bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumulative Advantage in the Skill Development of STEM Graduate Students
Authors: Feldon David F. , Maher Michelle A. , Roksa Josipa , Peugh James
Published: December 2015

Studies of skill development often describe a process of cumulative advantage, in which small differences in initial skill compound over time, leading to increasing skill gaps between those with an initial advantage and those without. We offer evidence of a similar phenomenon accounting for differential patterns of research skill development in graduate students over an academic year and explore differences in socialization that accompany diverging developmental trajectories. As predicted, quantitative analysis indicated large effect sizes for skill gains after controlling for initial performance levels. Qualitative analyses indicated that students with initial advantages were more likely to report greater demands of independence by their advisors and see more extensive value in research tasks comparable to those assigned their less skilled peers.
Versatility of Radial Forearm Free Flap in Reconstruction of Buccal Defect
Authors: Rahaman Muhammad Mizanur , Kabir Mohammad Iqbal , Rabby Md Atiqul Islam , Kabir KM Ahasanul , Hasan Shamim , Rashid Md Harun Ur , Rab Md Abdur , Chowdhury Golam Mohiuddin , Haider Ismat Ara
Published: December 2015

The ideal method for buccal defects reconstruction should provide good outcome of both function and appearance; our goal is to highlight the reliability of radial forearm flap in buccal reconstruction. This retrospective study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2014, 04 radial forearm flaps were used to repair the defects. We analyzed the superiority and reliability of the flap; in addition, we reviewed some related literature. All radial forearm flaps totally survived. Radial forearm flap is a reliable method for buccal defect reconstruction.Medicine Today 2015 Vol.27(1): 27-29
Acute Traumatic Injury of the Larynx
Authors: Islam Mohammad Saiful , Deb Prajit Kumar , Bardhan Ajoy , Khandakar Sharmin
Published: December 2015

Laryngeal trauma is rare but serious and potentially deadly injury. The prompt diagnosis and management of acute laryngeal trauma is necessary because the clinical presentation is variable depending on the location, severity, and mechanism of injury. Two case histories are presented: (1) case history No.1: a 43-year-old male, after motor vehicle accident, fractured the mid anterior thyroid cartilage and both aspects of the cricoid cartilage; however, this patient was asymptomatic from the above fractures; and (2) case history No.2: a 36-year-old male who sustained trauma to the chest, neck, and left arm after being struck by a large lead pipe which fractured the left aspect of the cricoid cartilage was symptomatic. The type rather than the severity of acute laryngeal injury and the mechanism of injury may be related to symptomatology. Acute laryngeal trauma should be recognized by trauma radiologists and emergency room physicians. Early diagnosis and management of acute laryngeal trauma may prevent unnecessary specialty consults and long-term complications.Medicine Today 2015 Vol.27(1): 36-37
Aging worlds in contradiction: gerontological observations in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Von Kondratowitz Hans-Joachim
Published: December 2015

This article discusses the existing and developing aging regimes in the Northern and Southern rim countries of the whole Mediterranean region which are all undergoing considerable social and political transformation processes. It is argued that several eye-opening theoretical interventions for such a gerontological project may lead to some methodological problems and pitfalls, which have to be dealt with productively. Central collective concepts of such an analysis (as the change-oriented “modernization effects” of societal aging and the continuity-oriented gaze at the “unity of the region”) have to be reconsidered and ought to be more differentiated in order to allow smaller social entities (such as kinship and community systems and their connectivity) to be central orientations for analyzing poverty and care management in old age in the Mediterranean region. How to reconnect such a rather micro-political agenda with large processes and big structures of aging policies in the region however still remains an open question.
Numerical Properties of Different Root-Finding Algorithms Obtained for Approximating Continuous Newton’s Method
Authors: Gutiérrez José
Published: December 2015

This paper is dedicated to the study of continuous Newton’s method, which is a generic differential equation whose associated flow tends to the zeros of a given polynomial. Firstly, we analyze some numerical features related to the root-finding methods obtained after applying different numerical methods for solving initial value problems. The relationship between the step size and the order of convergence is particularly considered. We have analyzed both the cases of a constant and non-constant step size in the procedure of integration. We show that working with a non-constant step, the well-known Chebyshev-Halley family of iterative methods for solving nonlinear scalar equations is obtained.
Self-Seeded RSOA-Fiber Cavity Lasers vs. ASE Spectrum-Sliced or Externally Seeded Transmitters—A Comparative Study
Authors: Gebrewold Simon , Bonjour Romain , Barbet Sophie , Maho Anaelle , Brenot Romain , Chanclou Philippe , Brunero Marco , Marazzi Lucia , Parolari Paola , Totovic Angelina , Gvozdic Dejan , Hillerkuss David , Hafner Christian , Leuthold Juerg
Published: December 2015

