bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social anxiety experiences and responses of university students
Authors: Akacan Behiye , Secim Gurcan
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to examine the responses of university students in social anxiety situations in order to create a psychological counselling program with a structured group based on Cognitive Behavioural and Existential Approaches. These responses involve the behaviour and thoughts of the university students in situations where they experience or anticipate social anxiety. The semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used in the study during the face-to-face interviews with fifty-one 4th year students from the Guidance and Psychological Counselling (GPC) and Pre-School Teaching (PST) departments. The scope of the interview form includes the situations where 1) students experience social anxiety in the school setting and their thoughts and behaviours regarding these situations, 2) the situations where they anticipate social anxiety in their future profession, and 3) the situations where they experience social anxiety in their daily lives. Our aim was to collect data from these areas. The data collected were analysed through content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the thoughts regarding the social anxiety situations of the final year students studying in Guidance and Psychological Counselling and Pre-School Teaching departments are generally negative and their behaviour usually presents as desertion or avoidance.Keywords:  university students, social anxiety, group counselling.
Class teachers’ expectations from teacher candidates from three points of views
Authors: Tacman Muge , Comunoglu Nazan
Published: November 2015

The general aim of this study is to find out the way how the primary school class teachers evaluate the candidates, what their  expect from the candidates and the effectivenes of the teaching training program being conducted in Ataturk Teacher Training Academy (AOA)  to fulfill these expectations. The study is carried out by phenomenology, a qualitative method. Descriptive and content analysis were used in order to analyze the data. Study group is composed of three different dimensions. In the first dimension, a total of 52 teachers (2 school masters and 50 teachers), who had teaching practice students in their classes in last three years, had served during 2013-2014 and served in 5 different state primary schools that are in collaboration with AOA in the context of Teaching Practice Lessons. In order to analyze the data obtained from the views of these teachers, 15 teachers of AOA and 15 teachers that have graduated from AOA in 2012-2013/ 2013-2014 academic season form the second and third study groups respectively. Research findings were studied and interpreted in the framework of 4 main topics which are field knowledge, basic professional attitudes, effective communication and teaching abilities. Keywords: teacher training, candidate teacher, class teacher, primary school, North Cyprus.
Effect of educational agent and its form characteristics on problem solving ability perception of students in online task based learning media
Authors: Akyuz Halil İbrahim , Keser Hafize
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an educational agent, used in online task based learning media, and its form characteristics on problem solving ability perceptions of students. 2x2 factorial design is used in this study. The first study factor is the role of the educational agent and the second factor is form characteristics of the educational agent. The educational agent plays two different roles (teacher and friend). Form factor is whether the educational agent is supported by speech bubble or not. The dependent variable of this study is problem solving ability perception. The working group of the study consists of 47 students, taking ‘Multimedia Design and Creation’ classes in the spring term of 20102011 academic year in the department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies of Ankara Universtiy. In terms of two variables, students were assigned to four different experiment groups at random. All of the experimental studies were maintained online. Measurements regarding dependent variables were carried out online. Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) is used to measure problem solving ability perceptions. Pre-test problem solving ability perception points were controlled in order to determine the effect of experimental operations on groups and post-test points were then compared. It is determined that applied method has an important effect on problem solving ability perception of students and that the educational agent in the role of teacher is more effective than the role of friend in the development of problem solving ability perception.Keywords: programming teaching, problem solving ability, educational agent.
Table of Contents
Authors: IACOB Dr. Andreea Iluzia
Published: November 2015

Table of Contents
Durability Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Arch Bridge Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Method
Authors: Fangwen Wu , Caofang Yang , Chengfeng Xue
Published: November 2015

Durability damages in varying degrees occur in numerous bridges during the service stage. Most problems
caused by durability damages, including insufficient carrying capacity, aging, and breakage, among others, will directly
threaten the safety performance of the structure and affect its normal condition. It requires field test to inspect in detail and
reassess the structure, so that proper action can be taken to maintain the structure. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy
Process, this study aims to establish a durability assessment model of a reinforced concrete arch bridge through
membership function by combining fuzzy theory, to solve the sensitivity of different degrees of damages on assessment
result by setting weight, and to conduct durability assessment of the superstructure of reinforced concrete bridges through
the application of comprehensive weight variation fuzzy assessment. Results indicate that the structure is in a good state,
and the durability assessment is in good agreement with the actual situation of the bridge.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Bending Capacity of Steelconcrete
Composite Truss Girder
Authors: Yang Wang , Tian Li
Published: November 2015

