bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil and Water Conservation Strategies in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde in Portuguese) and Their Impacts on Livelihoods: An Overview from the Ribeira Seca Watershed
Authors: Baptista Isaurinda , Fleskens Luuk , Ritsema Coen , Querido António , Tavares Jacques , Ferreira António , Reis Eduardo , Gomes Samuel , Varela Anabela
Published: January 2015

Severe land degradation has strongly affected both people’s livelihood and the environment in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde in Portuguese), a natural resource poor country. Despite the enormous investment in soil and water conservation measures (SWC or SLM), which are visible throughout the landscape, and the recognition of their benefits, their biophysical and socioeconomic impacts have been poorly assessed and scientifically documented. This paper contributes to filling this gap, by bringing together insights from literature and policy review, field survey and participatory assessment in the Ribeira Seca Watershed through a concerted approach devised by the DESIRE project (the “Desire approach”). Specifically, we analyze government strategies towards building resilience against the harsh conditions, analyze the state of land degradation and its drivers, survey and map the existing SWC measures, and assess their effectiveness against land degradation, on crop yield and people’s livelihood. We infer that the relative success of Cape Verde in tackling desertification and rural poverty owes to an integrated governance strategy that comprises raising awareness, institutional framework development, financial resource allocation, capacity building, and active participation of rural communities. We recommend that specific, scientific-based monitoring and assessment studies be carried out on the biophysical and socioeconomic impact of SLM and that the “Desire approach” be scaled-up to other watersheds in the country.
Reframing Risqué/Risky: Queer Temporalities, Teenage Sexting, and Freedom of Expression
Authors: Karaian Lara , Van Meyl Katherine
Published: January 2015

Canada recognizes young people’s constitutionally protected freedom of expression and consequently their right to engage in a narrow subset of consensual sexually expressive practices without being prosecuted as child pornographers. Nevertheless, numerous anti-sexting campaigns decry the possibility of voluntary and “safe sexting” let alone the affordances of adolescents’ self-produced and consensually shared sexual imagery. In this article, we argue that these actors have erred in their construction of youths’ risqué imagery as inherently risky and thus governable. We propose that anti-sexting frameworks—which conflate consensual and nonconsensual sexting and which equate both with negative risks that purportedly outweigh the value and benefits of the practice—rely on a calculus that is fundamentally flawed. This article consists of two main parts. In Part I, we map and trouble the ways in which responses to consensual teenage sexting emphasize the practice’s relationship to embodied, financial, intimate and legal risks. In Part II, we suggest that research examining consensual adolescent sexting and young people’s rights to freedom of expression consider alternative theoretical frameworks, such as queer theories of temporality, when calculating the risk of harm of adolescent sexual imagery.
TiO2-Mediated Photocatalytic Mineralization of a Non-Ionic Detergent: Comparison and Combination with Other Advanced Oxidation Procedures
Authors: Hegedűs Péter , Szabó-Bárdos Erzsébet , Horváth Ottó , Horváth Krisztián , Hajós Péter
Published: January 2015

Triton X-100 is one of the most widely-applied man-made non-ionic surfactants. This detergent can hardly be degraded by biological treatment. Hence, a more efficient degradation method is indispensable for the total mineralization of this pollutant. Application of heterogeneous photocatalysis based on a TiO2 suspension is a possible solution. Its efficiency may be improved by the addition of various reagents. We have thoroughly examined the photocatalytic degradation of Triton X-100 under various circumstances. For comparison, the efficiencies of ozonation and treatment with peroxydisulfate were also determined under the same conditions. Besides, the combination of these advanced oxidation procedures (AOPs) were also studied. The mineralization of this surfactant was monitored by following the TOC and pH values, as well as the absorption and emission spectra of the reaction mixture. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed and optimized for monitoring the degradation of Triton X-100. Intermediates were also detected by GC-MS analysis and followed during the photocatalysis, contributing to the elucidation of the degradation mechanism. This non-ionic surfactant could be efficiently degraded by TiO2-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis. However, surprisingly, its combination with the AOPs applied in this study did not enhance the rate of the mineralization. Moreover, the presence of persulfate hindered the photocatalytic degradation.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin Induces Apoptosis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells via Cannabinoid Receptor 2
Authors: Lee Phil , Woo Seung , Jee Jun-Goo , Sung Sang , Kim Hong
Published: January 2015

Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), major fibrogenic cells in the liver, undergo apoptosis when liver injuries cease, which may contribute to the resolution of fibrosis. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a natural derivative of curcumin with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The therapeutic potential of BDMC in hepatic fibrosis has not been studied thus far in the context of the apoptosis in activated HSCs. In the current study, we compared the activities of BDMC and curcumin in the HSC-T6 cell line and demonstrated that BDMC relatively induced a potent apoptosis. BDMC-induced apoptosis was mediated by a combinatory inhibition of cytoprotective proteins, such as Bcl2 and heme oxygenase-1 and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Intriguingly, BDMC-induced apoptosis was reversed with co-treatment of sr144528, a cannabinoid receptor (CBR) 2 antagonist, which was confirmed with genetic downregulation of the receptor using siCBR2. Additionally, incubation with BDMC increased the formation of death-induced signaling complex in HSC-T6 cells. Treatment with BDMC significantly diminished total intracellular ATP levels and upregulated ATP inhibitory factor-1. Collectively, the results demonstrate that BDMC induces apoptosis in activated HSCs, but not in hepatocytes, by impairing cellular energetics and causing a downregulation of cytoprotective proteins, likely through a mechanism that involves CBR2.
The Viability of Photocatalysis for Air Purification
Authors: Hay Stephen , Obee Timothy , Luo Zhu , Jiang Ting , Meng Yongtao , He Junkai , Murphy Steven , Suib Steven
Published: January 2015

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) air purification technology is reviewed based on the decades of research conducted by the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) and their external colleagues. UTRC conducted basic research on the reaction rates of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The knowledge gained allowed validation of 1D and 3D prototype reactor models that guided further purifier development. Colleagues worldwide validated purifier prototypes in simulated realistic indoor environments. Prototype products were deployed in office environments both in the United States and France. As a result of these validation studies, it was discovered that both catalyst lifetime and byproduct formation are barriers to implementing this technology. Research is ongoing at the University of Connecticut that is applicable to extending catalyst lifetime, increasing catalyst efficiency and extending activation wavelength from the ultraviolet to the visible wavelengths. It is critical that catalyst lifetime is extended to realize cost effective implementation of PCO air purification.
Nutritionally-Induced Catch-Up Growth
Authors: Gat-Yablonski Galia , Phillip Moshe
Published: January 2015

Malnutrition is considered a leading cause of growth attenuation in children. When food is replenished, spontaneous catch-up (CU) growth usually occurs, bringing the child back to its original growth trajectory. However, in some cases, the CU growth is not complete, leading to a permanent growth deficit. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding the mechanism regulating nutrition and growth, including systemic factors, such as insulin, growth hormone, insulin- like growth factor-1, vitamin D, fibroblast growth factor-21, etc., and local mechanisms, including autophagy, as well as regulators of transcription, protein synthesis, miRNAs and epigenetics. Studying the molecular mechanisms regulating CU growth may lead to the establishment of better nutritional and therapeutic regimens for more effective CU growth in children with malnutrition and growth abnormalities. It will be fascinating to follow this research in the coming years and to translate the knowledge gained to clinical benefit.
Quantification of (1→4)-β-d-Galactans in Compression Wood Using an Immuno-Dot Assay
Authors: Chavan Ramesh , Fahey Leona , Harris Philip
Published: January 2015

Compression wood is a type of reaction wood formed on the underside of softwood stems when they are tilted from the vertical and on the underside of branches. Its quantification is still a matter of some scientific debate. We developed a new technique that has the potential to do this based on the higher proportions of (1→4)-β-d-galactans that occur in tracheid cell walls of compression wood. Wood was milled, partially delignified, and the non-cellulosic polysaccharides, including the (1→4)-β-d-galactans, extracted with 6 M sodium hydroxide. After neutralizing, the solution was serially diluted, and the (1→4)-β-d-galactans determined by an immuno-dot assay using the monoclonal antibody LM5, which specifically recognizes this polysaccharide. Spots were quantified using a dilution series of a commercially available (1→4)-β-d-galactan from lupin seeds. Using this method, compression and opposite woods from radiata pine (Pinus radiata) were easily distinguished based on the amounts of (1→4)-β-d-galactans extracted. The non-cellulosic polysaccharides in the milled wood samples were also hydrolysed using 2 M trifluoroacetic acid followed by the separation and quantification of the released neutral monosaccharides by high performance anion exchange chromatography. This confirmed that the compression woods contained higher proportions of galactose-containing polysaccharides than the opposite woods.
A Robust Linear Feature-Based Procedure for Automated Registration of Point Clouds
Authors: Poreba Martyna , Goulette François
Published: January 2015

With the variety of measurement techniques available on the market today, fusing multi-source complementary information into one dataset is a matter of great interest. Target-based, point-based and feature-based methods are some of the approaches used to place data in a common reference frame by estimating its corresponding transformation parameters. This paper proposes a new linear feature-based method to perform accurate registration of point clouds, either in 2D or 3D. A two-step fast algorithm called Robust Line Matching and Registration (RLMR), which combines coarse and fine registration, was developed. The initial estimate is found from a triplet of conjugate line pairs, selected by a RANSAC algorithm. Then, this transformation is refined using an iterative optimization algorithm. Conjugates of linear features are identified with respect to a similarity metric representing a line-to-line distance. The efficiency and robustness to noise of the proposed method are evaluated and discussed. The algorithm is valid and ensures valuable results when pre-aligned point clouds with the same scale are used. The studies show that the matching accuracy is at least 99.5%. The transformation parameters are also estimated correctly. The error in rotation is better than 2.8% full scale, while the translation error is less than 12.7%.
Optimal Base Station Placement for Wireless Sensor Networks with Successive Interference Cancellation
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Jianjun , Shi Yi , Ding Xu , Wei Zhenchun
Published: January 2015

