bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Small Cell Operation of Ultra-Dense Networks Using Device Assistance
Authors: Lee Gilsoo , Kim Hongseok
Published: December 2016

As higher performance is demanded in 5G networks, energy consumption in wireless networks increases along with the advances of various technologies, so enhancing energy efficiency also becomes an important goal to implement 5G wireless networks. In this paper, we study the energy efficiency maximization problem focused on finding a suitable set of turned-on small cell access points (APs). Finding the suitable on/off states of APs is challenging since the APs can be deployed by users while centralized network planning is not always possible. Therefore, when APs in small cells are randomly deployed and thus redundant in many cases, a mechanism of dynamic AP turning-on/off is required. We propose a device-assisted framework that exploits feedback messages from the user equipment (UE). To solve the problem, we apply an optimization method using belief propagation (BP) on a factor graph. Then, we propose a family of online algorithms inspired by BP, called DANCE, that requires low computational complexity. We perform numerical simulations, and the extensive simulations confirm that BP enhances energy efficiency significantly. Furthermore, simple, but practical DANCE exhibits close performance to BP and also better performance than other popular existing methods. Specifically, in a small-sized network, BP enhances energy efficiency 129%. Furthermore, in ultra-dense networks, DANCE algorithms successfully achieve orders of magnitude higher energy efficiency than that of the baseline.
Electrodeposited Magnesium Nanoparticles Linking Particle Size to Activation Energy
Authors: Shen Chaoqi , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: December 2016

The kinetics of hydrogen absorption/desorption can be improved by decreasing particle size down to a few nanometres. However, the associated evolution of activation energy remains unclear. In an attempt to clarify such an evolution with respect to particle size, we electrochemically deposited Mg nanoparticles on a catalytic nickel and noncatalytic titanium substrate. At a short deposition time of 1 h, magnesium particles with a size of 68 ± 11 nm could be formed on the nickel substrate, whereas longer deposition times led to much larger particles of 421 ± 70 nm. Evaluation of the hydrogen desorption properties of the deposited magnesium nanoparticles confirmed the effectiveness of the nickel substrate in facilitating the recombination of hydrogen, but also a significant decrease in activation energy from 56.1 to 37.8 kJ·mol−1 H2 as particle size decreased from 421 ± 70 to 68 ± 11 nm. Hence, the activation energy was found to be intrinsically linked to magnesium particle size. Such a reduction in activation energy was associated with the decrease of path lengths for hydrogen diffusion at the desorbing MgH2/Mg interface. Further reduction in particle size to a few nanometres to remove any barrier for hydrogen diffusion would then leave the single nucleation and growth of the magnesium phase as the only remaining rate-limiting step, assuming that the magnesium surface can effectively catalyse the dissociation/recombination of hydrogen.
Call to Caution with the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics for Treatment of Depression in Older Adults
Authors: Amodeo Katherine , Schneider Ruth , Hegeman Richard Irene
Published: December 2016

Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly being used to manage depression in older adults where these symptoms can often be refractory to first-line treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Unfortunately, atypical antipsychotics can be associated with the development of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), with drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) being the most common movement disorder induced by this class of medication. The management of treatment-resistant depression in older adults is of particular concern as depression is a common feature of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) and can manifest prior to the development of motor symptoms. Herein, we discuss the use of atypical antipsychotics for the management of depression in older adults including the risk of DIP and propose that antipsychotics may potentially unmask IPD.
Exploration of Pedestrian Head Injuries—Collision Parameter Relationships through a Combination of Retrospective Analysis and Finite Element Method
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Su Sen , Qiu Jinlong , Zhang Yongyong , Yin Zhiyong
Published: December 2016

There are a very limited number of reports concerning the relationship between pedestrian head injuries and collision parameters through a combination of statistical analysis methods and finite element method (FEM). This study aims to explore the characteristics of pedestrian head injuries in car–pedestrian collisions at different parameters by using the two means above. A retrospective analysis of pedestrian head injuries was performed based on detailed investigation data of 61 car–pedestrian collision cases. The head damage assessment parameters (head injury criterion (HIC), peak stress on the skull, maximal principal strain for the brain) in car–pedestrian simulation experiments with four contact angles and three impact velocities were obtained by FEM. The characteristics of the pedestrian head injuries were discussed by comparing and analyzing the statistical analysis results and finite element analysis results. The statistical analysis results demonstrated a significant difference in skull fractures, contusion and laceration of brain and head injuries on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS)3+ was found at different velocities (p < 0.05) and angles (p < 0.05). The simulation results showed that, in pedestrian head-to-hood impacts, the values of head damage assessment parameters increased with impact velocities. At the same velocity, these values from the impact on the pedestrian’s back were successively greater than on the front or the side. Furthermore, head injury reconstruction and prediction results of two selected cases were consistent with the real injuries. Overall, it was further spelled out that, for shorter stature pedestrians, increased head impact velocity results in greater head injury severity in car–pedestrian collision, especially in pedestrian head-to-hood impacts. Under a back impact, the head has also been found to be at greater damage risk for shorter stature pedestrians, which may have implications on automotive design and pedestrian protection research if prevention and treatment of these injuries is to be prioritized over head injuries under a front or side impact.
Detection of Catchment-Scale Gully-Affected Areas Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Liu Kai , Ding Hu , Tang Guoan , Na Jiaming , Huang Xiaoli , Xue Zhengguang , Yang Xin , Li Fayuan
Published: December 2016

