bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tire-Pavement Friction Characteristics with Elastic Properties of Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Yu Miao , Wu Guoxiong , Kong Lingyun , Tang Yu
Published: November 2017

The skid-resisting performance of pavement is a critical factor in traffic safety. Recent studies primarily analyze this behavior by examining the macro or micro texture of the pavement. It is inevitable that skid-resistance declines with time because the texture of pavement deteriorates throughout its service life. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the use of different asphalt pavements, varying in resilience, to optimize braking performance on pavement. Based on the systematic dynamics of tire-pavement contact, and analysis of the tire-road coupled friction mechanism and the effect of enlarging the tire-pavement contact area, road skid resistance was investigated by altering the elastic modulus of asphalt pavement. First, this research constructed the kinetic contact model to simulate tire-pavement friction. Next, the following aspects of contact behaviors were studied when braking: tread deformation in the tangential pavement interface, actual tire-pavement contact in the course, and the frictional braking force transmitted from the pavement to the tires. It was observed that with improvements in pavement elasticity, the actual tire-pavement contact area increased, which gives us the ability to effectively strengthen the frictional adhesion of the tire to the pavement. It should not be overlooked that the improvement in skid resistance was caused by an increase in pavement elasticity. This research approach provides a theoretical basis and design reference for the anti-skid research of asphalt pavements.
Evolving Significance and Future Relevance of Anti-Angiogenic Activity of mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Faes Seraina , Santoro Tania , Demartines Nicolas , Dormond Olivier
Published: November 2017

mTOR inhibitors have demonstrated remarkable anti-tumor activity in experimental models, mainly by reducing cancer cell growth and tumor angiogenesis. Their use in cancer patients as monotherapy has, however, generated only limited benefits, increasing median overall survival by only a few months. Likewise, in other targeted therapies, cancer cells develop resistance mechanisms to overcome mTOR inhibition. Hence, novel therapeutic strategies have to be designed to increase the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors in cancer. In this review, we discuss the present and future relevance of mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy by focusing on their effects on tumor angiogenesis.
A Novel Methodology for Estimating State-Of-Charge of Li-Ion Batteries Using Advanced Parameters Estimation
Authors: Safwat Ibrahim , Li Weilin , Wu Xiaohua
Published: November 2017

State-of-charge (SOC) estimations of Li-ion batteries have been the focus of many research studies in previous years. Many articles discussed the dynamic model’s parameters estimation of the Li-ion battery, where the fixed forgetting factor recursive least square estimation methodology is employed. However, the change rate of each parameter to reach the true value is not taken into consideration, which may tend to poor estimation. This article discusses this issue, and proposes two solutions to solve it. The first solution is the usage of a variable forgetting factor instead of a fixed one, while the second solution is defining a vector of forgetting factors, which means one factor for each parameter. After parameters estimation, a new idea is proposed to estimate state-of-charge (SOC) of the Li-ion battery based on Newton’s method. Also, the error percentage and computational cost are discussed and compared with that of nonlinear Kalman filters. This methodology is applied on a 36 V 30 A Li-ion pack to validate this idea.
A New Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Fractional Visco-Inelastic Model to Predict Experimentally Inaccessible Processes and Investigate Pathophysiological Cellular Structures
Authors: Farsaci Francesco , Ficarra Silvana , Galtieri Antonio , Tellone Ester
Published: November 2017

After remarking on non-equilibrium thermodynamics with internal variables, this paper highlights the importance of these variables to the study of biological systems. Internal variables can provide a more detailed description of biological processes that occur inside cells, tissues and organs. In order to introduce a fractional model on a visco-inelastic medium based on Kluitenberg’s non-equilibrium thermodynamics, the origin of the complex dynamic modulus is shown by means of linear response theory. This research recalls our previous work to develop an ultrasound wave technique that allows us to investigate biological systems, and introduces the fractional visco-inelastic model and relative generalized relaxation time, to show that it is possible to obtain the Cole–Cole model in a particular case.
Impact of Repetitive Elements on the Y Chromosome Formation in Plants
Authors: Hobza Roman , Cegan Radim , Jesionek Wojciech , Kejnovsky Eduard , Vyskot Boris , Kubat Zdenek
Published: November 2017

In contrast to animals, separate sexes and sex chromosomes in plants are very rare. Although the evolution of sex chromosomes has been the subject of numerous studies, the impact of repetitive sequences on sex chromosome architecture is not fully understood. New genomic approaches shed light on the role of satellites and transposable elements in the process of Y chromosome evolution. We discuss the impact of repetitive sequences on the structure and dynamics of sex chromosomes with specific focus on Rumex acetosa and Silene latifolia. Recent papers showed that both the expansion and shrinkage of the Y chromosome is influenced by sex-specific regulation of repetitive DNA spread. We present a view that the dynamics of Y chromosome formation is an interplay of genetic and epigenetic processes.
Structure of Volatile Conduits beneath Gorely Volcano (Kamchatka) Revealed by Local Earthquake Tomography
Authors: Kuznetsov Pavel , Koulakov Ivan , Jakovlev Andrey , Abkadyrov Ilyas , Deev Evgeny , Gordeev Evgeny , Senyukov Sergey , El Khrepy Sami , Al Arifi Nassir
Published: November 2017

