bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Content of Australian Native Food Plants and Australian-Grown Edible Seaweed
Authors: Hughes Laura J. , Black Lucinda J. , Sherriff Jill L. , Dunlop Eleanor , Strobel Norbert , Lucas Robyn M. , Bornman Janet F.
Published: July 2018

Vitamin D has previously been quantified in some plants and algae, particularly in leaves of the Solanaceae family. We measured the vitamin D content of Australian native food plants and Australian-grown edible seaweed. Using liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, 13 samples (including leaf, fruit, and seed) were analyzed in duplicate for vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Five samples contained vitamin D2: raw wattleseed (Acacia victoriae) (0.03 µg/100 g dry weight (DW)); fresh and dried lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaves (0.03 and 0.24 µg/100 g DW, respectively); and dried leaves and berries of Tasmanian mountain pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) (0.67 and 0.05 µg/100 g DW, respectively). Fresh kombu (Lessonia corrugata) contained vitamin D3 (0.01 µg/100 g DW). Detected amounts were low; however, it is possible that exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the vitamin D content of plants and algae if vitamin D precursors are present.
Association of Sensory Liking for Fat with Dietary Intake and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults
Authors: Park Hyeyoung , Shin Yoonjin , Kwon Oran , Kim Yangha
Published: July 2018

Individual sensory liking is perceived as a major determinant of dietary intake and may influence chronic disease. This study aimed to assess the odds of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults based on their liking for fat. Data from 7731 adults aged 40–69, included in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, were collected. Fat liking scores were obtained from self-report questionnaires. In both genders, sensory liking for fat was positively associated with consumption of red meat and added fat. Subjects with a stronger liking for fat showed a higher intake of energy and fat and a lower intake of vitamin C and fiber as compared to subjects with a lower liking for fat. There were increasing trends in the odds of metabolic syndrome with stronger liking for fat (odds ratios (ORs) for the Like group compared to the Dislike group, men: ORs = 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.50) p-trend = 0.01; women: ORs = 1.28 (1.04–1.58) p-trend = 0.018) after adjustment for age, alcohol intake, smoking, exercise, education level, and income status. Our results suggested that the liking for fat-rich food might partially contribute to the increased odds of metabolic syndrome.
A Spatial-Temporal Approach to Evaluate the Dynamic Evolution of Green Growth in China
Authors: Lv Xiaofei , Lu Xiaoli , Fu Guo , Wu Chunyou
Published: July 2018

Green growth, a new growth mode to tackle resource and environment crises, is imperative in light of current environmental crises and resource depletion. Most evaluation strategies of green growth, while emphasizing the time dimension, ignore the spatial association and diffusion. This study provides a measurement framework of green growth with which to select a set of 18 indicators and evaluates the efficiency of green growth in different regions. The coefficient of variation and the regional Gini coefficient were applied to analyze the spatial variation of green growth. The Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) was used to identify the evolution of the geographical agglomeration in 30 administrative regions in mainland China. The results show that China’s green growth capacity is constantly improving, and the gap between regions in this respect is shrinking. The spatial evolution trend of green growth is expanding horizontally from the East to the West and vertically from the central to the southwest and the northwest regions. Green growth in the eastern and central regions is active but poor in the northeast region. Compared with the continuous stability of the 22 provinces, eight provinces exhibited spatial activity and growth spillover, which affected the adjacent regions. Promoting the outflow of capital and technology is key to increasing green growth in the eastern and central region, while increasing investment and introducing technology through policy advantages to promote industrial transformation is an urgent task for the northeast region.
Environmental Awareness and Its Relationship with the Concept of the Living Being: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Villanueva Xabier , Villarroel José , Antón Alvaro
Published: July 2018

There is currently a growing theoretical discussion about the foundations that underlie the development of environmental awareness and nature care in early childhood. The aim of this study is to analyze how the environmental concerns of young children emerge and evolve during early childhood and whether these concerns are connected to an understanding of the biological notion of the living being. This study is designed to address methodological limitations of previous studies through a longitudinal axis and an extensive age sample. A sample of 178 children between the ages of four and nine participated at two different testing times for a period of one year. The methodology includes the categorization of various images of living beings and inert entities in order to analyze their understanding of living organisms. Dilemmas involving environmental, moral and socio-conventional situations are presented to examine and compare how young children view transgressions against plant life. The results reveal that young children’s judgments about environmental behaviors may arise before the development of an understanding of the concept of the living being. It is therefore proposed that this type of understanding does not support environmental awareness. Previous research indicates that complex biological concepts may be successfully introduced at the preschool age, provided that suitable educational interventions are designed for the initial stages of education. In this regard, there is evidence that a basic understanding of the issue of the ecological interactions among organisms may be achieved in the preschool years.
Viral Recombination: Ecology, Evolution, and Pathogenesis
Authors: Stedman Kenneth M.
Published: July 2018

