bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosis Facit Sanitatem—Concentration-Dependent Effects of Resveratrol on Mitochondria
Authors: Madreiter-Sokolowski Corina , Sokolowski Armin , Graier Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

The naturally occurring polyphenol, resveratrol (RSV), is known for a broad range of actions. These include a positive impact on lifespan and health, but also pro-apoptotic anti-cancer properties. Interestingly, cell culture experiments have revealed a strong impact of RSV on mitochondrial function. The compound was demonstrated to affect mitochondrial respiration, structure and mass of mitochondria as well as mitochondrial membrane potential and, ultimately, mitochondria-associated cell death pathways. Notably, the mitochondrial effects of RSV show a very strict and remarkable concentration dependency: At low concentrations, RSV (<50 μM) fosters cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)- and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-linked pathways and enhances mitochondrial network formation. These mechanisms crucially contribute to the cytoprotective effects of RSV against toxins and disease-related damage, in vitro and in vivo. However, at higher concentrations, RSV (>50 μM) triggers changes in (sub-)cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases selectively yielding apoptotic cancer cell death, in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss the promising therapeutic potential of RSV, which is most probably related to the compound’s concentration-dependent manipulation of mitochondrial function and structure.
Dietary Supplement Use during Preconception: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: McKenna Elle , Hure Alexis , Perkins Anthony , Gresham Ellie
Published: October 2017

Worldwide, dietary supplement use among reproductive aged women is becoming increasingly common. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary supplement use among Australian women during preconception. Self-reported data were collected prospectively for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). The sample included 485 women aged 31–36 years, with supplement data, classified as preconception when completing Survey 5 of the ALSWH in 2009. Frequency and contingency tables were calculated and Pearson’s chi-square test for associations between demographic variables and supplementation status was performed. Sixty-three per cent of women were taking at least one dietary supplement during preconception. Multiple-micronutrient supplements were the most commonly reported supplement (44%). Supplements containing folic acid and iodine were reported by 51% and 37% of preconception women, respectively. Folic acid (13%), omega-3 fatty acids (11%), vitamin C (7%), B vitamins (4%), iron (3%), and calcium (3%) were the most common single nutrients supplemented during preconception. Women trying to conceive, with no previous children, and born outside Australia were more likely to take dietary supplements. In Australia, dietary supplement use during preconception is relatively high. However, supplementation of recommended nutrients, including folic acid and iodine, could be improved.
Synthesis, Morphologies and Building Applications of Nanostructured Polymers
Authors: Lu Yong , Shah Kwok , Xu Jianwei
Published: October 2017

Nanostructured polymers (NSPs) are polymeric materials in the size of nanoscale, normally consisting of nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanowires, nanospheres and other morphologies. Polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) can be fabricated either by physical methods (i.e., solvent evaporation, nanoprecipitation, salting out) or by direct nanosynthesis, using micro- or nanoemulsions with nanoreactor compartments to perform polymerization. Polymer nanofibers (PNFs) can be produced via various techniques and the most commonly used approach is electrospinning, whereby a charged solution of a polymer when exposed to an opposite high electric field is pulled into long thin nanofibers. NSPs in general exhibit enhanced properties such as excellent structural and mechanical properties, making them promising candidates for some particular building applications. A variety of PNFs have been developed and used for noise and air pollution filtration. Moreover, PNFs can also be fabricated with phase change materials which are usually employed for thermal energy storage in construction industry. In this review, we will summarize the morphologies and nanosynthesis methods of NSPs, in particular, PNPs and PNFs. In addition, representative NSPs mainly used in construction are introduced for building applications.
Feature-Based Nonlocal Polarimetric SAR Filtering
Authors: Xing Xiaoli , Chen Qihao , Yang Shuai , Liu Xiuguo
Published: October 2017

Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) images are inherently contaminated by multiplicative speckle noise, which complicates the image interpretation and image analyses. To reduce the speckle effect, several adaptive speckle filters have been developed based on the weighted average of the similarity measures commonly depending on the model or probability distribution, which are often affected by the distribution parameters and modeling texture components. In this paper, a novel filtering method introduces the coefficient of variance ( CV ) and Pauli basis (PB) to measure the similarity, and the two features are combined with the framework of the nonlocal mean filtering. The CV is used to describe the complexity of various scenes and distinguish the scene heterogeneity; moreover, the Pauli basis is able to express the polarimetric information in PolSAR image processing. This proposed filtering combines the CV and Pauli basis to improve the estimation accuracy of the similarity weights. Then, the similarity of the features is deduced according to the test statistic. Subsequently, the filtering is proceeded by using the nonlocal weighted estimation. The performance of the proposed filter is tested with the simulated images and real PolSAR images, which are acquired by AIRSAR system and ESAR system. The qualitative and quantitative experiments indicate the validity of the proposed method by comparing with the widely-used despeckling methods.
Application of InSAR Techniques to an Analysis of the Guanling Landslide
Authors: Kang Ya , Zhao Chaoying , Zhang Qin , Lu Zhong , Li Bin
Published: October 2017

