bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La situación, evolución y composición de las familias vulnerables y su socialización primaria en Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Authors: Jurado Montelongo Mario Alberto
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se intenta presentar los desafíos que enfrentan los actores sociales en cuanto a la socialización de los niños y adolescentes en una ciudad fronteriza como Matamoros. Para ello se toma en cuenta la situación, evolución y composición de las familias que habitan ahí. Se analizan principalmente los efectos generados en el contexto de la familia cuando el padre se ausenta, y se reestructuran los roles familiares entre los miembros, que asumen las responsabilidades de éste; cuando ambos cónyuges tienen un trabajo extradoméstico o cuando las familias son monoparentales. La repercusión de la acción de los agentes socializadores es débil, pues está contextualizada en condiciones socioeconómicas locales, que imposibilitan que la familia cumpla en solitario con la función de la socialización.
Vivir en los márgenes del Estado: un estudio en la frontera México-Estados Unidos
Authors: Contreras Velasco Oscar
Published: January 2017

El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar sobre las formas en que se construye la condición marginal de los sujetos sociales frente al Estado y, en particular, explorar su relación con los policías municipales en Tijuana, en la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos. Se discute la idea de que es en los márgenes, entendidos como el límite entre dos países, donde se pueden encontrar con más fuerza las estructuras e instituciones que robustecen la presencia del Estado (Das y Poole 2004). La hipótesis de este trabajo es que la condición marginal de los sujetos se construye a lo largo de su vida, con una conjunción de situaciones de clase y ciudadanía que traspasan la frontera geopolítica, y que se condensan tanto en su experiencia de migración y deportación, como de vida en “la calle”, y que es ahondada por la actuación violenta de los policías municipales, como agentes del Estado.
Política de la verticalidad: drones, territorio y población en América Latina
Authors: Arteaga Botello Nelson
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se analiza cómo en América Latina los vehículos aéreos no tripulados o drones introducen una mirada vertical que fusiona capas de información geográfica, social y político-económica en un modelo tridimensional. Esta política de verticalidad –donde el Estado otorga un papel relevante a la mirada desde lo alto, como criterio de observación e intervención sobre espacios y grupos sociales–, introduce criterios novedosos para la gestión de fronteras, el desarrollo de políticas de seguridad y el control de la protesta social. Se muestra cómo los drones no sólo descontextualizan las dinámicas e identidades sociales, sino que las definen como “objetivos” o targets, en una clara exportación y adecuación de las arquitecturas algorítmicas de la guerra a la esfera civil. Una forma particular de establecer un modelo de intervención que busca influir, dirigir, orientar y manipular el medio en el que se encuentran los individuos.
Peligros constantes y cambiantes en la percepción social del paisaje de amenazas en la ciudad de Mexicali
Authors: Ley García Judith , Denegri de Dios Fabiola Maribel , Sánchez Contreras Guadalupe
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se exploraron los cambios ocurridos en la percepción social del paisaje de amenazas en la ciudad de Mexicali, México, en 2006 y 2011. Esto se llevó a cabo mediante la comparación del número y tipo de peligros que los habitantes reportaron en dos encuestas locales. Este ejercicio permitió clasificar los peligros en “constantes” y “cambiantes”, y también identificar, a través de la observación de su manifestación física en el espacio urbano, las pautas de invisibilidad social, que ameritan ser consideradas en las estrategias de prevención de desastres.
Cuantificación del desempeño económico de los gobiernos locales en México
Authors: Flores Payán Lucio
Published: January 2017

Son diversos los enfoques y perspectivas sobre el desempeño de los gobiernos locales en México, y se han desarrollado formas diferentes para cuantificarlo, sin embargo, hay pocas investigaciones que presentan valoraciones de las tendencias nacionales sobre los cambios en el desempeño, y que se pueden percibir en un análisis comparativo en el tiempo. En el presente trabajo se propone la construcción  de un índice según el enfoque de la teoría de la lógica difusa, que ha permitido obtener elementos para valorar el desempeño de los gobiernos  locales. Se concluye que si bien éstos tienden a mejorar, no existe un patrón definido ni continuidad plena.
De vicarios y obispos. El establecimiento de la diócesis de Tijuana, 1940-1964
Authors: Muñoz Núñez Julio Adrián , Jaimes Martínez Ramiro
Published: January 2017

Durante la segunda mitad del siglo xix y la primera del xx, en Baja California se trató de trasformar a una iglesia católica misional en una diocesana, pero sin éxito. Sin embargo, a partir de la década de 1940 el nuevo vicario y la orden de los Misioneros del Espíritu Santo reorganizaron la estructura eclesial y aprovecharon las trasformaciones sociales, económicas y políticas ocurridas en Baja California. En este trabajo se analizan algunos aspectos del proceso de consolidación institucional de la Iglesia católica en la península, que desembocó en el establecimiento de la diócesis de Tijuana. Para explicarlo se consideran tres factores generales: la organización religiosa y el papel de las asociaciones laicas; el crecimiento demográfico de la zona norte y las relaciones entre el vicariato y las autoridades locales y también las internas.
A Assistência Farmacêutica como direito a preservar
Authors: Do Nascimento Júnior José Miguel
Published: January 2017

