bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Assurance with Dosimetric Consistency of a Co-60 Teletherapy Unit
Authors: Acharya Num Prasad , Lamichhane Tika Ram , Jha Bidyapati
Published: May 2017

It is essential to know the standard dose rate, output of Co-60 source in the radiation treatment periodically. It is because the over dosage may cause radiation hazards where as under dosage may lead to unsatisfactory treatment of cancer. Present study focused on the radiation standards and dosimetry for the assurance of the quality and verify that the output of the ionizing radiation emitting medical instruments such as Teletherapy Unit (TTU) which should be within ±2% of the stated one. Present study was done as a part of the regularity of quality assurance (QA) of telecobalt radiotherapy unit that includes the dosimetric measurements of Co-60 TTU at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital (BCH), Bhaktapur per each month from 29 March 2012 to 29 December 2014. The radionuclide source is Co-60 which has been incorporated in TTU, BCH for the purpose of therapeutic treatment of cancer. The Co-60 source decays continuously to Ni-60 (half-life of 5.27 years) with the decrease in its activity and hence the output dose rate. The calculations of actual dose rate of Co-60 TTU were done by the source to surface distance (SSD) technique. It has been concluded that there is a quality assurance management in Co-60 TTU, BCH with the consistency in the average output dose rate obtained by the actual dosimetry values and the expected output values obtained by decay method. The values obtained by actual dosimetry are within ±2% of the expected values so that the deviation of the actual output dose rate from the expected output data lies within the permissible limit as prescribed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement (ICRUM). In conclusion, our study shows a trend towards uniform and better dose delivery from Co-60 TTU, BCH, Nepal

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017, Page: 88-92
Hadamard Coded Modulation for Visible Light Communication
Authors: Shrestha Surendra
Published: May 2017

In the recent days, Visible Light Communication (VLC), a novel technology that enables standard Light-Emitting-Diodes (LEDs) to transmit data, is gaining significant attention. However, to date, there is very little research on its deployment. The enormous and growing user demand for wireless data is placing huge pressure on existing Wi-Fi technology, which uses the radio and microwave frequency spectrum. Also the radio and microwave frequency spectrum is heavily used and overcrowded. On the other hand, visible light spectrum has huge, unused and unregulated capacity for communications (about 10,000 times greater bandwidth compared to radio spectrum). Li-Fi, the wireless technology based on VLC, is successfully tested with very high speed in lab and also implemented commercially. In the near future, this technology could enable devices containing LEDs, such as car lights, city lights, screens and home appliances, to form their own networks for high speed, secure communication. In this paper the performance analysis of Hadamard Coded Modulation (HCM) for Visible Light Communication (VLC) is carried out. Its performance is compared with that of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). Also wide overview of need of VLC, applications of VLC and design challenges for VLC are observed. The potential application areas of VLC that are identified include smart lighting of buildings, vehicular communication, defense & security, indoor positioning, road safety, hospitals & healthcare, aviation etc. Aside from the high bandwidth availability of VLC, it has the advantages of very high speed, enhanced security of local networks, less susceptible to interference, less expensive due to co-existence with illumination devices and obviously no fear of health hazards due to radiation.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017, Page: 93-96
Clinical and radiological evaluation of furcal perforation repaired by mineral trioxide aggregate and intermediate restorative material
Authors: Shomi Kamrun Naher , Hossain Mozammal , Alam Md. Shamsul
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the present study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcome following repair of furcal perforation by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and intermediate restorative material (IRM) in mandibular molar teeth. Forty teeth having furcal perforation were enrolled in this study, out of which 20 teeth were treated with MTA and the remaining 20 teeth were subjected to IRM treatment. Following perforation repair, all teeth were subjected to root canal treatment followed by final restoration. Clinical and radiological outcome was evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months interval. The results showed that in both MTA and IRM groups, pain, tenderness on percussion as well as swelling and sinus was gradually decreased with the increase of the observation period. Furthermore, the widening of the periodontal ligament space and communi-cation with the oral cavity were gradually decreased. Although there was no significant differences between MTA and IRM at 3 and 6 months observation period but at 12 months, the clinical outcome between MTA and IRM was statistically significant (p<0.05). It can be concluded that repair of furcal perforation by MTA showed more effective than that of IRM.
Comparative efficacy of nanofilled and microfilled resin-modified glass ionomer as pits and fissure sealant in permanent molar teeth
Authors: Zakaria Manzuma Akhter , Hossain Mozammal , Moral Ali Asgor
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacy of nanofilled and microfilled resin- modified glass ionomer as pits and fissure sealants in permanent molar teeth. Ninety six teeth having fissure at the occlusal surface were randomly divided into two groups: Group I: Treated by nanofilled resin-modified glass ionomer sealant and Group II: Treated by microfilled resin- modified glass ionomer sealants. Clinical assessment was performed by modified Ryge´s criteria by means of retention, color match, marginal adaptation at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up visit. Chi-square test was used for testing differences between the two groups; a value of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results revealed that at 12 months observation period, nanofilled resin-modified glass ionomer sealant showed better retention, color stability and marginal adaptation than that of microfilled resin-modified glass ionomer sealants. Furthermore, the differences between two groups in respect to marginal adaptation and color match were statistically significant (p<0.05). It can be concluded that nanofilled resin-modified glass ionomer sealant could be a better alternative to microfilled resin- modified glass ionomer sealant.
Growth, structure and stability of sputter-deposited MoS2 thin films
Authors: Kaindl Reinhard , Bayer Bernhard C , Resel Roland , Müller Thomas , Skakalova Viera , Habler Gerlinde , Abart Rainer , Cherevan Alexey S , Eder Dominik , Blatter Maxime , Fischer Fabian , Meyer Jannik C , Polyushkin Dmitry K , Waldhauser Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) thin films have received increasing interest as device-active layers in low-dimensional electronics and also as novel catalysts in electrochemical processes such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in electrochemical water splitting. For both types of applications, industrially scalable fabrication methods with good control over the MoS2 film properties are crucial. Here, we investigate scalable physical vapour deposition (PVD) of MoS2 films by magnetron sputtering. MoS2 films with thicknesses from ≈10 to ≈1000 nm were deposited on SiO2/Si and reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) substrates. Samples deposited at room temperature (RT) and at 400 °C were compared. The deposited MoS2 was characterized by macro- and microscopic X-ray, electron beam and light scattering, scanning and spectroscopic methods as well as electrical device characterization. We find that room-temperature-deposited MoS2 films are amorphous, of smooth surface morphology and easily degraded upon moderate laser-induced annealing in ambient conditions. In contrast, films deposited at 400 °C are nano-crystalline, show a nano-grained surface morphology and are comparatively stable against laser-induced degradation. Interestingly, results from electrical transport measurements indicate an unexpected metallic-like conduction character of the studied PVD MoS2 films, independent of deposition temperature. Possible reasons for these unusual electrical properties of our PVD MoS2 thin films are discussed. A potential application for such conductive nanostructured MoS2 films could be as catalytically active electrodes in (photo-)electrocatalysis and initial electrochemical measurements suggest directions for future work on our PVD MoS2 films.
An Effective Tool for Promoting Local Growth and Competitiveness? The Sustainability of the Subnational Business Environment Index
Authors: Bland Gary , Vaz Peter
Published: May 2017