This article presents an experimental investigation on the bending capacity of steel-concrete composite truss
girder (SCCTG). Four full-scale specimens named CB1, CB2a, CB2b and CB3 respectively, are tested and numerical analyzed.
Stress distribution, load-displacement relationship, load-slip relationship and ultimate bending capacity of SCCTGs
are investigated. The results show that SCCTG follows plane section assumption on the whole. SCCTG has a higher ultimate
bearing capacity and good performance of deformation. Concrete slab and the steel truss can work together better using
denser studs. In elastic stage, the effective width of the SCCTG flange plate remains the same with negligible variation.
While in plastic stage, the effective width increases. Tests also prove that there is obvious shear lag effect in the concrete
compression flange. Three-dimensional numerical model by finite element package ABAQUS is established to examine
the bending behaviour of SCCTG. Hopefully, an acceptable correlation has been observed between the analytical
and experimental results. There is obvious shear lag effect in the concrete compression flange. Shear lag should be paid
great attention when designing and calculating the bearing capacity and deformation of SCCTG.
Study on Creep Characteristics of Cemented Waste Rock Backfills
Authors: Li Changhong , Ma Qiantian , Chen Guoliang , Shao Hai
Published: November 2015

Slip instability and tensor instability are two kinds of failure modes of cemented waste rock backfills. In order
to simulate the creep characteristics of cemented waste rock backfills, PFC was carried out. The results show that: rocks
inside the models will have displacement under load. The expansion is caused by large lateral displacement of the rocks.
A non-stationary creep model of cemented waste rock backfills was established based on the results of simulation. This
model can be used to describe the whole creep characteristics of cemented waste rock backfills better.
Research on Drain and Counter-Clogging Ability of Porous Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Wang Hongchang , Zhou Minggang , Li Ming , Sugiura Kunitomo
Published: November 2015

Porous asphalts pavement arouses the attentions of the world by its good performance such as reduce the potential
for hydroplaning, reduce splash and spray, improve visibility, decline traffic noise, and improve driving safety. But
the void clogging lessens its durable function. So in this paper appropriate clogging agent was choose, and seepage coefficients
were tested by using asphalt mixture pavement surface permeameter to simulation multi-cycle drainage clogging
test. The influence of asphalt mixture design parameter such as the porosity, the maximum sizes of the aggregate, gradation
and asphalt on the drainage and counter-clogging ability of porous asphalts was researched. The tests indicated that
the porosity has an obvious influence on both porous asphalts’ permeable ability and counter-clogging ability. Comparing
the specimen of 21% void to the ones of 16% void, the drain ability is improved 49.8%, the counter-clogging ability is
improved 55.0%. The maximum sizes of the aggregate has an obvious influence on porous asphalts’ counter-clogging
ability, but no an obvious influence on the drain ability. Comparing the specimen of 16mm to the 13mm, the counterclogging
ability is proved 48%. PAC with the coarser graduation has a better performance on drain and counter-clogging
ability. TPS modifier changes PAC little on drain and counter-clogging ability.
The Exploration of Hazard Prediction Techniques and Security Management Strategies for Domestic Road Construction
Authors: Guo Chenhao , Yan Yapeng , Wang Tiansong
Published: November 2015

With the rapid development of the economy in China and the speeding up of urbanization, urban roads and
highways in China continue to increase. However, due to some of the characteristics of road construction, long duration,
high fluidity, large volume of work and complex process, there exist many security problems during the period of
construction, which determines that security management is unoptimistic on construction site. This paper makes a
comprehensive research over the achievements of domestic and foreign experts and analyzes the causes of the security
incidents in domestic road construction, so as to further clarify that the deep reasons for the security incidents in
management. Based on this, the author advances the corresponding security management measures. With comprehensive
evaluation methods applied on road construction site, the security situation can be predicted and prevented whenever and
wherever possible.
Technology Research Status Review of Long-span Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Wang Hu , Han Fei
Published: November 2015

Through the analysis and summary of research status and development trends of deck pavement technology of
long-span continuous rigid frame bridge deck pavement at home and abroad, the impact factors of durability of continuous
rigid frame bridge deck pavement, such as design flaw, constructional quality and overload are studied. This article
will comprehensively analyze the cause of disease focusing on mechanism, structure design deficiency and classification
method. Analysis shows that: the durability of continuous rigid frame bridge deck pavement is determined not only by
pavement material strength, but also by pavement layer thickness and materials of bridge deck. It is integrated design of
pavement and bridge deck, superior construction quality and craft that make sure deck pavement durability. Besides, there
are still some imperfections and unreasonableness in existing literatures using finite element calculation of continuous rigid
frame bridge deck pavement. In order to provide more credible data for future engineering practice and relevant standard,
the finite element method and boundary conditions should be studied and improved.
Fault Diagnosis for Steam-flow Exciting Vibration of Ultra Supercritical
1000 MW Steam Turbine
Authors: Li Chen , Niansu Hu
Published: November 2015

