bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship: Conceptual Clarity and Implication in Nepalese Context
Authors: Pathak Resham Raj , Poudel Bishwash Raj , Acharya Paras Education
Published: June 2018

Purpose- The purpose of the paper is to communicate the concepts, focus and framework of social enterprise prevailing in international arena and recommend some of the research issue that can be contextualized in Nepalese setting for reaping growing importance of the issue.Design/Methodology/Approach- This paper is an analytic review, building on previous work.Findings- The varying definitions of social enterprise is found not an abnormal phenomenon as it differs according to author’s perception and context in which research is conducted. However, the generic ingredient of the concept of social enterprise is to create a positive and sustainable social impact which I believe is more powerful than promotional campaign and neuromanagement.Research limitation/Implication - The research paper helps to disseminate the diverse viewpoints on social entrepreneurship/ enterprise and provokes the need for open discourse on the topic among Nepalese academicians and business community.Originality/Value- The research paper has suggested some of the research issues and models in which future research on Nepalese perspective could be conducted.NCC JournalVol. 3, No. 1, 2018, page: 143-152
РОЛЬ ПЕДАГОГІЧНОГО СИСТЕМНОГО ПІДХОДУ В ОФОРМЛЕННІ ПОНЯТТЯ “МЕТОДИЧНА СИСТЕМА НАВЧАННЯ МОВИ”
Authors:   Київський університет імені Бориса Грінченка, Дружененко Р.
Published: June 2018

The article presents the analysis of scientific researches on the problem of pedagogical system approach as the basis for the development of systemic phenomena. Pedagogical system approach is considered from the standpoint of modern scientific tendencies. Methodical system of language teaching is considered as a kind of pedagogical systems. The role of the general scientific systemic principle of isomorphism in the possibility of identifying the invariant component of the methodical system of language learning is established. Key words: pedagogicalsystemapproach, pedagogicalsystem, didacticsystem, methodicalsystemoflanguageteaching.
РУХОВА АКТИВНІСТЬ ЯК НЕВІД’ЄМНА СКЛАДОВА ФОРМУВАННЯ ЗДОРОВОГО СПОСОБУ ЖИТТЯ СТУДЕНТСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ
Authors:   Маріупольський державний університет, Павленко Є.
Published: June 2018

The article highlights the necessity of discovering methods and techniques to improve the quality of physical education in institutions of higher education through the integrated use of physical exercises as well as the formation of positive motivation of students engaged in physical education process. It also identifies the need for using of various forms of motor activity as an integral part of forming of health-related lifestyle of University students. Key words: motor activity, healthy lifestyle, positive motivation, physical exercises, sports and exercises centres.
СУТЬ СКЛАДНИКІВ ДІАДИ “ВИХОВАННЯ – САМОВИХОВАННЯ” В КОНТЕКСТІ ІЄРАРХІЧНО-РІВНЕВОЇ БУДОВИ, РЕЗУЛЬТАТУ, УЧИТЕЛЬСЬКИХ ТА УЧНІВСЬКИХ МІРКУВАНЬ
Authors:   Волинський інститут післядипломної педагогічної освіти, Савош В.
Published: June 2018

The article analyzes various content essence of the interpretation of the components of the dyad “education – self-education”. The hierarchy-level structure is revealed on the social, institutional, socio-psychological, interpersonal levels and at the level of self-education. The results of education and self-education in the context of general understanding, psychological and pedagogical interpretation, at the level of behavior and at the level of personal psychic education are considered. The essence of the concept “education”, indicators of parenting, features of a socially directed personality are revealed. The arguments of teachers of physics and senior pupils concerning the processes of education and self-education are analyzed. Key words: dyad, dyad “education – self-education”, hierarchical-level structure of education as a process, parenting, education, outcome.
ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ТА ЗМІСТ КОНСТАТУВАЛЬНОГО ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТУ З ФОРМУВАННЯ ПЕДАГОГІЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ МУЗИКИ
Authors:   Бердянський державний педагогічний університет, Смаковський Ю.
Published: June 2018

In the article the author has reveals the content and organization of diagnostic experiment conducted on the formation of the pedagogical culture of future teachers by means of spiritual music. Key words: pedagogical culture, diagnostic experiment, stages of experiment, criteria and indicators, levels, future teachers of music, professional training.
Some Reflections on the Structure of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Authors: Danesh Roshan
Published: June 2018

Secondary literature on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas has tended to comment that the book is relatively unstructured—that it is a mix of topics without any logical or discernible order. This short article challenges the assumption that the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is unstructured and suggests there is value to our understanding of the book and of Bahá’í law by exploring further elements of structure. Particular emphasis is placed on the first nineteen paragraphs of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and how they state in most concise form the pivotal constructs of Bahá’í spiritual and social teachings.
Poison to the Beasts: Changing Poisons and Poisoning Practices in Campaigns to Kill Norwegian Birds and Mammals, 1845-1967
Authors: Ohman Nielsen May-Brith , Seines Anne Mette
Published: June 2018