Gorely is an active volcano located 75 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka. In 2010–2015, it exhibited strong activity expressed by anomalously high gas emission. In 2013–2014, we deployed a temporary network consisting of 20 temporary seismic stations that operated for one year. We selected 333 events with 1613 P-wave and 2421 S-wave arrival times to build the first tomographic model of this volcano. The seismic model was carefully verified using a series of synthetic tests. Our tomographic model provides a mechanism for volatile feeding of Gorely. An unexpected feature of the model was low Vp/Vs ratios; below 1.4 in some parts. One reason for such low Vp/Vs ratios is gas contamination due to magma degassing. In the central part of the model, directly underneath the Gorely crater, we observe a 2.5 km wide and 1.5 km thick seismic anomaly with a very high Vp/Vs ratio of up to 2. This may represent a magma reservoir with a high melt and/or volatile content. The upper limit of this anomaly, 2.5 km below the surface, may indicate the degassing level, which coincides with the most intense seismicity. Below this reservoir, we observe another columnar high Vp/Vs ratio anomaly. This can be interpreted as a conduit bringing magma and fluids from deeper sources.
Detection of Moving Ships in Sequences of Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Yao Shun , Chang Xueli , Cheng Yufeng , Jin Shuying , Zuo Deshan
Published: November 2017

High-speed agile remote sensing satellites have the ability to capture multiple sequences of images. However, the frame rate is lower and the baseline between each image is much longer than normal image sequences. As a result, the edges and shadows in each image in the sequence vary considerably. Therefore, more requirements are placed on the target detection algorithm. Aiming at the characteristics of multi-view image sequences, we propose an approach to detect moving ships on the water surface. Based on marker controlled watershed segmentation, we use the extracted foreground and background images to segment moving ships, and we obtain the complete shape and texture information of the ships. The inter-frame difference algorithm is applied to extract the foreground object information, while Otsu’s algorithm is used to extract the image background. The foreground and background information is fused to solve the problem of interference with object detection caused by long imaging baseline. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective for moving ship detection.
The Effect of Aquaporin 1-Inhibition on Vasculogenic Mimicry in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Pulford Emily , McEvoy James , Hocking Ashleigh , Prabhakaran Sarita , Griggs Kim , Klebe Sonja
Published: November 2017

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy of the serosal membranes, with poor overall survival and quality of life. Limited targeted treatment strategies exist due to restricted knowledge of pathogenic pathways. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a newly described phenomenon associated with increased aggressiveness in other malignancies, and has been characterized in MM. Normal mesothelium expresses aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and retained expression has been associated with improved survival in MM. AQP1 is expressed by normal vascular endothelium and is involved in mediating MM cell motility and proliferation. We investigated the role of AQP1 in VM, and its interaction with the pro-angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which is variably expressed in MM. Matrigel VM assays were performed using NCI-H226 and NCI-H28 MM cell lines and primary cells in hypoxia and normoxia. The synthetic blocker AqB050 and siRNA were used to inhibit AQP1, and bevacizumab was used to inhibit VEGF. Inhibition of AQP1 resulted in increased VEGFA secretion by MM cells and reduced VM in MM cell lines in hypoxia but not normoxia. No change in VM was seen in MM primary cells. Combined inhibition of AQP1 and VEGF had no effect on VM in normoxia. In a heterotopic xenograft mouse model, AqB050 treatment did not alter vessel formation. AQP1 may interact with VEGFA and play a role in VM, especially under hypoxic conditions, but the heterogeneity of MM cells may result in different dominant pathways between patients.
Enhancement of Low Contrast Images Based on Effective Space Combined with Pixel Learning
Authors: Li Gengfei , Li Guiju , Han Guangliang
Published: November 2017

Images captured in bad conditions often suffer from low contrast. In this paper, we proposed a simple, but efficient linear restoration model to enhance the low contrast images. The model’s design is based on the effective space of the 3D surface graph of the image. Effective space is defined as the minimum space containing the 3D surface graph of the image, and the proportion of the pixel value in the effective space is considered to reflect the details of images. The bright channel prior and the dark channel prior are used to estimate the effective space, however, they may cause block artifacts. We designed the pixel learning to solve this problem. Pixel learning takes the input image as the training example and the low frequency component of input as the label to learn (pixel by pixel) based on the look-up table model. The proposed method is very fast and can restore a high-quality image with fine details. The experimental results on a variety of images captured in bad conditions, such as nonuniform light, night, hazy and underwater, demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Influence of Oxygen Pressure on the Domain Dynamics and Local Electrical Properties of BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 Thin Films Studied by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy and Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Kunyu , Yu Huizhu , Zou Jian , Zeng Huarong , Li Guorong , Li Xiaomin
Published: November 2017