With the increase in thermal power capacity, ultra supercritical units have become the mainstream of power
industry. At the same time, with the improvement of the steam parameters and the lengthening of shafting, the production
of steam flow excited vibration is frequent in the ultra supercritical units, which may seriously affect the reliability of the
unit. This paper has taken steam flow excited vibration of a 1000MW turbine as an example in accordance with the
experimental and theoretical causes of steam flow excited vibration to solve the problem of steam flow excited vibration
by the proposed treatment plan. This can greatly improve the reliability of operation and the units with high load capacity.
New metaphysics in Serbian rehabilitation medicine
Authors: Djurovic Aleksandar
Published: November 2015

nema
Comparison of cefixime and amoxicillin plus metronidazole in the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Dukic Smiljka , Matijevic Stevo , Dakovic Dragana , Cutovic Tatjana
Published: November 2015

Introduction/Aim. Despite significant advances in current medicine and
improvement of overall health education, chronic periodontitis is still a
widespread disease. Losing teeth is the most serious complication of this
particular illness. The aim of this study was to examine patients with
chronic periodontitis in order to evaluate the efficacy of non-surgical
therapy and combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole compared with
cefixime, which has not been so far used for the treatment of this disease.
Methods. Adult patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 90) underwent
non-surgical periodontal treatment (zero-day) and then randomly divided into
three groups. The group I served as a control, the group II was additionally
treated with the combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole (for 7 days),
while the group III was treated with cefixime (also for 7 days). To assess
the condition of periodontium before and seven days after the therapy, four
clinical parameters were used: gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing
(BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Results. On
the day 7 after the beginning of the therapy, we found that all the three
groups of patients had statistically significant clinical improvement of
three parameters: GI, BOP and PD, but not of the CAL. However, the
improvement of PD was only statistically, but not clinically significant. The
improvement in the control group of patients on the day 7 was 19% in BOP and
28% in GI; this improvement was statistically highly significant after the
addition of amoxicillin plus metronodazole (71% in BOP and 77% in GI) or
cefixime (62% in BOP and 82% in GI). Compared to the combination of
amoxicillin and metronidazole, cefixim was statistically significantly more
effective for GI (p < 0.05), while for the other three clinical parameters
their effects were equal. Conclusion. The conjunction of amoxicillin plus
metronidazole or cefixime to the causal treatment of patients with chronic
periodontitis led to statistically significant improvement in efficacy in
relation to GI and BOP parameters, while cefixime was statistically
significantly more efficient than the combination of amoxicillin and
metronidazole for GI.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Basal Insulin Peglispro and Insulin Glargine in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Previously Treated With Basal Insulin: IMAGINE 5
Authors: Buse John B. , Rodbard Helena W. , Trescoli Serrano Carlos , Luo Junxiang , Ivanyi Tibor , Bue-Valleskey Juliana , Hartman Mark L. , Carey Michelle A. , Chang Annette M.
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of basal insulin peglispro (BIL) versus insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≤9% [75 mmol/mol]) treated with basal insulin alone or with three or fewer oral antihyperglycemic medications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 52-week, open-label, treat-to-target study randomized patients (mean HbA1c 7.42% [57.6 mmol/mol]) to BIL (n = 307) or glargine (n = 159). The primary end point was change from baseline HbA1c to 26 weeks (0.4% [4.4 mmol/mol] noninferiority margin).

RESULTS

At 26 weeks, reduction in HbA1c was superior with BIL versus glargine (−0.82% [−8.9 mmol/mol] vs. −0.29% [−3.2 mmol/mol]; least squares mean difference −0.52%, 95% CI −0.67 to −0.38 [−5.7 mmol/mol, 95% CI −7.3 to −4.2; P < 0.001); greater reduction in HbA1c with BIL was maintained at 52 weeks. More BIL patients achieved HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) at weeks 26 and 52 (P < 0.001). With BIL versus glargine, nocturnal hypoglycemia rate was 60% lower, more patients achieved HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) without nocturnal hypoglycemia at 26 and 52 weeks (P < 0.001), and total hypoglycemia rates were lower at 52 weeks (P = 0.03). At weeks 26 and 52, glucose variability was lower (P < 0.01), basal insulin dose was higher (P < 0.001), and triglycerides and aminotransferases were higher with BIL versus glargine (P < 0.05). Liver fat content (LFC), assessed in a subset of patients (n = 162), increased from baseline with BIL versus glargine (P < 0.001), with stable levels between 26 and 52 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

BIL provided superior glycemic control versus glargine, with reduced nocturnal and total hypoglycemia, lower glucose variability, and increased triglycerides, aminotransferases, and LFC.
Fatal Disseminated Aspergillus Penicillioides Infection in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Suspected Cystic Fibrosis: Autopsy Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Gupta Kirti , Gupta Parikshaa , Mathew Joseph L , Bansal Arun , Singh Gangandeep , Singh Meenu , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: November 2015

