bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining factors that shape Technical Vocational Education and Training engineering students’ understanding of their career choices
Authors: Sibiya Anthony T. , Nyembezi Nceba
Published: August 2018

Background: This article seeks to examine factors that shape Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) engineering students’ understanding of their future career choices. Moreover, given the promising and ambitious vision for growth in both TVET and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), as envisaged by the policy framework, White Paper on Post School Education and Training (PSET) aimed at addressing the challenges, amongst others, of youth unemployment. Objectives: The objective of this article is to ascertain factors that inform students’ understanding of their future career prospects. Methods: In this research, qualitative self-administered, open-ended questionnaires were employed as a data collection tool to gather facts about students’ beliefs, feelings and experiences regarding certain engineering programmes and services offered at TVET colleges. Consequently, purposive sampling was utilised to sample 113 engineering participants who voluntarily completed the questionnaires, which were organised to gather the required data. Results: The findings of the study point to divergent views, where some students felt very strongly that TVET engineering qualification leads to full employment because of the demand for this skill, while other students argued that the high rate of unemployment in South Africa is so deep such that even graduates irrespective of qualification are not guaranteed employment in South Africa. Conclusion: Consequently, the researchers believe that the TVET’s learning programmes should be repositioned to articulate as a poor response to poor schooling in relation to labour market, amongst others, to ease school leavers into jobs or self-employment under conditions of widespread youth unemployment.
Annihilators of the Ideal Class Group of a Cyclic Extension of an Imaginary Quadratic Field
Authors: Chapdelaine Hugo , Kučera Radan
Published: August 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the group of elliptic units of a cyclic extension$L$of an imaginary quadratic field$K$such that the degree$[L:K]$is a power of an odd prime$p$. We construct an explicit root of the usual top generator of this group, and we use it to obtain an annihilation result of the$p$-Sylow subgroup of the ideal class group of$L$.
Performance Evaluation of Gravity-Fed Water Treatment Systems in Rural Honduras: Verifying Robust Reduction of Turbidity and Escherichia coli during Wet and Dry Weather
Authors: Brooks Yolanda M. , Tenorio-Moncada Erika A. , Gohil Nisarg , Yu Yuqi , Estrada-Mendez Mynor R. , Bardales Geovany , Richardson Ruth E.
Published: August 2018

This is the first study to document the reduction of turbidity and Escherichia coli throughout the processes of full-scale gravity-fed drinking water plants (GFWTPs) and their downstream distribution systems in rural Honduras. The GFWTPs, which in these cases were designed by AguaClara, use standard treatment processes: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination. During the dry season, we measured E. coli, turbidity, and chlorine residual at five GFWTPs with < 1,000 connections and at three alternative piped-water systems in neighboring communities. Samples were evaluated from the raw water, settled water, filtered water, post-chlorination in the distribution tank, and at a distant-piped household connection. During the dry season, the treated water and household connections serviced by the GFWTPs met World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for E. coli (< 1 most probable number [MPN]/100 mL). Alternative plants with the same water sources had comparable or higher E. coli and turbidity measurements posttreatment. We examined the performance robustness of two GFWTPs during the transition into the rainy season. The turbidity of the filtered water met WHO recommendations (< 1 nephelometric turbidity units). Escherichia coli was not detected in treated water, indicating that the two GFWTPs can consistently remove particulates and E. coli from source waters containing varying levels of turbidity. During two sampling events during the rainy season, E. coli was detected at the household connection of a GFWTP system with intermittent service and a substandard chlorine residual (geometric mean = 1.0 MPN/100 mL). Strategies to avoid contamination or inactivate E. coli in the distribution system are needed to ensure safe drinking water at the points of delivery, especially for systems with intermittent service.
Antigen Detection in Urine for Noninvasive Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfected Patients: An Exploratory Analysis from Ethiopia
Authors: Vogt Florian , Mengesha Bewketu , Asmamaw Helen , Mekonnen Tigist , Fikre Helina , Takele Yegnasew , Adem Emebet , Mohammed Rezika , Ritmeijer Koert , Adriaensen Wim , Melsew Yayehirad , van Griensven Johan , Diro Ermias
Published: August 2018

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and assessment of treatment response in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–coinfected patients still relies on invasive tissue aspiration. This hampers scale-up and decentralization of care in resource-limited settings. Noninvasive diagnostics are urgently needed. KATEX is a frequently used latex agglutination test for Leishmania antigen in urine that has never been evaluated in HIV-coinfected individuals from Leishmania donovani–endemic areas. This was an exploratory sub-study embedded within the screening phase of a trial in highly endemic northwestern Ethiopia. All patients were HIV-positive and aspirate-confirmed VL cases. We assessed diagnostic accuracy of KATEX for VL diagnosis and as test of cure at end of treatment, using tissue aspirate parasite load as reference methods. We also described the evolution of weekly antigen levels during treatment. Most of the 87 included patients were male (84, 97%), young (median age 31 years), and had poor immune status (median cluster of differentiation type 4 count 56 cells/μL). KATEX had moderate sensitivity (84%) for VL diagnosis. KATEX had moderate sensitivity (82%) and a moderate negative predictive value (87%) but only low specificity (49%) and a low positive predictive value (40%) for the assessment of treatment outcomes. Weekly antigen levels showed characteristic patterns during treatment of patients with different initial parasite loads and treatment outcomes. Antigen detection in urine using KATEX can contribute to improved VL diagnosis in HIV-coinfected patients but has limited use for monitoring of treatment response. Better noninvasive diagnostics are needed to reduce reliance on invasive methods and thus to expand and improve clinical care for VL in resource-limited settings.
Thermal structure of the mesopause region during theWADIS-2
rocket campaign
Authors: Wörl Raimund , Strelnikov Boris , Viehl Timo P. , Höffner Josef , Pautet Pierre-Dominique , Taylor Michael J. , Lübken Franz-Josef
Published: August 2018