We consider the base station placement problem for wireless sensor networks with successive interference cancellation (SIC) to improve throughput. We build a mathematical model for SIC. Although this model cannot be solved directly, it enables us to identify a necessary condition for SIC on distances from sensor nodes to the base station. Based on this relationship, we propose to divide the feasible region of the base station into small pieces and choose a point within each piece for base station placement. The point with the largest throughput is identified as the solution. The complexity of this algorithm is polynomial. Simulation results show that this algorithm can achieve about 25% improvement compared with the case that the base station is placed at the center of the network coverage area when using SIC.
Trajectory-Based Visual Localization in Underwater Surveying Missions
Authors: Burguera Antoni , Bonin-Font Francisco , Oliver Gabriel
Published: January 2015

We present a new vision-based localization system applied to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with limited sensing and computation capabilities. The traditional EKF-SLAM approaches are usually expensive in terms of execution time; the approach presented in this paper strengthens this method by adopting a trajectory-based schema that reduces the computational requirements. The pose of the vehicle is estimated using an extended Kalman filter (EKF), which predicts the vehicle motion by means of a visual odometer and corrects these predictions using the data associations (loop closures) between the current frame and the previous ones. One of the most important steps in this procedure is the image registration method, as it reinforces the data association and, thus, makes it possible to close loops reliably. Since the use of standard EKFs entail linearization errors that can distort the vehicle pose estimations, the approach has also been tested using an iterated Kalman filter (IEKF). Experiments have been conducted using a real underwater vehicle in controlled scenarios and in shallow sea waters, showing an excellent performance with very small errors, both in the vehicle pose and in the overall trajectory estimates.
Effects of Climate Change on the Yield and Cropping Area of Major Food Crops: A Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Md. , Zhang Junbiao , Yang Mingmei
Published: January 2015

The crops that we grow for food need specific climatic conditions to show better performance in view of economic yield. A changing climate could have both beneficial and harmful effects on crops. Keeping the above view in mind, this study is undertaken to investigate the impacts of climate change (viz. changes in maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunshine) on the yield and cropping area of four major food crops (viz. Aus rice, Aman rice, Boro rice and wheat) in Bangladesh. Heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent standard error (HAC) and feasible generalized least square (FGLS) methods were used to determine the climate-crop interrelations using national level time series data for the period of 1972–2010. Findings revealed that the effects of all the climate variables have had significant contributions to the yield and cropping area of major food crops with distinct variation among them. Maximum temperature statistically significantly affected all the food crops’ yield except Aus rice. Maximum temperature also insignificantly affected cropping area of all the crops. Minimum temperature insignificantly affected Aman rice but benefited other three crops’ yield and cropping area. Rainfall significantly benefitted cropping area of Aus rice, but significantly affected both yield and cropping area of Aman rice. Humidity statistically positively contributed to the yield of Aus and Aman rice but, statistically, negatively influenced the cropping area of Aus rice. Sunshine statistically significantly benefitted only Boro rice yield. Overall, maximum temperature adversely affected yield and cropping area of all the major food crops and rainfall severely affected Aman rice only. Concerning the issue of climate change and ensuring food security, the respective authorities thus should give considerable attention to the generation, development and extension of drought (all major food crops) and flood (particularly Aman rice) tolerant varieties.
Urban and Rural MSW Stream Characterization for Separate Collection Improvement
Authors: Ciuta Simona , Apostol Tiberiu , Rusu Valentin
Published: January 2015

In the new legislation framework enacted by new member countries of the European Union (EU), the characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW) represents an important instrument for local governments and sanitation operators in setting and achieving targets for waste recycling and recovery. This paper presents the results of a study conducted in accordance with the Romanian methodology for domestic wastes characterization ROMECOM, aiming to provide a proper basis for developing clear and realistic forecasts in current municipal waste management, based on MSW composition and generation rate. The analyzed MSW came both from areas where the waste is collected in mixed and separate ways, in urban and rural areas. The MSW composition by fraction is detailed for dense urban areas, urban areas, rural and touristic areas from Romania. Based on these results, the MSW composition was determined for the eight development regions in Romania, and a generation rate of 0.9·kgMSW inhabitant−1·day−1 for the urban region and 0.4·kgMSW inh−1·day−1 for the rural region was established. The calorific values of urban and rural areas were determined as 6801 kJ·kg−1 and 5613 kJ·kg−1, respectively. In the perspective of sustainable development in this technical area, based on the obtained results and on the prognosis made for the following years, two proposals for urban and rural areas were developed for MSW treating options improvement. The two systems are characterized by selective collection (different efficiencies for urban and rural areas) with subsequent recovery of the separated materials and energy recovery of the residual waste in a large-scale waste to energy (WTE) plant.
Cell Penetrable Human scFv Specific to Middle Domain of Matrix Protein-1 Protects Mice from Lethal Influenza
Authors: Dong-din-on Fonthip , Songserm Thaweesak , Pissawong Tippawan , Srimanote Potjanee , Thanongsaksrikul Jeeraphong , Thueng-in Kanyarat , Moonjit Pattra , Lertwatcharasarakul Preeda , Seesuay Watee , Chaicumpa Wanpen
Published: January 2015

