for therapeutic HPV-specific cancer vaccination. We developed potential adenoviral vaccines that express a fusion protein of HPV-16 E6 and E7 (Ad.E6E7) alone or fused with p16 (Ad.E6E7p16) and also encoding an anti–programmed death (PD)-1 Ab. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) transduced with Ad.E6E7 or Ad.E6E7p16 with or without Ad.αPD1 were used to activate autologous CD8 CTL in vitro. CTL responses were tested against naturally HPV-infected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells using IFN-γ ELISPOT and [51Cr]release assay. Surprisingly, stimulation and antitumor activity of CTL were increased after incubation with Ad.E6E7p16-transduced DC (DC.E6E7p16) compared with Ad.E6E7 (DC.E6E7), a result that may be due to an effect of p16 on cyclin-dependent kinase 4 levels and IL-12 secretion by DC. Moreover, the beneficial effect was most prominent when anti–PD-1 was introduced during the second round of stimulation (after initial priming). These data suggest that careful sequencing of Ad.E6E7.p16 with Ad.αPD1 could improve antitumor immunity against HPV-related tumors and that p16 may enhance the immunogenicity of DC, through cyclin-dependent pathways, Th1 cytokine secretion, and by adding a nonviral Ag highly overexpressed in HPV-induced cancers.
The Emerging Importance of IgG Fab Glycosylation in Immunity
Authors: van de Bovenkamp Fleur S. , Hafkenscheid Lise , Rispens Theo , Rombouts Yoann
Published: February 2016

Human IgG is the most abundant glycoprotein in serum and is crucial for protective immunity. In addition to conserved IgG Fc glycans, ∼15–25% of serum IgG contains glycans within the variable domains. These so-called “Fab glycans” are primarily highly processed complex-type biantennary N-glycans linked to N-glycosylation sites that emerge during somatic hypermutation. Specific patterns of Fab glycosylation are concurrent with physiological and pathological conditions, such as pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. With respect to function, Fab glycosylation can significantly affect stability, half-life, and binding characteristics of Abs and BCRs. Moreover, Fab glycans are associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of IVIgs. Consequently, IgG Fab glycosylation appears to be an important, yet poorly understood, process that modulates immunity.
NK Cell Proportion and Number Are Influenced by Genetic Loci on Chromosomes 8, 9, and 17
Authors: Pelletier Adam-Nicolas , Guilbault Lorie , Guimont-Desrochers Fanny , Hillhouse Erin E. , Lesage Sylvie
Published: February 2016