In this work, we have studied the microstructures, nanodomains, polarization preservation behaviors, and electrical properties of BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 (BFMO) multiferroic thin films, which have been epitaxially created on the substrates of SrRuO3, SrTiO3, and TiN-buffered (001)-oriented Si at different oxygen pressures via piezoresponse force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy. We found that the pure phase state, inhomogeneous piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) response, low leakage current with unidirectional diode-like properties, and orientation-dependent polarization reversal properties were found in BFMO thin films deposited at low oxygen pressure. Meanwhile, these films under high oxygen pressures resulted in impurities in the secondary phase in BFMO films, which caused a greater leakage that hindered the polarization preservation capability. Thus, this shows the important impact of the oxygen pressure on modulating the physical effects of BFMO films.
Carrageenans-Sulfated Polysaccharides from Red Seaweeds as Matrices for the Inclusion of Echinochrome
Authors: Yermak Irina , Mischchenko Natalia , Davydova Viktoria , Glazunov Valery , Tarbeeva Daria , Kravchenko Anna , Pimenova Evgeniya , Sorokina Irina
Published: November 2017

The possibility of using different types of carrageenans (CRG) as matrixes for incorporating of echinochrome A (Ech) was investigated. Ech interacts with carrageenans and is incorporated into the macromolecular structure of the polysaccharide. The inclusion of Ech in carrageenan matrices decreased its oxidative degradation and improved its solubility. The changing in the charge and morphology of CRGs during binding with Ech was observed. The rate of Ech release from CRG matrices depended on the structure of the used polysaccharide and the presence of specific ions. The gastroprotective effect of CRG/Ech complexes was investigated on the model of stomach ulcers induced by indomethacin in rats. Complexes of CRG/Ech exhibited significant gastroprotective activity that exceeded the activity of the reference drug Phosphalugel. The gastroprotective effect of the complexes can be associated with their protective layer on the surface of the mucous membrane of a stomach.
Lipophilic Fraction of Cultivated Bifurcaria bifurcata R. Ross: Detailed Composition and In Vitro Prospection of Current Challenging Bioactive Properties
Authors: Santos Sónia , Trindade Stephanie , Oliveira Catia , Parreira Paula , Rosa Daniela , Duarte Maria , Ferreira Isabel , Cruz Maria , Rego Andreia , Abreu Maria , Rocha Silvia , Silvestre Armando
Published: November 2017

Macroalgae have been seen as an alternative source of molecules with promising bioactivities to use in the prevention and treatment of current lifestyle diseases. In this vein, the lipophilic fraction of short-term (three weeks) cultivated Bifurcaria bifurcata was characterized in detail by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). B. bifurcata dichloromethane extract was composed mainly by diterpenes (1892.78 ± 133.97 mg kg−1 dry weight (DW)), followed by fatty acids, both saturated (550.35 ± 15.67 mg kg−1 DW) and unsaturated (397.06 ± 18.44 mg kg−1 DW). Considerable amounts of sterols, namely fucosterol (317.68 ± 26.11 mg kg−1 DW) were also found. In vitro tests demonstrated that the B. bifurcata lipophilic extract show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities (against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), using low extract concentrations (in the order of µg mL−1). Enhancement of antibiotic activity of drug families of major clinical importance was observed by the use of B. bifurcata extract. This enhancement of antibiotic activity depends on the microbial strain and on the antibiotic. This work represents the first detailed phytochemical study of the lipophilic extract of B. bifurcata and is, therefore, an important contribution for the valorization of B. bifurcata macroalgae, with promising applications in functional foods, nutraceutical, cosmetic and biomedical fields.
Acaricidal Activity and Synergistic Effect of Thyme Oil Constituents against Carmine Spider Mite (Tetranychus Cinnabarinus (Boisduval))
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Huo Xin , Zhou Xiaolong , Zhao Duoyong , He Weizhong , Liu Shenghong , Liu Hejiang , Feng Ting , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2017

Studies examining the use of essential oils as replacements for synthetic insecticides require an understanding of the contribution of each constituent present, interactions among these components, and how they relate to overall toxicity. In the present study, the chemical composition of commercial thyme oil was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thyme oil and blends of its major constituents were tested for their acaricidal activitities against carmine spider mites (Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)) using a slide-dip bioassay. Natural thyme oil showed greater toxicity than any single constituent or blend of constituents. Thymol was the most abundant component (34.4%), and also possessed the strongest acaricidal activity compared with other single constituents. When tested individually, four constituents (linalool, terpinene, p-cymene and carvacrol) also had activity, while α-pinene, benzoic acid and ethyl gallate had almost no activity. The toxicity of blends of selected constituents indicated a synergistic effect among the putatively active and inactive constituents, with the presence of all constituents necessary to reach the highest toxicity. The results indicated that thyme oil and some of its major constituents have the potential to be developed into botanical acaricides.
Epigenetic Regulatory Mechanisms Induced by Resveratrol
Authors: Fernandes Guilherme , Silva Gabriel , Pavan Aline , Chiba Diego , Chin Chung , Dos Santos Jean
Published: November 2017