This article examines the sustainability of the subnational business environment index (BEIs) as a development tool for subnational promotion of private sector growth and competitiveness. We define sustainability as the BEI's continued application after its external support has been concluded. The 13 BEIs examined here have been largely financed by international aid agencies over the past decade. We compare the main features of all the current or recent subnational BEIs we could locate, covering countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. We discuss their origins, financing, conceptual approaches, methodological parameters, intergovernmental linkages, and longevity. A few of them have been applied repeatedly as intended by index proponents, but nearly half of the indices have been discontinued. Two are eminently sustainable and another appears to be. The apparently successful index in El Salvador is highlighted. We conclude that indices face serious limitations, including politicization, weak business sector interest, lack of local funding, and need for an impartial sponsor. Yet indices do show some promise for reform where the index is well developed and where conditions that appear favorable to their successful utilization apply—that is, in countries with a strong private sector, governmental interest, and an open economy.
Disk Masses around Solar-mass Stars are Underestimated by CO Observations
Authors: Yu Mo , Evans II Neal J. , Dodson-Robinson Sarah E. , Willacy Karen , Turner Neal J.
Published: May 2017

Gas in protostellar disks provides the raw material for giant planet formation and controls the dynamics of the planetesimal-building dust grains. Accurate gas mass measurements help map the observed properties of planet-forming disks onto the formation environments of known exoplanets. Rare isotopologues of carbon monoxide (CO) have been used as gas mass tracers for disks in the Lupus star-forming region, with an assumed interstellar CO/H2 abundance ratio. Unfortunately, observations of T-Tauri disks show that CO abundance is not interstellar, a finding reproduced by models that show CO abundance decreasing both with distance from the star and as a function of time. Here, we present radiative transfer simulations that assess the accuracy of CO-based disk mass measurements. We find that the combination of CO chemical depletion in the outer disk and optically thick emission from the inner disk leads observers to underestimate gas mass by more than an order of magnitude if they use the standard assumptions of interstellar CO/H2 ratio and optically thin emission. Furthermore, CO abundance changes on million-year timescales, introducing an age/mass degeneracy into observations. To reach a factor of a few accuracy for CO-based disk mass measurements, we suggest that observers and modelers adopt the following strategies: (1) select low-J transitions; (2) observe multiple CO isotopologues and use either intensity ratios or normalized line profiles to diagnose CO chemical depletion; and (3) use spatially resolved observations to measure the CO-abundance distribution.
The Co-evolution of a Magnetized Intracluster Medium and Hot Galactic Coronae: Magnetic Field Amplification and Turbulence Generation
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Rukmani , Ricker Paul M.
Published: May 2017

