bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quota Restrictions on Land Use for Decelerating Urban Sprawl of Mega City: A Case Study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Yunqian , Chen Zhenjie , Cheng Qianwen , Zhou Chen , Jiang Penghui , Li Manchun , Chen Dong
Published: September 2016

The mega cities of China are faced with great pressure from conflict between huge land demand for construction use and limited resources. To improve this situation, it is necessary to slow the increasing rate of built-up land and even reduce the existing built-up land by improving land use efficiency. Herein, land use planning with urban sprawl deceleration is proposed. Land quotas are important tools for the control of land use planning in China, but the current quotas are mainly in the form of increment, thus cannot support land use planning with urban sprawl deceleration. To address these issues, we developed a model named “current-plan-requirement response (CPRR)”, to optimize the land quotas. With this model, we investigated the current status of land use, the process of land use planning, and the requirements of land use planning with urban sprawl deceleration in Shanghai. It was found that the current land quotas have provided somewhat inhabited conversion of arable land to built-up land, but scarcely any regulation of land use efficiency or protection of natural environment. Then, the land quotas were optimized and quota management recommendations were made. The optimized land quotas included four aspects of quotas: arable land protection, ecological conservation, scale constraint on built-up land and economical and intensive land use. These new land quotas could be used to guide reduction of built-up land and increase ecological land in China’s mega cities. It might also be beneficial for easing conflict between supply and demand of built-up land, for building an eco-friendly city land-use structure.
Glypican-3 Targeting Immunotoxins for the Treatment of Liver Cancer
Authors: Fleming Bryan , Ho Mitchell
Published: September 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, yet no effective therapeutics exist. This review provides an overview of the recent development of recombinant immunotoxins for the treatment of glypican-3 (GPC3) expressing HCC. GPC3 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is overexpressed in HCC, but is absent from normal adult human tissues. Treatment of HCC with anti-GPC3 immunotoxins represents a new therapeutic option. Using phage display and hybridoma technologies, three high affinity antibodies (HN3, HS20 and YP7) have been generated against GPC3. Two of these antibodies (HN3 and HS20) have demonstrated the ability to inhibit Wnt/Yap signaling, leading to a reduction in liver cancer cell proliferation. By combining the HN3 antibody capable of inhibiting Wnt/Yap signaling with the protein synthesis inhibitory domain of the Pseudomonas exotoxin, a recombinant immunotoxin that exhibits a dual inhibitory mechanism was generated. This immunotoxin was found to be highly effective in the treatment of human HCCs in mouse xenograft models. Engineering of the toxin fragment to reduce the level of immunogenicity is currently being explored. The development of immunotoxins provides opportunities for novel liver cancer therapies.
Effect of balance Solution on the Peritoneal Membrane in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: De los Ríos Tatiana , Pérez-Martínez Juan , Portoles Jose , Lichodziejewska-Niemierko Monika , Rivera Maite , Nowicki Michał , Książek Andrzej , Tato Ana María , Bohnhorst Christine , Feriani Mariano
Published: September 2016

Interference of conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids (cPDFs) with peritoneal membrane cell functions may be attributed to the dialysis fluid's low pH, high glucose concentration, and/or the presence of glucose degradation products (GDPs), the last of which leads to higher levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). It has been suggested that the peritoneal membrane might be better preserved by using biocompatible solutions, including cancer antigetn 125 (CA125). This prospective, open-label, multicentre, randomized, controlled, cross-over phase IV study compared the in vivo biocompatibility of a neutral-pH, low-GDP peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution ( balance) with a cPDF in automated PD (APD) patients. Our study revealed a significantly increased appearance rate and concentration of CA125 in the peritoneal effluent of APD patients treated with the neutral-pH, low-GDP solution balance versus a conventional PD solution.
Asymptomatic Effluent Protozoa Colonization in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Simões-Silva Liliana , Correia Inês , Barbosa Joana , Santos-Araujo Carla , Sousa Maria João , Pestana Manuel , Soares-Silva Isabel , Sampaio-Maia Benedita
Published: September 2016

Currently, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. Considering the impaired immunity of CKD patients, the relevance of infection in peritoneal dialysis (PD), and the increased prevalence of parasites in CKD patients, protozoa colonization was evaluated in PD effluent from CKD patients undergoing PD. Overnight PD effluent was obtained from 49 asymptomatic stable PD patients. Protozoa analysis was performed microscopically by searching cysts and trophozoites in direct wet mount of PD effluent and after staining smears. Protozoa were found in PD effluent of 10.2% of evaluated PD patients, namely Blastocystis hominis, in 2 patients, and Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., and Endolimax nana in the other 3 patients, respectively. None of these patients presented clinical signs or symptoms of peritonitis at the time of protozoa screening. Our results demonstrate that PD effluent may be susceptible to asymptomatic protozoa colonization. The clinical impact of this finding should be further investigated.
ESTIMATION OF THE FRACTURE DENSITY IN RESERVOIR ROCK USING REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF THE PETROPHYSICAL DATA
Authors: Abdideh Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Image logs are presently the main specialized tools for fracture detection in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Where image logs are not available, other less rewarding substitutes such as isolated well tests and type curve analysis, drilling mud loss history, core description and conventional petrophysical logs are used for fracture detection. In this paper a novel method is proposed for fracture density estimation in the fractured zones, using energy of petrophysical logs. Image and petrophysical logs from Asmari reservoir in one well of an oilfield in southwestern Iran were used to investigate the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method. Energy of the petrophysical logs in the fractured zones is calculated and linear and non-linear regressions between them are estimated. Results show that there is strong correlation between the energy of caliper, sonic (DT), density (RHOB) and lithology (PEF) logs with fracture density in well. In order to find a generalized estimator, a unique normalization method are developed, and by using it, a non-linear regression has been found which estimates fracture density with correlation coefficient of higher than 85%. The resultant regression has the capability of generalization in the studied field.
A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR ROAD SURFACE MODELLING
Authors: El-Ashmawy Khalid l. A.
Published: September 2016

