bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E Efficacy and Economics of Herbicidal Weed Management in Monsoon Rice of Bangladesh
Authors: ISLAM A K M Mominul , Popy Fahima Sultana , Hasan Ahmed Khairul , Anwar Md Parvez
Published: November 2017

Weed management is a challenging task in sustainable rice production. Physical and cultural methods of weed control are laborious and expensive, whereas chemical control is cheaper and less time consuming despite of some detrimental effect on environment with its inappropriate application. Considering these points, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during July–December 2015 to find out appropriate weed management practices for inbred and hybrid rice. The experiment comprised of four rice varieties (two inbred; BRRI dhan49 and Binadhan-7, and two hybrids; Dhani gold and Agrodhan-12); and eight herbicidal weed control treatments (season-long weedy or weed free, Pretilachlor fb Penoxsolum or 2,4-D dimethyl amine, Pendimethalin fb Penoxsolum or 2,4-D dimethyl amine, Pretilachlor or Pendimethalin fb one-time hand weeding). Eleven weed species belonging to five families were observed in the experimental plots. The highest weed density and dry weight were found in season-long weedy treatment and the lowest one was found in Pretilachlor fb one-time hand weeding. The highest above ground crop biomass (9.7 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.3%) were obtained from the hybrid variety Agrodhan-12 and the lowest biomass (8.3 t ha-1) was obtained from the inbred variety Binadhan-7. Season long weed free condition resulted the highest above ground crop  biomass (10.9 t ha-1), harvest index (48.7%), highest yield increase over control (213.8), weed control efficiency (100%) and gross return (BDT 141480 ha-1) and the lowest values for all those parameters were obtained from season-long weedy treatment. Season-long weed free treatment combined with Pretilachlor or Pendimethalin fb one-time hand weeding showed the best performance in reducing weed density and increasing above ground crop biomass, but gross return was higher because of high labour wages in these treatments. The highest BCR (2.5) was observed in Pretilachlor fb Penoxsolum. Therefore from economic view point Pretilachlor fb Penoxsolum is the best combination. But from sustainability view point Pretilachlor or Pendimethalin along with one-time hand weeding may be recommended for effective weed management in inbred and hybrid rice during monsoon season.
Violencia de género y ciudad: cartografías feministas del temor y el miedo
Authors: Toro Jiménez Juliana , Ochoa Sierra María
Published: November 2017

El artículo reflexiona alrededor de las preguntas ¿Cuáles son las violencias de géneroen el espacio público en la ciudad de Medellín? ¿De qué manera influyen las violenciashacia las mujeres y los roles de género en la apropiación y configuración de los espaciospúblicos de la ciudad? A través de búsquedas en la prensa, encuestas, grupos focales,historias de vida y cartografía social, se hace un retrato con perspectiva de género de laciudad. En dicho retrato se da cuenta de los lugares temidos, los lugares prohibidos, y lasprácticas y vivencias de las mujeres; así como de sus imaginarios, sus miedos, expectativasy frustraciones sobre su apropiación del espacio público.
A Auditoria de Recursos Humanos como instrumento estratégico de mitigação do risco na Gestão das Pessoas
Authors: Dias Ivo Antunes
Published: November 2017

O ambiente concorrencial turbulento e competitivo em que se movem as empresas obriga estas a reequacionarem permanentemente o seu modelo de negócio, bem como a integrar novas filosofias, princípios e práticas de gestão, tendentes à aquisição e manutenção de vantagens competitivas, que as diferencem das suas concorrentes e lhes garantam a sobrevivência e o sucesso empresarial.

Para além do investimento em Investigação e Desenvolvimento (I&D), na inovação tecnológica e no marketing, os decisores de topo investem no fator humano, o qual pela detenção de caraterísticas intrinsecamente humanas, garante vantagem face aos concorrentes. Esse investimento, de natureza imaterial, destina-se a atrair, desenvolver e reter uma força altamente competente, motivada e de elevado desempenho.

Por serem altamente disputados pelo mercado de trabalho, estes profissionais dispõem de uma elevada capacidade negocial em relação aos seus empregadores, pelo que a conceção de políticas, processos e práticas (PPP) de gestão de recursos humanos (GRH), diferenciadas, que contribuam para a manutenção de elevados níveis de desempenho e, sobretudo, para a sua fidelização, tornou-se essencial.

A conceção e implementação de PPP de GRH tornaram-se requisitos básicos na utilização do fator humano, num contexto de instabilidade e imprevisibilidade em que operam, atualmente, as empresas, independentemente do setor de atividade ou da sua dimensão.

A atração, desenvolvimento e retenção dos colaboradores que detêm as core competences constitui um fator determinante da promoção da competitividade empresarial, mas a importância acrescida do fator humano sugere um olhar mais atento e interventivo sobre os modelos de gestão do risco associados ao fator humano.

Neste propósito, discute-se a importância da auditoria dos recursos humanos ser reconhecida como um processo organizacional, crítico e estratégico, pelo reforço da probabilidade de adequação e de qualidade dessas PPP.