Between 1845 and 1967 deadly poison was often used to kill and eradicate unwanted wild animals in the Norwegian fauna. The major targets of these poison practices were rats, predators and crows. This article presents the main types of poisons used, the main methods of poison administration and the legislation covering the poisoning-practices in regards to the various species, as well as negotiations over the killing methods and wildlife eradication programmes. Examining the changing social and political organisation of these eradication campaigns brings new insights into the cultural history of poison, into the cultural relations between man and nature and into changing human ideas of safety and danger. We suggest that practices of intentional killing by poisoning of larger animals impinged upon attitudes towards direct or indirect poisoning of insects and concern over toxic risks.
ILC with Initial State Learning for Fractional Order Linear Distributed Parameter Systems
Authors: Lan Yong-Hong , Cui Zhe-Min
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a second order P-type iterative learning control (ILC) scheme with initial state learning for a class of fractional order linear distributed parameter systems. First, by analyzing the control and learning processes, a discrete system for P-type ILC is established, and the ILC design problem is then converted to a stability problem for such a discrete system. Next, a sufficient condition for the convergence of the control input and the tracking errors is obtained by introducing a new norm and using the generalized Gronwall inequality, which is less conservative than the existing one. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by a numerical example.
Improving the Maximum Transmission Distance of Self-Referenced Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution Using a Noiseless Linear Amplifier
Authors: Wang Yijun , Wang Xudong , Huang Duan , Guo Ying
Published: June 2018

We show that a noiseless linear amplifier (NLA) can be placed properly at the receiver’s end to improve the performance of self-referenced (SR) continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) when the reference pulses are weak. In SR CV-QKD, the imperfections of the amplitude modulator limit the maximal amplitude of the reference pulses, while the performance of SR CV-QKD is positively related to the amplitude of the reference pulses. An NLA can compensate the impacts of large phase noise introduced by the weak reference pulses. Simulation results derived from collective attacks show that this scheme can improve the performance of SR CV-QKD with weak reference pulses, in terms of extending maximum transmission distance. An NLA with a gain of g can increase the maximum transmission distance by the equivalent of 20log10g dB of losses.
Ontological Clarity via Canonical Presentation: Electromagnetism and the Aharonov–Bohm Effect
Authors: Maudlin Tim
Published: June 2018

Quantum physics demands some radical revision of our fundamental beliefs about physical reality. We know that because there are certain verified physical phenomena—two-slit interference, the disappearance of interference upon monitoring, violations of Bell’s inequality—that have no classical analogs. But the exact nature of that revision has been under dispute since the foundation of quantum theory. I offer a method of clarifying what the commitments of a clearly formulated physical theory are, and apply it to a discussion of some options available to account for another non-classical phenomenon: the Aharonov–Bohm effect.
Regional Determinants of Energy Efficiency: Residential Energy Demand in Japan
Authors: Otsuka Akihiro
Published: June 2018

Controlling the rapid growth of residential energy demand and enhancing energy efficiency are key policy issues in Japan. Thus, this study aims to estimate a residential energy demand function by conducting a stochastic frontier analysis and analyze the regional determinants of energy efficiency. The results indicate that population density and electrification rate foster energy efficiency and exert the same degree of impact. The study also highlights that population concentration has a nonlinear effect on energy efficiency. In other words, when combined with population concentration, the promotion of electrification policies can significantly contribute toward improving energy efficiency in the residential sector and consequently, have a positive effect on Japan’s regional economy.
A Method for Load Classification and Energy Scheduling Optimization to Improve Load Reliability
Authors: Ren Yinze , Wu Hongbin , Yang Hejun , Yang Shihai , Li Zhixin
Published: June 2018

With the large amount of distributed generation in use, the structure of the distribution system is increasingly complex. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a method to improve load reliability. Based on the reliability model of distributed generation, this paper investigates the time sequential simulation of a wind/solar/storage combined power supply system under off-grid operation. After classifying the load by power supply region, the load weight coefficient is established, which modifies the reliability index of the load point and system. The modified expected energy not supplied (EENS) is adopted as the objective function, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solving the optimal energy scheduling for improving the load reliability. Finally, the load reliability is calculated with a hybrid method. Using the IEEE-RBTS Bus 6 system as an example, the correctness and validity of the proposed method are verified as an effective way to improve load reliability.
Evaluation of the Reactive Power Support Capability and Associated Technical Costs of Photovoltaic Farms’ Operation
Authors: Lourenço Luís F. N. , Monaro Renato M. , Salles Maurício B. C. , Cardoso José R. , Quéval Loïc
Published: June 2018

The share of photovoltaic (PV) farms is increasing in the energy mix as power systems move away from conventional carbon-emitting sources. PV farms are equipped with an expensive power converter, which is, most of the time, used well bellow its rated capacity. This has led to proposals to use it to provide reactive power support to the grid. In this framework, this work presents a step-by-step methodology to obtain the reactive power support capability map and the associated technical costs of single- and two-stage PV farms during daytime operation. Results show that the use of two-stage PV farms can expand the reactive power support capability for low irradiance values in comparison to single-stage ones. Besides, despite losses being higher for two-stage PV farms, the technical cost in providing reactive power support is similar for both systems. Based on the obtained maps, it is demonstrated how the profits of a PV farm can be evaluated for the current ancillary services policy in Brazil. The proposed method is of interest to PV farm owners and grid operators to estimate the cost of providing reactive power support and to evaluate the economic feasibility in offering this ancillary service.
Development of Building Thermal Load and Discomfort Degree Hour Prediction Models Using Data Mining Approaches
Authors: Lin Yaolin , Zhou Shiquan , Yang Wei , Shi Long , Li Chun-Qing
Published: June 2018

