bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Spectral Unmixing Method with Ensemble Estimation of Endmembers: Application to Flood Mapping in the Caprivi Floodplain
Authors: Bangira Tsitsi , Alfieri Silvia , Menenti Massimo , Van Niekerk Adriaan , Vekerdy Zoltán
Published: October 2017

The Caprivi basin in Namibia has been affected by severe flooding in recent years resulting in deaths, displacements and destruction of infrastructure. The negative consequences of these floods have emphasized the need for timely, accurate and objective information about the extent and location of affected areas. Due to the high temporal variability of flood events, Earth Observation (EO) data at high revisit frequency is preferred for accurate flood monitoring. Currently, EO data has either high temporal or coarse spatial resolution. Accurate methodologies for the estimation and monitoring of flooding extent using coarse spatial resolution optical image data are needed in order to capture spatial details in heterogeneous areas such as Caprivi. The objective of this work was the retrieval of the fractional abundance of water ( γ w ) by applying a new spectral indices-based unmixing algorithm to Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer Full Resolution (MERIS FR) data using a minimum number of spectral bands. These images are technically similar to the OLCI image data acquired by the Sentinel-3 satellite, which are to be systematically provided in the near future. The normalized difference wetness index (NDWI) was applied to delineate the water surface and combined with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to account for emergent vegetation within the water bodies. The challenge to map flooded areas by applying spectral unmixing is the estimation of spectral endmembers, i.e., pure spectra of land cover features. In our study, we developed and applied a new unmixing method based on the use of an ensemble of spectral endmembers to capture and take into account spectral variability within each endmember. In our case study, forty realizations of the spectral endmembers gave a stable frequency distribution of γ w . Quality of the flood map derived from the Envisat MERIS (MERIS) data was assessed against high (30 m) spatial resolution Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images on two different dates (17 April 2008 and 22 May 2009) during which floods occurred. The findings show that both the spatial and the frequency distribution of the γ w extracted from the MERIS data were in good agreement with the high-resolution TM retrievals. The use of conventional linear unmixing, instead, applied using the entire available spectra for each image, resulted in relatively large differences between TM and MERIS retrievals.
Antimycobacterial Activities of N-Substituted-Glycinyl 1H-1,2,3-Triazolyl Oxazolidinones and Analytical Method Development and Validation for a Representative Compound
Authors: Al-Tannak Naser , Phillips Oludotun
Published: October 2017

Twelve N-substituted-glycinyl triazolyl oxazolidinone derivatives were screened for antimycobacterial activity against susceptible (Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv) and resistant (isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mtb (SRI 1369), rifampin (RMP)-resistant Mtb (SRI 1367), and ofloxacin (OFX)-resistant Mtb (SRI 4000)) Mtb strains. Most of the compounds showed moderate to strong antimycobacterial activity against all strains tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranges of 0.5–11.5, 0.056–11.6, 0.11–5.8, and 0.03–11.6 μM, and percent inhibition ranges of 41–79%, 51–72%, 50–75%, and 52–71% against Mtb H37Rv, INH-R, RMP-R, and OFX-R M. tuberculosis, respectively. The 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl and 5-nitrofuroyl derivatives demonstrated strong antimycobacterial activities with the N-(5-nitrofuroyl) derivatives (PH-145 and PH-189) being the most potent, with MIC value range of 0.3–0.6 μM against all strains tested. Compounds were not bactericidal, but showed intracellular (macrophage) antimycobacterial activity. A reliable validated analytical method was developed for a representative compound PH-189 using Waters Acquity ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) system with quaternary Solvent Manager (H-Class). A simple extraction method indicated that PH-189 was stable in human plasma after 90 min at 37 °C with more than 90% successfully recovered. Moreover, stress stability studies were performed and degradants were identified by using UHPLC-ESI-QToF under acidic, basic, and oxidative simulated conditions.
β-Differential of a Graph
Authors: Basilio Ludwin , Bermudo Sergio , Leaños Jesús , Sigarreta José
Published: October 2017

Let G = ( V , E ) be a simple graph with vertex set V and edge set E. Let D be a subset of V, and let B ( D ) be the set of neighbours of D in V ∖ D . The differential ∂ ( D ) of D is defined as | B ( D ) | − | D | . The maximum value of ∂ ( D ) taken over all subsets D ⊆ V is the differential ∂ ( G ) of G. For β ∈ ( − 1 , Δ ) , the β-differential ∂ β ( G ) of G is the maximum value of { | B ( D ) | − β | D | : D ⊆ V } . Motivated by an influential maximization problem, in this paper we study the β -differential of G.
Dynamic of Dalinor Lakes in the Inner Mongolian Plateau and Its Driving Factors during 1976–2015
Authors: Li Haidong , Gao Yuanyun , Li Yingkui , Yan Shouguang , Xu Yuyue
Published: October 2017

