bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Comparison of Wearable Sensor Data Fusion to a Single Sensor Machine Learning Technique in Fall Detection
Authors: Tsinganos Panagiotis , Skodras Athanassios
Published: February 2018

In the context of the ageing global population, researchers and scientists have tried to find solutions to many challenges faced by older people. Falls, the leading cause of injury among elderly, are usually severe enough to require immediate medical attention; thus, their detection is of primary importance. To this effect, many fall detection systems that utilize wearable and ambient sensors have been proposed. In this study, we compare three newly proposed data fusion schemes that have been applied in human activity recognition and fall detection. Furthermore, these algorithms are compared to our recent work regarding fall detection in which only one type of sensor is used. The results show that fusion algorithms differ in their performance, whereas a machine learning strategy should be preferred. In conclusion, the methods presented and the comparison of their performance provide useful insights into the problem of fall detection.
Measuring the Impact of Economic Crisis to the Greek Vehicle Market
Authors: Nanaki Evanthia
Published: February 2018

The fallout of the global economic crisis has impacted Greece severely as the austerity measures that were implemented since 2009 have had a devastating effect on poverty and the level of living. The financial agreement of the Greek government with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave rise to a deep recession phase in the Greek market that started in early 2008. The automobile industry is among the sectors that have been severely affected by the economic crisis. Given that the demand for cars fell sharply and that the Greek car market is facing serious problems, mapping and understanding them can provide useful input to the Greek vehicle market. Regression analysis is being employed, and the interrelations of different variables, such as net disposable income, unemployment rate, fuel prices, the Greek crisis, loans directed to the vehicle market, as well as the inflation rate for the period of 2000–2016, are investigated. Analyzing the factors affecting car sales can provide policy-makers with knowledge in order to take legislative and economic measures, so as to boost sales of new environmental friendly vehicles not only in Greece, but in all EU states.
The Sustainability of Concrete in Sewer Tunnel—A Narrative Review of Acid Corrosion in the City of Edmonton, Canada
Authors: Wu Linping , Hu Chaoshi , Liu Wei
Published: February 2018

This paper is intended to conduct a narrative review on the acid corrosion of sewer tunnel concrete in the City of Edmonton—an investigation on the MIC (microbially induced corrosion) mechanism and the potential control methods to improve the sustainability of concrete. Firstly, three categories of main influencing factors were identified for the rate of MIC: hydraulic parameters, environmental factors, and concrete mixture design. Secondly, it is found that the sewer tunnel design plays an essential role in the control of the MIC. Building on that, a review was conducted on eight municipal drainage design standards in consideration of the MIC, indicating a lack of design standards of the flow velocity and pipe material. Finally, an investigation was done for cement-based rehabilitating techniques and materials.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Scrub Typhus: Systematic Review and Comparison between Pediatric and Adult Cases
Authors: Naoi Tameto , Morita Mitsuya , Kawakami Tadataka , Fujimoto Shigeru
Published: February 2018

Background: Scrub typhus is a mite-borne bacterial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potential severe complication. Most reported cases of HLH associated with scrub typhus were single cases or case series with a small sample sizes. Thus, no clear consensus exists on clinical manifestations and differences between pediatric and adult cases of this condition. Methods: a systematic search of English and Japanese articles from PubMed, PubMed Central, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases was performed from 3 December 2016 to 28 December 2017. The primary outcome was mortality in patients with HLH associated with scrub typhus; secondary outcomes were differences in clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and treatment between pediatric and adult patients with HLH associated with scrub typhus. Results: thirty cases of HLH associated with scrub typhus were identified (age range: 2 months to 75 years; median age: 21.5 years, male:female ratio, 1:1). Eschar was frequently observed in the pediatric group (p = 0.017), whereas acute kidney injury was more prevalent in the adult group (p = 0.010). Two patients died of intracranial hemorrhage complicated with multiple organ failure; overall mortality rate was 6.7%. Conclusions: HLH associated with scrub typhus could be cured with remarkable improvement using single antibiotic therapy in approximately half the cases, with the mortality rate being relatively lower than that of HLH associated with other secondary causes.
Conformally Coupled General Relativity
Authors: Arbuzov Andrej , Latosh Boris
Published: February 2018

The gravity model developed in the series of papers (Arbuzov et al. 2009; 2010), (Pervushin et al. 2012) is revisited. The model is based on the Ogievetsky theorem, which specifies the structure of the general coordinate transformation group. The theorem is implemented in the context of the Noether theorem with the use of the nonlinear representation technique. The canonical quantization is performed with the use of reparametrization-invariant time and Arnowitt– Deser–Misner foliation techniques. Basic quantum features of the models are discussed. Mistakes appearing in the previous papers are corrected.
Floating Photocatalysts for Passive Solar Degradation of Naphthenic Acids in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water
Authors: Leshuk Tim , Krishnakumar Harish , De Oliveira Livera Diogo , Gu Frank
Published: February 2018

Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), generated from bitumen extraction in the Canadian oil sands, may require treatment to enable safe discharge to receiving watersheds, as dissolved naphthenic acids (NAs) and other acid extractable organics (AEO), identified as the primary toxic components of OSPW, are environmentally persistent and poorly biodegradable. However, conventional advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are impractically expensive to treat the volumes of OSPW stockpiled in the Athabasca region. Here we prepared floating photocatalysts (FPCs) by immobilizing TiO2 on glass microbubbles, such that the composite particles float at the air-water interface for passive solar photocatalysis. The FPCs were demonstrated to outperform P25 TiO2 nanoparticles in degrading AEO in raw OSPW under natural sunlight and gentle mixing conditions. The FPCs were also found to be recyclable for multiple uses through simple flotation and skimming. This paper thus demonstrates the concept of a fully passive AOP that may be scalable to oil sands water treatment challenges, achieving efficient NA reduction solely through the energy provided by sunlight and natural mixing processes (wind and waves).
Synthesis and biological evaluation of RGD and isoDGR peptidomimetic-α-amanitin conjugates for tumor-targeting
Authors: Bodero Lizeth , López Rivas Paula , Korsak Barbara , Hechler Torsten , Pahl Andreas , Müller Christoph , Arosio Daniela , Pignataro Luca , Gennari Cesare , Piarulli Umberto
Published: February 2018

RGD-α-amanitin and isoDGR-α-amanitin conjugates were synthesized by joining integrin ligands to α-amanitin via various linkers and spacers. The conjugates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biotinylated vitronectin binding to the purified αVβ3 receptor, retaining good binding affinity, in the same nanomolar range as the free ligands. The antiproliferative activity of the conjugates was evaluated in three cell lines possessing different levels of αVβ3 integrin expression: human glioblastoma U87 (αVβ3+), human lung carcinoma A549 (αVβ3−) and breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-468 (αVβ3−). In the U87, in the MDA-MB-468, and partly in the A549 cancer cell lines, the cyclo[DKP-isoDGR]-α-amanitin conjugates bearing the lysosomally cleavable Val-Ala linker were found to be slightly more potent than α-amanitin. Apparently, for all these α-amanitin conjugates there is no correlation between the cytotoxicity and the expression of αVβ3 integrin. To determine whether the increased cytotoxicity of the cyclo[DKP-isoDGR]-α-amanitin conjugates is governed by an integrin-mediated binding and internalization process, competition experiments were carried out in which the conjugates were tested with U87 (αVβ3+, αVβ5+, αVβ6−, α5β1+) and MDA-MB-468 (αVβ3−, αVβ5+, αVβ6+, α5β1−) cells in the presence of excess cilengitide, with the aim of blocking integrins on the cell surface. Using the MDA-MB-468 cell line, a fivefold increase of the IC50 was observed for the conjugates in the presence of excess cilengitide, which is known to strongly bind not only αVβ3, but also αVβ5, αVβ6, and α5β1. These data indicate that in this case the cyclo[DKP-isoDGR]-α-amanitin conjugates are possibly internalized by a process mediated by integrins different from αVβ3 (e.g., αVβ5).
Modeling a Single SEP Event from Multiple Vantage Points Using the iPATH Model
Authors: Hu Junxiang , Li Gang , Fu Shuai , Zank Gary , Ao Xianzhi
Published: February 2018

Using the recently extended 2D improved Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere (iPATH) model, we model an example gradual solar energetic particle event as observed at multiple locations. Protons and ions that are energized via the diffusive shock acceleration mechanism are followed at a 2D coronal mass ejection-driven shock where the shock geometry varies across the shock front. The subsequent transport of energetic particles, including cross-field diffusion, is modeled by a Monte Carlo code that is based on a stochastic differential equation method. Time intensity profiles and particle spectra at multiple locations and different radial distances, separated in longitudes, are presented. The results shown here are relevant to the upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission.
Fermi Large Area Telescope Detection of Gamma-Ray Emission from the Direction of Supernova iPTF14hls
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Liao Neng-Hui , Xin Yu-Liang , Li Ye , Fan Yi-Zhong , Zhang Bing , Hu Hong-Bo , Bi Xiao-Jun
Published: February 2018

The remnant of a supernova explosion is widely believed to be the acceleration site of high-energy cosmic-ray particles. The acceleration timescale is, however, typically very long. Here, we report the detection of a variable γ-ray source with the Fermi Large Area Telescope, which is positionally and temporally consistent with a peculiar supernova, iPTF14hls. A quasi-stellar object SDSS J092054.04+504251.5, which is probably a blazar candidate according to the infrared data, is found in the error circle of the γ-ray source. More data about the γ-ray source and SDSS J092054.04+504251.5 are needed to confirm their association. On the other hand, if the association between the γ-ray source and the supernova is confirmed, this would be the first time detecting high-energy γ-ray emission from a supernova, suggesting very fast particle acceleration by supernova explosions.
The importance of prevention and institutions. Governing the emergency in the 1690-92 plague epidemic in the Kingdom of Naples
Authors: Fusco Idamaria
Published: February 2018