On the afternoon of 28 June 2010, an enormous landslide occurred in the Gangwu region of Guanling County, Guizhou Province. In order to better understand the mechanism of the Guanling landslide, archived ALOS/PALSAR data was used to acquire the deformation prior to the landslide occurrence through stacking and time-series InSAR techniques. First, the deformation structure from InSAR was compared to the potential creep bodies identified using the optical remote sensing data. A strong consistency between the InSAR detected deformed regions and the creep bodies detected from optical remote sensing images was achieved. Around 10 creep bodies were suffering from deformation. In the source area, the maximum pre-slide mean deformation rate along the slope direction reached 160 mm/year, and the uncertainty of the deformation rates ranged from 15 to 34 mm/year. Then, the pre-slide deformation at the source area was analyzed in terms of the topography, geological structure, and historical rainfall records. Through observation and analysis, the deformation pattern of one creep body located within the source area can be segmented into three sections: a creeping section in the front, a locking section in the middle, and a cracking section in the rear. These sections constitute one of the common landslide modes seen in the south-west of China. This study concluded that a sudden shear failure in the locking segment of one creeping body located within the source area was caused by a strong rainstorm, which triggered the Guanling landslide.
Comparing the Performance of Indoor Localization Systems through the EvAAL Framework
Authors: Potortì Francesco , Park Sangjoon , Jiménez Ruiz Antonio , Barsocchi Paolo , Girolami Michele , Crivello Antonino , Lee So , Lim Jae , Torres-Sospedra Joaquín , Seco Fernando , Montoliu Raul , Mendoza-Silva Germán , Pérez Rubio Maria , Losada-Gutiérrez Cristina , Espinosa Felipe , Macias-Guarasa Javier
Published: October 2017

In recent years, indoor localization systems have been the object of significant research activity and of growing interest for their great expected social impact and their impressive business potential. Application areas include tracking and navigation, activity monitoring, personalized advertising, Active and Assisted Living (AAL), traceability, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, and Home-land Security. In spite of the numerous research advances and the great industrial interest, no canned solutions have yet been defined. The diversity and heterogeneity of applications, scenarios, sensor and user requirements, make it difficult to create uniform solutions. From that diverse reality, a main problem is derived that consists in the lack of a consensus both in terms of the metrics and the procedures used to measure the performance of the different indoor localization and navigation proposals. This paper introduces the general lines of the EvAAL benchmarking framework, which is aimed at a fair comparison of indoor positioning systems through a challenging competition under complex, realistic conditions. To evaluate the framework capabilities, we show how it was used in the 2016 Indoor Positioning and Indoor Navigation (IPIN) Competition. The 2016 IPIN competition considered three different scenario dimensions, with a variety of use cases: (1) pedestrian versus robotic navigation, (2) smartphones versus custom hardware usage and (3) real-time positioning versus off-line post-processing. A total of four competition tracks were evaluated under the same EvAAL benchmark framework in order to validate its potential to become a standard for evaluating indoor localization solutions. The experience gained during the competition and feedback from track organizers and competitors showed that the EvAAL framework is flexible enough to successfully fit the very different tracks and appears adequate to compare indoor positioning systems.
Smart Annotation of Cyclic Data Using Hierarchical Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Martindale Christine , Hoenig Florian , Strohrmann Christina , Eskofier Bjoern
Published: October 2017

Cyclic signals are an intrinsic part of daily life, such as human motion and heart activity. The detailed analysis of them is important for clinical applications such as pathological gait analysis and for sports applications such as performance analysis. Labeled training data for algorithms that analyze these cyclic data come at a high annotation cost due to only limited annotations available under laboratory conditions or requiring manual segmentation of the data under less restricted conditions. This paper presents a smart annotation method that reduces this cost of labeling for sensor-based data, which is applicable to data collected outside of strict laboratory conditions. The method uses semi-supervised learning of sections of cyclic data with a known cycle number. A hierarchical hidden Markov model (hHMM) is used, achieving a mean absolute error of 0.041 ± 0.020 s relative to a manually-annotated reference. The resulting model was also used to simultaneously segment and classify continuous, ‘in the wild’ data, demonstrating the applicability of using hHMM, trained on limited data sections, to label a complete dataset. This technique achieved comparable results to its fully-supervised equivalent. Our semi-supervised method has the significant advantage of reduced annotation cost. Furthermore, it reduces the opportunity for human error in the labeling process normally required for training of segmentation algorithms. It also lowers the annotation cost of training a model capable of continuous monitoring of cycle characteristics such as those employed to analyze the progress of movement disorders or analysis of running technique.
The Detection of Water Flow in Rectangular Microchannels by Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Song Yan , Zhao Kun , Zuo Jian , Wang Cuicui , Li Yizhang , Miao Xinyang , Zhao Xiaojing
Published: October 2017