Climate change and increasing human activities have induced lake expansion or shrinkage, posing a serious threat to the ecological security on the Inner Mongolian Plateau, China. However, the pattern of lake changes and how it responds to climate change and revegetation have rarely been reported. We investigated the pattern of lake-area changes in the Dalinor National Nature Reserve (DNR) using Landsat imagery during 1976–2015, and examined its relationship with changes in climate and vegetation factors. The total lake-area in the DNR has decreased by 11.6% from 1976 to 2015 with a rate of −0.55 km2 year−1. The largest Dalinor Lake reduced the most (by 32.7 km2) with a rate of −0.79 km2 year−1. The air temperature has increased significantly since 1976, with a rate of 0.03 °C year−1 (p < 0.05), while the precipitation slightly decreased during 1976–2015, with a rate of −0.86 mm year−1. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) increased by 27.7% from 1976 to 2015, especially after 2001 when vegetation has been promoted greatly as a result of the successful ecological protection and restoration in the Dalinor basin. The decrease in lake-areas for the DNR exhibited a negative correlation with NDVI (r = −0.397, p < 0.05) during 1976–2015. It seems that decreasing precipitation drives the reduction in lake-area, while rising temperature and vegetation greenness accelerated this decreasing trend by increasing evapotranspiration. The continuous lake shrinkage increases the ecological risks to the habitat of birds, causing a challenge to the management in the DNR.
An Analytical Model of Fickian and Non-Fickian Dispersion in Evolving-Scale Log-Conductivity Distributions
Authors: Pannone Marilena
Published: October 2017

The characteristics of solute transport within log-conductivity fields represented by power-law semi-variograms are investigated by an analytical Lagrangian approach that accounts for the automatic frequency cut-off induced by the initial contaminant plume size. The transport process anomaly is critically controlled by the magnitude of the Péclet number. Interestingly enough, unlike the case of fast-decaying correlation functions (i.e., exponential or Gaussian), the presence of intensive transverse diffusion acts as an antagonist mechanism in the process of Fickian regime achievement. On the other hand, for markedly advective conditions and finite initial plume size, even the ergodic longitudinal dispersion coefficient turns out to be asymptotically constant, and the corresponding expected concentration distribution can therefore be obtained by conventional mathematical methods.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Environmental Variables in Relation to Phytoplankton Community Structure in a Eutrophic River-Type Reservoir
Authors: Zhao Wenxi , Li Yanying , Jiao Yongjie , Zhou Bin , Vogt Rolf , Liu Honglei , Ji Min , Ma Zhe , Li Anding , Zhou Beihai , Xu Yaping
Published: October 2017

This study assesses spatial and temporal variation in environmental variables in relation to phytoplankton community size and composition in a typically eutrophic river reservoir (Hai River, northern China). The aim is to identify environmental parameters governing spatial and temporal differences in phytoplankton density and composition. Physicochemical parameters, including nutrient concentrations, were determined in monthly surface water samples from 2015. The average concentration of key eutrophication indexes (i.e., total phosphorous (TP: 0.24 ± 0.11 mg·L−1), total nitrogen (TN: 2.96 ± 1.60 mg·L−1), and Chlorophyll a (Chl a: 38.5 ± 11.5 mg·m−3)) substantially exceeded threshold values for eutrophic streams. Moreover, the eutrophication increased significantly downstream along the river reservoir as a consequence of an increasing fraction of agricultural and industrial land-use in the watershed. 103 phytoplankton species were identified, of which Chlorophyta was the dominated phylum (47 species), followed by Bacillariophyta (23 species) and Cyanophyta (18 species). No spatial difference in species distribution (ANOVA, p > 0.05) were found, while the temporal differences in species composition exhibited significant heterogeneity (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Phytoplankton abundance was highest in early summer (June and July), with maximum values increasing from 1.78 × 108 and 2.80 × 108 cells·L−1 in upstream and middle reaches, respectively, to 4.18 × 108 cells·L−1 furthest downstream. Cyanophyta, also known as Cyanobacteria and commonly referred to as blue-green algal, are known to constitute algae bloom in eutrophic systems. Common species are Microcystis marginata, Microcystis flos-aquae, and Oscillatoria sp. This was the dominant phyla during summer months, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the stream reservoir where it accounted for 88.9% of the phytoplankton community. Shannon weaver index (H’) and Pielous’s evenness index (J’) were extremely low (1.91–2.43 for H’ and 0.39–0.45 for J’) in samples collected from the lower part of the stream during the period of algal bloom, indicating an imbalance in the phytoplankton communities. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that water temperature (WT) and possible pH, along with nitrate (NO3-N) and nitrite (NO2-N), were the most important explanatory parameters in regard to phytoplankton composition. This research provides an understanding of the role of physicochemical water quality parameters in governing algal blooms and phytoplankton composition in river reservoirs.
Mechanically induced oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in ambient air: Revisiting TEMPO-assisted oxidations
Authors: Porcheddu Andrea , Colacino Evelina , Cravotto Giancarlo , Delogu Francesco , De Luca Lidia
Published: October 2017