En 1690, une épidémie de peste éclata dans le Royaume de Naples et se termina en mars 1692. Cette crise est plus connue sous le nom de « peste de Conversano », parce que Conversano, une petite ville de Terra di Bari, dans les Pouilles, fut le premier lieu touché par la peste. Contrairement à la pandémie précédente de 1656, qui avait connu une large diffusion dans tout le royaume et provoqué des taux de mortalité très élevés, l’épidémie de 1690-1692 n’affecta que dix villes, se cantonnant dans cette province adriatique. En 1690, en somme, la maladie fut bien maîtrisée grâce à une politique de prévention rigoureuse et fortement encouragée. Cette politique s’appuya sur un personnage clé, un fonctionnaire gouvernemental qui régnait au niveau local, avec le soutien constant et appuyé des autorités napolitaines. Dans cette étude, nous analysons l’épidémie de peste de 1690, sa diffusion et son impact en termes de mortalité, ainsi que la politique adoptée par le gouvernement central et les autorités locales pour faire face à l’urgence. L’histoire de cette épidémie démontre qu’à la fin du xvii e siècle, le Royaume de Naples fut le théâtre d’une nouvelle prise de conscience de l’importance de la prévention et du rôle des institutions dans ce genre de circonstances dramatiques. En effet, face à l’inefficacité de la médecine du passé, une bonne politique de prévention était la principale, sinon la seule, mesure à adopter pour lutter contre une maladie si terrible.
Les stratégies patrimoniales familiales de l’élite vénitienne au xviii e siècle
Authors: Lanaro Paola
Published: February 2018

L’article cherche à montrer les liens économiques étroits, jamais étudiés jusqu’à présent, qu’entretiennent le système de la dot et celui des fidéicommis. Si l’élite vénitienne du xviii e siècle constitue le terrain privilégié de l’étude, cette dernière concerne également d’un point de vue comparatif d’autres réalités européennes à la même époque. À partir de l’analyse de nouvelles sources d’archives, émergent des interrelations originales et conflictuelles entre la patrilinéarité et la matrilinéarité au sein des familles vénitiennes où les femmes jouissaient d’une autonomie économique et sociale particulièrement étendue, et ce non seulement dans la société patricienne mais également dans l’ensemble de la société. Même si les biens constituant la dot, en général de nature mobilière, étaient gérés par le mari, en cas de décès de ce dernier, la veuve prenait sa place comme propriétaire et en assumait la gestion. Sans aucun doute les fidéicommis, qui à Venise étaient dividui , conservaient et immobilisaient le patrimoine des familles du côté du mari, mais ils constituaient aussi en même temps du côté de la femme, une assurance sur les biens de la dot. Les solutions trouvées pour rendre liquide le patrimoine illustraient les différents conflits et stratégies entre les parties prenantes ; ainsi la restitution de la dot, peut être comprise comme une solution pour libérer des biens réputés intouchables. Les débats de l’ Accademia dei Nobili (académie des familles nobles), étudiés de manière inédite et peut être pour la première fois, mettent en évidence la conscience des acteurs des liens de nature socio-économique existant entre le déclin de la Sérénissime et les fidéicommis. Ceux-ci interrogaient directement les bénéfices que pouvaient retirer ces familles d’une plus grande mobilité des patrimoines immobilisés via une réforme de ce statut héréditaire et montrent à quel point les affaires privées interféraient dans la sphère publique. Malgré les positions contraires prises par les jeunes nobles de cette académie (celle des Contarina et celle des Giustiniana), aucune véritable réforme ne sera adoptée à Venise. Les déclinaisons conservatrices de la politique vénitienne en ce domaine cherchèrent toujours à favoriser le maintien du statu quo.
L’invention de la « préparation au mariage » dans l’Église catholique en France (1930-1960)
Authors: Dumons Bruno
Published: February 2018

Sur les 300 000 mariages prononcés annuellement dans la France des années 1950, la plupart sont encore célébrés à l’église, principalement dans la confession catholique. Lorsque les fiancés ont décidé de se marier, le déroulement des préparatifs n’a guère changé depuis le concile de Trente. Un contact est pris avec un prêtre qui reçoit les futurs époux pour déterminer la date et le lieu de la célébration, en expliquer le déroulé et publier les bans. Parfois, une confession est requise. Peu temps après, le sacrement de mariage est reçu dans l’église paroissiale. Il est désormais définitif. Les mariés le sont pour la vie. Face au nombre croissant de divorces et à la prise de conscience d’un processus qualifié de « déchristianisation », les responsables ecclésiaux souhaitent redonner du sens théologique et pastoral au sacrement du mariage en soutenant le principe d’une « préparation au mariage » qui va progressivement s’imposer dans le catholicisme français à partir des années 1950-1960.
« Des petites heures par-ci par-là »
Authors: Lebon Francis , Simonet Maud
Published: February 2018