Thermal load and indoor comfort level are two important building performance indicators, rapid predictions of which can help significantly reduce the computation time during design optimization. In this paper, a three-step approach is used to develop and evaluate prediction models. Firstly, the Latin Hypercube Sampling Method (LHSM) is used to generate a representative 19-dimensional design database and DesignBuilder is then used to obtain the thermal load and discomfort degree hours through simulation. Secondly, samples from the database are used to develop and validate seven prediction models, using data mining approaches including multilinear regression (MLR), chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), exhaustive CHAID (ECHAID), back-propagation neural network (BPNN), radial basis function network (RBFN), classification and regression trees (CART), and support vector machines (SVM). It is found that the MLR and BPNN models outperform the others in the prediction of thermal load with average absolute error of less than 1.19%, and the BPNN model is the best at predicting discomfort degree hour with 0.62% average absolute error. Finally, two hybrid models—MLR (MLR + BPNN) and MLR-BPNN—are developed. The MLR-BPNN models are found to be the best prediction models, with average absolute error of 0.82% in thermal load and 0.59% in discomfort degree hour.
Quality Assessment of Surgical Disc Samples Discriminates Human Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus on Tissue and Molecular Level
Authors: Schubert Ann-Kathrin , Smink Jeske , Arp Mirko , Ringe Jochen , Hegewald Aldemar , Sittinger Michael
Published: June 2018

A discrimination of the highly specialised annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in the mature human intervertebral disc (IVD) is thus far still not possible in a reliable way. The aim of this study was to identify molecular markers that distinguish AF and NP cells in human disc tissue using microarray analysis as a screening tool. AF and NP samples were obtained from 28 cervical discs. First, all samples underwent quality sorting using two novel scoring systems for small-sized disc tissue samples including macroscopic, haptic and histological evaluation. Subsequently, samples with clear disc characteristics of either AF or NP that were free from impurities of foreign tissue (IVD score) and with low signs of disc degeneration on cellular level (DD score) were selected for GeneChip analysis (HGU1332P). The 11 AF and 9 NP samples showed distinctly different genome-wide transcriptomes. The majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) could be specifically assigned to the AF, whereas no DEG was exclusively expressed in the NP. Nevertheless, we identified 11 novel marker genes that clearly distinguished AF and NP, as confirmed by quantitative gene expression analysis. The novel established scoring systems and molecular markers showed the identity of AF and NP in disc starting material and are thus of great importance in the quality assurance of cell-based therapeutics in regenerative treatment of disc degeneration.
Synergistic Antitumor Effect of Oligogalacturonides and Cisplatin on Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Huang Cian-Song , Huang Ai-Chun , Huang Ping-Hsiu , Lo Diana , Wang Yuh-Tai , Wu Ming-Chang
Published: June 2018

Cisplatin (DPP), a clinically potent antineoplastic agent, is limited by its severe adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oligogalacturonides (OGA) and DDP on human lung cancer A549 cells. The combined use of OGA and DDP had a synergistic effect on the growth inhibition of A549 cells, changed the cell cycle distribution, and enhanced apoptotic response, especially in sequential combination treatment group of DDP 12 h + OGA 12 h. Western blot analyses showed that the combination treatment of OGA and DDP upregulated Bax, p53, and Caspase-3 and downregulated Bcl-2 proteins. More importantly, DDP-induced toxicity was attenuated by OGA and DDP combination treatment in normal HEK293 cells. Our data suggests that the combined use of OGA from natural sources and DDP could be an important new adjuvant therapy for lung cancer as well as offer important insights for reducing kidney toxicity of DDP and delaying the development of DDP resistance.
Structural Coloration of Polyester Fabrics Coated with Al/TiO2 Composite Films and Their Anti-Ultraviolet Properties
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Ye Yuanjing , Lian Min , Wei Qufu
Published: June 2018

Al/TiO2 composite film was successfully deposited on polyester fabrics by using magnetron sputtering techniques. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the deposited films on the fabrics, and the structural colors and anti-ultraviolet property of fabrics were also analyzed. The results indicated that polyester fabrics coated with Al/TiO2 composite films achieved structural colors. The reactive sputtering times of TiO2 films in Al/TiO2 composite films were 10 min, 12 min, 18 min, 20 min, 26 min, 27 min, 30 min and 45 min, respectively, the colors of corresponding fabrics were bluish violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow, yellowish red, orange and blue-green, which was consistent with the principle of the thin film interference. The structure of the TiO2 film in Al/TiO2 composite films was non-crystalline, though the fabrics were heated and maintained at the temperature of 200 °C. The anti-ultraviolet property of the fabrics deposited with Al/TiO2 composite films were excellent because of the effect of Al/TiO2 composite films.
Pagrindinio broncho bigės rankinių siūlių atsparumas slėgiui
Authors: Rubikas Romaldas
Published: June 2018

