bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MgONPs Can Boost Plant Growth: Evidence from Increased Seedling Growth, Morpho-Physiological Activities, and Mg Uptake in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Cai Lin , Liu Minghong , Liu Zhongwei , Yang Huikuan , Sun Xianchao , Chen Juanni , Xiang Shunyu , Ding Wei
Published: December 2018

In this study, we documented the impact of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) on the various morpho-physiological changes by root irrigation in tobacco plants in the matrix media, as well as the uptake and accumulation of the NPs over a range of concentrations (50–250 μg/mL). Our results showed that the seed germination rate was not affected following exposure to MgONPs for 5 days. Enhanced plant growth together with increased peroxidase activity (39.63 U mg−1 protein in the 250 μg/mL MgONPs treatment, 36.63 U mg−1 protein in the control), superoxide dismutase activity (30.15 U mg−1 protein compared to 26.95 U mg−1 protein in the control), and chlorophyll content (the chlorophyll a and b contents in 0 and 250 μg/mL of MgONPs were 0.21, 0.12 μg/g to 1.21, 0.67 μg/g, respectively) were observed after 30 days of MgONP treatment. However, the malondialdehyde, protein, and relative water contents did not differ significantly, indicating that the NPs in the test concentrations had no phytotoxicity and even promoted plant growth. Scanning electron microscopy and paraffin section observations indicated that the MgONPs did not affect the plant tissue structures and cells. In addition, an elevated Mg content was detected in the plant tissues exposed to MgONPs, suggesting that the Mg was taken up by the tobacco roots and translocated to the shoots and leaves, which were probably the most important tools to cause an increase in the chlorophyll content and stimulate growth. In particular, compared with the controls, a substantially higher Mg content was observed in the leaves (12.93 mg/g in the MgONPs treatment, 9.30 mg/g in the control) exposed to 250 μg/mL MgONPs, especially in the lower and middle leaves. This result confirmed that the contents of plant Mg-element in the old leaves were increased by MgONPs. In summary, this study investigated increased Mg uptake and growth stimulation, as well as the induction of various positive morpho-physiological changes to tobacco plants when exposed to MgONPs. Results elucidate the promotional impact of the NPs on plant health and their implications for agricultural safety and security.
Recent Theoretical and Experimental Progress in Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Small Organic Molecules
Authors: Chen Naibo , Yan Bo
Published: December 2018

Small organic molecules (SOMs) with fascinating chiroptical properties have received much attention for their potential applications in photoelectric and biological devices. As an important research tool, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) provides information about the chiral structures of these molecules in their excited state, and has been an active area of research. With the development of the commercially available CPL instrumentation, currently, more and more research groups have attempted to enhance the CPL parameters (i.e., quantum yield and dissymmetry factor) of the chiral SOMs from all aspects. This review summarizes the latest five years progresses in research on the experimental techniques and theoretical calculations of CPL emitted from SOMs, as well as forecasting its trend of development.
Benzophenone Derivatives from an Algal-Endophytic Isolate of Penicillium chrysogenum and Their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhao Dong-Lin , Yuan Xiao-Long , Du Yong-Mei , Zhang Zhong-Feng , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2018

Chromatographic separation of a marine algal-derived endophytic fungus Penicillium chrysogenum AD-1540, which was isolated from the inner tissue of the marine red alga Grateloupia turuturu, yielded two new benzophenone derivatives, chryxanthones A and B (compounds 1 and 2, respectively). Their structures were undoubtedly determined by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR and HRESIMS). The relative and absolute configurations were assigned by analysis of the coupling constants and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, respectively. Both compounds possessed an unusual dihydropyran ring (ring D) fused to an aromatic ring, rather than the commonly occurring prenyl moiety, and a plausible biosynthetic pathway was postulated. The cytotoxicities of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against six human cell lines, and both of the compounds demonstrated weak to moderate cytotoxicities with IC50 values ranging from 20.4 to 46.4 μM. These new compounds further demonstrate the potential of marine-derived fungi as an untapped source of pharmaceutical components with unique properties that could be developed as drug candidates.
Biodegradable and pH Sensitive Peptide Based Hydrogel as Controlled Release System for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Zhu Jie , Han Hua , Ye Ting-Ting , Li Fa-Xue , Wang Xue-Li , Yu Jian-Yong , Wu De-Qun
Published: December 2018