No período recente, que vai de 2003 a meados de 2016, o Ministério da Saúde criou, em sua estrutura, uma Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos (SCTIE) e, ligado a ela, um Departamento de Assistência Farmacêutica e Insumos Estratégicos (DAF/SCTIE/MS), dois loci de produção de conhecimento e de políticas públicas voltadas para o acesso ao medicamento e de ciência, tecnologia e inovação em saúde.  O intenso trabalho desenvolvido nesses anos identificou lacunas no processo de gestão das ações de saúde e programas voltados para o acesso aos medicamentos e à assistência farmacêutica, bem como a inexistência de ações que fortalecessem a produção pública de medicamentos e vacinas, que articulasse a necessária formação dos profissionais farmacêuticos para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), que viabilizasse a estruturação e a qualificação da Assistência Farmacêutica (AF). Tais lacunas estavam associadas à significativa fragmentação das ações e das iniciativas direcionadas ao acesso aos medicamentos, representada pela existência de aproximadamente vinte e três programas distintos que tratavam com medicamentos, com financiamentos também fragmentados e extemporâneos, com elencos de medicamentos sobrepostos e com gestão não articulada. No campo do acesso aos medicamentos, caso a redução do financiamento ou a diminuição do "tamanho do SUS" sejam concretizados, programas e projetos da AF correm riscos de serem esvaziados, comprometidos ou encerrados, prejudicando toda a população que tem no SUS sua principal ou única fonte de acesso. Neste momento crucial em que vive a sociedade brasileira, somente com o fortalecimento do SUS enquanto política pública, dotando-o de orçamento suficiente e com fonte estável, poderão, juntos, os governos Federal, estaduais e municipais cumprir a missão de levar serviços de saúde com qualidade a toda população brasileira.
Annotation of the medical images using quick response codes
Authors: Kazakevicūtė-Januskevicienė Girūta , Usinskas Andrius , Januskevicius Eugenijus , Usinskienė Jurgita , Letautienė Simona
Published: January 2017

The article proposes a novel annotating method of sufficient capacity and
intended not only on-line but for off-line using for information preservation
all advantages of two-dimensional barcodes. The semantic annotations are
embedded directly into the reasonably chosen area of the image and bound by
spatial identifiers with corresponding regions. The embedding method deals
with the different quality requirements of the regions. Two-dimensional QR
codes are used as the physical carrier of the annotation, providing the
industrial grade for information detection, resilience and error correction
capabilities. The annotation is distributed in a series of QR codes for
efficient use of the available space. The results reveal that the spatial
domain based technique is faster and has higher data embedding capacity than
JPEG 2000 based. The amount of embedded information preserving the acceptable
image quality in both proposed embedding cases is higher the average length
of the presented original descriptions.
Egypt’s Role in the Origins of Science: An Essay in Aligning Conditions, Evidence and Interpretations
Authors: Warburton David A.
Published: January 2017

The author argues that the evidence of observation in Egyptian third millennium BCE medicine and astronomy should allow ancient Egypt an important place in the history of science. The argument is primarily based on the absence of evidence of scientific observation in Mesopotamia preceding the Egyptian material, which renders the Egyptian observations of the movements of celestial bodies and trauma the earliest signs of science. While assigning “predictions” and “mathematical astronomy” a more important place, Assyriologists also date what they can document to long after the Egyptian observations and predictions, highlighting the chronological precedence of Egypt. Furthermore, the author stresses a complicated discourse involving the exchange of ideas that was ultimately stymied by the growing importance of religion and magic. Yet the development was not as linear as the usual versions suggest.
Hand Hygiene: Do we follow it seriously?
Authors: Baral R
Published: January 2017

The importance of hand hygiene was highlighted in the nineteenth century during the first trial done by Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis, an obstetrician practicing in Vienna, now known as an early pioneer of antiseptic procedures. He was able to reduce maternal mortality rate in his hospital by 90% by just applying the protocol of washing hands in chlorinated lime solution before examining the patients. Semmelweis's hypothesis was largely ignored, rejected, or ridiculed. He was dismissed from the hospital for political reasons and harassed by the medical community in Vienna, being eventually forced to move to Budapest. Semmelweis's practice earned widespread acceptance, when Louise Pasteur confirmed the germ theory and Joseph Lister, pioneered antiseptic surgery. Lister practiced and operated using hygienic methods with great success.There are many national and international guidelines which emphasize the practice of hand hygiene in reducing the incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAI). With all the evidence of decreasing the HAIs the practice of hand hygiene compliance should have been a 100% in all healthcare facilities. However, various studies done in different countries show that the compliance of hand hygiene amongst the healthcare workers is not satisfactory, ranging only 40 to 50% even in the developed nations.Why Not?Inaccessible hand washing facilities: This is one of the major factors due to which the compliance to wash hands is compromised.Wearing Gloves: The misconception amongst the healthcare workers that wearing gloves will prevent transmission of germs is another major factor.Scepticism about the value of hand hygiene: CMEs, lectures, demonstrations and evidence based studies on hand hygiene should be kept in top priority to disseminate the knowledge which will reduce the scepticism.Lack of concept of IPAC, motivation and role model: Many healthcare centres do not have IPAC committee; hence the concept of IPAC is not present in these facilities. If a healthcare worker is not motivated to wash hands she/he will never do it. This is a human behaviour.Being a physician: Last but the most important point is: Do the physicians, the leaders in any healthcare facilities practice correct hand hygiene?Yes to Hand Hygiene:Widely accessible hand washing facilities or Alcohol based hand rub.Multifaceted approach to improve the hand hygiene like CME, training, feedback.Financial incentives, praises from the administrative level.Reminders like posters and pamphlets in the workplace to wash hands.In an era of multi-resistant bacteria, it is now time to implement national IPAC guidelines, create IPAC committees in every healthcare facility, and organize more trainings, CMEs and demonstrations to all healthcare workers. If these measures are not taken in time we may have the MDR organisms engulfing our wards which will definitely increase the healthcare cost as well as morbidity and mortality.
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia- the story evolves
Authors: Pradhan SV , Sharan P
Published: January 2017

Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is preneoplastic lesion described from early of this 20th century. PIN includes a spectrum of features ranging from low grade to high grade neoplasia. The studies are focused on their influence to predict the occurence of prostatic carcinoma. This review analyses the various development in the identification and differentiation of PIN and their clinical implication.
Etiological study of microcytic hypochromic anemia
Authors: Kafle S , Lakhey M
Published: January 2017

Background: Microcytic hypochromic anemia is a distinct morphologic subtype of anemia with well- de ned etiology and treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the etiology and frequency of microcytic hypochromic anemia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. One hundred cases of microcytic hypochromic anemia were included. Relevant clinical history, hemogram, reticulocyte count, iron pro les were documented in a proforma. Bone marrow aspiration and hemoglobin electrophoresis was conducted when required. Data was analysed by Microsoft SPSS 16 windows. Result: Iron de ciency was the commonest etiology (49%). Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (20.8%) was the commonest cause of iron de ciency, malignancy (24.3%) was the commonest cause of anemia of chronic disease. Mean value of Mean Corpuscular Volume was lowest in hemolytic anemia (71.0 ). Mean Red cell Distribution Width was normal (14.0%) in hemolytic anemia but was raised in other types. Mean serum iron was reduced in iron de ciency anemia (32.2μg/dl) and chronic disease (34.8μg/dl), normal in hemolytic anemia (83μg/dl) and raised in sideroblastic anemia (295μg/dl). Mean serum ferritin was reduced in iron de ciency anemia (7.6ng/ml), raised in chronic disease (158.6ng/ml) and normal in hemolytic anemia (99.2ng/ml). Serum ferritin was normal in sideroblastic anemia (93ng/ml). Mean Total Iron Binding Capacity was raised in iron de ciency anemia (458μg/dl) and normal in other microcytic hypochromic anemias. Conclusion: Diagnosis of microcytic hypochromic anemia requires a standardized approach which includes clinical details, hemogram, peripheral blood smear, reticulocyte count, iron pro le, hemoglobin electrophoresis and bone marrow examination.
A novel multi-band broadband antenna for mobile handsets applications
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chang , Chen I-Fong , Peng Chia-Mei , Hsue Ching-Wen , Jiang Zong-Han , Liao Heng-Yi
Published: January 2017

A novel multi-band broadband antenna for mobile handsets application is proposed and analyzed in this paper. An asymmetric T-type monopole antenna with a shorting-line is designed to be operated in long term evolution (LTE, 698 MHz-960 MHz, 1710 MHz-2170 MHz, 2500 MHz-2690 MHz) and wireless local area network (WLAN, IEEE 802.11ac, 5150 MHz-5850 MHz) bands. A prototype of the proposed antenna with 50 mm in length and 8 mm in width is fabricated and investigated experimentally. The experimental results indicate that the bandwidths for VSWR of 3:1 achieved were 37.75%, 24.63%, 11.46% and 21.76% at 800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2600 MHz and 5500 MHz, respectively. The specific absorption rate (SAR) for an input power of 24 dBm in LTE band, and an input power of 13 dBm in IEEE 802.11ac band meet the SAR limit of 1.6 mW/g. Experimental results verify the prediction of the theoretical analysis.
Strain response based finite element model updating by using response surface method
Authors: Fu Xin , Xie Shilin , Li Jian , Zhu Changchun , Zhang Xinong
Published: January 2017

The strain (or stress) responses of structures are generally of primary concern because they can provide an important reference to the assessment of structure failure modes as well recognized. The response surface method (RSM) is employed in strain response-based finite element model updating in the paper. The model updating procedures are outlined and the approach is then applied to a simply supported beam model. In addition, the traditional updating method (sensitivity-based method) is compared with the RSM method. The results show that response surface models can accurately reflect the relationships between design parameters and characteristic quantities and thus possesses better strain response correction performance than the traditional method. Besides that, the RSM based model updating by modifying boundary conditions is conducted, which is difficult to achieve with the sensitivity-based method. The model updating based on measured data validates the effectiveness and accuracy of the present method.
Oxidative Stress and Ageing: The Influence of Environmental Pollution, Sunlight and Diet on Skin
Authors: Naidoo Khimara , Birch-Machin Mark
Published: January 2017