Recombination between and within virus genomes is being increasingly recognized as a majordriver of virus evolution.
Genera of the Protura of the World: diagnosis, distribution, and key
Authors: Galli Loris , Shrubovych Julia , Bu Yun , Zinni Matteo
Published: July 2018

Protura are known all over the world with more than 800 described species belonging to three different orders (Acerentomata, Sinentomata, and Eosentomata) and seven families (Hesperentomidae, Protentomidae, Acerentomidae, Fujientomidae, Sinentomidae, Eosentomidae, and Antelientomidae). At present 76 genera are known worldwide. In this paper a description of the diagnostic characters of these genera and an updated key for their identification are reported.
Three new species of Argyra from China (Diptera, Dolichopodidae, Diaphorinae)
Authors: Qilemoge Qilemoge , Wang Mengqing , Yang Ding
Published: July 2018

Previously, there were ten known species in the genus Argyra Macquart from China. In this paper, the following three species from Sichuan Province of China are described as new to science: Argyralongicornis sp. n., Argyrapingwuensis sp. n. and Argyrasichuanensis sp. n. A key to the known species of Argyra from China is provided.
Two new skink-endoparasitic species of Meteterakis (Nematoda, Heterakidae, Meteterakinae) from East Asian islands
Authors: Sata Naoya
Published: July 2018

Here, two new nematodes ofMeteterakisKarve, 1930 from Taiwan and the western Japanese Archipelago that are endoparasitic to scincid lizards are described. The TaiwaneseMeteterakisformosensissp. n.and the JapaneseMeteterakisoccidentalissp. n.can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characteristics: spicules 437–537 μm in length inM.formosensissp. n.and 359–538 μm inM.occidentalissp. n.; spicules with narrow alae, funnel-shaped, proximal ends ventrally bent; prevulval flap well-developed; gubernaculum mass absent; preclocal sucker with diameter of 35–47 μm inM.formosensissp. n.and of 32–36 μm inM.occidentalissp. n.; 9–15 caudal papillae on both lateral sides inM.formosensissp. n.and 10–14 inM.occidentalissp. n.; and relatively narrow lateral alae, ending at region near proximal end of spicule in male or at region anterior to anus in female.Meteterakisformosensissp. n.is distinguished fromM.occidentalissp. n.by possessing spicules with hyaline pointed distal ends and well-developed cuticular backing structures. The present study suggests that lateral alae can be used as diagnostic character among theMeteterakisspecies, and it revealed that meteterakine nematodes mature in the host’s small intestine and then migrate to the rectum to oviposit.
Troubles du comportement et dysfonctionnement psychique chez des enfants de 5-6 ans suivis en milieu scolaire
Authors: Chaume Aurélie , Bénony Hervé , Jebrane Ahmed
Published: July 2018

Pour rendre compte du profil psychologique d’enfants de 5-6 ans porteurs de troubles du comportement (n= 38), suivis en institution scolaire, nous avons eu recours à une approche clinique comparative. Basées sur une batterie de tests évaluant l’efficience intellectuelle (Matrices de Raven), le degré de perturbation (Liste de comportement pour enfants) et la qualité narrative (test semi-projectif «  Attachment Story Completion Task  »), les données de cette catégorie d’élèves ont été comparées à celles d’un groupe contrôle (n= 61). Nos résultats, en regard des normes cliniques propres à cet âge, rendent compte d’un fonctionnement psychique et de perturbations spécifiques. Notre discussion s’ouvre sur quelques pistes d’intervention pour cette population qui compte quelque 200 000 enfants en France.
De l’intérêt de l’usage des méthodes projectives comme levier thérapeutique dans la prise en charge des patients en Unité pour malades difficiles (UMD)
Authors: Pelladeau Élise , Marchand Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2018

Dans le cadre de cet article, il s’agit de présenter la spécificité de l’usage des tests projectifs dans un cadre de soins spécifiques, à savoir en UMD (Unité pour malades difficiles). Après avoir présenté les particularités de ce lieu de soins aux caractéristiques inscrites dans une hyper-contenance topique et psychique, nous revenons sur les enjeux inhérents à la situation projective, comme sur ses retentissements potentiels dans ce cadre de soins. En nous appuyant sur les aspects institutionnels, mais aussi sur le cas de M. X, dont les enjeux cliniques se situent au carrefour de l’extrême et de l’informe , nous nous interrogeons sur les contours de la situation projective, tant dans son déroulement que dans les sollicitations transférentielles en jeu. Enfin, nous soulignons les finalités thérapeutiques potentielles, de même que les questions que soulève l’utilisation du Rorschach et du TAT, avec des patients, dans un lieu où l’une des fonctions soignantes inclue l’enfermement.
Adolphe Landry, interprète original de la théorie quantitative de la monnaie
Authors: Nasica Eric , Gnos Claude
Published: July 2018