Reflective semiconductor optical amplifier fiber cavity lasers (RSOA-FCLs) are appealing, colorless, self-seeded, self-tuning and cost-efficient upstream transmitters. They are of interest for wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks (WDM-PONs) based links. In this paper, we compare RSOA-FCLs with alternative colorless sources, namely the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectrum-sliced and the externally seeded RSOAs. We compare the differences in output power, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), relative intensity noise (RIN), frequency response and transmission characteristics of these three sources. It is shown that an RSOA-FCL offers a higher output power over an ASE spectrum-sliced source with SNR, RIN and frequency response characteristics halfway between an ASE spectrum-sliced and a more expensive externally seeded RSOA. The results show that the RSOA-FCL is a cost-efficient WDM-PON upstream source, borrowing simplicity and cost-efficiency from ASE spectrum slicing with characteristics that are, in many instances, good enough to perform short-haul transmission. To substantiate our statement and to quantitatively compare the potential of the three schemes, we perform data transmission experiments at 5 and 10 Gbit/s.
Effect of Nearby Forest Fires on Ground Level Ozone Concentrations in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Rubio María , Lissi Eduardo , Gramsch Ernesto , Garreaud René
Published: December 2015

On 4 and 8 January 2014, at the height of the austral summer, intense wildfires in forests and dry pastures occurred in the Melipilla sector, located about 70 km to the southwest of Santiago, the Chilean capital, affecting more than 6 million inhabitants. Low level winds transported the forest fire plume towards Santiago causing a striking decrease in visibility and a marked increase in the concentration of both primary (PM10 and CO) and secondary (Ozone) pollutants in the urban atmosphere. In particular, ozone maximum concentrations in the Santiago basin reached hourly averages well above 80 ppb, the national air quality standard. This ozone increase took place at the three sampling sites considered in the present study. These large values can be explained in terms of high NOx concentrations and NO2/NO ratios in biomass burning emissions.
On the Complex and Hyperbolic Structures for the (2 + 1)-Dimensional Boussinesq Water Equation
Authors: Özpinar Figen , Baskonus Haci , Bulut Hasan
Published: December 2015

In this study, we have applied the modified exp(−Ω(ξ))-expansion function method to the (2 + 1)-dimensional Boussinesq water equation. We have obtained some new analytical solutions such as exponential function, complex function and hyperbolic function solutions. It has been observed that all analytical solutions have been verified to the (2 + 1)-dimensional Boussinesq water equation by using Wolfram Mathematica 9. We have constructed the two- and three-dimensional surfaces for all analytical solutions obtained in this paper using the same computer program.
Dynamics of Timber Market Integration in Sweden
Authors: Jaunky Vishal , Lundmark Robert
Published: December 2015

This paper addresses the performance of the timber markets (Scots pine, Pinus silvestris L. and Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst.) by evaluating the order of market integration in three Swedish regions (Central, Northern, and Southern). Quarterly data of delivery prices are employed over the period 1999Q1–2012Q4. Various unit root and cointegration tests have been computed. The results indicate that the variables are integrated of first order and co-integrated, especially after controlling for structural breaks. This supports the law-of-one-price hypothesis (LOP). However, the effects of structural shocks on forestry are arguably significant and these are controlled for while performing a vector error-correction mechanism (VECM)-based Granger-causality test. Bi-directional causality between the Northern and central markets is uncovered in the short-run. In the long-run, a similar causal effect is detected between Northern and Southern markets while the central market emerges as the price leader. Further investigation is carried out using variance decompositions and impulse response functions and these approaches also tend to confirm the existence of a single market well, as price interdependence between markets.
Electronic Cigarette Trial and Use among Young Adults: Reasons for Trial and Cessation of Vaping
Authors: Biener Lois , Song Eunyoung , Sutfin Erin , Spangler John , Wolfson Mark
Published: December 2015

This paper identifies predictors of trial and current use, and reasons for trying and ceasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among young adults, with particular attention to former and never smokers. Data are from a mail survey of a population-based sample of adults aged 18 to 35 (N = 4740) in three U.S. metropolitan areas. Survey items assessed trial and use of e-cigarettes, cigarette smoking status, and reasons for trial and for ceasing use of e-cigarettes. Almost 23% reported trial of e-cigarettes, and 8.4% reported using them in the past month. Current smokers were much more likely to have tried e-cigarettes (70.2%) than both former (32.3%) and never smokers (7.6%; p < 0.001) and to have used them in the past month (30.8%, 10.1%, 2.0% respectively; p < 0.001). Smoking status and scores on sensation seeking were significant independent predictors of both trial and current use of e-cigarettes. Never-smokers cite curiosity as the reason for trying e-cigarettes and also that their friends used them. The most frequent reason for ceasing use among never and former smokers was health concerns. For virtually none of them were e-cigarettes their first exposure to nicotine.
Spatial Pattern Detection of Tuberculosis: A Case Study of Si Sa Ket Province, Thailand
Authors: Hassarangsee Siriwan , Tripathi Nitin , Souris Marc
Published: December 2015

