bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centrifugal Pump Monitoring and Determination of Pump Characteristic Curves Using Experimental and Analytical Solutions
Authors: Stan Marius , Pana Ion , Minescu Mihail , Ichim Adonis , Teodoriu Catalin
Published: February 2018

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in the industry, especially in the oil and gas sector for fluids transport. Classically, these are designed to transfer single phase fluids (e.g., water) at high flow rates and relatively low pressures when compared with other pump types. As part of their constructive feature, centrifugal pumps rely on seals to prevent air entrapment into the rotor during its normal operation. Although this is a constructive feature, water should pass through the pump inlet even when the inlet manifold is damaged. Modern pumps are integrated in pumping units which consist of a drive (normally electric motor), a transmission (when needed), an electronic package (for monitoring and control), and the pump itself. The unit also has intake and outlet manifolds equipped with valves. Modern systems also include electronic components to measure and monitor pump working parameters such as pressure, temperature, etc. Equipment monitoring devices (vibration sensors, microphones) are installed on modern pumping units to help users evaluate the state of the machinery and detect deviations from the normal working condition. This paper addresses the influence of air-water two-phase mixture on the characteristic curve of a centrifugal pump; pump vibration in operation at various flow rates under these conditions; the possibilities of using the results of experimental investigations in the numerical simulations for design and training purposes, and the possibility of using vibration and sound analysis to detect changes in the equipment working condition. Conclusions show that vibration analysis provides accurate information about the pump’s functional state and the pumping process. Moreover, the acoustic emission also enables the evaluation of the pump status, but needs further improvements to better capture and isolate the usable sounds from the environment.
A Method on Dynamic Path Planning for Robotic Manipulator Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance Based on an Improved RRT Algorithm
Authors: Wei Kun , Ren Bingyin
Published: February 2018

In a future intelligent factory, a robotic manipulator must work efficiently and safely in a Human–Robot collaborative and dynamic unstructured environment. Autonomous path planning is the most important issue which must be resolved first in the process of improving robotic manipulator intelligence. Among the path-planning methods, the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm based on random sampling has been widely applied in dynamic path planning for a high-dimensional robotic manipulator, especially in a complex environment because of its probability completeness, perfect expansion, and fast exploring speed over other planning methods. However, the existing RRT algorithm has a limitation in path planning for a robotic manipulator in a dynamic unstructured environment. Therefore, an autonomous obstacle avoidance dynamic path-planning method for a robotic manipulator based on an improved RRT algorithm, called Smoothly RRT (S-RRT), is proposed. This method that targets a directional node extends and can increase the sampling speed and efficiency of RRT dramatically. A path optimization strategy based on the maximum curvature constraint is presented to generate a smooth and curved continuous executable path for a robotic manipulator. Finally, the correctness, effectiveness, and practicability of the proposed method are demonstrated and validated via a MATLAB static simulation and a Robot Operating System (ROS) dynamic simulation environment as well as a real autonomous obstacle avoidance experiment in a dynamic unstructured environment for a robotic manipulator. The proposed method not only provides great practical engineering significance for a robotic manipulator’s obstacle avoidance in an intelligent factory, but also theoretical reference value for other type of robots’ path planning.
A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence of the Impact of Surface Water Quality on Property Values
Authors: Nicholls Sarah , Crompton John
Published: February 2018

The desirability of living on or close to water is reflected in sometimes substantial property price premiums. Water quality has an important influence on property prices, since it impacts a water body’s appearance, capacity to support wildlife, and recreational potential. As water quality continues to be altered by human use and activity, and in light of new threats posed by projected climate and associated environmental change, understanding the impact of changing quality on property prices, and the associated property tax base, is paramount. This paper reviews the body of evidence on this topic to date. Of the 43 distinct studies represented in the 48 publications reviewed, the expected, statistically significant relationship between water quality and property price was demonstrated in at least one of the models developed in all but two studies. As a whole, they provide convincing evidence that clean water has a positive effect on property values.
Forecasting China’s Coal Power Installed Capacity: A Comparison of MGM, ARIMA, GM-ARIMA, and NMGM Models
Authors: Li Shuyu , Yang Xue , Li Rongrong
Published: February 2018

Construction of new coal-fired power plants in China has posed a huge challenge to energy sustainability. Forecasting the installed capacity more accurately can serve to develop better energy sustainability strategy. A comparison between linear and non-linear forecasting models can more comprehensively describe the characteristics of the prediction data and provide multi-angle analysis of the prediction results. In this paper, we develop four time-series forecasting techniques—metabolism grey model (MGM), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), grey model (GM)-ARIAM, and nonlinear metabolism grey model (NMGM)—for better forecasting of coal-fired power installed capacity. The average relative errors between the simulation and actual data of the MGM, GM-ARIMA, ARIMA, and NMGM model are 3.37%, 2.13%, 3.71% and 2.36% respectively, which indicate those four models can produce highly accurate results. The forecasting results show the average annual growth rate of China’s coal-fired power installed capacity in the next ten years (2017–2016) will be 5.26% a year, which is slower than the average annual growth rate (8.20% a year) for 2007–2016. However, the average annual new added installed capacity for 2017–2026 will be 74 gigawatts, which is higher than the average annual added installed capacity (56 gigawatts) for 2007–2016.
Solar Irradiance Measurements Using Smart Devices: A Cost-Effective Technique for Estimation of Solar Irradiance for Sustainable Energy Systems
Authors: Al-Taani Hussein , Arabasi Sameer
Published: February 2018