À partir d’une enquête menée en région parisienne et dans une commune rurale, cet article, à distance du problème social des « rythmes scolaires et biologiques de l’enfant », prend pour objet la transformation des rythmes professionnels induite et révélée par la réforme des rythmes scolaires de 2013. Polyvalence, travail gratuit et concurrence sont les thèmes récurrents des entretiens formels et des observations réalisés auprès des différents acteurs de la « communauté éducative » dont les territoires professionnels se redéfinissent. Avec des effets différenciés en fonction des différentes catégories de travailleurs éducatifs, une même logique de l’emploi semble s’imposer à tous, faite d’amplitude horaire et de morcellement, avec la prégnance des « heures » comme unité de temps débattue et ressentie par tous les professionnels. Ces résultats interpellent ainsi sur les effets d’une réforme, vus du côté des professionnels qui forment et encadrent les enfants.
Le chômeur et le chronomètre
Authors: Clouet Hadrien , Pillon Jean-Marie
Published: February 2018

La rationalisation de l’action publique découle de deux contraintes, la contraction des budgets et l’accroissement du public de l’administration. À Pôle emploi comme ailleurs, elle requiert la participation des conseillers. Sous une pression temporelle forte, et dans le cadre de plannings construits au quart d’heure près, ils livrent une lutte quotidienne pour dégager du temps et limiter le travail caché qui déborde sur les temps morts (pauses, interstices entre les entretiens, repas, heures supplémentaires voire hors travail). Ils luttent également pour intercaler leur propre définition de l’efficacité dans le jeu entre le discours de l’institution et l’appropriation du public. Dans l’impossibilité de remettre frontalement en cause le management par objectif et la rationalisation de leur administration, ces derniers cherchent au contraire à accroître leur rendement pour bénéficier de temps libre, dont ils maîtriseraient le cadrage, notamment dans les coulisses des agences. Mais cette lutte quotidienne se heurte à plusieurs difficultés, qui réduisent les opportunités d’encadrer les temps de travail en présence du public. Le maintien de l’ordre institutionnel, les irruptions biographiques et la pédagogie des prestations, chacune adaptées à différents publics cibles, menacent le monopole des conseillers sur le déroulé des interactions. La rencontre entre des espaces administratifs normés et des personnes aux caractéristiques non-anticipées par les lignes directrices, rétifs ou ignorants de l’institution, tend alors à paralyser l’action publique.
Bibliothèques et sciences sociales, et vice versa
Authors: Béra Matthieu
Published: February 2018

Cet article, synthétisant les contributions du dossier, montre d’abord que les bibliothèques des savants doivent être étudiées pour découvrir leurs œuvres. De leur côté, les bibliothèques publiques sont des lieux où se regroupent des lecteurs, que l’on peut identifier et caractériser sociologiquement par les registres de prêts. En outre, les bibliothèques se sont souvent constituées autour de domaines de savoirs, voire de disciplines savantes. Enfin, les bibliothèques sont toujours associées à des professionnels, qui transforment les livres en les classant, afin de les faire vivre. L’article se termine sur une réflexion plus générale sur ce que font les bibliothèques.
Marcel Mauss ou l’ethnologie au miroir d’une bibliothèque
Authors: Bert Jean-François
Published: February 2018

La bibliothèque de Marcel Mauss, pour partie conservée à la médiathèque du musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, nous fait entrer dans le laboratoire de l’œuvre de l’armchair anthropologist . Elle permet de documenter des pratiques de recherches singulières – en particulier de lectures – mais elle donne à voir, surtout, comment Mauss élabora sa propre conception du terrain ethnographique en regard, à la fois, de l’anthropologie américaine dont il fut un lecteur régulier, mais aussi dans un rapport critique avec les récits de voyages, d’explorations et de missionnaires.
L’« orgie » documentaire ou les débuts chaotiques de la bibliothèque du Bureau international du travail (1920-1937)
Authors: Dhermy-Mairal Marine
Published: February 2018

Cet article s’intéresse aux vingt premières années de l’histoire de la bibliothèque de l’Organisation internationale du travail. Il étudie l’origine de ses fonds, le choix de ses acquisitions, le classement et les modalités d’accès aux documents, afin de montrer que la bibliothèque était plus orientée vers la recherche en sciences sociales et l’utilité pratique que vers la conservation. Il décrit les débuts chaotiques de la bibliothèque face à l’arrivée de documents en « flux tendu » et en l’absence de formation au métier. À la fois bibliothèque, centre de documentation et laboratoire international de sciences sociales, la bibliothèque de l’Organisation internationale du travail est une institution dont l’organisation matérielle est caractéristique du nouveau régime documentaire des années 1920.
D’une documentation éparse à une bibliothèque de recherche. La bibliothèque Claude-Lévi-Strauss
Authors: Abélès Marion , Assal Sophie
Published: February 2018