Para o efeito, procedeu-se a uma revisão da literatura recorrendo às principais bases de dados bibliográficas como a B-On, a EBSCO, a JSTOR, entre outras, utilizando como descritores ‘Capital Humano’, ‘Práticas de Gestão de Recursos Humanos’, ‘Competitividade’ e ‘Auditoria de Recursos Humanos’, bem como a artigos publicados em revistas técnicas da especialidade.

Da revisão da literatura ressalta a importância conferida ao fator humano enquanto fator indutor da competitividade empresarial, mas a necessidade das políticas, processos e práticas (PPP) de Gestão dos Recursos Humanos carecerem de ser auditados, tendo em vista estabelecer um fit estratégico entre estas PPP e a satisfação dos objetivos dos colaboradores, visando a minimização do risco associado à gestão das pessoas, com base na implementação de métricas que afiram a adequabilidade e eficácia dessas PPP. É com este enquadramento que se procede a uma discussão crítica.
Cultura organizacional e investimento em investigação e desenvolvimento - o papel do setor de atividade da empresa e implicações para as práticas de recursos humanos
Authors: Lousã Eva Petiz
Published: November 2017

No contexto das organizações atuais existe um constante apelo e estímulo à inovação como forma de as empresas potenciarem o seu desenvolvimento e crescimento. A cultura organizacional pode ter impacto ao nível da inovação, no entanto existe pouca evidência empírica da relação teórica entre as componentes que possibilitam essa mudança estratégica, tais como quais as dimensões da cultura organizacional, assim como as da inovação, aliado ao papel da tecnologia de base do setor de atividade. Neste sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo explorar o sector de atividade da empresa na relação entre diferentes dimensões da cultura organizacional (envolvimento, consistência, adaptabilidade e missão) e o investimento em investigação e desenvolvimento. O estudo é transversal, abrangendo empresas do setor de base tecnológica e do setor tradicional, de diferentes dimensões e idades que têm desenvolvido esforços em torno da inovação. Foram auto administrados dois questionários em 102 empresas, tendo respondido 905 colaboradores a um questionário sobre cultura organizacional e 102 gestores de topo, de cada organização, a um questionário sobre o desempenho da inovação na organização. Os resultados, analisados através de um modelo de regressão hierárquica, mostraram que o setor de atividade moderou apenas a relação entre a adaptabilidade e o investimento à Investigação e Desenvolvimento. São discutidas as implicações deste estudo no âmbito das práticas de Recursos Humanos, que enquanto área central de desenvolvimento das organizações, podem desempenhar um papel relevante na facilitação de uma cultura organizacional que apoia e estimula o desempenho da inovação na organização.
Employment and knowledge: Prospects for HE graduates’ employability in knowledge-intensive services
Authors: Valente Ana Claúdia
Published: November 2017

The tertiarization of the Portuguese economy is already very evident in the sectorial composition of employment. In 2013, the service sectors represented in Portugal 65% of total employment. Although the service sectors have also been affected by the economic crisis, its resilience to the negative effects of the crisis on labour market was much higher than other sectors. From the wide range of services, knowledge-intensive services (KIS) were those that registered the highest increase in employment between 2008 and 2013.

The study presented here discusses the role that knowledge-intensive services, in particular knowledge-intensive market services (excluding the financial services) and high-tech knowledge-intensive services, can have in promoting youth employment in Portugal. The increasing outsourcing, on a global scale, of complex and highly qualified activities has stimulated the rapid growth of these sectors. The competition for talent, although intense and global, is opening up new job opportunities for young higher education graduates.

The study uses statistical data to analyse the recent evolution of employment in these two sectors, its variation by levels of education and age groups, and their contribution to total employment. Based on the CEDEFOP projections for Portugal, we discuss the potential employment opportunities estimated in KIS up to 2025. This analysis is complemented with qualitative data on changing job and skills’ requirements in these sectors, collected through literature reviewing and a set of interviews with the industry and employers’ associations.

Main research findings indicate a significant potential for job creation in KIS over the next decade and a growing demand for qualifications. Medium-level qualifications will tend to prevail and about a 1/3 of the jobs will require higher education. However, the digital revolution is changing the way services are designed and delivered to customers, requiring new service models. Business services are becoming more technology-dependent or, at least, more technology-enabled. Also the intangible nature of KIS requires a strong co-production with costumers and open modes of innovation which are increasingly demanding a broad set of soft and hard-technical skills.