The stimuli-sensitive and biodegradable hydrogels are promising biomaterials as controlled drug delivery systems for diverse biomedical applications. In this study, we construct hybrid hydrogels combined with peptide-based bis-acrylate and acrylic acid (AAc). The peptide-based bis-acrylate/AAc hybrid hydrogel displays an interconnected and porous structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and exhibits pH-dependent swelling property. The biodegradation of hybrid hydrogels was characterized by SEM and weight loss, and the results showed the hydrogels have a good enzymatic biodegradation property. The mechanical and cytotoxicity properties of the hydrogels were also tested. Besides, triclosan was preloaded during the hydrogel formation for drug release and antibacterial studies. In summary, the peptide-based bis-acrylate/AAc hydrogel with stimuli sensitivity and biodegradable property may be excellent candidates as drug delivery systems for antibacterial wound dressing application.
Intramolecular Metal Exchange Reaction Promoted by Thiol Ligands
Authors: Li Yangfeng , Chen Man , Wang Shuxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of an alloy nanocluster that is atomically precise is the key to understanding the metal synergy effect at the atomic level. Using the Ag2Au25(SR)18 nanocluster as a model, we reported a third approach for the metal exchange reaction, that is, intramolecular metal exchange. The surface adsorbed metal ions (i.e., Ag) can be exchanged with the kernel metal atoms (i.e., Au) that are promoted by thiol ligands. The exchanged gold atoms can be further stripped by the thiol ligands, and produce the AgxAu25−x(SR)18− nanocluster.
Super-Resolution Reconstruction and Its Application Based on Multilevel Main Structure and Detail Boosting
Authors: Zhu Hong , Gao Xiaoming , Tang Xinming , Xie Junfeng , Song Weidong , Mo Fan , Jia Di
Published: December 2018

Vivid main structure and rich texture detail are important factors with which to determine the quality of high-resolution images after super-resolution (SR) reconstruction. Owing to the loss of high-frequency information in the process of SR reconstruction and the limitation of the accurate estimation of the unknown information in the inversion process, a gap still exists between the high-resolution image and the real image. The main structure can better preserve the edge structure of the image, and detail boosting can compensate for the missing high-frequency information in the reconstruction process. Therefore, a novel single remote-sensing image SR reconstruction method based on multilevel main structure and detail boosting (MMSDB-SR) is put forward in this paper. First, the multilevel main structure was obtained based on the decomposition of the remote-sensing image through use of the relative total variation model. Subsequently, multilevel texture detail information was obtained by a difference process. Second, the multilevel main structure and texture detail were reconstructed separately. The detail-boosting function was used to compensate for the missing high-frequency details in the reconstruction process. Finally, the high-resolution remote-sensing image with clear edge and rich texture detail can be obtained by fusing the multilevel main structure and texture-detail information. The experimental results show that the reconstructed high-resolution image has high clarity, high fidelity, and multi-detail visual effects, and the objective evaluation index exhibits significant improvement. Actual results show an average gain in entropy of up to 0.34 dB for an up-scaling of 2. Real results show an average gain in enhancement measure evaluation of up to 2.42 for an up-scaling of 2. The robustness and universality of the proposed SR method are verified.
Interaction of Vibrio to Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces: Relationship between Hydrophobicity, Cell Adherence, Biofilm Production, and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Lamari Faouzi , Khouadja Sadok , Rtimi Sami
Published: December 2018

Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus are important pathogenic agents for both humans and aquatic animals. Twenty-five bacterial strains were isolated from infected sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose (TCBS) agar plates. For the species-specific detection of V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, a multiplex PCR assay using two collagenase-targeted primer pairs allows the detection of four strains of V. parahaemolyticus and three strains of V. alginolyticus. The seven identified isolates were partitioned for capsule production, hydrophobicity, adherence, biofilm formation, invasion, and cytotoxicity against Hep-2 cells. Two V. parahaemolyticus (Spa2 and Spa3) and one V. alginolyticus (Va01) were capsule producers developing almost black colonies on CRA, they showed a strong hydrophobicity using bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons test (BATH), and were able to produce high biofilm. Isolates were able to adhere and invade Hep-2 cells and exhibited dissimilar levels of cytotoxicity in epithelial cells. This study shows the strong relationship between adhesion, biofilm formation, invasion and the cytotoxicity of Vibrio strains. Thus, we found a strong and significant positive correlation between different virulence properties of these isolates. The present study shows that bacterial contact with the cells as well as adhesion and invasion are essential steps to induce cytotoxicity. However, the invasion is seen to be a post adherence event.
Is Australia Neglecting the Local Topography When It Comes to Catastrophic Costs and Ending Tuberculosis?
Authors: Watts Krista
Published: December 2018

Efforts to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem require reductions in mortality, incidence, and the eradication of associated catastrophic costs; however, the question of catastrophic costs is often neglected, particularly in the context of low-incidence settings like Australia. This study reviews the financial support provided to those identified as in need, and in receipt, of economic aid from the Victorian Tuberculosis Program. The study design used Epstein’s clinical data mining framework to produce descriptive statistics which were supplemented by clinical collaboration. A consistent one-third of those receiving care from the Program due to a notification of active tuberculosis received emergency financial relief over the study period. Overwhelmingly, funds were used to relieve financial distress, and each year approximately one-third of the expenditure was used to support 2% of those people notified as affected by tuberculosis (or 7–9% of those in receipt of funds). Many of this 2% experienced income loss and expenditure that may be considered catastrophic. Further investigation is needed to better define and understand the nature of catastrophic costs in the context of universal health care and existing low tuberculosis incidence.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules
Authors: Schmidkonz Christian , Horstrup Karen , Weppler Matthias , Kuwert Torsten , Cordes Michael
Published: December 2018