Abstract. This paper presents simultaneous temperature measurements by three independent instruments during theWADIS-2 rocket campaign in northern Norway (69° N, 14° E) on 5 March 2015. Vertical profiles measured in-situ with the CONE instrument and continuous mobile IAP Fe lidar (Fe lidar) measurements during a period of 24 h, as well as horizontal resolved temperature maps of the Utah State University (USU) Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) in the mesopause region are analysed. Vertical and horizontal temperature profiles by all three instruments are in good agreement. An harmonic analysis of the Fe lidar measurements shows the presence of waves with periods of 24 h, 12 h, 8 h, and 6 h. Strong waves with amplitudes of up to 10 K at 8 h and 6 h are found. The 24 h and 12 h components play only a minor role during these observations. In contrast only few short periodic gravity waves are found. Horizontally resolved temperatures measured with the AMTM in the OH layer are used to connect the vertical temperature profiles. In the field of view of 200 × 160 km2 only small deviations from the horizontal mean of the order of 5 K are found. Therefore only weak gravity wave signatures occurred. This suggests horizontal structures of more than 200 km. A comparison of Fe lidar, rocket-borne measurements, and AMTM temperatures indicate an OH centroid altitude of about 85 km.
Variations in the physicochemical and optical properties of
natural aerosols in Puerto Rico – Implications for climate
Authors: Rivera Héctor , Ogren John A. , Andrews Elisabeth , Mayol-Bracero Olga L.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Since 2005, we have monitored the physicochemical and optical properties of aerosols at the Cape San Juan Atmospheric Observatory, Puerto Rico. Based on the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated trajectories (HYSPLIT) and satellite imagery from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Washington D.C., Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Saharan air layer (SAL) images, we grouped natural aerosols in three categories: marine, African dust and volcanic ash. A sun-sky radiometer from the NASA’s AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) assessed the total aerosol optical depth and its fine fraction. A 3-wavelength nephelometer and particle soot absorption photometer assessed the scattering and absorption coefficients. Two impactors segregated the submicron (Dp < 1 µm) particles from the total (Dp < 10 µm) enabling us to calculate the sub-micron scattering and absorption fractions. The measured variables served to calculate the single scattering albedo and radiative forcing efficiency. All variables except the single scattering albedo making up the aerosol climatology for Puerto Rico had different means as function of the aerosol category at p < 0.05. For the period 2005–2010, the largest means ±95 % confidence interval of the scattering coefficient (53 ± 4 Mm−1), absorption coefficient (1.8 ± 0.16 Mm−1), and optical depth (0.29 ± 0.03), suggested African dust is the main contributor to the columnar and surface aerosol loading in summer. About two thirds (63 %) of the absorption in African dust was due to the coarse mode and about one third due to the fine mode. In volcanic ash, fine aerosols contributed 60 % of the absorption while coarse contributed 40 %. Overall, the coarse and fine modes accounted for ~ 80 % and 20 % of the total scattering. The African dust load was 3.5 times the load of clean marine, 1.9 times greater than the clean marine with higher sea salt content, and 1.7 times greater than volcanic ash. African dust caused 50 % more cooling than that volcanic ash at the top of the atmosphere and 50 % more heating than that of volcanic ash within the marine boundary layer (MBL).
Seasonal drought predictability and forecast skill in the semi-arid endorheic Heihe River basin in Northwestern China
Authors: Ma Feng , Luo Lifeng , Ye Aizhong , Duan Qingyun
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Endorheic and arid regions around the world are suffering from serious drought problems. In this study, a drought forecasting system based on eight state-of-the-art climate models from North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) and a Distributed Time-Variant Gain Hydrological Model (DTVGM) was established and assessed over the upstream and midstream of Heihe River basin (UHRB and MHRB), a typical arid endorheic basin. The 3-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI3) and 1-month Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI1) were used to capture meteorological and hydrological drought, and values below -1 indicate drought events. The skill of the forecasting systems was evaluated in terms of Anomaly Correlation (AC) and Brier skill score (BSS). The UHRB and MHRB showed season-dependent meteorological drought predictability and forecast skill, with higher values during winter and autumn than that during spring. For hydrological forecasts, the forecast skill in the UHRB was higher than that in MHRB. Predicting meteorological droughts more than 2 months in advance became difficult because of complex climate mechanism. However, the hydrological drought forecasts could show some skills up to 3–6 lead months due to memory of initial hydrologic conditions (ICs) during cold and dry seasons. During wet seasons, there's no skillful hydrological predictions since lead-2 month because the dominant role of meteorological forcings. During spring, the improvement of hydrological drought predictions is the most significant as more streamflow was generated by seasonal snowmelt. Besides meteorological forcings and ICs, human activities have reduced the hydrological variability and increased hydrological predictability during the wet seasons in the MHRB.
Technical note: Bathymetry observations of inland water bodies using a tethered single-beam sonar controlled by an unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Bandini Filippo , Olesen Daniel , Jakobsen Jakob , Kittel Cecile Marie Margaretha , Wang Sheng , Garcia Monica , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: August 2018