Skin ageing is a complex process that is determined by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which leads to a progressive loss of structure and function. There is extensive evidence indicating that oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the process of human skin ageing. Mitochondria are the major source of cellular oxidative stress and are widely implicated in cutaneous ageing. Extrinsic skin ageing is driven to a large extent by environmental factors and external stressors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR), pollution and lifestyle factors which have been shown to stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species and generate oxidative stress. The oxidative damage from these exogenous sources can impair skin structure and function, leading to the phenotypic features of extrinsic skin ageing. The following review highlights the current evidence surrounding the role of mitochondria and oxidative stress in the ageing process and the influence of environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution and diet on skin ageing.
High-Speed Non-Volatile Optical Memory: Achievements and Challenges
Authors: Zayets Vadym
Published: January 2017

We have proposed, fabricated, and studied a new design of a high-speed optical non-volatile memory. The recoding mechanism of the proposed memory utilizes a magnetization reversal of a nanomagnet by a spin-polarized photocurrent. It was shown experimentally that the operational speed of this memory may be extremely fast above 1 TBit/s. The challenges to realize both a high-speed recording and a high-speed reading are discussed. The memory is compact, integratable, and compatible with present semiconductor technology. If realized, it will advance data processing and computing technology towards a faster operation speed.
Exploring the Behaviour of Long Gamma-Ray Bursts with Intrinsic Afterglow Correlations: log L200s−α>200s
Authors: Oates Samantha , Racusin Judith , De Pasquale Massimilliano , Kocevski Daniel , Page Mathew , Castro-Tirado Alberto , Gorosabel Javier , Smith Philip , Breeveld Alice , Kuin Paul
Published: January 2017

In these proceedings, we summarise the exploration so far of the relationship between the afterglow luminosity (measured at rest frame 200s; log L 200 s ) and average afterglow decay rate (measured from rest frame 200s onwards, α > 200 s ) of long duration Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs), first reported in the optical/UV light curves of GRB afterglows. We show that this correlation is also present in the X-ray afterglows of GRBs as observed by Swift-XRT. We explore how the parameters of the correlation observed in both the X-ray and optical/UV light curves relate to each other and the prompt emission phase and whether these correlations are consistent with predictions of the standard afterglow model. We find that the observed correlations are consistent with a common underlying physical mechanism producing GRBs and their afterglows regardless of the detailed temporal behaviour. However, a basic afterglow model has difficulty explaining all the observed correlations. This leads us to briefly discuss alternative more complex models.
Molecular Signals in Nodulation Control
Authors: Gresshoff Peter , Ferguson Brett
Published: January 2017

Our world is facing major problems relating to food production. According to an August 30, 2015 program of LANDLINE (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia),we lose 120,000,000 hectares of agricultural land per year due to population growth, associated urbanisation, and desertiﬁcation.
Direct Inkjet Printing of Silver Source/Drain Electrodes on an Amorphous InGaZnO Layer for Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Ning Honglong , Chen Jianqiu , Fang Zhiqiang , Tao Ruiqiang , Cai Wei , Yao Rihui , Hu Shiben , Zhu Zhennan , Zhou Yicong , Yang Caigui , Peng Junbiao
Published: January 2017

Printing technologies for thin-film transistors (TFTs) have recently attracted much interest owing to their eco-friendliness, direct patterning, low cost, and roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. Lower production costs could result if electrodes fabricated by vacuum processes could be replaced by inkjet printing. However, poor interfacial contacts and/or serious diffusion between the active layer and the silver electrodes are still problematic for achieving amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (a-IGZO) TFTs with good electrical performance. In this paper, silver (Ag) source/drain electrodes were directly inkjet-printed on an amorphous a-IGZO layer to fabricate TFTs that exhibited a mobility of 0.29 cm2·V−1·s−1 and an on/off current ratio of over 105. To the best of our knowledge, this is a major improvement for bottom-gate top-contact a-IGZO TFTs with directly printed silver electrodes on a substrate with no pretreatment. This study presents a promising alternative method of fabricating electrodes of a-IGZO TFTs with desirable device performance.
Phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae officinalis Polysaccharides Act as Adjuvant via Promoting Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Feng Haibo , McDonough Sean , Fan Jing , Yang Shiping , Zhao Xuelian , Lu Yong , Gan Yun , Yi Xiao , Chang Yung-Fu
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate whether phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae officinalis Kuan polysaccharides (pRCPS) used as adjuvant with foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) can stimulate specific humoral and cellular immune responses in ICR mice. The results demonstrated that pRCPS significantly up-regulated FMDV-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2b and IgG2a antibody levels and splenocyte proliferation. pRCPS also promoted the killing activities of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). In addition, pRCPS enhanced the expression levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ in CD4+ T cells and the level of IFN-γ in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, pRCPS enhanced the expression of MHCII, CD40+, CD86+, and CD80+ in dendritic cells (DCs). This study indicated that phosphorylation modification could increase immune-enhancing activities of RCPS, and pRCPS could promote humoral and cellular immune responses through facilitating DC maturation.
Effect of Carotenoid Supplemented Formula on Carotenoid Bioaccumulation in Tissues of Infant Rhesus Macaques: A Pilot Study Focused on Lutein
Authors: Jeon Sookyoung , Neuringer Martha , Johnson Emily , Kuchan Matthew , Pereira Suzette , Johnson Elizabeth , Erdman John
Published: January 2017

