bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion Migration in the Process of Water Freezing under Alternating Electric Field and Its Impact on Insulator Flashover
Authors: Jiang Xingliang , Wang Quanlin , Zhang Zhijing , Hu Jianlin , Hu Qin , Zhu Chengzhi
Published: January 2017

Ice flashover threatens the security and reliability of power transmission. However, the ice flashover mechanism of insulators remains poorly understood. This study analyses water droplet freezing and ion distribution in ice layer under alternating electric field. It also investigates ion migration during icing process of insulator string under alternating electric field and its effects on insulator flashover. Results showed that the average freezing time of water droplets was related to electric field strength. The extent of ion migration during freezing decreased with increasing electric field strength. The maximal melting water conductivity of the ice layer and icicle of the insulator formed under energized condition was higher than the corresponding freezing water conductivity but lower than that under non-energized condition. Furthermore, the hanging location of each insulator significantly affected the melting water conductivity of the ice layer. The surface conductivity of the ice layer increased because of the conductive ion migration in freezing water during freezing, which was an important factor that decreased the flashover voltage of the ice-covered insulator. The existence of alternating electric field would impact the extent of ion migration. This study may serve as a reference for updating prediction flashover model of ice-covered insulators during the melting period.
Power Consumption Analysis of Electrical Installations at Healthcare Facility
Authors: Guillen-Garcia Emmanuel , Zorita-Lamadrid Angel , Duque-Perez Oscar , Morales-Velazquez Luis , Osornio-Rios Roque , Romero-Troncoso Rene
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a methodology for power consumption estimation considering harmonic and interharmonic content and then it is compared to the power consumption estimation commonly done by commercial equipment based on the fundamental frequency, and how they can underestimate the power consumption considering power quality disturbances (PQD). For this purpose, data of electrical activity at the electrical distribution boards in a healthcare facility is acquired for a long time period with proprietary equipment. An analysis in the acquired current and voltage signals is done, in order to compare the power consumption centered in the fundamental frequency with the generalized definition of power consumption. The results obtained from the comparison in the power consumption estimation show differences between 4% and 10% of underestimated power consumption. Thus, it is demonstrated that the presence of harmonic and interharmonic content provokes a significant underestimation of power consumption using only the power consumption centered at the fundamental frequency.
Influence of Heartwood on Wood Density and Pulp Properties Explained by Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Iglesias Carla , Santos António , Martínez Javier , Pereira Helena , Anjos Ofélia
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work is to develop a tool to predict some pulp properties e.g., pulp yield, Kappa number, ISO brightness (ISO 2470:2008), fiber length and fiber width, using the sapwood and heartwood proportion in the raw-material. For this purpose, Acacia melanoxylon trees were collected from four sites in Portugal. Percentage of sapwood and heartwood, area and the stem eccentricity (in N-S and E-W directions) were measured on transversal stem sections of A. melanoxylon R. Br. The relative position of the samples with respect to the total tree height was also considered as an input variable. Different configurations were tested until the maximum correlation coefficient was achieved. A classical mathematical technique (multiple linear regression) and machine learning methods (classification and regression trees, multi-layer perceptron and support vector machines) were tested. Classification and regression trees (CART) was the most accurate model for the prediction of pulp ISO brightness (R = 0.85). The other parameters could be predicted with fair results (R = 0.64–0.75) by CART. Hence, the proportion of heartwood and sapwood is a relevant parameter for pulping and pulp properties, and should be taken as a quality trait when assessing a pulpwood resource.
PrimPol—Prime Time to Reprime
Authors: Guilliam Thomas , Doherty Aidan
Published: January 2017

The complex molecular machines responsible for genome replication encounter many obstacles during their progression along DNA. Tolerance of these obstructions is critical for efficient and timely genome duplication. In recent years, primase-polymerase (PrimPol) has emerged as a new player involved in maintaining eukaryotic replication fork progression. This versatile replicative enzyme, a member of the archaeo-eukaryotic primase (AEP) superfamily, has the capacity to perform a range of template-dependent and independent synthesis activities. Here, we discuss the emerging roles of PrimPol as a leading strand repriming enzyme and describe the mechanisms responsible for recruiting and regulating the enzyme during this process. This review provides an overview and update of the current PrimPol literature, as well as highlighting unanswered questions and potential future avenues of investigation.
Pneumococcal Colonization in the Familial Context and Implications for Anti-Pneumococcal Immunization in Adults: Results from the BINOCOLO Project in Sicily
Authors: Tramuto Fabio , Amodio Emanuele , Calamusa Giuseppe , Restivo Vincenzo , Costantino Claudio , Vitale Francesco ,   On behalf of the BINOCOLO Group
Published: January 2017

The spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae within families has been scarcely investigated so far. This feasibility study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in school-aged children and co-habiting relatives and to explore the potential link between the family environment and the sharing of pneumococcal serotypes covered by the vaccine. Oropharyngeal samples of 146 subjects belonging to 36 different family groups were molecularly tested for pneumococcal detection and serotyping. The overall prevalence of pneumococcal carriage was 65.8% (n = 96/146), whereas it was higher among schoolchildren (77.8%, n = 28/36); subjects of seven years of age had the highest odds of being colonized (odds ratio, OR = 5.176; p = 0.145). Pneumococcal serotypes included in the 13-valent conjugate vaccine formulation were largely detected in the study population and multiple serotypes colonization was considerable. Factors relating to a close proximity among people at the family level were statistically associated with pneumococcal carriage (OR = 2.121; p = 0.049), as well as active smoking habit with a clear dose-response effect (ORs = 1.017–3.326). About half of family clusters evidenced similar patterns of carried pneumococcal serotypes and the odds of sustaining a high level of intrafamilial sharing increased with household size (ORs = 1.083–5.000). This study highlighted the potential role played by the family environment in sustaining both the circulation and horizontal transmission of pneumococcus.
The Cause of Death of a Child in the 18th Century Solved by Bone Microbiome Typing Using Laser Microdissection and Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: D’Argenio Valeria , Torino Marielva , Precone Vincenza , Casaburi Giorgio , Esposito Maria , Iaffaldano Laura , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo , Coto Iolanda , Cavalcanti Paolina , De Rosa Gaetano , Salvatore Francesco , Sacchetti Lucia
Published: January 2017

The history of medicine abounds in cases of mysterious deaths, especially by infectious diseases, which were probably unresolved because of the lack of knowledge and of appropriate technology. The aim of this study was to exploit contemporary technologies to try to identify the cause of death of a young boy who died from a putative “infection” at the end of the 18th century, and for whom an extraordinarily well-preserved minute bone fragment was available. After confirming the nature of the sample, we used laser microdissection to select the most “informative” area to be examined. Tissue genotyping indicated male gender, thereby confirming the notary’s report. 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were more abundant than Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and that Pseudomonas was the most abundant bacterial genus in the Pseudomonadaceae family. These data suggest that the patient most likely died from Pseudomonas osteomyelitis. This case is an example of how new technological approaches, like laser microdissection and next-generation sequencing, can resolve ancient cases of uncertain etiopathology. Lastly, medical samples may contain a wealth of information that may not be accessible until more sophisticated technology becomes available. Therefore, one may envisage the possibility of systematically storing medical samples for evaluation by future generations.
Processes of Fatigue Destruction in Nanopolymer-Hydrophobised Ceramic Bricks
Authors: Fic Stanisław , Szewczak Andrzej , Barnat-Hunek Danuta , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: January 2017

The article presents a proposal of a model of fatigue destruction of hydrophobised ceramic brick, i.e., a basic masonry material. The brick surface was hydrophobised with two inorganic polymers: a nanopolymer preparation based on dialkyl siloxanes (series 1–5) and an aqueous silicon solution (series 6–10). Nanosilica was added to the polymers to enhance the stability of the film formed on the brick surface. To achieve an appropriate blend of the polymer liquid phase and the nano silica solid phase, the mixture was disintegrated by sonication. The effect of the addition of nano silica and sonication on changes in the rheological parameters, i.e., viscosity and surface tension, was determined. Material fatigue was induced by cyclic immersion of the samples in water and drying at a temperature of 100 °C, which caused rapid and relatively dynamic movement of water. The moisture and temperature effect was determined by measurement of changes in surface hardness performed with the Vickers method and assessment of sample absorbability. The results provided an approximate picture of fatigue destruction of brick and hydrophobic coatings in relation to changes in their temporal stability. Additionally, SEM images of hydrophobic coatings in are shown.
Excavatolide B Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis through the Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Lin Yen-You , Jean Yen-Hsuan , Lee Hsin-Pai , Lin Sung-Chun , Pan Chieh-Yu , Chen Wu-Fu , Wu Shu-Fen , Su Jui-Hsin , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wen Zhi-Hong
Published: January 2017

Osteoclasts are multinucleated giant cells of macrophage/monocyte lineage, and cell differentiation with the upregulation of osteoclast-related proteins is believed to play a major role in the destruction of the joints in the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), can be overexpressed in RA and lead to osteoclastogenesis. In a previous study, we found that cultured-type soft coral-derived excavatolide B (Exc-B) exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we thus aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Exc-B in in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that Exc-B inhibits LPS-induced multinucleated cell and actin ring formation, as well as TRAP, MMP-9, and cathepsin K expression. Additionally, Exc-B significantly attenuated the characteristics of RA in adjuvant (AIA) and type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Moreover, Exc-B improved histopathological features, and reduced the number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells in the in vivo AIA and CIA models. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Exc-B attenuated the protein expression of cathepsin K, MMP-2, MMP-9, CD11b, and NFATc1 in ankle tissues of AIA and CIA rats. Level of interleukin-17A and macrophage colony-stimulating factor were also decreased by Exc-B. These findings strongly suggest that Exc-B could be of potential use as a therapeutic agent by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation in arthritis. Moreover, this study also illustrates the use of the anti-inflammatory marine compound, Exc-B, as a potential therapeutic strategy for RA.
Pinnisterols D–J, New 11-Acetoxy-9,11-secosterols with a 1,4-Quinone Moiety from Formosan Gorgonian Coral Pinnigorgia sp. (Gorgoniidae)
Authors: Chang Yu-Chia , Hwang Tsong-Long , Kuo Liang-Mou , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: January 2017