A new anti-influenza remedy that can tolerate the virus antigenic variation is needed. Influenza virus matrix protein-1 (M1) is highly conserved and pivotal for the virus replication cycle: virus uncoating, assembly and budding. An agent that blocks the M1 functions should be an effective anti-influenza agent. In this study, human scFv that bound to recombinant M1 middle domain (MD) and native M1 of A/H5N1 was produced. Phage mimotope search and computerized molecular docking revealed that the scFv bound to the MD conformational epitope formed by juxtaposed helices 7 and 9 of the M1. The scFv was linked molecularly to a cell penetrable peptide, penetratin (PEN). The PEN-scFv (transbody), when used to treat the cells pre-infected with the heterologous clade/subclade A/H5N1 reduced the viral mRNA intracellularly and in the cell culture fluids. The transbody mitigated symptom severity and lung histopathology of the H5N1 infected mice and caused reduction of virus antigen in the tissues as well as extricated the animals from the lethal challenge in a dose dependent manner. The transbody specific to the M1 MD, either alone or in combination with the cognate human scFvs specific to other influenza virus proteins, should be an effective, safe and mutation tolerable anti-influenza agent.
Combination of ultrasound guided percutaneous microwave ablation and radioiodine therapy in benign thyroid diseases
Authors: Korkusuz H. , Koch D. A. , Grünwald F. , Kranert W. T. , Happel C.
Published: January 2015

Aim: Goiters and thyroid nodules are an ongoing problem in healthcare. There has not been any treatment of goiters and thyroid nodules based on the combined therapy of microwave ablation (MWA) and radioiodine therapy (RIT) until now. In this study the potential benefit of a combined therapy versus single RIT is evaluated in order to achieve improvements concerning 131I-dose and hospitalization time. Patients, material, methods: Ten patients with goiter and benign thyroid nodules or Graves' disease were included. Pre-ablation assessments included sonographical imaging, functional imaging with 99mTc and FNAB to collect data of nodules and total thyroid volume and to exclude malignancy. Prior to treatment, radioiodine uptake test was performed. MWA was operated under local anesthesia with a system working in a wavelength field 902–928 MHz. Post-MWA, thyroid volume was recalculated ultrasonically. Due to reduced vital volume, changes of 131I-dose and hospitalization time could be monitored. Results: Mean absolute thyroid volume reduction by MWA before applying RIT was 22 ± 11 ml, meaning a relative reduction of 24 ± 6% (p < 0.05). Thereby, administered activity could be reduced by 393 ± 188 MBq using the combined therapy, reflecting a relative reduction of 24 ± 6% (p < 0.05). Additionally, mean hospitalization time was decreased by 2.1 ± 0.8 days using MWA prior to RIT, implying a relative reduction of 28 ± 6% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Depending on ablated volume by MWA, RITmonotherapy requires on average 31.2% more 131I-activity than the combined therapy. The combined therapy remarkably decreases 131I-dose and hospitalization time. The combined MWA and RIT therapy is a considerable, effective and safer alternative to surgery for the treatment of very large benign nodular goiters.
Optimizing capacity of signalized road network with reversible lanes
Authors: Wang Jian , Deng Wei
Published: January 2015

This paper studies the network capacity problem on signalized road network with reversible lanes. A Mixed Network Design Problem (MDNP) is formulated to describe the problem where the upper-level problem is a mixed integer non-linear program designed to maximize the network capacity by optimizing the input parameters (e.g. the signal splits, circles, reassigned number of lanes and O–D demands), while the lower-level problem is the common Deterministic User Equilibrium (DUE) assignment problem formulated to model the drivers’ route choices. According to whether one way strategy is permitted in practice, two strategies for implementing reversible roadway are considered. In the first strategy, not all lanes are reversible and the reversible roadways always hold its ability to accommodate the two-way traffic flow. In the second strategy, one-way road is allowed, which means that all the lanes are reversible and could be assigned to one flow direction if the traffic flow in both directions is severally unsymmetrical. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is detailedly presented to solve the bi-level network capacity problem. The application of the proposed method on a numerical example denotes that Strategy 2 can make more use of the physical capacity of key links (signal controlled links), thus, the corresponding network capacity outperforms it is of Strategy 1 considerably.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN PREDICTION POWER OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS IN ROAD SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Luca Mario De
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a methodology for the management of road safety on two-lane highways. The methodology is based on an experimental investigation carried out on a stretch of road located in southern Italy (the two-lane highway SS106). The study analyses accidents occurring between 2000 and 2005 and the data concerning the accidents that were acquired from police reports. The geometric data were acquired from the official cartography, while the traffic and environmental data were provided by the regional agency for roadway management. The data, organized and stored in a specific designed Geographic Information System (GIS), were processed using a series of statistical procedures, in particular, the results took out the following two models: Model 1 was produced by MultiVariate Analysis (MVA) and the Model 2 was obtained using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. Comparing the two models, it emerged that Model 2 is better than Model 1 because the total sum of the residual is lower. However, Model 1 is more efficient in estimating the more dangerous black spots.
Les interactions Eau-Énergie : une menace pour la sécurité énergétique des États
Authors: Taithe Alexandre
Published: January 2015