This retrospective population-based study was conducted to analyze spatial patterns of tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Si Sa Ket province, Thailand. TB notification data from 2004 to 2008 collected from TB clinics throughout the province was used along with population data to reveal a descriptive epidemiology of TB incidences. Global clustering patterns of the occurrence were assessed by using global spatial autocorrelation techniques. Additionally, local spatial pattern detection was performed by using local spatial autocorrelation and spatial scan statistic methods. The findings indicated clusters of the disease occurred in the study area. More specifically, significantly high-rate clusters were mostly detected in Mueang Si Sa Ket and Khukhan districts, which are located in the northwestern part of the province, while significantly low-rate clusters were persistent in Kantharalak and Benchalak districts, which are located at the southeastern area.
Biochemical Characterization of An Arginine-Specific Alkaline Trypsin from Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Gong Jin-Song , Li Wei , Zhang Dan-Dan , Xie Min-Feng , Yang Biao , Zhang Rong-Xian , Li Heng , Lu Zhen-Ming , Xu Zheng-Hong , Shi Jin-Song
Published: December 2015

In the present study, we isolated a trypsin-producing strain DMN6 from the leather waste and identified it as Bacillus licheniformis through a two-step screening strategy. The trypsin activity was increased up to 140 from 20 U/mL through culture optimization. The enzyme was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity with a molecular mass of 44 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the specific activity of purified enzyme is 350 U/mg with Nα-Benzoyl-l-arginine ethylester as the substrate. The optimum temperature and pH for the trypsin are 65 °C and pH 9.0, respectively. Also, the enzyme can be significantly activated by Ba2+. This enzyme is relatively stable in alkaline environment and displays excellent activity at low temperatures. It could retain over 95% of enzyme activity after 180 min of incubation at 45 °C. The distinguished activity under low temperature and prominent stability enhance its catalytic potential. In the current work, the open reading frame was obtained with a length of 1371 nucleotides that encoded a protein of 456 amino acids. These data would warrant the B. licheniformis trypsin as a promising candidate for catalytic application in collagen preparation and leather bating through further protein engineering.
Correction: Xiong, Z., et al. Different Roles of GRP78 on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Cartilage Development. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16, 21153–21176
Authors: Xiong Zhangyuan , Jiang Rong , Li Xiangzhu , Liu Yanna , Guo Fengjin
Published: December 2015

The authors wish to replace Figure 4A on Page 21161 of their paper published in IJMS [1]. [...]
Plant Adaptation to Multiple Stresses during Submergence and Following Desubmergence
Authors: Tamang Bishal , Fukao Takeshi
Published: December 2015

Plants require water for growth and development, but excessive water negatively affects their productivity and viability. Flash floods occasionally result in complete submergence of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. When immersed in water, plants encounter multiple stresses including low oxygen, low light, nutrient deficiency, and high risk of infection. As floodwaters subside, submerged plants are abruptly exposed to higher oxygen concentration and greater light intensity, which can induce post-submergence injury caused by oxidative stress, high light, and dehydration. Recent studies have emphasized the significance of multiple stress tolerance in the survival of submergence and prompt recovery following desubmergence. A mechanistic understanding of acclimation responses to submergence at molecular and physiological levels can contribute to the deciphering of the regulatory networks governing tolerance to other environmental stresses that occur simultaneously or sequentially in the natural progress of a flood event.
Detection of Exosomal miRNAs in the Plasma of Melanoma Patients
Authors: Pfeffer Susan , Grossmann Kenneth , Cassidy Pamela , Yang Chuan , Fan Meiyun , Kopelovich Levy , Leachman Sancy , Pfeffer Lawrence
Published: December 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of 22–25 nucleotide RNAs that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs have potential as cancer biomarkers. Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer accounting for almost 4% of cancers among men and women, and ~80% of skin cancer-related deaths in the US. In the present study we analyzed plasma-derived exosomal miRNAs from clinically affected and unaffected familial melanoma patients (CDKN2A/p16 gene carriers) and compared them with affected (nonfamilial melanoma) and unaffected control subjects in order to identify novel risk biomarkers for melanoma. Intact miRNAs can be isolated from the circulation because of their presence in exosomes. A number of differentially regulated miRNAs identified by NanoString human V2 miRNA array were validated by quantitative PCR. Significantly, miR-17, miR-19a, miR-21, miR-126, and miR-149 were expressed at higher levels in patients with metastatic sporadic melanoma as compared with familial melanoma patients or unaffected control subjects. Surprisingly, no substantial differences in miRNA expression were detected between familial melanoma patients (all inclusive) and unaffected control subjects. The miRNAs differentially expressed in the different patient cohorts, especially in patients with metastatic melanoma, may play important roles in tumor progression and metastasis, and may be used as predictive biomarkers to monitor remission as well as relapse following therapeutic intervention.
Metallic Glasses
Authors: Chan Kang , Sort Jordi
Published: December 2015

Metallic glasses are a fascinating class of metallic materials that do not display long-range atomic order. [...]
3D Maize Plant Reconstruction Based on Georeferenced Overlapping LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Garrido Miguel , Paraforos Dimitris , Reiser David , Vázquez Arellano Manuel , Griepentrog Hans , Valero Constantino
Published: December 2015