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often are colonized by Aspergillus species in their respiratory tract, but invasive aspergillosis is a rare complication. We describe the autopsy findings of an infant with cystic fibrosis who had fatal disseminated aspergillosis. The causative agent was identified as A. penicillioides by molecular technique. To our knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated aspergillosis caused by A. penicillioides in any type of patient. The literature on invasive aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis also is reviewed.
Polycentricity and queue jumping in public law remedies: A two-track response
Authors: Roach Kent
Published: November 2015

This article examines complex public law remedies in light of Lon Fuller’s famous critique that courts are ill-equipped to deal with polycentric or multifaceted issues and the related critique that remedies for health care and other socio-economic rights result in queue jumping. Most contemporary commentators interpret Fuller as hostile to courts’ ordering complex remedies. A more nuanced interpretation of Fuller advanced in part ii of this article suggests that polycentricity is a matter of degree and that courts can cautiously engage with polycentric issues by relying on negotiation among parties and drawing dialogically on the expertise of the legislature and the executive. At the same time, many commentators subsequent to Fuller have unwisely dismissed his concern about maintaining the integrity of adjudication by ensuring that successful litigants receive a tangible remedy. Part iii will examine the American experience with complex remedies, suggesting that a recent California prison case illustrates some dangers of courts losing adjudicative focus when they take on too many polycentric problems. Part iv will suggest that, while Doucet-Boudreau and section 24(1) of the Charter should allow Canadian courts carefully to manage polycentric tasks by retaining jurisdiction, there have been some regrettable retreats from the majority’s decision. Nevertheless, a new remedy of a ‘declaration plus’ will be defended as appropriate in prison and other complex cases. Part v will examine remedies in the polycentric context of health care. It will suggest that suspended declarations of invalidity such as was used in Chaoulli can also help manage polycentricity. The two-track approach to remedies defended in the part vi would involve courts where possible, providing individual remedies to litigants while using more cautious dialogic remedies to address complex polycentric issues such as unconstitutional health care and prison conditions.
Editorial
Authors:   The Editors
Published: November 2015

One of the great anthems of the romantically famed 1960s was Dylan’s ‘The times, they are a-changing’. But are they ever not? They certainly are right now, and radically. As a subject concerned with what one might, in slightly old-fashioned terms, describe as ‘the human condition’, anthropology ought to pay attention to and engage with these changes. That attention and engagement ought to be visible in the pages of its journals, and across the spectrum of journals, it certainly has been. For small journals like AJEC, this poses particular challenges. When the editorial board met last year during the EASA conference in Tallinn, we discussed these challenges and how best to respond to them. The journal has been doing exceptionally well in a difficult publishing climate, and the changes to the management and of format of AJEC, agreed in Tallinn and complemented by subsequent consultation, will build on this success.
Rhythms of Global Urbanisation
Authors: Mbo Emil Abossolo , Kilian Cassis
Published: November 2015

Since global interdependencies are a feature of urbanisation, Kwame Anthony Appiah's pleading for an education in 'cosmopolitan citizenship' is forward-looking. Given increasing mobility, handling different urban rhythms is as important as dealing with different languages. Actors explore how airports, supermarkets and cemeteries react to gait, respiration and heartbeat and how people adopt or impose rhythms. Such investigations might appear superficial from an academic perspective, but they bear resemblance to ethnographic fieldwork.

We (an actor and an anthropologist) refer to the shift from participant observation to collaboration proposed by George Marcus, and conjointly explore rhythmic aspects of urbanisation, which are difficult for scholars to grasp. Our aim is to expand anthropological concepts, methods and forms of representation. In reference to Paul Stoller, we consider acting methods a 'sensuous scholarship' and argue that rhythm allows us to explore preverbal aspects of feelings of belonging or alienation in the urban space.
Negotiating the Imagined Geography of Europeanness in Polish State Bureaucracies
Authors: Schwell Alexandra
Published: November 2015

This article explores how the fluctuating cartography of East and West and the varying degrees of perceptive Europeanness influence everyday practices of the people working in Polish state bureaucracies, who professionally advance European integration within a national framework. While an important part of their self-image is formed through the dissociation from cultural 'Eastness' and the backwardness they ascribe to fellow citizens, they still experience negative stereotyping and mistrust from the part of the EU-15 'Westerners'. Consequently, East-Central European state officials oscillate on the continuum between cultural 'East' and 'West' and constantly negotiate distance, relatedness and thus their own liminal position. By scrutinising how Polish state officials aim at positioning themselves on the mental map of Europe, this article shows that they attempt to escape the cultural pattern of negative stereotyping and mistrust by using a functionalist narrative of efficiency. This is a rhetorical strategy employed to cope with existing asymmetries.
Electrical Compact Modeling of Graphene Base Transistors
Authors: Frégonèse Sébastien , Venica Stefano , Driussi Francesco , Zimmer Thomas
Published: November 2015