Objective: The purpose of the study was the characterization of adverse events (AEs) after fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of thyroid nodules, as well as possible predisposing factors. Methods: A total of 205 patients, each of whom had undergone an FNAB of a thyroid nodule, were included in the study (15 of whom were taking anticoagulant medication). The thyroid nodules were classified according to the ultrasound criteria of the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The FNABs were carried out by four trained nuclear medicine specialists from two institutions. To detect AEs, all patients were asked to fill out a standardized self-assessment questionnaire. Results: Out of 205 patients, 189 (92 %) reported no AEs. Fourteen patients (6.8 %) had mild or moderate AEs, such as short-term pain at the puncture site. In two patients (1 %), the AEs were classified as significant, and required medical followup, which revealed an intrathyroid hematoma in one patient and dysphonia in the other. All AEs were reversible. None of the patients taking anticoagulants experienced any AEs. The parameters of age, sex, nodule volume, ATA nodule type, needle size, and physician performing the biopsy were not predisposing factors for side effects (p = 0.54, p = 0.73, p = 0.75, p = 0.94, p = 0.35, and p = 0.24, respectively). Conclusions: The vast majority of patients tolerated the FNAB very well. AEs were seldom observed. A small number of patients experienced AEs that required no intervention or could be self-managed by the patient. Considering the almost negligible risk of the procedure, FNAB should be increasingly used for the classification of thyroid nodules.
A novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-modified layered double hydroxide: preparation, characterization and properties
Authors: Zhang Xianwei , Ma Zhongzhu , Fan Hong , Bittencourt Carla , Wan Jintao , Dubois Philippe
Published: December 2018

A novel layered double hydroxide modified by octa-substituted carboxy-terminated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane was prepared via a one-step method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). Results showed that the silsesquioxane modified-LDH (OLDH) revealed an increase in the interlayer distance, nanoscale plate-like morphology of primary particles, and improved thermal stability. A synergistic effect between the siloxane moiety and Mg–Al hydroxide was found during thermal degradation, and confirmed by the study of degradation kinetics together with the analysis of the surface morphologies and elemental components of char residues. Moreover, in contrast to conventional organic modified LDH (e.g., dodecylbenzenesulfonate-LDH), the MCC results showed a significant decrease in the heat release rate and total heat release, indicating the low flammability of OLDH.
THE ROLE OF BANKS IN THE PROVISION OF LOW‐INCOME HOUSING FINANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA: CAN THEY PLAY A DIFFERENT ROLE?
Authors: Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Evans Kathy
Published: December 2018

Currently, South African banks exclude most low‐income households from access to formal housing loan finance with which to resolve housing problems. The research reported here examined the banks’ resilience to change the status quo so as to become more flexible and all‐inclusive. Using naturalistic enquiry, the research gathered evidence from five banks and a leading housing organisation. The main findings include that while there is potential for banks to expand their role in this area of housing finance; factors such as risk and cost minimisation as well as lack of research constrain this potential. The research concluded that the low‐income group requires a different business model that is suited to their needs and which calls for new ways of thinking and doing business.
MOVING FROM PRODUCTION TO SERVICES: A BUILT ENVIRONMENT CLUSTER FRAMEWORK
Authors: Carassus Jean , Andersson Niclas , Kaklauskas Artūras , Lopes Jorge , Manseau André , Ruddock Les , Valence Gerard de
Published: December 2018

The construction industry is no longer focused on providing a single product ‐ i.e. a building or a physical infrastructure, but a variety of services and improvement to the human environment. Major trends such as Performance‐based Building as well as Sustainable Built Environment are calling for major changes. These changes mean additional roles for the industry as well as the need for new indicators to measure its performance and its economic impact. This paper proposes a new approach based on the development of a framework for the analysis of the entire construction and property sector ‐ the “built environment cluster”. It extends the analysis of an international study based on nine countries ‐Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Lithuania, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The need for improving statistical data is stressed particularly in the context of enlarging the scope of the industry. This new approach provides an excellent starting point for developing new performance indicators that will take into account the changing nature of the industry, for an integrative perspective providing a basis for strategic management, for studying sustainable development in construction and for understanding innovation processes and changes. A comprehensive perspective of the industry performance is crucial for policy initiatives as well as for strategic analysis of firms.
SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY IN B2B RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FREIGHT FORWARDING INDUSTRY: ADDING PERCEIVED VALUE AND SERVICE QUALITY INTO EQUATION
Authors: Gil-Saura Irene , Berenguer-Contri Gloria , Ruiz-Molina Eugenia
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on analysing the determinants of satisfaction (service quality, perceived value), as well as its possible influence on customer loyalty of freight forwarders to freight transport service providers (by road/maritime/air) in Spain. To this end, we propose a causal model tested using information from 205 freight forwarders collected through personal interviews. The model was estimated using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. Moreover, the existence of differences in the perceptions on the analysed variables between transport modes is tested through ANOVA. Results show that service quality has an influence on customer satisfaction, both directly, as well as through perceived value. In turn, it is confirmed the relationship between satisfaction with the transportation company and customer loyalty. Furthermore, there are significant differences in quality dimensions and satisfaction between transport modes. This study confirms the importance of service quality and perceived value to promote the link between chain actors: freight forwarder and transport service provider. The main aim of this research is to go deeper into the study of satisfaction and loyalty of freight forwarders to freight transport service providers. Findings provide evidence about differences in the dimensionality of service quality between B2C and B2B settings and, even in the latter, differences between freight forwarding services and other industries are observed. The present paper is one of the few studies that obtains relevant information about several transport modes simultaneously and the findings reinforce the notion that perceptive processes in each of them are different.
INTEGRATING GIS WITH F-AHP FOR LOCATING A SINGLE FACILITY
Authors: Önden İsmail
Published: December 2018