We use adaptive-mesh magnetohydrodynamic simulations to study the effect of magnetic fields on ram pressure stripping of galaxies in the intracluster medium (ICM). Although the magnetic pressure in typical clusters is not strong enough to affect the gas mass loss rate from galaxies, magnetic fields can affect the morphology of stripped galaxies. ICM magnetic fields are draped around orbiting galaxies and aligned with their stripped tails. Magnetic fields suppress shear instabilities at the galaxy-ICM interface, and magnetized tails are smoother and narrower than tails in comparable hydrodynamic simulations in Vijayaraghavan and Ricker. Orbiting galaxies stretch and amplify ICM magnetic fields, amplifying magnetic power spectra on 10–100 kpc scales. Galaxies inject turbulent kinetic energy into the ICM via their turbulent wakes and g-waves. The magnetic energy and kinetic energy in the ICM increase up to

of evolution, after which galaxies are stripped of most of their gas, and do not have sufficiently large gaseous cross sections to further amplify magnetic fields and inject turbulent kinetic energy. The increase in turbulent pressure due to galaxy stripping and generation of g-waves results in an increase in the turbulent volume fraction of the ICM. This turbulent kinetic energy is not a significant contributor to the overall ICM energy budget, but greatly impacts the evolution of the ICM magnetic field. Additionally, the effect of galaxies on magnetic fields can potentially be observed in high resolution Faraday rotation measure (RM) maps as small-scale fluctuations in the RM structure.
Detection of HC3N Maser Emission in NGC 253
Authors: Ellingsen Simon P. , Chen Xi , Breen Shari L. , Qiao Hai-hua
Published: May 2017

We report the detection of maser emission from the

transition of

at 36.4 GHz toward the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253. This is the first detection of maser emission from this transition in either a Galactic or extragalactic source. The

maser emission has a brightness temperature in excess of 2500 K and is offset from the center of the galaxy by approximately 18″ (300 pc), but close to a previously reported class I methanol maser. Both the

and methanol masers appear to arise near the interface between the galactic bar and the central molecular zone, where it is thought that molecular gas is being transported inwards, producing a region of extensive low-velocity shocks.
The Detection of an Extremely Bright Fast Radio Burst in a Phased Array Feed Survey
Authors: Bannister K. W. , Shannon R. M. , Macquart J.-P. , Flynn C. , Edwards P. G. , O’Neill M. , Osłowski S. , Bailes M. , Zackay B. , Clarke N. , D’Addario L. R. , Dodson R. , Hall P. J. , Jameson A. , Jones D. , Navarro R. , Trinh J. T. , Allison J. , Anderson C. S. , Bell M. , Chippendale A. P. , Collier J. D. , Heald G. , Heywood I. , Hotan A. W. , Lee-Waddell K. , Madrid J. P. , Marvil J. , McConnell D. , Popping A. , Voronkov M. A. , Whiting M. T. , Allen G. R. , Bock D. C.-J. , Brodrick D. P. , Cooray F. , DeBoer D. R. , Diamond P. J. , Ekers R. , Gough R. G. , Hampson G. A. , Harvey-Smith L. , Hay S. G. , Hayman D. B. , Jackson C. A. , Johnston S. , Koribalski B. S. , McClure-Griffiths N. M. , Mirtschin P. , Ng A. , Norris R. P. , Pearce S. E. , Phillips C. J. , Roxby D. N. , Troup E. R. , Westmeier T.
Published: May 2017

We report the detection of an ultra-bright fast radio burst (FRB) from a modest, 3.4-day pilot survey with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder. The survey was conducted in a wide-field fly’s-eye configuration using the phased-array-feed technology deployed on the array to instantaneously observe an effective area of 160 deg2, and achieve an exposure totaling 13200 deg2 hr . We constrain the position of FRB 170107 to a region

in size (90% containment) and its fluence to be 58 ± 6 Jy ms. The spectrum of the burst shows a sharp cutoff above 1400 MHz, which could be due to either scintillation or an intrinsic feature of the burst. This confirms the existence of an ultra-bright (

Jy ms) population of FRBs.
Searching for High-energy Gamma-ray Counterparts to Gravitational-wave Sources with Fermi-LAT: A Needle in a Haystack
Authors: Vianello G. , Omodei N. , Chiang J. , Digel S.
Published: May 2017