Abstract. High-quality bathymetric maps of inland water bodies are a common
requirement for hydraulic engineering and hydrological science applications.
Remote sensing methods, such as space-borne and airborne multispectral
imaging or lidar, have been developed to estimate water depth, but are
ineffective for most inland water bodies, because of the attenuation of
electromagnetic radiation in water, especially under turbid conditions.
Surveys conducted with boats equipped with sonars can retrieve accurate water
depths, but are expensive, time-consuming, and unsuitable for unnavigable
water bodies. We develop and assess a novel approach to retrieve accurate and high-resolution bathymetry maps. We measured accurate water depths using a
tethered floating sonar controlled by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a
lake and in two different rivers located in Denmark. The developed technique
combines the advantages of remote sensing with the potential of bathymetric
sonars. UAV surveys can be conducted also in unnavigable, inaccessible, or
remote water bodies. The tethered sonar can measure bathymetry with an
accuracy of ∼2.1 % of the actual depth for observations up to
35 m, without being significantly affected by water turbidity, bed form, or
bed material.
Long-range terrestrial laser scanning measurements of summer and
annual mass balances for Urumqi Glacier No. 1, eastern Tien Shan,
China
Authors: Xu Chunhai , Li Zhongqin , Li Huilin , Wang Feiteng , Zhou Ping
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The direct glaciological method typically provides in situ observations of annual or seasonal surface mass balance, but can only be implemented through a succession of intensive in situ measurements of measuring networks of stakes and snow pits. This has contributed to glacier surface mass-balance measurements being sparse and often discontinuous in the Tien Shan. Nevertheless, long-term glacier mass-balance measurements are the basis for understanding climate–glacier interactions and projecting future water availability for glacierized catchments in the Tien Shan. Riegl VZ®-6000 long-range terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), typically using class 3B laser beams, is exceptionally well suited for measuring snowy and icy terrain in repeated glacier mapping, and subsequently annual and seasonal geodetic mass balance can be determined. This paper introduces the applied TLS for monitoring summer and annual surface elevation and geodetic mass changes of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (UG1) as well as delineating accurate glacier boundaries for two consecutive years (2015-17), and discusses the potential of such technology in glaciological applications. Three-dimensional changes of ice and firn/snow bodies and the corresponding densities were considered for the volume-to-mass conversion. UG1 showed pronounced thinning and mass loss for the four investigated periods; glacier-wide geodetic mass balance in the mass-balance year 2015-16 was slightly more negative than in 2016-17. The majority of TLS-derived geodetic elevation changes at individual stakes were slightly positive, but showed a close correlation with the glaciological elevation changes (changes in exposed stake height) of individual stakes (R2 ≥ 0.90). Statistical comparison shows that agreement between the glaciological and geodetic mass balances can be considered satisfying, indicating that the TLS system yields accurate results and has the potential to monitor remote and inaccessible glacier areas where no glaciological measurements are available.
Las dimensiones del bienestar de niños y niñas que viven en Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Authors: Tonon Graciela Haydeé , Benatuil Denise , Laurito Maria Juliana
Published: August 2018

Este trabajo aborda el tema del bienestar, definido como la evaluación cognitiva y afectiva que la persona hace de su propia vida (Diener, 2000). El interés se centra en conocer y entender lo que hace feliz y lo que genera bienestar a niños y niñas (Ben-Arieh, 2000; Ben-Arieh et al., 2013). Para lograrlo, tratamos de acceder a diferentes áreas de la vida de los/as niños/as, intentando abarcar las dimensiones sociales, culturales y políticas del bienestar. Trabajamos utilizando el método cualitativo, dando a  niños/as un papel protagónico. La muestra consistió en dos grupos de niños y niñas, entre 8 y 12 años que viven en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se utilizó la técnica de grupo focal y se abordaron los siguientes temas: satisfacción-insatisfacción;  seguridad - inseguridad; justicia - injusticia;  personas significativas en sus vidas y sus opiniones acerca de la escuela y la ciudad. En ambos grupos la satisfacción estuvo vinculada al juego y a la realización de actividades gratificantes. Los resultados del estudio muestran que la familia y los grupos de pares juega un papel central para estos niños/as, en tanto que la escuela tiene un lugar ambivalente.
La participación de la población infantil en el ámbito de los métodos cuantitativos de investigación
Authors: Rodríguez Pascual Iván
Published: August 2018