Road surface survey is critical for road engineers to determine the needs of maintenance and rehabilitation for both network and project level study. This paper reviews the road surface survey methods, including image based, photogrammetric and stereo-vision, and mobile mapping systems. The merits and demerits of each method are outlined. The goal of this study is to develop simple software for facilitating the generation of the necessary road surface and distresses maps using surveying data from different sources. The software output has compatibility with known CAD/GIS packages to widen its scope of applications. Methodologies, examples and demonstration related to the use of the developed software and laser scanning data in road mapping for a case study are described. The results showed the flexibilities of the developed software and the proposed method for generating the necessary maps and data for road distresses such as longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, patch deterioration, potholes, and ravelling. However, the present work shows that using terrestrial laser scanning technologies for modelling the road surface has advantages such as surveying speed, big roads, highways and tunnels. Also it provides the safety for surveyors and the absence of a disruption to traffic. The developed software and methodology are suitable for universities, academic centres and are of great interest to small engineering firms for the generation of road surface maps.
REFLECTED CHARGED PARTICLE POPULATIONS AROUND DIPOLAR LUNAR MAGNETIC ANOMALIES
Authors: Deca Jan , Divin Andrey
Published: September 2016

In this work we analyze and compare the reflected particle populations for both a horizontal and a vertical dipole model embedded in the lunar surface, representing the solar wind interaction with two different lunar magnetic anomaly (LMA) structures. Using the 3D full-kinetic electromagnetic code iPic3D, in combination with a test-particle approach to generate particle trajectories, we focus on the ion and electron dynamics. Whereas the vertical model electrostatically reflects ions upward under both near-parallel and near-perpendicular angles with respect to the lunar surface, the horizontal model only has a significant shallow component. Characterizing the electron dynamics, we find that the interplay of the mini-magnetosphere electric and magnetic fields is capable of temporarily trapping low-energy electrons and possibly ejecting them upstream. Our results are in agreement with recent high-resolution observations. Low- to medium-altitude ion and electron observations might be excellent indicators to complement orbital magnetic field measurements and better uncover the underlying magnetic field structure. The latter is of particular importance in defining the correlation between LMAs and lunar swirls, and further testing the solar wind shielding hypothesis for albedo markings due to space weathering. Observing more reflected ions does not necessarily point to the existence of a mini-magnetosphere.
PANCHROMATIC IMAGING OF A TRANSITIONAL DISK: THE DISK OF GM AUR IN OPTICAL AND FUV SCATTERED LIGHT
Authors: Hornbeck J. B. , Swearingen J. R. , Grady C. A. , Williger G. M. , Brown A. , Sitko M. L. , Wisniewski J. P. , Perrin M. D. , Lauroesch J. T. , Schneider G. , Apai D. , Brittain S. , Brown J. M. , Champney E. H. , Hamaguchi K. , Henning Th. , Lynch D. K. , Petre R. , Russell R. W. , Walter F. M. , Woodgate B.
Published: September 2016

We have imaged GM Aurigae with the Hubble Space Telescope, detected its disk in scattered light at 1400 and 1650 Å, and compared these with observations at 3300 Å, 5550 Å, 1.1 μm, and 1.6 μm. The scattered light increases at shorter wavelengths. The radial surface brightness profile at 3300 Å shows no evidence of the 24 au radius cavity that has been previously observed in submillimeter observations. Comparison with dust grain opacity models indicates that the surface of the entire disk is populated with submicron grains. We have compiled a spectral energy distribution from 0.1 μm to 1 mm and used it to constrain a model of the star + disk system that includes the submillimeter cavity using the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code by Barbara Whitney. The best-fit model image indicates that the cavity should be detectable in the F330W bandpass if the cavity has been cleared of both large and small dust grains, but we do not detect it. The lack of an observed cavity can be explained by the presence of submicron grains interior to the submillimeter cavity wall. We suggest one explanation for this that could be due to a planet of mass <9 M