Tyrimo tikslas. Ištirti pagrindinio broncho bigės rankinių siūlių atsparumą slėgiui, rasti jų silpnąsias vietas ir būdus padaryti jas atsparesnes. Tyrimo medžiaga ir metodai. Patologijos skyriuje atrinkome ir paruošėme 16 mirusių žmonių trachėją ir abu pagrindinius bronchus, kuriuose nebuvo patologinių pokyčių. Vieno pagrindinio broncho bigė buvo užsiūta tipiška, o kita patobulinta ištisine dviejų krypčių 3/0 vikrilo (Vicryl) siūle. Tokiomis siūlėmis krūtinės chirurgijos skyriuje, pašalinus plautį, užsiuvama pagrindinio broncho bigė. Į trachėją įkišamas standartinis intubacinis vamzdelis, sujungtas su manometru ir balionėliu orui pūsti. Trachėja ir abu pagrindiniai bronchai panardinami į kambario temperatūros vandenį, į jų spindį lėtai pučiamas oras. Siūlių atsparumas nustatytas didinant slėgį trachėjos ir pagrindinių bronchų spindyje. Kai per siūlę pasirodo oro burbuliukų, užrašomas manometro rodomas slėgis. Rezultatai. Tipiška rankinė pagrindinio broncho bigės siūlė atlaikė vidutiniškai 106,6±11,2 mmHg stulp., o patobulinta – 141,8±14,2 mmHg stulp. slėgį. Skirtumas statistiškai reikšmingas, p<0,001. Nustatyta tipiškos siūlės mažesnio atsparumo slėgiui priežastis. Ji panaikinta patobulinus siūlės metodiką. Išvados. Pagrindinio broncho bigės siūlių sandarumą ir atsparumą slėgiui lemia tolygus pagrindinio broncho kremzlinės ir membraninės sienos suglaudimas. Dėl didesnio atsparumo slėgiui patikimesnė patobulinta pagrindinio broncho bigės siūlė.
Ūminis glomerulonefritas, susijęs su mikoplazmine pneumonija
Authors: Kaltenis Petras , Užomeckienė Vilija , Rygertienė Kristina , Bernatonienė Genovaitė
Published: June 2018

Straipsnyje aprašomas gana retas atvejis – ūminis glomerulonefritas, susijęs su mikoplazmine pneumonija. Literatūros duomenimis, mikoplazminė infekcija gali būti susijusi su įvairaus pobūdžio inkstų pažeidimu, tačiau mūsų stebėtu atveju inkstų liga nedaug skyrėsi nuo klasikinio ūminio poinfekcinio glomerulonefrito. Ryškiausias skirtumas – tai, kad inkstų ligos požymių atsirado beveik vienu metu su kvėpavimo takų ligos simptomais, o ne praėjus bent vienai savaitei. Ligos eiga ir baigtis buvo gera.
Is It Time to Change the Definition of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? What Do We Need to Add?
Authors: Montes de Oca Maria , Laucho-Contreras Maria
Published: June 2018

Acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are associated with increased mortality, rate of hospitalization, use of healthcare resources, and have a negative impact on disease progression, quality of life and lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is an imperative need to homogenize the definition of AECOPD because the incidence of exacerbations has a significant influence or implication on treatment decision making, particularly in pharmacotherapy and could impact the outcome or change the statistical significance of a therapeutic intervention in clinical trials. In this review, using PubMed searches, we have analyzed the weaknesses and strengths of the different used AECOPD definitions (symptom-based, healthcare-based definition or the combinations of both), as well as the findings of the studies that have assessed the relationship of different biomarkers with the diagnosis, etiology and differential diagnosis of AECOPD and the progress towards the development of a more precise definition of COPD exacerbation. Finally, we have proposed a simple definition of AECOPD, which must be validated in future clinical trials to define its accuracy and usefulness in daily practice.
Cobalt-Catalyzed (Hetero)arylation of Saturated Cyclic Amines with Grignard Reagents
Authors: Barré Baptiste , Gonnard Laurine , Guérinot Amandine , Cossy Janine
Published: June 2018

(Hetero)aryl substituted saturated cyclic amines are ubiquitous scaffolds in biologically active molecules. Metal-catalyzed cross-couplings between halogeno N-heterocycles and organometallic species are efficient and modular reactions to access these attractive scaffolds. An overview of our work concerning the cobalt-catalyzed arylation of iodo-substituted cyclic amines is presented.
Ag Nanotwin-Assisted Grain Growth-Induced by Stress in SiO2/Ag/SiO2 Nanocap Arrays
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Yaxin , Zhang Yongjun , Chen Lei , Liu Yang , Yang Jinghai
Published: June 2018

A trilayer SiO2/Ag/SiO2 nanocap array was prepared on a two-dimensional template. When annealed at different temperatures, the curvature of the SiO2/Ag/SiO2 nanocap arrays increased, which led to Ag nanocap shrinkage. The stress provided by the curved SiO2 layer induced the formation of Ag nanotwins. Ag nanotwins assisted the growth of nanoparticles when the neighboring nanotwins changed the local misorientations. Nanocap shrinkage reduced the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) coupling between neighboring nanocaps; concurrently, grain growth decreased the SPR coupling between the particles in each nanocap, which led to a red shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands and decreased the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals.
AVSS: Airborne Video Surveillance System
Authors: Jung Jongtack , Yoo Seungho , La Woong Gyu , Lee Dongkyu Roy , Bae Mungyu , Kim Hwangnam
Published: June 2018

Most surveillance systems only contain CCTVs. CCTVs, however, provide only limited maneuverability against dynamic targets and are inefficient for short term surveillance. Such limitations do not raise much concern in some cases, but for the scenario in which traditional surveillance systems do not suffice, adopting a fleet of UAVs can help overcoming the limitations. In this paper, we present a surveillance system implemented with a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A surveillance system implemented with a fleet of UAVs is easy to deploy and maintain. A UAV fleet requires little time to deploy and set up, and removing the surveillance is also virtually instant. The system we propose deploys UAVs to the target area for installation and perform surveillance operations. The camera mounted UAVs act as surveillance probes, the server provides overall control of the surveillance system, and the fleet platform provides fleet-wise control of the UAVs. In the proposed system, the UAVs establish a network and enable multi-hop communication, which allows the system to widen its coverage area. The operator of the system can control the fleet of UAVs via the fleet platform and receive surveillance information gathered by the UAVs. The proposed system is described in detail along with the algorithm for effective placement of the UAVs. The prototype of the system is presented, and the experiment carried out shows that the system can successfully perform surveillance over an area set by the system.
Accuracy of a Basketball Indoor Tracking System Based on Standard Bluetooth Low Energy Channels (NBN23®)
Authors: Figueira Bruno , Gonçalves Bruno , Folgado Hugo , Masiulis Nerijus , Calleja-González Julio , Sampaio Jaime
Published: June 2018