Flow characteristics of water were tested in a rectangular microchannel for Reynolds number (Re) between 0 and 446 by terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Output THz peak trough intensities and the calculated absorbances of the flow were analyzed theoretically. The results show a rapid change for Re < 250 and a slow change as Re increases, which is caused by the early transition from laminar to transition flow beginning nearly at Re = 250. Then this finding is confirmed in the plot of the flow resistant. Our results demonstrate that the THz-TDS could be a valuable tool to monitor and character the flow performance in microscale structures.
3D Defect Localization on Exothermic Faults within Multi-Layered Structures Using Lock-In Thermography: An Experimental and Numerical Approach
Authors: Bae Ji , Lee Kye-Sung , Hur Hwan , Nam Ki-Hwan , Hong Suk-Ju , Lee Ah-Yeong , Chang Ki , Kim Geon-Hee , Kim Ghiseok
Published: October 2017

Micro-electronic devices are increasingly incorporating miniature multi-layered integrated architectures. However, the localization of faults in three-dimensional structure remains challenging. This study involved the experimental and numerical estimation of the depth of a thermally active heating source buried in multi-layered silicon wafer architecture by using both phase information from an infrared microscopy and finite element simulation. Infrared images were acquired and real-time processed by a lock-in method. It is well known that the lock-in method can increasingly improve detection performance by enhancing the spatial and thermal resolution of measurements. Operational principle of the lock-in method is discussed, and it is represented that phase shift of the thermal emission from a silicon wafer stacked heat source chip (SSHSC) specimen can provide good metrics for the depth of the heat source buried in SSHSCs. Depth was also estimated by analyzing the transient thermal responses using the coupled electro-thermal simulations. Furthermore, the effects of the volumetric heat source configuration mimicking the 3D through silicon via integration package were investigated. Both the infrared microscopic imaging with the lock-in method and FE simulation were potentially useful for 3D isolation of exothermic faults and their depth estimation for multi-layered structures, especially in packaged semiconductors.
The Fabrication and Characterization of Ni/4H-SiC Schottky Diode Radiation Detectors with a Sensitive Area of up to 4 cm2
Authors: Liu Lin-Yue , Wang Ling , Jin Peng , Liu Jin-Liang , Zhang Xian-Peng , Chen Liang , Zhang Jiang-Fu , Ouyang Xiao-Ping , Liu Ao , Huang Run-Hua , Bai Song
Published: October 2017

Silicon carbide (SiC) detectors of an Ni/4H-SiC Schottky diode structure and with sensitive areas of 1–4 cm2 were fabricated using high-quality lightly doped epitaxial 4H-SiC material, and were tested in the detection of alpha particles and pulsed X-rays/UV-light. A linear energy response to alpha particles ranging from 5.157 to 5.805 MeV was obtained. The detectors were proved to have a low dark current, a good energy resolution, and a high neutron/gamma discrimination for pulsed radiation, showing the advantages in charged particle detection and neutron detection in high-temperature and high-radiation environments.
Fingertip Fiber Optical Tactile Array with Two-Level Spring Structure
Authors: Konstantinova Jelizaveta , Stilli Agostino , Althoefer Kaspar
Published: October 2017

Tactile perception is a feature benefiting reliable grasping and manipulation. This paper presents the design of an integrated fingertip force sensor employing an optical fiber based approach where applied forces modulate light intensity. The proposed sensor system is developed to support grasping of a broad range of objects, including those that are hard as well those that are soft. The sensor system is comprised of four sensing elements forming a tactile array integrated with the tip of a finger. We investigate the design configuration of a separate force sensing element with the aim to improve its measurement range. The force measurement of a single tactile element is based on a two-level displacement that is achieved thanks to a hybrid sensing structure made up of a stiff linear and flexible ortho-planar spring. An important outcome of this paper is a miniature tactile fingertip sensor that is capable of perceiving light contact, typically occurring during the initial stages of a grasp, as well as measuring higher forces, commonly present during tight grasps.
Quality of Life and Breast Cancer: How Can Mind–Body Exercise Therapies Help? An Overview Study
Authors: Husebø Anne , Husebø Tormod
Published: October 2017