Solar irradiance measurement is a key component in estimating solar irradiation, which is necessary and essential to design sustainable energy systems such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. The measurement is typically done with sophisticated devices designed for this purpose. In this paper we propose a smartphone-aided setup to estimate the solar irradiance in a certain location. The setup is accessible, easy to use and cost-effective. The method we propose does not have the accuracy of an irradiance meter of high precision but has the advantage of being readily accessible on any smartphone. It could serve as a quick tool to estimate irradiance measurements in the preliminary stages of PV systems design. Furthermore, it could act as a cost-effective educational tool in sustainable energy courses where understanding solar radiation variations is an important aspect.
Cytoskeletons in the Closet—Subversion in Alphaherpesvirus Infections
Authors: Denes Christopher , Miranda-Saksena Monica , Cunningham Anthony , Diefenbach Russell
Published: February 2018

Actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments form the cytoskeleton of vertebrate cells. Involved in maintaining cell integrity and structure, facilitating cargo and vesicle transport, remodelling surface structures and motility, the cytoskeleton is necessary for the successful life of a cell. Because of the broad range of functions these filaments are involved in, they are common targets for viral pathogens, including the alphaherpesviruses. Human-tropic alphaherpesviruses are prevalent pathogens carried by more than half of the world’s population; comprising herpes simplex virus (types 1 and 2) and varicella-zoster virus, these viruses are characterised by their ability to establish latency in sensory neurons. This review will discuss the known mechanisms involved in subversion of and transport via the cytoskeleton during alphaherpesvirus infections, focusing on protein-protein interactions and pathways that have recently been identified. Studies on related alphaherpesviruses whose primary host is not human, along with comparisons to more distantly related beta and gammaherpesviruses, are also presented in this review. The need to decipher as-yet-unknown mechanisms exploited by viruses to hijack cytoskeletal components—to reveal the hidden cytoskeletons in the closet—will also be addressed.
DNA Tumor Virus Regulation of Host DNA Methylation and Its Implications for Immune Evasion and Oncogenesis
Authors: Kuss-Duerkop Sharon , Westrich Joseph , Pyeon Dohun
Published: February 2018

Viruses have evolved various mechanisms to evade host immunity and ensure efficient viral replication and persistence. Several DNA tumor viruses modulate host DNA methyltransferases for epigenetic dysregulation of immune-related gene expression in host cells. The host immune responses suppressed by virus-induced aberrant DNA methylation are also frequently involved in antitumor immune responses. Here, we describe viral mechanisms and virus–host interactions by which DNA tumor viruses regulate host DNA methylation to evade antiviral immunity, which may contribute to the generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment during cancer development. Recent trials of immunotherapies have shown promising results to treat multiple cancers; however, a significant number of non-responders necessitate identifying additional targets for cancer immunotherapies. Thus, understanding immune evasion mechanisms of cancer-causing viruses may provide great insights for reversing immune suppression to prevent and treat associated cancers.
Phosphate Leaching from Green Roof Substrates—Can Green Roofs Pollute Urban Water Bodies?
Authors: Karczmarczyk Agnieszka , Bus Agnieszka , Baryła Anna
Published: February 2018

Green roofs are an effective stormwater measure due to high water retention capacity and the ability of delaying stormwater runoff. However, low importance is still given to the pollutant leaching potential of substrates used in green roof construction. The aim of the study is to estimate the concentrations and loads of P-PO43− in runoff from extensive and intensive substrates. To achieve this goal, several commonly-used fresh substrates were analyzed for P-PO43− leaching potential in different scale experiments, from laboratory batch tests, leaching column experiments, and long-term monitoring of open air green roof containers. The results of the study confirmed that fresh green roof substrates contain phosphorus in significant amounts of 17–145 mg∙P-PO43−/kg and, thus, can contribute to eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems. High correlation between phosphate content estimated by HCl extraction and cumulative load in leachate tests suggests that the batch HCl extraction test can be recommended for the comparison and selection of substrates with low potential P leaching. Volume-weighted mean concentrations and UALs of P-PO43− leaching from fresh substrates were higher in cases of intensive substrates, but there was no clear relationship between substrate type and the observed P-PO43− concentration range. To avoid increasing eutrophication of urban receivers the implementation of P reduction measures is strongly recommended.
A Monte-Carlo-Based Method for the Optimal Placement and Operation Scheduling of Sewer Mining Units in Urban Wastewater Networks
Authors: Psarrou Eleftheria , Tsoukalas Ioannis , Makropoulos Christos
Published: February 2018