Seven new marine 11-acetoxy-9,11-secosterols, pinnisterols D–J (1–7), with a 1,4-quinone moiety, were discovered from the gorgonian coral Pinnigorgia sp. In this study, the structures of secosterols 1–7 were revealed by spectroscopic analysis. Bioactivity study showed that secosterol 1 treatment inhibited cell viability in a hepatic stellate cell line, HSC-T6, with an IC50 value of 3.93 μM; and secosterols 2, 5, and 7 reduced elastase enzyme release, and 3, 5, and 7 decreased the production of superoxide anions from human neutrophils.
Alkaloids and Phenolic Compounds from Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) and Vasorelaxant Activity of Two Indoquinoline Alkaloids
Authors: Chaves Otemberg , Teles Yanna , Monteiro Matheus , Mendes Junior Leônidas , Agra Maria , Braga Valdir , Silva Tânia , Souza Maria
Published: January 2017

The follow-up of phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) aims to strengthen the chemosystematics and pharmacology of Sida genera and support the ethnopharmacological use of this species as hypotensive herb. The present work reports phytoconstituents isolated and identified from aerial parts of S. rhombifolia by using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The study led to the isolation of scopoletin (1), scoporone (2), ethoxy-ferulate (3), kaempferol (4), kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glycosyl-6′′-α-d-rhamnose (5), quindolinone (6), 11-methoxy-quindoline (7), quindoline (8), and the cryptolepine salt (9). The alkaloids quindolinone (6) and cryptolepine salt (9) showed vasorelaxant activity in rodent isolated mesenteric arteries.
SERS-Based Flavonoid Detection Using Ethylenediamine-β-Cyclodextrin as a Capturing Ligand
Authors: Choi Jae , Hahm Eunil , Park Kyeonghui , Jeong Daham , Rho Won-Yeop , Kim Jaehi , Jeong Dae , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jhang Sung , Chung Hyun , Cho Eunae , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Jun Bong-Hyun , Jung Seunho
Published: January 2017

Ethylenediamine-modified β-cyclodextrin (Et-β-CD) was immobilized on aggregated silver nanoparticle (NP)-embedded silica NPs (SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs) for the effective detection of flavonoids. Silica NPs were used as the template for embedding silver NPs to create hot spots and enhance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. Et-β-CD was immobilized on Ag NPs to capture flavonoids via host-guest inclusion complex formation, as indicated by enhanced ultraviolet absorption spectra. The resulting SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs were used as the SERS substrate for detecting flavonoids, such as hesperetin, naringenin, quercetin, and luteolin. In particular, luteolin was detected more strongly in the linear range 10−7 to 10−3 M than various organic molecules, namely ethylene glycol, β-estradiol, isopropyl alcohol, naphthalene, and toluene. In addition, the SERS signal for luteolin captured by the SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs remained even after repeated washing. These results indicated that the SiO2@Ag@Et-β-CD NPs can be used as a rapid, sensitive, and selective sensor for flavonoids.
Resveratrol, Potential Therapeutic Interest in Joint Disorders: A Critical Narrative Review
Authors: Nguyen Christelle , Savouret Jean-François , Widerak Magdalena , Corvol Marie-Thérèse , Rannou François
Published: January 2017

Trans-resveratrol (t-Res) is a natural compound of a family of hydroxystilbenes found in a variety of spermatophyte plants. Because of its effects on lipids and arachidonic acid metabolisms, and its antioxidant activity, t-Res is considered as the major cardioprotective component of red wine, leading to the “French Paradox” health concept. In the past decade, research on the effects of resveratrol on human health has developed considerably in diverse fields such as cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. In the field of rheumatic disorders, in vitro evidence suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties of t-Res in various articular cell types, including chondrocytes and synoviocytes, along with immunomodulation properties on T and B lymphocytes. In preclinical models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, resveratrol has shown joint protective effects, mainly mediated by decreased production of pro-inflammatory and pro-degradative soluble factors, and modulation of cellular and humoral responses. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed evidence supporting a potential therapeutic interest of t-Res in treating symptoms related to rheumatic disorders.
Biomarkers to Monitor Gluten-Free Diet Compliance in Celiac Patients
Authors: Moreno María , Rodríguez-Herrera Alfonso , Sousa Carolina , Comino Isabel
Published: January 2017

Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). There is a general consensus that strict GFD adherence in CD patients leads to full clinical and histological remission accompanied by improvement in quality of life and reduced long-term complications. Despite the importance of monitoring the GFD, there are no clear guidelines for assessing the outcome or for exploring its adherence. Available methods are insufficiently accurate to identify occasional gluten exposure that may cause intestinal mucosal damage. Serological tests are highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis, but do not predict recovery and are not useful for follow-up. The use of serial endoscopies, it is invasive and impractical for frequent monitoring, and dietary interview can be subjective. Therefore, the detection of gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) in feces and urine have been proposed as new non-invasive biomarkers to detect gluten intake and verify GFD compliance in CD patients. These simple immunoassays in human samples could overcome some key unresolved scientific and clinical problems in CD management. It is a significant advance that opens up new possibilities for the clinicians to evaluate the CD treatment, GFD compliance, and improvement in the quality of life of CD patients.
Inside a Cucuteni Settlement: Remote Sensing Techniques for Documenting an Unexplored Eneolithic Site from Northeastern Romania
Authors: Asăndulesei Andrei
Published: January 2017

This paper presents recent results of an integrated non-invasive investigation carried out in a previously unexplored settlement from northeastern Romania, belonging to the last great Eneolithic civilisation of Old Europe, the Cucuteni-Trypillia cultural complex. Although there is a long history of research concerning this culture, at only a handful of sites has archaeological research completed a comprehensive planimetric image. This makes it impossible to determine a typological evolution of the internal organisation of Cucutenian sites, both diachronically, across the three great phases of the culture (A, A−B and B for the Romanian area), and spatially, from SE Transylvania to the Republic of Moldova, and towards the steppes of the Ukraine. Accordingly, in certain environmental conditions, many essential behavioural aspects of Cucutenian communities are far from understood. Consequently, the generalisation and integration of non-invasive prospecting methods—Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), aerial photography, earth resistivity, magnetometry, and their integration through Geographic Information System (GIS)—clearly represents a feasible alternative for deciphering the Cucuteni culture. These complementary investigation methods were applied for this case study, emphasis being put on the conjoint use of datasets from each technique. On the basis of results recently obtained from the Războieni–Dealul Mare/Dealul Boghiu site, innovative characteristics are described concerning intra-site spatial organisation, a typology of the fortification systems, the existence of ritual or delimitation ditches, and the presence of habitations outside fortified areas.
A One-Source Approach for Estimating Land Surface Heat Fluxes Using Remotely Sensed Land Surface Temperature
Authors: Yang Yongmin , Qiu Jianxiu , Su Hongbo , Bai Qingmei , Liu Suhua , Li Lu , Yu Yilei , Huang Yaoxian
Published: January 2017

The partitioning of available energy between sensible heat and latent heat is important for precise water resources planning and management in the context of global climate change. Land surface temperature (LST) is a key variable in energy balance process and remotely sensed LST is widely used for estimating surface heat fluxes at regional scale. However, the inequality between LST and aerodynamic surface temperature (Taero) poses a great challenge for regional heat fluxes estimation in one-source energy balance models. To address this issue, we proposed a One-Source Model for Land (OSML) to estimate regional surface heat fluxes without requirements for empirical extra resistance, roughness parameterization and wind velocity. The proposed OSML employs both conceptual VFC/LST trapezoid model and the electrical analog formula of sensible heat flux (H) to analytically estimate the radiometric-convective resistance (rae) via a quartic equation. To evaluate the performance of OSML, the model was applied to the Soil Moisture-Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (SMACEX) in United States and the Multi-Scale Observation Experiment on Evapotranspiration (MUSOEXE) in China, using remotely sensed retrievals as auxiliary data sets at regional scale. Validated against tower-based surface fluxes observations, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of H and latent heat flux (LE) from OSML are 34.5 W/m2 and 46.5 W/m2 at SMACEX site and 50.1 W/m2 and 67.0 W/m2 at MUSOEXE site. The performance of OSML is very comparable to other published studies. In addition, the proposed OSML model demonstrates similar skills of predicting surface heat fluxes in comparison to SEBS (Surface Energy Balance System). Since OSML does not require specification of aerodynamic surface characteristics, roughness parameterization and meteorological conditions with high spatial variation such as wind speed, this proposed method shows high potential for routinely acquisition of latent heat flux estimation over heterogeneous areas.
First and Second Zagreb Eccentricity Indices of Thorny Graphs
Authors: Idrees Nazeran , Saif Muhammad , Rauf Asia , Mustafa Saba
Published: January 2017

The Zagreb eccentricity indices are the eccentricity reformulation of the Zagreb indices. Let H be a simple graph. The first Zagreb eccentricity index ( E 1 ( H ) ) is defined to be the summation of squares of the eccentricity of vertices, i.e., E 1 ( H ) = ∑ u ∈ V ( H ) Ɛ H 2 ( u ) . The second Zagreb eccentricity index ( E 2 ( H ) ) is the summation of product of the eccentricities of the adjacent vertices, i.e., E 2 ( H ) = ∑ u v ∈ E ( H ) Ɛ H ( u ) Ɛ H ( v ) . We obtain the thorny graph of a graph H by attaching thorns i.e., vertices of degree one to every vertex of H . In this paper, we will find closed formulation for the first Zagreb eccentricity index and second Zagreb eccentricity index of different well known classes of thorny graphs.
Influence of UV Treatment on the Food Safety Status of a Model Aquaponic System
Authors: Elumalai Sai , Shaw Angela , Pattillo D. , Currey Christopher , Rosentrater Kurt , Xie Kun
Published: January 2017