Resveratrol (RVT) is one of the main natural compounds studied worldwide due to its potential therapeutic use in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of RVT in all of these conditions is not completely understood, as it can modify not only biochemical pathways but also epigenetic mechanisms. In this paper, we analyze the biological activities exhibited by RVT with a focus on the epigenetic mechanisms, especially those related to DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), histone deacetylase (HDAC) and lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1).
Direct Feeding at the Breast Is Associated with Breast Milk Feeding Duration among Preterm Infants
Authors: Pinchevski-Kadir Shiran , Shust-Barequet Shir , Zajicek Michal , Leibovich Mira , Strauss Tzipi , Leibovitch Leah , Morag Iris
Published: November 2017

Background: In spite of high rates of initiating breast milk feeding (BMF) among preterm infants, a significant rate of discontinuation occurs shortly after discharge. Aim: To investigate the effect of mode (direct feeding at the breast vs. expressing) and exclusivity (breast milk combined with formula vs. breast milk only) as well as maternal perceptions on the duration of BMF among preterm infants. Methods: The study included mothers whose infants were born before 32 weeks gestation, between January 2012 and August 2015 at Sheba Medical Center (SMC). Perinatal data were collected retrospectively from infants’ computerized charts. Mothers were approached >12 months postpartum and were asked to complete a questionnaire. Those who agreed to participate were asked (during their visit to the follow-up clinic or by phone or mail) to complete a questionnaire regarding mode and duration of BMF as well as reasons for its discontinuation. Mothers were also asked about their pre-partum intentions to feed directly at the breast. Results: Out of 162 eligible mothers, 131 (80.8%) initiated BMF during their intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. Of these, 66 (50.3%) discontinued BMF earlier than six months postpartum. BMF ≥ 6 months was significantly associated with direct feeding at the breast, duration of exclusive BMF, and singleton birth. Regression analysis revealed that direct feeding at the breast (any or only) and duration of BMF exclusivity were the only significant variables associated with BMF duration (Odds ratio (OR) 5.5 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00–15.37; OR 1.5 and 95% CI 1.25–1.88, respectively). Milk supply (inadequate or nonexistent) was the most commonly reported cause for BMF discontinuation <6 months. Direct feeding at the breast was significantly associated with BMF duration and was more common among singletons. Conclusions: Direct feeding at the breast and duration of exclusive BMF are associated with duration of BMF among infants born <32 weeks of gestational age (GA). These findings suggest that targeting these two factors may play a key role in prolonging BMF duration among preterm infants.
Assessment of Prescribing and Monitoring Habits for Patients Taking an Antiarrhythmic and Concomitant QTc-Prolonging Antibiotic
Authors: Noss Kelsey , Aguero Sandra , Reinaker Travis
Published: November 2017

Patients may intermittently require antimicrobial therapy with a QTc-prolonging antibiotic, which presents a challenge for prescribers of patients already taking a QTc-prolonging antiarrhythmic. Manufacturers recommend close monitoring for evidence of QTc-prolongation with the concomitant use of QTc-prolonging medications, but the monitoring parameters are not well-defined. Previous studies recommend a surveillance electrocardiogram (EKG) be completed both before and after the initiation of QTc-prolonging medications, but it is unknown to what degree EKGs displaying the QTc-interval are used to alter physician order entry and pharmacist order verification during concomitant therapy. A retrospective chart review was conducted between October 2015–September 2016 to assess prescribing and monitoring habits for patients taking an antiarrhythmic and a concomitant QTc-prolonging antibiotic. Of the 42 patients who received at least one dose of two QTc-prolonging agents, 36 (85.7%) received a baseline EKG, and 23 (63.8%) received a follow-up EKG. Pharmacists intervened on this drug–drug interaction and recommended follow-up EKGs only three times (8.3%) and offered alternative therapy recommendations once (2.8%). The QTc-interval was not optimally monitored in some instances for patients concomitantly receiving two QTc-prolonging agents. These results stress the importance of inter-professional communication to place an emphasis on follow-up monitoring or use of alternative therapy agents to avoid the drug–drug interaction altogether.
The Evaluation of a Low-Cost Colorimeter for Glucose Detection in Salivary Samples
Authors: Dominguez Rocio , Orozco Miguel , Chávez Giovanny , Márquez-Lucero Alfredo
Published: November 2017

Given the limited access to healthcare resources, low-income settings require the development of affordable technology. Here we present the design and evaluation of a low-cost colorimeter applied to the non-invasive monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus through the detection of glucose in salival fluid. Samples were processed by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase enzymatic system and analyzed with the development equipment. A light emission diode of 532.5 nm was used as an excitation source and a RGB module was used as a receptor. A calibration curve to quantify the concentration of salivary glucose (0 to 18 mg/dL) was carried out by relating the RGB components registered with glucose concentrations, achieving a limit of detection of 0.17 mg/dL with a CV of 5% (n = 3). Salivary samples of diabetic and healthy volunteers were processed with the equipment showing an average concentration of 1.5519 ± 0.4511 mg/dL for the first and 4.0479 ± 1.6103 mg/dL for the last, allowing a discrimination between both groups. Results were validated against a UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer with a correspondence of R2 of 0.98194 between both instruments. Results suggest the potential application of the developed device to the sensitive detection of relevant analytes with a low-cost, user-friendly, low-power and portable instrumentation.
Fall Prediction and Prevention Systems: Recent Trends, Challenges, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Rajagopalan Ramesh , Litvan Irene , Jung Tzyy-Ping
Published: November 2017