Following the recent development of the Graphene Base Transistor (GBT), a new electrical compact model for GBT devices is proposed. The transistor model includes the quantum capacitance model to obtain a self-consistent base potential. It also uses a versatile transfer current equation to be compatible with the different possible GBT configurations and it account for high injection conditions thanks to a transit time based charge model. Finally, the developed large signal model has been implemented in Verilog-A code and can be used for simulation in a standard circuit design environment such as Cadence or ADS. This model has been verified using advanced numerical simulation.
A Novel Quantum-Behaved Lightning Search Algorithm Approach to Improve the Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller for an Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Abd Ali Jamal , Hannan Mahammad , Mohamed Azah
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a novel lightning search algorithm (LSA) using quantum mechanics theories to generate a quantum-inspired LSA (QLSA). The QLSA improves the searching of each step leader to obtain the best position for a projectile. To evaluate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, the QLSA is tested using eighteen benchmark functions with various characteristics. The QLSA is applied to improve the design of the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for controlling the speed response of the induction motor drive. The proposed algorithm avoids the exhaustive conventional trial-and-error procedure for obtaining membership functions (MFs). The generated adaptive input and output MFs are implemented in the fuzzy speed controller design to formulate the objective functions. Mean absolute error (MAE) of the rotor speed is the objective function of optimization controller. An optimal QLSA-based FLC (QLSAF) optimization controller is employed to tune and minimize the MAE, thereby improving the performance of the induction motor with the change in speed and mechanical load. To validate the performance of the developed controller, the results obtained with the QLSAF are compared to the results obtained with LSA, the backtracking search algorithm (BSA), the gravitational search algorithm (GSA), the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the proportional integral derivative controllers (PID), respectively. Results show that the QLASF outperforms the other control methods in all of the tested cases in terms of damping capability and transient response under different mechanical loads and speeds.
Brazilein Suppresses Inflammation through Inactivation of IRAK4-NF-κB Pathway in LPS-Induced Raw264.7 Macrophage Cells
Authors: Kim Kui-Jin , Yoon Kye-Yoon , Yoon Hyung-Sun , Oh Sei-Ryang , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: November 2015

The medicinal herbal plant has been commonly used for prevention and intervention of disease and health promotions worldwide. Brazilein is a bioactive compound extracted from Caesalpinia sappan Linn. Several studies have showed that brazilein exhibited the immune suppressive effect and anti-oxidative function. However, the molecular targets of brazilein for inflammation prevention have remained elusive. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of brazilein on LPS-induced inflammatory response in Raw264.7 macrophage cells. We demonstrated that brazilein decreased the expression of IRAK4 protein led to the suppression of MAPK signaling and IKKβ, and subsequent inactivation of NF-κB and COX2 thus promoting the expression of the downstream target pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, MCP-1, MIP-2, and IL-6 in LPS-induced Raw264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, we observed that brazilein reduced the production of nitrite compared to the control in LPS-induced Raw264.7. Thus, we suggest that brazilein might be a useful bioactive compound for the prevention of IRAK-NF-κB pathway associated chronic diseases.
The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure MIRRI: Strength through Coordination
Authors: Stackebrandt Erko , Schüngel Manuela , Martin Dunja , Smith David
Published: November 2015

Microbial resources have been recognized as essential raw materials for the advancement of health and later for biotechnology, agriculture, food technology and for research in the life sciences, as their enormous abundance and diversity offer an unparalleled source of unexplored solutions. Microbial domain biological resource centres (mBRC) provide live cultures and associated data to foster and support the development of basic and applied science in countries worldwide and especially in Europe, where the density of highly advanced mBRCs is high. The not-for-profit and distributed project MIRRI (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure) aims to coordinate access to hitherto individually managed resources by developing a pan-European platform which takes the interoperability and accessibility of resources and data to a higher level. Providing a wealth of additional information and linking to datasets such as literature, environmental data, sequences and chemistry will enable researchers to select organisms suitable for their research and enable innovative solutions to be developed. The current independent policies and managed processes will be adapted by partner mBRCs to harmonize holdings, services, training, and accession policy and to share expertise. The infrastructure will improve access to enhanced quality microorganisms in an appropriate legal framework and to resource-associated data in a more interoperable way.
Spectral Unmixing of Forest Crown Components at Close Range, Airborne and Simulated Sentinel-2 and EnMAP Spectral Imaging Scale
Authors: Clasen Anne , Somers Ben , Pipkins Kyle , Tits Laurent , Segl Karl , Brell Max , Kleinschmit Birgit , Spengler Daniel , Lausch Angela , Förster Michael
Published: November 2015