Few microbial studies in aquaponics, a growing trend in food production, have been conducted to determine food safety status. The aim of this study was to determine the food safety status and the effectiveness of ultraviolet treatment (15 W, luminous flux of 900 lm) as a food safety intervention in reducing the microbial loads of the water system in a model aquaponic unit growing lettuce, basil, and barramundi (Australian Sea Bass). Sweet basil, bibb lettuce, water samples, and fish swabs were collected throughout the 118-day production period, and microbial analysis was conducted in triplicate for the presence of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and the prevalence of aerobic plate counts (APC), coliforms, and fecal coliforms in these systems. Absence of foodborne pathogens was confirmed using ELISA technology and enumeration through petrifilms (coliform/E. coli). A significant increase was observed in aerobic plate counts over the trial period (1 to 3 log10 CFU·mL−1) in the presence and absence of UV (p > 0.05). Ultraviolet treatment did not significantly reduce the APC or coliform counts when compared to the control system samples. Future work should focus on improving the unit design, the evaluation of bio-solid filtration, and other food safety interventions.
Addressing Groundwater Declines with Precision Agriculture: An Economic Comparison of Monitoring Methods for Variable-Rate Irrigation
Authors: West Grant , Kovacs Kent
Published: January 2017

Irrigated row-crop agriculture is contributing to declining groundwater in areas such as the Mississippi Delta region of eastern Arkansas. There is a need to move toward sustainable levels of groundwater withdrawal. Recent improvements in remote monitoring technologies such as wireless soil moisture sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles offer the potential for farmers to effectively practice site-specific variable-rate irrigation management for the purpose of applying water more efficiently, reducing pumping costs, and retaining groundwater. Soil moisture sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles are compared here in terms of their net returns per acre-foot and cost-effectiveness of aquifer retention. Soil moisture sensors ($9.09 per acre-foot) offer slightly more net returns to producers than unmanned aerial vehicles ($7.69 per acre-foot), though costs associated with unmanned aerial vehicles continue to drop as more manufacturers enter the market and regulations become clear.
Restoring Summer Base Flow under a Decentralized Water Management Regime: Constraints, Opportunities, and Outcomes in Mediterranean-Climate California
Authors: Deitch Matthew , Dolman Brock
Published: January 2017

Seasonal rainfall dynamics in Mediterranean-climate coastal California place pressures on humans and aquatic ecosystems. Without rainfall during summer, residents and land managers commonly turn to streams and adjacent shallow aquifers to meet domestic, irrigation, and recreational water needs, often depleting the water necessary to support stream biota. The potential for adverse ecological impacts within this coupled natural-human system has led to interest in restoring summer base flow (especially for federally protected steelhead and coho salmon, which depend on flow through the summer dry season for juvenile survival) through methods such as reducing dry-season water abstractions. Characterizing constraints and opportunities has proven useful for planning streamflow restoration in Mediterranean-climate coastal California. Biophysical parameters such as ample rainfall and very low summer discharge are critical considerations, but institutional parameters are equally important: regional management practices and state laws can inhibit streamflow restoration, and implementation is dependent on interrelationships among residents, agency staff, and other stakeholders (which we term the egosystem) within each watershed. Additionally, while watershed-scale spatial analysis and field-based evaluations provided a solid foundation for exploring streamflow restoration needs, adaptation based on information from local stakeholders was often essential for prioritizing projects and understanding whether projects will have their intended benefits.
Innover pour nourrir la ville : comment un intermédiaire de la grande distribution renouvelle la pratique des circuits courts (O’Tera dans le Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Rouget Nicolas , Lescureux Frédéric , Letniowska-Swiat Sylvie , Schmitt Guillaume , Heude Jacques , Pfirsch Thomas
Published: January 2017

L’article analyse l’émergence d’un nouvel acteur sur le marché des circuits courts alimentaires, à partir d’une étude de cas sur les magasins O’Tera. Ces « supermarchés des circuits courts », parce qu’ils constituent un maillon d’un nouveau type au sein des systèmes alimentaires, ont suscité l’intérêt et parfois la méfiance. Innovateur par l’application des techniques de la grande distribution et les procédés de commercialisation, ambitieux en termes de réseau et de maîtrise du marché, O’Tera réécrit les relations marchandes entre la ville et l’agriculture. Quels sont les liens que cet intermédiaire tisse avec ses partenaires agricoles ? Est-ce un accélérateur des processus d’ancrage des exploitations agricoles dans le territoire, ou au contraire un prédateur absorbant la valeur créée par le désir des consommateurs pour une relocalisation alimentaire ? L’étude s’articule autour de trois thèmes principaux : le concept marchand innovant, l’interface producteurs-consommateurs et les trajectoires, stratégies et débouchés des agriculteurs-partenaires. Elle révèle la forte croissance de la clientèle, la qualité de la relation agriculteurs/entreprise et une augmentation des volumes vendus à des prix plus rémunérateurs pour les producteurs. Ce modèle hybride apparaît comme une nouvelle source de développement pour des exploitations fonctionnant en mode projet.
Des négociantes à la valise dans les villes sino‑mongoles
Authors: Lacaze Gaëlle
Published: January 2017