Pressures on water resources, which have increased significantly nowadays mainly due to rapid urbanization, population growth and climate change impacts, necessitate the development of innovative wastewater treatment and reuse technologies. In this context, a mid-scale decentralized technology concerning wastewater reuse is that of sewer mining. It is based on extracting wastewater from a wastewater system, treating it on-site and producing recycled water applicable for non-potable uses. Despite the technology’s considerable benefits, several challenges hinder its implementation. Sewer mining disturbs biochemical processes inside sewers and affects hydrogen sulfide build-up, resulting in odor, corrosion and health-related problems. In this study, a tool for optimal sewer mining unit placement aiming to minimize hydrogen sulfide production is presented. The Monte-Carlo method coupled with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is used to conduct multiple simulations of the network. The network’s response when sewage is extracted from it is also examined. Additionally, the study deals with optimal pumping scheduling. The overall methodology is applied in a sewer network in Greece providing useful results. It can therefore assist in selecting appropriate locations for sewer mining implementation, with the focus on eliminating hydrogen sulfide-associated problems while simultaneously ensuring that higher water needs are satisfied.
Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from spices for in vitro imaging and tumour cell growth inhibition
Authors: Vasimalai Nagamalai , Vilas-Boas Vânia , Gallo Juan , Cerqueira María de Fátima , Menéndez-Miranda Mario , Costa-Fernández José Manuel , Diéguez Lorena , Espiña Begoña , Fernández-Argüelles María Teresa
Published: February 2018

Carbon dots have demonstrated great potential as luminescent nanoparticles in bioapplications. Although such nanoparticles appear to exhibit low toxicity compared to other metal luminescent nanomaterials, today we know that the toxicity of carbon dots (C-dots) strongly depends on the protocol of fabrication. In this work, aqueous fluorescent C-dots have been synthesized from cinnamon, red chilli, turmeric and black pepper, by a one-pot green hydrothermal method. The synthesized C-dots were firstly characterized by means of UV–vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The optical performance showed an outstanding ability for imaging purposes, with quantum yields up to 43.6%. Thus, the cytotoxicity of the above mentioned spice-derived C-dots was evaluated in vitro in human glioblastoma cells (LN-229 cancer cell line) and in human kidney cells (HK-2 non-cancerous cell line). Bioimaging and viability studies were performed with different C-dot concentrations from 0.1 to 2 mg·mL−1, exhibiting a higher uptake of C-dots in the cancer cultures compared to the non-cancerous cells. Results showed that the spice-derived C-dots inhibited cell viability dose-dependently after a 24 h incubation period, displaying a higher toxicity in LN-229, than in HK-2 cells. As a control, C-dots synthesized from citric acid did not show any significant toxicity in either cancerous or non-cancerous cells, implying that the tumour cell growth inhibition properties observed in the spice-derived C-dots can be attributed to the starting material employed for their fabrication. These results evidence that functional groups in the surface of the C-dots might be responsible for the selective cytotoxicity, as suggested by the presence of piperine in the surface of black pepper C-dots analysed by ESI-QTOF-MS.
Three Small Planets Transiting a Hyades Star
Authors: Livingston John H. , Dai Fei , Hirano Teruyuki , Gandolfi Davide , Nowak Grzegorz , Endl Michael , Velasco Sergio , Fukui Akihiko , Narita Norio , Prieto-Arranz Jorge , Barragan Oscar , Cusano Felice , Albrecht Simon , Cabrera Juan , Cochran William D. , Csizmadia Szilard , Deeg Hans J. , Eigmüller Philipp , Erikson Anders , Fridlund Malcolm , Grziwa Sascha , Guenther Eike W. , Hatzes Artie P. , Kawauchi Kiyoe , Korth Judith , Nespral David , Palle Enric , Pätzold Martin , Persson Carina M. , Rauer Heike , Smith Alexis M. S. , Tamura Motohide , Tanaka Yusuke , Van Eylen Vincent , Watanabe Noriharu , Winn Joshua N.
Published: February 2018

We present the discovery of three small planets transiting K2-136 (LP 358 348, EPIC 247589423), a late K dwarf in the Hyades. The planets have orbital periods of 7.9757 ± 0.0011,

, and

, and radii of 1.05 ± 0.16, 3.14 ± 0.36, and

, respectively. With an age of 600–800 Myr, these planets are some of the smallest and youngest transiting planets known. Due to the relatively bright (J = 9.1) host star, the planets are compelling targets for future characterization via radial velocity mass measurements and transmission spectroscopy. As the first known star with multiple transiting planets in a cluster, the system should be helpful for testing theories of planet formation and migration.
Spectroscopic Observations of the Outflowing Wind in the Lensed Quasar SDSS J1001+5027∗
Authors: Misawa Toru , Inada Naohisa , Oguri Masamune , Charlton Jane C. , Eracleous Michael , Koyamada Suzuka , Itoh Daisuke
Published: February 2018

