bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and their virulence genes in bulk tank milk in Kosovo
Authors: Mehmeti Ibrahim , Bytyqi Hysen , Muji Skender , Nes Ingolf F , Diep Dzung B
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Milk is considered to be a healthy, nutritious food product. Microbiological quality is an important aspect in evaluating the quality of milk. Methodology: A total of 603 bulk tank milk samples from 221 farms distributed across ten different regions were collected for milk quality assessment. Quality was judged by total viable count, and the prevalence of two foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) by using selective media and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence of virulence genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Results: Milk from only 7% (15/221) of farms were found to comply with the European Union standard. Interestingly, the microbiological quality of milk from the larger herd size farms (more than 10 cows) was better than in smaller herds. L. monocytogenes was found in 2.7% (6/221) of farms, and all the examined L. monocytogenes isolates were positive with respect to the virulence genes prfA, actA, and hlyA. S. aureus was found in 39.8% (88/221) of the farms. In total, 30.7% (27/88) of the staphylococci were positive for enterotoxin production. The enterotoxins identified were toxin B (40.7%), toxin D (33.4%), toxin C (18.5%), and toxin A (7.4%). Conclusions: The total number of bacteria in milk was very high. The presence of two foodborne pathogens in raw milk represents a great health risk to consumers. To improve the microbial quality of milk in Kosovo, important measures to improve hygiene, including better information, guidance, and control, are needed.
Pteropine orthoreovirus: An important emerging virus causing infectious disease in the tropics?
Authors: Tan Yeh Fong , Teng Cheong Lieng , Chua Kaw Bing , Voon Kenny
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is an emerging zoonotic respiratory virus that has spilled over from bats to humans. Though initially found only in bats, further case studies have found viable virus in ill patients. Methodology: PubMed was queried with the keywords of Nelson Bay orthoreovirus OR Pteropine orthoreovirus OR Melaka orthoreovirus OR Kampar orthoreovirus, and returned 17 hits. Results: Based on prevalence studies, the presence of PRV has been reported in Malaysia and Vietnam, both developing countries. Other case reports also provide further evidence of the presence of PRV in the Southeast Asian region. Despite the absence of PRV in their home countries, travellers from Hong Kong and Japan to Indonesia have returned to their countries ill with this virus, indicating that local communities in Indonesia might be affected by this virus. Conclusions: This work aims to bring to light this emerging zoonotic respiratory virus circulating among developing countries in Southeast Asia. To improve the understanding of PRV of the medical and scientific community in the Southeast Asian region, this work introduces the general features of PRV, reports of imported PRV, prevalence, and clinical features of PRV. Gaps in knowledge about PRV have also been identified in this work, and we hope that future studies can be undertaken to improve our understanding of this virus.
A Metadata Model Proposal for Simulation Based E-learning
Authors: Laaziz El Hassan , Elkhouzai Elmustapha
Published: March 2017

Existing E-learning standards and specifications present a great basis for the development of E-learning, on line and distance learning contents that are accessible, interoperable, durable and reusable.  E-learning contents are supported by these standards as well as by the LMS (Learning Management System)   or web technologies compliant to them. However, simulation based contents or learning objects are less integrated in the E-learning contents than other learning objects, partially because standards and specification don’t pay much attention to more specify them in term of metadata requirements.
The main objective of this paper is the elaboration of a new Metadata model on the basis of Learning Object Metadata (LOM) with a wider scope that could support more easily simulation objects, especially in experiential E-learning content in which simulation activity should be executed by the learner, monitored and tracked by the tutor completely on the LMS.
Studios, Ligues, Societies : programmer le film scientifique dans les salles d’avant-garde
Authors: Bernabei Maria Ida
Published: March 2017

Si entre les deux mondes apparemment séparés de la cinématographie scientifique et de l’avant-garde européenne, on a pu déjà remarquer quelques croisements explicites dans la pratique de réutilisation de morceaux de films scientifiques dans certains films dits d’avant-garde et dans l’apparition de personnalités « hybrides » telles que celles de Jean Painlevé et Jan Cornelis Mol, il y a un chapitre ultérieur, ignoré à tort, qui prouve la fascination avant-gardiste pour le film scientifique : c’est l’inclusion structurée de ce dernier au sein de la programmation des salles spécialisées qui apparaissent au cours des années 1920. Parmi d’autres, nous verrons dans cet article les cas du Vieux-Colombier, du Studio des Ursulines, du Studio 28, des salles néerlandaise Filmliga et anglaise London Film Society.
Mimmo Rotella et la cinéphilie populaire
Authors: Morisset Vanessa
Published: March 2017