Contrairement à d’autres dimensions de son œuvre académique et politique, l’analyse monétaire d’Adolphe Landry et sa vision particulière de la théorie quantitative de la monnaie n’ont pas eu d’influence majeure. Cet oubli est dommageable dans la mesure où la conception particulière et subtile qu’il propose de cette théorie mérite d’être réexaminée afin d’en mettre en relief les aspects les plus originaux. Pour ce faire, nous examinons successivement les analyses que Landry consacre à la théorie quantitative pour la défendre, puis pour la compléter. La défense par Landry de la théorie quantitative le conduit à en proposer une version subtile et nuancée présentant des aspects très originaux. Tout d’abord, dès ses premiers écrits, il rejette la dichotomie stricte entre marché monétaire et marché des biens et propose une conception dans laquelle les échanges sont nécessairement monétaires, ce qui le rapproche des idées défendues par des auteurs anti-quantitativistes (Section I). Le complément apporté à la théorie quantitative aboutit également à une analyse originale du processus de hausse des prix. Il y propose une version subtile du mécanisme de transmission de la quantité de monnaie au prix qui intègre une déformation de la structure des prix relatifs et des effets durables sur les variables réelles, c’est-à-dire une approche ouvrant la porte à la non-neutralité de la monnaie (Section II).
4. Quels déterminants de l’avantage comparatif au 21 e siècle ?
Authors: Vicard Vincent
Published: July 2018

La théorie de l’avantage comparatif montre que les pays ont un intérêt mutuel à échanger car le commerce permet la spécialisation des économies. Ce concept, initialement développé par David Ricardo il y a deux siècles, garde toute sa pertinence aujourd’hui. La baisse des coûts de communication et de coordination liée au développement des technologies de l’information implique cependant de repenser la spécialisation des économies à un niveau plus fin, non plus au niveau des secteurs mais des tâches utilisées tout au long de la chaîne de production.
8. Une introduction aux théories critiques de la mondialisation capitaliste
Authors: Durand Cédric
Published: July 2018

Au tournant du xxi e  siècle, la mondialisation du capital s’est accompagnée d’un renouveau de la critique théorique. Le regain des approches marxistes prend alors trois principales directions que cet article propose d’introduire. La première lit la mondialisation comme l’expression du métabolisme capitaliste sans cesse à la recherche de nouvelles opportunités de profit pour contrecarrer ses tendances à la crise. La seconde analyse la mondialisation comme la maturation d’un projet politique de long terme porté par les États-Unis. Quant à la dernière, elle insiste sur la restructuration des relations de production qui accompagne l’intensification des flux commerciaux et financiers.
La mesure des économies circulaires et collaboratives : vers de nouvelles méthodes d’analyse de la valeur produite par les économies
Authors: Calay Vincent , Guyot Jean-Luc
Published: July 2018

L’article présente un travail de réflexion mené par un institut public de statistique, l’IWEPS, à l’égard des enjeux que posent les économies collaboratives et circulaires pour ses missions d’évaluation, de prospective et de statistique. Il investigue un premier enjeu, la complexité du rapport à la valeur généré par ces économies en soulignant le double mouvement de démonétarisation et de remonétarisation de la valeur identifié dans les différents versants de ces économies. Il problématise ensuite un deuxième enjeu dans la diversité des formes de rapport à la valeur identifiables dans les différentes formes de systèmes d’échange économique qui caractérisent ces économies. Au niveau réflexif et méthodologique, la démarche développée dans l’article permet de saisir la nécessité d’évoluer, dans la mesure de ces économies, vers des méthodes hybrides et systémiques aptes à rencontrer la demande sociale émergente pour les instituts de statistiques. Il identifie la nécessité de développer conjointement avec les acteurs économiques et politiques un système de référence commun encastré dans un cadre régulatoire.
Les effets socialisateurs de la blessure : de l’érosion au renforcement des vocations athlétiques de haut niveau
Authors: Forté Lucie
Published: July 2018

Cet article s’intéresse à la construction de l’expertise sportive chez les athlètes de haut niveau. Il se fonde sur un travail d’enquête qualitative portant sur la fabrique de l’excellence athlétique. Conçues comme des épreuves structurantes et déstructurantes dans la dynamique vocationnelle des carrières sportives de haut niveau, les blessures sont appréhendées en tant qu’expériences de socialisation dont les effets sont contrastés : bien qu’elles génèrent souvent des crises de vocation qui peuvent conduire à l’érosion du sentiment de vocation, dans certaines configurations bien spécifiques, les blessures permettent également de réactiver les marques de l’élection et de renforcer le sentiment de vivre une vie extraordinaire.
Categorization of taste in the art of exile through Max Aub, his conections to Malraux, Jean Cassou and the fiveties (50’s) artistic bibliography
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Dolores
Published: July 2018

With the passing of time, the novel published by Max Aub in Mexico 1958, Jusep Torres Campalans, uncovers itshelf as a mirror where we see the relationship between spanish and french historiography at the time, pertaining the spanish label, the vanguardias and Picasso, Goya and Juan Gris. A valuable addition to studies on the concept of spanish art, and spacifically spanish republican art in exile.
Delimitación de regiones pluviometricas en el norte de la península ibérica
Authors: F. Rasilla Alvarez Domingo
Published: July 2018