J
interior to 24 au. A unique cylindrical structure is detected in the far-UV data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys/Solar Blind Channel. It is aligned along the system semiminor axis, but does not resemble an accretion-driven jet. The structure is limb brightened and extends 190 ± 35 au above the disk midplane. The inner radius of the limb brightening is 40 ± 10 au, just beyond the submillimeter cavity wall.
SUPPLEMENT: “GOING THE DISTANCE: MAPPING HOST GALAXIES OF LIGO AND VIRGO SOURCES IN THREE DIMENSIONS USING LOCAL COSMOGRAPHY AND TARGETED FOLLOW-UP” (2016, ApJL, 829, L15)
Authors: Singer Leo P. , Chen Hsin-Yu , Holz Daniel E. , Farr Will M. , Price Larry R. , Raymond Vivien , Cenko S. Bradley , Gehrels Neil , Cannizzo John , Kasliwal Mansi M. , Nissanke Samaya , Coughlin Michael , Farr Ben , Urban Alex L. , Vitale Salvatore , Veitch John , Graff Philip , Berry Christopher P. L. , Mohapatra Satya , Mandel Ilya
Published: September 2016

This is a supplement to the Letter of Singer et al., in which we demonstrated a rapid algorithm for obtaining joint 3D estimates of sky location and luminosity distance from observations of binary neutron star mergers with Advanced LIGO and Virgo. We argued that combining the reconstructed volumes with positions and redshifts of possible host galaxies can provide large-aperture but small field of view instruments with a manageable list of targets to search for optical or infrared emission. In this Supplement, we document the new HEALPix-based file format for 3D localizations of gravitational-wave transients. We include Python sample code to show the reader how to perform simple manipulations of the 3D sky maps and extract ranked lists of likely host galaxies. Finally, we include mathematical details of the rapid volume reconstruction algorithm.
ALMA-SZ DETECTION OF A GALAXY CLUSTER MERGER SHOCK AT HALF THE AGE OF THE UNIVERSE
Authors: Basu K. , Sommer M. , Erler J. , Eckert D. , Vazza F. , Magnelli B. , Bertoldi F. , Tozzi P.
Published: September 2016

We present ALMA measurements of a merger shock using the thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect signal, at the location of a radio relic in the famous El Gordo galaxy cluster at

. Multi-wavelength analysis in combination with the archival Chandra data and a high-resolution radio image provides a consistent picture of the thermal and non-thermal signal variation across the shock front and helps to put robust constraints on the shock Mach number as well as the relic magnetic field. We employ a Bayesian analysis technique for modeling the SZ and X-ray data self-consistently, illustrating respective parameter degeneracies. Combined results indicate a shock with Mach number

, which in turn suggests a high value of the magnetic field (of the order of 4–10

) to account for the observed relic width at 2 GHz. At roughly half the current age of the universe, this is the highest-redshift direct detection of a cluster shock to date, and one of the first instances of an ALMA-SZ observation in a galaxy cluster. It shows the tremendous potential for future ALMA-SZ observations to detect merger shocks and other cluster substructures out to the highest redshifts.
G64-12 AND G64-37 ARE CARBON-ENHANCED METAL-POOR STARS
Authors: Placco Vinicius M. , Beers Timothy C. , Reggiani Henrique , Meléndez Jorge
Published: September 2016

We present new high-resolution chemical-abundance analyses for the well-known high proper-motion subdwarfs G64-12 and G64-37, based on very high signal-to-noise ratio spectra (

) with resolving power R ∼ 95,000. These high-quality data enable the first reliable determination of the carbon abundances for these two stars; we classify them as carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars based on their carboni cities, which both exceed [C/Fe] = +1.0. They are sub-classified as CEMP-no Group-II stars, based on their location in the Yoon–Beers diagram of absolute carbon abundance, A(C) versus [Fe/H], as well as on the conventional diagnostic [Ba/Fe]. The relatively low absolute carbon abundances of CEMP-no stars, in combination with the high effective temperatures of these two stars (

), weakens their CH molecular features to the point that accurate carbon abundances can only be estimated from spectra with very high S/N. A comparison of the observed abundance patterns with the predicted yields from massive, metal-free supernova models reduces the inferred progenitor masses by factors of ∼2–3, and explosion energies by factors of ∼10–15, compared to those derived using previously claimed carbon-abundance estimates. There are certainly many more warm CEMP-no stars near the halo main-sequence turnoff that have been overlooked in past studies, directly impacting the derived frequencies of CEMP-no stars as a function of metallicity, a probe that provides important constraints on Galactic chemical evolution models, the initial mass function in the early universe, and first-star nucleosynthesis.
Conquering new frontiers in research on store atmospheres: Kinetic and synesthetic qualities
Authors: Julmi Christian
Published: September 2016

The study of store atmospheres and their effects on the consumer’s behaviour has become a significant area of research within marketing. In this context, the aim of this article is twofold. First, it is shown that the widely accepted S-O-R model is incommensurable with the store atmosphere as the object of investigation. Second, the concept of bridging qualities from German philosopher Hermann Schmitz is introduced as a promising alternative to the study of store atmospheres avoiding the identified incommensurability. As the concepts of Schmitz have not been considered within marketing theory yet, the article breaks new ground.
Étude préliminaire de la flore et de la biomasse ligneuse des clairières en haute altitude du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega, République démocratique du Congo
Authors: Imani Gérard , Zapfack Louis , Baraka Prince , Mungu Isaac Ahana
Published: September 2016