The Chinese Loess Plateau suffers from serious gully erosion induced by natural and human causes. Gully-affected areas detection is the basic work in this region for gully erosion assessment and monitoring. For the first time, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was applied to extract gully features in this region. Two typical catchments in Changwu and Ansai were selected to represent loess tableland and loess hilly regions, respectively. A high-powered quadrocopter (md4-1000) equipped with a non-metric camera was used for image acquisition. InPho and MapMatrix were applied for semi-automatic workflow including aerial triangulation and model generation. Based on the stereo-imaging and the ground control points, the highly detailed digital elevation models (DEMs) and ortho-mosaics were generated. Subsequently, an object-based approach combined with the random forest classifier was designed to detect gully-affected areas. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of segmentation strategy and feature selection. Results showed that vertical and horizontal root-mean-square errors were below 0.5 and 0.2 m, respectively, which were ideal for the Loess Plateau region. The overall extraction accuracy in Changwu and Ansai achieved was 84.62% and 86.46%, respectively, which indicated the potential of the proposed workflow for extracting gully features. This study demonstrated that UAV can bridge the gap between field measurement and satellite-based remote sensing, obtaining a balance in resolution and efficiency for catchment-scale gully erosion research.
Melatonin: A Mitochondrial Targeting Molecule Involving Mitochondrial Protection and Dynamics
Authors: Tan Dun-Xian , Manchester Lucien , Qin Lilan , Reiter Russel
Published: December 2016

Melatonin has been speculated to be mainly synthesized by mitochondria. This speculation is supported by the recent discovery that aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase/serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT/SNAT) is localized in mitochondria of oocytes and the isolated mitochondria generate melatonin. We have also speculated that melatonin is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. It accumulates in mitochondria with high concentration against a concentration gradient. This is probably achieved by an active transportation via mitochondrial melatonin transporter(s). Melatonin protects mitochondria by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and activating uncoupling proteins (UCPs). Thus, melatonin maintains the optimal mitochondrial membrane potential and preserves mitochondrial functions. In addition, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics is also regulated by melatonin. In most cases, melatonin reduces mitochondrial fission and elevates their fusion. Mitochondrial dynamics exhibit an oscillatory pattern which matches the melatonin circadian secretory rhythm in pinealeocytes and probably in other cells. Recently, melatonin has been found to promote mitophagy and improve homeostasis of mitochondria.
Simultaneous Determination of Multiple Components in Guanjiekang in Rat Plasma via the UPLC–MS/MS Method and Its Application in Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Wu Jian , Xie Ying , Xiang Zheng , Wang Canjian , Zhou Hua , Liu Liang
Published: December 2016

Guanjiekang (GJK) that is formed by five medicinal herbs including Astragali Radix, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparaia, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Corydalis Rhizoma and Paeoniae Radix Alba was used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of active components in GJK remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior of seven representative active constituents in GJK (i.e., benzoylhypaconine, benzoylmesaconine, paeoniflorin, tetrahydropalmatine, calycosin-7-glucoside, formononetin and isoliquiritigenin) after oral administration of GJK in rats. A rapid, sensitive and reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC–MS/MS) method has been successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of these seven constituents in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with a gradient elution program that consists of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Detection was performed under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The calibration curves exhibited good linearity (R2 > 0.99) over a wide concentration range for all constituents. The accuracies ranged from 92.9% to 107.8%, and the intra-day and inter-day precisions at three different levels were below 15%. Our PK results showed that these seven compounds were quickly absorbed after the administration of the GJK product, and Tmax ranged from 30 min to 189 min. The in vivo concentrations of paeoniflorin and isoliquiritigenin were significantly higher than the reported in vitro effective doses, indicating that they could partly contribute to the therapeutic effect of GJK. Therefore, we conclude that pharmacokinetic studies of representative bioactive chemicals after administration of complex herbal products are not only necessary but also feasible. Moreover, these seven compounds that were absorbed in vivo can be used as indicator standards for quality control and for determining pharmacokinetic behavior of herbal medicines in clinical studies.
Safe Synthesis of Alkylhydroxy and Alkylamino Nitramines
Authors: Antonsen Simen , Aursnes Marius , Gallantree-Smith Harrison , Dye Christian , Stenstrøm Yngve
Published: December 2016

