bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of γ-CD-Containing Cross-Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel as a Prednisone Delivery Platform
Authors: Marican Adolfo , Avila-Salas Fabián , Valdés Oscar , Wehinger Sergio , Villaseñor Jorge , Fuentealba Natalia , Arenas-Salinas Mauricio , Argandoña Yerko , Carrasco-Sánchez Verónica , Durán-Lara Esteban
Published: March 2018

This study describes the in-silico rational design, synthesis and evaluation of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels containing γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CDHSAs) as platforms for the sustained release of prednisone (PDN). Through in-silico studies using semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations, the effectiveness of 20 dicarboxylic acids to generate a specific cross-linked hydrogel capable of supporting different amounts of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) was evaluated. According to the interaction energies calculated with the in-silico studies, the hydrogel made from PVA cross-linked with succinic acids (SA) was shown to be the best candidate for containing γ-CD. Later, molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed in order to evaluate the intermolecular interactions between PDN and three cross-linked hydrogel formulations with different proportions of γ-CD (2.44%, 4.76% and 9.1%). These three cross-linked hydrogels were synthesized and characterized. The loading and the subsequent release of PDN from the hydrogels were investigated. The in-silico and experimental results showed that the interaction between PDN and γ-CDHSA was mainly produced with the γ-CDs linked to the hydrogels. Thus, the unique structures and properties of γ-CDHSA demonstrated an interesting multiphasic profile that could be utilized as a promising drug carrier for controlled, sustained and localized release of PDN.
Co-Deposition of a Hydrogel/Calcium Phosphate Hybrid Layer on 3D Printed Poly(Lactic Acid) Scaffolds via Dip Coating: Towards Automated Biomaterials Fabrication
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Günter Christina , Taubert Andreas
Published: March 2018

The article describes the surface modification of 3D printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds with calcium phosphate (CP)/gelatin and CP/chitosan hybrid coating layers. The presence of gelatin or chitosan significantly enhances CP co-deposition and adhesion of the mineral layer on the PLA scaffolds. The hydrogel/CP coating layers are fairly thick and the mineral is a mixture of brushite, octacalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite. Mineral formation is uniform throughout the printed architectures and all steps (printing, hydrogel deposition, and mineralization) are in principle amenable to automatization. Overall, the process reported here therefore has a high application potential for the controlled synthesis of biomimetic coatings on polymeric biomaterials.
Morphological Structure, Rheological Behavior, Mechanical Properties and Sound Insulation Performance of Thermoplastic Rubber Composites Reinforced by Different Inorganic Fillers
Authors: Fei Yanpei , Fang Wei , Zhong Mingqiang , Jin Jiangming , Fan Pin , Yang Jingtao , Fei Zhengdong , Chen Feng , Kuang Tairong
Published: March 2018

The application area of a sound insulation material is highly dependent on the technology adopted for its processing. In this study, thermoplastic rubber (TPR, polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer) composites were simply prepared via an extrusion method. Two microscale particles, CaCO3 and hollow glass microspheres (HGW) were chosen to not only enhance the sound insulation but also reinforced the mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the processing capability of composites was confirmed. SEM images showed that the CaCO3 was uniformly dispersed in TPR matrix with ~3 μm scale aggregates, while the HGM was slightly aggregated to ~13 μm scale. The heterogeneous dispersion of micro-scale fillers strongly affected the sound transmission loss (STL) value of composites. The STL values of TPR composites with 40 wt % CaCO3 and 20 wt % HGM composites were about 12 dB and 7 dB higher than that of pure TPR sample, respectively. The improved sound insulation performances of the composites have been attributed to the enhanced reflection and dissipate sound energy in the heterogeneous composite. Moreover, the mechanical properties were also enhanced. The discontinued sound impedance and reinforced stiffness were considered as crucial for the sound insulation.
Imagery and Religious Conversion. The Symbolic Function of Jonah 1:13
Authors: Oancea Constantin
Published: March 2018

Jonah 1:13 has a delaying function in the narrative, introducing a pause between Jonah’s demand to be thrown in the sea (1:12) and the event’s occurrence (1:15). Most commentators discuss only the events of 1:13 and their causes. In this article, I suggest an interpretation of Jonah 1:13 based on the imagery of the narrative. An analysis of the use of metaphors and symbols does not replace the message of the verse; such an analysis simply augments it with motives of the seamen’s conversion. Beside the narrative level, there is a hidden level suggesting a deeper understanding of the story where symbols and metaphors have a consolidating function. Distance, directions, and movement in Jonah 1 describe acts with religious connotation. At the same time, the physical action of rowing is a symbolic anticipation of the seamen’s conversion. It contains a message about the inner itinerary that leads to the transformation of the sailors. Thereby, I suggest that Jonah 1:13 not only reveals YHWH’s plan with Jonah but it also focuses on the sailors and their conversion.
Automatic Non-Destructive Growth Measurement of Leafy Vegetables Based on Kinect
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Le , Xiang Lirong , Wu Qian , Jiang Huanyu
Published: March 2018