Les caractéristiques dynamiques et structurelles des clairières de la partie haute altitude (2000 à 2300 m) du Parc National de Kahuzi Biega (PNKB) ont été analysées sur une durée de 15 ans et sur base des informations fournies par des services de conservation. L’objectif étant de caractériser la diversité floristique, la structure des clairières et d’estimer la quantité de la biomasse/carbone. Les individus ligneux de Dbh≥ 5 cm étaient comptés et leur hauteur prise par un laser dans les relevés polyvalents. Les indices de diversité, de valeurs d’importance ainsi que de similarité ont permis de caractériser la végétation et par les équations allométriques, on a déterminé la biomasse. L’analyse Anova et le test de TukeyHDS ont été utilisés pour voir la variation de la diversité et la biomasse entre les clairières. Les clairières de la partie haute altitude du Parc National de Kahuzi Biega sont caractérisées par des espèces comme Neoboutonia macrocalyx, Mimulopsis arborescens et Dombeya goetzenii. La biomasse/carbone varie significativement le long de la chronoséquence en fonction des classes d’âge.
Global Analysis of O-GlcNAc Glycoproteins in Activated Human T Cells
Authors: Lund Peder J. , Elias Joshua E. , Davis Mark M.
Published: September 2016

T cell activation in response to Ag is largely regulated by protein posttranslational modifications. Although phosphorylation has been extensively characterized in T cells, much less is known about the glycosylation of serine/threonine residues by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). Given that O-GlcNAc appears to regulate cell signaling pathways and protein activity similarly to phosphorylation, we performed a comprehensive analysis of O-GlcNAc during T cell activation to address the functional importance of this modification and to identify the modified proteins. Activation of T cells through the TCR resulted in a global elevation of O-GlcNAc levels and in the absence of O-GlcNAc, IL-2 production and proliferation were compromised. T cell activation also led to changes in the relative expression of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) isoforms and accumulation of OGT at the immunological synapse of murine T cells. Using a glycoproteomics approach, we identified >200 O-GlcNAc proteins in human T cells. Many of the identified proteins had a functional relationship to RNA metabolism, and consistent with a connection between O-GlcNAc and RNA, inhibition of OGT impaired nascent RNA synthesis upon T cell activation. Overall, our studies provide a global analysis of O-GlcNAc dynamics during T cell activation and the first characterization, to our knowledge, of the O-GlcNAc glycoproteome in human T cells.
Sources of bioethics: Lex Naturae versus Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia? A response to Vorster
Authors: Verhoef Anné H.
Published: September 2016

To argue that the concept of natural law can be regarded, with certain conditions, as a credible and useful tool in the Reformed paradigm, as Vorster did, may at first seems to be in conflict with the Reformation’s emphasis on sola scriptura and sola gratia. Vorster, however, argues very convincingly that the general revelation of God and creational gifts can be a source for bioethics within the reformed tradition. He does this by relying on Calvin and Bavinck’s appreciative theologies and in reaction to Barth and Welker’s critique to the notion of natural law. In this article I will further Vorster’s argument by identifying some critical points in his argument, analyse the critique on these points and broaden the discussion by incorporating an eschatological perspective and the anthropology of the Protestant philosopher, Paul Ricoeur. The aim is, as Vorster states in his conclusion, to provide Christian ethics with opportunities and means to formulate applicable and relevant moral codes that can be utilised in the bio- and eco-ethical debates of today.
Religious extremism: The case of Sudan's Mariam Yahya Ibrahim Ishag
Authors: Tenai Noah K.
Published: September 2016

The recent case of the arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of Mariam Yahya Ibrahim Ishag of Sudan has drawn attention to the place of Islamic sharia law in contemporary, diverse and multireligious communities and nation states. Islamic sharia law was used to charge Mariam of apostasy; she was subsequently sentenced to 100 lashes followed by hanging. Religious extremism and one of its resultant effects, namely persecution, particularly of women and other minorities, is a persistent hindrance to ongoing efforts against poverty responses. Religious extremism goes against the spirit of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, of which many nation states are signatories. The Catholic vows of consecration � poverty, chastity and obedience � are very helpful perspectives that can assist in pursuing responses to religious extremism and the resultant intolerance, persecution and dispossession.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Drawing from the Roman Catholic Church�s vows of consecration, the article argues for a stance that communities can take in situations that call for solidarity with people in vulnerable situations.
Jóvenes universitarios, medios de comunicación y violencia de género. Una aproximación cuantitativa en torno a los estudiantes de Periodismo
Authors: Martín Jiménez Virginia , Etura Dunia , Ballesteros Herencia Carlos A.
Published: September 2016