3D crop reconstruction with a high temporal resolution and by the use of non-destructive measuring technologies can support the automation of plant phenotyping processes. Thereby, the availability of such 3D data can give valuable information about the plant development and the interaction of the plant genotype with the environment. This article presents a new methodology for georeferenced 3D reconstruction of maize plant structure. For this purpose a total station, an IMU, and several 2D LiDARs with different orientations were mounted on an autonomous vehicle. By the multistep methodology presented, based on the application of the ICP algorithm for point cloud fusion, it was possible to perform the georeferenced point clouds overlapping. The overlapping point cloud algorithm showed that the aerial points (corresponding mainly to plant parts) were reduced to 1.5%–9% of the total registered data. The remaining were redundant or ground points. Through the inclusion of different LiDAR point of views of the scene, a more realistic representation of the surrounding is obtained by the incorporation of new useful information but also of noise. The use of georeferenced 3D maize plant reconstruction at different growth stages, combined with the total station accuracy could be highly useful when performing precision agriculture at the crop plant level.
A Security Assessment Mechanism for Software-Defined Networking-Based Mobile Networks
Authors: Luo Shibo , Dong Mianxiong , Ota Kaoru , Wu Jun , Li Jianhua
Published: December 2015

Software-Defined Networking-based Mobile Networks (SDN-MNs) are considered the future of 5G mobile network architecture. With the evolving cyber-attack threat, security assessments need to be performed in the network management. Due to the distinctive features of SDN-MNs, such as their dynamic nature and complexity, traditional network security assessment methodologies cannot be applied directly to SDN-MNs, and a novel security assessment methodology is needed. In this paper, an effective security assessment mechanism based on attack graphs and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed for SDN-MNs. Firstly, this paper discusses the security assessment problem of SDN-MNs and proposes a methodology using attack graphs and AHP. Secondly, to address the diversity and complexity of SDN-MNs, a novel attack graph definition and attack graph generation algorithm are proposed. In order to quantify security levels, the Node Minimal Effort (NME) is defined to quantify attack cost and derive system security levels based on NME. Thirdly, to calculate the NME of an attack graph that takes the dynamic factors of SDN-MN into consideration, we use AHP integrated with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) as the methodology. Finally, we offer a case study to validate the proposed methodology. The case study and evaluation show the advantages of the proposed security assessment mechanism.
Quantitative Evaluation of Stereo Visual Odometry for Autonomous Vessel Localisation in Inland Waterway Sensing Applications
Authors: Kriechbaumer Thomas , Blackburn Kim , Breckon Toby , Hamilton Oliver , Rivas Casado Monica
Published: December 2015

Autonomous survey vessels can increase the efficiency and availability of wide-area river environment surveying as a tool for environment protection and conservation. A key challenge is the accurate localisation of the vessel, where bank-side vegetation or urban settlement preclude the conventional use of line-of-sight global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). In this paper, we evaluate unaided visual odometry, via an on-board stereo camera rig attached to the survey vessel, as a novel, low-cost localisation strategy. Feature-based and appearance-based visual odometry algorithms are implemented on a six degrees of freedom platform operating under guided motion, but stochastic variation in yaw, pitch and roll. Evaluation is based on a 663 m-long trajectory (>15,000 image frames) and statistical error analysis against ground truth position from a target tracking tachymeter integrating electronic distance and angular measurements. The position error of the feature-based technique (mean of ±0.067 m) is three times smaller than that of the appearance-based algorithm. From multi-variable statistical regression, we are able to attribute this error to the depth of tracked features from the camera in the scene and variations in platform yaw. Our findings inform effective strategies to enhance stereo visual localisation for the specific application of river monitoring.
An Analog Circuit Approximation of the Discrete Wavelet Transform for Ultra Low Power Signal Processing in Wearable Sensor Nodes
Authors: Casson Alexander
Published: December 2015

Ultra low power signal processing is an essential part of all sensor nodes, and particularly so in emerging wearable sensors for biomedical applications. Analog signal processing has an important role in these low power, low voltage, low frequency applications, and there is a key drive to decrease the power consumption of existing analog domain signal processing and to map more signal processing approaches into the analog domain. This paper presents an analog domain signal processing circuit which approximates the output of the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for use in ultra low power wearable sensors. Analog filters are used for the DWT filters and it is demonstrated how these generate analog domain DWT-like information that embeds information from Butterworth and Daubechies maximally flat mother wavelet responses. The Analog DWT is realised in hardware via g m C circuits, designed to operate from a 1.3 V coin cell battery, and provide DWT-like signal processing using under 115 nW of power when implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS process. Practical examples demonstrate the effective use of the new Analog DWT on ECG (electrocardiogram) and EEG (electroencephalogram) signals recorded from humans.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome or Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Izquierdo-Domínguez Adriana , Cordero Castillo Arturo , Alobid Isam , Mullol Joaquim
Published: December 2015