Lutein is the predominant carotenoid in the developing primate brain and retina, and may have important functional roles. However, its bioaccumulation pattern during early development is not understood. In this pilot study, we investigated whether carotenoid supplementation of infant formula enhanced lutein tissue deposition in infant rhesus macaques. Monkeys were initially breastfed; from 1 to 3 months of age they were fed either a formula supplemented with lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and lycopene, or a control formula with low levels of these carotenoids, for 4 months (n = 2/group). All samples were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Final serum lutein in the supplemented group was 5 times higher than in the unsupplemented group. All brain regions examined showed a selective increase in lutein deposition in the supplemented infants. Lutein differentially accumulated across brain regions, with highest amounts in occipital cortex in both groups. β-carotene accumulated, but zeaxanthin and lycopene were undetectable in any brain region. Supplemented infants had higher lutein concentrations in peripheral retina but not in macular retina. Among adipose sites, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue exhibited the highest lutein level and was 3-fold higher in the supplemented infants. The supplemented formula enhanced carotenoid deposition in several other tissues. In rhesus infants, increased intake of carotenoids from formula enhanced their deposition in serum and numerous tissues and selectively increased lutein in multiple brain regions.
Soluble Fibre Meal Challenge Reduces Airway Inflammation and Expression of GPR43 and GPR41 in Asthma
Authors: Halnes Isabel , Baines Katherine , Berthon Bronwyn , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley , Gibson Peter , Wood Lisa
Published: January 2017

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced following the fermentation of soluble fibre by gut bacteria. In animal models, both dietary fibre and SCFAs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via the activation of free fatty acid receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptor 41 and 43 (GPR41 and GPR43). This pilot study examined the acute effect of a single dose of soluble fibre on airway inflammation—including changes in gene expression of free fatty acid receptors—in asthma. Adults with stable asthma consumed a soluble fibre meal (n = 17) containing 3.5 g inulin and probiotics, or a control meal (n = 12) of simple carbohydrates. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured and induced sputum was collected at 0 and 4 h for differential cell counts, measurement of interleukin-8 (IL-8) protein concentration, and GPR41 and GPR43 gene expression. At 4 h after meal consumption, airway inflammation biomarkers, including sputum total cell count, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, sputum IL-8, and eNO significantly decreased compared to baseline in the soluble fibre group only. This corresponded with upregulated GPR41 and GPR43 sputum gene expression and improved lung function in the soluble fibre group alone. Soluble fibre has acute anti-inflammatory effects in asthmatic airways. Long-term effects of soluble fibre as an anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma warrants further investigation.
UAV-Borne Profiling Radar for Forest Research
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Hakala Teemu , Karjalainen Mika , Feng Ziyi , Tang Jian , Litkey Paula , Kukko Antero , Jaakkola Anttoni , Hyyppä Juha
Published: January 2017

Microwave Radar is an attractive solution for forest mapping and inventories because microwave signals penetrates into the forest canopy and the backscattering signal can provide information regarding the whole forest structure. Satellite-borne and airborne imaging radars have been used in forest resources mapping for many decades. However, their accuracy with respect to the main forest inventory attributes substantially varies depending on the wavelength and techniques used in the estimation. Systems providing canopy backscatter as a function of canopy height are, practically speaking, missing. Therefore, there is a need for a radar system that would enable the scientific community to better understand the radar backscatter response from the forest canopy. Consequently, we undertook a research study to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne profiling (i.e., waveform) radar that could be used to improve the understanding of the radar backscatter response for forestry mapping and inventories. A frequency modulation continuous waveform (FMCW) profiling radar, termed FGI-Tomoradar, was introduced, designed and tested. One goal is the total weight of the whole system is less than 7 kg, including the radar system and georeferencing system, with centimetre-level positioning accuracy. Achieving this weight goal would enable the FGI-Tomoradar system to be installed on the Mini-UAV platform. The prototype system had all four linear polarization measuring capabilities, with bistatic configuration in Ku-band. In system performance tests in this study, FGI-Tomoradar was mounted on a manned helicopter together with a Riegl VQ-480-U laser scanner and tested in several flight campaigns performed at the Evo site, Finland. Airborne laser scanning data was simultaneously collected to investigate the differences and similarities of the outputs for the same target area for better understanding the penetration of the microwave signal into the forest canopy. Preliminary analysis confirmed that the profiling radar measures a clear signal from the canopy structure and has substantial potential to improve our understanding of radar forest mapping using the UAV platform.
Initial Provincial Water Rights Dynamic Projection Pursuit Allocation Based on the Most Stringent Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Ge Min , Wu Feng-Ping , You Min
Published: January 2017