Este artículo revisa uno de los métodos más comunes de regionalización climática, basado en la combinación de un procedimiento de reducción de la información, el Análisis en Componentes Principales, y otro de clasificación, el Cluster Analysis, y su aplicación a un área concreta de la Península Ibérica. Los resultados muestran que la dinámica atmosférica se puede reducir a 3 componentes, atlántica, cantábrica y continental, que combinados nos proporcionan una división en 3 grandes áreas, 6 subáreas y 21 sectores.
Metadata de la información geográfica alfanumérica pública y gratuita en Cataluña
Authors: Serra del Pozo Paul , Cordobilla Cáscales María José
Published: July 2018

La disponibilidad de información geográfica en formato digital en Cataluña es cada vez mayor, particularmente la información consistente en tablas alfanuméricas con campos referenciables en el territorio (como la dirección postal o la sección censal fundamentalmente). Sin embargo, no toda la metadata («información sobre la información») correspondiente no se publica ni tampoco se actualiza. La disponibilidad de la metadata es necesaria para la difusión de la información geográfica y para el desarrollo de proyectos de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). En este artículo se propone un esquema de metadata de información digital alfanumérica correspondiente a Cataluña, a partir del denominado Plan Estadístico de Cataluña, publicado por el Boletín Oficial del Estado. Se presentan también diversas aplicaciones que muestran el poder de los SIG para representar cartográficamente grandes cantidades de registros alfanuméricos y la funcionalidad de estos sistemas en tareas de «geomarketing» y de gestión urbanística.
Comparative Study of Classification Models with Genetic Search Based Feature Selection Technique
Authors: Sahu Sanat Kumar , Shrivas A. K.
Published: July 2018

Feature selection plays a very important role to retrieve the relevant features from datasets and computationally improves the performance of a model. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most important features of a chronic kidney disease (CKD) dataset and diagnose the CKD problem. In this research work, the authors have used a genetic search with the Wrapper Subset Evaluator method for feature selection to increase the overall performance of the classification model. They have also used Bayes Network, Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN) and J48 classifier for classification of CKD and non-CKD data. The proposed genetic search based feature selection technique (GSBFST) selects the best features from CKD dataset and compares the performance of classifiers with proposed and existing genetic search feature selection techniques (FSTs). All classification models give the better result with proposed GSBFST as compared to without FST and existing genetic search FSTs.
Emotional State Recognition Using Facial Expression, Voice, and Physiological Signal
Authors: Djara Tahirou , Ousmane Abdoul Matine , Vianou Antoine
Published: July 2018

Emotion recognition is an important aspect of affective computing, one of whose aims is the study and development of behavioral and emotional interaction between human and machine. In this context, another important point concerns acquisition devices and signal processing tools which lead to an estimation of the emotional state of the user. This article presents a survey about concepts around emotion, multimodality in recognition, physiological activities and emotional induction, methods and tools for acquisition and signal processing with a focus on processing algorithm and their degree of reliability.
Adjustment of Medical Observations Influenced by Emotional State
Authors: Zekri Firas , Ellouze Afef Samet , Bouaziz Rafik
Published: July 2018

Research in neurophysiology and neuropsychology have established a strong dependence between emotion, subjectivity and decision-making. Otherwise, medical observations are used as one of the main inputs of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) which are designed to support patients with chronic progressive diseases. However, these observations are influenced when confronted with a critical emotional state and they are likely to be subjective. To generate efficient results, CDSS must bring these subjective observations closer to the reality by using data describing the observer's emotional state. To solve this issue, the authors of this article propose to identify the dependency relationship between observations and emotions. Then they provide a solution that moderates the patient and caregivers' observations within a medical decision support system, so that it can generate efficient results. Finally, they propose two fuzzy systems to adjust the influence of emotional state on medical observation. These two systems make the medical observation closer to the current condition of the patient.
An Iterative Transient Rank Aggregation Technique for Mitigation of Rank Reversal
Authors: Bepari Bikash , Kumar Shubham , Tiwari Awanish , Divyam  , Ahmar Sharjil
Published: July 2018

With the advent of decision science, significant elucidation has been sought in the literature of multi criteria decision making. Often, it is observed that for the same MCDM problem, different methods fetch way-apart ranks and the phenomenon leads to rank reversal. To alleviate this problem, different methodologies like the Borda rule, the Copeland method, the Condorcet method, the statistical Thurstone scaling, and linear programming methods are readily available in the literature. In connection with the same, the authors proposed a novel technique to aggregate the ranks laid by different methods. The algorithm initially assigns equal weights to the methods involved to avoid biasness to a particular method and a simple average rank was obtained. Then, after the separation measures of individual methods with respect to average rank were calculated. Considering the separation measure the higher the weightage, the dynamic weights are ascertained to declare the weighted aggregate rank subjected to the terminal condition which include whether the previous rank equals to the current rank or not. To substantiate the proposed algorithm, a materials selection problem was taken into consideration and solved with the proposed technique. Moreover, the same problem was solved by existing voting techniques like the Borda and the Copeland-Condoract methods. The authors found a correlation of more than 85% between the proposed and existing methodologies.
A Blind Restoration Approach for Defocused Barcode Images
Authors: Tiwari Shamik
Published: July 2018