Breast cancer survivors experience extensive treatments, threatening their quality of life. Complementary therapies used as a supplement to cancer treatment may control symptoms, enhance quality of life, and contribute to overall patient care. Mind–body exercise therapies might motivate cancer survivors to exercise, and assist them in regaining health. The purpose of this overview study is to study benefits from mind–body exercise of yoga, tai chi chuan and qigong upon quality of life in breast cancer populations. A systematic overview of reviews was applied. Literature search in five electronic databases and in reference lists was performed during April 2017. In addition, experts in the field were consulted. Of 38 identified titles, 11 review articles, including six meta-analyses were found eligible for review. Methodological quality was high for the majority of quality domains. Yoga, the most studied mind–body therapy, was found to benefit breast cancer patients’ psychological quality of life, while less support was established concerning physical quality of life elements. The evidence of improvements of quality of life from tai chi chuan and qigong remains unclear. Breast cancer survivors’ experiences of psychological and social well-being may be enhanced by practicing yoga.
The Influences of Production Factors with Profit on Agricultural Heritage Systems: A Case Study of the Rice-Fish System
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Jiao Wenjun , Min Qingwen , Yin Jianzhong
Published: October 2017

With the mobility and off-farm employment of rural villagers, agricultural production has been influenced by the absence of labor force in the past few years. In particular, the inadequate assignment of resources has threatened the sustainability of some Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems due to their low profit. In this paper, the influences of labor force and capital on agricultural heritage systems are analyzed, taking the Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System (QRFCS) as an example, so as to maximize profit along with the sustainability of agricultural heritage. The Cobb-Douglas Production Function is applied to examine the impacts of these major factors on agricultural productivity based on a survey held among 32 households in Longxian Village, Qingtian County, China. Subsequently, the profit maximization problem can be solved by a marginal rate of technical substitution under production standard. We come to the conclusion that the output elasticity coefficients of labor and capital are 0.6 and 0.4. Our results also indicate that the maximum yield of rice and field-fish is 0.84 kg under the level of 9 Yuan RMB and 0.24 man-days per square meter. The net profit can hit 24.8 Yuan RMB regardless of human resource cost. In contrast, the demand of 218,800 m2 paddy fields exceeds the human resources available for the Rice-Fish system in QRFCS, thereby it is necessary to promote the refluence of skilled farmers.
How to Improve Water Usage Efficiency? Characterization of Family Farms in A Semi-Arid Area
Authors: Piedra-Muñoz Laura , Godoy-Durán Ángeles , Giagnocavo Cynthia
Published: October 2017

Water scarcity in Spain is partly due to poor management of this resource in the agricultural sector. The main aim of this study is to present the major factors related to water usage efficiency in farming. It focuses on the Almería coast, southeast Spain, which is one of the most arid areas of the country, and in particular, on family farms as the main direct managers of water use in this zone. Many of these farms are among the most water efficient in Spanish agriculture but this efficiency is not generalized throughout the sector. This work conducts a comprehensive assessment of water performance in this area, using on-farm water-use, structural, socio-economic, and environmental information. Two statistical techniques are used: descriptive analysis and cluster analysis. Thus, two groups are identified: farms that are less and farms that are more efficient regarding water usage. By analyzing both the common characteristics within each group and the differences between the groups with a one-way ANOVA analysis, several conclusions can be reached. The main differences between the two clusters center on the extent to which innovation and new technologies are used in irrigation. The most water efficient farms are characterized by more educated farmers, a greater degree of innovation, new irrigation technology, and an awareness of water issues and environmental sustainability. The findings of this study can be extended to farms in similar arid and semi-arid areas and contribute to fostering appropriate policies to improve the efficiency of water usage in the agricultural sector.
Saltwater Intrusion and Freshwater Storage in Sand Sediments along the Coastline: Hydrogeological Investigations and Groundwater Modeling of Nauru Island
Authors: Alberti Luca , La Licata Ivana , Cantone Martino
Published: October 2017

Water resources sustainable management is a vital issue for small islands where groundwater is often the only available water resource. Nauru is an isolated and uplifted limestone atoll island located in the Pacific Ocean. Politecnico di Milano performed a feasibility study for the development of sustainable use of groundwater on the island. This paper focuses on the first phase of the study that concerns the conceptual site model development, the hydrogeological characterization and the 2D model implementation. During the project, different activities were performed such as GNSS topographic survey of monitoring wells and groundwater level surveys taking into account tidal fluctuation. This data collection and the analysis of previous studies made it possible to identify the most suitable areas for groundwater sustainable extraction. The characterization findings suggested, unlike previous studies and surveys, the presence of only few drought resilient thin freshwater lenses, taking place in low conductivity sandy deposits, unexpectedly next to the seashore. Thanks to the 2D modeling results, it has been possible to clarify the mechanism that allows the storage of freshwater so close to the sea.
Upgrade to Nucleus® 6 in Previous Generation Cochlear™ Sound Processor Recipients
Authors: Biever Allison , Gilden Jan , Zwolan Teresa , Mears Megan , Beiter Anne
Published: October 2017