Longtemps bibliothèque de proximité, créée en même temps que le laboratoire d’anthropologie sociale en 1960, la bibliothèque Claude-Lévi-Strauss s’est considérablement transformée jusqu’à devenir une bibliothèque de recherche spécialisée en ethnologie, ouverte aux chercheurs et aux étudiants avancés, français et étrangers. Cet article déroule le processus de l’évolution de la bibliothèque qui, d’une documentation éparse réservée aux seuls chercheurs du LAS, a abouti à un ensemble cohérent et complémentaire, regroupant les Human relations area files , les imprimés et les archives des ethnologues. On détaillera la documentation ethnographique qu’offrent les HRAF et leur organisation par aires géographiques, à l’origine du plan de classement des ouvrages (1960-1965). On insistera sur les balbutiements de la politique d’acquisition et sa mise en place (1985), la création de la section des archives à partir de la fin des années 1990. Enfin, les perspectives d’avenir seront évoquées.
Low-Energy Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Treatment of Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Treat-and-Extend Regimen
Authors: Hatz Katja , Zimmermann Frank , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Lazaridis Emmanouil , Türksever Cengiz , Binder Jörg , Papachristofilou Alexandros , Prünte Christian
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-energy stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment following a treat-and-extend regimen (TER) in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Before/after SRT, the authors compared retrospective consecutive case series of 50 patients requiring frequent anti-VEGF treatment (every 4 or 6 weeks) in wet AMD, treated with a single session of SRT and TER (same manner pre/post-SRT). Outcomes were visual acuity (VA), recurrence-free interval, and central retinal thickness (CRT).

RESULTS:

After SRT, CRT was reduced from baseline (407.3 μm ± 153.2 μm) to 12 months (320.2 μm ± 112.1 μm;
P
< .001), with statistical significance from month 2 onward. VA was stable for 12 months (64.0 letters ± 15.1 letters vs. 63.6 letters ± 16.2 letters). The mean recurrence-free interval increased from 4.24 weeks ± 0.66 weeks to 7.52 weeks ± 3.05 weeks at 12 months (
P
< .001). No severe side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION:

Low-energy SRT, combined with anti-VEGF TER, was associated with reduced injection frequency and preserved VA during 12 months of follow-up.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:86–93.]
Outcomes of Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Diode Laser Photocoagulation for Treatment-Warranted Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Chen Tiffany A. , Schachar Ira H. , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the outcomes of infants with treatment-warranted retinopathy of prematurity (TW-ROP) who received intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) (IVB) injections as compared to diode laser photocoagulation (DLP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data from the Stanford University Network for Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity database and inpatients at Stanford Children's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed for premature newborns with TW-ROP treated with DLP or 0.625 mg of IVB. Patient characteristics, hospital course, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared.

RESULTS:

In all, 49 eyes from 25 patients were included; 10 infants (20 eyes) received DLP and 15 infants (29 eyes) received IVB. The IVB infants had significantly fewer diagnoses at the time of discharge and fewer readmissions after initial hospital discharge than the DLP infants (four versus six diagnoses,
P
= .004; zero versus one readmission,
P
= .038). At an average of 20 months corrected age, there was no significant difference in neurodevelopmental delay (adjusted odds ratio = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.08–9.46).

CONCLUSION:

Systemic morbidity may be similar among infants treated initially with bevacizumab compared to DLP.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:126–131.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Microangiography Imaging of Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma
Authors: Sweeney Adam R. , Zhang Qinqin , Wang Ruikang K. , Rezaei Kasra A.
Published: February 2018

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new imaging technology capable of providing three-dimensional (3-D) retinal and choroidal microvascular maps without a need for exogenous dye. In this study, the authors evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular architecture of the macula in a patient with choroidal hemangioma using OCTA. Widefield OCTA with tracking capability and segmentation was performed to provide images with a field of view at 9 × 9 mm
2
. The en face maximum projection was used to generate 2-D angiograms of different layers with color-coded images. Variable levels of perfusion within the lesion were identified, which correlate well with the known vascular abnormalities of choroidal hemangiomas. OCTA demonstrated an accurate modality to measure the 3-D borders of this lesion. This is the novel utilization of OCTA imaging on choroidal hemangioma. OCTA may provide detailed vascular findings in circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas, which may aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of the treatment response.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:134–137.]
Elaborating the Project Management System
Authors: Narayanan V. K.
Published: February 2018

This chapter elaborates on the perspective of project management as an organizational capability, crucial for strategy execution and hence necessitating the attention of senior management. The author builds on the work on Project Management System (PMS) by Narayanan and DeFillippi, who developed the PMS concept to describe the context created for project managers by the senior management of a firm in response to strategy shifts. This chapter develops this concept further by detailing how PMS influences the conduct of project managers: their competencies, successful resource acquisition practices, ways to access information and knowledge, behavioral challenges, and career opportunities. The chapter also indicates some key practical implications for project managers: the need to be aware of the organizational context, understanding the strategic logic of projects, the need to speak the language of senior management, and mapping information networks.
Components of Project Management Maturity Impacting Project, Program, Portfolio, and Organizational Success
Authors: Gan Robert Chee Choong , Chin Christina May May
Published: February 2018