En réponse à une concurrence accrue pour l’eau douce et à une raréfaction de la ressource renouvelable sur les rives Sud et Est de la Méditerranée, les pouvoirs publics ont privilégié les solutions consistant à augmenter la ressource disponible. Fondés sur une gestion par l’offre, ces choix, qu’il s’agisse entre autres du recours au dessalement de l’eau de mer, à l’exploitation des aquifères (à eau renouvelable ou fossile), aux transferts massifs d’eau sur de longues distances, ont pour point commun un coût énergétique très élevé. En 2025, la demande en électricité pour l’eau des pays du Sud et de l’Est de la Méditerranée devrait représenter près de 20 % de la demande totale en électricité de ces États, tous usages confondus… Les contraintes multisectorielles d’une telle empreinte énergétique, et les pistes de réduction de cette dernière, seront examinées en comparaison avec l’Asie du Sud, où l’intrication eau/énergie/agriculture s’avère encore plus marquée que dans l’espace méditerranéen. A ce triptyque et entrelacs d’enjeux s’ajoute désormais une quatrième dimension, le climat, ce qui réduit encore les marges de manœuvre des acteurs des politiques de l’eau et de l’énergie.
La place du Sinaï au sein des rivalités de pouvoir en Egypte (2011-2013)
Authors: Sand Ivan
Published: January 2015

La péninsule du Sinaï est généralement présentée comme une « zone de non droit » dans la plupart des médias locaux et internationaux. Alors que les causes de cette dégradation sécuritaire paraissent multiples, les acteurs politiques égyptiens semblent s’intéresser à cette région dans l’unique but de discréditer leurs adversaires. L’analyse des termes employés dans la presse, et dans les discours officiels des dirigeants du pays, met en lumière le rôle majeur joué par la violente insurrection dans la péninsule au sein des bouleversements à la tête du pays. Les affrontements pour le pouvoir au Caire ont en effet donné lieu à une véritable instrumentalisation de ces évènements, notamment au cours de l’année 2013. Dans un contexte d’internationalisation des luttes politiques entre les Frères musulmans et les autorités militaires égyptiennes, le Sinaï semble avoir focalisé une partie de l’attention des acteurs de la région sans que de réelles solutions adaptées aux causes locales de cet embrasement ne soient pour autant envisagées.
Quand la Grèce montre la voie à la gauche européenne
Authors: Chiclet Christophe
Published: January 2015

Dans l’ensemble de l’UE, les forces de gauche organisées autour des partis socialistes ont adopté la politique de l’offre et ont pris le tournant social-libéral, soutenant ou mettant en place des politiques d’austérité et de rigueur dans leurs pays. En Grèce, il n’en est rien à cause de la spécificité historique des forces de gauche dans ce pays très particulier. C’est le parti communiste lié à Moscou (KKE) qui a incarné la gauche grecque jusqu’en 1974. Mais après la chute de la dictature militaire, un nouveau venu est apparu sur la scène politique de la gauche, les socialistes atypiques du PASOK. Mélangeant marxisme, populisme, clientélisme, nationalisme, ces socialistes ont phagocyté en grande partie cet espace politique et le pouvoir pendant plus de vingt ans. Passés à la social-démocratie, ils n’ont pas eu le temps de passer au social-libéralisme, s’étant effondrés lors des élections de 2012. Cette chute dans l’opinion a été précipitée par une autre force de gauche, ni communiste à l’ancienne, ni socialiste usée par le pouvoir et les affaires : la Syriza. Issu du mouvement communiste de la résistance et de la guerre civile, ce parti est une spécificité historique grecque né de la scission du KKE dès 1968. Les pères de la Syriza avaient vingt ans d’avance sur Gorbatchev. Leurs fils n’ont plus rien à voir avec les dérives, les défaites, les tragédies de leurs pères et grands-pères. Il s’agit d’une nouvelle gauche qui prône la résistance sociale contre le libéralisme et la finance qui ont gravement paupérisé la Grèce, revenue près de quarante ans en arrière en niveau de vie. Aux dernières élections de 2014, la Syriza est devenue la première force politique du pays, ce qui ne fait pas que des heureux d’Athènes à Bruxelles, du Pirée à la City. À l’heure où l’ensemble du paysage politique de l’Europe se droitise, en Grèce on semble ne rien faire comme sur le reste du vieux continent. Une expression grecque semble illustrer ceci. Lorsqu’un Grec va à Rome, Londres ou Varsovie, il dit : « Pao stin Evropi » (Je vais en Europe), souvenir d’un passé byzantin, puis ottoman. C’est ainsi que l’histoire du socialisme et du communisme en Grèce a de très fortes spécificités que l’on ne retrouve nulle part ailleurs.
L'intervention japonaise en Sibérie vue par les intellectuels français (1918-1920)
Authors: Yamasaki Yukiko
Published: January 2015