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss, EGPA) is a systemic small-to-medium-sized vasculitis associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Histologically EGPA presents tissue eosinophilia, necrotizing vasculitis, and granulomatous inflammation with eosinophil tissue infiltration. EGPA commonly involves the upper airway and lung parenchyma, peripheral neuropathy, cardiac disorders, and skin lesions. The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are positive in 40% of cases, especially in those patients with clinical signs of vasculitis. The pathogenesis of EGPA is multifactorial. The disease can be triggered by exposure to a variety of allergens and drugs, but a genetic background has also been described, particularly an association with HLA-DRB4. Th2 response is of special importance in the upregulation of different interleukins such as IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5. Th1 and Th17 responses are also of significance. Activated eosinophils have a prolonged survival and probably cause tissue damage by releasing eosinophil granule proteins, while their tissue recruitment can be regulated by chemokines such as eotaxin-3 and CCL17. Humoral immunity is also abnormally regulated, as demonstrated by excessive responses of IgG4 and IgE. EGPA has a good respond to glucocorticoids, although the combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide, azathioprine) is needed in most of cases. Newer treatment options include anti-IL-5 antibodies (mepolizumab), whose efficacy has been described in clinical trials, and anti-CD-20, a B cell-depleting agent (rituximab), reported in several case series.
Landscape Ecological Risk Responses to Land Use Change in the Luanhe River Basin, China
Authors: Li Ying , Huang Suiliang
Published: December 2015

Land use change has large effects on natural ecosystems, which is considered to be the main factor in eco-environment change. We analyzed the future characters of land use change by the CLUE-S model and explored landscape ecological risk responses to land use change by the landscape ecological risk index method. Using the Luanhe River Basin as a case study, we simulated future land use change from 2010 to 2030 under 3 scenarios (i.e., trend, high economic growth, and ecological security), and identified the hotspots of land use change. Afterward, we quantitatively investigated the degree of land use development and landscape ecological risk patterns that have occured since 2000 and that are expected to occur until 2030. Results revealed that, under the three scenarios, construction land and forest are expanding mainly at the expense of agriculture land and grassland. The hotspots of land use change are located in the vicinity of Shuangluan and Shuangqiao District of Chengde City in the midstream of the Luanhe River Basin, where urbanization has been strong since 2000 and is projected to continue that way until 2030. During this time period, hotspots of land use development have been gradually transferring from the downstream to the midstream since 2000 and, again, is expected to continue that way until 2030, which will impact the spatial distribution of landscape ecological risk. We found that the landscape ecological risk of the entire basin has shown a negative trend. However, a few areas still have serious ecological risk, which are mainly located in the east of upstream (Duolun County and Weichang County), the middle region (Shuangluan and Shuangqiao District, Chengde County, and Xinglong County), and the downstream (Qinglong County). These can provide key information for land use management, and for helping to prepare future eco-environmental policies in the Luanhe River Basin.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Based on Selected Optimal Combination of Landslide Predisposing Factors in a Large Catchment
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Dongchuan , Huang Yong , Wang Zhiheng , Zhang Lihui , Guo Qiaozhen , Chen Wei , Chen Wengang , Sang Mengqin
Published: December 2015

Landslides are usually initiated under complex geological conditions. It is of great significance to find out the optimal combination of predisposing factors and create an accurate landslide susceptibility map based on them. In this paper, the Information Value Model was modified to make the Modified Information Value (MIV) Model, and together with GIS (Geographical Information System) and AUC (Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) test, 32 factor combinations were evaluated separately, and factor combination group with members Slope, Lithology, Drainage network, Annual precipitation, Faults, Road and Vegetation was selected as the optimal combination group with an accuracy of 95.0%. Based on this group, a landslide susceptibility zonation map was drawn, where the study area was reclassified into five classes, presenting an accurate description of different levels of landslide susceptibility, with 79.41% and 13.67% of the validating field survey landslides falling in the Very High and High zones, respectively, mainly distributed in the south and southeast of the catchment. It showed that MIV model can tackle the problem of “no data in subclass” well, generate the true information value and show real running trend, which performs well in showing the relationship between predisposing factors and landslide occurrence and can be used for preliminary landslide susceptibility assessment in the study area.
Toulouse d'après les premiers résultats du recensement de 1954
Authors: Coppolani Jean
Published: December 2015

Les premiers résultats du recensement de 1954 font apparaître les conséquences durables, pour la population toulousaine, de la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale. Avec 268 863 hab., Toulouse est la 7e agglomération française et se place, avec Rouen, en tête des agglomérations françaises de 200 à 300 000 habitants. La croissance de la ville, très rapide de 1914 à 1946, marque donc un temps d'arrêt, dû en partie au mouvement de la population urbaine vers les communes de banlieue. Le mouvement de la population à l'intérieur de la commune s'est traduit par la reprise du dépeuplement des quartiers centraux et la continuation du déplacement du centre de la ville vers la gare (NE), en s'éloignant de la Garonne, Le desserrement de la population a profité surtout aux quartiers semi-ruraux de la périphérie et à la banlieue. Dans un rayon de 25 à 30 km autour de Toulouse, 72 communes se sont accrues de plus de 10 % entre les deux derniers recensements. 26 d'entre elles ont gagné de 20 à 40 %. L'ensemble de l'agglomération et des communes de la banlieue compte 327 809 hab., 5 % de plus qu'en 1946. Cette augmentation s'étend d'ailleurs à la majorité des départements de la région de Toulouse, devenue, après une longue période d'excédents de décès, une région où les naissances sont généralement excédentaires. Toulouse a donc cessé de s'accroître dans une région de dépression démographique. Mais la persistance du mouvement d'émigration hors de la région montre que les progrès de l'économie régionale restent insuffisants.
Les migrations temporaires en Quercy
Authors: Pinède Christiane
Published: December 2015