The present study aims to identify the accuracy of the NBN23® system, an indoor tracking system based on radio-frequency and standard Bluetooth Low Energy channels. Twelve capture tags were attached to a custom cart with fixed distances of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 1.8 m. The cart was pushed along a predetermined course following the lines of a standard dimensions Basketball court. The course was performed at low speed (<10.0 km/h), medium speed (>10.0 km/h and <20.0 km/h) and high speed (>20.0 km/h). Root mean square error (RMSE) and percentage of variance accounted for (%VAF) were used as accuracy measures. The obtained data showed acceptable accuracy results for both RMSE and %VAF, despite the expected degree of error in position measurement at higher speeds. The RMSE for all the distances and velocities presented an average absolute error of 0.30 ± 0.13 cm with 90.61 ± 8.34 of %VAF, in line with most available systems, and considered acceptable for indoor sports. The processing of data with filter correction seemed to reduce the noise and promote a lower relative error, increasing the %VAF for each measured distance. Research using positional-derived variables in Basketball is still very scarce; thus, this independent test of the NBN23® tracking system provides accuracy details and opens up opportunities to develop new performance indicators that help to optimize training adaptations and performance.
A Submerged Optical Fiber Ultrasonic Sensor Using Matched Fiber Bragg Gratings
Authors: Bai Xiaohong , Hu Manli , Gang Tingting , Rong Qiangzhou
Published: June 2018

A novel kind of fiber optic ultrasonic sensor based on matching fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed and demonstrated. The sensors consist of a pair of matching FBGs fixed to a special bracket. The bracket plays a role in stretching and squeezing the FBGs, with the push–pull effect efficiently coupling the ultrasonic signal to the sensor, thus, improving the sensor’s sensitivity. Side-band filtering technology-based intensity interrogation was used to detect ultrasounds in water. With the synergic effect of the matching FBGs, the sensor performed with a high signal-to-noise ratio (56.9 dB at 300 KHz, 53 dB at 1 MHz and 31.8 dB at 5 MHz) and the observed ultrasonic sinusoidal signals were undistorted and distinguishable in the time domain.
A National Pragmatic Safety Limit for Nuclear Weapon Quantities
Authors: Pearce Joshua M. , Denkenberger David C.
Published: June 2018

This study determines the nuclear pragmatic limit where the direct physical negative consequences of nuclear weapons use are counter to national interests, by assuming all unknowns are conservatively optimistic. The only effect considered is nuclear winter (“nuclear autumn” in the low weapons limits) and the resultant effects on the aggressor nation. First, the ability of low nuclear weapon limits is probed for maintaining deterrence in the worst-case scenario of attacking the most-populous nation. Second, the ability of aggressor nations to feed themselves is assessed without trade and industry resultant from a nuclear attack causing “nuclear autumn” (10% global agricultural shortfall). Third, the best-case wealthy aggressor nation with abundant arable land is analyzed for starvation and economic impacts given 7000, 1000, and 100 nuclear weapons scenarios. The results found that 100 nuclear warheads is adequate for nuclear deterrence in the worst case scenario, while using more than 100 nuclear weapons by any aggressor nation (including the best positioned strategically to handle the unintended consequences) even with optimistic assumptions (including no retaliation) would cause unacceptable damage to their own society. Thus, 100 nuclear warheads is the pragmatic limit and use of government funds to maintain more than 100 nuclear weapons does not appear to be rational.
Green Initiatives Adoption and Environmental Performance of Public Listed Companies in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Aziz Nor Azah , Ong Tze San , Foong Soon Yau , Senik Rosmila , Attan Hassan
Published: June 2018

Environmental issues bring about thoughtful questions on the roles of business organisations in society. Irrespective of whether they are contributing to a better environment or worsening it, organisations have to acknowledge environmental or green issues through impact research and measurement. This article aims to examine the extent of green initiatives adoption and its impact on environmental performance of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was conducted on PLCs and data from 120 samples were analysed using a statistical tool partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Interviews were also conducted with a few selected companies to obtain in-depth information on green practices and to support the survey findings. The findings reveal that the extent of green initiatives adoption and environmental performance is at moderate level. Green initiatives adoption positively affects the environmental performance of Malaysian PLCs. The present study contributes to the literature of environmental management in the context of green and sustainable development. It also provides some important contributions for management practices by providing empirical evidence to managers that green initiatives should be extensively adopted to enhance environmental performances.
Action and Image in Early Chinese Art
Authors: von Falkenhausen Lothar
Published: June 2018