À la fin de 1917 le Japon est perçu par la majorité de l’opinion française comme un allié indispensable pour vaincre l’Allemagne. Il s’agit surtout de pouvoir rétablir un front à l’Est à la suite de la défection de l’allié russe, après la révolution. La possibilité d’une expédition japonaise en Russie, en particulier en Sibérie, est intensément discutée dans la presse française. Si le principe en est accepté unanimement, une divergence profonde apparaît sur le but de l’intervention, car les nationalistes français ajoutent aux objectifs militaires initiaux des visées politiques, comme la lutte contre le bolchevisme, alors que leurs adversaires soutiennent le principe d’une non-intervention dans la politique intérieure de la Russie. Mais une autre question plus stratégique se profile derrière cette controverse, c’est celle de la loyauté réelle du Japon. Les Européens peuvent-ils vraiment compter sur leur allié « jaune » ? Celui-ci semble en fait partager plus de points communs avec les Allemands qu’avec les puissances démocratiques. Est-ce là un danger pour l’avenir ?
La retraite allemande par la rive ouest du Rhône en août 1944
Authors: Chaix Bruno
Published: January 2015

Le repli des forces allemandes par la rive ouest du Rhône est peu connu. Pourtant ce repli, exposé aux harcèlements de la Résistance et aux attaques de l’aviation alliée, n’a pas été une promenade militaire et mérite d’être étudié. Les unités territoriales de l’OFK de Toulouse, d’abord bloquées en Ardèche, ont été dégagées par l’arrivée des formations du secteur côtier du IV e corps de la Luftwaffe et l’ensemble a pu se replier par la vallée du Rhône au-delà de Lyon. Toutefois, des Marschgruppen retardés, principalement des « troupes de l’Est » n’ont pu rejoindre la colonne principale et ont été capturés en Ardèche.
Supervision et formation à la psychothérapie médicale
Authors: de Perrot Édouard
Published: January 2015

Après avoir situé la psychothérapie médicale dans le champ des diverses modalités de la prise en charge psychothérapeutique contemporaine, l’auteur analyse et compare les relations psychothérapeutiques et de supervision, à la fois proches et distinctes, et il présente le fonctionnement du psychothérapeute dans la triple perspective de son analyse personnelle, de son travail et de sa formation.
La dévaluation par les salaires dans la zone euro
Authors: Le Bayon Sabine , Plane Mathieu , Rifflart Christine , Sampognaro Raul
Published: January 2015

Dans de nombreux pays européens, l’emploi s’est fortement réduit depuis le début de la crise, ce qui a pesé sur la dynamique des salaires et généré des pressions désinflationnistes. Ce mouvement a été favorisé par la mise en œuvre de réformes structurelles flexibilisant le marché du travail et l’adoption de mesures fiscales réduisant le coût du travail. Dans ce contexte de chômage élevé et d’écart de production important, le risque est grand de basculer dans une spirale déflationniste. La normalisation des balances courantes via la réduction des salaires dans les pays avant-crise déficitaires, accentuée par les réformes engagées, n’apparaît pas être une stratégie pertinente dans une zone euro en crise. D’une part, cette réduction des CSU quasi-généralisée modifie peu in fine les CSU relatifs et donc la compétitivité relative des économies. Ainsi, les gains de parts de marché à l’exportation sont faibles et ne suffisent pas à compenser la faiblesse de la demande interne. D’autre part, les réformes structurelles visant à fluidifier le marché du travail risquent de fragiliser les plus jeunes et des moins diplômés sur le marché du travail (déjà les plus affectés par la hausse du chômage depuis 2008) tandis que les plus qualifiés et les plus expérimentés seront toujours favorisés, notamment par le maintien sur le marché de l’emploi. Ainsi, la segmentation du marché du travail entre d’une part les actifs les mieux intégrés et d’autre part, les actifs les plus exposés ne diminuerait pas et accroîtrait les inégalités si les protections sociales étaient réduites. Dans un contexte de besoin de désendettement, la neutralisation des mécanismes déflationnistes est donc cruciale pour éviter la hausse de la valeur réelle des dettes et des taux d’intérêt. Une coordination des politiques salariales au niveau européen semble essentielle. Si les pays affichant un excédent courant favorisaient une hausse des salaires supérieure à celle de leurs partenaires déficitaires, les coûts relatifs convergeraient. Ceci permettrait de réduire les déséquilibres courants entre pays de la zone euro, éviterait le risque de déflation, notamment dans les pays périphériques, et favoriserait la demande intérieure dans les pays en surplus.
The Management of Advanced Tooth Wear Using the T-Scan/BioEMG Synchronization Module
Authors: Sierpińska Teresa
Published: January 2015