Cet article examine les trajets, les connaissances et les savoir‑circuler utilisés par les négociants dans une ville transfrontalière de Mongolie et de Chine. Largement féminine, cette activité caractérise l’Asie du centre et une partie du Nord‑Est. Il analyse les parcours circulatoires de négociantes mongoles qui transforment les villes jumelles sino‑mongoles d’Erlian‑Zamyn üüd en une forme de caravansérail. Le négoce à la valise dans les villes transfrontalières rend nécessaire la construction de réseaux et il est lié à un patrimoine culturel ancré dans le mode de vie pastoral nomade.
Les crémiers‑fromagers
Authors: Delfosse Claire
Published: January 2017

Cet article analyse l’évolution des liens entre citadins et alimentation à travers l’étude d’un commerce spécialisé, celui des crémiers‑fromagers en France. Son renouveau depuis les années 1990 répond à la fois à la recherche de proximité de la part des consommateurs (proximité avec le commerçant, mais aussi par son intermédiaire avec le producteur), ainsi qu’à la « gastronomisation » de certains produits alimentaires, dont notamment les fromages.
L’héritage des pauvres
Authors: Schijman Emilia
Published: January 2017

Lorsque l’on pense à l’héritage, ce sont immédiatement les classes moyennes et supérieures qui nous viennent à l’esprit. Pour les pauvres, ceux qui n’auraient rien à transmettre, ou si peu, on considère que l’institution de l’héritage n’existe pas, ce qui d’ailleurs les définirait : le manque. Or, loin d’effacer les pratiques classiques d’héritage, la pauvreté les transforme. À partir d’une enquête ethnographique dans le logement social en Argentine (2010‑2013), cet article cherche à montrer comment la pauvreté agit sur les façons de compter lorsqu’il est question de transmission entre les générations.
Dialectique entre phases critiques et paliers de transformation dans les trajectoires de changement stratégique : le cas d’une réforme territoriale silencieuse mais d’ampleur
Authors: Michaux Valéry
Published: January 2017

Cet article propose d’analyser les trajectoires d’apprentissage et de changement dans le cadre de changements radicaux et profonds de paradigme comme le sont les changements impulsés par certaines réformes publiques. La recherche développée ici montre que les réformes publiques qui sont menées dans des contextes incitatif-coercitif, où l’on sait qu’il sera difficile de remettre en question les arrangements institutionnels locaux, peuvent constituer des terrains d’analyse très intéressants pour les sciences de gestion. Cette recherche met particulièrement l’accent sur la dialectique entre l’impulsion de changements planifiés (dont le rôle est essentiel) et le décalage et l’imprévisibilité des trajectoires d’apprentissage et de changements réellement observés qui en découlent. Il n’est possible de constater un changement radical réel que là où les trajectoires réelles présentent un caractère discontinu, marqué par des paliers successifs d’apprentissages incrémentaux et des moments critiques de rupture permettant de passer d’un palier à l’autre. Seules ces trajectoires complexes et imprévisibles conduisent à de réels changements radicaux observables. L’enjeu du pilotage de tels changements radicaux apparait finalement dans la bonne dialectique entre paliers de changements impulsés et paliers de changement émergents. Cette recherche permet de contribuer à la réflexion sur les modes de pilotage des changements complexes de grande ampleur comme le sont les changements stratégiques.
Spatial spillovers in Mexico's labour productivity
Authors: Escobar Octavio R.
Published: January 2017

Cet article étudie les déterminants de l'amélioration de la productivité du travail manufacturier dans les régions du Mexique. Nous adaptons les modèles de Ciccone et Hall (1996) et Ciccone (2002) pour tenir compte des débordements spatiaux. Le modèle suggère une complémentarité entre les régions grâce aux retombées technologiques, mais aussi une concurrence entre elles pour attirer les facteurs de production. Pour estimer le modèle, nous utilisons des données à un niveau micro-régional pour la période 1988–2008. Les résultats indiquent que les débordements spatiaux augmentent la productivité du travail. Les résultats suggèrent également que les dynamiques spatiales conduisent à la formation de clusters de régions très productives, mais aussi à une création de clusters de régions peu productives. Ceci contribue à la polarisation du Mexique.
Politiques d'incitations et attractivité territoriale des entreprises : le cas de la filière nautique en Bretagne
Authors: Melle Denis , Lee Ji-Yong
Published: January 2017