On peut distinguer trois modes de représentations figuratives (figures humaines ou animalières) dans l'art de la Chine pré-impériale : hiératiques, ornementales et actives. Les découvertes de l'archéologie moderne montrent que ces trois modes existaient dès l'époque néolithique, mais on ne peut manquer d'observer, pendant certaines périodes et dans certaines régions, la prédominance de l'un ou de l'autre. Dans l'art exclusivement religieux de la Chine centrale, sous les Shang par exemple, c'est le mode hiératique qui prédomine, alors qu'à la périphérie du pays de culture Shang, il en va différemment. Les Zhou occidentaux héritent de ces préférences, mais le mode ornemental s'établit comme prédominant après ca. 850 av. J.-C. À partir de ce point d'articulation de l'histoire de l'art visuel chinois se développe très graduellement au sein de la tradition chinoise un art figuratif permettant la représentation de scènes d'action. En retraçant les précédents néolithiques de cette transformation, et ses parallèles dans les cultures voisines de celles des Shang et des Zhou, on peut démontrer que les innovations dans l'art visuel des Zhou orientaux ne sont nullement le résultat de « progrès » dans le domaine de la production artistique, mais la conséquence d'un affranchissement par rapport aux conventions visuelles antérieures, lié aux changements religieux et sociaux de l'époque.
The Underground Chamber of the Famensi Pagoda: Its Date, Background, and Historical Significance
Authors: Jixi Gao
Published: June 2018

Entre 1997 et 1998, les archéologues chinois ont découvert, sous la pagode du temple bouddhique Famensi à Fufeng (Shaanxi), une chambre souterraine contenant des reliques sacrées et de magnifiques trésors d'art. Ces derniers sont pour la plupart des dons votifs de la famille impériale Tang qui, dès le début de la dynastie, a soutenu le culte de l'« os du Buddha » conservé au Famensi. Les trésors furent déposés dans la chambre à la fin du IXe siècle, après les persécutions anti-bouddhiques sous le règne de l'empereur Wuzong (r. 840-846). Cet article présente une analyse détaillée de l'architecture et de l'ornementation de la chambre souterraine et montre qu'elle a été construite bien plus tôt, sous le règne de l'empereur Gaozong (r. 649-683). Similaire aux tombes princières des Tang, elle constitue une innovation radicale à l'époque, dont l'impératrice Wu Zetian (r. 684-704) fut à l'origine. Cette connexion impériale explique que la chambre souterraine du Famensi ait servi par la suite de modèle à d'autres chambres de dépôt construites sous des pagodes à travers l'empire Tang.
Revisioning the Buddhist Cosmos: Shifting Paths of Rebirth in Medieval Chinese Buddhism
Authors: Schmid David Neil
Published: June 2018

On considère généralement que le cosmos bouddhique chinois médiéval est toujours conçu comme composé de Cinq ou Six Voies de renaissance, selon la présence ou l'absence du royaume des Asuras ou dieux guerriers. En fait, un modèle alternatif domine la documentation textuelle et matérielle à partir du milieu de l'époque Tang. Un examen détaillé des documents écrits, des rituels et des représentations de cette époque révèle qu'au VIIIe siècle le chemin des buddhas (fo dao) devient interchangeable avec le chemin des êtres célestes (tian dao) et mêlé des notions de Terre pure et de deux paradisiaques. Ici, la distinction entre les Cinq Voies et les Six Voies n'a rien à voir avec la présence ou l'absence de la Voie des Asuras mais elle est liée à une relocalisation de la moralité et de l'émancipation : les Cinq Voies sont « mauvaises » alors que la Sixième Voie mène au salut. De cette façon, il y a toujours simultanément Cinq et Six Voies. Devenir un Buddha en suivant la Sixième Voie implique une transformation corporelle, comme tout processus transmigratoire, mais sa destination est transcendante et sotériologiquement définitive : la renaissance dans un lieu paradisiaque, soit Terre pure ou soit Ciel. Ce cas montre qu'il est important de comprendre que le bouddhisme chinois a été intégré d'une manière profonde dans la société chinoise, à la suite d'une interaction intense entre les deux parties (le bouddhisme et la société chinoise).
Les alluvions anciennes au sud de la Bruche et aux environs d'Obernai (Bas-Rhin)
Authors: Théobald Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Aux environs d'Obernai existent plusieurs niveaux d' alluvions emboitées ou se recouvrant avec intercalations ou couverture de lœss. L'étude de nouveaux affleurements permet de reprendre la question de la succession chronologique des dépôts.
Sur la géochimie de la silice et les silicifications sahariennes
Authors: Millot Georges , Radier Henri , Muller-Feuga Roger , Defossez Michel , Wey Raymond
Published: June 2018

Les silicifications sahariennes du Fezzan, du Soudan oriental et du Soudan méridional sont présentées. On distingue la quartzification et l'opalisation. Un mécanisme géochimique de ces sllicifications est proposé en fonction des connaissances récentes sur la solubilité de la silice dans les eaux naturelles et sur la croissance des cristaux.
Évolution des argiles sédimentaires dans le bassin triasique du Jura français
Authors: Lucas Jacques , Bronner Anne-Marie
Published: June 2018

L'étude de plusieurs centaines d'argiles, dans les formations triasiques du Jura français, montre que les minéraux argileux sont transformés en cours de sédimentation, sous l'influence du milieu. La fraction héritée est formée essentiellement d'illite plus ou moins dégradée, qui, en cheminant vers le centre du bassin, est peu à peu transformée, d'abord en édifices interstratifiés irréguliers, puis en corrensite, et enfin en chlorite bien cristallisée.
Caractères sédimentologiques et pétrographiques des schistes et grauwackes du Culm dans les Vosges méridionales. (Étude préliminaire sur une série à turbidites, de type flysch, et une série à cyclothèmes)
Authors: Gagny Claude
Published: June 2018

Une étude sédimentologique et pétrographique des séries monotones de schistes et grauwackes du Culm des Vosges méridionales est en cours. Les premiers résultats acquis permettent de mettre en évidence l'existence de séries sédimentaires fondamentalement différentes du point de vue sédimentologique et pétrographique.