Due to alarmingly high failure rates attributed to either a lack of project implementation or if implemented, poor results in organizations, many PM consulting organizations have begun developing their own PM maturity models (PM3) to assess organization maturity level, to identify their clients' PM maturity gap, and to provide a pathway by which their clients could move up the maturity scale and performance. Despite the many claims of PM3 assessment capabilities, the lack of success in market adoption of PM3 models suggests the need for more studies to identify if these are due to the many definition of project success, the lack of consensus of what the components of PM3 should be, or the increasing expectations of the PM community. Thus, this chapter aims to identify the reasons behind differing organizations' views on the dimension of project success, components of PM3's direct impact on organizational performance, and how PM maturity can be measured and correlated to the various level of organizational success with a new approach known as DPM3.
The Maturity of the Project Owner
Authors: Zuchi Dagmar
Published: February 2018

A key success factor in projects is the performance of the “project owner.” The “maturity” of a project owner is dependent on his knowledge, skills, and attitude—thus his “potential”—to perform this role in a project. The maturity of a project owner is based on a clear role perception, on competences in project management, and on the ability to build and maintain appropriate relationships with relevant stakeholders. The role of the project owner has to be understood and accepted by the project manager and the project team, and by representatives of relevant stakeholders, such as the client, suppliers, etc. Mature project-oriented organizations have procedures for project management, which may include descriptions of project management sub processes and methods and expectations towards the diverse roles in projects. Nevertheless, the author observes in practice that the potential of performing a project owner role professionally is not yet used consistently in organizations. In the chapter, different aspects of the maturity of project owners are discussed.
Strategies to Improve Project Management Maturity
Authors: Sargent Walter H. , Ferreira Gail A.
Published: February 2018

Information technology organizations lose significant competitive value when business leaders fail to use project management maturity (PMM) processes that enhance market delivery, reduce costs, and increase profitability. Using a multiple-case study, the researcher explored strategies that project leaders have used to improve PMM. Thematic analysis and cross-case analysis revealed six major strategies to improve PMM processes: project leader development, customer focus, standard methodology development, interactive communication, establishing a project office organizational structure, and practicing continuous process improvement. The results are important because they reveal an opportunity to extend constrained resources and organizational buying power for deliverables required by the recipient.
Power Distance and Teacher Authority in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Celik Servet
Published: February 2018

Computer-aided instruction has assumed a prominent role in language teacher preparation programs, as educators increasingly turn to online environments to extend learning beyond the classroom, stimulate critical thinking, and motivate future language teachers to “think outside the box” and take responsibility for their own learning. In online educational settings, instructor presence plays a significant role, and its impact has been extensively explored. However, the majority of the research has been carried out in Western countries, where the cultural norms of individualism, low power distance between teachers and students, and a high level of acceptance of instructor feedback typically play a positive role in online student-teacher interactions. Few studies have looked at the issue of instructor presence in Eastern cultures, where teachers are traditionally granted a high degree of authority, and learners often have a lower tolerance for situations where independent thought and creativity are called for – as is often the case in online learning.
Social Presence in Online Learning
Authors: Poth Rachelle Dene
Published: February 2018

Studies have focused on social presence and its meaning in both traditional face-to-face classroom settings as well as an online learning environment. Technology usage is increasing in classrooms, making opportunities for learning available to many more people than in prior years. The theme of social presence continues to be studied as an important element in fostering student learning and growth. In particular, the focus is on the meaning of social presence, how to develop it as an instructor or learner in the learning community, and how social presence can positively impact all members of the learning community. The main questions that this chapter addresses are: Why study social presence? What is the meaning of social presence? What is the research behind social presence? How does an individual cultivate and project social presence in a learning environment?
Performance of Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes Under Climate Change in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Muhoyi Edgar , Mbonigaba Josue
Published: February 2018

Small-scale irrigation schemes (SSIS) in developing countries have been crucial, but the evidence about their performance has not been sufficiently analyzed. This chapter documents such evidence by reviewing and classifying the performance indicators. It also assesses literature on whether there are discernible trends in the efficiency of SSIS, identifies and classifies SSIS constraints, and characterizes various channels through which SSIS might affect poverty. Objectives are achieved via a systematic review of literature from 1990 to 2017. Results indicate a lack of standardization of irrigation performance indicators, and there is evidence that irrigation has boosted agricultural performance. Even though SSIS were associated with higher productivity than rain-fed agriculture, they performed below their full potential due to undervaluation of irrigation water by irrigation authorities, farmer characteristics, costs, institutional setups, the policy environment, and design, cultural, community, and environmental issues. SSIS are important tools for poverty reduction, and relevant policy implications are outlined.
Biofuel Production and Its Implications in a Transitive Low Carbon Development Country
Authors: Labintan Constant , Winkler Harald , Obayelu Abiodun Elijah
Published: February 2018