Tomando como base la teoría de la responsabilidad social de los medios y las investigaciones sobre jóvenes, violencia de género y medios de comunicación, se estudia el conocimiento y las distorsiones que el estudiante universitario de Periodismo tiene en relación a la violencia de género y su tratamiento informativo. Metodología. Tras la puesta en marcha de la iniciativa #MÁS COMPROMISO, llevada a cabo con motivo del 25N, se realizó una encuesta entre los estudiantes del Grado de Periodismo de la Universidad de Valladolid. Los resultados se analizaron cuantitativamente con el programa SPSS, obteniéndose datos estadísticos tanto descriptivos como inferenciales. Resultados. Se observa que las iniciativas en contra de la violencia machista generan compromiso entre los estudiantes. Se detectan distorsiones, tanto en hombres como mujeres, en cuestiones fundamentales como la definición de violencia de género. Las alumnas se muestran menos favorables a considerar importantes y a poner en práctica las recomendaciones de expertos y admiten las denuncias falsas como una de las causas de que las iniciativas vinculadas a la sensibilización contra la violencia de género generen en ocasiones rechazo social. Conclusiones. Los resultados demuestran la efectividad de estas acciones en la formación especializada de los periodistas, aunque también una mayor reactancia de las mujeres ante la representación mediática de la violencia de género y las actividades de sensibilización en torno a ella.
Oxidation of sulfides and rapid weathering in recent landslides
Authors: Emberson Robert , Hovius Niels , Galy Albert , Marc Odin
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Linking together the processes of rapid physical erosion and the resultant chemical dissolution of rock is a crucial step in building an overall deterministic understanding of weathering in mountain belts. Landslides, which are the most volumetrically important geomorphic process at these high rates of erosion, can generate extremely high rates of very localised weathering. To elucidate how this process works we have taken advantage of uniquely intense landsliding, resulting from Typhoon Morakot, in the T'aimali River and surrounds in southern Taiwan. Combining detailed analysis of landslide seepage chemistry with estimates of catchment-by-catchment landslide volumes, we demonstrate that in this setting the primary role of landslides is to introduce fresh, highly labile mineral phases into the surface weathering environment. There, rapid weathering is driven by the oxidation of pyrite and the resultant sulfuric-acid-driven dissolution of primarily carbonate rock. The total dissolved load correlates well with dissolved sulfate – the chief product of this style of weathering – in both landslides and streams draining the area (R2 =  0.841 and 0.929 respectively; p < 0.001 in both cases), with solute chemistry in seepage from landslides and catchments affected by significant landsliding governed by the same weathering reactions. The predominance of coupled carbonate–sulfuric-acid-driven weathering is the key difference between these sites and previously studied landslides in New Zealand (Emberson et al., 2016), but in both settings increasing volumes of landslides drive greater overall solute concentrations in streams. Bedrock landslides, by excavating deep below saprolite–rock interfaces, create conditions for weathering in which all mineral phases in a lithology are initially unweathered within landslide deposits. As a result, the most labile phases dominate the weathering immediately after mobilisation and during a transient period of depletion. This mode of dissolution can strongly alter the overall output of solutes from catchments and their contribution to global chemical cycles if landslide-derived material is retained in catchments for extended periods after mass wasting.
Bank-specific, Industry-specific and Macroeconomic Determinants of Banks Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Kapaya Saganga Mussa , Raphael Gwahula
Published: September 2016

The study analyzed effects of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants on banks profitability. It used a maximum of 350 firm-years, from 52 banks from 1998 to 2010 in Tanzania. It did proxy profitability using return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM). The static fixed effects regression model indicated that; credit facilities (CFA), capital adequacy (TEA), credit risk (CFR), diversification ratio (DIV), bank risk (BAR) and financial market development (MCAd) were significantly influencing ROA. The dynamic fixed effects regression model indicated that lagged ROA, TEA, loan losses provisions (PLT) and BAR, were significantly influencing ROA.
Technology Aspects of E-Government Readiness in Developing Countries: A Review of the Literature
Authors: M. Baeuo Mustafa Omar , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah Binti , Alaraibi Asma Ali Mosa
Published: September 2016

The rapid global growth of the Internet and information technology has inspired many governments to transform their traditional services into electronic ones. Many governments are now developing, implementing and improving their strategies to transform government services using information and communication technologies (ICTs). E-Government, as it is known, has become a popular focus of government efforts in many developed countries and, more recently, in several developing countries. Further, e-government services have become a significant and active means for interaction among government, citizens and businesses. E-government comprises several dimensions, one of the main ones being e-government readiness. To put technology to effective use, a government must be “ready”. E-government readiness helps a government to measure its stages of readiness, identify its gaps, and then redesign its government strategy. One of the aspects of e- government readiness is that of technological readiness, which plays an important role in implementing an effective and efficient e- government project. This paper explores the gaps in current knowledge relating to the technological aspects of e-government readiness through the conduct of a literature review. In particular, the review focuses on the models and frameworks that have been developed to assess e-government readiness.
Effects of Bupropion on Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mirzadeh Mansoureh , Shahini Najmeh , Lotf Abadi Masoud Kashani , Tavakoli Maryam , Javanbakht Arash , Fayyazi Bordbar Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2016