Three different protocols for the syntheses of hydroxyalkylnitramines are presented and compared. Safety issues regarding the synthesis of nitramines are also discussed.
Optimal Reinsurance Under General Law-Invariant Convex Risk Measure and TVaR Premium Principle
Authors: Chen Mi , Wang Wenyuan , Ming Ruixing
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we study the optimal reinsurance problem where risks of the insurer are measured by general law-invariant risk measures and premiums are calculated under the TVaR premium principle, which extends the work of the expected premium principle. Our objective is to characterize the optimal reinsurance strategy which minimizes the insurer’s risk measure of its total loss. Our calculations show that the optimal reinsurance strategy is of the multi-layer form, i.e., f * ( x ) = x ∧ c * + ( x - d * ) + with c * and d * being constants such that 0 ≤ c * ≤ d * .
Representing Geospatial Environment Observation Capability Information: A Case Study of Managing Flood Monitoring Sensors in the Jinsha River Basin
Authors: Hu Chuli , Guan Qingfeng , Li Jie , Wang Ke , Chen Nengcheng
Published: December 2016

Sensor inquirers cannot understand comprehensive or accurate observation capability information because current observation capability modeling does not consider the union of multiple sensors nor the effect of geospatial environmental features on the observation capability of sensors. These limitations result in a failure to discover credible sensors or plan for their collaboration for environmental monitoring. The Geospatial Environmental Observation Capability (GEOC) is proposed in this study and can be used as an information basis for the reliable discovery and collaborative planning of multiple environmental sensors. A field-based GEOC (GEOCF) information representation model is built. Quintuple GEOCF feature components and two GEOCF operations are formulated based on the geospatial field conceptual framework. The proposed GEOCF markup language is used to formalize the proposed GEOCF. A prototype system called GEOCapabilityManager is developed, and a case study is conducted for flood observation in the lower reaches of the Jinsha River Basin. The applicability of the GEOCF is verified through the reliable discovery of flood monitoring sensors and planning for the collaboration of these sensors.
Design and Sensitivity Analysis Simulation of a Novel 3D Force Sensor Based on a Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Yang Eileen
Published: December 2016

Automated force measurement is one of the most important technologies in realizing intelligent automation systems. However, while many methods are available for micro-force sensing, measuring large three-dimensional (3D) forces and loads remains a significant challenge. Accordingly, the present study proposes a novel 3D force sensor based on a parallel mechanism. The transformation function and sensitivity index of the proposed sensor are analytically derived. The simulation results show that the sensor has a larger effective measuring capability than traditional force sensors. Moreover, the sensor has a greater measurement sensitivity for horizontal forces than for vertical forces over most of the measurable force region. In other words, compared to traditional force sensors, the proposed sensor is more sensitive to shear forces than normal forces.
A Flexible and Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensor Based on a PDMS Foam Coated with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Rinaldi Andrea , Tamburrano Alessio , Fortunato Marco , Sarto Maria
Published: December 2016

The demand for high performance multifunctional wearable devices is more and more pushing towards the development of novel low-cost, soft and flexible sensors with high sensitivity. In the present work, we describe the fabrication process and the properties of new polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foams loaded with multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MLGs) for application as high sensitive piezoresistive pressure sensors. The effective DC conductivity of the produced foams is measured as a function of MLG loading. The piezoresistive response of the MLG-PDMS foam-based sensor at different strain rates is assessed through quasi-static pressure tests. The results of the experimental investigations demonstrated that sensor loaded with 0.96 wt.% of MLGs is characterized by a highly repeatable pressure-dependent conductance after a few stabilization cycles and it is suitable for detecting compressive stresses as low as 10 kPa, with a sensitivity of 0.23 kPa−1, corresponding to an applied pressure of 70 kPa. Moreover, it is estimated that the sensor is able to detect pressure variations of ~1 Pa. Therefore, the new graphene-PDMS composite foam is a lightweight cost-effective material, suitable for sensing applications in the subtle or low and medium pressure ranges.
A Visualization Method for Corrosion Damage on Aluminum Plates Using an Nd:YAG Pulsed Laser Scanning System
Authors: Lee Inbok , Zhang Aoqi , Lee Changgil , Park Seunghee
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a non-contact nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique that uses laser-induced ultrasonic waves to visualize corrosion damage in aluminum alloy plate structures. The non-contact, pulsed-laser ultrasonic measurement system generates ultrasonic waves using a galvanometer-based Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and measures the ultrasonic waves using a piezoelectric (PZT) sensor. During scanning, a wavefield can be acquired by changing the excitation location of the laser point and measuring waves using the PZT sensor. The corrosion damage can be detected in the wavefield snapshots using the scattering characteristics of the waves that encounter corrosion. The structural damage is visualized by calculating the logarithmic values of the root mean square (RMS), with a weighting parameter to compensate for the attenuation caused by geometrical spreading and dispersion of the waves. An intact specimen is used to conduct a comparison with corrosion at different depths and sizes in other specimens. Both sides of the plate are scanned with the same scanning area to observe the effect of the location where corrosion has formed. The results show that the damage can be successfully visualized for almost all cases using the RMS-based functions, whether it formed on the front or back side. Also, the system is confirmed to have distinguished corroded areas at different depths.
A Sensitive and Label-Free Pb(II) Fluorescence Sensor Based on a DNAzyme Controlled G-Quadruplex/Thioflavin T Conformation
Authors: Wen Yanli , Wang Lele , Li Lanying , Xu Li , Liu Gang
Published: December 2016