Location selection problems stand out as popular research topics. Due to the popularity, different solution approaches emerged in the literature. Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques are examples of the solution approaches and they are frequently used because of their ordering capability in ranking the decision alternatives and success in representing decision makers’ experiences. On the other hand, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is able to perform different spatial data analysis and provide geographic material. To reach a better decision, integration of experts’ opinions and certain geographic information derived from GIS is necessary. Within this context, in this paper, integration of the GIS abilities with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) is discussed with two different integration methodologies for locating single facility. A hypothetical case study is provided to determine a location problem, which focuses on logistics activities. The results have shown that both proposed methodologies are able to order location alternatives in multiple criteria environments.
Extended Main-sequence Turnoff as a Common Feature of Milky Way Open Clusters
Authors: Cordoni G. , Milone A. P. , Marino A. F. , Di Criscienzo M. , D’Antona F. , Dotter A. , Lagioia E. P. , Tailo M.
Published: December 2018

We present photometric analysis of 12 Galactic open clusters and show that the same multiple-population phenomenon observed in Magellanic Clouds (MCs) is present in nearby open clusters. Nearly all the clusters younger than ∼2.5 Gyr of both MCs exhibit extended main-sequence turnoffs (eMSTOs) and all the cluster younger than ∼700 Myr show broadened/split main sequences (MSs). High-resolution spectroscopy has revealed that these clusters host stars with a large spread in the observed projected rotations. In addition to rotation, internal age variation is indicated as possibly responsible for the eMSTOs, making these systems the possible young counterparts of globular clusters with multiple populations. Recent work has shown that the eMSTO+broadened MSs are not a peculiarity of MCs clusters. Similar photometric features have been discovered in a few Galactic open clusters, challenging the idea that the color–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of these systems are similar to single isochrones and opening new windows to explore the eMSTO phenomenon. We exploit photometry+proper motions from Gaia DR2 to investigate the CMDs of open clusters younger than ∼1.5 Gyr. Our analysis suggests that: (i) 12 open clusters show eMSTOs and/or broadened MSs, which cannot be due to either field contamination or binaries; (ii) split/broadened MSs are observed in clusters younger than ∼700 Myr, while older objects display only an eMSTO, similarly to MCs clusters; (iii) the eMSTO, if interpreted as a pure age spread, increases with age, following the relation observed in MCs clusters and demonstrating that rotation is responsible for this phenomenon.
Impact of Dynamic State on the Mass Condensation Rate of Solar Prominences
Authors: Kaneko Takafumi , Yokoyama Takaaki
Published: December 2018

The interiors of quiescent prominences are filled with turbulent flows. The evolution of upflow plumes, descending pillars, and vortex motions has been clearly detected in high-resolution observations. The Rayleigh–Taylor instability is thought to be a driver of such internal flows. Descending pillars are related to the mass budgets of prominences. There is a hypothesis of dynamic equilibrium where the mass drainage via descending pillars and the mass supply via radiative condensation are balanced to maintain the prominence mass; however, the background physics connecting the two different processes is poorly understood. In this study, we reproduced the dynamic interior of a prominence via radiative condensation and the mechanism similar to the Rayleigh–Taylor instability using a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulation including optically thin radiative cooling and nonlinear anisotropic thermal conduction. The process to prominence formation in the simulation follows the reconnection–condensation model, where topological change in the magnetic field caused by reconnection leads to radiative condensation. Reconnection is driven by converging motion at the footpoints of the coronal arcade fields. In contrast to the previous model, by randomly changing the speed of the footpoint motion along a polarity inversion line, the dynamic interior of prominence is successfully reproduced. We find that the mass condensation rate of the prominence is enhanced in the case with dynamic state. Our results support the observational hypothesis that the condensation rate is balanced with the mass drainage rate and suggest that a self-induced mass maintenance mechanism exists.
Hunting for Radio Emission from the Intermittent Pulsar J1107-5907 at Low Frequencies
Authors: Meyers B. W. , Tremblay S. E. , Bhat N. D. R. , Flynn C. , Gupta V. , Shannon R. M. , Murray S. G. , Sobey C. , Ord S. M. , Osłowski S. , Crosse B. , Williams A. , Jankowski F. , Farah W. , Krishnan V. Venkatraman , Bateman T. , Bailes M. , Beardsley A. , Emrich D. , Franzen T. M. O. , Gaensler B. M. , Horsley L. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kaplan D. L. , Kenney D. , Morales M. F. , Pallot D. , Steele K. , Tingay S. J. , Trott C. M. , Walker M. , Wayth R. B. , Wu C.
Published: December 2018