Non-destructive plant growth measurement is essential for plant growth and health research. As a 3D sensor, Kinect v2 has huge potentials in agriculture applications, benefited from its low price and strong robustness. The paper proposes a Kinect-based automatic system for non-destructive growth measurement of leafy vegetables. The system used a turntable to acquire multi-view point clouds of the measured plant. Then a series of suitable algorithms were applied to obtain a fine 3D reconstruction for the plant, while measuring the key growth parameters including relative/absolute height, total/projected leaf area and volume. In experiment, 63 pots of lettuce in different growth stages were measured. The result shows that the Kinect-measured height and projected area have fine linear relationship with reference measurements. While the measured total area and volume both follow power law distributions with reference data. All these data have shown good fitting goodness (R2 = 0.9457–0.9914). In the study of biomass correlations, the Kinect-measured volume was found to have a good power law relationship (R2 = 0.9281) with fresh weight. In addition, the system practicality was validated by performance and robustness analysis.
A Quality Assessment Method Based on Common Distributed Targets for GF-3 Polarimetric SAR Data
Authors: Jiang Sha , Qiu Xiaolan , Han Bing , Hu Wenlong
Published: March 2018

The GaoFen-3 (GF-3) satellite, launched on 10 August 2016, is the first C-band polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) satellite in China. The PolSAR system of GF-3 can collect a significant wealth of information for geophysical research and applications. Being used for related applications, GF-3 PolSAR images must be of good quality. It is necessary to evaluate the quality of polarimetric data and achieve the normalized quality monitoring during 8-year designed life of GF-3. In this study, a new quality assessment method of PolSAR data based on common distributed targets is proposed, and the performance of the method is analyzed by simulations and GF-3 experiments. We evaluate the quality of GF-3 PolSAR data by this method. Results suggest that GF-3 antenna is highly isolated, and the quality of calibrated data satisfies the requests of quantitative applications.
A Human Resources Perspective on Responsible Corporate Behavior. Case Study: The Multinational Companies in Western Romania
Authors: Obrad Ciprian , Gherheș Vasile
Published: March 2018

This article aims to show the extent to which socially responsible Human Resource Management practices are implemented in multinational companies. As more recent studies highlight, the manner in which companies in Romania presently comprehend the social responsibility of their actions is mostly aimed towards the social component of the outer environment in which they function and less towards their own employees. In Romania, at the moment, there are only a few studies that catalogue the efforts made by companies in order to become more responsible towards their employees, or in other words, studies that present Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within its relationship with Human Resources Management (HRM). The research method we used for our case study was the semi-structured interview, applied on 32 respondents from the multinational companies carrying out their activities in the automotive sector in western Romania. Our study shows that multinational companies from the automotive sector are aware that CSR effects a series of long-term advantages, either externally—enhancing the company’s reputation and consolidating its brand as employer, its competitive advantage on the market, its media visibility—or internally—fostering an organizational culture that may generate greater engagement from its own employees, and financial advantages.
Modeling the Effects of Introducing Low Impact Development in a Tropical City: A Case Study from Joinville, Brazil
Authors: Goncalves Mariana , Zischg Jonatan , Rau Sven , Sitzmann Markus , Rauch Wolfgang , Kleidorfer Manfred
Published: March 2018

In tropical countries like Brazil, fast and uncontrolled urbanization, together with high rainfall intensities, makes flooding a frequent event. The implementation of decentralized stormwater controls is a promising strategy aiming to reduce surface runoff and pollution through retention, infiltration, filtration, and evapotranspiration of stormwater. Although the application of such controls has increased in the past years in developed countries, they are still not a common approach in developing countries, such as Brazil. In this paper we evaluate to what extend different low impact development (LID) techniques are able to reduce the flood risk in an area of high rainfall intensities in a coastal region of South Brazil. Feasible scenarios of placing LID units throughout the catchment were developed, analyzed with a hydrodynamic solver, and compared against the baseline scenario to evaluate the potential of flood mitigation. Results show that the performance improvements of different LID scenarios are highly dependent on the rainfall events. On average, a total flood volume reduction between 30% and 75% could be achieved for seven LID scenarios. For this case study the best results were obtained when using a combination of central and decentral LID units, namely detention ponds, infiltration trenches, and rain gardens.
Perennial Grain Legume Domestication Phase I: Criteria for Candidate Species Selection
Authors: Schlautman Brandon , Barriball Spencer , Ciotir Claudia , Herron Sterling , Miller Allison
Published: March 2018