Pb(II) can cause serious damaging effects to human health, and thus, the study of Pb2+ detection methods to sensitively and selectively monitor Pb(II) pollution has significant importance. In this work, we have developed a label-free fluorescence sensing strategy based on a Pb(II) DNAzyme cleavage and the ThT/G-quadruplex complex. In the presence of Pb(II), a G-rich tail was cut and released from the substrate strand, which then would form a G-quadruplex structure by combination with ThT dye. The fluorescence signal increase was then measured for sensitive Pb(II) quantification with a limit of detection of 0.06 nM. Our sensor also demonstrated high selectivity against six different metal ions, which is very important for the analysis of complex samples.
Recognition of Damaged Arrow-Road Markings by Visible Light Camera Sensor Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Vokhidov Husan , Hong Hyung , Kang Jin , Hoang Toan , Park Kang
Published: December 2016

Automobile driver information as displayed on marked road signs indicates the state of the road, traffic conditions, proximity to schools, etc. These signs are important to insure the safety of the driver and pedestrians. They are also important input to the automated advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), installed in many automobiles. Over time, the arrow-road markings may be eroded or otherwise damaged by automobile contact, making it difficult for the driver to correctly identify the marking. Failure to properly identify an arrow-road marker creates a dangerous situation that may result in traffic accidents or pedestrian injury. Very little research exists that studies the problem of automated identification of damaged arrow-road marking painted on the road. In this study, we propose a method that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to recognize six types of arrow-road markings, possibly damaged, by visible light camera sensor. Experimental results with six databases of Road marking dataset, KITTI dataset, Málaga dataset 2009, Málaga urban dataset, Naver street view dataset, and Road/Lane detection evaluation 2013 dataset, show that our method outperforms conventional methods.
Review of the Usefulness of Various Rotational Seismometers with Laboratory Results of Fibre-Optic Ones Tested for Engineering Applications
Authors: Jaroszewicz Leszek , Kurzych Anna , Krajewski Zbigniew , Marć Paweł , Kowalski Jerzy , Bobra Piotr , Zembaty Zbigniew , Sakowicz Bartosz , Jankowski Robert
Published: December 2016

Starting with descriptions of rotational seismology, areas of interest and historical field measurements, the fundamental requirements for rotational seismometers for seismological and engineering application are formulated. On the above basis, a review of all existing rotational seismometers is presented with a description of the principles of their operation as well as possibilities to fulfill formulated requirements. This review includes mechanical, acoustical, electrochemical and optical devices and shows that the last of these types are the most promising. It is shown that optical rotational seismometer based on the ring-laser gyroscope concept is the best for seismological applications, whereas systems based on fiber-optic gyroscopes demonstrate parameters which are also required for engineering applications. Laboratory results of the Fibre-Optic System for Rotational Events & Phenomena Monitoring using a small 1-D shaking table modified to generate rotational excitations are presented. The harmonic and time-history tests demonstrate its usefulness for recording rotational motions with rates up to 0.25 rad/s.
Predicting the Specific Energy Consumption of Reverse Osmosis Desalination
Authors: Stillwell Ashlynn , Webber Michael
Published: December 2016

Desalination is often considered an approach for mitigating water stress. Despite the abundance of saline water worldwide, additional energy consumption and increased costs present barriers to widespread deployment of desalination as a municipal water supply. Specific energy consumption (SEC) is a common measure of the energy use in desalination processes, and depends on many operational and water quality factors. We completed multiple linear regression and relative importance statistical analyses of factors affecting SEC using both small-scale meta-data and municipal-scale empirical data to predict the energy consumption of desalination. Statistically significant results show water quality and initial year of operations to be significant and important factors in estimating SEC, explaining over 80% of the variation in SEC. More recent initial year of operations, lower salinity raw water, and higher salinity product water accurately predict lower values of SEC. Economic analysis revealed a weak statistical relationship between SEC and cost of water production. Analysis of associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions revealed important considerations of both electricity source and SEC in estimating the GHG-related sustainability of desalination. Results of our statistical analyses can aid decision-makers by predicting the SEC of desalination to a reasonable degree of accuracy with limited data.
Economic Security of Enterprise and the System of its Ensuring
Authors: Ianioglo Alina , Polajeva Tatjana , Parmacli Dmitri
Published: December 2016