Rare intermittent pulsars pose some of the most challenging questions surrounding the pulsar emission mechanism, but typically have relatively minimal low-frequency (≲300 MHz) coverage. We present the first low-frequency detection of the intermittent pulsar J1107–5907 with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) at 154 MHz and the simultaneous detection from the recently upgraded Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (UTMOST) at 835 MHz, as part of an ongoing observing campaign. During a 30 minute simultaneous observation, we detected the pulsar in its bright emission state for approximately 15 minutes, where 86 and 283 pulses were detected above a signal-to-noise threshold of 6 with the MWA and UTMOST, respectively. Of the detected pulses, 51 had counterparts at both frequencies and exhibited steep spectral indices for both the bright main pulse component and the precursor component. We find that the bright state pulse energy distribution is best parameterized by a log-normal distribution at both frequencies, contrary to previous results that suggested a power law distribution. Further low-frequency observations are required in order to explore in detail aspects such as pulse-to-pulse variability and intensity modulations, as well as to better constrain the signal propagation effects due to the interstellar medium and intermittency characteristics at these frequencies. The spectral index, extended profile emission covering a large fraction of pulse longitude, and the broadband intermittency of PSR J1107–5907 suggest that future low-frequency pulsar searches—for instance, those planned with SKA-Low—will be in an excellent position to find and investigate new pulsars of this type.
Binary Neutron Star Mergers: Mass Ejection, Electromagnetic Counterparts, and Nucleosynthesis
Authors: Radice David , Perego Albino , Hotokezaka Kenta , Fromm Steven A. , Bernuzzi Sebastiano , Roberts Luke F.
Published: December 2018

We present a systematic numerical relativity study of the mass ejection and the associated electromagnetic transients and nucleosynthesis from binary neutron star (NS) mergers. We find that a few 10−3
M
⊙ of material is ejected dynamically during the mergers. The amount and the properties of these outflows depend on binary parameters and on the NS equation of state (EOS). A small fraction of these ejecta, typically ∼10−6
M
⊙, is accelerated by shocks formed shortly after merger to velocities larger than 0.6c and produces bright radio flares on timescales of weeks, months, or years after merger. Their observation could constrain the strength with which the NSs bounce after merger and, consequently, the EOS of matter at extreme densities. The dynamical ejecta robustly produce second and third r-process peak nuclei with relative isotopic abundances close to solar. The production of light r-process elements is instead sensitive to the binary mass ratio and the neutrino radiation treatment. Accretion disks of up to ∼0.2 M
⊙ are formed after merger, depending on the lifetime of the remnant. In most cases, neutrino- and viscously driven winds from these disks dominate the overall outflow. Finally, we generate synthetic kilonova light curves and find that kilonovae depend on the merger outcome and could be used to constrain the NS EOS.
A new treefrog from Cordillera del Cóndor with comments on the biogeographic affinity between Cordillera del Cóndor and the Guianan Tepuis (Anura, Hylidae, Hyloscirtus)
Authors: Ron Santiago R. , Caminer Marcel A. , Varela-Jaramillo Andrea , Almeida-Reinoso Diego
Published: December 2018

TheHyloscirtuslarinopygiongroup is a clade of 16 species of large hylids that inhabit cascading Andean streams. They have brown coloration that, in most species, contrasts with bright marks. Herein morphological and genetic evidence is used to describe a new species of the group from Cordillera del Cóndor, a sub-Andean mountain chain that has phytogeographic affinities with the Guianan Tepuis. The new species is characterized by dark-brown coloration with contrasting bright orange flecks and by the presence of an enlarged and curved prepollex protruding as a spine. The new species is closely related toH.tapichalacaand an undescribed species from the southern Andes of Ecuador. The genetic distance betweenH.hillisisp. n.and its closest relative,H.tapichalaca, is 2.9% (gene 16S mtDNA). Our phylogeny and a review of recently published phylogenies show that amphibians from Cordillera del Cóndor have close relationships with either Andean or Amazonian species. Amphibians do not show the Condor-Guianan Tepuis biogeographic link that has been documented in plants.
Phylogeography indicates incomplete genetic divergence among phenotypically differentiated montane forest populations of Atlapetes albinucha (Aves, Passerellidae)
Authors: Rocha-Méndez Alberto , Sánchez-González Luis A. , Arbeláez-Cortés Enrique , Navarro-Sigüenza Adolfo G.
Published: December 2018