Smoking habits are common in schizophrenic patients. Nicotine can suppress negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of bupropion on cognitive function in schizophrenic patients. This study is a double blind randomized controlled trial in a large referral psychiatric university hospital in Iran. Ninety smoker schizophrenic patients were randomly allocated (based on DSM -IV TR criteria) in two groups (46 patients for case group and 44 patients in control group). They get risperidone up to 6 mg/d and bupropion up to 400 mg/d .clinical assessment (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) were taken in beginning of study, 14th and 28th days of study. Cognitive assessment (Stroop, Digit Span, and Wechsler, Wisconsin) were taken in begging of study, the days 2nd, 7th, 14th, 28th. All data were analyzed by SPSS Ver. 17 with analytic and descriptive tests. Mean age of patients was 37.66±1.01. Mean duration of disorder was 11.63±.98 years. The scores were significantly lower at the day 28th compared to the beginning of the study in both groups in Wechsler, Stroop color word , Stroop word , Stroop color , BPRS, PANSS p value ≤0.05 .The difference between the two treatments was not significant as indicated by the effect of group, the between-subjects factor p value ≥0.05. In this study, the side effects were examined and there was no significant difference between the two groups p value ≥0.05. Augmentation of bupropion to routine treatment improves cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in abstinence of tobacco.
Loyalty Typologies and Consumer Choice Factors in the Online Sports-Betting Industry: An Explorative Study into the Italian Regulated Market
Authors: Calvosa Paolo
Published: September 2016

The paper analyses the loyalty typologies and consumer choice factors in the regulated online sports-betting industry. From the methodological viewpoint an empirical investigation has been carried out through the administration of a questionnaire towards customers who make sports bets on online gambling sites in the Italian regulated market. We have found that, in keeping with consumers’ behaviour “regularities” which normally characterize frequently purchased consumer goods markets, the number of customers who are exclusively loyal to one gambling website is rather limited and that, therefore, online bettors mostly adopt a “multi-brand” buying behaviour. In the markets in which this behaviour pattern emerges, customer loyalty programs appear less efficacious in increasing market penetration of the companies with respect to the firms’ decisions on marketing mix-inputs that influence consumer choice of purchasing. The empirical investigation has therefore permitted us to single out the factors that influence the decision to bet at one online gambling site over another, and to show how the importance of these factors varies in relation to the different degree of the gamblers loyalty. The results are then applied to marketing strategies of the online gambling operators.
The Trust of Viral Advertising Messages and Its Impact on Attitude and Behaviour Intentions of Consumers
Authors: Alsamydai Mahmood Jasim
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing body of research on viral advertising messages which is based on viral marketing, while concentrating on trust of viral advertising messages and its effect on attitude and consumer behavior intention. To achieve the objectives of this study, we used marketing technology and techniques specific to viral marketing. The implementation of the study depended on a questionnaire (with 27 items) used to collect the required data from 305 customers. The information collected was based on a primary exploration study with the purpose of constructing and designing a study model.

Six hypotheses were proposed based on literature related to viral marketing, viral advertising messages and behavior intention. The study model was divided into six dimensions. The first four was concerned with trust of viral advertising messages, the fifth with attitude and customer behavior intention, while the sixth focused on the correlation between components of the study model.

Many descriptive statistical methods were used, e.g., one sample T-test, Pearson’s Correlation for the statistical analysis. The indicated results accepted all six hypotheses (assumed for each dimension). Consequently, there was an impetus to achieve trust of viral advertising messages on all attitudes and customer behavior intention.

Although this study was limited, it tried to use many factors to test trust effect of viral advertising messages on attitudes and consumer behavior intention. It is considered as an attempt that can be developed for future studies.
An Empirical Investigation into Physician Preferences in Drug Prescription: An Integrated Methodology of AHP and QFD
Authors: Elahi Farzana , Ahmed Shamsad , Haque Mahbubul , Chowdhury Nazreen
Published: September 2016

In order to sustain in a competitive market like pharmaceutical in Bangladesh, it is important to get an insight into physicians’ preferences in prescribing the drugs. The aim of this work is to investigate and address the physician requirements through an integrated methodology of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD). In this research, an expert panel has been interviewed to recognize the criteria affecting physicians’ decisions. The results from AHP derived through Expert Choice software demonstrate that from the viewpoint of physicians, out of the five criteria, quality of product offering is ranked highest in prescribing the drugs followed by the reputation of the company, relationship enjoyed with the company, etc. As for the technical aspects, derived from the relationship matrix of AHP and QFD, out of the sixteen, brand image is ranked first followed by the quality of raw and packaging materials, skilled production personnel etc. The contribution of this research is expected to enable the managers in the pharmaceutical companies to recognize the factors that influence physicians in prescribing drugs for the patients and help them find out challenging items with preeminent alternatives. Few suggestions for future research are also put forward.
The weed composition in an orchard as a result of long-term foliar herbicide application
Authors: Licznar-Małańczuk Maria , Sygutowska Iwona
Published: September 2016

The weed composition and the dominance of individual species occurring in an orchard were assessed at the Research Station of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland, during the first 10 years after orchard establishment. ‘Ligol’ apple trees were planted in the spring of 2004 (3.5 × 1.2 m). Foliar herbicides were applied in 1 m wide tree rows twice or three times per each vegetation period. In the inter-row spaces, perennial grass was maintained.