Les mouvements de population ont toujours été très intenses en Quercy et elles ont persisté jusqu'à ces dernières années. Les déplacements entre régions complémentaires ont été nombreux à la fin du XIXe siècle, où ils revêtaient un caractère tantôt agricole, tantôt artisanal ou commercial. Depuis la guerre de 1914, la mobilité de la population correspond surtout à un appauvrissement du Quercy ; les formes de survivance intéressent encore des français originaires des régions les plus déshéritées, quelques étrangers et même des lotois. Actuellement les migrations temporaires sont provoquées par des besoins de main-d'œuvre saisonniers ou par l'ouverture momentanée d'un horizon de travail ; mais l'émigration définitive tend à les tarir.
Le Sud-Ouest et le problème pétrolier
Authors: Brunet Roger
Published: December 2015

Possédant les trois grands gisements français de gaz et de pétrole, Saint-Marcet, Lacq et Parentis, le Sud-Ouest fournit la quasi-totalité des ressources métropolitaines en hydrocarbures. Mais ces richesses n'assureront, dans les prochaines années, que 5 % des besoins énergétiques français. La consommation actuelle de produits pétroliers dans le Sud-Ouest est inférieure à la moyenne française ; excédentaire en ce qui concerne les sources d'énergie fondamentales, le Sud-Ouest en profitera-t-il pour s'industrialiser ? Le retard acquis semble devoir n*être qu'imparfaitement comblé par les constructions ou les projets d'usines nouvelles consécutifs à la mise en exploitation du gaz de Lacq, dont l'exportation partielle hors du Sud-Ouest est certaine.
Mirando a través de la burbuja: Representaciones de la migración no comunitaria en los discursos de actores políticos y sociales de la Unión Europea
Authors: Sebastiani Luca
Published: December 2015

El presente texto, fundamentado en la investigación doctoral del autor, constituye un análisis de las representaciones de la migración no comunitaria emergentes en los discursos de los principales actores políticos y sociales implicados en la construcción del “Marco de la Unión Europea para la Integración de Nacionales de Terceros Países”. Se centra en las especificidades discursivas que caracterizan el contexto “elitista” y “políticamente correcto” de Bruselas, cuya principal consecuencia es la producción de representaciones “proactivas” y no abiertamente negativas de la inmigración, centradas en el paradigma de la “ciudadanía activa” antes que en las ideas de “falta” y “carencia”. Resalta que, a pesar de esta diferencia, existe un conjunto de supuestos eurocéntricos y excluyentes que subyacen en el trasfondo de estos discursos y los examina.
Representantes e dominantes: Os governantes e as relações de classe em Portugal
Authors: Campos Adriano , Costa Jorge , Lopes João Teixeira , Louçã Francisco , Moniz Nuno
Published: December 2015

Este artigo trata das ligações estabelecidas entre os detentores de capital e os grupos de governantes e ex-governantes, a partir de uma perspetiva crítica capaz de realçar o papel do Estado na estruturação do poder económico. É dado especial enfoque ao processo de cooptação, numa análise que engloba os dados referentes aos 776 governantes que ocuparam 1281 cargos nos 19 governos constitucionais (1976-2014).
Judicialización de la política y soberanía popular: Sobre el estatuto político de las resoluciones judiciales
Authors: Alvarez Luciana
Published: December 2015

Nuestro trabajo se ocupa de la judicialización de la política en las sociedades democráticas contemporáneas en cuanto fenómeno que podría haber incidido en las formas en que se ejerce la soberanía popular y, más precisamente, en los modos en que es dable pensar los procesos políticos emancipatorios. En este sentido, y a partir de una consideración específica tanto del “pueblo” como de “lo político”, nos interesará problematizar las distintas interpretaciones (visión crítica y visión encantada) en torno de la judicialización de la política. Finalmente, nuestra indagación se pregunta por la posibilidad de explorar la potencialidad político-emancipatoria de las disputas judiciales.
Conhecimento, prática e ética: Os desafios da investigação-ação em contexto de prostituição feminina de rua
Authors: Graça Marta , Gonçalves Manuela
Published: December 2015