Le cloisonnement entre la culture savante et la culture populaire s’est trouvé brillamment remis en cause dans la vie artistique romaine, quand les peintres d’avant-garde et les studios de Cinecittà ont peu à peu repris leurs activités après la guerre. Rome se peuple alors de peintres, d’acteurs, de réalisateurs, de techniciens qui, non seulement, se rencontrent dans les bars et les restaurants mais aussi sur les plateaux de tournage où les artistes gagnent leur vie en tant que figurants et décorateurs. La porosité des milieux artistique et cinématographique s’organise. Mimmo Rotella y contribue tout particulièrement. Du début des années 1950 à 1964, lorsqu’il vit à Rome, ses tableaux reflètent son rapport personnel au cinéma, qui relève par certains côtés du dilettantisme et par d’autres est plus professionnel. Mais surtout, il en résulte des références cinématographiques qui appartiennent essentiellement au registre d’une cinéphilie populaire. Par ce biais, ses œuvres apportent une connaissance inédite du cinéma italien.
L’espace : table ronde autour de Jacques Rivette
Authors: Aumont Jacques , Bonitzer Pascal , Kané Pascal , Narboni Jean , Pierre Sylvie , Rivette Jacques
Published: March 2017

Le texte reproduit la transcription d’une table ronde de 1969 consacrée au sujet de « “L’espace” au cinéma », à laquelle participaient les rédacteurs des Cahiers du cinéma (Jacques Aumont, Pascal Bonitzer, Pascal Kané, Jean Narboni, Sylvie Pierre et Jacques Rivette), restée inédite, accompagnée d’une présentation donnant le contexte historique du document. Le dactylogramme a été retrouvé dans le Fonds Jacques Rivette (déposé à la Cinémathèque française), et atteste du rôle joué par Rivette au sein de la revue dans les années 1968-1969, bien après avoir démissionné de sa position de rédacteur en chef. Le débat sur l’espace cinématographique constitue un complément à celui sur « le montage » paru en mars 1969, et, en s’inspirant des théories de Barthes, Althusser et Lacan parmi d’autres, il comprend des points de discussion tels que la scène primitive, l’espace mythique du western, le couple fiction/lieu et le motif de la clôture dans le cinéma moderne. De plus, il nous fournit un document précieux sur le processus de travail intellectuel collectif pratiqué par les Cahiers pendant la période politisée de la revue.
Proust au téléphone
Authors: McCarthy Jesse Dylan
Published: March 2017

Au cœur de la Recherche du temps perdu se trouve une réflexion sur les nouvelles technologies téléphoniques qui révolutionnent la phénoménologie de l’écoute et de la communication au début du XXe siècle. L’expérience de la parole à distance, le relais ou la reproduction des sources sonores relayées et, surtout, l’écoute médiatisée ou l’« auscultation » dominent l’imaginaire de l’auralité dans l’œuvre proustien. L’article se propose d’appliquer les concepts de « surécoute » et d’« auscultation médiate » — deux stratégies de lectures développées par le philosophe et musicologue Peter Szendy — pour renouveler l’analyse du texte et réévaluer l’écoute en tant que thématique majeure du roman.
“New Avenues for Listening.” Sensory Culture in the Digital Age and the Persistence of Utopia
Authors: Giunta Violeta Nigro , Palazzetti Nicolò
Published: March 2017

Michael Bull is a Professor of Sound Studies at the University of Sussex, in England. His research focuses on the relationship between new mobile technologies and auditory culture in everyday life, at the crossroads of urban studies, media studies and sound studies. In this interview, he talks about his background in sociology and philosophy, his research on personal stereos, his theoretical references (from Simmel to Adorno), and his views on the future developments of studies on sound culture, senses, and society.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on CO2 Emission
Authors: Aydemir Oguzhan , Zeren Feyyaz
Published: March 2017

In the literature, the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is explained by two different hypotheses: Pollution Halo and Pollution Haven Hypothesis. While Pollution Halo hypothesis states that FDI provides advanced technology to countries and accordingly decreases CO2 emissions, Pollution Haven Hypothesis indicates that there is a positive relationship between FDI and CO2. In this regard, in this study, the impact of FDI on CO2 emissions in the selected 10 of G-20 countries in the period of 1970-2010 is investigated by using panel data analysis. The empirical findings show that panels have cross-section dependence and these two panels are stationary in different levels. Moreover, the existence of long term relationship between panels is found by using Durbin Hausmann panel cointegration test. The results of the study also show that while Pollution Halo Hypothesis is valid for USA, France and Argentina, Pollution Haven Hypothesis is valid for UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
Project-Based MOOC
Authors: Barak Miri , Watted Abeer
Published: March 2017