Clarification of initial water rights is the basis and prerequisite for a water rights trade-off market and also an effective solution to the problem of water scarcity and water conflicts. According to the new requirements for the most stringent water resources management in China, an initial provincial water rights allocation model is proposed. Firstly, based on analysis of multiple principles for initial provincial water rights allocation including total water use, water use efficiency, water quality of water function zones, regional coordination and sharing, an index system of initial provincial water rights allocation is designed. Secondly, according to dynamic projection pursuit technique, an initial provincial water rights allocation model with the total water use control is set up. Moreover, the self-adaptive chaotic optimization algorithm is applied to tackle the model. Finally, a case study of Taihu Basin is adopted. Considering the multiple scenarios of three different water frequencies (50%, 75% and 90%) and planning year 2030, the empirical results show Jiangsu Province always obtains the most initial water rights. When the developing situation of provinces are given more consideration, Shanghai should acquire more initial water rights than Zhejiang Province; but when the dynamic increment evolving trend of provinces is taken more into account, Shanghai should obtain less initial water rights than Zhejiang Province. The case about Taihu Lake further verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and provides a multiple-scenarios decision making support for entitling the initial water rights with the most stringent water resources management constrains in Taihu Basin.
Estimating the Impact of Drought on Groundwater Resources of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Barkey Brandon , Bailey Ryan
Published: January 2017

Groundwater resources of small coral islands are threatened due to short-term and long-term changes in climate. A significant short-term threat is El Niño events, which typically induce a severe months-long drought for many atoll nations in the western and central Pacific regions that exhausts rainwater supply and necessitates the use of groundwater. This study quantifies fresh groundwater resources under both average rainfall and drought conditions for the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), a nation composed solely of atolls and which is severely impacted by El Niño droughts. The atoll island algebraic model is used to estimate the thickness of the freshwater lens for 680 inhabited and uninhabited islands of the RMI, with a focus on the severe 1998 drought. The model accounts for precipitation, island width, hydraulic conductivity of the upper Holocene-age sand aquifer, the depth to the contact between the Holocene aquifer and the lower Pleistocene-age limestone aquifer, and the presence of a reef flat plate underlying the ocean side of the island. Model results are tested for islands that have fresh groundwater data. Results highlight the fragility of groundwater resources for the nation. Average lens thickness during typical seasonal rainfall is approximately 4 m, with only 30% of the islands maintaining a lens thicker than 4.5% and 55% of the islands with a lens less than 2.5 m thick. Thicker lenses typically occur for larger islands, islands located on the leeward side of an atoll due to lower hydraulic conductivity, and islands located in the southern region of the RMI due to higher rainfall rates. During drought, groundwater on small islands (<300 m in width) is completely depleted. Over half (54%) of the islands are classified as “Highly Vulnerable” to drought. Results provide valuable information for RMI water resources planners, particularly during the current 2016 El Niño drought, and similar methods can be used to quantify groundwater availability for other atoll island nations, including the Federated State of Micronesia, Republic of Maldives, and Republic of Kiribati.
Sensitive detection of hydrocarbon gases using electrochemically Pd-modified ZnO chemiresistors
Authors: Dilonardo Elena , Penza Michele , Alvisi Marco , Cassano Gennaro , Di Franco Cinzia , Palmisano Francesco , Torsi Luisa , Cioffi Nicola
Published: January 2017

Pristine and electrochemically Pd-modified ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) were proposed as active sensing layers in chemiresistive gas sensors for hydrocarbon (HC) gas detection (e.g., CH4, C3H8, C4H10). The presence of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of ZnO NRs, obtained after the thermal treatment at 550 °C, was revealed by morphological and surface chemical analyses, using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The effect of the Pd catalyst on the performance of the ZnO-based gas sensor was evaluated by comparing the sensing results with those of pristine ZnO NRs, at an operating temperature of 300 °C and for various HC gas concentrations in the range of 30–1000 ppm. The Pd-modified ZnO NRs showed a higher selectivity and sensitivity compared to pristine ZnO NRs. The mean sensitivity of Pd-modified ZnO NRs towards the analyzed HCs gases increased with the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the target gas molecule. Finally, the evaluation of the selectivity revealed that the presence or the absence of metal nanoparticles on ZnO NRs improves the selectivity in the detection of specific HCs gaseous molecules.
The Shape Evolution of Galactic Open Clusters from Observations under Galactic External Forces
Authors: Zhai Meng , Abt Helmut , Zhao Gang , Li Chengdong
Published: January 2017

We present the Galactic characteristics of 154 open clusters using the stellar statistics method with data from the WEBDA database. We find that all clusters in our sample are elongated in shape, which indicates that the spherical clusters are stretched out to be ellipsoid as a function of age