Forest biochemical and biophysical variables and their spatial and temporal distribution are essential inputs to process-orientated ecosystem models. To provide this information, imaging spectroscopy appears to be a promising tool. In this context, the present study investigates the potential of spectral unmixing to derive sub-pixel crown component fractions in a temperate deciduous forest ecosystem. However, the high proportion of foliage in this complex vegetation structure leads to the problem of saturation effects, when applying broadband vegetation indices. This study illustrates that multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) can contribute to overcoming this challenge. Reference fractional abundances, as well as spectral measurements of the canopy components, could be precisely determined from a crane measurement platform situated in a deciduous forest in North-East Germany. In contrast to most other studies, which only use leaf and soil endmembers, this experimental setup allowed for the inclusion of a bark endmember for the unmixing of components within the canopy. This study demonstrates that the inclusion of additional endmembers markedly improves the accuracy. A mean absolute error of 7.9% could be achieved for the fractional occurrence of the leaf endmember and 5.9% for the bark endmember. In order to evaluate the results of this field-based study for airborne and satellite-based remote sensing applications, a transfer to Airborne Imaging Spectrometer for Applications (AISA) and simulated Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) and Sentinel-2 imagery was carried out. All sensors were capable of unmixing crown components with a mean absolute error ranging between 3% and 21%.
Detecting and Characterizing Active Thrust Fault and Deep-Seated Landslides in Dense Forest Areas of Southern Taiwan Using Airborne LiDAR DEM
Authors: Chen Rou-Fei , Lin Ching-Weei , Chen Yi-Hui , He Tai-Chien , Fei Li-Yuan
Published: November 2015

Steep topographic reliefs and heavy vegetation severely limit visibility when examining geological structures and surface deformations in the field or when detecting these features with traditional approaches, such as aerial photography and satellite imagery. However, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-derived digital elevation model (DEM), which is directly related to the bare ground surface, is successfully employed to map topographic signatures with an appropriate scale and accuracy and facilitates measurements of fine topographic features. This study demonstrates the efficient use of 1-m-resolution LiDAR for tectonic geomorphology in forested areas and to identify a fault, a deep-seated landslide, and the regional cleavage attitude in southern Taiwan. Integrated approaches that use grayscale slope images, openness with a tint color slope visualization, the three-dimensional (3D) perspective of a red relief image map, and a field investigation are employed to identify the aforementioned features. In this study, the previously inferred Meilongshan Fault is confirmed as a NE–SW-trending, eastern dipping thrust with at least a 750 m-wide deformation zone. The site where future paleoseismological studies should be performed has been identified, and someone needs to work further on this site. Signatures of deep-seated landslides, such as double ridges, trenches, main escarpments, and extension cracks, are successfully differentiated in LiDAR DEM images through the use of different visualization techniques. Systematic parallel and continuous lineaments in the images are interpreted as the regional cleavage attitude of cleavage, and a field investigation confirms this interpretation.
Addendum: Hochreiter, B.; Pardo-Garcia, A.; Schmid, J.A. Fluorescent Proteins as Genetically Encoded FRET Biosensors in Life Sciences. Sensors 2015, 15, 26281–26314
Authors: Hochreiter Bernhard , Pardo-Garcia Alan , Schmid Johannes
Published: November 2015

The authors wish to add an Acknowledgments section to their paper published in Sensors [1], doi:10.3390/s151026281, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/15/10/26281. [...]
Green Transport Balanced Scorecard Model with Analytic Network Process Support
Authors: Staš David , Lenort Radim , Wicher Pavel , Holman David
Published: November 2015

In recent decades, the performance of economic and non-economic activities has required them to be friendly with the environment. Transport is one of the areas having considerable potential within the scope. The main assumption to achieve ambitious green goals is an effective green transport evaluation system. However, these systems are researched from the industrial company and supply chain perspective only sporadically. The aim of the paper is to design a conceptual framework for creating the Green Transport (GT) Balanced Scorecard (BSC) models from the viewpoint of industrial companies and supply chains using an appropriate multi-criteria decision making method. The models should allow green transport performance evaluation and support of an effective implementation of green transport strategies. Since performance measures used in Balanced Scorecard models are interdependent, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) was used as the appropriate multi-criteria decision making method. The verification of the designed conceptual framework was performed on a real supply chain of the European automotive industry.
Validation of a Locally Revised Topographic Index in Central New Jersey, USA
Authors: Qiu Zeyuan
Published: November 2015

Saturation excess is a major runoff process in humid regions such as the US Northeast. Topographic index (TI) is used to simulate the pattern of runoff-contributing areas following a saturation excess runoff process. Although TI is useful to delineate saturated areas, i.e., hydrologically sensitive areas, for taking spatially distinctive actions in watersheds for improving water quality, local resource management practitioners often question its applicability to local conditions. This study introduces two methods to validate a locally revised TI in humid central New Jersey, USA. The revised TI uses soil moisture deficit instead of water table depth as the state variable in simulating the saturation excess runoff process. First, the calculated TI values were compared to the soil moisture measurements sampled in two sites in Tewksbury Township in the region to evaluate their correlations. Second, a watershed model Variable Source Load Function (VSLF) that incorporates TI was applied to the Neshanic River Watershed in the region and compared to another watershed model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate its capability in predicting the streamflow and its runoff and baseflow components. The positive correlations between soil moisture measurements and TI suggested TI is a good indicator of runoff-generating potential. VSLF achieves a modeling efficiency comparable to SWAT in simulating watershed hydrology. Such validation gives practitioners confidence to incorporate TI pattern into watershed management practices for improving their efficiency. The results are applicable to shallow, interflow-driven watersheds in humid regions.
Découverte de nouveaux documents relatifs au Polyptyque de Saint-Remi de Reims. A propos d'une édition récente
Authors: Desportes Pierre , Dolbeau François , Devroey Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2015