This chapter describes a project-based massive open online course (MOOC) in nanotechnology and nanosensors that was offered in two languages: English and Arabic. A mixed methods research was conducted to examine the role of project-based learning in the process of knowledge construction and motivation to learn a MOOC. The study compared between three groups of science and engineering students: English MOOCers, Arabic MOOCers, and university students. Findings indicated positive attitudes about learning in a project-based MOOC, especially with relation to gaining work experience. Findings also indicated that in a project-based setting, MOOC participants were mostly driven by a desire to establish connections with peers, whereas university students were mostly motivated by their interest in the subject matter. Arabic MOOCers, who were less successful in solving ill-defined problems, narrowed the gap, and at the end of the course received similar grades in the final project.
A Film Criticism Website Based on “ThinkPHP”
Authors: Zhiyong Sun , Ye Liu , Chen JiaHui
Published: March 2017

With the continuous development of science and technology and progress of society, the rise of Internet plus era, the cinema began to build their own website in order to expand the film to improve the efficiency, to provide a common discussion for film enthusiasts. This paper uses ThinkPHP framework to complete the needs of the site, it is to simplify the enterprise application development and agile WEB application development and the existence of a fast, compatible and simple lightweight domestic PHP development framework. The analysis in detail on the film critic website in addition, the ThinkPHP framework were analysis explain, on the basis of that tool use is Webstorm development tools with Wamp integrated development tools and environment related structures, database using mysql, ThinkPHP film critic website based on is not only convenient for the users to understand the new release of the news and information, more convenient is that one can allow managers to facilitate the management of a good movie dynamic information and view the user to give the evaluation and so on.
Antibiotic resistance of bacteria responsible of acute respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Camara Makhtar , Dieng Assane , Diop Abdoulaye , Diop Amadou , Diop Amadou , Boiro Djibril , Diouf Jean Baptisse Niokhor , Fall Amary , Ndiaye Ousmane , Niang Mbayame , Boye Cheikh Saad Bouh
Published: March 2017

Background and aims. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common causative agents of acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The objective of this study was to assess their susceptibility to several antibiotics.
Materials and methods. A total of 58 strains (16 S. pneumoniae, 19 H. influenzae and 23 M. catarrhalis) were isolated from samples collected in two paediatric centres, and their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics tested by E-test.
Results. Among H. influenzae isolates, 10.5% were resistant to ampicillin (all β-lactamase-positive), and 88.9% were susceptible to cefaclor. High β-lactam resistance rates (penicillin: 31.3% and cephalosporins: 18.7 to 31.3%) had been observed among S. pneumonia strains. Only 50% of isolates were susceptible to azithromycine. 91.3% of M. catarrhalis isolates β-lactamases producers were resistant to ampicillin while susceptible to the most tested antibiotics.
Conclusions. Except M. catarrhalis β-lactamases producing strains, frequency of antibiotic resistance was mainly observed among S. pneumoniae, and to a lesser extent among H. influenzae clinical isolates, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns in the management of RTIs.
Evaluation of the TGS TA system for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies
Authors: Arpino Olivia , Cianflone Annalisa , Manco Maria Teresa , Paganini Alessia , De Paschale Massimo , Agrappi Carlo , Mirri Paola , Clerici Pierangelo
Published: March 2017

Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the new chemiluminescence TGS TA system of Technogenetics (Milan, Italy) for detecting anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies and IgG avidity. The TGS TA system was compared with our chemiluminescence routinely used system, LIAISON XL, supplied by Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy), for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies. Only in positive IgM samples (retrospective study) and for the IgG avidity (if existent), TGS TA system was compared to an Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) test (VIDAS, BioMérieux, Marcy-l’Étoile, France).
Materials and methods. Three hundred and one sera samples, from women who came to our centre for the routine follow up pregnancy, were examined with the TGS TA system and divided in 3 groups according to IgG and IgM screening LIAISON XL tests: 106 were non-immune women (Group 1), 100 were pregnant with past infection (Group 2) and 95 were pregnant with positive or equivocal IgM (82 with positive IgG and 13 with negative IgG) (Group 3).
Results. The overall concordance of the IgG results between LIAISON XL and TGS TA was 99.3%: 100% in Group 1, 98% in Group 2 and 100% in Group 3. The overall concordance of the IgM results between LIAISON XL and TGS TA was 93.9%: 100% in Group 1, 94% in Group 2 and 82.8% in Group 3. In Group 3, the concordance between the results of the IgG avidity with the ELFA and TGS TA tests was 81.7%. Comparing the clinical diagnosis obtained with our protocol and that of the TGS TA system, the overall concordance was 92.7%: 100% in Group 1, 92.0% in Group 2 and 78.9% in Group 3.
Conclusions. The overall concordance of IgG antibodies is excellent for both protocols while for IgM antibodies is very high in the first group and lower in the third group, due to the presence of non-specific IgM subjects in this group. The TGS TA avidity test seems to predict ealier the maturation of the IgG compared to the ELFA test since many samples with low avidity with the ELFA were seen with moderate avidity with TGS TA and all those with borderline avidity with the ELFA were seen with high avidity with TGS TA. This system shows to be a valuable tool with overall good clinical correlation and able to clearly identify nonspecific subjects, those with a non-recent infection.
Microsatellite Instability in Medullary Carcinoma of the Colon
Authors: Martinotti Mario , Cirillo Fernando , Ungari Marco , Tanzi Giulia , Rolando Giovanni , Tarasconi Antonio , Ranieri Valerio , Aulisa Paolo , Vismarra Marco , Rovatti Massimo , Trombatore Monica
Published: March 2017