In modern conditions of unpredictability of economic activity, enterprises represent an open dynamic system. Functioning and development of the enterprises is influenced by numerous external and internal factors. Multiple threats of economic security may lead to negative consequences in form of solvency and financial stability violations, profitability reduction and other deterioration in the enterprise. In this regard, the relevance and the need of ensuring economic security of enterprises are increasing. The issues of economic security are relatively new to the national science. At the same time, a sufficient number of scientific literature devote to this topic. In this article is presented the analysis and the systematization of various definitions of economic security. On its basis, the authors have identified five main approaches. The relationship between economic security and other economic categories such as sustainability, effectiveness, development and independence was explained. In order to counter threats of economic security and to ensure stable functioning of enterprise, the system of economic security is developed and presented in the paper. Under this system, main ways of increasing the level of economic security of enterprises was presented. Ensuring of economic security of each enterprise serve as a basis for sustainable development both businesses and the economy as a whole.
Research Issues of Exploring the Link Between Turnover Intention and
Turnover Behavior with Organization’s Motivation Profile
Authors: Koshetsyan Lusine
Published: December 2016

Employee turnover has always been a problem for both employees and employers. Replacing employees
may be costly, both in recruiting and training employees to obtain satisfactory levels of performance over time.
The main theme discussed in the paper is turnover intention and it’s connection with organization’s motivation profile.
High levels of employee turnover may decrease the quality and stability of services that organizations provide and as a
result, that will increase client dissatisfaction with the services provided by the organization. That’s why it is very important
for organizations to control their turnover percentage. The purpose of the study is to analyze the turnover intention
based on key variables and connect them with organization’s motivation profile. The main principal objectives
in the research are: to differentiate factors that influence employee turnover; to reduce turnover by changing organization’s
motivation profile.

In the research as main methods content analysis, interviewing and case studies will be used. A survey will be conducted,
questioners to collect information from respondents will be made. And as mentioned, for data collection case
studies, interviewing will be used.
Mapping the Effect of Psoriatic Arthritis Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Gudu Tania , Kiltz Uta , de Wit Maarten , Kvien Tore Kristian , Gossec Laure
Published: December 2016

Objective.

The effect of a disease can be categorized by a standardized reference system: the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The objective was to map the effect of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from the patient’s perspective to the ICF.

Methods.

A systematic literature review was performed. Qualitative publications reporting domains of impact important for patients with PsA were identified using the following terms: (“psoriatic arthritis”) AND (“quality of life” OR “impact”). Meaningful concepts were extracted from the publications, grouped into domains and linked to the ICF categories. The number of concepts linked to each ICF category and to each ICF level was calculated. The number of concepts not linkable was also calculated.

Results.

Eleven studies (13 articles) were included in the analysis. Twenty-five domains of impact were cited, of which the ability to work/volunteer and social participation were the most cited (both by 10 studies). In total, 258 concepts were identified, of which 217 could be linked to 136 different ICF categories; 41 concepts, mostly personal factors, could not be precisely linked. The most represented ICF component was activities and participation (42.6%) rather than body structures (10.3%) or body functions (29.4%). Ten studies (90.9%) reported impairments in the ability to work/volunteer and social participation, and 7 (63.6%) reported leisure activities, family and intimacy, pain, skin problems, and body image.

Conclusion.

PsA widely affects all aspects of patients’ lives, in particular aspects related to activities and participation. The ICF is a useful approach for the classification of disease effect.
Accès à l’énergie et lutte contre le changement climatique : opportunités et défis en Afrique subsaharienne – Présentation
Authors: Avadikyan Arman , Mainguy Claire
Published: December 2016

Concilier l’objectif 7 des Objectifs de développement durable, « Garantir l’accès de tous à des services énergétiques fiables, durables et modernes, à un coût abordable », avec l’objectif 13, qui vise à la maîtrise du réchauffement climatique en Afrique va imposer un changement d’échelle en matière de financement du développement et la nature de ce dernier devra également évoluer. Les énergies renouvelables devraient logiquement prendre une part de plus en plus importante dans le mix énergétique. L’enjeu de la diversification des sources d’énergie consiste, notamment, à trouver des modes de coordination des accès centralisés et décentralisés à l’énergie. Classification JEL : O13, O19, O55, Q56
Les enjeux du développement de l’énergie solaire au Bénin. Quelques pistes de réflexion pour une approche territoriale
Authors: Beaurain Christophe , Amoussou Mahugnon Bérenger
Published: December 2016