Background:The Nucleus® 6 sound processor is now compatible with the Nucleus® 22 (CI22M)—Cochlear’s first generation cochlear implant. The Nucleus 6 offers three new signal processing algorithms that purportedly facilitate improved hearing
in background noise.Purpose:These studies were designed to evaluate listening performance and user satisfaction with the Nucleus 6 sound processor.Research Design:The research design was a prospective, single-participant, repeated measures designStudy Sample:A group of
80 participants implanted with various Nucleus internal implant devices (CI22M, CI24M, Freedom® CI24RE, CI422, and CI512) were recruited from a total of six North American sites.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants had their external sound processor upgraded to the
Nucleus 6 sound processor. Final speech perception testing in noise and subjective questionnaires were completed after four or 12 weeks of take-home use with the Nucleus 6.Results:Speech perception testing in noise showed significant improvement and participants reported increased satisfaction
with the Nucleus 6.Conclusion:These studies demonstrated the benefit of the new algorithms in the Nucleus 6 over previous generations of sound processors.
The millipede genus Stemmiulus Gervais, 1844 in Cameroon, with descriptions of three new species (Diplopoda, Stemmiulida, Stemmiulidae)
Authors: Nzoko Fiemapong Armand Richard , Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge , Tamesse Joseph Lebel , Golovatch Sergei Ilyich , VandenSpiegel Didier
Published: October 2017

The large pantropical millipede genus Stemmiulus, which currently encompasses more than 150 species, i.e. the bulk of the species diversity of the family Stemmiulidae and entire order Stemmiulida, is shown to comprise seven species in Cameroon, including three new ones: S.ongot Nzoko Fiemapong & VandenSpiegel, sp. n., S.uncus Nzoko Fiemapong & VandenSpiegel, sp. n., and S.mbalmayoensis Nzoko Fiemapong & VandenSpiegel, sp. n. In addition, S.beroni Mauriès, 1989, previously known only from the type locality in Nigeria, is recorded from Cameroon for the first time, also being redescribed based on new samples. A key is given to all species of the genus encountered in the country, based on male gonopodal conformation, except for S.camerunensis (Silvestri, 1916), which was described only from female and juvenile material.
Strengthening Performance Management System Implementation in South African Municipalities
Authors: Mofolo Malefetsane
Published: October 2017

Adoption of a performance management system in municipalities presented a serious challenge for its implementation. This scenario is implicitly manifesting itself in the reports of the Auditor-General on the financial statements and performance of municipalities, as well as in the state of local government in South Africa overview report (2009). These reports called for the conceptualisation of a model that to strengthen the implementation in municipalities of a performance management system that is efficient and effective. And most importantly, this model could be beneficial for growth, development and effective service delivery.
Reinforcing a Turnaround Strategy for Municipalities to Improve Performance
Authors: Mofolo Malefetsane
Published: October 2017

There has been public outcry in South Africa about poor performance of municipalities. That many municipalities are not living up to expectations is confirmed research. Currently, the Department of Governance and Traditional affairs (CoGTA) has developed a Local Government Turnaround Strategy (the LGTAS, 2009) in an attempt to address areas that are riddled with poor performance. A workable theoretical framework is required in municipalities to help bring about change initiatives and reinforce intended change in organisational aspects as captured in the LGTAS (2009). A model for achieving effective organisational change is proposed as the basis for municipal administrative functions and reinforcement of the turnaround strategy.
Effective Communication as Catalyst of Developmental Local Government and Rural Development amid Threats of Overpopulation
Authors: Rasila Naledzani , Mudau John
Published: October 2017

South Africa’s population has risen from 40.5 million in 1996  to 44.8 million in 2001 and to 51.77 in 2011. Africans are in majority making 79.2% of the whole population. About 22.3% of blacks have received no schooling with the unemployment rate of the blacks at 28.1%. Most of these unemployed and uneducated blacks are found in rural areas. This compelled government to introduce Developmental Local government. Developmental Local government refers to the layer of public service that has the capacity to deliver and account to the people in a responsive, accountable, and efficient manner. It is also described as a sphere that encourages community participation in matters of governance and developmental initiatives. However, Developmental Local government is hindered by continuous growth of population which is likely to lead to overpopulation. Overpopulation is characterised by lack of basic resources such as water and  food. Developmental Local government on the other hand is expected to deliver on these needs. Lack of fulfilment of goals of Developmental Local government is attributed to lack of effective communication between local government and community members. Although population growth is not attributed only to high birth rate, governments around the continent have introduced measures to encourage healthy reproductive life. However, this needs community members that are self-motivated to be active participants in government initiatives. This is not achievable as there is an indication of lack of effective communication. This paper’s main focus is the provision of effective communication model at local sphere which will see community members working together with government on matters of their own development including initiatives  to preserve limited resources amid the challenges of overpopulation. This paper is based on the qualitative study on effectiveness of communication in Mutale local municipality on the enhancement of Developmental Local government and rural development. The study indicated weaknesses and suggests for the development of new model of communication.
The Impact and Dilemma of Unfunded Mandates Confronting Local Government South Africa: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Basdeo M.
Published: October 2017