¿Por qué interrogarse sobre el lugar de niños y niñas de diferentes edades en el ámbito de las técnicas cuantitativas de investigación y más particularmente en las encuestas? Este texto se plantea el objetivo de abordar el problema metodológico de la adecuación de los métodos y técnicas cuantitativas de investigación a las características de un informante en desarrollo y la voluntad, no menos importante, de evitar el desplazamiento (involuntario o no) de la discusión sobre las limitaciones técnicas hacia una caracterización limitada de los informantes, precisamente porque se les (mal)concibe desde una perspectiva evolutiva estricta. Concluimos que es necesario evitar el sesgo adulto que se esconde bajo los argumentos técnicos y primar la adaptación metodológica, particularmente cuando se trabaja con informantes de corta edad.
Pobreza anclada y transmisión intergeneracional de la pobreza en Navarra
Authors: Martínez de Lizarrondo Artola Antidio , Etayo Ballesteros Oihane , Herrero Larrea Itziar
Published: August 2018

Este artículo expone un doble análisis novedoso en España: estudia la pobreza anclada y la cronificación de la pobreza y su Transmisión intergeneracional a partir de registros administrativos de Navarra (datos fiscales en el primer caso y de la Renta Básica en los otros dos). El análisis se centra sobre todo en la transmisión de la pobreza a través del estudio de las personas menores de edad que en el año 2004 eran perceptoras de dicha prestación. La pobreza anclada revela que de 2008 a 2014 el impacto más grave de la crisis fue en las personas menores de 16 años y que la nacionalidad extranjera es un factor clave a la hora de estar en riesgo de pobreza, con unas diferencias abrumadoras con las niñas y niños de origen español. Los resultados de la cronificación de la pobreza y la TIP muestran la gran afectación en el colectivo gitano y en el de origen inmigrante, así como en las familias monoparentales. En el año 2015, las personas que continuaban en situación de pobreza se situaban en el 54,4% (contando a quienes ya no se hallaban empadronadas en la Comunidad Foral) y, a pesar de que solamente han transcurrido once años, el 40% de quienes han alcanzado la edad de emancipación había conformado un hogar pobre. Igualmente, las personas que han creado estos hogares reflejan una menor formación y una mayor incidencia del desempleo de larga duración.
Cuerpos juveniles, género y lugares públicos en Barcelona
Authors: Monnet Nadja
Published: August 2018

Reflexionaremos aquí sobre el lugar del cuerpo femenino en la ciudad a través del caso de las jóvenes adoptadas en Barcelona. Sin pretender que tengan una manera distinta de vivir los espacios urbanos barcelonés a la de las demás jóvenes de su edad, consideramos que sus testimonios son reveladores de fenómenos que afectan más generalmente al conjunto de las mujeres. El texto propone así mismo unas reflexiones históricas sobre el impacto de la dicotomía público/privado en el proceso de constitución de nuestras urbes contemporáneas y sobre el lugar dejado a los niños y las niñas en la ciudad.
Olhares das crianças sobre suas cidades: reflexões sobre aportes metodológicos
Authors: Porto Cristina Laclette , Rizzini Irene
Published: August 2018

A questão da participação infantil torna-se alvo de discussões e estudos sistemáticos a partir da ratificação da Convenção dos Direitos da Criança (NAÇÕES UNIDAS, 1989), e, no Brasil, a partir da promulgação do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (1990). O direito à participação se desdobra em vários outros aspectos, como o direito a se expressar livremente, demandando respeito às vozes e pontos de vista infanto-juvenis. Tendo em vista esse cenário, a proposta deste texto é refletir sobre o caminho percorrido em dois projetos. Em ambos os casos, a fotografia e o vídeo foram utilizados como recursos privilegiados de investigação. O objetivo é identificar de que modo a metodologia favoreceu a criação de elos entre pesquisadores, professores e crianças e possibilitou que o inesperado acontecesse. O resultado desses processos aproxima-se do que apontam os estudos de Kramer (2002); Jobim e Souza & Rabello de Castro (2008) e Pereira (2015) sobre o que as pesquisas com crianças devem envolver.
Una buena vida. Definiendo las capacidades relevantes para el bienestar desde las voces de niñas y niños
Authors: Del Moral-Espin Lucía , Pérez García Alicia , Gálvez Muñoz Lina
Published: August 2018

En los últimos años, en paralelo al surgimiento de los estudios sobre infancia, como un campo por derecho propio, se ha venido extendiendo una perspectiva multidimensional e integradora del bienestar en la infancia. Una de las cuestiones sobre las que se debate es la participación de niños y las niñas como agentes activos en la propia definición de sus necesidades. El enfoque de las capacidades ofrece un marco teórico muy interesante para avanzar en este sentido puesto reconoce a niñas/os la capacidad de ser agentes, y esto implica tener influencia sobre la propia vida y sobre las reglas generales de la sociedad, siempre en un nivel y formato de acuerdo a la madurez y edad, como algo que debería ser una aspiración de toda sociedad democrática. A la hora de identificar y validar las capacidades relevantes para el bienestar infantil, puede distinguirse entre métodos no participativos y métodos participativos. Este artículo se basa en un proyecto que se decanta por estos últimos. Específicamente, el objetivo de este trabajo, es el de revisar, valorar y definir en palabras de los y las propios niños/as, un listado de capacidades relevantes para su bienestar en un contexto concreto (Andalucía). Para ello se pasó un cuestionario con preguntas tanto abiertas como cerradas a más de 330 niños y niñas andaluces participantes en 10 Consejos Municipales de Infancia y Adolescencia. Los resultados muestran la riqueza y la agencia de las voces infantiles y su percepción de la multidimensionalidad del bienestar.
Balance de 2011 y desafíos para 2012
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: August 2018