We performed spectroscopic observations of the small-separation lensed quasar SDSS J1001+5027, whose images have an angular separation

, and placed constraints on the physical properties of gas clouds in the vicinity of the quasar (i.e., in the outflowing wind launched from the accretion disk). The two cylinders of sight to the two lensed images go through the same region of the outflowing wind and they become fully separated with no overlap at a very large distance from the source (∼330 pc). We discovered a clear difference in the profile of the C iv broad absorption line (BAL) detected in the two lensed images in two observing epochs. Because the kinematic components in the BAL profile do not vary in concert, the observed variations cannot be reproduced by a simple change of ionization state. If the variability is due to gas motion around the background source (i.e., the continuum source), the corresponding rotational velocity is

≥ 18,000 km s−1, and their distance from the source is

pc assuming Keplerian motion. Among three Mg ii and three C iv NAL systems that we detected in the spectra, only the Mg ii system at

= 0.8716 shows a hint of variability in its Mg i profile on a rest-frame timescale of

191 days and an obvious velocity shear between the sightlines whose physical separation is ∼7 kpc. We interpret this as the result of motion of a cosmologically intervening absorber, perhaps located in a foreground galaxy.
On the Origin of the Double-cell Meridional Circulation in the Solar Convection Zone
Authors: Pipin V. V. , Kosovichev A. G.
Published: February 2018

Recent advances in helioseismology, numerical simulations and mean-field theory of solar differential rotation have shown that the meridional circulation pattern may consist of two or more cells in each hemisphere of the convection zone. According to the mean-field theory the double-cell circulation pattern can result from the sign inversion of a nondiffusive part of the radial angular momentum transport (the so-called Λ-effect) in the lower part of the solar convection zone. Here, we show that this phenomenon can result from the radial inhomogeneity of the Coriolis number, which depends on the convective turnover time. We demonstrate that if this effect is taken into account then the solar-like differential rotation and the double-cell meridional circulation are both reproduced by the mean-field model. The model is consistent with the distribution of turbulent velocity correlations determined from observations by tracing motions of sunspots and large-scale magnetic fields, indicating that these tracers are rooted just below the shear layer.
Observations of a White-light Flare Associated with a Filament Eruption
Authors: Song Y. L. , Guo Y. , Tian H. , Zhu X. S. , Zhang M. , Zhu Y. J.
Published: February 2018

We present observations of an M5.7 white-light flare (WLF) associated with a small filament eruption in NOAA active region 11476 on 2012 May 10. During this flare, a circular flare ribbon appeared in the east and a remote brightening occurred in the northwest of the active region. Multi-wavelength data are employed to analyze the WLF, including white light (WL), ultraviolet, extreme ultraviolet, hard X-ray (HXR), and microwave. A close spatial and temporal relationship between the WL, HXR, and microwave emissions is found in this WLF. However, the peak time of the WL emission lagged that of the HXR and microwave emissions by about 1–2 minutes. Such a result tends to support the backwarming mechanism for the WL emission. Interestingly, the enhanced WL emission occurred at the two footpoints of the filament. Through forced and potential field extrapolations, we find that the 3D magnetic field in the flare region has a fan-spine feature and that a flux rope lies under the dome-like field structure. We describe the entire process of flare evolution into several steps, each one producing the sequent brightening below the filament, the circular flare ribbons, and the WL enhancement, respectively. We suggest that a reconnection between the magnetic field of the filament and the overlying magnetic field or reconnection within the flux rope leads to the WL enhancement.
Hot Dust in Panchromatic SED Fitting: Identification of Active Galactic Nuclei and Improved Galaxy Properties
Authors: Leja Joel , Johnson Benjamin D. , Conroy Charlie , Dokkum Pieter van
Published: February 2018