Use of a mobile camera for barcode decoding provides high portability and availability but it requires that the recorded barcode image must be accurate representation of the barcode that is available on the product. Barcode scanning is challenging because images may be degraded due to out-of-focus blur at the time of image acquisition. Therefore, image restoration is essential in making image sharp and useful. In case of blind restoration of such barcode images accurate estimation of out-of-focus blur parameter is highly desirable. In this article, a robust method has been proposed for estimating the radius of out-of-focus blur. Finite discrete ridgelet transform has been used to find the features of the blurred image and a radial basis function neural network is utilized to estimate the radius of out-of-focus blur. The experimental results reveal that proposed method more robust than the existing methods.
Yet Another Multidimensional Model for XML Documents
Authors: Azabou Maha , Khrouf Kais , Feki Jamel , Soulé-Dupuy Chantal , Vallès Nathalie
Published: July 2018

The Diamond model is a multidimensional model dedicated to XML document warehouses. It considers structured and unstructured data simultaneously. Furthermore, it orders the semantics of documents via a specific semantic dimension linked to conventional dimensions, thus breaking the classical orthogonality rule of dimensions. After giving an overview of their three-phase quasi-automatic approach for the generation of the diamond model, the authors focus on the Diamond-Gen software tool that supports the proposed approach. The authors illustrate the Diamond-Gen functionalities and assess it through an experimental study using a set of 1500 XML documents issued from the PubMed collection.
On Demand ETL of RDB to RDF Mapping for Linked Enterprise Data
Authors: Nesrine Lehireche , Mimoun Malki , Ahmed Lehireche , Hamou Reda Mohamed
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the semantic web goes well beyond a simple provision of raw data: it is a matter of linking data together. This data meshing approach, called linked data (LD), refers to a set of best practices for publishing and interlinking data on the web. Due to its principles, a new context appeared called linked enterprise data (LED). The LED is the application of linked data to the information system of the enterprise to answer all the challenge of an IS, in order to have an agile and performing System. Where internal data sources link to external data, with easy access to information in performing time. This article focuses on using the LED to support the challenges of database integration and state-of-the-art for mapping RDB to RDF based on LD. Then, the authors introduce a proposition for on demand extract transform load (ETL) of RDB to RDF mapping using algorithms. Finally, the authors present a conclusion and discussion for their perspectives to implement the solution.
Exploring Blue- and White-Collar Employees' Well-Being at Work System
Authors: Vayrynen Seppo Tapio , Kiema-Junes Heli Katariina
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to examine occupational group-related differences in well-being at work (WBW) indicators ranging from real accidents, absences and retirement to experienced pleasure at work. Occupational group included two categories: blue- and white-collar employees. The study is based on analysing national statistics or ones of various industrial sectors (Study 1), or bases on findings of questionnaires in Finnish case companies (N=7) (Studies 2 and 3). WBW questionnaires answered by 3500 employees. Analysis utilised data that employees of two occupational groups, or company and national statistics revealed about WBW. Analysis was based on factors related to employee, task, tool, organisation and work environment (traditional work system (WS)), psychosocial factors, and information and communication within WS. The biggest and statistically significant differences were emphasised in results and discussion. Although two groups' roles and tasks provide reasons for many differences, the ones should be measured, thoroughly discussed and consciously managed.
Analysis of Bandwidth Efficiency in IEEE 802.11 and 802.16 Interworking Networks
Authors: Yaqoob Mateen , Shakir Mustafa
Published: July 2018

With the advances in wireless technology during the past years, continued and reliable connectivity has been also ensured through broadband access network. A present day wireless network which provides affordable speed to end user requirements is wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 standard), which is commercially known as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). One of its shortcomings is limited coverage area and thus, there is a need for wireless networks which can provide high speed with maximum coverage. WiMAX overcomes this need for broadband access with a high coverage area. But the installation cost of WiMAX is considerably high as compared to WLAN. So, the interworking of these two networks will ensure high speed broadband access at all times, a considerable coverage area, and reduced cost. However, interworking of these two networks allows the accommodation of the maximum number of subscribers. Bandwidth efficiency provides insight information of how the frequency spectrum is effectively utilized.
Temporal Requirement for Pulmonary Resident and Circulating T Cells during Virulent Francisella tularensis Infection
Authors: Roberts Lydia M. , Wehrly Tara D. , Ireland Robin M. , Crane Deborah D. , Scott Dana P. , Bosio Catharine M.
Published: July 2018