At least a fraction of gravitational-wave (GW) progenitors are expected to emit an electromagnetic (EM) signal in the form of a short gamma-ray burst (sGRB). Discovering such a transient EM counterpart is challenging because the LIGO/VIRGO localization region is much larger (several hundreds of square degrees) than the field of view of X-ray, optical, and radio telescopes. The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has a wide field of view (∼2.4 sr) and detects ∼2–3 sGRBs per year above 100 MeV. It can detect them not only during the short prompt phase, but also during their long-lasting high-energy afterglow phase. If other wide-field, high-energy instruments such as Fermi-GBM, Swift-BAT, or INTEGRAL-ISGRI cannot detect or localize with enough precision an EM counterpart during the prompt phase, the LAT can potentially pinpoint it with

arcmin accuracy during the afterglow phase. This routinely happens with gamma-ray bursts. Moreover, the LAT will cover the entire localization region within hours of any triggers during normal operations, allowing the γ-ray flux of any EM counterpart to be measured or constrained. We illustrate two new ad hoc methods to search for EM counterparts with the LAT and their application to the GW candidate LVT151012.
Mixing and Transport of Dust in the Early Solar Nebula as Inferred from Titanium Isotope Variations among Chondrules
Authors: Gerber Simone , Burkhardt Christoph , Budde Gerrit , Metzler Knut , Kleine Thorsten
Published: May 2017

Chondrules formed by the melting of dust aggregates in the solar protoplanetary disk and as such provide unique insights into how solid material was transported and mixed within the disk. Here, we show that chondrules from enstatite and ordinary chondrites show only small 50Ti variations and scatter closely around the 50Ti composition of their host chondrites. By contrast, chondrules from carbonaceous chondrites have highly variable 50Ti compositions, which, relative to the terrestrial standard, range from the small 50Ti deficits measured for enstatite and ordinary chondrite chondrules to the large 50Ti excesses known from Ca–Al-rich inclusions (CAIs). These 50Ti variations can be attributed to the addition of isotopically heterogeneous CAI-like material to enstatite and ordinary chondrite-like chondrule precursors. The new Ti isotopic data demonstrate that isotopic variations among carbonaceous chondrite chondrules do not require formation over a wide range of orbital distances, but can instead be fully accounted for by the incorporation of isotopically anomalous “nuggets” into chondrule precursors. As such, these data obviate the need for disk-wide transport of chondrules prior to chondrite parent body accretion and are consistent with formation of chondrules from a given chondrite group in localized regions of the disk. Finally, the ubiquitous presence of 50Ti-enriched material in carbonaceous chondrites and the lack of this material in the non-carbonaceous chondrites support the idea that these two meteorite groups derive from areas of the disk that remained isolated from each other, probably through the formation of Jupiter.
La mort au cœur de la vie, est-ce ainsi que les hommes meurent ?
Authors: Chabert Anne-Lyse
Published: May 2017

Les débats autour de la fin de vie prennent une ampleur démesurée de nos jours, séparant toujours plus les partisans et les opposants du geste euthanasique. Mais que révèle en fait l’une ou l’autre position quant à la posture existentielle que l’on adopte ? Se poser la question, c’est peut-être se détourner de la question essentielle, à savoir que nous sommes très mal à l’aise avec le phénomène de la mort auquel nous ne réfléchissons que de façon précipitée seulement au terme de la vie. D’autre part, ces interrogations masquent une autre problématique qui toucherait davantage à nos choix de société : avons-nous appris à nous accompagner les uns les autres tout au long de notre vie ? C’est-à-dire à partir de la finitude humaine qui se déploie à partir de l’expérience de la mort que la vie prendrait tout son sens.
Le suicide dans l’histoire de la théologie : d’Augustin à Bonhoeffer
Authors: Lehmkühler Karsten
Published: May 2017

Cet article présente, à l’aide de quelques positions célèbres, une vue d’ensemble de la réflexion sur le suicide dans l’histoire de la théologie chrétienne. Il aborde notamment les postions d’Augustin, de Thomas d’Aquin, de Martin Luther et de Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Assistance au suicide, euthanasies : situation suisse
Authors: Wacker Jacques
Published: May 2017

L’article 115 du Code Pénal suisse permet l’assistance au suicide (AS) lorsqu’il n’y a pas de mobile égoïste. Il offre ainsi un « droit-liberté » à chaque citoyen. Bien que la loi ne précise pas le rôle du médecin ni n’exige sa présence, l’Académie Suisse des Sciences Médicales a publié des directives éthiques. La forte augmentation du nombre d’AS depuis 2004 questionne la société et les médecins, en particulier sur leur capacité d’entendre et de dialoguer autour de cette demande en fin de vie. Le soignant se doit d’entendre et d’analyser cet appel, en respectant la volonté de chaque patient.
La question du suicide assisté, ou du parricide à l’institution du massacre ?
Authors: Jandrok Thierry
Published: May 2017

De nos jours, le suicide assisté semble être une cause sur laquelle légiférer. La situation pousse vers une sorte d’urgence. Quels sont les mystères qui se masquent derrière cette question de société ? S’agit-il d’un désir singulier, d’une revendication d’intimité dans la mort, d’une quête d’amour, d’amitié, et/ou de responsabilité ? Des mots positifs tels qu’assistanat, bienveillance, lutte contre la souffrance à la fin de la vie, participent à donner de l’épaisseur à une idéologie de la « bonne mort ». La vulgate postmoderne bureaucratise et vulgarise les modalités du lien en faisant la promotion de leur absence dans les faits. Comment questionner la demande de suicide assisté et en assumer les conséquences logiques ?
Les « Hikikomori » ou les « disparus-vivants » qui ne voulaient pas mourir
Authors: Furuhashi Tadaaki , Bacqué Marie-Frédérique
Published: May 2017