Fall prediction is a multifaceted problem that involves complex interactions between physiological, behavioral, and environmental factors. Existing fall detection and prediction systems mainly focus on physiological factors such as gait, vision, and cognition, and do not address the multifactorial nature of falls. In addition, these systems lack efficient user interfaces and feedback for preventing future falls. Recent advances in internet of things (IoT) and mobile technologies offer ample opportunities for integrating contextual information about patient behavior and environment along with physiological health data for predicting falls. This article reviews the state-of-the-art in fall detection and prediction systems. It also describes the challenges, limitations, and future directions in the design and implementation of effective fall prediction and prevention systems.
High-Accuracy Readout Electronics for Piezoresistive Tactile Sensors
Authors: Hidalgo-López José A. , Oballe-Peinado Óscar , Castellanos-Ramos Julián , Sánchez-Durán José A. , Fernández-Ramos Raquel , Vidal-Verdú Fernando
Published: November 2017

The typical layout in a piezoresistive tactile sensor arranges individual sensors to form an array with M rows and N columns. While this layout reduces the wiring involved, it does not allow the values of the sensor resistors to be measured individually due to the appearance of crosstalk caused by the nonidealities of the array reading circuits. In this paper, two reading methods that minimize errors resulting from this phenomenon are assessed by designing an electronic system for array reading, and the results are compared to those obtained using the traditional method, obviating the nonidealities of the reading circuit. The different models were compared by testing the system with an array of discrete resistors. The system was later connected to a tactile sensor with 8 × 7 taxels.
Assessment of Large Seed Banks Requirement for Drought Risk Management in South Asia
Authors: Khatri-Chhetri Arun , Aggarwal Pramod
Published: November 2017

Agriculture in South Asia is largely dependent on rainfall, where about two-thirds of the cultivable lands lack irrigation facilities. In recent years, increasing frequency and severity of droughts have had a severe impact on rainfed agriculture and livelihood of millions of farmers in the region. There are numerous drought adaptation and mitigation options available for rainfed agriculture. A seed bank is one of those options that can play an important role in minimizing the effect of droughts on crop production. This paper assesses the need for seed banks in rainfed/partially irrigated areas of South Asia for the purpose of drought risk management. The need for additional seeds of the main crops or suitable alternative crops for re-sowing/planting after drought-induced losses of the main crop was assessed by using long-term gridded rainfall data and crop information. Results show that very limited rainfed areas in South Asia require additional seeds of main or alternative crops for drought risk management once in five to seven years’ drought return period. About 90 percent of such areas in South Asia may require additional seeds for drought risk management once in 10 years or more. The timing and severity of droughts during cropping season and cost/benefits of seed bank maintenance play a major role in choosing additional seeds for the main crops and/or alternate crops for maintenance in the large seed banks. This study shows that, despite the large investment requirement, maintenance of large seed banks for drought risks management is economically viable for the limited areas in South Asia.
Life Cycle Assessment of Two Vineyards after the Application of Precision Viticulture Techniques: A Case Study
Authors: Balafoutis Athanasios , Koundouras Stefanos , Anastasiou Evangelos , Fountas Spyros , Arvanitis Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

Precision viticulture is the application of site-specific techniques to vineyard production to improve grape quality and yield and minimize the negative effects on the environment. While there are various studies on the inherent spatial and temporal variability of vineyards, the assessment of the environmental impact of variable rate applications has attracted limited attention. In this study, two vineyards planted with different grapevine cultivars (Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) were examined for four consecutive growing seasons (2013–2016). The first year, the two vineyards were only studied in terms of soil properties and crop characteristics, which resulted in the delineation of two distinct management zones for each field. For the following three years, variable rate nutrient application was applied to each management zone based on leaf canopy reflectance, where variable rate irrigation was based on soil moisture sensors, meteorological data, evapotranspiration calculation, and leaf canopy reflectance. Life cycle assessment was carried out to identify the effect of variable rate applications on vineyard agro-ecosystems. The results of variable rate nutrients and water application in the selected management zones as an average value of three growing seasons were compared to the conventional practice. It was found that the reduction of product carbon footprint (PCF) of grapes in Sauvignon Blanc between the two periods was 25% in total. Fertilizer production and distribution (direct) and application (indirect) was the most important sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, accounting for 17.2%, and the within-farm energy use was the second ranked sector with 8.8% (crop residue management increase GHG emissions by 1.1%, while 0.1% GHG reduction is obtained by pesticide use). For the Syrah vineyard, where the production was less intensive, precision viticulture led to a PCF reduction of 28.3% compared to conventional production. Fertilizers contributed to this decrease by 27.6%, while within-farm energy use had an impact of 2.2% that was positive even though irrigation was increased, due to yield rise. Our results suggest that nutrient status management offers the greatest potential for reducing GHG emissions in both vineyard types. Variable rate irrigation also showed differences in comparison to conventional treatment, but to a lesser degree than variable rate fertilization. This difference between conventional practices and precision viticulture is noteworthy, and shows the potential of precision techniques to reduce the effect of viticulture on GHG emissions.
Mapping the Lisbon Potential Foodshed in Ribatejo e Oeste: A Suitability and Yield Model for Assessing the Potential for Localized Food Production
Authors: Cardoso Andreia Saavedra , Domingos Tiago , De Magalhães Manuela Raposo , De Melo-Abreu José , Palma Jorge
Published: November 2017