Preparing young graduates with the right mix of skills seems essential to take advantage of the number of jobs the KIS tend to create, especially when youth unemployment is high. This study seeks to contribute to the debate on how higher education can improve the employability of its graduates by exploring statistic data on recent employment trends and early identifying labour market dynamics on a sectorial basis.
Incentivos Não-Pecuniários dos Gestores de Topo
Authors: Toma Bianca
Published: November 2017

Nos dias de hoje, tem-se revelado muito importante para as organizações a qualidade do empenho profissional dos seus gestores de topo. Como tal, o tema referente à compensação e à motivação dos executivos de topo tem gerado várias discussões académicas e empresariais. Este trabalho tem como objetivos perceber qual o impacto dos incentivos não-pecuniários na motivação dos gestores de topo e qual a articulação entre os incentivos pecuniários e não-pecuniários. Precisamente porque a base salarial destes profissionais é bastante acima da média, torna-se interessante compreender quais os incentivos não-pecuniários que as organizações oferecem, ou deveriam oferecer, e que podem marcar a diferença para um gestor de topo. Esta pesquisa apresenta, em primeiro lugar, uma revisão de literatura da psicologia social e organizacional e também alguma literatura em economia sobre temas como a motivação, os sistemas de incentivos pecuniários e não-pecuniários e os seus efeitos, tendo-se procurado literatura que trata mais especificamente da categoria profissional dos executivos de topo. Em segundo lugar, na pesquisa empírica entrevistámos onze gestores de topo de várias organizações. Em termos metodológicos, optámos pela análise de conteúdo dos dados recolhidos nas entrevistas. Os resultados indicam que, apesar dos gestores valorizarem os incentivos não-pecuniários, não estariam dispostos a trocá-los por uma diminuição dos incentivos pecuniários. Observámos ainda a existência de alguma discrepância entre os fatores que os gestores declaram ser motivadores e os incentivos que declaram receber das suas empresas.
Editorial
Authors: Gil Humberto Obando
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
Una aproximación al concepto de pedagogía social
Authors: Vargas Carlos Juliao
Published: November 2017

Con el artículo se pretende incursionar por la historia de la noción de pedagogía social para encontrarnos con nuestra propia concepción y colocamos ante una disciplina teórica pero, fundamentalmente, praxeológica o de acción humana. Aquí se examinan no sólo la evolución del concepto sino sus implicaciones en el devenir de la educación pues lo que interesa es, sobre todo, que los estudiantes puedan intervenir con sus prácticas sociales para conocer, encontrándose con la realidad social del país y, de ese modo, poder contribuir en la construcción de una nueva sociedad. El análisis que se presenta es un aporte al debate que se desarrolla en Europa alrededor de la pregunta ¿qué añade lo social a la pedagogía o a lo educativo? Se puede apreciar, entonces, cómo se va configurando un cuerpo doctrinal y al mismo tiempo disciplinar, cuando se avanza tras el objeto de la pedagogía social, desde la praxis pedagógica y desde las propuestas teóricoprácticas que están en discusión.
Lo sublime en el arte agustiniano
Authors: Peña Guarín Néstor
Published: November 2017

Se formula una relación intrínseca entre la cultura precolombina conocida como san agustín y el concepto estético sublime. en ella se pretende mostrar de qué manera un planteamiento teórico propuesto en un contexto diametralmente contario y en una época posterior al desarrollo de dicha cultura, puede ser confrontado con ésta y, a su vez, evidenciar las condiciones y circunstancias geográficas que afrontaron diariamente estos habitantes precolombinos, que les a llevó a construir un sistema social, religioso y de expresión plástica, desde el cual hoy podemos admirar la atemporalidad de su arte, que permite ser entendido a la luz del concepto teórico. es, en definitiva, un encuentro entre el arte y la estética, entre el sentimiento y la subjetividad con el pensamiento reflexivo y racional; son dos vertientes que logran canalizarse en un solo propósito: maravillarse en la creación escultórica precolombina y adentrarse en la reflexión filosófica del concepto estético.
Un acercamiento al universo literario y a su enseñanza
Authors: Pérez Martínez Tito
Published: November 2017

Se presenta una reflexión sobre la literatura, las definiciones de las cuales ha sido objeto, así mismo se analiza la relación de ésta con el lenguaje, la escritura y la lectura; finalmente, se ofrecen algunos comentarios acerca de la docencia de la literatura.
MEMBANGUN INTEGRATED TAKAFUL DAN WAKAF MODEL DALAM UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KEMANFAATAN PEMEGANG POLIS
Authors: Habibi M. Lutfillah , Candra Yudha Ana Toni Roby
Published: November 2017

This study aims to build a model of sharia life insurance in Indonesia. A model that combines the functions of Takaful institutions (Sharia Insurance) with Indonesian Waqf Institutions to generate insurance benefits directly and indirectly to policyholders. The method used in this research using descriptive qualitative method with case study strategy about operational of Takaful which is compared with some literature of Al Qur'an and Hadith. The data were obtained from in-depth interview technique, book and literature as well as Hadith commentary study. The results of this study indicate that with the application of ITW model, the insurance claim of the deceased policyholder will be given to the heirs in the form of death funds, in addition to these benefits, the recipients of the policy are also indirectly get the good deeds of some of the funds invested into the waqf institutions. On the application of such a model, the owner of the life insurance policy gets worldly benefits and ukhrowi, namely the claim of death funds and the good deed of the investment of some premium funds to Waqf Institution.
Caracterização de cânions urbanos e seus efeitos climáticos em área com intenso processo de verticalização na cidade de Fortaleza-CE (Characterization of Urban Canyons and their Climatic Effects in an Area with Intense Verticalization Process in the ...)
Authors: Cavalcante Rivelino Martins , Aguiar Larissa Morais , Silva Marcus Vinicius , Gandu Adilson Wagner , Rocha Camille Arraes
Published: November 2017