Le Bénin est confronté à la question de la transition énergétique, pour réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des énergies fossiles, mais aussi, et surtout, pour généraliser l’accès des populations à l’électricité. Les programmes de développement de l’énergie solaire mis en œuvre par l’État béninois dans ce but semblent pour le moment insuffisants. Dans cet article, nous tentons de préciser les conditions de la construction de dynamiques territoriales dans ce domaine, en soulignant, notamment, les motivations des acteurs et les principaux obstacles à une action collective. Classification JEL : O13, O55, Q48, Q56
Effets de la microassurance récolte sur la performance des petits producteurs de maïs au Burkina Faso : une étude exploratoire dans le village de Dandé
Authors: Koloma Yaya , Oswald Marc
Published: December 2016

À l’aide d’une approche par les pairs, l’article examine les impacts sur la performance des agriculteurs bénéficiaires d'un programme de microassurance "assurance récolte au Sahel (ARS)", mis en place au Burkina Faso. La comparaison de deux groupes de cultivateurs de maïs, assurés et non-assurés, montre que l’ARS améliore l'accès au microcrédit, aux intrants et augmente la surface de maïs, stimulant ainsi la production. Cependant, le rendement est légèrement supérieur pour les non-assurés. Classification JEL : G21, G22, I1, O130, Q1
Hyperreflective Choroidal Vessels in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Todisco Lorenzo , Capuano Vittorio , Costanzo Eliana , Recupero Santi Maria , Souied Eric H. , Querques Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe choroidal vessels in areas of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration that appear as hyperreflective choroidal vessels (HRCVs) on multicolor (MC) imaging.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective case series of patients with GA. Multimodal imaging evaluation was performed.

RESULTS:

HRCVs, which seem to be sclerotic on MC imaging, appeared as hyperautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence, clearly distinguishable over the background of hypo-autofluorescence, and correlated with late-phase hypocyanescence areas on indocyanine green angiography. Average size of GA areas was significantly larger in eyes with (4.19 mm ± 0.83 mm) compared to eyes without (3.22 mm ± 1.05 mm) HRVCs (
P
= .0002). Similarly, mean choroidal thickness (CT) was significantly thinner in eyes with (78.5 µm ± 33.8 µm) compared to eyes without (155.4 µm ± 69.8 µm) HRVCs (
P
< .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

HRCVs are more clearly distinguishable than other choroidal vessels on MC imaging in GA. HRCV identification is more frequent in eyes with larger areas of atrophy and reduced CT, and thus possibly represent a maker of more advanced GA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1106–1114.]
Multimodal Imaging Features in Acute Exudative Paraneoplastic Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy
Authors: Li Daniel Q. , Golding John , Glittenberg Carl , Choudhry Netan
Published: December 2016

An 85-year-old woman with stage IV breast cancer was referred for gradually progressive blurred vision. Dilated fundus examination revealed unifocal, yellow, round vitelliform lesions in the macular region of both eyes. The diagnosis of acute exudative paraneoplastic polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPPVM) was confirmed with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein angiography. SS-OCT angiography revealed normal vascular findings in both eyes. Multimodal imaging is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of AEPPVM and may further the understanding of its pathophysiology.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:1143–1146.]
Innovaciones en la producción de ambientes lumínicos cerámicos: entre técnicas artesanales y procesos digitales
Authors: Urbano Gutiérrez R. , Wanner A. , Wanner A.
Published: December 2016

El material cerámico ofrece excelentes oportunidades como material de construcción energéticamente eficiente, sin embargo sus propiedades se han investigado muy escasamente en combinación con un comportamiento medioambiental activo. Respondiendo a criterios de optimización de la iluminación natural, trabajamos con procesos paramétricos digitales de fabricación, así como con herramientas de simulación energética para confeccionar prototipos experimentales a escala real de componentes arquitectónicos cerámicos. Nuestra investigación tiene tres objetivos principales: explorar soluciones para la optimización en el uso de la luz natural fabricadas con un material de bajo impacto como la cerámica; investigar metodologías proyectuales que miren a cómo los procesos de producción arquitectónica cerámica actuales pueden mejorarse gracias a la incorporación de técnicas digitales de fabricación y diseño, y comprometernos con la materialidad de la cerámica a través de trabajo en colaboración con artistas y técnicas artesanales. Un aspecto crítico de nuestro trabajo es probar la compatibilidad e interoperabilidad de diferentes plataformas informáticas y técnicas de diseño como fases del proceso de producción (optimización de la búsqueda de forma) en tiempo real. Este artículo presenta el desarrollo, construcción y resultados analíticos de tres de los métodos de producción experimentados durante los tres primeros años de este proyecto.
The influence of L1 on auditory perception of Spanish/L2
Authors: Blanco Canales Ana
Published: December 2016