The lung is a complex organ with anatomically distinct pools of T cells that play specific roles in combating infection. Our knowledge regarding the generation and/or maintenance of immunity by parenchymal or circulating T cells has been gathered from either persistent (>60 d) or rapidly cleared (<10 d) infections. However, the roles of these distinct T cell pools in infections that are cleared over the course of several weeks are not understood. Clearance of the highly virulent intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis (Ftt) following pulmonary infection of immune animals is a protracted T cell–dependent process requiring ∼30–40 d and serves as a model for infections that are not acutely controlled. Using this model, we found that intranasal vaccination increased the number of tissue-resident CD4+ effector T cells, and subsequent challenge of immune mice with Ftt led to a significant expansion of polyfunctional parenchymal CD4+ effector T cells compared with the circulating pool. Despite the dominant in vivo response by parenchymal CD4+ T cells after vaccination and challenge, circulating CD4+ T cells were superior at controlling intracellular Ftt replication in vitro. Further examination in vivo revealed temporal requirements for resident and circulating T cells during Ftt infection. These requirements were in direct contrast to other pulmonary infections that are cleared rapidly in immune animals. The data in this study provide important insights into the role of specific T cell populations that will be essential for the design of novel effective vaccines against tularemia and potentially other agents of pulmonary infection.
Description of three new Paratrichius Janson, 1881, from Indochinese peninsula (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)
Authors: Ricchiardi Enrico
Published: July 2018

A recent increase in quality collecting activities in Laos and Vietnam, particularly by local collectors, has added significantly to our knowledge of the insect faunas in these countries. The genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881 is no exception, new species are being discovered regularly. In the current study, three new species closely related to Paratrichius vicinus (Bourgoin, 1915) are described.
Zelus renardii (Kolenati, 1856), a newly established alien species in Italy (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Harpactorinae)
Authors: Pinzari Manuela , Cianferoni Fabio , Martellos Stefano , Dioli Paride
Published: July 2018

This note adds new occurrence records of the hemipteran alien species Zelus renardii (Kolenati, 1856) in Italy by citizens, entomologists and photographers. This species was recorded for first time in Rome in 2013.
Methanol poisoning in South-South Nigeria: Reflections on the outbreak response
Authors: Onyekwere Nnanna , Nwadiuto Ifeoma , Maleghemi Sylvester , Maduka Omosivie , Numbere Tamuno-Wari , Akpuh Ndubuisi , Kanu Esther , Katchy Ifeoma , Okeafor Ibitein
Published: July 2018

The methanol poisoning outbreak in Rivers State, Nigeria in May 2015, involved 84 persons in five local government areas. An incident management system comprised of an Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) committee and the Local Government Area Rapid Response Teams in an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC teams conducted case finding activities, line listing, and descriptive analysis, a retrospective cohort study and collection of local gin samples for laboratory investigation. They also coordinated community mobilization and sensitization activities, intervention meetings with local gin sellers, trace back activities and case management. Those affected were male (72; 85.7%) aged between 20 and 79 years. Of the 55 persons whose socio-demographics were obtained, forty-one persons (74.6%) were married, and 23 (41.8%) had primary education. Case fatality rate was 83.3% with an attack rate of 16 per 100,000 persons. Those exposed to ingestion of adulterated gin were six times more likely to develop methanol poisoning than those not exposed RR=6 (1.0-38.5); P=0.0078. It is hoped that this experience has positioned the state for better preparedness towards future outbreaks.
Association between anti-citrullinated alpha enolase antibodies and clinical features in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Alunno A. , Bistoni O. , Pratesi F. , Topini F. , Puxeddu I. , Valentini V. , Cafaro G. , Bartoloni E. , Migliorini P. , Gerli R.
Published: July 2018

In recent years several antibodies against citrullinated peptides (ACPAs) have been identified in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their pathogenic, diagnostic and prognostic significance is under intense investigation. Among ACPAs, those targeting citrullinated alpha enolase (anti-CEP1) have been identified in RA but data about their ability to predict the development of erosive disease are conflicting. Furthermore, no data are currently available concerning their possible association with extra-articular manifestations (EAMs) in RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and significance of anti-CEP1 from a prognostic point of view. In this pilot study we confirmed that anti-CEP1 Abs are associated with higher prevalence of bone erosions, but we also provided the first evidence of an association between anti-CEP1 Abs and RA interstitial lung disease (ILD). These results provide the basis to investigate the association between anti-CEP1 Abs and EAMs in larger cohorts of RA patients to possibly confirm its role as biomarker for RA-ILD.
Pulmonary cavitary lesions may be one of the presenting features in Ig A nephropathy
Authors: Isci B. , Gamsiz T.S. , Kayipmaz S. , Keskin O. , Tezcan M.E.
Published: July 2018

Immunoglobulin A (Ig A) nephropathy is the most frequent primary glomerulonephritis. Renal limited disease is the most widespread clinical form of the disease. Pulmonary involvement may also be seen concomitantly and capillaritis with pulmonary hemorrhage is the most frequent pulmonary involvement. In this paper, for the first time in literature, we describe an Ig A nephropathy patient with multiple pulmonary cavities as one of the presenting features of the disease. Also, no other etiology for the cavities was found other than Ig A nephropathy. Herein, possible pathogenesis might be capillaritis or deposition of immune complexes. As a result, it should be kept in mind that pulmonary cavity may be the presenting feature of Ig A nephropathy especially with other frequent signs of the disease.
Determinants of occupational multisite musculoskeletal disorders: a cross sectional study among 254 patients
Authors: Mahfoudh A. , Fennani K. , Akrout M. , Taoufik K.
Published: July 2018