Tooth wear is considered a normal, age dependent, physiological process that leads to the loss of enamel and dentine. However, in some cases the process is so progressive that it may be pathologic. The focus of this chapter is to present the consequences of advanced tooth wear resultant from parafunction, excessive masticatory forces, imbalanced occlusal contacts, and hyperactive masticatory muscles. This chapter also outlines preventative strategies that can predictably reduce the progression of pathologic wear, which employ the T-Scan 8/BioEMG synchronization module. These two objective companion technologies assess the occlusion before, during, and after dental treatment, as well as predictably control the long-term stability of newly installed fixed, implant-supported, or removable prostheses. Their synchronization correlates muscle activity level information directly to occlusal contact force and time-sequencing information, which when applied together in the wear patient can be instrumental in tempering and eliminating pathologic occlusal wear.
Digital Occlusal Force Distribution Patterns (DOFDPs)
Authors: Supple, DMD Robert C.
Published: January 2015

This chapter describes the many clinical applications of Digital Occlusal Force Distribution Patterns (DOFDPs) recorded with the T-Scan Computerized Occlusal Analysis system. Movements made by the Center of Force trajectory as force travels around the dental arches during the occlusion and disocclusion creates these patterns. The repetitive occlusal contact data points locate the force distribution received when teeth occlude against each other. These force distribution patterns correlate to intraoral compromised dental anatomy found in radiographs, photographs, and during the clinical examination of teeth and their supporting tissues. Moreover, they directly influence the envelope of motion, the envelope of function, and head and neck posture. This chapter illustrates with clinical examples the correlation between Stomatognathic System structural damage and repeating patterns of abnormal occlusal force distribution. The T-Scan technology isolates these damaging regions of excess microtraumatic occlusal force, absent of clinician subjectivity, thereby helping clinicians make an accurate, organized, and documented occlusal diagnosis.
Total Quality Management Practices in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: January 2015

This chapter introduces the practices of Total Quality Management (TQM) in multinational corporations, thus explaining the history, overview, concept, and the various components of TQM. TQM practices and organizational culture, TQM practices and organizational performance (in terms of quality data and reporting, supplier quality management, product and service design, and process management), and the practical application of total quality management in service and manufacturing sectors are discussed. This calls for a change on the part of organization stakeholders to adopt these new practices through an effective in-service training for managers and staff to adequately put these principles into practice and by adopting an effective utilization of human resources to initialize and maintain the attempts to create a dynamic quality system. The chapter argues that applying total quality management practices in multinational corporations will significantly enhance organizational performance and achieve business goals in the global business environment.
Enterprise Resource Planning and Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Boykin Raymond
Published: January 2015

Over the last two decades, two of the hottest topics in business have been Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Lean Six Sigma. Companies have spent millions of dollars implementing both of these, and the resulting benefits have been mixed. In this chapter, the authors examine the basic foundation of ERP and what drives organizations to implement ERP systems that cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The chapter also explores the history of ERP and who was and are the major players in the marketplace.
An Assessment of Lean Communication at a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Tetteh Edem G. , Amewokunu Yao
Published: January 2015

Communication is the sharing of information between individuals or groups to reach common understanding or goals. Ensuring effective and efficient communication is important when dealing with complex structures such as a nuclear power generation environment. This calls for a need for partnership and dialogue between major stakeholders in government, industry, employees, and the public at large. Even though communication can alarm people to seek safety, it can be used to calm employees as well as generate a sense of urgency. This chapter uses a survey to investigate the relationship between communication and 13 critical factors of lean management principles in an organization where safety is the fundamental component of the process. Data was collected and analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The results show that friendliness, willingness, guarantee, criticism, self-esteem, and acceptance are positive predictors of a lean communication while responsibility is negative.
One-Tailed or Two-Tailed P Values in PLS-SEM?
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: January 2015

Should P values associated with path coefficients, as well as with other coefficients such as weights and loadings, be one-tailed or two-tailed? This question is answered in the context of structural equation modeling employing the Partial Least Squares Method (PLS-SEM), based on an illustrative model of the effect of e-collaboration technology use on job performance. A one-tailed test is recommended if the coefficient is assumed to have a sign (positive or negative), which should be reflected in the hypothesis that refers to the corresponding association. If no assumptions are made about coefficient sign, a two-tailed test is recommended. These recommendations apply to many other statistical methods that employ P values, including path analyses in general, with or without latent variables, plus univariate and multivariate regression analyses.
Optimum Loading and Induced Swirl Effects in Hover
Authors: Bhagwat Mahendra J.
Published: January 2015