The White-naped Brushfinch (Atlapetesalbinucha) comprises up to eight allopatric subspecies mainly identified by the color of the underparts (gray vs. yellow belly). Yellow and gray bellied forms were long considered two different species (A.albinuchaandA.gutturalis), but they are presently considered as one polytypic species. Previous studies in the genusAtlapeteshave shown that the phylogeny, based on molecular data, is not congruent with characters such as coloration, ecology, or distributional patterns. The phylogeography ofA.albinuchawas analyzed using two mitochondrial DNA regions from samples including 24 different localities throughout montane areas from eastern Mexico to Colombia. Phylogeographic analyses using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and haplotype network revealed incomplete geographic structure. The genetic diversity pattern is congruent with a recent process of expansion, which is also supported by Ecological Niche Models (ENM) constructed for the species and projected into three past scenarios. Overall, the results revealed an incomplete genetic divergence among populations ofA.albinuchain spite of the species’ ample range, which contrasts with previous results of phylogeographic patterns in other Neotropical montane forest bird species, suggesting idiosyncratic evolutionary histories for different taxa throughout the region.
Skeleton and musculature of the male abdomen in Tanyderidae (Diptera, Nematocera) of the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Ovtshinnikova Olga G. , Galinskaya Tatiana V. , Lukashevich Elena D.
Published: December 2018

The structure of the male terminalia and their musculature of species of tanyderid generaAraucoderusAlexander, 1929 from Chile andNothoderusAlexander, 1927 from Tasmania are examined and compared with each other and with published data on the likely relatives. The overall pattern of male terminalia of both genera is similar to those of most Southern Hemisphere genera, with simple curved gonostyli, lobe-like setose parameres, and setose cerci inconspicuous under the epandrium. Both genera have terminalia similarly rotated by 180° (and 90° as an intermediate stage); rotation may be either clockwise or counterclockwise. However, the similar patterns are realized differently: segment VIII is the decreased and asymmetrical due to completely membranose tergite VIII inNothoderus(the first record of such modification in Tanyderidae), but narrow and symmetrical inAraucoderus. Accordingly, pregenital muscles are very different between the genera. Based on localization of muscle attachment sites, the hypandrial origin of the stripe between gonocoxites is shown in both genera, and entire membranization of tergite VIII and partial membranization of hypoproct is shown inNothoderus. Tanyderidae are characterized by highly specialized sclerites and muscles of male terminalia and provide no evidence of relationship with previously studied members of Psychodidae, Blephariceridae and Ptychopteridae.
The abbey of Savigny (Manche) in Britain and Ireland in the 12 th century: three overlooked documents
Authors: Allen Richard
Published: December 2018

Cet article se donne pour objet l’examen de trois documents méconnus relatifs à la filiation de l’abbaye de Savigny dans les îles Britanniques. Conservés aujourd’hui à la British Library et à la Huntington Library (Californie), deux d’entre eux se rapportent aux maisons savigniennes de Dublin, de Buildwas et de Basingwerk. Étudiés ensemble, ils mettent en lumière non seulement un épisode significatif de l’histoire de la filiation savignienne dans les îles Britanniques, mais nous donnent aussi un aperçu important de la communauté monastique de l’abbaye de Savigny elle-même, surtout dans les années qui ont suivi immédiatement son incorporation à l’ordre cistercien en 1147. Le troisième document, quant à lui, conservé aux London Metropolitan Archives, fut scellé par deux abbés cisterciens, dont Jocelin, abbé de Savigny (1165-1178). Son sceau a jusqu’à présent échappé à l’attention des spécialistes, en dépit du fait qu’il est l’un des plus anciens sceaux (peut-être même le plus ancien) de la Normandie cistercienne.
Au-delà des idéologies, une christologie pour l’Afrique
Authors: Adé Édouard
Published: December 2018

Les quatre paradigmes autour desquels s’est élaborée la christologie africaine de ces dernières décennies (culture, pauvreté, race-racisme, responsabilité historique) représentent-ils de véritables lieux théologiques ? Si oui, dans quelle mesure ? Si non, comment peuvent-ils le devenir ? Quel soubassement anthropologique l’Afrique offre-t-elle pour une articulation significative – c’est-à-dire, sans relents idéologiques – de sa réponse au Christ ? Tel est l’objet de cette étude s’appuyant notamment sur les dialectiques du père Fessard.
Morning Glory Anomaly With Bilateral Choroidal Colobomas in a Patient With Goldenhar's Syndrome
Authors: Chaudhuri Zia , Grover Ashok K , Bageja Shaloo , Jha Shashi Nath , Mohan Sanjiv
Published: December 2018

Abstract. A child with Goldenhar's syndrome, bilateral choroidal colobomas, and a morning glory anomaly of the optic disk in one eye is described. Bilateral posterior segment anomalies associated with Goldenhar's syndrome are rare. An association between the morning glory anomaly and Goldenhar's syndrome has not been previously reported. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2007;44:187-189.
Managing a Depressed and Suicidal Loved One at Home: Impact on the Family
Authors: Nosek Cheryl L.
Published: December 2018

This qualitative study examined the process families use to care for a depressed and suicidal family member at home. The grounded theory method was used for data collection and analysis. Seventeen family members were interviewed. The data revealed the basic social process of Maintaining Vigilance Through Managing, which depicts an ongoing, cyclical process that begins at a point of not knowing. Family members then move on to identifying, then gaining awareness, followed by knowing or understanding. This allows them to take action, then to proceed to watching and waiting. They then return to gaining awareness armed with new knowledge or understanding. It is at this point that the process becomes cyclical. It varies in intensity over time, depending on the level of depression and the risk for suicide. To preserve the integrity of these families, nurses must help develop strategies to guide them through this process as they care for their depressed and suicidal loved one.
Effect of Age and Myopia on Retinal Microvasculature
Authors: Leng Yunxia , Tam Emily K. , Falavarjani Khalil Ghasemi , Tsui Irena
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of age and refractive error on changes in the retinal microvascular network.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Subjects were recruited from the Doheny Eye Institute. Refractive error and axial length were measured. High myopia was defined as refractive error greater than −6 diopters (D). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging was performed and images were analyzed using fractal analysis. Primary outcomes were superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density, deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area.