La série du Lac de la Lauch (Allochtone, J. Jung, 1928) est une série à turbidites, de type flysch, caractérisée par une distribution particulière de ses lithofaciès et une localisation spécifique de lits à Radiolaires. La série d'Urbès (Autochtone, J. Jung, 1928) est par contre une classique série à cyclothèmes, caractérisée par la présence, au sommet des séquences, de plantes flottées.
Minéraux argileux de vases méditerranéennes
Authors: Chamley Hervé , Paquet Hélène , Millot Georges
Published: June 2018

L'étude de la fraction argileuse de sédiments méditerranéens conduit à distinguer différentes provinces minéralogiques. L'origine des minéraux argileux de ces provinces est discutée : l'héritage est le mécanisme essentiel ; il s'y ajoute la transformation des cendres volcaniques en mont-morillonite. Des évolutions minéralogiques de détail, observées sur certaines carottes, sont commentées : il semble que l'on ait affaire à une fermeture des feuillets d'illite ouverte au fur et à mesure de l'enfouissement des sédiments.
Chitinozoaires ordoviciens et siluriens des schistes de Steige dans les Vosges
Authors: Doubinger Jeanne
Published: June 2018

Les microfaunes de Chitinozoaires provenant de deux lieux de prélèvement différents dans les schistes de Steige sont étudiées, puis comparées à des faunes d'âges connu. On a affaire, près d'Andlau, à du Silurien s. s. (Gothlandien) inférieur ; à Biarville près d'Etival par contre, il s'agit d'Ordovicien moyen.
Étude des Ostracodes du Stampien d'Alsace et complément à l'étude des Ostracodes du Sannoisien d'Alsace
Authors: Stchepinsky Alexis
Published: June 2018

Description de la faune d'Ostracodes provenant des sondages faits en Alsace dans le Stampien et le Sannoisien. Répartition des espèces dans les Marnes à Cyrènes du Stampien supérieur en rapport avec la salure décroissante de la base au sommet (comparaison avec les travaux de S. Gillet). Répartition stratigraphique et géographique des espèces (comparaison avec d'autres régions et en particulier la Suisse : Oertli, 1956).
Présence de niveaux à sépiolite et attapulgite dans les sédiments tertiaires de Galice (Espagne)
Authors: Lucas Jacques , Nonn Henri , Paquet Hélène
Published: June 2018

The fibrous clay minerals, sepiolite and attapulgite, frequently occur in the tertiary sediments from Western Europe and Africa. The deposits described here add a few occurences in a district where the minerals had not yet been found. The detailed description of the geomorphological and stratig raphical context is a contribution to the problem of the genesis of these minerals.
Utilisation du spectromètre à lecture directe pour le dosage des éléments majeurs des roches sédimentaires et des silicates dans une grande gamme de concentrations
Authors: Ataman Gürol
Published: June 2018

Der Verfasser beschreibt hier ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Hauptelemente der Gesteine durch Spektrometrie in direkter Ablesung. Die Eigentümlichkeit dieser Methode besteht in den sehr verdünnten Lösungen welche so die Spektrometrie erleichtern. Die Ergebnisse werden noch durch eine Vorrichtung mit geprüfter Atmosphäre verbessert : eine Mischung von Argon und Oxygen. Da der Analysenbereich sehr weit reicht, wird es möglich, bei der sehr grossen Probenzahl welche man bei der geochemischen Bearbeitung der Oberfläche benötigt, dieses Verfahren ohne Abänderung zu verwenden.
Dioritisation, granitisation et métamorphisme dans les Vosges cristallines du Nord. I. -Région comprise entre la plaine d'Alsace, d'Andlau à Saint-Nabor, et le Champ-du-Feu
Authors: von Eller Jean-Paul
Published: June 2018

After a discussion of the southern part of the Champ-du-Feu massif, based on a recently prepared geologic map, the author presents a pétrographie and chemical study of the formations of that area. Contact metamorphism, granitization and especially dioritization are described and discussed. Most of the diorites seem to be derived from former sediments (limestones and sandy shales ) and volcanic (mainly pyro-clastic) rocks. Also discussed are the characteristics and petrogenesis of various granites, and the author attempts to determine the limit between the Silurian and middle Devonian.
Etude d'un microplancton (Acritarches) du Dévonien supérieur des Ardennes
Authors: Bain Annie , Doubinger Jeanne
Published: June 2018

The Acritarchs of the Famennian of the Ardennes are the subject of a palyno-planctological study, in which they are described, determined and compared with other associations of the Upper Devonian.
Étude cinétique du gonflement de la montmorillonite en présence d'éthylène glycol au moyen de la diffraction X
Authors: Hazart Jean-Pierre , Wey Raymond
Published: June 2018

By making an air-tight fence, ajusted to the spectro-goniometer, it has been possible to study the formation speeds of montmorillonite-glycol complexes. The influence of various factors (interlayered cations, drying temperature, origin of clays) has been investigated.
Age, par la méthode rubidium-strontium, des sédiments du bassin de Franceville (République Gabonaise)
Authors: Bonhomme Michel , Weber Francis , Favre-Mercuret Robert
Published: June 2018

Dix-sept analyses ont été effectuées par la méthode rubidium-strontium sur des échantillons du bassin sédimentaire de Franceville (République Gabonaise).