TEORÍA Y PRAXIS Año 10, No.20, Enero-Mayo de 2012, pp.89-94
Comentario de Texto de El país de donde vengo
Authors: Rivas Trujillo Julio César
Published: August 2018

TEORÍA Y PRAXIS Año 10, No.20, Enero-Mayo de 2012, pp.95-98
Los hijos de Caín
Authors: Chopín Juan Vicente
Published: August 2018

El artículo trata el tema de la ciudad desde un punto de vista antropológico, bíblico y teológico. En primer lugar, se pone de manifiesto la situación actual de los habitantes de la ciudad, en particular el miedo que padecen. En segundo lugar, se presenta la ciudad como ámbito de la misión de la Iglesia.TEORÍA Y PRAXIS año 10, No.21, Junio-Diciembre de 2012, pp.37-56
Modernismo y el Nacionalismo decimonónico: dos expresiones de la modernidad
Authors: Arias Ramírez Luis Alejandro
Published: August 2018

Tanto el Modernismo como el movimiento nacionalista liberal posindependentista representaron, es sus respectivos periodos, formas distintas de percibir la realidad centroamericana. No obstante, ambas ideologías ofrecen una serie de elementos comunes que plantean una relación intrínseca entre ambos, así como la noción de que se puede trazar una línea clara entre las dos. Tanto los movimientos nacionalistas como la ideología modernista poseen cada uno una serie de rasgos ideológicos, así como diversas formas de manifestarse y ciertos objetivos concretos en su planteamiento. Comprender todos estos elementos será el primer paso para, posteriormente, analizar y estudiar la relación entre ambos movimientos, sus rasgos comunes y sus diferencias más generales.
En torno a una nueva cultura
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: August 2018

La cultura predominante se caracteriza por valores (o más bien, antivalores), como el éxito fácil, el consumismo y el individualismo exacerbados, lo mismo que por unas ansias nunca satisfechas en pos de bienes materiales (dinero, principalmente), que erosionan el vínculo social porque estimulan una competencia feroz entre las personas. Es claro que el deterioro de la convivencia social en El Salvador no obedece exclusivamente a dinámicas culturales, pero éstas son parte del problema. Y, en consecuencia, son también parte de la solución. En este sentido, es necesario no sólo discutir y analizar a fondo la lógica perversa de la cultura predominante, fraguada al calor de un mercantilismo neoliberal globalizado, sino reﬂexionar en torno a aquellos valores que pueden ser un antídoto para unos hábitos, formas de ver la vida y prácticas que han mostrado ser perniciosas para la convivencia social y para la felicidad de las personas. Ese es el propósito de estas notas, las cuales apuntan a recuperar cuatro valores esenciales para una vida civilizada y decente: la honradez, la prudencia, el silencio y la soledad. Antes del examen y justificación de cada uno de esos valores se hace una mirada general de la cultura del Buen Vivir, en cuyo marco cobran legitimidad los valores mencionados y otros que les son complementarios.
Tres reﬂexiones en homenaje a Mons. Oscar Arnulfo Romero
Authors: González Luis Armando
Published: August 2018

TEORÍA Y PRAXIS año 16, No.32, Enero-Mayo de 2018, pp.139-146
Forecasting the Daily Transaction Data Utilizing a Day of the Week Index in the Case of Web Site
Authors: Takeyasu Kazuhiro , Watanabe Tomohiro
Published: August 2018

The daily web site access data’s forecasting is an important factor for the web master in order to improve the quality of the site, and to increase the sales from the site. In this paper, the authors propose a new method to improve forecasting accuracy and confirm them by the Web transaction data (Nail consulting site). Focusing that the equation of exponential smoothing method (ESM) is equivalent to (1,1) order ARMA model equation, a new method of estimation of smoothing constant in exponential smoothing method is proposed before by us which satisfies minimum variance of forecasting error. Generally, smoothing constant is selected arbitrarily. But in this paper, we utilize above stated theoretical solution. Firstly, the authors make estimation of ARMA model parameter and then estimate smoothing constants. Thus theoretical solution is derived in a simple way and it may be utilized in various fields. Combining the trend removing method with this method, we aim to improve forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, “a day of the week index” is newly introduced for the daily data and we have obtained good result. The effectiveness of this method should be examined in various cases.
Onderzoek naar conflictscheidingen: een reactie op Van Montfoort (2018)
Authors: de Ruiter Corine
Published: August 2018

Onderzoek naar conflictscheidingen: een reactie op Van Montfoort (2018)

In deze bijdrage wordt een reactie gegeven op de publicatie van Van Montfoort (2018), ‘Beschuldigingen van kindermishandeling en echtscheidingsconflicten. Reactie op De Ruiter & Van Pol (2017)’. Van Montfoort richt zich in zijn reactie exclusief op onze vraag over de prevalentie van valse beschuldigingen van kindermishandeling in onze websurvey bij meer dan 800 juridische en sociale professionals in Nederland die in hun werk met conflictscheidingen te maken hebben. Wij delen zijn standpunten niet en betogen dat het voor juridische en sociale professionals noodzakelijk is om kennis te hebben van prevalentieschattingen om tunnelvisie te vermijden. Daarnaast geven wij aan dat verbetering van het feitenonderzoek in omgangszaken noodzakelijk is.