Annual cereal and legume grain production is dependent on inorganic nitrogen (N) and other fertilizers inputs to resupply nutrients lost as harvested grain, via soil erosion/runoff, and by other natural or anthropogenic causes. Temperate-adapted perennial grain legumes, though currently non-existent, might be uniquely situated as crop plants able to provide relief from reliance on synthetic nitrogen while supplying stable yields of highly nutritious seeds in low-input agricultural ecosystems. As such, perennial grain legume breeding and domestication programs are being initiated at The Land Institute (Salina, KS, USA) and elsewhere. This review aims to facilitate the development of those programs by providing criteria for evaluating potential species and in choosing candidates most likely to be domesticated and adopted as herbaceous, perennial, temperate-adapted grain legumes. We outline specific morphological and ecophysiological traits that may influence each candidate’s agronomic potential, the quality of its seeds and the ecosystem services it can provide. Finally, we suggest that perennial grain legume breeders and domesticators should consider how a candidate’s reproductive biology, genome structure and availability of genetic resources will determine its ease of breeding and its domestication timeline.
A Decision-Making Model for Evaluating and Selecting Suppliers for the Sustainable Operation and Development of Enterprises in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Hung Kuang-Peng , Hu Shu-Hsien
Published: March 2018

Due to rigorous quality requirements and high unit prices, the manufacture of machines used in the aerospace industry is characterized by a high entry threshold, high risk and a long payback period. A good decision-making model for evaluating and selecting suppliers is vital for sustainable enterprise development. Therefore, this study presents a new two-stage model for evaluating and selecting suppliers in the aerospace industry. In the first stage, a hierarchical structure is built with five main and 16 sub-criteria for supplier evaluation and selection following the modified Delphi method; in the second stage, the best alternative solution is selected following the analytic network process (ANP) method. Finally, this study verifies the feasibility of the above model based on the purchase of high-precision and high-cost 3D measuring tools by Aerowin Technology Corporation, which is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The results show that the five criteria in the above model are ranked by their degree of importance, as follows: quality > cost > delivery > marketing > organizational planning. The findings of this research can be used as a reference for decision-making during the purchase of high-precision and high-priced machine tools in the aerospace industry.
Socio-Cultural Impact of Energy Saving: Studying the Behaviour of Elementary School Students in Greece
Authors: Lefkeli Sideri , Manolas Evangelos , Ioannou Konstantinos , Tsantopoulos Georgios
Published: March 2018

Education makes it possible for students to become familiar with the rational management of energy as well as learn to implement energy saving practices in their everyday life. The study of certain student characteristics helps in the direction of applying strategies of behavioural change. The aim of this research is to record the knowledge and attitudes of elementary school students in the Prefecture of Evros with regard to energy saving. The collection of research data was done through the use of a structured and anonymous questionnaire with closed questions. The method used for the collection of the research data was cluster sampling. This involved 17 elementary schools of the continental part of the prefecture. 612 questionnaires were completed by students of the 5th and 6th grade of these schools. The evaluation of the research data showed that 69.6% of the students think that the most appropriate house temperature is 20°C with 79.1% of the students keeping the thermostat switched off while the house is aired. With regard to the use of TV, stereo, play station and PC the research showed that 93.8% of the students switch off the above devices when these are not in use. In parallel, 86.6% of the respondents usually or always switch off the lights when coming out of a room and 46.2% of the students use energy saving bulbs. Also, 93% of the students recycle because they believe that doing so contributes to the protection of the environment while 41% always chooses to walk to school. With regard to the significance of reasons concerning energy saving 85.9% thinks that energy saving is important to very important for reducing environmental pollution.
Effects of High Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Growth Performance, and Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Pigs
Authors: Reddy Kondreddy , Song Jaeyong , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Kim Minseok , Kim Dong-Wook , Jung Hyun , Kim Bumseok , Lee Yookyung , Yu Dongjo , Kim Dong-Woon , Oh Young , Lee Sung
Published: March 2018

Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are common food contaminants produced by Fusarium sp. Mycotoxins are a potential health hazard because of their toxicological effects on both humans and farmed animals. Methods: We analyzed three groups of pigs: a control group (fed a standard diet), and the DON and ZEN groups, fed a diet containing 8 mg/kg DON and 0.8 mg/kg ZEN respectively, for four weeks. Results: DON and ZEN exposure decreased body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), food conversion rate (FCR), and the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. The total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in serum and increased in urine samples of both treatment groups. Additionally, DON and ZEN exposure increased serotonin levels in urine. Hematological parameters were not affected by the investigated toxins. Microscopic lesions were evident in sections of kidneys from either treatment group: we found sporadic interstitial nephritis in the DON group and renal glomerulus atrophy in the ZEN group. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine marker genes were reduced in tissues from DON- and ZEN-exposed pigs. Conclusions: chronic ingestion of high doses of DON and ZEN alters the immune response and causes organs damage, and might be associated with various diseases in pigs.
Melioidosis in the Western Indian Ocean and the Importance of Improving Diagnosis, Surveillance, and Molecular Typing
Authors: Rakotondrasoa Andriniaina , Issack Mohammad , Garin Benoît , Biot Fabrice , Valade Eric , Wattiau Pierre , Allou Nicolas , Belmonte Olivier , Bibi Jastin , Price Erin , Collard Jean-Marc
Published: March 2018

Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an infectious disease of humans or animals, and the specific environmental conditions that are present in western Indian Ocean islands are particularly suitable for the establishment/survival of B. pseudomallei. Indeed, an increasing number of new cases have been reported in this region (Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (France), and Seychelles, except Comoros and Mayotte (France)), and are described in this review. Our review clearly points out that further studies are needed in order to investigate the real incidence and burden of melioidosis in the western Indian Ocean and especially Madagascar, since it is likely to be higher than currently reported. Thus, research and surveillance priorities were recommended (i) to improve awareness of melioidosis in the population and among clinicians; (ii) to improve diagnostics, in order to provide rapid and effective treatment; (iii) to implement a surveillance and reporting system in the western Indian Ocean; and (iv) to investigate the presence of B. pseudomallei in environmental samples, since we have demonstrated its presence in soil samples originating from the yard of a Madagascan case.
Urban Informality and Vulnerability: A Case Study in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Richmond Amy , Myers Ian , Namuli Hafisa
Published: March 2018

Urbanization increasingly means that the poorest, most vulnerable people move into large, highly distressed informal areas. These areas exhibit high levels of poverty and inequality. This paper uses Kampala, Uganda to identify drivers of vulnerability in informal communities that are a consequence of urbanization. Specifically, this paper adapts a vulnerability framework, developed for Uganda as a whole, for an urban environment. Using data collected by the NGO ACTogether along with interviews, this paper determines that the most important drivers of vulnerability in Kampala’s 57 slum communities are water and sanitation. Vulnerability caused by water and sanitation issues can be alleviated with adequate urban planning. However, planning in Kampala is difficult and not well implemented. This paper concludes that informal settlements are a critical part of the fabric of the city, yet poor planning creates risk which in turn increases vulnerability. As these cities grow, the burden on environmental resources, such as water, will continue to increase making adequate municipal services and infrastructure even more important. Bottom-up approaches to urban planning capture the individual requirements of each community and can more effectively inform urban planning and policy that focuses on reducing overall water vulnerability.
HFF-DeepSpace Photometric Catalogs of the 12 Hubble Frontier Fields, Clusters, and Parallels: Photometry, Photometric Redshifts, and Stellar Masses
Authors: Shipley Heath V. , Lange-Vagle Daniel , Marchesini Danilo , Brammer Gabriel B. , Ferrarese Laura , Stefanon Mauro , Kado-Fong Erin , Whitaker Katherine E. , Oesch Pascal A. , Feinstein Adina D. , Labbé Ivo , Lundgren Britt , Martis Nicholas , Muzzin Adam , Nedkova Kalina , Skelton Rosalind , van der Wel Arjen
Published: March 2018

We present Hubble multi-wavelength photometric catalogs, including (up to) 17 filters with the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 from the ultra-violet to near-infrared for the Hubble Frontier Fields and associated parallels. We have constructed homogeneous photometric catalogs for all six clusters and their parallels. To further expand these data catalogs, we have added ultra-deep K

S
-band imaging at 2.2 μm from the Very Large Telescope HAWK-I and Keck-I MOSFIRE instruments. We also add post-cryogenic Spitzer imaging at 3.6 and 4.5 μm with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), as well as archival IRAC 5.8 and 8.0 μm imaging when available. We introduce the public release of the multi-wavelength (0.2–8 μm) photometric catalogs, and we describe the unique steps applied for the construction of these catalogs. Particular emphasis is given to the source detection band, the contamination of light from the bright cluster galaxies (bCGs), and intra-cluster light (ICL). In addition to the photometric catalogs, we provide catalogs of photometric redshifts and stellar population properties. Furthermore, this includes all the images used in the construction of the catalogs, including the combined models of bCGs and ICL, the residual images, segmentation maps, and more. These catalogs are a robust data set of the Hubble Frontier Fields and will be an important aid in designing future surveys, as well as planning follow-up programs with current and future observatories to answer key questions remaining about first light, reionization, the assembly of galaxies, and many more topics, most notably by identifying high-redshift sources to target.
Why be red listed? Threatened Myriapoda species in Brazil with implications for their conservation
Authors: Karam-Gemael Manoela , Izzo Thiago , Chagas-Jr Amazonas
Published: March 2018