Medullary carcinoma (MC) of the large intestine is a relatively new histological type of adenocarcinoma characterized by poor glandular differentiation and an intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. MC can be associated to a defective mechanism for DNA mismatch repair, caused by the so-called microsatellite instability (MSI). We present the case of a 44 years old Caucasian woman, who referred to the Emergency Room with symptoms mimicking an acute appendicitis. Computed tomography and colonoscopy demonstrated an ulcerated and stenotic lesion of the caecum without signs of metastasis and peritoneal carcinosis. Patient underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy. The final pathologic findings provided the diagnosis of medullary carcinoma with MSI. Patient then underwent adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX-4 protocol (association of 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin) for twelve cycles. At two-years follow-up, patient is disease free. MC in association with MSI is a non-frequent tumor of the colon characterized by a better prognosis compared to other types of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. In the observed case, 24 months after the surgical operation, the patient is in good health and there is no evidence of metastasis or relapse.
The balance of trade in alien species between South Africa and the rest of Africa
Authors: Faulkner Katelyn T. , Hurley Brett P. , Robertson Mark P. , Rouget Mathieu , Wilson John R.U.
Published: March 2017

Background: Alien organisms are not only introduced from one biogeographical region to another but also spread within regions. As South Africa shares land borders with six countries, multiple opportunities exist for the transfer of alien species between South Africa and other African countries; however, the direction and importance of intra-regional spread is unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the introduction of alien species into Africa and the spread of species between South Africa and other African countries. Method: We developed scenarios that describe the routes by which alien species are introduced to and spread within Africa and present case studies for each. Using data from literature sources and databases, the relative importance of each scenario for alien birds and insect pests of eucalypts was determined, and the direction and importance of intra-regional spread was assessed. Results: Alien species from many taxonomic groups have, through various routes, been introduced to and spread within Africa. For birds and eucalypt insect pests, the number of species spreading in the region has recently increased, with South Africa being a major recipient of birds (14 species received and 5 donated) and a major donor of eucalypt insect pests (1 species received and 10 donated). For both groups, many introduced species have not yet spread in the region. Conclusion: The intra-regional spread of alien species in Africa represents an important and possibly increasing threat to biosecurity. To address this threat, we propose a framework that details how African countries could cooperate and develop a coordinated response to alien species introductions.
Epilepsy
Authors: Guerreiro Carlos A. M.
Published: March 2017

Epilepsy is a highly prevalent chronic neurologic disorder and leads to social, behavioural, health and economic consequences. ‘Treatment gap’ varies from 10 per cent in developed countries to 75 per cent in low-income countries. Stigma and discrimination related to epilepsy are prevalent worldwide. Electroencephalography (EEG) is considered the most important tool for evaluating the patient with epilepsy. Video-EEG monitoring is an important tool for confirming the seizure type and estimating the epileptogenic zone in the brain. Neuroimaging evaluation is important to determine the aetiology of the epilepsies. Genetic testing has increased the probability of identifying the causes of some types of epilepsies. Epilepsy can be treated in an affordable way with low-cost medications. Refractory epilepsies occur in approximately one-third of recently diagnosed patients with epilepsy. For this group of patients, there are options of surgical treatment, diets and neurostimulation to improve seizure control and quality of life. In poorly organized societies, there is a lack of prioritization of epilepsy in national health policies, limited resources for trained personnel and a shortage of basic antiepileptic medications. There is evidence of improvement in the understanding of epilepsy and a clear progress in the management of epileptic seizures in recent times.
Self-sustained oscillations with delayed velocity feedback
Authors: Zanette Damián H.
Published: March 2017

We study a model for a nonlinear mechanical oscillator, relevant to the dynamics of micro- and nanomechanical time-keeping devices, where periodic motion is sustained by a feedback force proportional to the oscillation velocity.  Specifically, we focus our attention on the effect of a time delay in the feedback loop, assumed to originate in the electric circuit that creates and injects the self-sustaining force. Stationary oscillating solutions to the equation of motion, whose stability is insured by the crucial role of nonlinearity,  are analytically obtained through suitable approximations. We show that a delay within the order of the oscillation period can suppress self-sustained oscillations. Numerical solutions are used to validate the analytical approximations.
Received: 6 February 2017,  Accepted: 8 March 2017; Edited by: A. Martí; Reviewed by: C. Masoller, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.090003
Cite as: D. H. Zanette, Papers in Physics 9, 090003 (2017)
This paper, by D. H. Zanette, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.
Supporting Stroke Motor Recovery Through a Mobile Application: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lawson Sonia , Tang Ziying , Feng Jinjuan
Published: March 2017