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This contribution is a response to Van Montfoort (2018), ‘Allegations of child abuse in conflictual divorce cases. Response to De Ruiter & Van Pol (2017)’ . Van Montfoort focusses his response exclusively on the question concerning the prevalence of false allegations of child abuse from our websurvey among more than 800 legal and social professionals in the Netherlands who are dealing with high conflict divorce cases in their work. We do not share his viewpoints and argue that both legal and social professionals need to have knowledge of prevalence estimations (‘base rates’) in order to avoid tunnel vision. We also emphasize the need for improvements in fact finding in child custody cases in our country and provide examples of recent initiatives to this end.
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for postoperative secondary peritonitis: Effect on bacterial load as well as local and systemic cytokine response (initial results)
Authors: Jannasch Olof , Meyer Frank , Fuellert Angela , König Brigitte , Eder Frank , Tautenhahn Jörg
Published: August 2018

Aim: To investigate the effects of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) vs. relaparotomy on demand (ROD) onto the i) severity and course of disease, ii) surgical outcome, iii) intraperitoneal bacterial load as well as iv) local/systemic inflammatory and immune response in postoperative secondary peritonitis. Methods: Over a defined time period, all consecutive patients of the reporting surgical department with a secondary peritonitis (assessed by Mannheim’s Peritonitis Index [MPI] and APPACHE II score) were enrolled in this systematic unicenter clinical prospective observational pilot study. Patients were subclassified into VAC or ROD group according to surgeon’s individual decision at the time point of primary surgical intervention with the intent to sanitize the source of infection. Early postoperative result was assessed by 30-d and in-hospital mortality. Bacterial load was characterized by microbiological culture of intraperitoneal fluid collection obtained on postoperative days (POD) 0 (primary surgical intervention), 1,4,7,10,13 and following description of the microbial spectrum including semiquantitative assessment of bacterial load. Local/systemic inflammatory and immune response was determined by ELISA-based analysis of CrP, PCT and the representative cytokines such as TNF-α/IL-1α/IL-6/IL-8/IL-10 of serum and peritoneal fluid samples. Results: Over a 26-month investigation period, 18 patients (male:female=9:9) were eligible for study criteria: n=8 were enrolled in the VAC and n=10 in the ROD group. With regard to early postoperative results represented by mortality, there is no significant difference between both patient groups. Despite the relatively low number of cases enrolled, a tendency for more severe findings associated with the VAC group could be detected based on the MPI score. There was also a tendency for higher APACHE II scores in the VAC group from the 7th POD on and, in addition, patients of this group had a longer hospital stay. For patients with persisting infection, there were no relevant differences comparing VAC therapy and ROD. Cytokines released in particular at the beginning of the inflammation cascade with proinflammatory characteristics showed higher values within the peritoneal fluid whereas CrP and PCT were found to be higher within the serum samples. Conclusion: Comparing data of various local/systemic inflammatory and immune parameters, there were only a few correlations. This may indicate compartmentation of the inflammatory process within the abdominal cavity. Based on the observed inter-individual variation of this pilot study data, the clinically applicable benefit appears questionable. In this context, reliable effects of VAC therapy on the reduction of bacterial burden within the abdominal cavity could not clearly be detected.
Splenic tuberculosis: a comprehensive review of literature
Authors: GUPTA ASHISH
Published: August 2018

Tuberculosis(TB) is one of the most common infections affecting the population in the developing countries. With the rising human immunodeficiency(HIV) infection its incidence is on a rise even in the developed countries. Pulmonary TB is the commonest form of infection, However, multiple extrapulmonary sites have also been reported. The spleen is thought to be a rare organ involved in this infection. Various presentations of the splenic TB have been reported in the literature. The definitive diagnosis of this is essentially formulated on the post-splenectomy specimen. A consensus statement based on the available case reports is lacking. The authors are providing an insight into this form of extrapulmonary TB after reviewing the available literature.
AN EVIDENCE OF CREATIVE SPIRIT.
ARCHITECTURE OF MUSEUM EDIFICES
IN AN INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC OF POLAND
Authors: Ciarkowski Błażej
Published: August 2018