L'édition de Jean-Pierre Devrœy, publiée en 1984 dans le 163e volume des Travaux de l'Académie Nationale de Reims, a attiré l'attention sur le Polyptyque de Saint-Remi. Cet article a pour objet de présenter deux nouvelles copies, complètes et indépendantes, de ce document, retrouvées l'une à Carpentras dans les papiers de Peiresc, l'autre à Oxford dans ceux d'un correspondant de Peiresc, l'érudit anglais Henry Spelman.

Elles permettent d'affirmer que le manuscrit rémois à l'origine de toutes les copies du Polyptyque avait été transcrit dans le second tiers du IXe siècle. Elles fournissent un bref appendice inédit et donnent la possibilité d'asseoir sur une base solide la chronologie des divers éléments constitutifs d'un texte dont le caractère composite fait l'exceptionnelle richesse.
La religion populaire dans les Pays-Bas méridionaux au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Cloet Michel
Published: November 2015

Until about 1770, XVIIIth century popular religion assumes the same features as in the previous century : a practice all but universal (mass and sacraments) and a massive attendance to devotions (processions, cult of the Saints and above all of the Virgin, success of places of pilgrimage, confraternities). The number of diocesan priests was high, particularly in the third quarter of the XVIIIth century. Déchristianisation can thus certainly not be assigned to a lack of priests.

The realization that religious life keeps its full vigour longer than hitherto believed is an original and new discovery of this article. The study of religious life in the major cities remains yet to be done.
Boosting in Nonlinear Regression Models with an Application to DCE-MRI Data
Authors: Feilke M. , Bischl B. , Gertheiss J. , Schmid V. J.
Published: November 2015

Background: For the statistical analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data, compartment models are a commonly used tool. By these models, the observed uptake of contrast agent in some tissue over time is linked to physiologic properties like capillary permeability and blood flow. Up to now, models of different complexity have been used, and it is still unclear which model should be used in which situation. In previous studies, it has been found that for DCE-MRI data, the number of compartments differs for different types of tissue, and that in cancerous tissue, it might actually differ over a region of voxels of one DCE-MR image. Objectives: To find the appropriate number of compartments and estimate the parameters of a regression model for each voxel in an DCE-MR image. With that, tumors in an DCE-MR image can be located, and for example therapy success can be assessed. Methods: The observed uptake of contrast agent in a voxel of an image of some tissue is described by a concentration time curve. This curve can be modeled using a nonlinear regression model. We present a boosting approach with nonlinear regression as base procedure, which allows us to estimate the number of compartments and the related parameters for each voxel of an DCE-MR image. In addition, a spatially regularized version of this approach is proposed. Results: With the proposed approach, the number of compartments – and with that the complexity of the model – per voxel is not fixed but data-driven, which allows us to fit models of adequate complexity to the concentration time curves of all voxels. The parameters of the model remain nevertheless interpretable because of the underlying compartment model. Conclusions: The proposed boosting approaches outperform all competing methods considered in this paper regarding the correct localization of tumors in DCE-MR images as well as the spatial homogeneity of the estimated number of compartments across the image, and the definition of the tumor edge.
Performance of Different Diagnostic Criteria for Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children with Periodic Fevers: Results from a Multicenter International Registry
Authors: Demirkaya Erkan , Saglam Celal , Turker Turker , Koné-Paut Isabelle , Woo Pat , Doglio Matteo , Amaryan Gayane , Frenkel Joost , Uziel Yosef , Insalaco Antonella , Cantarini Luca , Hofer Michael , Boiu Sorina , Duzova Ali , Modesto Consuelo , Bryant Annette , Rigante Donato , Papadopoulou-Alataki Efimia , Guillaume-Czitrom Severine , Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmine , Neven Bénédicte , Lachmann Helen , Martini Alberto , Ruperto Nicolino , Gattorno Marco , Ozen Seza ,   for The Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisations (PRINTO) and Eurofever Project
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Our aims were to validate the pediatric diagnostic criteria in a large international registry and to compare them with the performance of previous criteria for the diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Methods.

Pediatric patients with FMF from the Eurofever registry were used for the validation of the existing criteria. The other periodic fevers served as controls: mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis syndrome (PFAPA), and undefined periodic fever from the same registry. The performances of Tel Hashomer, Livneh, and the Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria were assessed.