Ten years of maintenance of herbicide fallow contributed to a change in the weed composition in the orchard. It changed as a result of different responses of the most important weed species to the foliar herbicides. Total suppression of Elymus repens was observed in the first year after planting the trees. Convolvulus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, and other perennial weeds, completely disappeared in the succeeding periods. The maintenance of herbicide fallow did not affect the abundance of Taraxacum officinale. The percentage of the soil surface covered by Trifolium repens and Epilobium adenocaulon, perennial weeds with considerable tolerance to post-emergence herbicides, increased during the fruit-bearing period of the trees. The abundance of these weeds was significantly reduced only in the rows with the stronger growing trees on the semi-dwarf P 2 rootstock. Stellaria media was the dominant annual weed. Senecio vulgaris, Poa annua, Capsella bursa-pastoris, and Lamium spp. were also frequently observed. A significant increase in the abundance of annual and perennial weeds was found in the tree rows as a result of improved water availability after a period of high precipitation.
Spectrum of Interstitial Lung Disease at a Tertiary Care Centre in India
Authors: Kumar Raj , Gupta Nitesh , Goel Nitin
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The available data on the epidemiology of interstitial lung disease (ILD) from India is sparse. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the aim to analyse the demographic profile and clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics along with physiological parameters of various subgroups of ILD patients. Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 289 patients diagnosed with ILD during the years 2001–2013 at one of the respiratory units of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute. Results: Mean age at presentation was 44.24 years; females comprised 54.68% of the patients. Prior to presentation at our centre, 14.84% patients had been treated with antituberculous therapy due to misdiagnosis of tuberculosis. In the pool of ILDs analysed, sarcoidosis (37.3%) was found to be the most common subgroup, followed by IPF (27.6%) and NSIP (25.6%). Cough (92.97%) was the most common presenting symptom; exertional dyspnoea was found in 79.2% of patients. Digital clubbing was commonest in IPF, found in 30% of patients. Significant desaturation on six-minute walk test was most frequenty seen (50%) in NSIP patients. The most common pattern on chest roentgenogram was reticular/reticulo-nodular pattern (80.2%) and on HRCT—interstitial fibrosis (49.9%). Mean of predicted total lung capacity (TLC) was 64.3%, the lowest being in the IPF group (58.88%). Mean of predicted DLCO was 50.56%, the lowest being in the IPF group (42.75%). The overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic biopsy was 83.04%, the highest yield being among sarcoidosis patients (96.29%). Conclusions: We found sarcoidosis, IPF and NSIP to be the most common ILDs in northern India. ILDs are still frequently misdiagnosed as TB, and increased awareness, education and diagnostic facilities are required to diagnose ILDs at an early stage.
O cidadão e a sua formação no Brasil atual: os papéis do Estado e do professor
Authors: Costa Marco Antônio da
Published: September 2016

Este artigo objetiva discorrer sobre a formação do cidadão no Brasil atual, destacando os papéis que o Estado e o conjunto de professores desempenham nesse processo formativo. Metodologicamente, este trabalho baseia-se na revisão da bibliografia concernente ao assunto nele abordado. Assim, partindo da reflexão contemporânea sobre os conceitos de cidadão e cidadania, o texto traz uma abordagem crítica tanto das políticas públicas educacionais formuladas e implementadas no âmbito da União, dos estados e dos municípios a partir da década de 1990 quanto do trabalho docente ora desenvolvido nas escolas públicas brasileiras. Com isso, pretende-se discutir como o Estado e o professorado, atores essenciais no contexto educacional, podem contribuir para o processo da formação cidadã.
Evasão nas Licenciaturas das Universidades Federais: entre a apetência e a competência
Authors: Santana Otacilio Antunes
Published: September 2016

A evasão de alunos nos cursos superiores se tornou uma temática recorrente a partir da transição de uma educação de elite para uma educação massas. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram: i) analisar o principal momento de evasão nos cursos de licenciatura das Universidades Federais; e ii) avaliar o discurso dos alunos no início do curso, no momento da evasão, e no final do curso para aqueles que permaneceram. O trabalho seguiu dois métodos de coleta de dados: quantitativo e qualitativo; e as análises estatísticas e compreensiva (discursiva). O momento da evasão foi marcado pela redução da potência de agir pelos alunos, principalmente na metade do percurso acadêmico.
Movimento Roraimeira: contribuições interculturais e antropofágicas ao ensino de artes no estado de Roraima
Authors: Silva Ivete Souza da , Santos Clarisse Martins dos
Published: September 2016