A cidade de Fortaleza passa por processo de verticalização, especialmente em áreas de alto padrão econômico. Desta forma o objetivo principal do estudo foi caracterizar a formação de cânions urbanos em uma área com intenso processo de verticalização, avaliando também o impacto desse processo na temperatura, velocidade e direção do vento da área. A área estudada tem a extensão de 0.7 km2 localiza-se no bairro Meireles da cidade de Fortaleza. A área de estudo foi caracterizada com cânions urbanos e o tipo de cânion com a maior ocorrência foi o cânion regular com 73,50 %, seguido do cânion profundo com 21,56% e avenida de cânions com 5,0%. Os cânions influenciam na direção e velocidade dos ventos e a disposição do cânion também se mostrou fator governante. A influência dos cânions na temperatura da área de estudo foi mais eminente no período da manha do que no período da tarde. O estudo revela que fatores como a disposição dos cânions, frente a direção do vento predominante na região, bem como o sombreamento promovido pelos cânions, são fatores governantes nos parâmetros climáticos investigados.  A B S T R A C TThe city of Fortaleza undergoes a process of verticalization, especially in areas of high economic standard. Investigations on the impact of a certain aspect of urban design on microclimatic conditions in the surroundings of buildings are growing every day, making it necessary to verify in a more detailed way the different intra-urban spaces so that it is possible to identify the causes of the differences of the climate in the city. Thus the main objective of the study was to characterize a formation of urban canons in an area with intense verticalization process, also evaluating the impact of this process on the temperature, speed and wind direction of the area. The studied area has a size of 0.7 km2 It is located in the Meireles (city of Fortaleza). The H / W ratio of the neighborhood blocks was calculated and the climatic parameters were collected at four points chosen for the study. The studied area was characterized to contain urban canyons and the type of canyon with the highest occurrence was the regular canyon with 73.50%, followed by the deep canyon with 21.56% and avenue of canyons with 5.0%. The canyons influence the direction and velocity of the winds and their disposition is also a governing factor. The influence of canyons on the temperature of the study area was more prominent in the morning than in the afternoon. The study reveals that factors such as the disposition of canyons, compared to the prevailing wind direction in the region, as well as the shading promoted by the canyons, are governing factors in the climatic parameters investigated.Keywords: urban climate; urban canyons; microclimate.
Procesos físicos del suelo en la reserva ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel de Ciudad Universitaria: atributos para su conservación.
Authors: Castellanos Vargas Iván , García Calderón Norma E. , Cano Santana Zenón
Published: November 2017

La Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel de Ciudad Universitaria (REPSA-CU) alberga una fracción del derrame original de lava del volcán Xitle y actualmente el suelo y la comunidad vegetal son afectados por la fragmentación del paisaje, el depósito de residuos de relleno (como cascajo y otros materiales) y las construcciones irregulares. Se realizó una descripción de las principales propiedades físicas del suelo en sitios con topografía contrastante (planos abiertos conservados y perturbados, grietas y hondonadas). Se encontró un efecto signif icativo de la topografía sobre las propiedades edáf icas. La materia orgánica mostró correlaciones positivas con la porosidad, la arcilla y la humedad; y mostró correlaciones negativas con la densidad aparente y real, la compactación, la acidez y el contenido de arena. El porcentaje de materia orgánica fue el atributo más importante para la clasif icación y el ordenamiento canónico de los sitios. Los planos abiertos perturbados siguieron una trayectoria edafogénica diferente de los sitios conservados y asemejan Urbanosoles. Se sugiere la implementación de estrategias encaminadas a lograr su restauración ecológica. La clasif icación del suelo de esta reserva corresponde a tres órdenes probables: 1) Entisol háplico, por la edad geológica de su deposición y los procesos de pedogénesis en curso; 2) Litosol volcánico, por la recurrencia de afloramientos rocosos lávicos de origen magmático y 3) Andosol vítrico por la naturaleza de su material parental y predominancia de arenas. Se concluye que el suelo de la REPSA-CU es incipiente y actualmente los horizontes de diagnóstico están en proceso de desarrollo. La importancia ambiental de su suelo radica en su capacidad de f iltración y retención de agua; su porosidad y compactación le permiten ser un banco de semillas y hábitat de diversas especies de insectos. La fragilidad de los agregados edáf icos y la predominancia textural de arena representaron un factor latente de erosión.
Validación del modelo expo-lineal precipitación-escurrimiento en un simulador de lluvia.
Authors: Paz Pellat Fernando , López Bautista Eliezer , Marín Sosa Ma. Isabel
Published: November 2017