The objective of this paper is to examine first language influence on phonic perception capabilities by non-native speakers of Spanish and subsequently analyze some of the existing links between perception and production processes in foreign language acquisition. The assumption is made that both processes are interlinked, and that they develop in line with each other, as the phonological categorization of new units—whereby proper speech production is achieved—starts from complex perceptual processes wherein the first language (L1) plays a crucial role. In order to conduct the study, a perceptual test was taken by 300 students (both men and women) from 20 different countries. Spanish levels ranged from A2 to C1. Data collected (61,200 responses) has been analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our results show that first language influence on perception is low. They also suggest that, although dependent on each other, production and perception are developed differently.
Images du poète en mollusque marin
Authors: Fraysse Suzanne
Published: December 2016

Cette étude part de l’idée qu’il faut se diviser pour créer, et que tout poète se voit nécessairement comme un autre. J’examine trois poèmes américains écrits à cent ans d’écart où cet « autre » se trouve être un mollusque marin : O. Wendell Holmes se compare à un nautile, M. Moore à un argonaute, et H.D. à un bivalve. Les trois poètes s’approprient un héritage culturel filtré par la coquille, et construisent une image d’eux-mêmes à travers un dialogisme interdiscursif (intentionnel ou non) et interlocutif et à travers une logique onirique engendrée par l’image du mollusque marin. Suivant Paul Valéry dans « L’homme et la coquille », je suggère que la coquille suscite des questions naïves, mais fondamentales (qui donc a fait ceci ? Pourquoi cet objet fut-il fait ?), questions indissolublement liées à toute réflexion sur l’éthos.
Sepsis in internal wards: results of an Italian multicenter prospective study
Authors: Giorgi-Pierfranceschi Matteo , Dentali Francesco
Published: December 2016

Sepsis is a frequent inflammatory disease with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Most of the data about epidemiology, management and prognosis of patients with sepsis came mainly from studies conducted within Intensive Care Units (ICUs). A consistent number of studies suggest that a proportion of patients with sepsis and severe sepsis are admitted to internal medicine units, and not transferred to an ICU. In this article, we presented the data of an Italian study, a multicenter study, evaluating consecutive patients, with an objective diagnosis of sepsis treated in internal medicine units.
Lactic acidosis, hyperlactatemia and sepsis
Authors: Montagnani Andrea , Nardi Roberto
Published: December 2016

Among hospitalized patients, lactic acidosis represents the most common cause of metabolic acidosis. Lactate is not just a metabolic product of anaerobic glycolysis but is triggered by a variety of metabolites even before the onset of anaerobic metabolism as part of an adaptive response to a hypermetabolic state. On the basis of such considerations, lactic acidosis is divided into two classes: inadequate tissue oxygenation (type A) and absence of tissue hypoxia (type B). Lactic acidosis is characterized by non-specific symptoms but it should be suspected in all critical patients who show hypovolemic, hypoxic, in septic or cardiogenic shock or if in the presence of an unexplained high anion gap metabolic acidosis. Lactic acidosis in sepsis and septic shock has traditionally been explained as a result of tissue hypoxia when whole-body oxygen delivery fails to meet whole body oxygen requirements. In sepsis lactate levels correlate with increased mortality with a poor prognostic threshold of 4 mmol/L. In hemodynamically stable patients with sepsis, hyperlactatemia might be the result of impaired lactate clearance rather than overproduction. In critically ill patients the speed at which hyperlactatemia resolves with appropriate therapy may be considered a useful prognostic indicator. The measure of blood lactate should be performed within 3 h of presentation in acute care setting. The presence of lactic acidosis requires early identification of the primary cause of shock for the best appropriate treatment. Since most cases of lactic acidosis depend on whole-body oxygen delivery failure, the maximization of systemic oxygen delivery remains the primary therapeutic option. When initial resuscitation does not substantially or completely correct lactic acidosis, it is also essential to consider other causes. The treatment of acidosis with buffering agents (specifically bicarbonate) is generally advocated only in the setting of severe acidosis. Ongoing research into lactate clearance and probable noninvasive surrogate measures may add further insight into outcome-based practices.
Effects of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine on the liver of high fat diet fed rats
Authors: Giammanco Marco , Aiello Stefania , Casuccio Alessandra , La Guardia Maurizio , Cicero Luca , Puleio Roberto , Vazzana Irene , Tomasello Giovanni , Cassata Giovanni , Leto Gaetano , Di Majo Danila
Published: December 2016