The biodiversity crisis we live in, marked by high extinction rates, requires well-planned conservation efforts. To overcome this issue, red lists of threatened species are recognized as the main objective approach for evaluating the conservation status of species and therefore guiding conservation priorities. This work focuses on the Myriapoda (Chilopoda and Diplopoda) species listed in the Brazilian red list of fauna to enable discussion of the practical implications of red lists for conservation. Almost all myriapods assessed are endemic to Brazil (99 %) and 73 % are known from subterranean habitats only. Despite of 33 % being recorded from protected areas (PAs), downgrading, degazettement or downsizing of PAs and intense and unregulated ecotourism represent great threats. The PAs network in Brazil tends to fail in conserving myriapod species. The number of data deficient species (42 %) states the need of investing in ecological and taxonomic studies about the group, in order to fill in important knowledge gaps in species assessments nationally and globally. In this work we show that there is a lack of communication between national and global agencies concerning red lists, which results in a significant loss for science and for conservation. Despite investing in national and state red lists, individual countries must take the final step of submitting its data to IUCN global database, as significant international funding is available for IUCN red listed species conservation. Being one of the most diverse countries in the world, and facing the biggest cuts ever on national science funding, losing these important funding opportunities is a huge loss for Brazilian biodiversity conservation and for science. This study raises awareness on subterranean habitats conservation, due to its high endemism and fragility. Since the first edition of the Brazilian Red List in 1968, centipedes are now included for the first time, and millipedes for the second time. The presence of these myriapods in the list brings attention to the group, which usually receives little or no attention in conservation programs and environmental impact assessments. Rather than a specific case for Myriapoda and for Brazil, the points discussed here can be related to arthropods and the tropics, as the most biodiverse countries are emerging economies facing similar challenges in PAs network management, species extinction risks and science funding.
Proceedings of the 17th International Congress of Myriapodology, Krabi, Thailand
Authors: Stoev Pavel , Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: March 2018

This special issue of ZooKeys assembles a collection of contemporary research devoted to myriapods presented at the 17th International Congress of Myriapodology, held from 23 to 26 July 2017 in Krabi, Thailand. It comprises 13 articles by 35 authors from 10 countries (Austria, Australia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Russia, Taiwan, UK). Contributions focus on a wide range of topics – biogeography, systematics, phylogenetics, anatomy and conservation of millipedes and centipedes. 
Les espaces de discussion : un vecteur de régulation des paradoxes de la Nouvelle Gestion Publique ?
Authors: Bellini Stéphane , Dreveton Benjamin , Grimand Amaury , Oiry Ewan
Published: March 2018

Les espaces de discussion permettent-ils de réguler les paradoxes de la Nouvelle Gestion Publique (NGP) ? A partir des années 1990, pour tenter de répondre aux critiques classiques adressées aux organisations publiques, la Nouvelle Gestion Publique a impulsé une réforme profonde de ces organisations dans les pays occidentaux. Elle a toutefois créé de nombreux paradoxes sur ce qu’est la performance, la culture ou même la légitimité dans les organisations publiques. Cet article défend l’idée que les « espaces de discussion » sont, pour partie, en mesure de réguler ces paradoxes. Il présente l’étude du cas d’un organisme de formation public. Les résultats montrent que la NGP crée des paradoxes particulièrement forts dans cette organisation et que les espaces de discussion qui existent permettent de réguler partiellement ces paradoxes. Nos résultats mettent en particulier en évidence le rôle que les outils de gestion jouent dans cette régulation. Toutefois, ils soulignent aussi la fragilité de cette régulation et sa difficulté à diffuser ses effets dans l’ensemble de l’organisation tant qu’elle n’est pas soutenue par la direction générale. Ces résultats permettent d’enrichir la littérature existante sur les paradoxes produits par la NGP, sur le rôle des outils de gestion dans le fonctionnement des espaces de discussion et sur la capacité des espaces de discussion à réguler certains paradoxes de la NGP.
Stratégie et liberté d’action
Authors: Desportes Vincent
Published: March 2018

Préserver, accroître sa liberté de décider et de faire : c’est le cœur de la stratégie, art de l’agir. Les degrés de liberté d’action constituent une véritable monnaie stratégique, qui se réduit ou croît au fil de la relation avec l’adversaire. Cette monnaie doit être dépensée, l’abstention diminuant la capacité à agir ; mais elle n’existe que par les moyens concrets dont dispose le stratège. Cette liberté d’action est centrale à tous niveaux des stratégies, et pour toutes les stratégies.
Liban : entre clientélisme régional et carcan national
Authors: Daher Aurélie
Published: March 2018

En novembre 2017, les dirigeants saoudiens forcent le Premier ministre libanais, Saad Hariri, à démissionner. Ils commettent ainsi une erreur d’appréciation aux conséquences importantes. Si Riyad espère une mise à l’écart politique du Hezbollah chiite par la communauté sunnite, ces agissements ont été dénoncés par la majorité des Libanais, toutes confessions confondues. Une retombée de cette action pourrait être le renforcement des courants pro-iraniens aux élections législatives de mai 2018.
Notas taxonómicas y nomenclaturales a propósito de Vicia aphylla (Fabaceae)
Authors: Gil González J. , Malécot V. , Gil González M. L.
Published: March 2018

Se presenta la neotipificación del nombre Vicia aphylla C. Sm. ex Buch con un ejemplar procedente del antiguo herbario personal de Jens Wilken Hornemann depositado en el herbario del Museo de Historia Natural de Dinamarca (C). Además, se discute la conveniencia de usar este nombre frente a Vicia cirrhosa C. Sm. ex Webb & Berthel.