NK cells play a crucial role in innate immunity due to their direct cytotoxicity toward tumors, virally infected cells, and stressed cells, and they also contribute to the orchestration of the adaptive response by their ability to produce immunoregulatory cytokines. In secondary lymphoid organs, NK cells compose the third most abundant lymphocyte subset after T cells and B cells. In this study, we perform an unbiased linkage analysis to determine the genetic loci that may limit the size of the NK cell compartment. Specifically, we exploit differences in NK cell proportion and absolute number between the C57BL/6 and the NOD mice. In addition to the previously identified linkage to chromosome 8, we find that a locus on chromosome 17, which encompasses the MHC locus, impacts NK cell number. Moreover, we identify a locus on mouse chromosome 9 that is strongly linked to the proportion and absolute number of NK cells. Using NOD congenic mice, we validate that both the MHC and the chromosome 9 loci influence the proportion and absolute number of NK cells. We have thus identified additional loci specifically linked to the proportion of NK cells and present some of the potential candidate genes comprised within these loci.
Paleoclimate in continental northwestern Europe during the Eemian and Early-Weichselian (125–97 ka): insights from a Belgian speleothem
Authors: Vansteenberge Stef , Verheyden Sophie , Cheng Hai , Edwards Lawrence R. , Keppens Eddy , Claeys Philippe
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The Last Interglacial serves as an excellent time interval for studying climate dynamics during past warm periods. Speleothems have been successfully used for reconstructing the paleoclimate of Last Interglacial continental Europe. However, all previously investigated speleothems are restricted to southern Europe or the Alpine region, leaving large parts of northwestern Europe undocumented. To better understand regional climate changes over the past, a larger spatial coverage of European Last Interglacial speleothems is essential. Here, we present new, high-resolution data from a stalagmite (Han-9) obtained from the Han-sur-Lesse cave in Belgium. The Han-9 formed between 125.3 and ~97 ka, with interruptions of growth occurring at 117.3–112.9 ka and 106.6–103.6 ka. The speleothem was investigated for its growth, morphology and stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) content. Speleothem formation within the Last Interglacial started relatively late in Belgium, as this is the oldest sample of that time period found so far, dated at 125.3 ka. Other European continental archives suggest that Eemian optimum conditions were already present during that time, therefore it appears that the initiation of the Han-9 growth is caused by an increase in moisture availability, linked to wetter conditions around 125.3 ka. The δ13C and δ18O proxies indicate a period of relatively stable conditions after 125.3 ka, however at 120 ka the speleothem δ18O registered the first signs of regionally changing climate conditions, being a modification of ocean source δ18O linked to an increase in ice volume towards the MIS 5e-5d transition. The end of the Eemian is marked by drastic vegetation changes recorded in the speleothem δ13C at 117.5 ka, immediately followed by a stop in speleothem growth at 117.3 ka, suggesting that climate became significantly dryer. The Han-9 record covering the Early-Weichselian displays larger amplitudes in both the isotope proxies and the stalagmite morphology, evidencing increased variability compared to the Eemian. Greenland Stadials are recognized in the Han-9 and the chronology is consistent with other European (speleothem) records. Greenland Stadial 25 is reflected as a cold/dry period within the stable isotope proxies and the second interruption in speleothem growth occurs simultaneously with Greenland Stadial 24.
Response of a low-subsiding intracratonic basin to long wavelength deformations: the Palaeocene–early Eocene period in the Paris Basin
Authors: Briais J. , Guillocheau F. , Lasseur E. , Robin C. , Châteauneuf J. J. , Serrano O.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The uppermost Cretaceous to early Palaeogene is a period of major deformations of the western part of the Eurasian plate with prominent basin inversions starting from the Coniacian onwards. These deformations occur in a complex geodynamic setting within both the context of the Africa–Eurasia convergence and the North Atlantic opening. While Mesozoic graben inversions have been extensively studied, particularly in Eastern Europe and the North Sea, more gentle deformations that affect thicker crust areas (intracratonic basins and emerged lands) are not as well documented. The objective of this study is to constrain the exact timing, type, and magnitude of the early Palaeogene deformations affecting the intracratonic Paris Basin and to integrate them at the western European scale. Low-amplitude deformations are attempted through a high-resolution reconstitution of its stratigraphic record based on well-dated outcrops and well-dated wells, and a high number of well-logs that are correlated using the “stacking pattern” sequence stratigraphic technique. Two orders of sequences are identified (third and fourth order) and correlated throughout the basin. Basin geometric and palaeogeographic reconstitutions are based on sediment thickness and facies analysis. Two-dimensional accommodation space measurements were taken in order to quantify the magnitude of the deformations. Three phases of deformation were recognized. 1. An intra-Maastrichtian–pre-Thanetian (59 Ma) deformation, with major uplift and erosion of the Cretaceous strata with two sub-periods of deformation: Maastrichtian–pre-middle-Danian and Upper Danian–pre-Thanetian long-wavelength deformations. This period of major deformation is coeval with Upper Cretaceous/pre-Danian compressive deformations linked to the Africa–Eurasia convergence in southern France and with volcanic activity from the North Atlantic to Massif Central and the Rhenish Shield during the Palaeocene. 2. An early Ypresian (55.1–54.3 Ma) medium-wavelength deformation ( ×  10 km), here reported to be a stress rearrangement related to the onset of the North Atlantic opening. 3. An uppermost Ypresian (49.8 Ma) long-wavelength deformation ( ×  100 km), contemporaneous with flexural compressive deformations in the Aquitaine Basin (Pyrenean deformation), and related to the Iberia–Eurasia convergence.
Free Riding on Energy Efficiency Subsidies: The Case of Natural Gas Furnaces in Canada
Authors: Rivers Nicholas , Shiell Leslie
Published: February 2016