The aim was to describe the profile of workers with occupational multi-site musculoskeletal disorders (MSMSD) and study the relationship between these lesions and socio-professional factors. This is a cross-sectional study involving 254 subjects with occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), identified in the Department of Occupational Medicine at the University Hospital of Mahdia, in Tunisia, over a period of 10 years from 2005 to 2014. The study population was subdivided into two groups; mono-site MSD and multi-site (≥2 sites) groups. Data collection was based on a questionnaire prepared beforehand and covered the description of sociodemographic and professional characteristics. To study psychosocial constraints at work, we have used the Karasek questionnaire. MS-MSD was correlated to the number of dependent children (p=0.02), job/place of work (p=0.00), qualification (p=0.02), taking a rest period (p=0.03), decision latitude (p=0.00), mental demands (p=0.002), social support (p=0.00) and job stress (p=0.04). After binary logistic regression, MS-MSD depended significantly on the number of dependent children (p=0.013; OR=0,33; IC=0,17-0,83), working spouse (p=0.05; OR=0.35; IC=0.12-0.99), job/place of work (p=0.00; OR=4.16; IC=1.95-8.88), qualification (p=0.008; OR=0.28; IC=0.11-0.72), taking a break during work (p=0.04; OR=3.10; IC=1.04-9.22) and social support (p=0.00; OR=7,1; IC=1,9-25,3). When individual risk factors are fixed, the prevention of MS-MSD must target modifiable levers, related to the professional environment of the employees.
Motivation sources and leadership styles among middle managers at a South African university
Authors: Chipunza Crispen , Matsumunyane Lerato L.
Published: July 2018

Orientation: Leadership challenges have been evident in the South African higher education sector since 2004. Dealing with these challenges has focused more on external factors at top management level than on the possible contribution of intrinsic factors among other levels of institutional management.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship between motivation sources and the leadership styles of middle managers in a South African higher education institution.Motivation for the study: The ongoing leadership challenges in the higher education sector in South Africa require not only strategies to deal with them at a national level but also academic efforts that focus on previously neglected areas, such as sources of leadership motivation.Research design, approach and method: The population of the study consisted of 75 middle managers, comprising both academic and non-academic staff. A final sample size of 40, conveniently selected, was achieved. A quantitative research approach was employed using the case study method.Main findings: Results showed a positive relationship between transformational leadership and intrinsic process motivation, self-concept internal motivation and goal internalisation motivation. A negative correlation was found between instrumental motivation and transactional leadership style.Practical and managerial implications: Motivation sources could be used to explain leadership behaviour and assist in the selection and development of specific leadership styles for the different managerial levels within academic institutions through motivation profiling. Sources of motivation may provide one of many pieces of information to consider when making recruitment and leadership development decisions within institution.Contribution or value added: This is the first study of its kind to investigate the two variables within a higher education context. The study makes an invaluable contribution to the broadening of existing knowledge and a scholarly understanding of leadership motivation and behaviour.
Association of intercellular adhesion gene A with biofilm formation in staphylococci isolates from patients with conjunctivitis
Authors: Elkhashab Taghreed H. T. , Adel Lamiaa A. , Nour Mona Saad , Mahran Magda , Elkaffas Mai
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: There is a great negative impact of biofilm-mediated infection on patient health which necessitates the use of reliable methods for detecting biofilm producers.

AIMS: This study was done to determine biofilm-producing ability and the presence of intercellular adhesion gene A in clinical staphylococcal isolates and to assess the reliability of two phenotypic methods used for biofilm detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty staphylococcal strains were isolated from 100 conjunctival swabs from patients attended the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology. Two phenotypic methods were used for detection of biofilm production; qualitative congo red agar (CRA); and quantitative microtiter plate. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the presence of icaA gene.

RESULTS: In Staph aureus, 60% were positive biofilm forming and 40% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming isolates were positive for icaA gene production. In coagulase negative staph, 50% were positive biofilm forming and 50% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming strains were positive for icaA gene. All negative cases by CRA and microtiter plate methods were negative for icaA gene except two isolates. All staphylococcal isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test to correlate biofilm formation with multidrug resistance in staph.