Forward modeling of the full galaxy SED is a powerful technique, providing self-consistent constraints on stellar ages, dust properties, and metallicities. However, the accuracy of these results is contingent on the accuracy of the model. One significant source of uncertainty is the contribution of obscured AGN, as they are relatively common and can produce substantial mid-IR (MIR) emission. Here we include emission from dusty AGN torii in the Prospector SED-fitting framework, and fit the UV–IR broadband photometry of 129 nearby galaxies. We find that 10% of the fitted galaxies host an AGN contributing >10% of the observed galaxy MIR luminosity. We demonstrate the necessity of this AGN component in the following ways. First, we compare observed spectral features to spectral features predicted from our model fit to the photometry. We find that the AGN component greatly improves predictions for observed Hα and Hβ luminosities, as well as mid-infrared Akari and Spitzer/IRS spectra. Second, we show that inclusion of the AGN component changes stellar ages and SFRs by up to a factor of 10, and dust attenuations by up to a factor of 2.5. Finally, we show that the strength of our model AGN component correlates with independent AGN indicators, suggesting that these galaxies truly host AGN. Notably, only 46% of the SED-detected AGN would be detected with a simple MIR color selection. Based on these results, we conclude that SED models which fit MIR data without AGN components are vulnerable to substantial bias in their derived parameters.
Hydrogenated Benzene in Circumstellar Environments: Insights into the Photostability of Super-hydrogenated PAHs
Authors: Quitián-Lara Heidy M. , Fantuzzi Felipe , Nascimento Marco A. C. , Wolff Wania , Boechat-Roberty Heloisa M.
Published: February 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), comprised of fused benzene (C6H6) rings, emit infrared radiation (3–12 μm) due to the vibrational transitions of the C–H bonds of the aromatic rings. The 3.3 μm aromatic band is generally accompanied by the band at 3.4 μm assigned to the vibration of aliphatic C–H bonds of compounds such as PAHs with an excess of peripheral H atoms (H
n
–PAHs). Herein we study the stability of fully hydrogenated benzene (or cyclohexane, C6H12) under the impact of stellar radiation in the photodissociation region (PDR) of NGC 7027. Using synchrotron radiation and time-of-flight mass spectrometry, we investigated the ionization and dissociation processes at energy ranges of UV (10–200 eV) and soft X-rays (280–310 eV). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were used to determine the most stable structures and the relevant low-lying isomers of singly charged C6H12 ions. Partial Ion Yield (PIY) analysis gives evidence of the higher tendency toward dissociation of cyclohexane in comparison to benzene. However, because of the high photoabsorption cross-section of benzene at the C1s resonance edge, its photodissociation and photoionization cross-sections are enhanced, leading to a higher efficiency of dissociation of benzene in the PDR of NGC 7027. We suggest that a similar effect is experienced by PAHs in X-ray photon-rich environments, which ultimately acts as an auxiliary protection mechanism of super-hydrogenated polycyclic hydrocarbons. Finally, we propose that the single photoionization of cyclohexane could enhance the abundance of branched molecules in interstellar and circumstellar media.
One Step Melanoma Surgery for Patient with Thick Primary Melanomas: "To Break the Rules, You Must First Master Them!"
Authors: Tchernev Georgi
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND: We present to the attention of the medical, dermatological and oncosurgical community data that serves to indicate the indispensability of optimisation of the algorithm and recommendations for diagnosis and surgical treatment of cutaneous melanoma. These recommendations could be referred to different subgroups of patients in different clinical stages as well as to patients with different initial characterisation (histological morphology) of the primary tumours. One step surgery is not a myth, even more, it could prove to be one of the best solutions for some patient collectives with advanced stages of melanoma.CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 74 - year old patient with a congenital medium sized melanocytic nevus, located directly above the lateral part of the elbow joint. In one month and a half, an achromatic nodular formation evolves with a diameter of 2.7 x 2.3 cm, prominent over the skin level, painful by palpation and spontaneously bleeding. By the anamnestic, clinical and dermoscopic findings the patient was diagnosed with nodular melanoma associated with a congenital medium sized melanocytic nevus. A primary excision with a field of safety 0.5 cm in all directions was performed. After confirmation of the primary diagnosis (tumour thickness 8 mm with no ultrasonographic detection of enlarged lymph nodes), seven days later are - excision was performed with an additional field of surgical safety of 1.5 cm in all directions.CONCLUSIONS: In this case remains unclear the following question: For what reason a preoperative high - frequent ultrasonography (HFUS) is not recommended to be used as it will allow only one surgical excision with the elimination of a tumour with a safety field of 2cm in all directions? The enigma about the obstacles preventing such a rational optimisation of the current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in patients with melanomas remains unresolved. One step surgery for cutaneous melanoma is widely used in many countries although it continues to be considered as a matter of dispute for some experts. Once again, by a clinical case and the following analysis, we would like to focus the attention of the dermatosurgical community on this crucial and highly significant problem. Innovations are very often resulting from the simplicity of logic, which unfortunately is not always accepted appropriately.
Conditions d’adoption du dossier de santé électronique personnel par les professionnels de la première ligne au Québec : perspectives professionnelle et organisationnelle
Authors: Ghandour El Kebir , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Fortin Jean-Paul
Published: February 2018

Introduction : Décrire et analyser les facteurs influençant l’adoption du dossier de santé électronique personnel (DSE-P) par les professionnels pour le suivi et la gestion des maladies chroniques, tels que perçus par eux-mêmes et par les gestionnaires. Méthodes : Nous avons mené une étude qualitative dans le cadre d’un projet d’expérimentation d’un DSE-P en première ligne de soins au Québec. 11 professionnels et trois gestionnaires ont participé à des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées. Résultats : Plusieurs catégories de thèmes liés à des facteurs individuels, organisationnels, liés aux patients et à la technologie offerte, ont représenté des facilitateurs ou des barrières à l’adoption du DSE-P par les professionnels. Principalement sont retenus le leadership des cliniciens et l’historique de leur implication dans les transformations organisationnelles, l’adaptation au contexte de la pratique, la maturité et l’intégration de la technologie aux systèmes d’information disponibles facilitant la communication bidirectionnelle et soutenant le partenariat patient-professionnels et l’adhésion des patients. Les précurseurs organisationnels identifiés réfèrent à l’ouverture de l’organisation envers l’innovation, à l’ajustement aux valeurs dans l’organisation, mais surtout aux pratiques mises en place pour soutenir l’adoption du DSE-P par les cliniciens et leurs patients. Le coût est un enjeu important pour l’implantation et l’adoption du DSE-P. Conclusion : L’identification des facteurs influençant l’adoption du DSE-P aura un intérêt sur les plans stratégique et opérationnel pour le développement de nouvelles pratiques cliniques, organisationnelles et, surtout, de technologies adaptées.
Discrimination et stigmatisation vécues par les personnes vivant avec le VIH au Togo en 2013
Authors: Saka Bayaki , Tchounga Boris , Ekouevi Didier K. , Sehonou Céphas , Sewu Essèboè , Dokla Augustin , Maboudou Angèle , Kassankogno Yao , Palokinam Pitche Vincent
Published: February 2018