[fr] Avec ce travail nous présentons la néotypification du nom Vicia aphylla C. Sm. ex Buch avec un échantillon de l’ancien herbier personnel de Jens Wilken Hornemann déposé dans l’herbier du Musée d’Histoire Naturelle du Danemark (C). En plus, on discute la convenance d’utiliser ce nom en contre de Vicia cirrhosa C. Sm. ex Webb & Berthel.
Maurice Reuchlin et son histoire de la psychologie
Authors: Nicolas Serge
Published: March 2018

L’article traite de l’apport de Reuchlin en histoire de la psychologie. L’analyse a porté sur deux de ses principaux écrits : 1) son ouvrage de 1957 sur l’histoire de la psychologie, qui eut de nombreuses rééditions jusqu’en 2012 ; 2) son article sur l’histoire de la psychologie française publié en anglais en 1965. On y montre que Reuchlin a privilégié une histoire objective, mais très personnelle de la psychologie. L’histoire de la psychologie qu’il a proposée est une histoire sous-disciplinaire d’orientation très pédagogique mettant l’accent sur l’orientation scientifique de la discipline. On note cependant beaucoup de manques et des distorsions qui l’ont conduit notamment à sous-estimer l’apport de Binet à la psychologie, alors qu’il s’agit du psychologue français encore le plus connu au monde.
Reuchlin et la méthodologie
Authors: Juhel Jacques
Published: March 2018

Reuchlin a exercé sa réflexion sur la méthodologie psychologique en discutant les fondements épistémologiques de cette méthodologie. De cette interaction entre options méthodologiques et réflexions épistémologiques ont émergé de riches enseignements dont on tente de dégager les aspects les plus caractéristiques. Le cheminement de pensée dans l’œuvre méthodologique de Reuchlin est illustré par ses réflexions sur la question de la mesure des différences individuelles, sur l’inadaptation des méthodes de description analytique des données à la complexité des problèmes posés en psychologie différentielle, sur l’intérêt d’une attitude structurale qui renouvelle le contenu des notions d’économie, de niveau d’analyse, de causalité et de fonction, sur l’utilité pour le psychologue des représentations structurales de la conduite dans lesquelles les variations d’une variable prise pour effet ne peuvent être expliquées qu’à l’échelle d’une structure de variables observables et / ou hypothétiques.
Vicariances : la flexibilité du vivant
Authors: Ohlmann Théophile
Published: March 2018

Les processus vicariants différentiels proposés par Maurice Reuchlin en 1978 se caractérisent par le fait que face à un problème donné, chaque individu disposerait de plusieurs processus redondants. L’évocabilité de chacun de ces processus serait variable d’un individu à l’autre, mais aussi et surtout d’une situation à l’autre. Après les avoir décrits et positionnés dans le cadre des travaux contemporains, leur dynamique, liée à la variabilité intra-individuelle, est développée à partir d’exemples empruntés aux comportements spatiaux, à la neuropathologie et au développement cognitif. Dans une perspective évolutionniste, la convergence entre les vicariances et les théories neutralistes est rappelée.
Euphoria and Delusion of Digital Activism
Authors: Akpojivi Ufuoma
Published: March 2018

This chapter seeks to question and problematize the concept of cyber-utopianism that has characterized the phenomenal increase of digital activism in the African continent in the last decade. Using tweets collected between November 1, 2015 and May 1, 2016 on the #ZumaMustFall digital activism as a case study, the chapter argues that the ability of new media technologies in digital activism to create awareness has created a sense of euphoria that digital activism can bring about political, economic and socio-cultural changes. The study revealed that #ZumaMustFall digital activism has had limited impact as Zuma has not fallen and this can be attributed to the elite nature of the movement that has excluded vast majority of ordinary South Africans from the activities of the movement. In addition, the racial coloration of the movement (i.e. identity) hindered the movement from reaching out to the public who could have actively participated in translating the movement from the online space to the offline space and achieve their goals and objectives.
Using Social Media to Advocate LGBT Rights in Black Africa
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick C.
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of draconian homophobic laws in Cameroon and Nigeria has systematically stultified sympathy for the LGBT communities and made pro-gay street activism a risky venture in these two countries. In view of this, a good number of gay rights activists have resorted to the social media as a suitable platform for a less risky advocacy. Using the social media has afforded them the opportunity to explore interactive, post-modern, and personified approaches to sensitizing and mobilizing their readership in favour of gay proselytism in Cameroon, Nigeria, and some other parts of Africa. Based on a content analysis of 200 blog posts and web/facebook pages generated by Cameroonian and Nigerian gay activists, this chapter measures the extent to which gay activists adopt a national/local perspective versus the level to which they adopt an international perspective in their online advocacy. The chapter equally examines the degree to which these citizen journalist/activists construct their advocacy discourse from the prism of a cultural war between the West and Africa.
Increasing Technology Adoption through Certified Digital Educator Programme
Authors: Lim Chee Leong , Hassan Nurhanim
Published: March 2018