CONCLUSION: There is high significant correlation between icaA gene presence and biofilm forming ability; however, the biofilm-forming ability of some isolates in the absence of icaA gene highlights the importance of further genetic investigations of ica-independent biofilm formation mechanisms.
Systemic inflammatory response markers in preeclampsia
Authors: Çintesun Ersin , Çintesun Feyza Nur Incesu , Ezveci Huriye , Akyürek Fikret , Çelik Çetin
Published: July 2018

PURPOSE: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet distribution width (PDW), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit (PCT) are known as systemic inflammatory response markers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in NLR, PLR, PDW, RDW, MPV, and PCT in preeclampsia (PE) and their use in predicting its severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case–control study. The study comprised 64 control group (healthy pregnant females), 51 females with mild PE, and 13 with severe PE. These three groups were compared with demographic data and inflammation markers.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between healthy pregnant females and preeclaptic females in terms of median age, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet, NLR, PLR, PDV, RDW, MPV, PCT (P > 0.05). The control group has a higher number of gravity and parity than the PE group (P < 0.001). MPV value is a lower PE group than the control group (P < 0.001). Both gravity and parity were significantly higher in the patients with mild PE than in the control group (P < 0.001). MPV value was statistically higher in the control group compared both mild and severe PE (P < 0.001), however, no statistical difference between mild and severe PE (P = 0.305).

CONCLUSIONS: MPV may be clinically useful markers in the prediction of PE. Further, prospective multicenter studies are needed to reveal the association between these markers and PE.
Bloodstream infections and trends of antimicrobial sensitivity patterns at Port Blair
Authors: Banik Amit , Bhat Sanjeev H. , Kumar Abhay , Palit Agnijeet , Snehaa Kandregula
Published: July 2018

PURPOSE: Bloodstream infection can range from inapparent bacteremia until fulminant septic shock with high mortality. Microorganisms present in circulating blood whether continuously, intermittently, or transiently are a threat to every organ in the body. Culture of blood is a vital tool to diagnose such infections. Drug susceptibility patterns help in rationalizing therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform bacteriological analysis and assess drug sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood stream infections.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2015 to February 2017 at a tertiary care hospital, Port Blair, India. Blood samples were collected with aseptic guidelines and cultured for 7 days. Growths were identified using standard biochemical tests and subjected to sensitivity testing according to Modified Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method. Data for the source of blood collection and duration of incubation were noted and compared.

RESULTS: A total of 270 (14.24%) pathogens were isolated from 1895 bacteremia suspect patient blood specimens. Contamination was observed at a rate of 1.63%. Gram-positive cocci (60.37%) were predominant organisms recovered followed by Gram-negative Bacilli (36.29%) and Yeasts (3.33%). Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, and Acinetobacter spp. were the primary pathogens isolated. Aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and glycopeptides were the most effective drugs for treating bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS: Successful treatment of sepsis depends on early diagnosis and proper antimicrobial therapy. Local knowledge of bacteriological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns helps rationalize empiric treatment strategies.
‘At Daggers Drawn’: History, Political Science and the ‘Soul’ of International Relations Discourse in Nigeria
Authors: Ugwuja Alex Amaechi
Published: July 2018

The emergence of International Relations (IR) after the First World War as a distinct field, separate from diplomatic history was primarily conditioned by the need to build a special body of knowledge aimed at unravelling the causes of war as well as the prescriptions for peace. In order to arrive at something close to a systematic knowledge of the varied relationships among states, a positivist methodology was found for IR. At the same time, the scholars and practitioners of International Relations (IR) continued to rely on history for bulk of their information. This explains why the IR is denoted as a multi-disciplinary field. In Nigerian scholarship, the growth and popularity of IR have been brought about by the crisis that bedeviled the discipline of History from the 1980s. In the ensuing crisis of relevance, most departments of history began to rechristen to Departments of History and International Studies or Relations. Consequently, a struggle arises between historians and political scientists for the ‘soul’ of International Relations discourse in Nigeria. While claims and counter-claims are rife, the main issue appears to bother on the methodological approach of the two disciplines. This study undertakes to examine this matter and as well, attempts to reconcile the differing position of the historian and the political scientist – for, in fact, they are not mutually exclusive. Information for the study came from primary and secondary sources.Keywords: History, Political Science, International Relations, Methodology and Scholarship
Diseño hidráulico de aliviaderos escalonados en presas de HCR
Authors: Amador Antonio , Sánchez Juny Martí , Dolz Josep
Published: July 2018

En el presente artículo se presenta un conjunto de criterios para el diseño de aliviaderos escalonados con pendientes típicas de presas de hormigón compactado con rodillo. El texto se basa en Informa­ción recogida en la bibliografía e incorpora los resultados del trabajo de Investigación desarrollado en Amador (2005). Se aborda el diseño de la cresta, la selección del ancho del aliviadero y la geometría de los peldaños. Se proponen criterios para determinar el tipo de flujo existente sobre la estructura y, en el caso del flujo rasante, se presentan expresiones que permiten obtener las principales caracterís­ticas del flujo a lo largo de la rápida. Con ha.se en los resultados del análisis del campo de presiones se proponen un conjunto de ecuaciones para estimar las solicitaciones que el vertido ejerce sobre los peldaños a lo largo del aliviadero. Finalmente se hacen algunas consideraciones sobre los aspectos constructivos de los aliviaderos escalonados.