La necesidad de desarrollar métodos simplif icados, operativos y coherentes para modelar la relación precipitación-escurrimiento a escala de eventos, permanece como uno de los grandes retos en el campo de la hidrología. Si bien existen propuestas simples de modelación como el método del Número de Curva o NC, sus bases teóricas no tienen fundamentos hidrológicos. La ventaja del método del NC es que solo requiere de un parámetro, lo cual lo hace muy atractivo en las aplicaciones. En este trabajo se analizan las bases del método del NC. Los resultados muestran que estos intentos simplif icados de modelación están limitados. Por otro lado, el modelo expo-lineal de Paz (2013) es flexible en términos empíricos. Las bases teóricas de este modelo son discutidas en términos de la hidrología de área variable, en un formato suf icientemente general para hacer solido su uso. El modelo se aplicó a un experimento en un simulador de lluvias con lotes de escurrimiento con diferentes tipos de suelo y coberturas aéreas de pastos. Los resultados mostraron un buen ajuste experimental a los datos, particularmente en términos de parametrizar el modelo expo-lineal en forma similar al método del NC. De estos desarrollos, se presenta un esquema de estimación de los parámetros del modelo expo-lineal que se puede usar en forma equivalente, por su simplicidad al tener un solo parámetro libre, al método del NC.
Modelling of the Plastisol Knife Over Roll Coating Process
Authors: Abdesselam Y. , Demay Y. , Castellani R. , Agassant J. F. , Peres R. , Gourdin D.
Published: November 2017

The knife-over-roll coating process of plastisol formulations for flooring applications has been investigated. The coexistence of smooth spherical PVC particles and rough calcium carbonate aggregates in a Newtonian plasticizer makes this suspension a more complex system than those encountered in the literature. The shear viscosity has been measured with Couette and capillary devices in the wide range of shear rates encountered in the process, resulting in a non-monotonous viscosity curve. A numerical model based on the lubrication approximation theory allows accounting for this non-monotonous behavior. It predicts the deposited thickness, the pressure field between roll and knife and the separating force as a function of the plastisol rheology and the coating parameters.
The Grafting of PE-g-MA Chains on Graphene Derivatives to Improve Tensile Properties of Polyethylene
Authors: Elhamnia M. , Motlagh G. H. , Goudarzi R.
Published: November 2017

Polyethylene chains having functional maleic anhydride groups were grafted on several graphene derivatives. These chain grafted graphene derivatives were added to polyethylene and the properties of the obtained nano-composites were investigated. Modified Hummers' method was employed to produce graphite oxide (GO). Then amino-functionalized GO (AFGO) was prepared through the functionalization of GO by ethylenediamine. Thermally reduced GO (TRGO) was prepared by the heating of the GO in the presence of nitrogen. TRGO was amino-functionalized to obtain amino functionalized nano-graphite (AFNG). Low density polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PEgMA) nano-composites, containing 1 to 3 wt% of the obtained fillers, were produced by solution mixing. With the incorporation of amino-functionalized graphene into PEgMA, the amine groups on the graphene surface and the maleic anhydride in PE chains covalently bonded and improved the mechanical properties of the nano-composites; by comparing PEgMA nano-composite with 1 wt% AFGO and 1 wt% GO, a 155 percent enhancement in the elongation at break was observed. The modulus and tensile strength of these nano-composites increased over the pure matrix. In addition, the effect of PEgMA content in the 1 wt% AFGO nano-composites was studied and the optimum ratio of PEgMA to PE was found to be 0.40 to 0.60. At this ratio, the best mechanical properties were achieved. Also, at 2 wt% nano-filler the elongation at break of the AFNG nano-composite was higher than that of the TRGO nano-composite. AFNG created more chain grafting but AFNG exfoliates more. The electrical conductivity of TRGO powders by amino-functionalization decreased about 20 times. Therefore, the electrical conductivity of the graphene nano-composites was higher than amino-functionalized graphene nano-composites.
Evaluation of Stiffness, Strength, and Ductility of Asphalt Binders at an Intermediate Temperature
Authors: Hajj Ramez , Hure Rachel , Bhasin Amit
Published: November 2017

The search for a test and parameter that can effectively describe the fatigue cracking resistance of an asphalt binder has led to many approaches. Of these, researchers have used stiffness, strength, and ductility-based criteria to screen binders on the basis of inherent resistance to cracking. In this study, poker chip testing on thin films of asphalt binder was used at intermediate temperatures to obtain both stress and ductility-based properties of eight binders. In addition, a dynamic shear rheometer frequency sweep at an intermediate temperature was conducted to obtain stiffnesses of the binders and a surrogate parameter for ductility. The results showed no relationship between strength and stiffness. In most cases, binders that were rated to have high ductility on the basis of the dynamic shear rheometer parameter also had high toughness on the basis of the poker chip test. However, some binders clearly departed from this trend, with at least one binder exhibiting both ideally desired high stiffness and toughness. Examination of failure surfaces from the poker chip test provided additional information about the mechanisms that drove failure.
Validation of a Bitumen Oxidation Rate Model
Authors: Herrington Philip , James Bryony , Henning Theuns F. P.
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on experiments aimed at validating a model for predicting the rate of oxidation of bitumen, in asphalt mix and chip seal road surfacings, over time periods of practical significance. Experiments were conducted in which bitumen films of varying thickness were oxidized in the field for 20 years and in the laboratory for up to 5.5 years. Bitumen oxidation in the laboratory was carried out at 50°C in air at atmospheric pressure and resulted in an extent of oxidation approximately equivalent to 11.5 years in the field. Oxidation of bitumen in the films was followed for changes in carbonyl, sulfoxide, and hydroxyl group concentrations measured by infrared spectroscopy, weight change, and viscosity. The data were fitted to an earlier derived rate equation based on a model in which the overall reaction was approximated as the sum of a fast and slow reaction. The model had been found to describe oxidation product formation very well over short time frames. The current work has shown that the model also applies over time frames (extents of oxidation) relevant to actual surfacing lives. A key assumption in the model that depletion of bitumen reactants in the slow reaction phase was negligible was also supported over long time frames. Both fast and slow phases of the reaction were found to be dependent on oxygen concentration, as assumed in the model. The oxygen dependence of the rate is discussed as a two-stage reaction mechanism previously described in the literature.
Decision-Making Framework to Allocate Real-Time Passenger Information Signs at Bus Stops: Model Application in Athens, Greece
Authors: Papagianni Styliani , Iliopoulou Christina , Kepaptsoglou Konstantinos , Stathopoulos Antony
Published: November 2017