Local government has emerged from a prolonged transition to face a second generation of challenges, namely unfunded mandates. Compliance with the current financial management system is a constant challenge for local government. To complicate matters local government is challenged by the dilemma of unfunded mandates which are an extreme manifestation of the phenomenon of governing from the centre. National government through various strategies imposes national mandates on provincial and local government at the expense of the latter. The incidence of unfunded mandate reflects a power hierarchy. Unfunded mandates are generally a significant indicator of the relative weakness of national government because it is often local government occupying constitutionally and politically the weakest position in the hierarchy that is burdened with new responsibilities. In decentralised and federal government systems, provincial/state and local governments object to unfunded mandates because they shrink their policy space, limit their expenditure choices and ultimately local government’s accountability to their electorates. Further, these systems of governance establish a hierarchy of authority that creates  notions of self-rule by national government. Unfunded mandates reflect systemic weaknesses of decentralised or federal allocation of powers and functions. Although there are principled objections, unfunded mandates remain constitutional. Given the wide incidence of unfunded mandates the critical question arises as to how in a decentralised system, one level of government can impose mandates with cost implications on another. How is it constitutionally justifiable?
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: Reviewing an Inclusive Approach in the South Africa's Government Wide Monitoring and Evaluation
Authors: Matsiliza Noluthando
Published: October 2017

The premise of this paper is to canvass for the inclusion of stakeholders in participating in the Government Wide Monitoring and Evaluation (GWM&E) using the participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) approach. The focus is mainly on the practicality of using participatory methods as part of the agenda to cascade the implement the M&E into different stake-holders using various methods in South Africa. A variety of public participation methods should be recognised to benchmark for the inclusion of stakeholders at the local level in the evaluation and monitoring of public programmes and projects in order to allow more space for civil society engagement in development policies and social accountability. Participation is increasingly recognised by countries as an integral part of M&E process while it offers environment for civic participation in a more inclusive and responsive approach towards service delivery and budget  allocation in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, conclusions and recommendations from this study contribute towards monitoring and evaluation of policies, programmes and projects in the field of Public Management. This study intends to address the paucity of literature on Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation in South Africa.
The Influence of Organisational Culture on Mainstreaming Monitoring and Evaluation in Public Entities Revenue Services
Authors: Sebedi K.
Published: October 2017

Research informs us that most of the problems confronting governments can be traced to their inability and failure to appropriately analyze and evaluate organizational culture. This article argues that there is a direct link between organizational culture, organizational performance, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Understanding the effect that organizational culture has, is a significant factor of good governance. The importance of a strong organizational culture together with effective monitoring and evaluation processes contribute appreciably towards efficient performance and effective service delivery. Yet mainstreaming monitoring and evaluation in government departments and entities is often met with varying challenges. Such challenges can be better understood and addressed through aligning the entities’ organizational culture to government’s monitoring and evaluation initiatives. The focus of the article is on responding to the pertinent question: what are the current challenges relative to implementation and how should they be addressed? The article will thus highlight some of the key challenges that are associated with organizational culture, which have direct impact on the mainstreaming of monitoring and evaluation.
A Critical Review of the Oversight Role of the Office of the Auditor-General in Financial Accountability
Authors: Nzewi Ogochukwu , Musokeru Prosper
Published: October 2017

Accountability is the very essence of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996). In this regard, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) as the supreme audit institution of the Republic of South Africa plays an important oversight role of promoting financial accountability in government. The purpose of this article is to examine the challenges facing the office of the Auditor-General in executing its oversight role of promoting financial accountability in the sphere of provincial government. Information and sources for this article was gathered through literature review. The article gives some background on the establishment and rationale of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI). It explores some policy framework that informs public finance management in the Republic of South Africa, establishing the role of the AGSA within this purview. Based on the data gathered through literature review, the key challenges facing the office of the Auditor-General are discussed. Finally, possible solutions are recommended to the challenges that were identified.
History, Political Science, Public Management and Administration, Soil Science, Legal Studies.
Authors: Publishing AOSIS
Published: October 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
A Survey regarding Maternal Awareness about Oral Hygiene and Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 3- to 6-year-old Children in Davangere, Karnataka, India
Authors: Neena IE , Singh Yanina , Bahanan Abraham Ashwin , Meghana SB
Published: October 2017

Aim

To create awareness among the parents (mothers) about early childhood caries (ECC), to provide information, and to check knowledge about oral hygiene measures.

Materials and methods

A total of 382 children aged 3 to 6 years were examined from play homes and schools in Davangere, Karnataka, India, by the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. A questionnaire was given to all the mothers of the examined children to fill in the details to create awareness among mother’s oral hygiene measures. The collected data were then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 17.0 software) to assess the prevalence of ECC and knowledge regarding ECC among mothers.

Results

About 64.7% of mothers clean their child’s mouth after feeding, 40.1% started practicing oral hygiene at the age of 12 months and practiced oral hygiene twice a day.