Results.

The FMF group included 339 patients. The control group consisted of 377 patients (53 TRAPS, 45 MKD, 32 CAPS, 160 PFAPA, 87 undefined periodic fevers). Patients with FMF were correctly diagnosed using the Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria with a sensitivity rate of 87.4% and a specificity rate of 40.7%. On the other hand, Tel Hashomer and Livneh criteria displayed a sensitivity of 45.0 and 77.3%, respectively. Both of the latter criteria displayed a better specificity than the Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria: 97.2 and 41.1% for the Tel Hashomer and Livneh criteria, respectively. The overall accuracy for the Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria was 65 and 69.6% (using 2 and 3 criteria), respectively. Ethnicity and residence had no effect on the performance of the Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria.

Conclusion.

The Yalcinkaya-Ozen criteria yielded a better sensitivity than the other criteria in this international cohort of patients and thus can be used as a tool for FMF diagnosis in pediatric patients from either the European or eastern Mediterranean region. However, the specificity was lower than the previously suggested adult criteria.
A Multicenter Study of Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Silva Marco F. , Ferriani Mariana P. , Terreri Maria T. , Pereira Rosa M. , Magalhães Claudia S. , Bonfá Eloisa , Campos Lucia M. , Okuda Eunice M. , Appenzeller Simone , Ferriani Virgínia P. , Barbosa Cássia M. , Ramos Valéria C. , Lotufo Simone , Silva Clovis A.
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To study the prevalence, risk factors, and mortality of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

Methods.

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was performed in 852 patients with cSLE from 10 pediatric rheumatology services. An investigator meeting was held and all participants received database training. IFI were diagnosed according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group Consensus Group criteria (proven, probable, and possible). Also evaluated were demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, and disease activity [SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K)], cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index), treatment, and outcomes.

Results.

IFI were observed in 33/852 patients (3.9%) with cSLE. Proven IFI was diagnosed in 22 patients with cSLE, probable IFI in 5, and possible IFI in 6. Types of IFI were candidiasis (20), aspergillosis (9), cryptococcosis (2), and 1 each disseminated histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis. The median of disease duration was lower (1.0 vs 4.7 yrs, p < 0.0001) with a higher current SLEDAI-2K [19.5 (0–44) vs 2 (0–45), p < 0.0001] and current prednisone (PRED) dose [50 (10–60) vs 10 (2–90) mg/day, p < 0.0001] in patients with IFI compared with those without IFI. The frequency of death was higher in the former group (51% vs 6%, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that SLEDAI-2K (OR 1.108, 95% CI 1.057–1.163, p < 0.0001), current PRED dose (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.021–1.071, p < 0.0001), and disease duration (OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.969–0.998, p = 0.030) were independent risk factors for IFI (R2 Nagelkerke 0.425).

Conclusion.

To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize IFI in patients with cSLE. We identified that disease activity and current glucocorticoid use were the main risk factors for these life-threatening infections, mainly in the first years of disease course, with a high rate of fatal outcome.
Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Knee Joint Effusion Synovitis and Knee Pain in Older Adults
Authors: Wang Xia , Jin Xingzhong , Han Weiyu , Cao Yuelong , Halliday Andrew , Blizzard Leigh , Pan Faming , Antony Benny , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To describe the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between knee regional effusion synovitis and knee pain in older adults.

Methods.

Data from a population-based random sample (n = 880, mean age 62 yrs, 50% women) were used. Baseline knee joint effusion synovitis was graded (0–3) using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the suprapatellar pouch, central portion, posterior femoral recess, and subpopliteal recess. Effusion synovitis of the whole joint was defined as a score of ≥ 2 in any subregion. Other knee structural (including cartilage, bone marrow, and menisci) lesions were assessed by MRI at baseline. Knee pain was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire at baseline and 2.6 years later. Multivariable analyses were performed after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and other structural lesions.

Results.

The prevalence of effusion synovitis was 67%. Suprapatellar pouch effusion synovitis was significantly and independently associated with increased total and nonweight-bearing knee pain in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (for an increase in total knee pain of ≥ 5, RR 1.26 per grade, 95% CI 1.04–1.52), and increased weight-bearing knee pain in longitudinal analysis only. Effusion synovitis in posterior femoral recess and central portion were independently associated with increases in nonweight-bearing pain (RR 1.63 per grade, 95% CI 1.32–2.01 and RR 1.29 per grade, 95% CI 1.01–1.65, respectively) in longitudinal analyses only.

Conclusion.

Knee joint effusion synovitis has independent associations with knee pain in older adults. Suprapatellar pouch effusion synovitis is associated with nonweight-bearing and weight-bearing knee pain, while posterior femoral recess and central portion effusion synovitis are only associated with nonweight-bearing pain.