Research on food planning has been recently proposed in North American and European planning to account for how cities might change their food provision to respond to the rising demands for a more sustainable and ethical food system. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the agro-ecological potential of the Lisbon city region, Ribatejo e Oeste, to increase its Regional Food Self-Reliance (RFSR), through adopting demand restraint and food system relocalization approaches to food system sustainability. Three new diet scenarios were considered: meat-based, plant-based and strict vegetarian, defined in accordance with healthy dietary patterns. We used agro-climatic and agro-edaphic agricultural suitability models to evaluate the agro-ecological potential for RFSR, and proposed the use of Foodshed Landscape Plans within a landscape planning methodology. Results showed the extent of local food production that could improve food self-reliance, with 72%, 76%, 84% of total food needs in the meat-based, plant-based, and strict vegetarian scenarios, respectively. Thus, food system transformation by means of relocalization, is therefore ecologically feasible and would ensure the sustainable use of the ecological basis of food security. Additionally, a dietary transition would imply significant land sparing, which strengthens the demand restraint perspective for a transition to food system sustainability.
Customer-Driven Smart and Sustainable Interactions in Conventions: The Case of Nestlé’s Smart Button Adoption
Authors: Park Arum , Jun Jungho , Lee Kyoung Jun
Published: November 2017

Abstract: Services based on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have emerged in various business environments. To enhance service quality at conventions and maximize the experience of attendees, this study developed a customer-driven smart and sustainable service, applying a smart button as an IoT technology. An application of the IoT technology-based smart button was adopted by comparing advantages and disadvantages of technologies. We also identified the need for customer-driven smart and sustainable service by analyzing cases. Then, we designed, constructed and evaluated the service with the action research framework, which includes phases such as diagnosis, action planning, action taking, evaluation, and specify learning. In the first phase, various challenges and problems of the smart convention were diagnosed through interviews with organizers. In the action planning phase, service models were designed to solve the problems. In the action taking phase, which IoT technology would be the most appropriate was discussed and it was applied to the convention space. In the evaluation phase, we derived the role of IoT technology for smart conventions and summarized the results of the smart convention service. Finally, we presented implications for a business.
Mathematical Properties on the Hyperbolicity of Interval Graphs
Authors: Hernández-Gómez Juan C. , Reyes Rosalío , Rodríguez José M. , Sigarreta José M.
Published: November 2017

Gromov hyperbolicity is an interesting geometric property, and so it is natural to study it in the context of geometric graphs. In particular, we are interested in interval and indifference graphs, which are important classes of intersection and Euclidean graphs, respectively. Interval graphs (with a very weak hypothesis) and indifference graphs are hyperbolic. In this paper, we give a sharp bound for their hyperbolicity constants. The main result in this paper is the study of the hyperbolicity constant of every interval graph with edges of length 1. Moreover, we obtain sharp estimates for the hyperbolicity constant of the complement of any interval graph with edges of length 1.
The JCMT Transient Survey: Detection of Submillimeter Variability in a Class I Protostar EC 53 in Serpens Main
Authors: Yoo Hyunju , Lee Jeong-Eun , Mairs Steve , Johnstone Doug , Herczeg Gregory J. , Kang Sung-ju , Kang Miju , Cho Jungyeon ,   The JCMT Transient Team
Published: November 2017