Introduction : La stigmatisation et la discrimination envers les personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) empêchent ou retardent l’accès aux services de prévention et de traitement. L’objectif de cette étude était de décrire les aspects de la stigmatisation et de la discrimination vécues par les PVVIH au Togo et d’identifier les facteurs associés. Méthodes : Une étude transversale a été menée en 2013 auprès des PVVIH de plus de 18 ans afin de recueillir leurs expériences de stigmatisation et de discrimination. Les facteurs associés ont été recherchés grâce à des analyses uni et multivariées. Résultats : Au total, 891 PVVIH dont 95,2 % sous traitement antirétroviral ont été enquêtées. La stigmatisation par une tierce personne (37,9 %) était la forme majeure de stigmatisation, suivie de l’auto stigmatisation (35,4 %). Les principaux aspects de la stigmatisation par une tierce étaient les commérages (36,5 %) et les difficultés d’accès à l’éducation (36 %). L’auto stigmatisation se manifestait essentiellement par un sentiment de culpabilité (37,6 %) et une auto dévalorisation de soi (36,0 %). En analyse uni et multivariée, le genre féminin était significativement associé à la stigmatisation (ORa = 1,73 ; IC95 % [1,08-2,77]). Par ailleurs, 8,4 % des PVVIH déclaraient avoir été victimes d’une violation de leurs droits. Enfin, 4,1 % des femmes avaient été dissuadées d’avoir des enfants. Conclusion : La stigmatisation touche plus du tiers des PVVIH au Togo, principalement les femmes. Il est nécessaire de repenser les actions de prévention et intégrer un volet psychologique dans la prise en charge des PVVIH parallèlement au traitement antirétroviral.
The Antimicrobial Peptide CRAMP Is Essential for Colon Homeostasis by Maintaining Microbiota Balance
Authors: Yoshimura Teizo , McLean Mairi H. , Dzutsev Amiran K. , Yao Xiaohong , Chen Keqiang , Huang Jiaqiang , Gong Wanghua , Zhou Jiamin , Xiang Yi , H. Badger Jonathan , O'hUigin Colm , Thovarai Vishal , Tessarollo Lino , Durum Scott K. , Trinchieri Giorgio , Bian Xiu-wu , Wang Ji Ming
Published: February 2018

Commensal bacteria are critical for physiological functions in the gut, and dysbiosis in the gut may cause diseases. In this article, we report that mice deficient in cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) were defective in the development of colon mucosa and highly sensitive to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-elicited colitis, as well as azoxymethane-mediated carcinogenesis. Pretreatment of CRAMP−/− mice with antibiotics markedly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis, suggesting CRAMP as a limiting factor on dysbiosis in the colon. This was supported by observations that wild-type (WT) mice cohoused with CRAMP−/− mice became highly sensitive to DSS-induced colitis, and the composition of fecal microbiota was skewed by CRAMP deficiency. In particular, several bacterial species that are typically found in oral microbiota, such as Mogibacterium neglectum, Desulfovibrio piger, and Desulfomicrobium orale, were increased in feces of CRAMP−/− mice and were transferred to WT mice during cohousing. When littermates of CRAMP+/− parents were examined, the composition of the fecal microbiota of WT pups and heterozygous parents was similar. In contrast, although the difference in fecal microbiota between CRAMP−/− and WT pups was small early on after weaning and single mouse housing, there was an increasing divergence with prolonged single housing. These results indicate that CRAMP is critical in maintaining colon microbiota balance and supports mucosal homeostasis, anti-inflammatory responses, and protection from carcinogenesis.
A Search Algorithm Based on K-Weighted Search Tree
Authors: Yuan Lianhai , Li Xiangwen , Zhou Lin
Published: February 2018