Conclusion

Results show that mothers were quite aware of oral hygiene measures. They know about the proper way of toothbrushing and also about the frequency of brushing.

How to cite this article

Neena IE, Poornima P, Singh Y, Bahanan AA, Meghana SB. A Survey regarding Maternal Awareness about Oral Hygiene and Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in 3- to 6-year-old Children in Davangere, Karnataka, India. CODS J Dent 2016;8(1):6-8.
Management of Palatogingival Groove using the Innovative Tricalcium Silicate Material Biodentine™
Authors: Dhanyakumar NM , Devasia Soumya R
Published: October 2017

Palatogingival grooves (PGG) are developmental malformations that cause endodontic–periodontal lesions. Owing to their inconspicuous occurrence, funnel-shaped morphology, and variable extent on tooth root, they promote adherence of plaque and bacteria to levels significant for the development of pathology. Several treatment approaches have been recognized in the literature for the management of this anomaly. Here, in this report, a 32-year-old female patient reported with the complaint of pain and swelling in maxillary left lateral incisor. Clinical examination confirmed an endodontic–periodontal lesion in relation to PGG. Endodontic treatment was instituted followed by odontoplasty of the groove and restoration with newer calcium silicate cement, Biodentine. Combined endodontic–periodontal approach was successful in resolving the pathology with complete healing seen both clinically and radiographically. Timely diagnosis, prevention, and management are highly recommended to prevent tooth loss due to complications arising secondary to their presence.