Au travers de l'analyse exploratoire, cette note de recherche examine comment les entreprises de la filière nautique bretonne perçoivent et évaluent les outils proposées par les acteurs politiques pour dynamiser leur territoire. À cette fin elle utilise des entretiens qualitatifs comportant une phase de codage et d'analyse. Elle procède à l'extraction d'hypothèses et réalise ensuite une étude quantitative des résultats du questionnaire fait auprès des entreprises de la filière. Les résultats indiquent que les entreprises de la filière nautique bretonne plébiscitent les stratégies de clusters et les actions incitatives indirectes mais semblent plutôt hostiles aux aides économiques directes. Il apparaît aussi que la multiplication des niveaux de décision lors de la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques est perçue comme un frein à l'efficacité. Toutes les entreprises ne perçoivent pas cependant les politiques de la même manière. Une typologie d'entreprise est proposée. Il y a les entreprises collaborantes, sceptiques et opportunistes. Ce résultat montre la complexité de l'évaluation des politiques publiques favorables à l'entrepreneuriat, car chaque groupe va utiliser les outils de dynamisation des territoires de manière différenciée.
Design and Validation of a Training Simulator for Laser Capsulotomy, Peripheral Iridotomy, and Retinopexy
Authors: Simpson Sarah M. , Schweitzer Kelly D. , Johnson Davin E.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Ophthalmology trainees commonly learn laser procedures on live patients. A simulator for learning peripheral iridotomy (PI), posterior capsulotomy, and retinopexy may improve patient outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A model eye with artificial tissues was designed. The tissues reacted to laser similarly to human tissues. Inexperienced (n = 6; first- to third-year residents) and experienced (n = 7; fourth- to fifth-year residents and staff) ophthalmic personal were compared on performance of the above laser procedures.

RESULTS:

The inexperienced group required more shots (
P
= .04) and caused more lens markings (
P
= .04) during capsulotomy and had more incomplete retinopexy results (
P
= .04) than the experienced group. The groups did not differ in total shots for PI, average power for retinopexy, or the total time required for any of the procedures.

CONCLUSION:

Our model effectively simulates common ophthalmic laser procedures and is practical for the training of ophthalmology residents.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2017;48:56–61.]
Swept-Source OCT Angiography Shows Sparing of the Choriocapillaris in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome
Authors: Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Swaminathan Swarup S. , Zheng Fang , Miller Andrew , Gregori Giovanni , Davis Janet L. , Rosenfeld Philip J.
Published: January 2017

Two women with unilateral vision loss from multiple evanescent white dot syndrome were imaged serially with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). En face wide-field structural images revealed peripapillary outer photoreceptor disruption better than conventional fundus autofluorescence imaging. OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging showed preservation of flow within the retinal vasculature and choriocapillaris. As OCTA imaging of the choriocapillaris continues to evolve, these images may lay the groundwork for future investigation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:69–74.]
Are Multiple Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms Considered a Sign of Cerebral Aneurysms?
Authors: Nalcaci Serhad , Oztas Zafer , Eraslan Cenk , Akkin Cezmi
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to report the coexistence of retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAMs) and cerebral aneurysms (CAs) in a 58-year-old woman with hypertension. She was noted as having a 1-week history of vision loss in her left eye, along with a 2-month history of a nonspecific headache. Visual acuity was 20/32 in her left eye and 20/20 in her right eye. A fundus examination revealed multiple areas of retinal hemorrhages that were surrounded by circinate exudation in her left eye, as well as the generalized attenuation of the retinal arteries in both of her eyes. Angiographically, hyperfluorescent round leakage points confirmed the presence of five saccular RAMs. Surprisingly, computed tomography angiography completed based on the recommendation of neurology department identified three saccular CAs. Aging, hypertension, and female preponderance are the common risk factors for both RAMs and CAs. Accordingly, RAMs and CAs may exist simultaneously in hypertensive patients.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2017;48:79–82.]
Suppression of spontaneous oscillations in high-frequency stimulated neuron models
Authors: Pyragas Kęstutis , Tass Peter A.
Published: January 2017

We analyze the influence of high-frequency current stimulation on spontaneous neuronal activity and show that it may cause a death of spontaneous low-frequency oscillations. We demonstrate the universality of this effect for typical neuron models such as FitzHugh–Nagumo, Morris–Lecar, and Hodgkin–Huxley neurons as well as for the normal form of the supercritical Hopf bifurcation. Using a multiple scale method we separate the solutions of the neuron equations into slow and fast components and derive averaged equations for the slow components. The mechanism of suppression of neuronal activity is explained by an analysis of the bifurcations in the averaged equations governing the dynamics of the slow motion. Our results may contribute to the understanding of therapeutic effects of high-frequency deep brain stimulation, the golden standard for the treatment of medically refractory patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, our study enables hypotheses concerning possible improvements of high-frequency deep brain stimulation.
Investigation in Customer Value Segmentation Quality under Different Preprocessing Types of RFM Attributes
Authors: Taher Nesma Mahmoud , Elzanfaly Doaa , Salama Shaimaa
Published: January 2017