La méthode des isochrones appliquée à ces mesures permet d'attribuer un âge de 1740 ± 75 MA à ces formations. Le procédé de calcul de l'isochrone par les droites de régression et le calcul d'erreur sur l'âge sont définis.
Structure géologique du secteur des Abers (Nord-Finistère)
Authors: Cogné Jean , Shelley David
Published: June 2018

Le secteur des Abers, au nord du plateau cristallophyllien du Léon, est constitué d'un tréfonds micaschisteux et amphibolitique ancien, granitisé lors des temps hercyniens. Quatre grandes phases tectoniques sont responsables de son architecture actuelle. Les deux premières (I et II) sont de type méso-zonal (vastes plis couchés symmétamorphes de direction N-S puis E-W) et rapportées avec vraisemblance aux cycles antécambriens qui caractérisent le NE du Massif Armoricain (cycles pentévrien et cadomien). Les deux autres (III et IV) englobent la migmatisation hercynienne et s'achèvent par une flexuration synclinale dirigée WSW-ENE, dont l'axe mylonitique plonge doucement vers l'ENE Les relations de cette évolution métamorphique et tectonique complexe avec les grandes étapes de l'histoire structurale armoricaine sont présentées.
Contribution à l'étude géologique des dépôts permiens du Bassin de Villé
Authors: Laubacher Gérard , von Eller Jean-Paul
Published: June 2018

Die Verfasser schlagen eine neue stratigraphische Einteilung des Perms von Weiler vor. Die Schichten von Albé wurden bisher zum Stephan gestellt, sie sind aber permischen Alters. Die genaue Beschreibung dieser Schichten zeigt, dass es sich hauptsächlich um detritische oder um saure vulkanisch-detritische Bildungen handelt. Die telctonische Untersuchung des Weiler Beckens führt zum Schluss, dass es sich um ein Bruchfeld handelt, welches inmitten des Vogesensockels entstanden ist und dessen geologische Geschichte hier erläutert wird.
Sur la salinité de la mer silurienne au Sahara
Authors: Stévaux J. , Kulbicki G.
Published: June 2018

Numerous determinations of boron fixed on clay minerals in Silurian Saharian sediments always give low values. It is therefore concluded that the deposits environment should be relatively low salted. This agrees with the hypothesis of the melting of an ice cap, the traces of which have been observed, chiefly in the N.W. Sahara.
La diagenèse des grès argileux d'Hassi-Messaoud (Sahara) : silicification et dickitisation
Authors: Cassan Jean-Pierre , Lucas Jacques
Published: June 2018

Диагенез глинистых песчаников Хасси-Мессауда (Сахара), силикатизация и диккитизация

Подробное микроскопическое исследование песчаников Хасси-Мессауда показы¬ вает что окремление происходило в два приема, первый почти сейчас же после отло¬ жения, другой же во* время усадки. В более поздней фазе диагенезиса появляется диккит, этот глинистый минерал преобладает в пористых песчаниках и который по-видимому вытравливает вторичный кварц. Заключения этих наблюдений относятся к генезису диккита (генезисное преобразование ранее существовавшего каолинита благодаря циркуляции жидкостей) и поведению кварца в зависимости от среды его образования. В конце сделана попытка восстановить генезисную историю песчаников Хасси-Мессауда.
Associations de Chitinozoaires de Normandie et comparaisons avec les faunes déjà décrites
Authors: Rauscher Raymond , Doubinger Jeanne
Published: June 2018

Trois associations de Chitinozoaires de l'Ordovicien et du Silurien du Cotentin sont décrites. Les schistes à Calymene (Llandeilo) ont livré une micro¬ faune particulièrement bien conservée riche de 23 espèces dont 1 nouvelle. Dans la Série psammitique (Ordovicien supérieur) de l'Est du synclinal de Montmartin 21 espèces dont 1 nouvelle sont décrites. 20 espèces dont 1 nouvelle ont été identifiées dans la Série compréhensive (d1 -s4) qui peut être attribuée au Silurien inférieur (Valentien). La comparaison de ces associations de Chitinozoaires avec celles d'autres régions montre la difficulté de préciser des régions paléogéographiques.
Détermination quantitative par voie chimique des constituants minéralogiques des sols tempérés
Authors: Souchier Bernard , Lelong François
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the method is the definition of the various mineral constituent tractions of soils in the temperate zones and the determination of their percentage by weight in each sample. This is obtained by extending the results of the total chemical analysis, bearing on the samples as a whole, to the results of the partial chemical analyses bearing on mineral fractions separated mechanically or chemically.

The different mineral fractions are the following :

1) The amorphous fraction, defined somewhat arbitrarily as being the sum of the main constituents (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO), soluble by means of two successive extractions ;

2) The argillaceous fraction, separated mechanically after extraction of amorphous material and, consequently rid of it (crystallized argillaceous fraction) ;

3) The fraction of strongly weathered minerals, corresponding to the debris of primary minerals that are more or less weathered, above all feldspar subsisting with the sound primary minerals ; this fraction is dissolved in 0,5 N NaOH, 80 °C.

4) The residual fraction corresponding to sound primary minerals.

The knowledge of percentages of these different fractions and of their variations along the pedological profiles can bring an important contribution to the definition of type of soils characteristic of our regions and to the comprehension of the mineralogical and geochemical phenomena of surface weathering.