. By dividing a cluster into a central core and an outer part, we have computed the apparent ellipticities of these two parts respectively. The scale relations between ellipticities and age indicate that the outer parts of open clusters become more elliptical while the central cores remain circular. We suppose that the outer parts become more elliptical because they are more subjected to the external forces, e.g., Galactic differential rotation, while the central cores form a circular shape under the domination of stellar dynamics. We have also performed an analysis of the crucial influence of cluster mass and location on its shape.
SEARCHING FOR PLANET NINE WITH COADDED WISE AND NEOWISE-REACTIVATION IMAGES
Authors: Meisner Aaron M. , Bromley Benjamin C. , Nugent Peter E. , Schlegel David J. , Kenyon Scott J. , Schlafly Edward F. , Dawson Kyle S.
Published: January 2017

A distant, as yet unseen ninth planet has been invoked to explain various observations of the outer solar system. While such a “Planet Nine,” if it exists, is most likely to be discovered via reflected light in the optical, it may emit much more strongly at 3−5 μm than simple blackbody predictions would suggest, depending on its atmospheric properties. As a result, Planet Nine may be detectable at 3.4 μm with the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, but single exposures are too shallow except at relatively small distances (

au). We develop a method to search for Planet Nine far beyond the W1 single-exposure sensitivity, to distances as large as 800 au, using inertial coadds of W1 exposures binned into ∼1 day intervals. We apply our methodology to a ∼2000 square degree testbed sky region which overlaps a southern segment of Planet Nine’s anticipated orbital path. We do not detect a plausible Planet Nine candidate, but are able to derive a detailed completeness curve, ruling out its presence within the parameter space searched at W1 < 16.66 (90% completeness). Our method uses all publicly available W1 imaging, spanning 2010 January to 2015 December, and will become more sensitive with future NEOWISE-Reactivation releases of additional W1 exposures. We anticipate that our method will be applicable to the entire high Galactic latitude sky, and we will extend our search to that full footprint in the near future.
THE ROLE OF PEBBLE FRAGMENTATION IN PLANETESIMAL FORMATION. I. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Syed M. Bukhari , Blum J. , Jansson K. Wahlberg , Johansen A.
Published: January 2017

Previous work on protoplanetary dust growth shows a halt at centimeter sizes owing to the occurrence of bouncing at velocities of ≳0.1 m s−1 and fragmentation at velocities ≳1 m s−1. To overcome these barriers, spatial concentration of centimeter-sized dust pebbles and subsequent gravitational collapse have been proposed. However, numerical investigations have shown that dust aggregates may undergo fragmentation during the gravitational collapse phase. This fragmentation in turn changes the size distribution of the solids and thus must be taken into account in order to understand the properties of the planetesimals that form. To explore the fate of dust pebbles undergoing fragmenting collisions, we conducted laboratory experiments on dust-aggregate collisions with a focus on establishing a collision model for this stage of planetesimal formation. In our experiments, we analyzed collisions of dust aggregates with masses between 0.7 and 91 g mass ratios between target and projectile from 1 to 126 at a fixed porosity of 65%, within the velocity range of 1.5–8.7 m s−1, at low atmospheric pressure of ∼10−3 mbar, and in free-fall conditions. We derived the mass of the largest fragment, the fragment size/mass distribution, and the efficiency of mass transfer as a function of collision velocity and projectile/target aggregate size. Moreover, we give recipes for an easy-to-use fragmentation and mass-transfer model for further use in modeling work. In a companion paper, we use the experimental findings and the derived dust-aggregate collision model to investigate the fate of dust pebbles during gravitational collapse.
EXPLORING THE HELIUM CORE OF THE δ SCUTI STAR COROT 102749568 WITH ASTEROSEISMOLOGY
Authors: Chen Xinghao , Li Yan , Lin Guifang , Chen Yanhui , Guo Junjun
Published: January 2017

Based on regularities in rotational splitting, we seek possible multiplets for the observed frequencies of CoRoT 102749568. There are 21 sets of multiplets identified, including four sets of multiplets with l = 1, nine sets of multiplets with l = 2, and eight sets of multiplets with l = 3. In particular, there are three complete triplets (f
10, f
12, f
14), (f
31, f
34, f
35), and (f
41, f
43, f
44). The rotational period of CoRoT 102749568 is estimated to be

days. When doing model fittings, three l = 1 modes (f
12, f
34, and f
43) and the radial first overtone f
13 are used. Our results shows that the three nonradial modes (f
12, f
34, and f
43) are mixed modes, which mainly provide constraints on the helium core. The radial first overtone f
13 mainly provides constraint on the stellar envelope. Hence the size of the helium core of CoRoT 102749568 is determined to be

 = 0.148 ± 0.003 M
⊙ and

 = 0.0581 ± 0.0007 R
⊙. The fundamental parameters of CoRoT 102749568 are determined to be M = 1.54 ± 0.03 M
⊙,

,

,

,

K, R = 2.916 ± 0.039 R
⊙, and L = 17.12 ± 1.13 L
⊙.
STRUCTURE, PROPAGATION, AND EXPANSION OF A CME-DRIVEN SHOCK IN THE HELIOSPHERE: A REVISIT OF THE 2012 JULY 23 EXTREME STORM
Authors: Liu Ying D. , Hu Huidong , Zhu Bei , Luhmann Janet G. , Vourlidas Angelos
Published: January 2017