RESULTS:

One hundred thirty-eight eyes of 69 subjects were included. Twenty-eight (41%) subjects were male and 41 (59%) subjects were female. Mean age was 42.81 years ± 19.91 years (range: 8 years to 87 years). Mean refractive error was −1.74 D ± 3.18 D (range: −15.78 D to 4.25 D), and mean axial length (AL) was 24.29 mm ± 1.35 mm (range: 21.73 mm to 28.32 mm). SCP and DCP vessel densities were negatively correlated to age (r = −0.22,
P
= .011; and r = −0.49,
P
< .001). Controlling for age, patients with high myopia and longer AL had decreased SCP density (
P
= .021 and
P
= .027, respectively), but no difference in DCP vessel density was observed (
P
= .065 and
P
= .058, respectively). FAZ area was not significantly correlated to age, gender, refraction, or AL.

CONCLUSIONS:

SCP and DCP vessel densities decreased with age. In addition, SCP density but not DCP vessel density was reduced in eyes with high myopia and longer AL.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:925–931.]
Absorptive Capacities and Innovation in Graduated Companies from a Business Incubator in the North of Mexico
Authors: León Ramírez Valeria Carolina , Velarde Flores Cecilia Lorena , Rodríguez Borbón Marisol , Valdez del Río Sacnicté , Nuñez Ramírez Marco Alberto
Published: December 2018

The aim of this research is to identify the relationship between absorptive capacities and the generation of innovation, as well as their level of influence in companies graduated from an incubator in the north of Mexico. Through a quantitative research, correlational with a non-experimental design, a sample of 100 companies was obtained. The hypotheses of the study were partially approved, finding that the entrepreneurs were able to acquire, assimilate and transform the process of absorptive capacity, generating incremental innovation which is an intangible asset with high value for organizations.
The Use of Pocket Mobile Learning to Improve Critical Thinking Skills in Physics Learning
Authors: Astuti Irnin Agustina Dwi , Dasmo Dasmo , Nurullaeli Nurullaeli
Published: December 2018

The aims of the research concerned here were to the influence of using pocket mobile learning on improvement in students critical thinking skills. Pocket mobile learning is a learning media using mobile devices. This research is the quasy experiment using post test only for control group design.The independent variable is learning media in which the control group applied powerpoint, while the trearment group applied mobile pocket learning. The  research  data  were  analyzed  by  means  of  ANOVA  with  the  significance  level  of  5%.  Based on analysis and research results can be concluded that pocket mobile learning media of specifically physics material about dynamics of motion could improve students critical thinking skills.
Masked Face Detection using the Viola Jones Algorithm: A Progressive Approach for less Time Consumption
Authors: Nair Aishwarya Radhakrishnan , Potgantwar Amol D
Published: December 2018

The use of CCTV surveillance is today’s need in
public and private sector for ensuring security against terrorism
and robbery. Regular expressions are used to signify enormous
sets of motion attributes captured in video. The video vigilance
is popular system without using human interference to capture
important scenes. The motive of the work is to introduce automatic
revelation of masked objects in real time with a surveillance
camera. The main aim is to detect masked person automatically
in less time period. In this paper,the researcher proposes a system
that consists methods which uses four variant steps that are the
steps of calculating distance range of person from the camera,
eye or vision line detection and face part detection such as
mouth detection and face detection. Performance of proposed
algorithm is carried out on various real time inputs. Experimental
evaluation shows that proposed algorithm exceeds better in terms
of time consumption. This unique approach for the problem
has created a method transparent and easier in complexity so
that the real time implementation can be made beneficial and
workable. Analysis of the algorithms fulfillment on the test video
track gives appropriate judgments for additional improvements
in the masked face detection performance. Finally, based on the
research, the axioms were useful for the work which can be
usually accessible from available algorithms.
Application of IoT in Zambia’s FRA Grain Traceability Process
Authors: Chihana Sipiwe , Phiri Jackson
Published: December 2018

with advancement in technology, many sectors have seen growth and improvement in service delivery. Today, many areas such as health, transport and logistics, retailing among others have adopted the use of IoT. Agricultural sector has not been left out on the use of IoT.  IoT is defined as a network of interconnected devices which can transfer data efficiently without human involvement. In agriculture, IoT can play a big role in increasing productivity and efficient storage management. Other applications include security, real-time object tracking and monitoring. In Zambia however, the agricultural sector through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) while still underdeveloped, faces many challenges that range from spoilage, infestations, theft at site, spillage and storage among others. As the national food security agency, FRA has for many years been grappling with these challenges. In order to help curb theft problems, this study proposes the adoption of IoT and related technologies. The proposed IoT technologies will be a prototype model that will employ the use of GPS, RFID, PIR, Wireless radio communication module and the GSM technologies. The GPS will be used to monitor and track the location of the vehicle in transit using mobile and web applications. To curb theft of grain at stationary points, the system will use motion sensing through the use of PIR sensors, wireless radio communication module and the GSM/GPRS technologies. Lastly, RFID combined with GPRS and Arduino microcontroller will be responsible for grain bags tallying.  