O paradigma, enquanto filosofia e matriz, guia o processo de investigação, assumindo um lugar fundamental sobre o qual é primordial refletir. No caso da prostituição, usualmente considerada um tema controverso, entendemos que a questão do paradigma orientador ganha importância acrescida. Neste artigo, a partir do projeto de investigação-ação em desenvolvimento, com uma equipa de rua e prostitutas, efetuamos uma reflexão sobre o paradigma sociocrítico tomando os quatro eixos conceptuais – ontologia, epistemologia, metodologia e ética, e estabelecendo interseção com os feminismos. Concluímos que a ética é crucial, uma vez que a produção de conhecimento e transformação da práxis assentam na relação interpessoal. Postulamos a necessidade de mais investigação participativa, centrada nas pessoas, revestida criteriosamente de um agir ético, de reflexão e de validação das subjetividades.
O Estado social ativo: Um novo paradigma legitimador das políticas públicas em Portugal
Authors: Martins João Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Elabora-se neste artigo uma reflexão crítica sobre as políticas de ativação estatal a partir da análise dos resultados empíricos de uma investigação sociológica sobre a implementação das políticas públicas de educação de adultos no âmbito da Iniciativa Novas Oportunidades. O novo paradigma de políticas públicas centrado na ideia de Estado social ativo é aqui questionado a partir das representações dos técnicos responsáveis pela implementação desta medida, uma vez que é possível constatar que nem todos os beneficiários são perspetivados como dispondo das características necessárias para ir ao encontro da ideologia estatal da ativação. A partir de um estudo qualitativo que recorre a entrevistas aprofundadas com formadores de adultos, foi possível construir uma tipologia de beneficiários que remete para uma diversidade de modos de relação com as propostas de ativação estatal.
Reconciliation as a Historical Process
Authors: Quehl Hartmut
Published: December 2015

This chapter understands reconciliation as an historical process, inseparably connected to communication processes, processes of remembrance, and the transformation processes of individual and collective memories. The author aims to link the issues of reconciliation and remembrance, and uses the historical example of the Germans coming to terms with their past (“Vergangenheitsbewältigung”) after 1945 to categorize a specific reconciliation process into different contextual levels and thereby answer the question, whether or not the German reconciliation process has been successfully completed. This chapter also aims to seek possible fields of comparison with other reconciliation processes that have taken place in different time and spatial settings. Such a “comparison of differences and variables within the context of reconciliation processes” will be elaborated through an abstraction of structural components, using the example of Germany after the Second World War.
Violence and Masculinity in the Syrian Conflict
Authors: Valter Stéphane
Published: December 2015

This paper aims at analyzing the various forms of violence carried out by the different categories of people directly involved in the actual Syrian war: ‘regular' soldiers, Alawite elite troops (plus the different security services), (mostly) Alawite militiamen, rebels from the (Sunni) mainstream armed opposition, and Islamist fighters, not to mention rogues who thrive on unruliness. This paper's hypothesis is that the demobilization of combatants is just partially connected to concrete issues – in the sense, for example, that any nationwide economic reconstruction will probably not be enough to promote reconciliation – since other factors impede any eventual transition from a violent civil war to a peaceful agreement, among them: a peculiar middle-eastern sense of masculinity plus the plague of sectarianism which builds organic barriers between people.
Military vs. Citizens in the Arab Zone
Authors: Valter Stéphane
Published: December 2015

All the political systems of the Arab-Islamic zone are authoritarian, with the exception of Tunisia where fair elections recently took place and political alternation was accepted. Lebanon is another exception in the sense that state prerogatives – shared between antagonist religious communities – do not enjoy sufficient power to exert coercive policies. But apart from these two cases, this global authoritarian environment is of no avail vis-à-vis any initiative that would aim at forging some idea of citizenship – with its obligations and privileges – amongst the population, and particularly among the military. The present analysis will concentrate on the links existing between authoritarianism and citizenship, with an emphasis on Arab armed forces considered within their sociological contexts, since these entities are as much the emanation of the people(s) as the physical manifestation of the regimes' strength. The issue will be addressed through two perspectives: politics and philosophy.
Of Justice, Accountability, and Reconciliation
Authors: Scherr Kathrin Maria
Published: December 2015

This paper analyses South Sudan's long struggle for an inclusive reconciliatory process in the country from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 to the peace negotiations in Addis Ababa in 2014/15 and highlights the difficulties that the country has faced in introducing a lasting initiative to bring about justice, achieve reconciliation and ensure accountability in the country. The author considers different judicial and non-judicial mechanisms as elements of a comprehensive transitional justice policy and suggests viable options for South Sudan to confront the historical grievances and to resolve the frictions and tensions that have persisted between the different warring groups and ethnic communities during the decades of war in South Sudan.
Post-Conflict Justice in Cambodia
Authors: Heilmann Daniel
Published: December 2015

This paper looks at the role that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia play in the context of post-conflict justice in Cambodia. The first trial against one of the main perpetrators was completed in 2010; the first phase of the second case against two high-ranking leaders of the Khmer Rouge has been completed in 2014. This study includes an analysis of how the Tribunal has influenced the legal and political culture in Cambodia, and the ways in which the work of the Tribunal has changed the perception of common people concerning the Khmer Rouge period. The paper also looks at the proceedings before the Tribunal and discusses whether the Tribunal has, in the eyes of all relevant stakeholders, lived up to expectations. The interaction between the Cambodian government and the international community is crucial in this context. Finally, the Tribunal's lasting legacy is scrutinized in regard to its effect on the Cambodian legal system and in regard to the ECCC's outreach, education and documentation activities.
The Trade Union Movement of Iraq after 2003
Authors: Jakob Thomas Erich
Published: December 2015