Aiming at the issue of low efficiency in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network system, a search algorithm based on K-weighted search tree is proposed. The k-weighted search tree serving the search is constructed. The nodes are ranked from top to bottom in the tree according to the query hit rate, and the nodes with large hit rate and stable are on the tree layer, the search can thus determine the direction of the message diffusion. By caching the upper node, establishment of search results, using node index, overheated resource replication and add remote neighbours for leaf node, and other methods to improve search efficiency and balance load. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can greatly reduce the invalid message with higher search efficiency, and maintenance of the search tree is less expensive.
El canon are-bure-boke: una conexión contemporánea entre fotografía, arquitectura y filosofía; una conexión entre Japón y Francia
Authors: García Martínez Pedro
Published: February 2018

En los escritos de arquitectos japoneses como Toyo Ito y Kazuyo Sejima es relativamente frecuente encontrar términos empleados por autores posestructuralistas franceses como Deleuze y Guattari. El texto pretende ahondar en algunos de los hechos que explicitan esta relación. Para ello, la investigación se centra en la figura de Koji Taki y su participación en la revista Provoke donde contribuyó a la ideación del canon estético "are-bure-boke", en cuya formulación se encuentran intereses compartidos con los mencionados autores. La posterior relación de Taki con Ito y Sejima permite cerrar el círculo relacional planteado.
Validation of MODIS 3 km Land Aerosol Optical Depth from NASA's EOS Terra and Aqua Missions
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Remer Lorraine A. , Levy Robert C. , Mattoo Shana
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The two MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors, aboard Earth Observing Satellites (EOS) Terra and Aqua, have been making aerosol observations for more than 15 years. From these observations, the MODIS dark target (DT) aerosol retrieval algorithm provides aerosol optical depth (AOD) products, globally over both land and ocean. In addition to the standard resolution product (10 × 10 km2), the MODIS collection 6 (C006) data release included a higher resolution (3 × 3 km2). Other than accommodations for the two different resolutions, the 10 km, and 3 km DT algorithms are basically the same. In this study, we perform global validation of the higher resolution AOD over global land by comparing against AERONET measurements. The MODIS-AERONET collocated data sets consist of 161,410 high-confidence AOD pairs from 2000 to 2015 for MODIS Terra and 2003 to 2015 for MODIS-Aqua. We find that 62.5 % and 68.4 % of AODs retrieved from MODIS-Terra and MODIS-Aqua, respectively, fall within previously published expected error bounds of ±(0.05 + 0.2*AOD), with a high correlation (R = 0.87). The scatter is not random but exhibits a mean positive bias of ~ 0.06 for Terra and ~ 0.03 for Aqua. These biases for the 3 km product are approximately 0.03 larger than the biases found in similar validations of the 10 km product. The validation results for the 3 km product did not have a relationship to aerosol loading (i.e. true AOD) but did exhibit dependence on quality flags, region, viewing geometry, and aerosol spatial variability. Time series of global MODIS-AERONET differences show that validation is not static, but has changed over the course of both sensors' lifetimes, with MODIS-Terra showing more change over time. The likely cause of the change of validation over time is sensor degradation, but changes in the distribution of AERONET stations and differences in the global aerosol system itself could be contributing to the temporal variability of validation.
On the convection of ionospheric density features
Authors: de Boer John D. , Noël Jean-Marc A. , St.-Maurice Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We investigate whether the boundaries of an ionospheric region of different density than its surroundings will drift relative to the background E × B drift and, if so, how the drift depends on the degree of density enhancement and the altitude. We find analytic solutions for discrete circular features in a 2-D magnetised plasma. The relative drift is proportional to the density difference, which suggests that where density gradients occur they should tend to steepen on one side of a patch while they are weakened on the other. This may have relevance to the morphology of polar ionospheric patches and auroral arcs, since the result is scale-invariant. There is also an altitude dependence which enters through the ion-neutral collision frequency. We discuss how the 2-D analytic result can be applied to the real ionosphere.
A new region-aware bias correction method for simulated
precipitation in the Alpine region
Authors: Gómez-Navarro Juan José , Raible Christoph C. , Bozhinova Denica , Martius Olivia , García-Valero Juan Andrés , Montávez Juan Pedro
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Regional climate modelling is used to better capture the hydrological cycle, which is fundamental for climate impact investigations. However, the output of these models is affected by biases that hamper its direct use in impact modelling. Here, we present and evaluate the performance of two high-resolution (2 km) climate simulations of precipitation in the Alpine region and develop a new bias correction technique for precipitation suitable for complex topography. The latter is based on quantile mapping, which is applied separately across a number of non-overlapping regions defined through cluster analysis. This technique allows removing prominent biases while it aims at minimising disturbances to the physical consistency of the simulation. The simulations span the period 1979–2005 and are carried out with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), driven by the reanalysis ERA-Interim (hereafter WRF-ERA), and the Community Earth System Model (hereafter WRF-CESM). The simulated precipitation is in both cases validated against observations. In a first step, Switzerland is classified into regions of similar temporal variability of precipitation. Similar spatial patterns emerge in all datasets, with a clear Northwest-Southeast separation following the main orographic features of this region. The daily evolution and the annual cycle of precipitation in WRF-ERA closely reproduces the observations. This is in contrast to WRF-CESM, which shows a different seasonality with peak precipitation in Winter and not in Summer as in the observations or in WRF-ERA. The application of the new bias correction technique minimises systematic biases in the WRF-CESM simulation, and substantially improves the seasonality, while the temporal and physical consistency among simulated variables is preserved.