Au Japon, le mot « Hikikomori » (social withdrawal) correspond à l’« état de personnes qui restent cloîtrées, retranchées chez elles pendant plus de six mois, sans travailler ou sans fréquenter l’école. Elles n’ont aucune relation sociale à part leurs relations familiales. Elles ne souffrent pas de troubles mentaux tels que la dépression, les hallucinations et le délire ». Ce sont principalement des hommes, jeunes, voire adolescents. À partir de la rencontre et du soin de plus de 300 jeunes Hikkikomori, l’article expose les relations entre cet état psychique et social et la mort. Étonnamment en effet, les Hikkikomori ne se suicident pas. Ils ne recherchent pas la mort physique. Ils préfèrent se faire oublier et provoquer ainsi leur mort sociale. De même, ils refusent leur filiation sociale, tout en restant dépendants de leurs parents qui les nourrissent et se chargent de tous leurs liens concrets avec l’extérieur. Les Hikkikomori souhaitent disparaître de la société, tout en continuant à exister. Les auteurs les appellent des disparus-vivants . Ainsi, l’ensemble de leurs contacts a lieu sur le Net, mais à condition qu’ils ne soient pas vus. Ils redoutent leur dimension corporelle et l’évitent en s’opposant au regard des autres. Leur relation à l’écran est donc unilatérale, ils regardent les autres mais les autres ne les voient jamais. Les auteurs analysent la pulsion de mort chez les Hikkikomori : disparition du monde, retrait social, jeux répétitifs, jouissance dans la disparition en soi, régression dans la dépendance aux parents, perte totale du désir pour autrui. Quelques exceptions ont montré (lors de l’accident nucléaire d e Fukushima en mars 20 11) que, dans les moments extraordinaires, certains Hikkikomori sortaient de leur retrait. Leur but semble toutefois de rester vivants mais hors de la société, à la regarder derrière leurs écrans et dans des interactions artificielles et sans responsabilité.
Limiter les dysthanasies par la subjectivation du mourir : la mort post-moderne et la relation humanisante
Authors: do Céu Alves Maria , Bourdet-Loubère Sylvie
Published: May 2017

Dans les sociétés post-modernes technoscientifiques, où le transhumanisme se développe sur le fond de la toute-jouissance d’une représentation de toute-puissance, quelle place peut occuper la vulnérabilité et la finitude ? Et quel sens donner à la mort ? Existe-t-il une mort post-moderne pour un sujet post-moderne ? Dans nos sociétés où le lien social s’effrite jusqu’à devenir virtuel, la relation, au cœur d’une commune humanité, représente peut-être le dernier rempart de la subjectivité et, donc, de la psyché.
L’accompagnement du mourir et le deuil créateur dans le contexte de la perte du conjoint
Authors: Kokou-Kpolou Kossigan , Moukouta Charlemagne Simplice , Bacqué Marie-Frédérique , Kpelly Dzodo Eli , Baugnet Lucy
Published: May 2017

Les auteurs de cette étude ont examiné une hypothèse jusqu’alors restée théorique, selon laquelle les rituels de trépas (assistance affective au mourant, actes rituels laïcs ou religieux, discours d’adieu du mourant) faciliteraient le processus du deuil des survivants. L’étude s’est déroulée au Togo et a porté sur 162 personnes veuves (dont 88,3% sont des femmes et 11,7% des hommes) d’un âge moyen de 56,04 ans. La durée du deuil est de 112,52(ét =11,69) mois. Les résultats ont montré que près de 75 % des participants ont assisté le mourant de par leur présence avant qu’il ne meure. Dans 23,5% des cas, le dernier passage du mourant a été soutenu par des rituels (prières aux ancêtres, sacrement de l’onction des malades, prières non sacramentales). Les principaux thèmes émergeant du discours d’adieu sont : l’acceptation de la mort imminente, des recommandations à propos de l’éducation des enfants, la transmission des valeurs d’unité familiale, de respect et de réussite, les paroles de consolation, l’échange de pardon, la promesse de protection dans l’Au-delà en faveur des survivants. Cependant, pris isolément, ni le discours ni les actes religieux, ne se sont révélés statistiquement associés à l’intensité du deuil. Mais, lorsque l’on contrôle successivement l’interaction entre l’assistance portée au mourant, le fait qu’il ait tenu un discours d’adieu et la durée du deuil, l’on note un deuil moins compliqué chez le conjoint survivant (β = -1.21, p<.005). De plus, l’assistance donnée au mourant est corrélée avec la perception d’un changement psychosocial positif après le deuil (r = .173, p< 0.05). Les auteurs en concluent que l’assistance affective, donnée par un proche du mourant, est ce qui donne sens aux actes rituels et aux dernières paroles de ce dernier. Enfin, la durée du deuil doit être prise en compte pour évaluer les effets bénéfiques des rituels de trépas sur le processus du deuil. Ils en appellent aux rôles irremplaçables de la famille dans la phase de la fin de vie de leur proche mourant, et aux professionnels en soins palliatifs à favoriser un espace d’échange pouvant libérer les paroles suspendues du mourant.
Mort et mise à mort sur internet
Authors: Dilmaç Julie Alev
Published: May 2017