Neuroplasticity and motor learning are promoted with repetitive movement, appropriate challenge, and performance feedback. ARMStrokes, a smartphone application, incorporates these qualities to support motor recovery. Engaging exercises are easily accessible for improved compliance. In a multiple-case, mixed-methods pilot study, the potential of this technology for stroke motor recovery was examined. Exercises calibrated to the participant’s skill level targeted forearm, elbow, and shoulder motions for a 6-wk protocol. Visual, auditory, and vibration feedback promoted self-assessment. Pre- and posttest data from 6 chronic stroke survivors who used the app in different ways (i.e., to measure active or passive motion, to track endurance) demonstrated improvements in accuracy of movements, fatigue, range of motion, and performance of daily activities. Statistically significant changes were not obtained with this pilot study. Further study on the efficacy of this technology is supported.
Estimates of the organic aerosol volatility in a boreal forest using two independent methods
Authors: Hong Juan , Äijälä Mikko , Häme Silja A. K. , Hao Liqing , Duplissy Jonathan , Heikkinen Liine M. , Nie Wei , Mikkilä Jyri , Kulmala Markku , Prisle Nønne L. , Virtanen Annele , Ehn Mikael , Paasonen Pauli , Worsnop Douglas R. , Riipinen Ilona , Petäjä Tuukka , Kerminen Veli-Matti
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The volatility distribution of secondary organic aerosols that formed and had undergone aging – i.e., the particle mass fractions of semi-volatile, low-volatility and extremely low volatility organic compounds in the particle phase – was characterized in a boreal forest environment of Hyytiälä, southern Finland. This was done by interpreting field measurements using a volatility tandem differential mobility analyzer (VTDMA) with a kinetic evaporation model. The field measurements were performed during April and May 2014. On average, 40 % of the organics in particles were semi-volatile, 34 % were low-volatility organics and 26 % were extremely low volatility organics. The model was, however, very sensitive to the vaporization enthalpies assumed for the organics (ΔHVAP). The best agreement between the observed and modeled temperature dependence of the evaporation was obtained when effective vaporization enthalpy values of 80 kJ mol−1 were assumed. There are several potential reasons for the low effective enthalpy value, including molecular decomposition or dissociation that might occur in the particle phase upon heating, mixture effects and compound-dependent uncertainties in the mass accommodation coefficient. In addition to the VTDMA-based analysis, semi-volatile and low-volatility organic mass fractions were independently determined by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF) to high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS) data. The factor separation was based on the oxygenation levels of organics, specifically the relative abundance of mass ions at m∕z 43 (f43) and m∕z 44 (f44). The mass fractions of these two organic groups were compared against the VTDMA-based results. In general, the best agreement between the VTDMA results and the PMF-derived mass fractions of organics was obtained when ΔHVAP =  80 kJ mol−1 was set for all organic groups in the model, with a linear correlation coefficient of around 0.4. However, this still indicates that only about 16 % (R2) of the variation can be explained by the linear regression between the results from these two methods. The prospect of determining of extremely low volatility organic aerosols (ELVOAs) from AMS data using the PMF analysis should be assessed in future studies.
Morphological plasticity of root growth under mild water stress
increases water use efficiency without reducing yield in maize
Authors: Cai Qian , Zhang Yulong , Sun Zhanxiang , Zheng Jiaming , Bai Wei , Liu Yang , Feng Liangshan , Feng Chen , Zhang Zhe , Yang Ning , Evers Jochem B. , Zhang Lizhen
Published: March 2017