This chapter explains the implication of South Africa's transport fuel 2% blending. Using dry grain sorghum as feedstock with guaranteed food security has lower emission of 24.93kg/ha with emerging farmers who constituted 30% of the suppliers with a 3-year payback period. Using irrigated sorghum with food security as a priority has a relatively lower emission level of 11.47kg/ha from emerging farmers with a 9-year payback period. Using sugar beet has lower emission level of 0.12kg/ha with emerging farmers and a 3-year payback period. Soil organic content has significant influence on emissions from land use practices. Commercial sugar beet ethanol production caused high emission (4.84kg/ha) but has a short payback period of only 2 years which enhanced household food consumption by 12.5% and 31.50% under food security not a priority and food security as a priority, respectively. In all, grain sorghum food and beverage gross domestic product (GDP) increased, respectively, by 8%, 0.19%, and 0.23% under food security as not a priority, and increased by 20.83%, 0.44%, and 0.61% in opposite scenario, respectively.
Image Processing CSE-4019 Distinction Between Fake Note and a Real Note
Authors: Tuli Shreya , Sharma Gaurav , Mishr Nayan
Published: February 2018

Big data is a term for data sets that are so large or complex that traditional data processing application software is inadequate to deal with them. Its challenges include capturing data, data storage, data analysis, search, sharing, transfer, visualization, querying, updating, and information privacy. Lately, the term big data tends to refer to the use of predictive analytics, user behavior analytics, or certain other advanced data analytics methods that extract value from data, and seldom to a particular size of data set. In this chapter, the authors distinguish between fake note and a real note and would like to take it to a level where it can be used everywhere. Its data after the detection of the fakeness and the real note can be stored in the database. The data to store will be huge. To overcome this problem, we can go for big data. It will help to store large amounts of data in no time. The difference between real note and fake note is that real note has its thin strip to be more or less continuous while the fake strip has fragmented thin lines in the strip. One could say that the fake note has more than one line in the thin strip while the real note only has one line. Therefore, if we see just one line, it is real, but if we see more than one line, it is fake. In this chapter, the authors use foreign currency.
Financial Conditions, Financial Sustainability, and Intergenerational Equity in Local Governments
Authors: Citro Francesca , Lucianelli Giovanna , Santis Serena
Published: February 2018

The chapter offers a necessary summary of the key concepts of financial conditions, financial sustainability, and intergenerational equity in local governments through a close examination of different approaches. Focusing on a narrative literature review approach, the chapter has two main aims: first, to provide evidence on how to define the terms of theoretical and practical underpinnings to represent financial conditions in local governments in order to clarify the distinctive feature of financial conditions with a particular focus on the specific measures for budgetary solvency: sustainability, flexibility, and vulnerability; second, taking into account that the link between financial sustainability and intergenerational equity seems to be under-investigated, the authors discuss what the conditions for achieving financial health are while ensuring intergenerational equity with reference to the level of citizens' quality of life.
Explaining the Relation Between Efficiency and Financial Condition
Authors: Bisogno Marco , Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz
Published: February 2018

There is a risk of presupposing that enhancing efficiency will simply improve financial health in local governments. However, there are several reasons to think that the healthy governments could be the least efficient ones. This chapter aims to contribute to this discussion by using a sample of the 132 largest Italian local governments during the period 2005-2014. The results show that the taken-for-granted positive effect of efficiency on financial condition is observable only when efficiency refers to current expenditures, but such a positive effect has not been observed in the case of capital expenditures.
What Is Known and What Should Be Known About Factors Affecting Financial Sustainability in the Public Sector
Authors: Gardini Silvia , Grossi Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

The international literature suggests that the causes of weak financial sustainability of public organizations depend on both external and internal conditions. Whereas the external conditions are related to demographic and socio-economic factors, the internal conditions are associated with the political and managerial settings, and thus, the latter could be addressed by the local government with the aim to maintain financial sustainability over the long term. Based on a literature review, the authors explain the most consolidated trend of such variables with respect to the impact of those variables on financial sustainability, and simultaneously, they reveal a disproportion in what the literature has most recently analyzed. Ultimately, the authors highlight the need for further research regarding the managerial factors and additional cross-country comparisons of the roles of both external and internal conditions.
Theoretical Application of Public Sector Planning and Budgeting
Authors: Covell Caroline E.
Published: February 2018

The corporatization of the government has resulted in the change of the government structure and it has a negative impact on the fiscal budgeting. This change has also resulted in the equalization and generalization of the public-sector finance to private-sector finance. The impact is the disappearance of sources of funds and the adoption of the four-legged horse budget apocalypse and the categorical funding. This adoption has resulted in economic marginalization, social exclusion, massive corruption, and non-sustainability. A sustainable fiscal budget design requires the application of theory on practice and a holistic approach through the organizational structure and the timeframe of each jurisdiction, based on factual evidence and scientific analysis.
Financial Sustainability
Authors: Bolívar Manuel Pedro Rodríguez
Published: February 2018