In this chapter, the certified digital educator (CDE) programme is developed with the aim of providing the academics with an on-going training that will lead to the e-learning certification. Formulated as part of continuous professional development program for academics at Taylor's University, the CDE programme provides opportunities for the academics to equip themselves with related e-learning skills through the byte-sized training modules offered in addition to the existing blended learning and face-to-face session. Through CDE programme, all current e-learning-related training modules currently being offered to the academics have been re-categorized under four e-learning packages, which represent the four essential skill components required by the academics to effectively able to apply technology in their lessons. Upon completion of this program, the participants are awarded the certified digital educator certification that certify them as competent e-learning practitioners.
Project-Based Learning for Building Work and Life Skills in Line With TGC and Purpose Learning
Authors: Tee Wee Jing
Published: March 2018

In this chapter, the author has conducted a research project to examine student learning experiences and outcomes in higher education with project-based learning (PBL) approach in order to assist the students to acquire work and life skills. A successful case study of PBL has been implemented at Taylor's University. The problem statement here is there is a gap between the academic learning outcomes at university and actual demands in industry. Thus, Taylor's University is redefining teaching and learning in higher education through implementation of blended learning, purpose learning, and Taylor's graduate capabilities (TGC) in order to meet the ever-changing and rigorous demands of industry, society, and globalization. The research findings provided insight into how faculty conceptualization of PBL in line with TGC and purpose learning drove implementation and showed that purpose learning via PBL in higher education could contribute to the effectiveness in students' learning of work and life skills and achieve greater social impact.
E-Portfolio
Authors: Jain Jasmine , Luaran Johan Eddy
Published: March 2018

This chapter focuses on the potential of using eportfolio in an academic setting, specifically in a teacher preparatory program. The advantages of using eportfolio as compared to its paper portfolio counterparts is also discussed in making the case of using eportfolio stronger. This chapter also discusses the benefits and challenges of using eportfolio as a tool to encourage reflections among the student teachers when they are on school placement, by quoting examples from a local case study. The study revealed that there are three ways student teachers look at the usefulness as well as three challenges they faced while constructing and developing eportfolio. The findings of the study gave insights about how eportfolio can be better used to improve students' reflective thinking, in line with the goals of the university's teacher education program.
Theorizing Virtuality in Enterprise Social Systems
Authors: Lee James J. , Imanaka Jessica L.
Published: March 2018

This chapter has built on research on today's modern organizations to lay the foundations for a comprehensive and systematic theorization of enterprise social systems. Theorizing virtuality marks a fundamental transformation in space-time parameters in communications. This is especially so in the context of rapid current advancements in IT such as cloud computing, as well as numerous other technological fronts. Current IT trends show that increased spatio-temporal plasticity heightens the effectiveness and the efficiency of modern enterprise social systems. In particular, subject-oriented asynchronous communications experience greater inferred plasticity and event-oriented synchronous communications experience greater referred plasticity. Finally, enterprise social systems vary in their degree of virtuality based on the perspective of the relevant stakeholder group considered.
Evolutionary Approaches to Test Data Generation for Object-Oriented Software
Authors: Nogueira Ana Filipa , Ribeiro José Carlos Bregieiro , Fernández de Vega Francisco , Zenha-Rela Mário Alberto
Published: March 2018

In object-oriented evolutionary testing, metaheuristics are employed to select or generate test data for object-oriented software. Techniques that analyse program structures are predominant among the panoply of studies available in current literature. For object-oriented evolutionary testing, the common objective is to reach some coverage criteria, usually in the form of statement or branch coverage. This chapter explores, reviews, and contextualizes relevant literature, tools, and techniques in this area, while identifying open problems and setting ground for future work.
Holistic View on Unknown Unknowns in Project Risk Management
Authors: Raydugin Y.G.
Published: March 2018

The overall value of any risk management system could be qualitatively assessed by its capability to identify and manage relevant risks. This actually means that its value is reciprocal to the relevant risks it fails to identify (unknown unknowns). This chapter outlines comprehensive thinking processes and comes up with practical recipes on dealing with unknown unknowns, including handling unknown unknowns in probabilistic cost and schedule risk models. Four dimensions of unknown unknowns are discussed: novelty of a project, phase of project development, type of industry, and various types of psychological and organizational bias. “Regular” and “Supercritical” categories are introduced to further discuss various realizations of unknown unknowns such as “broiler black swans,” “game changers,” “show stoppers,” “corporate risks,” etc.
Public Policies and Public Programs With a Regional Impact in Promoting Entrepreneurship
Authors: Pierrakis Yannis
Published: March 2018