We examine the structure, propagation, and expansion of the shock associated with the 2012 July 23 extreme coronal mass ejection. Characteristics of the shock determined from multi-point imaging observations are compared to in situ measurements at different locations and a complex radio type II burst, which according to our definition has multiple branches that may not all be fundamental-harmonic related. The white-light shock signature can be modeled reasonably well by a spherical structure and was expanding backward even on the opposite side of the Sun. The expansion of the shock, which was roughly self-similar after the first ∼1.5 hr from launch, largely dominated over the translation of the shock center for the time period of interest. Our study also suggests a bow-shock morphology around the nose at later times due to the outward motion in combination with the expansion of the ejecta. The shock decayed and failed to reach Mercury in the backward direction and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory B (STEREO B) and Venus in the lateral directions, as indicated by the imaging and in situ observations. The shock in the nose direction, however, may have persisted to the far outer heliosphere, with predicted impact on Dawn around 06:00 UT on July 25 and on Jupiter around 23:30 UT on July 27 by a magnetohydrodynamic model. The type II burst shows properties generally consistent with the spatial/temporal variations of the shock deduced from imaging and in situ observations. In particular, the low-frequency bands agree well with the in situ measurements of a very low density ahead of the shock at STEREO A.
Corporate Innovation and Intrapreneurship in the Middle East
Authors: Zgheib Philippe W.
Published: January 2017

Corporate Intrapreneurship (CIP) is still viewed in many cases in the Arab region as a western concept that does not apply to the Middle East. Whereas Corporate Intrapreneurship (CIP) has been an area of increased interest in the United States and in Europe in the last few decades, stimulated mainly by the hope that it will revitalize and regenerate the manufacturing industry, among others, in these countries, especially in the face of increased competition, in the Middle East CIP is still a somewhat new and sometimes vague concept with little understanding to its benefits and uses. The objective of this chapter is to link intrapreneurship to the well-developed literature on entrepreneurship, to develop a model that will allow us to incorporate those factors that are critical to the intrapreneurial zone of an organization.
Accelerating Entrepreneurship in MENA Region
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: January 2017

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at a turning point in its development. How MENA region addresses the employment needs of its rapidly increasing population of young people will determine whether the MENA region will become a region characterized by stable, knowledge-based economies that have a dynamic working middle class. Entrepreneurship is considered vital to drive this transition of MENA region. Increased entrepreneurial activities will not only spur job growth but also generate ideas, attract investment and inspire future entrepreneurs to follow footsteps of successful entrepreneurs. This chapter explores the entrepreneurial ecosystem of MENA region. The chapter discusses various challenges and provides specific recommendations to boost entrepreneurial activities in MENA region.
Developing Blue Ocean Strategy in Construction Industries Using an Improved Model of Kano
Authors: Abdolshah Mohammad , Ahmadzadeh Fariborz , Abbaspour Afshin
Published: January 2017

Blue ocean strategy includes a consistent pattern of strategic thinking in the creation of new markets in various industries. This chapter examines how to create a blue ocean and its role in improving the construction industry. This is library research alongwith case study. It has been prepared based on information gathered from articles published in international journals and referring to large and reputable builder companies. In the concept of strategy, “Blue Ocean” is referred to two overall scope of blue and red ocean. In this chapter, we used the Kano method for evaluation and selection of the features in the construction industry and then, through a four-step approach, it was decided what features should be removed, innovated, enhanced or improved. Finally, using improved hybrid model of Kano and the pillars of the blue ocean strategy, we concluded that economic factors and psychological factors that impact on the consumers need investment and more attention.
Criminal Defamation, the Criminalisation of Expression, Media and Information Dissemination in the Digital Age
Authors: Mhiripiri Nhamo A. , Chikakano Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

Criminal defamation and the criminalisation of communication in general often result in severe punishment for the media and other content producers accused and prosecuted for committing such ‘crimes'. There are severe financial penalties involved and /or the incarceration of those who are convicted of breaking the law. This chapter studies the existence and feasibility of criminal defamation in largely contemporary Africa, but also making references to ‘older' democracies in the Western hemisphere. In short, the chapter critiques criminal defamation and the criminalisation of expression, making a strong legal and ethical perspective quite often using empirical materials from the courts. The inception and proliferation of new digital technologies amongst ordinary citizens also means that besides the traditional media or fourth estate, ordinary non-professional communicators are also highly likely to get into trouble over defamation, criminal defamation and other forms of crimes associated with the criminalisation of communication.
Ethical Pitfalls in the Digital Age
Authors: Chari Tendai
Published: January 2017

Using the case study approach, this chapter examines ethical shortfalls confronting the media in the Internet era. The one case is drawn from a story published in The New York Times in 2015, while the other is a story published in a Zimbabwean newspaper, the Daily News. The objective was to broaden knowledge on how the Internet is impacting ethical practices in local and global political environments. The chapter argues that the Internet's architecture predisposes journalists to a host of unethical practices that were uncommon to the legacy media environment. Its immediacy exerts pressure on journalists to publish stories without adequate verification out of the fear of being “scooped” by competitors and citizen journalists who are less constrained to adhere to old-age journalistic ethics such as factual reporting and verification.