The use of intelligent transport systems for the provision of real-time passenger information is an important incentive in efforts to strengthen the role of public transport and improve livability in large cities. Electronic signs installed at bus stops to disseminate information on bus arrivals are an important component of these systems with a significant capital cost. Nonetheless, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no systematic approach for the selection of location sites for deployment of dynamic message signs (DMS). Public transport authorities often follow ad hoc procedures that are based on various location criteria—namely, passenger boardings, availability of power, and number of routes served at bus stops—to derive a set of candidate location sites. This was the case with the methodology implemented by the Athens Urban Transport Organization in Athens, Greece. With data from Athens, this paper proposes a modeling framework for the decision-making process regarding DMS locations in bus networks. The framework is formulated as a linear programming model, and the results show that the proposed model constitutes a systematic and transferable approach to tackle the problem at hand.
Measuring the Determinants of Bus Dwell Time: New Insights and Potential Biases
Authors: Glick Travis B. , Figliozzi Miguel A.
Published: November 2017

Dwell time is a major component of bus travel time and travel time variability. In turn, the distribution of bus travel times affects transit operators’ costs and customer satisfaction. Previous research used dwell time from bus stop–level data to understand the key factors that contribute to dwell time duration. However, bus stop–level data have significant shortcomings when bus stops are located near intersections or at time points. Regression results show that the use of only stop-level data can significantly bias estimation of boarding and alighting coefficients. This research complements bus stop data with bus GPS trajectory data around bus stops to prevent estimation bias and to measure better the key factors that determine dwell time. Regression results from individual and pooled bus stop models are compared to provide new insights into the impacts of traffic conditions, signalized intersections, bus bays, and time points on dwell times. The impacts of nearside, midblock, and farside bus stops are included in the analysis. The number of passengers boarding and alighting has a nonlinear effect with economies or efficiencies of scale.
Microsurgical anatomy and approaches around the lateral recess with special reference to entry into the pons
Authors: Akiyama Osamu , Matsushima Ken , Nunez Maximiliano , Matsuo Satoshi , Kondo Akihide , Arai Hajime , Rhoton Albert L. , Matsushima Toshio
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

The lateral recess is a unique structure communicating between the ventricle and cistern, which is exposed when treating lesions involving the fourth ventricle and the brainstem with surgical approaches such as the transcerebellomedullary fissure approach. In this study, the authors examined the microsurgical anatomy around the lateral recess, including the fiber tracts, and analyzed their findings with respect to surgical exposure of the lateral recess and entry into the lower pons.

METHODS

Ten cadaveric heads were examined with microsurgical techniques, and 2 heads were examined with fiber dissection to clarify the anatomy between the lateral recess and adjacent structures. The lateral and medial routes directed to the lateral recess in the transcerebellomedullary fissure approach were demonstrated. A morphometric study was conducted in the 10 cadaveric heads (20 sides).

RESULTS

The lateral recess was classified into medullary and cisternal segments. The medial and lateral routes in the transcerebellomedullary fissure approach provided access to approximately 140º–150º of the posteroinferior circumference of the lateral recess. The floccular peduncle ran rostral to the lateral recess, and this region was considered to be a potential safe entry zone to the lower pons. By appropriately selecting either route, medial-to-lateral or lateral-to-medial entry axis is possible, and combining both routes provided wide exposure of the lower pons around the lateral recess.