 
Le sultanat de l’Awfāt, sa capitale et la nécropole des Walasmaʿ
Authors: Fauvelle François-Xavier , Hirsch Bertrand , Chekroun Amélie
Published: December 2018

Cet article retrace quinze années de recherches archéologiques et historiques sur les sultanats islamiques en Éthiopie de l’époque médiévale. Après d’intenses prospections dans différentes régions où étaient localisées des ruines de cités islamiques, de l’Éthiopie orientale à l’actuel Somaliland, la recherche s’est focalisée sur la région de l’Ifāt en Éthiopie centrale. Plusieurs sites urbains y ont été repérés et l’un d’entre eux, Nora, a été fouillé, livrant des vestiges (habitations, mosquées, cimetière) datés des xive et xve siècles. Enfin, une découverte majeure, celle de la nécropole composée de tombes épigraphiées de membres de la dynastie des Walasmaʿ, dont les textes sont publiés ici, a permis de localiser avec certitude la capitale du sultanat de l’Ifāt au xive siècle. La configuration de cette capitale, Awfāt, correspond de manière très étroite avec la description qu’en a faite Abū al-Fidā’ au début du xive siècle.
From Crisis to Crisis
Authors: Podvršič Ana , Schmidt Lukas
Published: December 2018

The article explores the elements that led Slovenia to face another major crisis within the Eurozone turmoil less than twenty years after its political separation from Yugoslavia. The analysis builds on a combined theoretical framework of the insights from dependency school and regulation theory. The outbreak of the 1980s Yugoslav crisis and the IMF’s involvement into the domestic policy-making revealed that Slovenian post-war industrialization was dependent on imports and foreign credits. The Washington Consensus structural adjustments eased a shift in the post-war development pattern and deepened dependent integration in the European structures. During the 1990s, a labour-inclusive accumulation regime stabilized the pattern of export-led industrialization, a smaller reliance on FDI and a state-managerial control of domestic production. After 2000, however, the availability of cheap credits on the European markets, an accelerated transfer of state polices on the European level and the weakening of labour bargaining power created conditions for a dependent financialization of the Slovenian economy.
L’ange de Tobie, ou de la nécessité de l’épreuve
Authors: Papasogli Benedetta
Published: December 2018

Une lettre de Fénelon au duc de Bourgogne, écrite en 1708, représente le sommet du sobre échange épistolaire entre l’archevêque et le prince. Nous utiliserons ici cette lettre comme un point de départ pour sonder la richesse linguistique et rhétorique du discours de l’épreuve chez Fénelon directeur de conscience. Miroir de concentration des thèmes féneloniens, elle peut être l’objet d’une lecture rapprochée, mais il convient aussi d’élargir le cadre et d’évoquer le vaste intertexte où elle s’insère : les exigences radicales du pur amour transparaissent alors – tout comme, ailleurs, sous le voile de la fable – à travers le conseil politique, les maximes de la sagesse humaniste ou le nuances du portrait spirituel.
New Technology for the Classroom
Authors: Bailey Liston William
Published: December 2018

New developments in educational technologies are making it possible for teachers to bring technology into the classroom more than ever before. This chapter provides an overview of educational technologies related to mobile devices, artificial intelligence, intelligent tutoring systems, and robotics. As developments in computer technologies advance over time educators will need to cultivate better understanding and skills for using technology with a well conceptualized instructional design. Concepts are offered here to further discussions on how new technologies will support persistent and personalized learning in the not too distant future. Educational leaders must begin to think about on how to incorporate different technologies as well as potential resource constraints that school systems need to consider in order to achieve broader educational technology integration goals.
The Effect of Digital Storytelling Activities Used in a Social Studies Course on Student Engagement and Motivation
Authors: Saritepeci Mustafa , Çakır Hasan
Published: December 2018

The aim of this chapter is to investigate the effect of digital storytelling activities used in the Social Studies course on student engagement and motivation. To this end, a quasi-experimental pattern with pre-test and post-test control group design was used in the study. A total of 119 students were included in the study. The motivation scale and the engagement scale were used for data collection in the 10 week implementation. According to the results of the study, the students who participated in digital storytelling activities were more active in the learning process, spent more effort, had increased communication and interaction with their teachers and friends, and spent more time for activities within the scope of the Social Studies course compared to the control group students. Additionally, the use of digital storytelling in the Social Studies course was found to be more effective compared to the regular course program in terms of improving motivation.