Este artigo é resultante de uma pesquisa de Iniciação Científica que teve como principal objetivo investigar as possíveis contribuições do processo antropofágico contido no Movimento Roraimeira para o ensino das artes no estado de Roraima, numa perspectiva intercultural de educação. Tal proposta surge da necessidade de se pensar uma educação voltada às particularidades do estado, tendo em vista a diversidade cultural presente em sua constituição, bem como, a precária qualificação profissional dos professores(as) atuantes no ensino de artes, os quais, em grande maioria não possuem formação na área. A pesquisa possui caráter bibliográfico onde foram analisadas as produções culturais do Movimento Roraimeira -1988 a 2000 -, e discutidas com base em autores do campo da educação, do ensino de artes, da intercultura e da Antropofagia Cultural Brasileira.
CD301b+ dendritic cells suppress T follicular helper cells and antibody responses to protein antigens
Authors: Kumamoto Yosuke , Hirai Toshiro , Wong Patrick W , Kaplan Daniel H , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: September 2016

Strong antibody response is considered a hallmark of a successful vaccine. While dendritic cells (DCs) are important for T follicular helper (Tfh) cell priming, how this process is regulated in vivo is unclear. We show here that the depletion of CD301b+ DCs specifically enhanced the development of Tfh cells, germinal center B cells and antibody responses against protein antigens. Exaggerated antibody responses in mice depleted of CD301b+ DCs occurred in the absence of any adjuvants, and resulting antibodies had broader specificity and higher affinity to the immunogen. CD301b+ DCs express high levels of PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. Blocking PD-1 or PD-L1 during priming in wild-type mice partially mimicked the phenotype of CD301b+ DC-depleted animals, suggesting their role in Tfh suppression. Transient depletion of CD301b+ DC results in the generation of autoreactive IgG responses. These results revealed a novel regulatory mechanism and a key role of CD301b+ DCs in blocking autoantibody generation.
Evolutionary morphology of the rabbit skull
Authors: Kraatz Brian , Sherratt Emma
Published: September 2016

The skull of leporids (rabbits and hares) is highly transformed, typified by pronounced arching of the dorsal skull and ventral flexion of the facial region (i.e., facial tilt). Previous studies show that locomotor behavior influences aspects of cranial shape in leporids, and here we use an extensive 3D geometric morphometrics dataset to further explore what influences leporid cranial diversity. Facial tilt angle, a trait that strongly correlates with locomotor mode, significantly predicts the cranial shape variation captured by the primary axis of cranial shape space, and describes a small proportion (13.2%) of overall cranial shape variation in the clade. However, locomotor mode does not correlate with overall cranial shape variation in the clade, because there are two district morphologies of generalist species, and saltators and cursorial species have similar morphologies. Cranial shape changes due to phyletic size change (evolutionary allometry) also describes a small proportion (12.5%) of cranial shape variation in the clade, but this is largely driven by the smallest living leporid, the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). By integrating phylogenetic history with our geometric morphometric data, we show that the leporid cranium exhibits weak phylogenetic signal and substantial homoplasy. Though these results make it difficult to reconstruct what the ‘ancestral’ leporid skull looked like, the fossil records suggest that dorsal arching and facial tilt could have occurred before the origin of the crown group. Lastly, our study highlights the diversity of cranial variation in crown leporids, and highlights a need for additional phylogenetic work that includes stem (fossil) leporids and includes morphological data that captures the transformed morphology of rabbits and hares.
Harvesting and chewing as constraints to forage consumption by the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Clegg Bruce W. , O’Connor Timothy G.
Published: September 2016

As a foundation for understanding the diet of African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana), adult bulls and cows were observed over an annual cycle to determine whether harvesting (Pt), chewing (Ct) and handling times (Ht) differed across food types and harvesting methods (handling time is defined as the time to harvest, chew and swallow a trunkload of food). Bulls and cows were observed 105 and 26 times, respectively (94 and 26 individuals), with a total of 64 h of feeding recorded across 32 vegetation types. Some food types took longer to harvest and chew than others, which may influence intake rate and affect choice of diet. The method used to gather a trunkload of food had a significant effect on harvesting time, with simple foraging actions being comparatively rapid and more difficult tasks taking longer. Handling time was constrained by chewing for bulls, except for the processing of roots from woody plants, which was limited by harvesting. Time to gather a trunkload had a greater influence on handling time for cows compared to bulls. Harvesting and handling times were longer for bulls than cows, with the sexes adopting foraging behaviors that best suited their energy requirements.
Enhancers and their dynamics during hematopoietic differentiation and emerging strategies for therapeutic action
Authors: Cico Alba , Andrieu‐Soler Charlotte , Soler Eric
Published: September 2016

Cellular differentiation requires precisely regulated tissue‐specific and developmental stage‐specific gene expression patterns. Numerous studies have highlighted the predictive power of enhancers on lineage‐specific gene expression programs and have started to unravel their mechanisms of action. We review here the dynamics of the enhancer landscape during hematopoietic differentiation and how enhancers function in the context of the 3D organization of the genome. We further discuss the involvement of aberrant enhancer activity in human diseases and emerging strategies aiming at controlling enhancer activity and chromosome topology for therapeutic purposes.