This chapter debates the current situation about the definition and measurement of financial sustainability, as well as its links with the concept of intergenerational equity. To achieve this aim, the chapter joins the experience of the prior research of the author of this chapter with the findings obtained by the authors of the chapters of this book. Some avenues for future research are identified with the aim at improving the knowledge about this issue in public administrations.
Fractal Properties of Financial Assets and Forcasting Financial Crisis
Authors: Nekrasova Inna , Karnaukhova Oxana , Sviridov Oleg
Published: February 2018

The chapter is aimed at identification of criteria to select financial assets for investment; observing price fluctuations at small time intervals (up to one week) as possible predictors of the future of a significant increase in the price fluctuations amplitude; determining a fractal dimension of the financial markets on the basis of R/S-analysis; constructing a fractal index indicator to identify a bifurcation point, which gives birth to a possibility of crisis phenomena in economy. Therefore, the practical significance of the chapter lies in the idea of equipping academics and practitioners with new methods and tools for analysis and forecasting future development and dynamics of the financial markets.
Applying Neural Networks for Modeling of Financial Assets
Authors: Averchenko Dmitry , Aldyrev Artem
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to develop an analytical system for forecasting prices of financial assets with the use of artificial neural networks technology. Proposed by the authors, the analytical system consists of several neural networks, each of which makes the forecast of financial assets prices. The system includes recurrence (with feedback) neural networks with sigmoidal activation formula. This allows the networks to “remember” a sequence of reactions to the same stimulus. The learning process of neural networks is performed using an algorithm of back propagation of error. The key parameters of forecast for this analytical system are the indicators presented by the terminal MetaTrader 4-broker Forex Club: Average Directional и Movement Index; Bollinger Bands; Envelopes; Ichimoku Kinko Hyo; Moving Average; Parabolic SAR; Standard Deviation; Average True Range; and others.
Applicability of Six Sigma in Human Resource Management
Authors: Shenoy Nagaraj
Published: February 2018

The role of HR has become like that of a firefighter, remembered only in emergencies. Their presence is felt only in their absence. HR is seen as a reactive staff function and a cost centre. The message is clear. Despite its best effort to keep organization together with uniform policy, norms, and values, HR is compelled to prove its financial worth to the organization. HR is under constant pressure for showing their results in quantifiable and financially measurable terms. Introducing Six Sigma in processes of HRM functions seems to be a solution to this problem. However, in some of “Total Six Sigma Organizations,” the human resources department has been practically untouched by Six Sigma. The main reason being the difficulty in quantifying and measuring the financial returns of HR processes. But, some others feel that this is as easy as identifying the gaps and using the right formula. The real problem therefore lies in the perception of an individual HR professional. It takes an HR manager to think statistically and analyze how a process can be quantified.
Developing Online Instructional Resources
Authors: Pratt David
Published: February 2018

Online delivery of content is emerging as an efficient means for training and development in the private and non-for-profit sectors. At the same time, preservice teachers face a growing need to become effective leaders in the use of technology to support instruction. This chapter presents a framework for developing effective online learning resources for building organizational capacity while strengthening professional competency of preservice teachers. Specifically, mutually beneficial partnerships created with a regional campus of a Midwest university teacher preparation program and non-profit organizations resulted in the creation of online instructional resources. An examination of two grant-funded cases involving non-profit organizations and preservice teachers illuminates the benefits and limitations of such service-learning partnerships.
Fabrication and Morphological Characterization of Barium Titanate-Based Polymeric Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Singh Sudhanshu , Dwivedi Umesh Kumar
Published: February 2018

In this critical review chapter, the authors explain the development of composite films of Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and Poly (methyl methacrylate) prepared by solution casting technique. Different weight percentage composition of BaTiO3 has been selected to find out the best optimization condition for further investigation and correlate the results. The structural properties have been carried out at room temperature using XRD. Efforts have been made to correlate the results with investigated XRD results of pure BaTiO3 and its composites as observed by other workers at room temperature. The flow of experimental work and microscopic images are explained.
Lipid Nanocarriers for Advanced Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Patravale Vandana B. , Desai Preshita P. , Mapara Sanyat S.
Published: February 2018

Lipid nanocarriers are the mainstream of nanotechnology-based advanced healthcare systems. This field has reported extensive research activity, promising results, and market acceptability over the past few decades. This profound success of lipid nanocarriers as therapeutic delivery systems is a result of their unique properties, that is, biocompatibility and biodegradability, possible delivery by multiple routes of administration, ease of formulation and scale up, amicable dosage form development, enhanced stability, bioavailability, and possible drug targeting. The chapter aims to give a detailed overview of various types of lipid nanocarriers along with methods of fabrication and characterization. The chapter also describes multiple applications of lipid nanocarriers in advanced therapeutics and elaborates on the current market opportunities and future prospects.