Experimental studies have highlighted that the administration of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) to rats fed diets rich in lipids induces a decrease of cholesterol and triglycerides plasma levels and body weight (BW) without inducing liver steatosis. On the basis of these observations we carried out some experimental in vivo studies to assess the effects of multiple high doses of T2 on the pituitary thyroid axis of rats fed diet rich in lipids. Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five animals each. The first group (N group) received standard diet, the second group was fed with a high fat diet (HFD group), while the third group (HFDT2 group) was additionally given T2 intraperitoneally at a dose level of 70 µg/100 g of BW three times a week up to four weeks. At the end of the treatment, blood sample from each animal was collected, centrifuged and the serum was stored at -20°C. The serum concentrations of thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine, thyroxine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase were then determined. In addition, liver of rats was examined by histology in order to assess the presence and degree of steatosis. The administration of T2 to rats fed with a high fat diet suppressed TSH secretion (P=0.013) while no steatosis was observed in the liver of these animals. Our data show that multiple administrations of high doses of T2 to rats fed diets rich in lipid inhibit TSH secretion and prevent the onset of liver steatosis in these animals.
MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT AND EXTREMELY DRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA: ARE WE FACING THE END OF THE ANTIBIOTIC ERA?
Authors: Rossolini G.M.
Published: December 2016

Antibiotics are one of the most significant advancements of modern medicine. They have changed the prognosis of several bacterial infections, and made possible advanced medical practices associated with a high risk of infectious complications. Unfortunately, antibiotics are affected by the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, which jeopardizes their efficacy. In recent years, antibiotic discovery and development has been lagging, due to a lower appeal of this sector for the pharmaceutical industry, while antibiotic resistance has continued to evolve with the eventual emergence and dissemination of bacterial strains which are resistant to most available antibiotics and pose a major challenge to antimicrobial chemotherapy. This worrisome scenario, indicated as the “antibiotic resistance crisis”, has been acknowledged by Scientific Societies and Public Health Agencies, and is now gathering an increasing attention from the Media and Governments. This article reviews the antibiotic-resistant pathogens which currently pose major problems in terms of clinical and epidemiological impact, and briefly discuss future perspective in this field.
POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXAPTIVE THEORY: THE EXAMPLE OF RACHIS
Authors: Tanga M. , Gelati G.
Published: December 2016

Aiming at finding an objective method to define as exaptive (or as not exaptive) an evolutionary transformation, we can use a morphological and morphometric analysis of vertebras that can be realized through laser scanner technology. So we can reach a comparative valuation of rhachidian exaptive transformations from a typology of animals to another. In our work we referred to vertebras of a mammal tetrapod (chamois), of aquatic mammals (common fin whale, bottlenose dolphin) and of Man. We can suppose that the evolutionary transformation of the examined organ, system or structure is exaptive if: i) it remains the same under the phylogenetic/genetic profile, in other words it is the homologous; ii) it remains the same (exactly the same or however within certain limits that must be quantified by opportune indicators/descriptors) according to the morphometric/morphologic aspect; iii) its successive function changes with discontinuity if compared with the previous one; this aspects can be studied by modal analysis and by the model of Eigenvectors and Eigenvalues; iv) the new function is exclusive or however is prevailing on the original one. In particular, regarding rachis: i) we know the phylogenetic/genetic correspondence of this structure in all vertebrates; ii) we could choose some morphometric parameters as indicators of the maintaining/changing of structure; iii) we compare the previous and successive function under static/dynamic aspects. We refer to last year report, when we proposed that the evolutionary transformations of rachis static/dynamic function can be considered as exaptive. The functional transformation pushed us to rename human rachis as “vertebral shock absorber”, due to its new vertical set-up, very different from the horizontal one that is proper of central axis (fishes and, later, of Cetaceous, even if in a different way), of beam (of tetrapods) and of shelf (of “partial” bipeds).
Qualitative properties and classification of nonnegative solutions to $-\Delta u=f(u)$ in unbounded domains when $f(0) < 0$
Authors: Farina Alberto , Sciunzi Berardino
Published: December 2016

We consider nonnegative solutions to

-\Delta u=f(u)

in unbounded Euclidean domains under zero Dirichlet boundary conditions, where

f

is merely locally Lipschitz continuous and satisfies

f(0) < 0

. In the half-plane, and without any other assumption on

u

, we prove that

u

is either one-dimensional and periodic or positive and strictly monotone increasing in the direction orthogonal to the boundary. Analogous results are obtained if the domain is a strip. As a consequence of our main results, we answer affirmatively to a conjecture and to an open question posed by Berestycki, Caffarelli and Nirenberg. We also obtain some symmetry and monotonicity results in the higher-dimensional case.