Pour certains auteurs, les pratiques cérémonielles liées au trépas seraient enclines à disparaître, en raison notamment au refoulement de la mort dans la société moderne. Or, il semblerait que de nouvelles ritualités se soient développées, et ce, à travers les technologies. Ainsi, l’édification de tombes virtuelles, la création de pages « hommages » et la célébration de l’anniversaire de la mort des défunts sont dorénavant courantes sur Internet. Cependant, la surexposition prônée par la Toile semble remettre en question les manières traditionnelles de « vivre » le deuil, soumettant ainsi, aussi bien les vivants que les morts, à une redéfinition des concepts de « temps » et d’« espace », entraînant de nouvelles formes d’interaction.
Perioperative Management of Rheumatoid Medications in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Sindhu Kunal , Cohen Brian , Gil Joseph A.
Published: May 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder known to cause progressive joint destruction. Over time, untreated RA can lead to pain and increasing disability, making orthopedic intervention necessary. The treatment of RA revolves around a variety of medications that blunt the overall immune response. However, this may increase the risk of infection and impair wound healing. Given the nature of this disease, orthopedists frequently encounter patients with RA in the operative setting. To optimize surgical outcomes, orthopedists must carefully manage and pay special attention to the adverse side effects of the complicated medication regimens of these patients perioperatively. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(5):282–286.]
Innovative E-Therapy Service in Higher Education: Mobile Application Design
Authors: Huda Miftachul , Jasmi Kamarul Azmi , Mustari Mohd Ismail , Basiron Bushrah , Mohamed Ahmad Kilani , Wan Embong Wan Hassan , Safar Jimaain
Published: May 2017

Cyber counselling or e-therapy has widely been adopted as the new approach to give an insightful guidance into the clients. In higher education (HE) level, this initiative seems to have rarely been involved due to some technical requirements and preparations. This paper aims to present the approach of e-therapy using mobile application design. The finding illustrates that promoting this model application can theoretically assist the transmission process of counselling in the academic circumstance where both students and advisors may have a continuous engagement with more convenient quality in solving the issues surrounding the academic purposes. The attainment of this paper is expected to contribute in enabling the process of academic counselling in the context of higher education (HE). Strengthening practical and relational value maintaining connection to facilitate the sensitive issues disclosure is expected to help students solve their academic issues, such as reflecting the learning achievement.
Smartphones as a New Paradigm in Higher Education Overcoming Obstacles
Authors: Alwraikat Mansour A
Published: May 2017

This article will investigate obstacles hindering graduate students use of smartphones in their learning at The University of Jordan. The study employed a descriptive survey research method using a self-administered 21-item questionnaire. Out of the entire population of 1,100 graduate students from the School of Educational Sciences, a randomly purposeful sample of 227 was selected. Individuals within the sample owned smartphones. A total of 108 students responded to the questionnaire. This was 45% of the original study sample during the first semester of the 2016-2017 academic year. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were both secured. The study’s findings showed that the overall degree level of obstacles reported by graduate students was high. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in student estimates of obstacles due to their gender, age, place of work, first degree (BA), or computer skills. The researcher offered  suggestions for overcoming these obstacles in light of the student estimates.
Influence of Cloud Based Mobile Learning Applications on User Experiences: A Review Study in the Context of Jordan
Authors: Harfoushi Osama
Published: May 2017

Beside the increasing trend of cloud computing and mobile applications, the use of cloud based mobile learning applications is also mounting. Almost every e-commerce service provider offers cloud based mobile learning applications so that they can target more visitors and ultimately increase their sales. The usability of cloud based mobile applications is not only grounded in e-commerce platforms but it also ease out mobile learning processes. Most of the educational institutes are now offering cloud based mobile applications so their students can navigate to their knowledge portal more easily and download relevant material or submit assignments respectively. The main research area of this article is to explore how cloud based mobile learning applications can be utilized more effectively and what impact they imply on its users. Also, this research compares the mobile learning methods versus traditional learning methods. The study is evidence from Jordan and the major part of the research will be carried out through surveying literature, reports, content, and national and international databases in order to critically discuss the interactions between clouds based mobile learning application and user experiences. Published researches, published reports, books and articles has been included in the review.  Review of literature shows that mobile cloud computing is rising in Jordan and have significant impact on mobile learning of Jordanian students. Further, M-learning indeed an innovative tool for learning and it helps the users in many ways. In traditional learning, students used to spend their money on books and other written content. Findings of this study are helpful for the educational institution so they will come to know about user experiences of utilizing these cloud based mobile applications.
Context Management for Supporting Context-aware Android Applications Development
Authors: Elazhary Hanan , Althubyani Alaa , Ahmed Lina , Alharbi Bayan Alharbi , Alzahrani Norah , Almutairi Reem
Published: May 2017