Customer value segmentation helps retailers to understand different types of customers, develops long term relationship with them, and hence increases their value and loyalty. This study aims to evaluate the quality of customer value segmentation based on two methods of preprocessing the RFM attributes. K-means clustering algorithm is used for the customer value segmentation based on the scored RFM and the actual value of RFM. The quality of the clustering results is tested using the Sum of Squared Error (SSE). Results obtained show that using the actual value of RFM in customer segmentation reduces the clustering error (SSE) and enhances the accuracy of segmentation than using the scored RFM.
Cairo Public Transport Route Finder – A Pilot System
Authors: Hassan Khaled Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed , Hassan Ghada Nasr
Published: January 2017

Aiming to facilitate the choice of transport links leading from a starting location to a destination in greater Cairo, we propose in this work a public transportation mobile (android) application to assist users of public transport. The system is a pilot application that considers the public mini-buses network in three areas of Cairo, and builds the database of the mini-bus network verified on the ground. From this database, the transportation network graph consisting of nodes and possible links between them is constructed. Upon request, the system then identifies the series of public transport possible, calculates the shortest path between the two chosen locations, and displays the bus, or series of buses, and the routes to the user, ordered by distance. The specialized algorithm Dijkstra was implemented to find the shortest route.
Evaluation of the Vocal Tract Length Normalization Based Classifiers for Speaker Verification
Authors: Hussein Walid , Essmat Sarah Akram , Yoma Nestor , Huenupán Fernando
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes and evaluates classifiers based on Vocal Tract Length Normalization (VTLN) in a text-dependent speaker verification (SV) task with short testing utterances. This type of tasks is important in commercial applications and is not easily addressed with methods designed for long utterances such as JFA and i-Vectors. In contrast, VTLN is a speaker compensation scheme that can lead to significant improvements in speech recognition accuracy with just a few seconds of speech samples. A novel scheme to generate new classifiers is employed by incorporating the observation vector sequence compensated with VTLN. The modified sequence of feature vectors and the corresponding warping factors are used to generate classifiers whose scores are combined by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) based SV system. The proposed scheme can provide an average reduction in EER equal to 14% when compared with the baseline system based on the likelihood of observation vectors.
A Psychological Perspective on City Brand Positioning
Authors: Larsen Henrik Gert , DeHoff LeAnn G.
Published: January 2017

Today the competition between cities is no longer a national game, but global, pitting emerging markets against traditional Western centers of economic power and decision makers have wholeheartedly embraced branding as a way to differentiate their cities in the competition for investments, talents and visitors. Hosting mega-events has become a popular branding strategy, which however requires significant contributions from the public purse. It is therefore necessary to develop analytical approaches, which can mitigate the risk of failure brought about by aspirational overreach. This chapter aims at articulating a starting point for formulating city brand positioning strategies based on studies of contemporary city ranking literature and two case studies concerning Shanghai and Istanbul. This chapter demonstrates how sensemaking data can be converted into quantitative measures and organized in a 16 dimensional construct enabling researchers to identify the most important perceptional dimensions of the city experience for the purpose of developing realistic city brand positioning.
A Classification of Branded Entertainment Based on Psychological Levels of Processing
Authors: Bermejo-Berros Jesús
Published: January 2017

Advertising is changing the way to communicate with consumers. New forms of advertising that are diversifying the types of Branded Entertainment are appearing. This type of advertising has been analyzed in terms of its content but not from the point of view of the psychological processes that induce on the consumer. The aim of this chapter is to present a classification of the different manifestations of Branded Entertainment based on the manner in which they elicit on the consumer psychological processes, activating their cognitive and emotional resources to experience entertainment, create brand value, and make a positive mental imprint in the consumer's mind. As a result of the analysis of current advertising campaigns from this perspective, this classification distinguishes four levels of processing that allows understanding of the whole of the current manifestations of Branded Entertainment and opening new ways to study their advertising effectiveness.
Urban Design and the Entrepreneurial City
Authors: Bani Hashim Alamira Reem
Published: January 2017

This chapter reviews and synthesizes literature from the many disciplines that have contributed to the creation of knowledge in the domain of place branding, moving away from the conventional literature on place marketing and looking at the fields of environmental psychology, architecture and urban planning. The chapter is structured in two main parts. Part One situates branding in theories of place identity, city image, and city design. Part Two reviews three different approaches to place branding methodology that are all centered on the study of image, reputation or perception. The chapter argues that studies of place branding to date have not given the ‘place' component the attention it deserves and the question of how place branding influences urban form has not been sufficiently addressed. Only by bringing urban design analytical methods to bear on the question of how branding manifests itself in social and physical environments will a better ‘fit' be achieved in the city, between the images projected and the reality on the ground.
Social Media and Its Implications for Marketing Communications
Authors: Yankova Irina , Ozuem Wilson
Published: January 2017

The field of marketing communications studies is often called on to close the gap between marketing and computer-mediated studies. This chapter engages with the concept of social media in the design and implementation of marketing communication programmes, particularly in the UK Fashion sector. The chapter goes on to conclude, rather skeptically, that understandings of the various nuances of social media platforms could engender effective customer retention programmes. It also offers a new way of thinking about customer engagement, incorporating social media platforms.