This chapter argues that transition after critical junctures is heavily linked to the narratives which prevail the discourse of the respective country. Different political actors try to legitimize retroactively current claims to power. In such “zero hour” the extent of ability to organize, mobilize, set incentives, and protect followers is of the essence. This chapter uses the example of Iraq after 2003 where the split between Kurds, Shi'i Muslims, and Sunni Muslims, became the driving force behind political action and loyalty. An established counter-narrative deconstructs the claim that an eternal Shi'i – Sunni split determined all outcomes of Iraqi history, stating that religion was historically a rather subordinate identity. Then crucial contributions to the deepening of the sectarian cleavage by religious networks, the Iraqi constitution, and the policies of the Coalition Provisional Authority, (CPA) are shown and exemplified using the Iraqi trade union movement after 2003.
Effect of Zirconia Nano Filler for Enhancing Energy Capacity in Polyethylene Oxide Based Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Sugumaran C. Pugazhendhi , Selvaraj D. Edison
Published: December 2015

Lithium ion batteries have become a popular power source for portable electronic equipments. It is found to be superior in gravimetric energy density as it provides about 1.5 times more energy compared to nickel hydride battery. In this study, Polyethylene Oxide based polymer electrolytes were used for investigation. PEO based solid polymer electrolyte films were prepared by solution casting technique with different concentration of salt and different %wt of zirconia nanofiller. The X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out for the identification of compounds available in the sample and to determine the relative concentrations by the intensities of pattern lines. Also the superposition of absorption bands of specific functional groups was confirmed with the infra-red spectrum of FTIR. The Complex Impedance Spectroscopy technique was further used to measure the cell admittance / impedance in a wide range of frequencies and analyzed in the complex admittance/ impedance plane. From the impedance test results it is observed that the conductivity of polymer electrolyte was improved from 7.39×10−4 Scm−1 to 5.24×10−3 Scm−1 after adding 3%wt of ZrO2 nanofiller with pure polymer. Set up of nano Lab is rare, new and uncommon. It is also an emerging technology. Fabrication of powder needs extra machines which are not popular among common people. It will become popular in the coming future. When particle size is reduced, the quantity of powder is reduced, quality is increased.
Residual Charges during Electrospinning Assist in Formation of Piezoelectricity in Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Trifluoroethylene) Nanofibers
Authors: Choi A Young , Sim Hyeon Jun , Shin Min Kyoon , Kim Seon Jeong , Kim Youn Tae
Published: December 2015

We confirm piezoelectric performance of bottom electrospun PVDF-TrFE mat is higher than that of top mat and report the mechanism of additional poling process of electrospun nanofibers by local electric field which is originating from residual charges in far-field electrospinning process. Piezoelectric output measurement of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) electrospun nanofibers was performed by push test and output signals of bottom and top were compared. The local electric field strength calculated by simulation was higher than reported electric field strength of near-field electrospinning (10 MV/m). It can be concluded that the piezoelectric outputs of electrospun nanofibers tend to be improved by residual charge density and electrospinning condition.
Conductive Microwires of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Microcontact Printing
Authors: Liu Shi Li , Xin Zhi Qing , Li Xiu , Huang Bei Qing , Deng Pu Jun , Li Lu Hai
Published: December 2015

High resolution pattern of silver nanoparticles has received great attentions for its application in various electronic devices such as touch screen, OLED and solar cell. However, traditional printing techniques cannot meet the demands for high resolution. Here, we introduce a new method to prepare fine lines of nanoparticles less than 10 μm by microcontact printing (μCP), which was first used to surface modification and patterning. The PDMS stamp with 10 μm line width and space was prepared by replication of etched silicon template. Conductive silver ink was transferred from resource substrate to the target substrate using the PDMS stamp during μCP process. Transferred line patterns of silver nanoparticles were conductive and the resistance was about 100 Ω using two-point probe measure method after baking at 150°C for 30 min. We found that printing pressure imposed on the PDMS stamp was significant for the quality of lines during the μCP process and appropriate printing pressure was 7~9 KPa. The technology can be used as universal method to transfer other nanomaterials and create fine patterns with a simple and cost-effective manner.
Electrochemistry Behavior of Ag/TiO2 Nanobelts and its Potential Applications on Mercapto Proteins Detection
Authors: Wang Yan Min , Hao Xiu Hong , Liu Hong
Published: December 2015

Glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were modified by TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 heterostructured nanobelts, respectively. The corresponding electrodes were marked as TiO2/GCE and Ag/TiO2/GCE, respectively. The electrochemical properties of Ag/TiO2/GCE had good and stable electrochemical characteristics in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), and it can be applied to the trace detection of L-cysteine. When the concentration of L-cysteine is in 10-7 order of magnitude, it is more sensitive.