During the protostellar phase of stellar evolution, accretion onto the star is expected to be variable, but this suspected variability has been difficult to detect because protostars are deeply embedded. In this paper, we describe a submillimeter luminosity burst of the Class I protostar EC 53 in Serpens Main, the first variable found during our dedicated JCMT/SCUBA-2 monitoring program of eight nearby star-forming regions. EC 53 remained quiescent for the first six months of our survey, from 2016 February to August. The submillimeter emission began to brighten in 2016 September, reached a peak brightness of 1.5 times the faint state, and has been decaying slowly since 2017 February. The change in submillimeter brightness is interpreted as dust heating in the envelope, generated by a luminosity increase of the protostar of a factor of ≥4. The 850 μm light curve resembles the historical K-band light curve, which varies by a factor of ∼6 with a 543 period and is interpreted as accretion variability excited by interactions between the accretion disk and a close binary system. The predictable detections of accretion variability observed at both near-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths make the system a unique test-bed, enabling us to capture the moment of the accretion burst and to study the consequences of the outburst on the protostellar disk and envelope.
Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions and Their Association with Severity of Psoriasis among Psoriatic Patients Referred To Dermatology Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kashan/Iran
Authors: Talaee Rezvan , Hajheydari Zohreh , Moghaddam Ahmad Yeganeh , Moraveji Seyyed Alireza , Ravandi Bentolhoda Fatahi
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common inflammatory papulosquamous disease of the skin with unknown aetiology that may be associated with the abnormal T-cell function.AIM: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their associations with severity of psoriasis in psoriatic patients attending the dermatologic clinic of Shahid Beheshti Teaching Hospital at Kashan, Iran.METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive analytic study, all consecutive patients with psoriasis who referred to the dermatologic clinic at the Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Kashan City/ Iran were enrolled. All patients were examined for the presence of oral lesions, and the clinical and epidemiological features of the disease were recorded in a questionnaire for each patient. A biopsy was taken from atypical suspected patients with oral lesions by an expert dermatologist. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (Version 18). Descriptive statistics tests; Cross tabulation and Chi-square with Fisher's exact test were used.RESULTS: Of total 177 psoriatic patients, 62 cases (35%) of patients were male, and 115 cases (65%) were female. Mean age of patients was 31.71 years. The oral lesion was seen in 83 cases (46.9%). Fissure tongue (28.2%) and geographic tongue (4.5%) were the most common oral lesions. The prevalence of oral lesions in patients with psoriasis significantly was associated with age, history of oral lesions, and with the onset of the oral lesions (P < 0.05). The most common form of psoriasis was chronic plaque form (Psoriasis Vulgaris) observed in 147 cases (83.1). The majority of patients (67.2%) were suffering from a mild form of the disease. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of most patients was mild.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of oral lesions such as Fissure tongue and geographic tongue is higher in psoriatic patients suggests further studies for approving the clinical importance of these apparently nonspecific lesions as possible predictors or markers of the severity of the cases suspected to Psoriasis disease.
The Value of Mobile Ultrasound Services in Rural Communities in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Ikpeme Anthonia , Ani Nchiewe , Ago Boniface , Effa Emmanuel , Kosoko-Lasaki Omofolasade , Ekpenyong Andrew
Published: November 2017

AIM: This paper examines the activities of mobile services units including ultrasound services in rural and urban communities in the Calabar region of South-South, Nigeria.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consenting individuals were invited and attended five medical outreach activities in rural and urban areas of the Calabar region between January and June 2016. Abdomino-pelvic scans were done. Subsequently the results were analyzed.RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-four (574) individuals had Abdomino-pelvic scans done, using a curvilinear probe to assess the abdomino-pelvic organs. The female to male ratio was 1.46:1. The age ranged from 1-78 years with a mean of 40.63 (standard deviation of 17.5). The commonest sonographic finding was uterine fibroids, 21 (8.1%). Fifty-four percent of the scans were normal. The commonest sonographic finding in men was prostatic enlargement.CONCLUSION: Medical outreach activities provided by mobile units provide much needed ultrasound services in poor resource settings in Nigeria. Significant clinical pathologies were identified at fairly high rates.
Impact of size of the tumor, persistence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2neu receptors and Ki67 values on positivity of axillar lymph nodes at patients with early breast cancer with clinically negative axillar examination
Authors: Kondov Borislav , Isijanovska Rosalinda , Milenkovikj Zvonko , Petrusevska Gordana , Jovanovski-Srceva Marija , Bogdanovska-Todorovska Magdalena , Kondov Goran
Published: November 2017

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors that influence the positivity on axillar status at patients with early breast cancer with clinical negative axilla, at which were done radical surgery to breast but also radical lymphadenectomy of axillar lymph nodes.Material and methods: In the study were included 81 surgically treated patients with early breast cancer during 08-2015 to 05-2017 year. All the cases have been analyzed by standard histological analysis including macroscopic and microscopic analysis on standard H&E staining. For determining of molecular receptors immunostaining by PT LINK immunoperoxidase has been done for HER2neu, ER, PR, p53 and Ki67.   Results: Patients age ranged between 31-73 years, average of 56.86 years. The mean size of the primary tumor in the surgically treated patient was 20.33 + 6.0 mm. On dissection from the axilary pits there were taken out 5 to 32 lymph nodes, an average of 14. Metastases have been found in 1 to 7 lymph nodes, an average 0.7. In only 26 (32.1%) of the patients have been found metastases in the axillary lymph nodes. The univariant regression analysis showed that the size of tumor and presence of HER2 neu receptors on cancer cell influence on the positivity of the axillary lymph nodes. The presence of the estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors  showed that they do not have influence on the positivity for metastatic deposits in axillary lymph nodes. Multivariant model and logistic regression analysis as independent significant factors or predictors of positivity of the axillary lymph nodes is influenced from the tumor size only.Conclusion: Our study showed that the involving of the axillary lymph nodes is mainly influenced from the size of the tumor and presence of HER2neu receptors  in the univariant analysis points the important influence of positivity in the axillary lymph nodes but only size of the tumor in multivariate regressive analysis.
Le parfait gentilhomme. L’idéal du moi au début du xvii e siècle
Authors: Doiron Normand
Published: November 2017