This chapter adds to the growing literature from recent years on innovation finance, innovation systems, and regional economic policy. Although the role of business has been seen as critical within the regional innovation system, the role of business financing intermediaries has received considerably less attention despite their recognised role as a central actor of the system. This chapter focuses on an innovation player that seems to have been neglected by scholars to date, namely the venture capital industry. It examines the role of public policies in promoting entrepreneurship through the UK government backed venture capital schemes. It investigates whether and how the public interventions have changed the availability of venture capital at the UK regional level. It also elaborates on the potential implications of the public sectors's domination in venture capital provision in several UK regions.
Towards a Business-Driven Process Model for Knowledge Security Risk Management
Authors: Ilvonen Ilona , Jussila Jari J , Kärkkäinen Hannu
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model to manage knowledge security risks in organizations. Knowledge security risk management is a sensemaking process that should be carried out by managers, and the proposed model works as a tool for the sensemaking process. The model is illustrated with an analytical case example. The process model helps to identify knowledge security risks and provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating and balancing the costs and benefits of knowledge sharing and knowledge risk management. The paper addresses calls for research on the emerging topic of knowledge security and the important topic of new knowledge sharing tools from the combined perspectives of business benefits and risk management. The results presented in this paper are preliminary and conceptual, and further research on the topic is suggested. The process model proposed in this paper can be a valuable tool for practitioners aiming to develop knowledge sharing practices in companies, and at the same time need to consider the security of knowledge.
Path Analysis Model for Supply Chain Risk Management
Authors: Sharma Satyendra Kumar , Bhat Anil , Kumar Vinod , Agarwal Aayushi
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to understand the relationship of supply chain risk sources, risk drivers, and risk mitigation strategies to the overall risk exposure of the firm and to validate the model empirically. An attempt has been made to determine the major contributors of supply chain risk as viewed by automotive professionals in today's competitive market. This study empirically validates the effects of the three critical constructs on overall supply chain risk exposure. The limitations of this study can be seen in the use of perceptual data from single informants and the focus on automotive firms in a single country. The detailed operationalization of the constructs sheds further light on the major risk sources, drivers, and mitigation strategies in supply chain networks. Clear evidence of proactive strategies in mitigating risks provides managers with a business case to invest in such initiatives.
Risk and Visibility in Supply Chains
Authors: Messina Dario , Santos Cláudio , Soares António Lucas , Barros Ana Cristina
Published: March 2018

The emergence of complex supply chains is one of the most important consequences of globalization. The management of these supply chains requires increased efforts by organizations that, on one hand, are increasingly pressured by customers in terms of service levels, on the other hand, must manage their suppliers from various locations and with different local requirements. In this context, an appropriate management of information flows is needed to create the adequate visibility level for managing supply chain risk. This chapter presents an overview on the concepts of risk management, visibility and information management in supply chains. This study proposes a conceptual framework for the selection of risk mitigation strategies in the supply chain and characterizes the external and internal information flows decision makers need to implement two categories of risk mitigation strategies: redundancy and flexibility.
Linking Organization's Strategy and Strategic Planning With Portfolio Management
Authors: Bucero Alfonso
Published: March 2018

The strategy of any organisation and strategic planning are related to Portfolio Management. This chapter is focused on the relationship between the Organization's strategy and portfolio management. The purpose of this chapter is to explain the importance of strategic planning and its relationship with portfolio management. The focus of this chapter is to explain first the main elements of the organization's strategy based on the research from different authors and researchers plus the author's experience, then to explain the relationship between strategic planning and the portfolio management process, following with the explanation of the portfolio management context elements, defining the concepts of the mission, vision and objectives. The use of a case study tries to add value and achieve a better understanding of all the concepts explained in this chapter.
Influence of Star Bioscientists on Obtaining Venture Capital for Canadian Dedicated Biotechnology Firms
Authors: Queenton Johanne , Veilleux Sophie
Published: March 2018

As organizations based on science, dedicated biotechnology firms (DBFs) establish very narrow links with universities and public research institutions in developing their technologies. This chapter examines the influence of DBF relationships with star bioscientists on their venture-capital funding. It proposes a new definition of bioscientists anchored in today's technological practices. It also classifies Canadian bioscientists into four categories to give a national overview of their involvement with DBFs. The cross-analysis of 150 Canadian DBFs active in human-health applications and 431 bioscientists confirms the positive impact of these relationships on obtaining venture capital when a star is involved because of the credibility it brings to the firm. Moreover, results show that bioscientists most often chose to establish contractual agreements with existing firms or start their own. Future research directions and implications for policy makers are discussed.
Developing an Elementary Engineering Education Program through Problem-Based Wearable Technologies Activities
Authors: Barker Bradley S. , Nugent Gwen , Grandgenett Neal , Keshwani Jennifer , Nelson Carl A. , Leduc-Mills Ben
Published: March 2018

This chapter describes the efforts and pilot study results of the Nebraska 4-H Wearable Technologies (WearTec) project, funded by the National Science Foundation's Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. The overall goal for the three-year WearTec project is to study a systematic set of learning experiences focused upon the use of wearable technologies to effectively support student comprehension of the engineering design process and to increase interest in STEM academics and careers by students in grades 4 to 6. The key components of the WearTec project include (a) utilizing small sewable electronic components; (b) a focus on engineering design; (c) computer programming via the LilyPad Arduino microcontroller, and (d) bridging the formal and non-formal learning environments in order to deliver the WearTec project.