Abstract. There is a significant potential to increase yield of maize (Zea mays L.), a global major crop, in rain-fed condition in semi-arid regions, since the large yield gap is mainly caused by frequent droughts halfway the crop growing period due to uneven distribution of rainfall. It is questionable if irrigation systems are economically required in such a region since total amount of rainfall generally meet the crop requirement. This study therefore aimed to quantitatively determine the effects of water stress during jointing to filling stages on root and shoot growth and the consequences for maize grain yield, above- and below-ground dry matter, water uptake (WU) and water use efficiency (WUE). Pot experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 with a mobile rain shelter. The experiments consisted of three treatments: (1) no water stress; (2) mild water stress; and (3) severe water stress. Maize yield in mild water stress across two year was not significantly affected, while severe stress reduced yield by 56 %. Water stress decreased root biomass slightly but shoot biomass substantially. Mild water stress decreased root length but increased root diameter, resulting a no effect on root surface area. WU under water stress was decreased, while WUE for maize above-ground dry matter under mild water stress was increased by 20 % across all years, and 16 % for grain yield WUE. Our results demonstrates that irrigation systems in studied region might be not economically necessary because the mild water stress does not reduce crop yield. The study helps to understand crop responses to water stress during critical water-sensitive period and to mitigate drought risk in dry land agriculture.
Climate SPHINX: evaluating the impact of resolution and stochastic physics parameterisations in the EC-Earth global climate model
Authors: Davini Paolo , von Hardenberg Jost , Corti Susanna , Christensen Hannah M. , Juricke Stephan , Subramanian Aneesh , Watson Peter A. G. , Weisheimer Antje , Palmer Tim N.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The Climate SPHINX (Stochastic Physics HIgh resolutioN eXperiments) project is a comprehensive set of ensemble simulations aimed at evaluating the sensitivity of present and future climate to model resolution and stochastic parameterisation. The EC-Earth Earth system model is used to explore the impact of stochastic physics in a large ensemble of 30-year climate integrations at five different atmospheric horizontal resolutions (from 125 up to 16 km). The project includes more than 120 simulations in both a historical scenario (1979–2008) and a climate change projection (2039–2068), together with coupled transient runs (1850–2100). A total of 20.4 million core hours have been used, made available from a single year grant from PRACE (the Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), and close to 1.5 PB of output data have been produced on SuperMUC IBM Petascale System at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in Garching, Germany. About 140 TB of post-processed data are stored on the CINECA supercomputing centre archives and are freely accessible to the community thanks to an EUDAT data pilot project. This paper presents the technical and scientific set-up of the experiments, including the details on the forcing used for the simulations performed, defining the SPHINX v1.0 protocol. In addition, an overview of preliminary results is given. An improvement in the simulation of Euro-Atlantic atmospheric blocking following resolution increase is observed. It is also shown that including stochastic parameterisation in the low-resolution runs helps to improve some aspects of the tropical climate – specifically the Madden–Julian Oscillation and the tropical rainfall variability. These findings show the importance of representing the impact of small-scale processes on the large-scale climate variability either explicitly (with high-resolution simulations) or stochastically (in low-resolution simulations).
Evaluating uncertainties in modelling the snow hydrology of the Fraser River Basin, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Islam Siraj Ul , Déry Stephen J.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This study evaluates predictive uncertainties in the snow hydrology of the Fraser River Basin (FRB) of British Columbia (BC), Canada, using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model forced with several high-resolution gridded climate datasets. These datasets include the Canadian Precipitation Analysis and the thin-plate smoothing splines (ANUSPLIN), North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), University of Washington (UW) and Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC) gridded products. Uncertainties are evaluated at different stages of the VIC implementation, starting with the driving datasets, optimization of model parameters, and model calibration during cool and warm phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The inter-comparison of the forcing datasets (precipitation and air temperature) and their VIC simulations (snow water equivalent – SWE – and runoff) reveals widespread differences over the FRB, especially in mountainous regions. The ANUSPLIN precipitation shows a considerable dry bias in the Rocky Mountains, whereas the NARR winter air temperature is 2 °C warmer than the other datasets over most of the FRB. In the VIC simulations, the elevation-dependent changes in the maximum SWE (maxSWE) are more prominent at higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains, where the PCIC-VIC simulation accumulates too much SWE and ANUSPLIN-VIC yields an underestimation. Additionally, at each elevation range, the day of maxSWE varies from 10 to 20 days between the VIC simulations. The snow melting season begins early in the NARR-VIC simulation, whereas the PCIC-VIC simulation delays the melting, indicating seasonal uncertainty in SWE simulations. When compared with the observed runoff for the Fraser River main stem at Hope, BC, the ANUSPLIN-VIC simulation shows considerable underestimation of runoff throughout the water year owing to reduced precipitation in the ANUSPLIN forcing dataset. The NARR-VIC simulation yields more winter and spring runoff and earlier decline of flows in summer due to a nearly 15-day earlier onset of the FRB springtime snowmelt. Analysis of the parametric uncertainty in the VIC calibration process shows that the choice of the initial parameter range plays a crucial role in defining the model hydrological response for the FRB. Furthermore, the VIC calibration process is biased toward cool and warm phases of the PDO and the choice of proper calibration and validation time periods is important for the experimental setup. Overall the VIC hydrological response is prominently influenced by the uncertainties involved in the forcing datasets rather than those in its parameter optimization and experimental setups.
Origin of the Wang–Sheeley–Arge solar wind model
Authors: Sheeley Jr. Neil R.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A correlation between solar wind speed at Earth and the amount of magnetic field line expansion in the corona was verified in 1989 using 22 years of solar and interplanetary observations. We trace the evolution of this relationship from its birth 15 years earlier in the Skylab era to its current use as a space weather forecasting technique. This paper is the transcript of an invited talk at the joint session of the Historical Astronomy Division and the Solar Physics Division of the American Astronomical Society during its 224th meeting in Boston, MA, on 3 June 2014.
Revisiting the synoptic-scale predictability of severe European
winter storms using ECMWF ensemble reforecasts
Authors: Pantillon Florian , Knippertz Peter , Corsmeier Ulrich
Published: March 2017