L’article entend dresser une cartographie psychologique de l’homo curialis dans la première moitié du xvii e  siècle. Contrainte, perfection, distinction, tels sont ici les principaux lieux d’une carte qui n’a rien de définitif. Les traités de cour sont animés par un idéal magnanime du moi courtisan dépeint sous les couleurs du mythe ou du christianisme (Platon, angélisme). Cet idéal correspond à un moment particulier dans l’histoire de la noblesse française. Il correspond à un stade de la civilité, qu’on pourrait rapprocher des stades d’organisation de la libido. Ainsi un moment de l’histoire psychique de l’homme de cour s’apparente à cette instance de la personnalité individuelle que Freud nomme l’idéal du moi.
Hugues de Lionne dans la Fronde (1648-1653) : la participation du « Secrétaire » à la défense de Mazarin
Authors: Deroux Maximilien
Published: November 2017

Lorsqu’éclate la Fronde en 1648, Hugues de Lionne est depuis de longues années un collaborateur étroit de Mazarin. Il devient un des principaux artisans de la propagande gouvernementale durant la guerre civile. Rédacteur efficace de pièces officielles, déclarations ou autres lettres du roi, il s’essaye aussi aux pamphlets. Sa production reste toutefois erratique : elle est fonction de sa relation avec Mazarin et de sa place à la Cour dont il est éloigné en 1651. Cette étude éclaire une période charnière de la vie de Lionne, entre sa position de secrétaire de Mazarin et l’épanouissement de sa carrière de diplomate.
Descartes incognito : la « préface » des Passions de l’âme
Authors: Mori Gianluca
Published: November 2017

La question des deux lettres qui, avec les réponses de Descartes, constituent la « préface » des Passions de l’âme (1649) hante depuis longtemps la critique cartésienne. S’agit-il d’un échange épistolaire réel ou bien d’une petite supercherie du même Descartes, qui en serait donc l’auteur unique ? La présence dans ces lettres de plusieurs doctrines que le philosophe n’avait jamais proposées dans ses écrits publics constitue, avec d’autres indices historiques, un argument décisif pour soutenir qu’elles ne peuvent venir que de lui.
Une lettre inédite de Jean Lacurne à Claude de Saumaise sur le Plutarque d’Amyot
Authors: Haaker Antoine
Published: November 2017

Cet article consiste en l’édition d’une lettre de Jean Lacurne (ca. 1570-1631) à Claude de Saumaise (1588-1653) datée du 17 mars 1616. Cette lettre, en même temps qu’elle donne un exemple de l’élégante prose latine de son auteur, intéresse la fortune de la fameuse version de Plutarque par Jacques Amyot. Lacurne y fait en effet une éloquente apologie du Plutarque d’Amyot contre Bachet de Méziriac, qui l’avait assez sévèrement critiqué. Le texte de la lettre est accompagné d’une introduction et d’un commentaire, dans lequel tous les mots grecs ont été traduits et diverses allusions à l’antiquité ou à certains érudits contemporains, qui pouvaient rendre certains passages du texte obscurs, ont été expliquées.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Korff-Sausse Simone
Published: November 2017

La notion d’entre-deux est particulièrement présente et pertinente dans la clinique du handicap, car la personne en situation de handicap se retrouve fréquemment dans cette position identitaire : ni valide ni handicapée, ni inclue ni exclue, ni pareille ni dissemblable. On y oscille sans cesse entre normalité et anormalité, entre institutions spécialisées et milieu ordinaire, entre performance et déficience, entre corps et psyché, entre inné et acquis, entre humain et inhumain, voire transhumain. Sur la question de l’identité, les personnes handicapées ou hors norme sont des pionniers. Considérées comme déficitaires et démunies, elles nous enseignent sur les processus complexes de construction et d’évolution identitaires. C’est pourquoi, plutôt que de voir l’entre-deux comme une situation pénible, inconfortable, intenable, on y voit aussi se développer des constructions identitaires originales, selon le modèle du « métissage » ou de la « créolisation » de Glissant.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Weislo Emmanuel
Published: November 2017

Au-delà des aménagements et adaptations auxquels nos sociétés consentent pour permettre la participation sociale des personnes en situation de handicap, la construction d’une société ouverte à tous suppose une réforme de la pensée, un regard sur le monde prenant en compte, en première intention, sa diversité et sa complexité. Comme situation liminale, le handicap est une invitation à ouvrir l’entre-deux à la pensée, à découvrir la richesse de cet espace fécond permettant de dépasser les effets négatifs d’une pensée duelle qui oppose, ordonne, normalise et simplifie le monde. C’est en accompagnant Jacob dans son combat avec l’ange que nous interrogerons la notion d’identité relue par une pensée de l’entre-deux. À l’être univoque de l’ontologie, doté d’attributs et clairement identifiable par ses coordonnées sociales, se substitue peu à peu l’idée d’un « devenir visage » où l’identité se comprend comme potentialité, comme jaillissement, comme situation relationnelle.