Optimum hover performance is the quintessential goal of rotor design. Yet it is not entirely clear what exactly is the optimum loading for a hovering rotor. Propeller theory gives the Betz loading as the optimum for an actuator disk in axial flight, which is commonly believed to be
the optimum in hover as well. Helicopter textbooks often give uniform loading (and the corresponding uniform inflow) as the optimum in hover based on simple momentum theory, which ignores induced swirl. Glauert derived optimum loading solution in hover, including swirl and showed that it differs
from the Betz loading. The present work uses combined blade element momentum theory to examine these loadings and to better understand optimum hover performance. The analysis is applicable to both ideal (actuator disks) and realistic rotors. The analysis is further augmented with a profile
drag model to calculate rotor performance and is successfully applied to several rotor configurations.
This is the full PDF of Infectious Disease Reports 2009, volume 1, issue 1.
Authors: Editors The
Published: January 2015

This is the full PDF of Infectious Disease Reports 2009, volume 1, issue 1.
Best practices for transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Wun Ted , Hassell Kathryn
Published: January 2015

The beta-globin gene mutation in sickle cell anemia results in anemia and repeated bouts of vascular occlusion. The cumulative effect of these vasocclusive events is progressive damage to many organs including the kidneys, lungs, and brain. The transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) can ameliorate many of these complications, but can be associated with both acute and chronic complications, including iron overload. The objective of the Best Practices in Transfusion Medicine for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Conference was to review the available published evidence and clinical experience surrounding the use of RBC transfusions for sickle cell disease by a panel of experts. The expert panel developed explicit clinical guidelines for the use of RBC in SCD patients. The panel also made recommendations for further research.  A set of guidelines were produced for dissemination to pertinent stakeholders. If implemented, these clinical pathways have the potential to optimize the use of red blood cell transfusions in SCD.
Repeated Dientamoeba fragilis Infections: A Case Report of Two Families from Sydney, Australia
Authors: Stark Damien , Barratt Joel , Ellis John , Harkness John , Marriott Deborah
Published: January 2015

We report cases of two unrelated families who both presented with recurrent Dienta-moeba fragilis infections. Subsequent antimicrobial therapy resulted in the clearance of D. fragilis and total resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms in both families. This report highlights the potentially recurrent nature of D. fragilis infections and the need for laboratories to routinely test for this organism.
High HIV Prevalence and Associated Factors in a Remote Community in the Rwenzori Region of Western Uganda
Authors: Rubaihayo John , Surat Akib , Ezekiel Mughusu , Andrew Abaasa
Published: January 2015

In Uganda, previous studies have shown a tremendous decline in HIV prevalence over the past two decades due to changes in sexual behavior with a greater awareness of the risks involved. However, studies in Fort-Portal municipality, a rural town in Western Uganda, continued to show a persistent high HIV prevalence despite the various interventions in place. We conducted a study to establish the current magnitude of HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV prevalence in this community. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2008. Participants were residents of Fort-Portal municipality aged 15-49 years. A population-based HIV sero-survey and a clinical review of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) and voluntary counseling and HIV Testing (VCT) records were used to collect quantitative data. An inteviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data on social deographics, risk behaviour and community perceptions. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews provided supplementary data on community perceptions. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. The overall HIV prevalence in the general population was 16.1% [95% CI; 12.5-20.6]. Prevalence was lower among women (14.5%; 95% CI; 10.0-19.7) but not significantly different from that among men (18.7%; 95% CI; 12.5-26.3) (c2=0.76, P=0.38). Having more than 2 sexual partners increased the odds of HIV by almost 2.5 times. None or low education and age over 35 years were independently associated with HIV prevalence (P<0.05). Most participants attributed the high HIV prevalence to promiscuity/multiple sexual partners (32.5%), followed by prostitution (13.6%), alcoholism (10.1%), carelessness (10.1%), poverty (9.7%), ignorance (9.5%)), rape (4.7%), drug abuse (3.6%) and others (malice/malevolence, laziness, etc.) (6.2%). Although there was a slight decline compared to previous reports, the results from this study confirm that HIV prevalence is still high in this community. In order to prevent new infections, the factors mentioned above need to be addressed, and we recommend that education aimed at changing individual behavior should be intensified in this community.
Gender Inequities in Sexually Transmitted Infections: Implications for HIV Infection and Control in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Ezekiel Oluwagbemiga
Published: January 2015

Beyond the statistics of sex-based differences in infection rates, there are profound differences in the underlying causes and consequences of HIV infections in male and female which need to be examined. The study therefore examines; the gender differences in the STI knowledge and gender-related potential risks of HIV heterosexual transmission. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed in administration of 1358 questionnaires. For qualitative data, four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted to collect information from stakeholders within the study population, while In-depth interview was employed to collect information from 188 people living with HIV/AIDS through support groups in the State. The data collected were subjected to basic demographic analytical techniques. Combination of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were employed. Information from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were transcribed and organized under broad headings that depict different aspects of the discussions. Majority of the respondents interviewed did not inform their partners about their infection in the study area. It was also discovered that stigmatization did not allow some women to disclose their status to their sexual partners. Some of the HIV-positive patients interviewed agreed that they did not attend the health facilities to treat the STI’s before they were finally confirmed positive. The study hypothesis revealed that communication between partners about STI’s was associated with an increase in risk reduction behaviour. The paper concluded that there is need for more information and education on communication about STI’s between the sexual partners; to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases within the nation.