CONCLUSIONS

The medial and lateral routes of the transcerebellomedullary fissure approach provided wide exposure of the lateral recess, and incision around the floccular peduncle is a potential new safe entry zone to the lower pons.
RETRACTED: MicroRNA-1246 inhibits cell invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition process by targeting CXCR4 in lung cancer cells
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Cao Lei , Zhang Ye , Lian Hongjian , Sun Zhiwei , Cui Yushang
Published: November 2017

This article has been retracted, and the online PDF has been watermarked ``RETRACTION''. The retraction notice is available at http://doi.org/10.3233/CBM229007.
On incremental collaborative appearance model and regional particle filtering for lip region tracking
Authors: Liu Xin , Cheung Yiu-Ming
Published: November 2017

Lip region tracking is of crucial importance to the better understanding of visual speech in a computer-aided system. This paper presents an efficient lip region tracking approach in virtue of incremental collaborative appearance model and regional particle filtering. Within this approach, we first learn an incremental weighted appearance model (IWAM) through adaptively updating the time-varying mean and eigenbasis by considering the temporal and spatial weights, and then discriminatively exploit an incremental sparse subspace model (ISSM) by considering the occlusions and background clutters. Accordingly, the collaboration of the IWAM and ISSM leads to a more reliable and flexible lip region representation. Subsequently, we propose a regional particle filtering for motion state estimation, by taking scale size and rotation estimation, reducing the computational load and alleviating the tracking drift into consideration. Furthermore, the affinely warped image patches corresponding to the rank-2-optimal states are employed to incrementally update the IWAM and ISSM synchronously. The extensive experiments conducted on different challenging sequences have shown that the improvement from the proposed framework compared to the state-of-the-art systems, are over 15%, 18% and 20%, on reducing the errors of center location, scale size and rotation angle estimations, respectively.
Estimation of robot execution time for close proximity human-robot collaboration
Authors: Pellegrinelli Stefania , Pedrocchi Nicola
Published: November 2017

Task time is essential information for the optimal planning and scheduling of industrial scenarios, such as assembly cells. In Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC), the robot execution time, i.e. the robot task time, depends on the task the human is executing simultaneously to the robot and on the human movements. Indeed, the robot may be requested to modify its speed along a predefined path (i.e. to slow down or to stop its motion) in order to avoid possible collisions with the human. This paper presents an approach for the estimation of the robot execution time, when the robot path and the human task are assigned. Specifically, a workspace segmentation is performed considering the volume occupied by the human and the robot during their motion. Then, this segmentation is exploited for the definition of a set of Markov chains modeling human-robot interaction and allowing the estimation of the robot execution time. Simulated and real test beds are presented and discussed.
An Oaxaca decomposition for nonlinear models
Authors: Bazen Stephen , Joutard Xavier , Magdalou Brice
Published: November 2017

The widely used Oaxaca decomposition applies to linear models. Extending it to commonly used nonlinear models such as duration models is not straightforward. This paper shows that the original decomposition that uses a linear model can also be obtained by an application of the mean value theorem. By extension, this basis provides a means of obtaining a decomposition formula which applies to nonlinear models which are continuous functions. The detailed decomposition of the explained component is expressed in terms of what are usually referred to as marginal effects. Explicit formulae are provided for the decomposition of some nonlinear models commonly used in applied econometrics including binary choice, duration and Box-Cox models.
Nowcasting regional job growth using payroll processing company data
Authors: Phillips Keith R. , Slijk Christopher
Published: November 2017

Data from large payroll processing companies are a potential source of regional job growth estimates that are timelier than official government statistics. Monthly private sector employment data from ADP, LLC is available for 29 U.S. states and Washington DC about 10 days prior to official employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using a simple model with real-time data, lags of job growth and the coincident month ADP estimates, we find that for all 30 regions the information in the ADP is statistically significant in nowcasting the most recent month of job growth. Our results suggest that the ADP data are an important source of information for analysts conducting regional current analysis.
Applicability of simplified computational models in prediction of peak wall stress in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Novak Kamil , Polzer Stanislav , Bursa Jiri
Published: November 2017

In the paper impact of different material models on the calculated peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture risk (PWRR) in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is assessed. Computational finite element models of 70 patient-specific AAAs were created using two different material models – a realistic one based on mean population results of uniaxial tests of AAA wall considered as reference, and a 100 times stiffer artificial model. The calculated results of PWS and PWRR were tested to evaluate statistical significance of differences caused by the non-realistic material model. It was shown that for majority of AAAs the differences are insignificant but for some 10% of them their relative differences exceed 20% which may lead to incorrect decisions on their surgical treatment. This percentage of failures favours application of realistic material models in clinical practise although they are much more time-consuming.
Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States
Authors: Islami Farhad , Goding Sauer Ann , Miller Kimberly D. , Siegel Rebecca L. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Jacobs Eric J. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Patel Alpa V. , Ma Jiemin , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Flanders W. Dana , Brawley Otis W. , Gapstur Susan M. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: November 2017