Building context-aware mobile applications is one of the most ambitious areas of research. Such applications can change their behavior according to context or perform specific tasks in specific contexts. Regardless of the application, all context-aware mobile applications share the need to retrieve and process context information. This paper presents a Context Management tool for the Android platform (ACM). ACM allows easy access to internal on-board mobile sensors and hardware features extracting corresponding raw data. Raw context is processed into higher-level more human-readable context that is provided seamlessly to the mobile applications. Different methods are used for this purpose including fuzzy classifiers. Since different mobiles have different sensors and hardware features, ACM can adapt to the mobile device by deactivating access to unavailable ones. Information regarding the available sensors and hardware features and their specifications can also be queried. Additionally, applications can request notifications regarding context change or specific context values. In addition to providing developers with supporting classes and methods, ACM is accompanied by an application that allows developers to examine its functionality and capabilities before using it. The application can be also used to examine the readings of the different sensors in different situations and thus calibrate them as needed. Additionally, it can be used to modify and personalize default interpretations of raw context values to high-level ones. ACM has been tested empirically and the results show extreme interest of context-aware mobile application developers in its promising capabilities and that it is conducive to facilitating, speeding up and triggering development of many more of such applications.
Water management in Brussels: knowledge gained from the long time data series of the Flowbru regional telemetry system
Authors: de Ville Nicolas , Verbanck Michel
Published: May 2017

The long time data series provided by the Flowbru regional hydrometric network (www.flowbru.be) represents a new opportunity to gain knowledge on the hydrographical system in Brussels. With a combination of data mining analysis, data consolidation, models and in-depth data interpretation, new insights on sewer system performance are obtained. First, the problem of the infiltration of parasitic clear water into the sewer system is addressed. A new methodology is developed to compute the daily volumes of clear water infiltrated in the entire zone treated by the Brussels-North Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). We show the strong seasonal variation of infiltration and how this pattern can be identified in limnimetric time series to highlight sewers which are subject to infiltration. Secondly, the sewer sediment accumulation in the Brussels Right main collector – the largest sewer in the Brussels Region – is studied. The accumulation dynamics are discussed, and a comparison between the present situation and that of the 1980s shows the massive increase in sediment accumulation in recent decades. The potential causes and consequences of this accumulation are discussed briefly.
A case of false positive Troponin I in a patient affected by cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: Bellan M. , Pirisi M. , Bellomo G. , Sainaghi P.P.
Published: May 2017

Troponin I (TnI) false positive results have been reported in patients affected by immune disorders. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman affected by cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, admitted to the Emergency Room because of a lipotimic episode. A marked elevation of TnI plasma concentration was confirmed in multiple determinations, despite the absence of symptoms or electrocardiogram findings suggesting myocardial infarction. TnI plasma concentration was reported normal after re-testing with a different commercial kit. A false TnI positivity should be considered in patients with immune disorders, especially if seropositive for rheumatoid factor, when the clinical context does not suggest myocardial infarction.
Conservation implications of brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) population densities and distribution across landscapes in Botswana
Authors: Winterbach Christiaan W. , Maude Glyn , Neo-Mahupeleng Gosiame , Klein Rebecca , Boast Lorraine , Rich Lindsey N. , Somers Michael J.
Published: May 2017

The brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) is endemic to southern Africa. The largest population of this near-threatened species occurs in Botswana, but limited data were available to assess distribution and density. Our objectives were to use a stratified approach to collate available data and to collect more data to assess brown hyaena distribution and density across land uses in Botswana. We conducted surveys using track counts, camera traps and questionnaires and collated our results and available data to estimate the brown hyaena population based on the stratification of Botswana for large carnivores. Brown hyaenas occur over 533 050 km² (92%) of Botswana. Our density estimates ranged from 0 brown hyaenas/100 km² in strata of northern Botswana to 2.94 (2.16–3.71) brown hyaenas/100 km² in the southern stratum of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. We made assumptions regarding densities in strata that lacked data, using the best references available. We estimated the brown hyaena population in Botswana as 4642 (3133–5993) animals, with 6.8% of the population in the Northern Conservation Zone, 73.1% in the Southern Conservation Zone, 2.0% in the smaller conservation zones and 18.1% in the agricultural zones. The similar densities of brown hyaenas in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Ghanzi farms highlight the potential of agricultural areas in Botswana to conserve this species. The conservation of brown hyaenas in the agricultural landscape of Botswana is critical for the long-term conservation of the species; these areas provide important links between populations in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.Conservation implications: Botswana contains the core of the brown hyaena population in southern Africa, and conflict mitigation on agricultural land is crucial to maintaining connectivity among the range countries.
The impact of social grant dependency on smallholder maize producers’ market participation in South Africa: Application of the double-hurdle model
Authors: Sinyolo Sikhulumile , Mudhara Maxwell , Wale Edilegnaw
Published: May 2017