Abstract. New insights into the synoptic-scale predictability of 25 severe European winter storms of the 1995–2015 period are obtained using the homogeneous ensemble reforecast dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The predictability of the storms is assessed with different metrics including the track and intensity to investigate the storms’ dynamics and the Storm Severity Index to estimate the impact of the associated wind gusts. The storms are correctly predicted by the ensemble reforecasts up to 2–4 days ahead only, which restricts the use of ensemble average and spread to short lead times. At longer lead times, the Extreme Forecast Index and Shift of Tails are computed from the deviation of the ensemble reforecasts from the model climate. Based on these indices, the model has some skill in forecasting the area covered by extreme wind gusts up to 10 days, which indicates clear potential for the early warning of storms. However, a large variability is found between the predictability of individual storms and does not appear to be related to the storms’ characteristics. This may be due to the limited sample of 25 cases, but also suggests that each severe storm has its own dynamics and sources of forecast uncertainty.
2017 Physics Undergraduate Conference Research Day Abstracts
Authors: HNS WURJ
Published: March 2017

2017 Physics Undergraduate Conference (PhUnC) Abstracts from Ontario undergraduate students.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Jessica Grahn
Authors: Liang Emerald
Published: March 2017

Dr. Jessica Grahn is an Associate Professor in the Brain and Mind Institute and the Department of Psychology at Western University. Her research focuses on how movement and rhythm may be connected in the brain with a practical focus on how music influences the dysfunctional movements of Parkinson patients. She currently supervises music neuroscience MSc and PhD students in the Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience program and the Neuroscience program at Western University. Emerald Liang, a member of the academic affairs committee for WURJHNS, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Jessica Grahn to find out a bit about her unique career choice and to acquire some insightful advice for current undergraduate students.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. David Cechetto
Authors: Prabhu Neetin
Published: March 2017

Dr. David Cechetto is a professor in the Anatomy and Cell Biology department at Western University. Through his research he is investigating the relationship between Alzheimer’s and vascular impairments that lead to enhanced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. His research has let him work in areas and with scientists from around the world. Dr. Cechetto was interviewed for his insight on research by Neetin Prabhu, the Outreach Coordinator for WURJHNS.
How “Pulaaku” Moral Value Influence Nomadic Fulani Perception and Non-Participation in Educational Community Development in Ikara District, Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Dahiru Suleiman , Ahmad Nobaya Binti , Jaafar Wan Munira Wan
Published: March 2017

Pastoral Fulani nomads are among the marginalized and educationally disadvantageous communities in Nigeria, and many African countries. Since education remained the mechanism for individual, community and national developments, such groups need to be given attention for the success of sustainable development goal in African nations. To achieve this, human, as well as sociocultural hindrances associated with their educational development need to be evaluated. Therefore, this study explore how pulaaku moral value influences the understanding and perception of the nomadic Fulani in education as the precipitating factor for non-participation in education in Ikara district. Two themes emerged as the findings; firstly Perception of the pastoral Fulani on education generally. Secondly factors precipitating non-participation, is presented into subthemes; strict adherence to pulaaku moral values, fear of fragmentation of social capital, lack of role model and parent ignorance. Thus, the study concluded that Fulani pastoral communities have positive perception on education, but it was evident that socio-cultural factors such as lacking role model with pulaaku principle, perception in fear of the system as a threat to social capital and ignorance influenced their low participation. Hence, there is the need for policymakers, government agencies and stakeholders to have an in-depth conceptual understanding of the Fulani values through funding ethnographic research project, and possibly integrate its ideas and those factors in the design of an acceptable nomadic education system particularly the pulaaku. Also, integrate community-based volunteer groups, purposively for advocacy and awareness will enhanced the group understanding and participation in educational community development.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Vol. 5, No. 1, March 2017
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: March 2017

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 5, Number 1Eliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandPramod Kumar Mishra, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India Sahar Bahmani, University of Wisconsin at Parkside, USASait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, TurkeyGerardo Ojeda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, ColombiaHui Guo, University of Georgia, USAZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, Egypt Zhao Chen, Clemson University, USChenlin Hu, The Ohio State University, USALuisa Pozzo, IBBA of Pisa, ItalyAftab Alam, Edenworks Inc. New York, USAErnest Baafi, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaJeong Hwan, Sejong University, South KoreaAbhishek A. Cukkemane, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory LLP, IndiaSoto Caro Ariel Reinaldo, Universidad de Concepción, Chile Richard WilliamsEditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
To what Extent May Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections be an Alternative Choice to Surgery in Infantile Esotropia?
Authors: Speeg-Schatz Claude , Burgun Paul , Gottenkiene Sylvaine
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Evaluation of a single injection of botulinum toxin A in infantile esotropia as an alternative choice to surgery in a retrospective cases serie.