Comparison of lightning activity in the two most active areas of the Congo Basin
Authors: Kigotsi Jean K. , Soula Serge , Georgis Jean-François
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A comparison of the lightning activity in the two most active areas (Area_max for the main maximum and Area_sec for the secondary maximum) of the Congo Basin is made with data obtained by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) during 2012 and 2013. Both areas of same size (5°  ×  5°) exhibit flash counts in a ratio of about 1.32 for both years and very different distributions of the flash rate density (FRD) with maximums in a ratio of 1.94 and 2.59 for 2012 and 2013, respectively. The FRD is much more widely distributed in Area_sec, which means the whole area contributes more or less equal to the lightning activity. The diurnal cycle is much more pronounced in Area_max than in Area_sec with a ratio between the maximum and the minimum of 15.4 and 4.7, respectively. However, the minimum and maximum of the hourly flash rates are observed roughly at the same time in both areas, between 07:00 and 09:00 UTC and between 16:00 and 17:00 UTC, respectively. In Area_sec the proportion of days with low lightning rate (0–1000 flashes per day) is much larger (∼  45 % in 2013) compared to Area_max (∼  23 % in 2013). In Area_max the proportion of days with moderate lightning rate (1001–6000 flashes per day) is larger (∼  68.5 % in 2013) compared to Area_sec (∼  46 % in 2013). The very intense convective events are slightly more numerous in Area_sec. In summary, the thunderstorm activity in Area_sec is more variable at different scales of time (annually and daily), in intensity and in location. Area_max combines two favourable effects for thunderstorm development, the convergence associated with the African easterly jet of the Southern Hemisphere (AEJ-S) and a geographic effect due to the orography and the presence of a lake. The location of the strong convection in Area_sec is modulated by the distance of westward propagation/regeneration of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in relation to the phase of Kelvin waves.
Contrasting thinning patterns between lake- and land-terminating
glaciers in the Bhutan Himalaya
Authors: Tsutaki Shun , Fujita Koji , Nuimura Takayuki , Sakai Akiko , Sugiyama Shin , Komori Jiro , Tshering Phuntsho
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Despite the importance of glacial lake development in ice dynamics and glacier thinning, in situ and satellite based measurements from lake-terminating glaciers are sparse in the Bhutan Himalaya, where a number of supraglacial lakes exist. To better understand the influences of glacial lake formation and expansion on ice dynamics and glacier thinning, we acquired in situ and satellite based observations across lake- and land-terminating debris-covered glaciers in the Lunana region, Bhutan Himalaya. A repeat differential GPS survey reveals that thinning of the debris-covered ablation area of the lake-terminating Lugge Glacier for the 2004–2011 period (−4.67 ± 0.02 m a−1) is more than three times greater than that of the land-terminating Thorthormi Glacier (−1.40 ± 0.02 m a−1). The surface flow velocity decreases down-glacier along Thorthormi Glacier, whereas it increases from the upper part of ablation area to the terminus of Lugge Glacier. Numerical experiments with a two-dimensional ice flow model demonstrate that the rapid thinning of Lugge Glacier is driven primarily by a negative surface mass balance and that the dynamically induced change in ice thickness is small. However, the thinning of Thorthormi Glacier is suppressed by a longitudinally compressive flow regime. The magnitude of dynamic ice thickening more than offsets the glacier thinning, suggesting that over half of the negative surface mass balance is counterbalanced by the ice dynamics of Thorthormi Glacier. Multiple ponds on Thorthormi Glacier have been expanding since 2000 and merged into a single proglacial lake, with the glacier terminus detaching from its terminal moraine in 2011. Numerical experiments suggest that the speed up and thinning of Thorthormi Glacier will be accelerated with continued proglacial lake development.
Prioritizing Key Factors of Executive Information Systems to Manage Data and Explain Strategy in Small and Medium Industries with AHP
Authors: Mirhosseini Vakili Atena , Jafari Habibeh
Published: February 2018

Historically, executive managers have less opportunity to use computer compared with other members of a company. An executive information system has become a necessity as the only effective and complete information system for managers’ learning in a competitive market. Skill is the main and essential issue in solving problems especially for executive managers. To improve skills and to apply insight, company managers need to use backup equipment like executive information systems (EIS). Concerning the importance and role of determining strategy in an organization and managing its information, it is tried to explain strategy and to manage data in small and medium industries using EISs. Managers have been informed of the importance of EISs; this paper selects the best strategies for small and medium industries by collecting data and managing collected data. The research case study is small and medium industries in Golestan Province. It is attempted in this research to strengthen and analyze weaker factors by evaluating and analyzing quantitative and qualitative criteria determined to prioritize them. Data integrity is considered the best factor after reviewing factors using hierarchy model and Expert Choice software.