We assess the extent to which subsidies for home energy efficiency improvements in Canada have been paid to households that would have undertaken the improvements anyway—the so-called free rider rate. We focus on forced-air natural gas furnaces, replaced between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2011, under both federal and provincial subsidy programs as well as the 2009 federal Home Renovation Tax Credit. Our results indicate that around 50 percent of expenditures under the Canadian subsidy and tax credit programs represented free riding. In the long run, our estimates suggest that over 80 percent of grant recipients would have chosen an identical furnace at the time of replacement. We estimate that the cost effectiveness of the programs in terms of greenhouse gas reduced was between $70 and $110/t CO2, depending on the assumptions made. Further, we find that a substantial majority of the grants were received by middle- and high-income households, such that the grant had a regressive effect on the distribution of income. We conclude that such grants are not an optimal way to improve residential energy efficiency.
ДЕЛЬТАТРАЗ ДУСААЛГЫН (ПУР-ОН) БЭЛДМЭЛИЙГ БЭЛЧЭЭРИЙН ХАЧИГТ ТУРШСАН ДҮН
Authors: Амгаланбаатар T. , Мягмарсүрэн П. , Батцэцэг Б. , Баттөр Б.
Published: February 2016

Импортыг орлохуйц, малын гадна шимэгчийн эсрэг өндөр үйлчилгээтэй байгаль, мал амьтанд ээлтэй акарицид, инсектицид үйлдэл бүхий эмийн бэлдмэл гаргах шаардлагад үндэслэн Молекул генетикийн лабораторит дусаалга (пур-он) хэлбэрийн гадна шимэгчийн эсрэг бэлдмэлийн технологийг боловсруулж, Дельтатраз гэж нэрлэсэн. Дельтатраз бэлдмэлийн хачгийн эсрэг үйлчилгээг Dermacentor nuttalli, Dermacentor daghestanicus, Hyalomma asiaticum зүйл хачигуудад туршин тогтоолоо.Лабораторийн нөхцөлд дельтатраз пур-он бэлдмэлээр үйлчлэхэд 10 минутын дараагаас хачгийн хөдөлгөөний идэвхи эрс буурч, 72 цагийн дараа хачгийг 100% үхүүлж байв. Малд ассан, цус сорсон Dermacentor nuttalli хачгийн эсрэг үйлчилгээний идэвхийг байгалийн нөхцөлд хачигтсан хонь, ямаанд туршиж үзэхэд Дельтатразад 83.3%, Экотраз (хяналтын бүлэг) 76.4% -ийн үр дүн тус тус үзүүлэв. Тэмээнд дээрх бэлдмэлийг туршихад Dermacentor daghestanicus, Hyalomma asiaticum хачгийн эсрэг идэвхийг тогтоох зорилгоор уг хачгуудаар хачигтсан  тэмээнд туршихад Дельтатраз 81.2%, Экотраз 80.3% үр дүнтэй байлаа.
ЗҮҮН ГАРЫН ГОЁО /CYNOMORIUM SONGARICUM/- НЫ ХОРОН ЧАНАР, ХИМИЙН НЭГДЛИЙГ СУДАЛСАН ДҮН
Authors: Уудамсайхан Г. , Болормаа П. , Дэлгэрмөрөн Д.
Published: February 2016

Сүүлийн жилүүдэд уламжлалт анагаах ухааны амьтан, ургамал, эрдсийн гаралтай эмийг хэрэглэх,  ялангуяа байгалийн гаралтай эмт бодис, ургамлын эм, бэлдмэлийг хэрэглэхэд дэлхий нийтээрээ ихээхэн анхаарах боллоо.Эмийн ургамал нь найрлагандаа макро, микро элемент, сахар, өөх тос, уураг, амин хүчил, органик хүчил, витамин гэх мэт хүн, мал амьтны бие махбодид зайлшгүй шаардлагатай эмчилгээний үйлдэл үзүүлж чадахуйц биологийн идэвхит нэгдлүүдийг агуулаад зогсохгүй тэжээлийн чухал ач холбогдолтой байдаг учраас  нийлэгжүүлэх аргаар гаргаж авсан эмийн бодистой харьцуулахад хүн амьтны бие махбодыг хордуулах үйлдэл нь бага, эмгэгшсэн махбодид олон чиглэлээр эерэг үйлдэл үзүүлдэгээрээ давуу юм.Иймээс эмийн ургамал дахь биологийн идэвхт нэгдлүүд нь байдлаараа  бие махбодын тодорхой эд,  эс, эрхтэн тогтолцооны биохими, физиологийн үйл ажиллагаанд шууд ба шууд бус замаар нөлөөлөн бие махбодид явагдаж буй эмгэг явцыг илааршуулан эрүүлжүүлэх нөлөөтэй байдаг.