Background: Social grants have become an increasingly popular means of improving the welfare of poor households in South Africa and beyond. While the goals of these transfers are to alleviate current poverty as well as to improve human capital capacity, they also have unintended effects, positive or negative, on beneficiary households. A question that has not been adequately addressed in the literature is the role that social grants play in the efforts to commercialise smallholder farming.Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of social grant dependency on the incentives of smallholder maize producers to participate in the market.Setting: The study was done in the rural areas of four districts (Harry Gwala, Umzinyathi, Umkhanyakude and Uthukela) in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research design. A total of 984 households were randomly selected from the four districts, of which 774 had planted maize in the previous season. The analysis was done on the 774 farmers who had planted maize. The double-hurdle model was used for statistical analysis.Results: The results show a negative association between social grant dependency and market participation, suggesting that social grant-dependent households are more subsistent, producing less marketable surplus. Moreover, households with access to social grants sold less quantities of maize in the market, indicating reduced selling incentives.Conclusion: The study indicates that social grants reduce the incentives of smallholder farmers to commercialise their production activities. The results suggest that, while policies aimed at reducing transaction costs would increase smallholder market participation, attention should be paid on how to reduce social grants’ dis-incentive effects. To reduce spill over effects to unintended household members, the study recommends offering part of the grant as ‘in-kind support’, which is specific to the intended individual beneficiary.
Fluorine-18-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine Positron-emission Tomography Scans of Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoids and Pheochromocytomas)
Authors: Zanzi Italo , Studentsova Yana , Bjelke David , Warner Richard , Babchyck Barry , Chaly Thomas
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

Conventional methods of imaging neuroendocrine tumors with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, indium-111-octreotide, or radiolabeled metaiodobenzilguanidine scintigraphy have limitations. This pilot study tried to improve the localization of these tumors with fluorine-18-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (F-DOPA) positron-emission tomography (PET) scanning.

Materials and Methods:

We studied 22 patients, the majority of whom were referred with clinical diagnosis or suspicion of carcinoid (n= 11), neuroendocrine tumors (n= 7) or pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PGL) (n= 4). The comparison was made with the prior conventional imaging.

Results:

The F-DOPA findings were compared with the results of subsequent surgery (2), endoscopy (1), or a long-term follow-up (mean duration, 49 months) for 17 patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Foci of F-DOPA deposition were detected in eight patients (final diagnosis of carcinoid in six, of neuroendocrine tumors in one, and of PGL in another). Comparison with the final diagnoses revealed concordance in 16 of the 22 patients. F-DOPA results appeared superior to those obtained with conventional imaging. Despite the small number and diagnostic heterogeneity, in a substantial fraction of patients F-DOPA PET added information relevant to clinical management.

Conclusion:

F-DOPA scanning added prognostic value, particularly when multiple abnormal foci versus a negative examination were considered.
Antenatal Umbilical Coiling Index and Newborn Outcomes: Cohort Study
Authors: Ndolo Josephine Mwikali , Vinayak Sudhir , Silaba Micah Ominde , Stones William
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

We aimed to test the predictive value of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) among a prospectively recruited cohort of antenatal women.

Methods:

Women with singleton pregnancies were recruited at their second-trimester scan. Images of the umbilical cord were used to calculate the aUCI. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were recorded and statistical associations between aUCI and small for gestational age (SGA) using international standard birth weight centiles and preterm birth were investigated (n = 430).

Results:

aUCI results were consistent with the literature and showed good reproducibility between observers. Abnormal aUCI was not associated with SGA, but there was a statistical association with preterm birth (odds ratio 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.4–7.7, P = 0.003). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for preterm birth were 47.6%, 76.9%, 9.6%, and 96.6%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The coiling index is unlikely to be useful in clinical practice as a screening tool for preterm birth owing to limited predictive value. We exclude a statistically or clinically significant association between abnormal coiling and SGA.
Renal Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma Associated with Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Imaging Findings
Authors: Tsili Athina C , Ntorkou Alexandra , Argyropoulou Maria I
Published: May 2017

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) are the most common tumors of the perivascular epithelioid cell (PEComa) family. Both may be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS) complex. Epithelioid AML (EAML) is a rare variety of AMLs, with a potential aggressive behavior. There are few reports in the English literature addressing on the imaging findings of renal EAMLs, which are considered nonspecific. We present the sonographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a renal EAML in a pregnant woman with concomitant pulmonary lesions indicative of LAM, without stigmata of TS. We conclude the importance of considering EAML as a possible diagnosis in the presence of a large renal mass with high cellular content and small amounts of fat in the coexistence of pulmonary LAM.