Contemporary information on the fraction of cancers that potentially could be prevented is useful for priority setting in cancer prevention and control. Herein, the authors estimate the proportion and number of invasive cancer cases and deaths, overall (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and for 26 cancer types, in adults aged 30 years and older in the United States in 2014, that were attributable to major, potentially modifiable exposures (cigarette smoking; secondhand smoke; excess body weight; alcohol intake; consumption of red and processed meat; low consumption of fruits/vegetables, dietary fiber, and dietary calcium; physical inactivity; ultraviolet radiation; and 6 cancer‐associated infections). The numbers of cancer cases were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute; the numbers of deaths were obtained from the CDC; risk factor prevalence estimates were obtained from nationally representative surveys; and associated relative risks of cancer were obtained from published, large‐scale pooled analyses or meta‐analyses. In the United States in 2014, an estimated 42.0% of all incident cancers (659,640 of 1570,975 cancers, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and 45.1% of cancer deaths (265,150 of 587,521 deaths) were attributable to evaluated risk factors. Cigarette smoking accounted for the highest proportion of cancer cases (19.0%; 298,970 cases) and deaths (28.8%; 169,180 deaths), followed by excess body weight (7.8% and 6.5%, respectively) and alcohol intake (5.6% and 4.0%, respectively). Lung cancer had the highest number of cancers (184,970 cases) and deaths (132,960 deaths) attributable to evaluated risk factors, followed by colorectal cancer (76,910 cases and 28,290 deaths). These results, however, may underestimate the overall proportion of cancers attributable to modifiable factors, because the impact of all established risk factors could not be quantified, and many likely modifiable risk factors are not yet firmly established as causal. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the vast potential for reducing cancer morbidity and mortality through broad and equitable implementation of known preventive measures. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:31‐54. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Ethical Dilemma with Respect to CBD Regulations in Genetic Modification of Biological Resources in Cameroon
Authors: Ageh Patrick Agejo
Published: November 2017

The quest for patent rights has seen bioprospecting as a scientific and commercial research paradigm in which bioprospectors explore secluded locations around Cameroon in order to find ‘new drugs from exotic plants’. Bioprospectors derive genetic and biochemical materials that are both scientifically and commercially valuable, and they subsequently patent these materials abroad away from the original source to justify legal ownership through intellectual property law. An almost unprecedented amount of discussion has been stimulated on the merits and demerits of genetic engineering of crop plants and biodiversity exploitation and has divided both the public and scientific communities. The arguments for and against genetic engineering are invariably based on visions or missions of the new technology from widely different ethical perspectives. Fundamental issues of man's relationship with nature and theological matters are issues of concern. The genetic engineering of living cells, plants, animals and human beings has brought ethical concerns and issues to the conservation of biodiversity. Agricultural productivity depends in part on the availability of biodiversity for the development of improved cultivars. Until the 1970s, biodiversity was considered to be part of the ‘common heritage of humanity’. Under the regime of patent rights, biological resources are treated as belonging to the ‘public domain’ and are not owned by any individual, group, or state. From a common heritage of mankind, biodiversity is evolving into a resource under the sovereignty of nation states and is subject to intellectual property rights (IPRs). The new technology has witnessed a lot of illegal exploitation and commercialisation of these biological resources which is considered as biopiracy.
Trade Integration in a Layered System of International Law
Authors: Ukpe Aniekan Iboro
Published: November 2017

Central to the attainment of West Africa's regional integration objectives is the free movement of Community citizens across national boundaries. This was an implicit acknowledgement by the founding fathers of ECOWAS of the fact that when people move from one member state to another, they carry along with them, not just their skills or requisite know-how, but also physical articles of trade. In other words, free movement of persons within the region would necessarily precipitate a like movement of goods and services across the region, thereby enhancing opportunities for market integration and efficiency. Accordingly, efforts were made through legal instrumentation to create an enabling environment which would facilitate the free movement of persons within the region. Notwithstanding, the multilayered system of laws in the region has operated to undermine the application and enforceability of such regional legal instruments at member-state level. Regional integration in West Africa continues to suffer several setbacks largely as a result of member states’ failure to comply with their treaty obligations. This article takes the view that defining a proper relationship between ECOWAS law and the national law of member states is central to the attainment of the region's aspirations of socio-economic and political integration. This would require a system that obliges member states to effectively cede part of their sovereignty to a regional body on such common issues like trade and thus recognise related regional laws as taking precedence over domestic laws as far as such issues are concerned.
Antagonist Anti-CD28 Therapeutics for the Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders
Authors: Vanhove Bernard , Poirier Nicolas , Fakhouri Fadi , Laurent Laetitia , ’t Hart Bert , Papotto Pedro , Rizzo Luiz , Zaitsu Masaaki , Issa Fadi , Wood Kathryn , Soulillou Jean-Paul , Blancho Gilles
Published: November 2017

The effector functions of T lymphocytes are responsible for most autoimmune disorders and act by directly damaging tissues or by indirectly promoting inflammation and antibody responses. Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory T cell receptor molecules are the primary pharmacological targets that enable interference with immune-mediated diseases. Among these, selective CD28 antagonists have drawn special interest, since they tip the co-stimulation/co-inhibition balance towards efficiently inhibiting effector T cells while promoting suppression by pre-existing regulatory T-cells. After having demonstrated outstanding therapeutic efficacy in multiple models of autoimmunity, inflammation and transplantation, and safety in phase-I studies in humans, selective CD28 antagonists are currently in early clinical development for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematous and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we review the available proof of concept studies for CD28 antagonists in autoimmunity, with a special focus on the mechanisms of action.