How to cite this article

Dhanyakumar NM, Devasia SR. Management of Palatogingival Groove using the Innovative Tricalcium Silicate Material Biodentine™. CODS J Dent 2016;8(1):54-58.
Aerosols at the poles: an AeroCom Phase II multi-model evaluation
Authors: Sand Maria , Samset Bjørn H. , Balkanski Yves , Bauer Susanne , Bellouin Nicolas , Berntsen Terje K. , Bian Huisheng , Chin Mian , Diehl Thomas , Easter Richard , Ghan Steven J. , Iversen Trond , Kirkevåg Alf , Lamarque Jean-François , Lin Guangxing , Liu Xiaohong , Luo Gan , Myhre Gunnar , Noije Twan van , Penner Joyce E. , Schulz Michael , Seland Øyvind , Skeie Ragnhild B. , Stier Philip , Takemura Toshihiko , Tsigaridis Kostas , Yu Fangqun , Zhang Kai , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols from anthropogenic and natural sources reach the polar regions through long-range transport and affect the local radiation balance. Such transport is, however, poorly constrained in present-day global climate models, and few multi-model evaluations of polar anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing exist. Here we compare the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm from simulations with 16 global aerosol models from the AeroCom Phase II model intercomparison project with available observations at both poles. We show that the annual mean multi-model median is representative of the observations in Arctic, but that the intermodel spread is large. We also document the geographical distribution and seasonal cycle of the AOD for the individual aerosol species: black carbon (BC) from fossil fuel and biomass burning, sulfate, organic aerosols (OAs), dust, and sea-salt. For a subset of models that represent nitrate and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), we document the role of these aerosols at high latitudes.The seasonal dependence of natural and anthropogenic aerosols differs with natural aerosols peaking in winter (sea-salt) and spring (dust), whereas AOD from anthropogenic aerosols peaks in late spring and summer. The models produce a median annual mean AOD of 0.07 in the Arctic (defined here as north of 60° N). The models also predict a noteworthy aerosol transport to the Antarctic (south of 70° S) with a resulting AOD varying between 0.01 and 0.02. The models have estimated the shortwave anthropogenic radiative forcing contributions to the direct aerosol effect (DAE) associated with BC and OA from fossil fuel and biofuel (FF), sulfate, SOAs, nitrate, and biomass burning from BC and OA emissions combined. The Arctic modelled annual mean DAE is slightly negative (−0.12 W m−2), dominated by a positive BC FF DAE in spring and a negative sulfate DAE in summer. The Antarctic DAE is governed by BC FF. We perform sensitivity experiments with one of the AeroCom models (GISS modelE) to investigate how regional emissions of BC and sulfate and the lifetime of BC influence the Arctic and Antarctic AOD. A doubling of emissions in eastern Asia results in a 33 % increase in Arctic AOD of BC. A doubling of the BC lifetime results in a 39 % increase in Arctic AOD of BC. However, these radical changes still fall within the AeroCom model range.
Regional modelling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: WRF-Chem-PAH model development and East Asia case studies
Authors: Mu Qing , Lammel Gerhard , Gencarelli Christian N. , Hedgecock Ian M. , Chen Ying , Přibylová Petra , Teich Monique , Zhang Yuxuan , Zheng Guangjie , van Pinxteren Dominik , Zhang Qiang , Herrmann Hartmut , Shiraiwa Manabu , Spichtinger Peter , Su Hang , Pöschl Ulrich , Cheng Yafang
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous pollutants, with increasing emissions in pace with economic development in East Asia, but their distribution and fate in the atmosphere are not yet well understood. We extended the regional atmospheric chemistry model WRF-Chem (Weather Research Forecast model with Chemistry module) to comprehensively study the atmospheric distribution and the fate of low-concentration, slowly degrading semivolatile compounds. The WRF-Chem-PAH model reflects the state-of-the-art understanding of current PAHs studies with several new or updated features. It was applied for PAHs covering a wide range of volatility and hydrophobicity, i.e. phenanthrene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene, in East Asia. Temporally highly resolved PAH concentrations and particulate mass fractions were evaluated against observations. The WRF-Chem-PAH model is able to reasonably well simulate the concentration levels and particulate mass fractions of PAHs near the sources and at a remote outflow region of East Asia, in high spatial and temporal resolutions. Sensitivity study shows that the heterogeneous reaction with ozone and the homogeneous reaction with the nitrate radical significantly influence the fate and distributions of PAHs. The methods to implement new species and to correct the transport problems can be applied to other newly implemented species in WRF-Chem.
Statistical Analysis of Contrail to Cirrus Evolution during the Contrail and Cirrus Experiments (CONCERT)
Authors: Chauvigné Aurélien , Jourdan Olivier , Schwarzenboeck Alfons , Gourbeyre Christophe , Voigt Christiane , Schlager Hans , Kaufmann Stefan , Borrmann Stephan , Molleker Sergej , Minikin Andreas , Jurkat Tina , Schumann Ulrich
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Air traffic affects the cloudiness, and thus the climate, by emitting exhaust gases and particles. The study of the evolution of contrail properties is very challenging due to the complex interplay of vortex dynamics and atmospheric environment (e.g. temperature, supersaturation). Despite substantial progress in recent years, the optical, microphysical, and macrophysical properties of contrails and ambient cirrus during contrail formation and subsequent ageing are still subject to large uncertainties due to instrumental and observational limitations and the large number of variables influencing the contrail life cycle. In this study, various contrail cases corresponding to different aircraft types and atmospheric conditions are investigated using a statistical method based on the in situ optical measurements performed during the CONCERT campaigns 2008 and 2011. These two aircraft campaigns encompass more than 17 aircraft contrail cases. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the angular scattering coefficients measured by the Polar Nephelometer has been implemented in order to classify the sampled ice cloud measurements in 6 clusters representative of different development stages of the contrails (primary wake, young contrail, contrail-cirrus and natural cirrus). Based on the information derived from air traffic control, extinction coefficients, asymmetry coefficients, nitrogen oxide concentrations, relative humidity with respect to ice (RHI) and particle size distributions are analyzed for each cluster to provide a characterization of the evolution of ice-cloud properties during the contrail to cirrus evolution. The PCA demonstrates that contrail optical properties are well suited to identify and discriminate the different contrail growth stages and to provide an independent method for the characterization of the evolution of contrail properties.
Soil moisture control of sap-flow response to biophysical factors in a desert-shrub species, Artemisia ordosica
Authors: Zha Tianshan , Qian Duo , Jia Xin , Bai Yujie , Tian Yun , Bourque Charles P.-A. , Ma Jingyong , Feng Wei , Wu Bin , Peltola Heli
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The current understanding of acclimation processes in desert-shrub species to drought stress in dryland ecosystems is still incomplete. In this study, we measured sap flow in Artemisia ordosica and associated environmental variables throughout the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014 (May–September period of each year) to better understand the environmental controls on the temporal dynamics of sap flow. We found that the occurrence of drought in the dry year of 2013 during the leaf-expansion and leaf-expanded periods caused sap flow per leaf area (Js) to decline significantly, resulting in transpiration being 34 % lower in 2013 than in 2014. Sap flow per leaf area correlated positively with radiation (Rs), air temperature (T), and water vapor pressure deficit (VPD) when volumetric soil water content (VWC) was greater than 0.10 m3 m−3. Diurnal Js was generally ahead of Rs by as much as 6 hours. This time lag, however, decreased with increasing VWC. The relative response of Js to the environmental variables (i.e., Rs, T, and VPD) varied with VWC, Js being more strongly controlled by plant-physiological processes during periods of dryness indicated by a low decoupling coefficient and low sensitivity to the environmental variables. According to this study, soil moisture is shown to control sap-flow (and, therefore, plant-transpiration) response in Artemisia ordosica to diurnal variations in biophysical factors. This species escaped (acclimated to) water limitations by invoking a water-conservation strategy with the regulation of stomatal conductance and advancement of Js peaking time, manifesting in a hysteresis effect. The findings of this study add to the knowledge of acclimation processes in desert-shrub species under drought-associated stress. This knowledge is essential in modeling desert-shrub-ecosystem functioning under changing climatic conditions.