May this Parthenon of arts (…) be a heart
consoling evidence of greatness of an immortal, everlastingly
creative spirit of Poland. Words written in the foundation act
for construction of the National Museum in Warsaw leave
no doubt – culture was perceived by the authorities of the
Second Polish Republic (1918–1945) as extremely important
factor in building the identity of a reborn state. Soon after
regaining independence, constructions of edifices for
theatres and museums were being planned and conducted;
moreover, new institutions were in the process of being
established. It is enough to mention that in the mid-1930s
there were 135 public museums, half of which founded after
1918.
A culture-forming role of public edifices’ construction
was to reinforce an image of the Second Polish Republic
as, firstly, an inheritor of Poland from the time before the
Partitions period, and secondly – a modern state with
ambitions of a regional leadership. First projects directly
continued a style from the turn of the 19th and 20th
centuries. Theatres’ buildings designed in 1924: national
theatre in Warsaw and municipal one in Łódź (the latter
never executed) by Czesław Przybylski featured simplified
classical forms. Similarly, first projects of the National
Museum in Warsaw (Marian Nikodemowicz, 1924) or the
Museum of Pomerania in Toruń (Czesław Przybylski, 1926)
followed the 19th-century tradition of the “museum-palace”
and the “museum – temple of arts”.
The late 1920s and the early1930s marked a significant
turning point; projects of that time are an evidence of
the search for a new style, which combined an individual
reception of modernity with an expression of national
identity. The architects of the Silesian Museum (Karol
Schayer) and the National Museum in Warsaw (Tadeusz
Tołwiński) tried to find their own creative way, so that
both the modern and the “state-building” character of the
edifices could be equally expressed.
Mesurer les compétences transversales des étudiants : apports et limites d’une grille d’autoévaluation
Authors: Berthaud Julien
Published: August 2018

Cet article propose une réflexion sur les compétences transversales acquises ou mobilisées par les étudiants, à l’université ou en dehors du campus. La notion de transversalité considérée ici envisage la mobilisation de telles compétences au sein des multiples dimensions de l’expérience étudiante : sociale, universitaire, professionnelle, voire personnelle. Cette réflexion est enrichie par la construction d’une grille d’autoévaluation réalisée à partir d’un référentiel de compétences et soumise à un échantillon d’étudiants inscrits en cycle licence dans une université française. La description des niveaux de compétences déclarés par les étudiants souligne les apports et les limites d’une telle mesure, tout en poussant la réflexion sur les compétences étudiantes.
Assessment of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Using the EQ-5D
Authors: Mealy Maureen A. , Boscoe Audra , Caro Jaime , Levy Michael
Published: August 2018

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by unpredictable attacks of the optic nerves and spinal cord that cause neurologic deficits, including weakness, numbness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and pain and reduced vision and can ultimately lead to blindness and paralysis. We assessed the effects of NMOSD on quality of life.

Methods:

Adult patients with NMOSD treated at a US academic neurology clinic completed the EQ-5D and several other measures of functional status and quality of life. The EQ-5D scores and correlations across measures were evaluated, and scores were compared with those of patients with multiple sclerosis and US norms.

Results:

Twenty-one patients (90% women; mean age, 42.8 years; mean disease duration, 8.2 years) were included. The mean EQ-5D score was 0.74. Most patients reported at least some problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, usual activities, and/or anxiety/depression. Greater proportions of patients reported moderate or severe problems with mobility and pain/discomfort than they did with self-care, usual activities, or anxiety/depression. In a multivariate model, only the Brief Pain Inventory was a significant independent predictor of overall EQ-5D score.

Conclusions:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder has a substantial effect on multiple domains of quality of life. Pain seems to be among the primary drivers of the EQ-5D scores in NMOSD.
Case Report: Scrambler Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Central Neuropathic Pain in a Patient with Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Mealy Maureen A. , Newsome Scott D. , Kozachik Sharon L. , Levy Michael , Smith Thomas J.
Published: August 2018

Central neuropathic pain is a severely disabling consequence of conditions that cause tissue damage in the central nervous system. It is often refractory to treatments commonly used for peripheral neuropathy. Scrambler therapy is an emerging noninvasive pain-modifying technique that uses transcutaneous electrical stimulation of nociceptive fibers with the intent of reorganizing maladaptive signaling pathways. It has been examined for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy with favorable safety and efficacy outcomes, but its application to central neuropathic pain has not been reported in transverse myelitis. We describe the use of Scrambler therapy in a patient with persistent central neuropathic pain due to transverse myelitis. The patient had tried multiple drugs for treatment of the pain, but they were not effective or caused adverse effects. After a course of Scrambler therapy, pain scores improved considerably more than what was reported with previous pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. This case supports further investigation of Scrambler therapy in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and other immune-mediated disorders that damage the central nervous system.
Transcriptome analysis of growth heterosis in pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii
Authors: Yang Jingmiao , Luo Shaojie , Li Junhui , Zheng Zhe , Du Xiaodong , Deng Yuewen
Published: August 2018