Methods

Patients (65 consecutive children aged 9 to 26 months with infantile strabismus) underwent botulinum toxin A injection in both medial recti Botulinum toxin A injection. Clinical datas including measurement of angle of deviation before and after injection. visual acuity, stereoscopy and side effects were observed in a 24 months period of follow-up.

Results

Stable satisfactory result (angle equal to or less than 8 dioptres) was obtained in 33 cases (50.7%). Excellent result (-2 to + 4 dioptres) were obtained in 17 children (26%). Additional surgery was required in 32 cases for a residual (albeit smaller angle than the initial deviation) or recurrent deviation and/or DVD (49,2%).

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin A reduces the tonic spastic motor component of strabismus and, should additional surgery be required (49% in our series), allows the procedure to be carried out on a smaller angle. A reduction in the maximum angle of deviation is thus achieved sooner, and allows the development of anomalous binocularity in a stable microtropia.
Clinical and Radiographic outcomes of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty at a Minimum follow-up of 10 Years: Results from an Independent Centre
Authors: Moroni Antonio , Miscione Maria Teresa , Orsini Riccardo , Micera Giovanni , Mosca Salvatore , Sinapi Fabrizio , De Girolamo Laura , Banfi Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Background

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MoMHR) has been proposed as an effective surgical treatment for young and active patients with symptomatic hip disease. Recently, good clinical and radiographic outcomes have been reported by the designer surgeons at a 15.3 years follow-up; however, results at long follow-up by non-designer surgeons are less satisfactory. The aim of the study was to investigate if MoMHR can produce satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and if survival rate can be high even if the procedure is performed by non-designer surgeons.

Methods

All patients were assessed about implant survival. All patients completed an Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score preoperatively, at 1 year and at last available follow-up; at this time, a standard anteroposterior weight-bearing radiograph was performed.

Results

The survival rate with revision for any reason is 96%, similar to those obtained by designer surgeons. All the clinical scores improved over time: according to the OHS the survivors are asymptomatic and according to the UCLA maintain a high level of function. 6 remodellings of the femoral neck and 2 heterotopic bone formations were seen, but they were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

As designer surgeons have already shown, MoMHR can provide in active patients a durable treatment for hip arthritis, with low risk of revision and good results at 10 years follow-up, even if the procedure is performed by non-designer surgeons.
Medicines Regulatory Harmonization: International Collaboration as a Key to Improve Public Health
Authors: Reggi Valerio
Published: March 2017

Over the past 30 years, many national drug regulatory authorities have embarked on a process of gradual harmonization of all the technical aspects of studies, processes, and tests that generate the data necessary to support claims of quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. This has been mainly a trade-driven process characterized by “region-specific” harmonization initiatives; the less-resourced authorities started this processes much later than the better-resourced ones. The immediate outcome of harmonized requirements is the eliminating of country-specific tests and studies, and the narrowing of gaps in the interpretation of data. This reduced the costs for pharmaceutical companies by enabling them to develop one single set of data and documentation to be submitted to several different countries. In addition, the harmonization processes are beneficial for public health: open-minded technical discussions and the exchange of ideas and experience among regulators of different countries contributes to strengthening the capacity of national authorities to expedite the assessment of priority medicines, and to filter out unsafe or substandard products.
Access to Generic Medicines for Hepatitis C in South Africa: A Journey of Discovery
Authors: Sonderup Mark W. , Spearman Catherine Wendy
Published: March 2017

The true seroprevalence of hepatitis C in South Africa is not clear, with some data suggesting a high prevalence in key subpopulations. While genotype 5 infection is highly prevalent, all other genotypes (except genotype 6) are seen, making it a pan-genotypic country. With the advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, patient demand for access has grown. In a country with a high GINI coefficient, affordability – as with antiretroviral therapy – was always going to be a major factor. No clear route to access these therapies existed, and at listed USA and European prices, were out of reach to most, if not all, for most, if not all, patients in South Africa. A single patient, albeit in a potentially hazardous manner, and of his own accord, made his own DAA therapy by purchasing raw active pharmaceutical ingredients and filling capsules. Unsurprisingly, when the treatment failed, the patient turned to us for assistance. Consequently, he led us to generic therapies, and through the correct processes we accessed care for him. It was this act that opened up a channel for us to assist many other patients. In time, access to lower prices for some originator DAA therapies has materialized; however, to many, this still may be out of reach. Generic medicines for hepatitis C do work and are effective and affordable. If we are going to achieve the objective of the elimination of viral hepatitis, generic medicines will need to form part of the solution.