Heterosis improves growth and survival of shellfish species. Although breeders have widely exploited heterosis, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a 2 × 2 complete diallel cross was facilitated between two full‐sib families to produce two inbred families (A and D) and their reciprocal hybrid families (B and C) of pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii. Growth traits of the four families were compared at the adult stages. Transcriptome analysis was conducted on the four families using an Illumina sequencing platform. The results revealed that the growth traits of the four families significantly varied (P < 0.05). The mid‐parent heterosis values of shell length, shell height, shell width, shell weight, and total weight were 12.9%, 14.9%, 18.2%, 17.2%, and 33.2%, respectively. The B‐ and C‐inbred (A and D) triads had 79 and 68 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, which were dominantly nonadditive, including overdominance, underdominance, and low‐parent dominance. Gene ontology term analysis showed that the DEGs in the B‐ and C‐inbred triads were enriched for metabolic process, cellular process cell part, binding, and catalytic activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs in the B‐ and C‐inbred triads were involved in focal adhesion, the P13K‐Akt signaling pathway, the mRNA surveillance pathway, and the focal adhesion pathway. The reliability of the sequencing data was confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of six growth‐related genes. The findings of this study provide new insights into heterosis for growth traits and the design of genetic breeding programs for this species.
The gold rush and afterwards: Homicide in San Francisco, 1849–2003
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Cundiff Patrick R.
Published: August 2018

We compared the characteristics of homicide in San Francisco during the Gold Rush epidemic (1849–1860) to the characteristics of homicides during a more recent epidemic (1965–1980), and during a period when the homicide rates were relatively low (1921–1964). The data were based on reports from coroners, newspapers, the San Francisco Police Department, and the census. Time period was used to predict the characteristics of each incident in our multivariate analyses. The evidence suggests that the homicide epidemic during the gold rush was primarily due to a higher incidence of disputes between unrelated persons, including duels and disputes over land, mining claims, and gambling. The offenders during this period were more likely to be males who were armed and intoxicated. The epidemic did not involve particularly high rates of predatory or domestic violence, suggesting that it was unrelated to a general decline in social control. We suggest that the gold rush epidemic in San Francisco was due to an increase in the number of disputes between intoxicated men.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Encapsulation for the Manipulation of Bacterial Movement and Spontaneous Detection by Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Saha Biswajit , Purwar Prashant , Lee Junghoon , Saha Sudipta
Published: August 2018

Advanced sensing technologies have significantly shortened the detection period of bacteria; however, bringing bacteria to the sensing surfaces is challenging at low concentrations because of their continuous swinging and tumbling movement in new directions. The natural diffusion of bacteria to the sensing surface requires a long sensing duration. In this contribution, the spontaneous detection of bacteria is reported using a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulation methodology. Bacteria are encapsulated by magnetic nanoparticles and brought to the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sensing surface under an external magnetic force in less than 1 min. Finally, magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated bacteria are detected by aptamer functionalized rGO field‐effect‐transistor sensors. The encapsulation of bacteria by magnetic nanoparticles is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and super‐resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, the substrate‐independent fabrication of rGO sensors is demonstrated using an ultralow‐volume dispenser that allows the centimeter‐scale patterning of graphene oxide. rGO patterns are highly sensitive to surface charge density.
Polyolefin‐Magnesium Interactions Performing Powder Injection Molding Process
Authors: Schaper Johannes G. , Scharnagl Nico , Wolff Martin , Ebel Thomas , Neumann Silvio , Willumeit‐Römer Regine
Published: August 2018

The introduction of magnesium into the metal injection molding (MIM) process has shown that sintering results are drastically influenced by the selection of the backbone polymer of the binder system. The polymer is needed to ensure the shape stability after injection molding until the sintering process begins. Using polyethylene (PE) based polymers result in a strong sintering inhibiting effect while polypropylene (PP) based polymers do not show such a negative influence on the sintering of the magnesium powder. This work displays a systematic investigation why these two polyolefins show such a strong difference when used as backbone polymers for MIM of magnesium. According to the literature, PE decomposes mainly into 1‐alkenes and n‐alkanes while PP decomposes into branched iso‐alkenes and iso‐alkanes. The different thermal decomposition products of PE react with magnesium forming metastable carbides that decompose into carbon. Carbon can act as a barrier between neighboring powder particles inhibiting the sintering process. The decomposition products of PP do not react in the same extent leading to the fact that sintering is still possible. The negative effect of the carbon can be reversed when hydrogen is used as a sintering atmosphere resulting in improved sintering even when PE is used.
Light‐Stimulatable Molecules/Nanoparticles Networks for Switchable Logical Functions and Reservoir Computing
Authors: Viero Yannick , Guérin David , Vladyka Anton , Alibart Fabien , Lenfant Stéphane , Calame M. , Vuillaume Dominique
Published: August 2018

The fabrication and electron transport properties of nanoparticles self‐assembled networks (NPSAN) of molecular switches (azobenzene derivatives) interconnected by Au nanoparticles are reported, and optically driven switchable logical operations associated to the light‐controlled switching of the molecules are demonstrated. The switching yield is up to 74%. It is also demonstrated that these NPSANs are prone to light‐stimulable reservoir computing. The complex nonlinearity of electron transport and dynamics in these highly connected and recurrent networks of molecular junctions exhibits rich high harmonics generation (HHG) required for reservoir computing approaches. Logical functions and HHG are controlled by the isomerization of the molecules upon light illumination. These results, without direct analogs in semiconductor devices, open new perspectives to molecular electronics in unconventional computing.