The present work addresses the development of an eco-friendly and cost-efficient protocol for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones by mechanical processing under air. Ball milling was shown to promote the quantitative conversion of a broad set of alcohols into carbonyl compounds with no trace of an over-oxidation to carboxylic acids. The mechanochemical reaction exhibited higher yields and rates than the classical, homogeneous, TEMPO-based oxidation.
Frontières fantômes et ambivalence des espaces d’identification en Ukraine
Authors: von Löwis Sabine , Meunier Valentine
Published: October 2017

Cet article examine la question très actuelle des divisions internes de l’Ukraine, sous l’angle de la géographie culturelle. Les journalistes, les chercheurs ou les acteurs politiques divisent volontiers l’Ukraine en plusieurs régions culturelles dont les limites sont calées sur d’anciennes frontières impériales ou nationales. Ces lectures jouent de la similitude entre certaines cartes électorales, linguistiques ou politiques. L’étude des symboles et monuments dans deux villages de l’Ukraine occidentale de part et d’autre d’une ancienne frontière historique permet de critiquer ces interprétations univoques et de mettre en lumière l’ambivalence des espaces d’identification et des rapports à l’histoire dans ces communautés villageoises.
Berlin par-delà les ruptures. Vivre, raconter et produire les matières de la ville
Authors: Hocquet Marie , Garrido Caroline , von Hirschhausen Béatrice
Published: October 2017

En dépit de la réunification il y a près d’une génération, les traces du partage demeurent sensibles dans l’espace berlinois. Cet article interroge les modalités vernaculaires et quotidiennes d’actualisation de ce passé. Il analyse les processus concrets par lesquels les acteurs ordinaires effacent certaines formes urbaines héritées ou au contraire en réinstituent d’autres. Le concept de « frontière fantôme » permet ici d’articuler trois temporalités : la temporalité physique et sociale de la ville, construite et reconstruite sur elle-même, la temporalité des imaginaires continuellement réévalués qui donnent sens à l’espace urbain, la temporalité de l’expérience des habitants et passants qui pratiquent la ville.
(Re)connaissances anthropologiques du postcolonial
Authors: Debonneville Julien
Published: October 2017

Cette contribution a pour objectif d’étudier la trajectoire des postcolonial studies dans le champ académique de la France métropolitaine afin d’interroger le processus de circulation et d’institutionnalisation des savoirs. En montrant comment les études postcoloniales sont entrées depuis « les marges » dans le monde académique français, cet article pointe comment la structuration du monde académique français centrée sur les disciplines a participé à constituer un terreau propice aux résistances envers les postcolonial studies. Ce texte révèle ainsi comment l’anthropologie sociale dominée par le structuralisme a constitué un frein majeur à l’essor des études postcoloniales en France. L’article pointe à ce titre le rôle des deux ruptures épistémologiques opérées par Lévi-Strauss avec la philosophie et l’anthropologie étatsunienne dans l’éclosion tardive des postcolonial studies dans les sciences sociales françaises.
Les Animal Studies peuvent-elles nous aider à penser l’émergence des épistémès réparatrices ?
Authors: Michalon Jérôme
Published: October 2017

Cet article vise à décrire ce que sont les Animal Studies dans une perspective d’histoire des savoirs et de sociologie des sciences. Il s’agira de décrire l’évolution du domaine des Animal Studies tout autant que de la communauté qui y prend part, en situant cette description dans le cadre de l’évolution récente des relations humains/animaux (montée en puissance du zoocentrisme). À travers trois sites éditoriaux, les revues Anthrozoös, Society & Animals, et le Journal of Critical Animal Studies, on cherchera à décrire comment les Animal Studies se constituent en tant que Studies. On parlera d’un processus de « montée en studies », procédant par étapes, et se traduisant, pour les tenants des Animal Studies, par l’affirmation progressive et conjointe de la nécessité d’une posture zoocentrée et d’une indexation de la production de savoirs sur des ambitions normatives pro-animaux.
Discuter des « aires culturelles » grâce aux « airs de famille »
Authors: Bosa Bastien
Published: October 2017

Cet article part d’une question très simple : que penser des « aires culturelles » comme mode spécifique d’organisation du travail de recherche ? Pour cela, il prend appui sur la métaphore des ressemblances familiales, proposée par Ludwig Wittgenstein, laquelle se base sur les idées d’entrecroisement et de chevauchement. Elle permet de remarquer qu’il n’existe – entre les travaux des différents chercheur – que des ressemblances partielles (que celles-ci soient liées à la méthodologie, aux objets, aux thèmes, aux terrains, etc.). En ce sens, organiser la recherche consiste à réunir des projets et des enquêtes qui – en dépit de leur irréductible singularité – partagent avec d’autres un certain « air de famille », mais en aucun cas une essence commune. Dans ce contexte, nous réfléchirons à la valeur relative des « aires culturelles » en relation avec les autres systèmes de classement qui président à la division du travail dans les sciences sociales, que ce soit dans le mode traditionnel des disciplines ou dans celui, plus récent, des champs d’études spécialisées (studies).
“It comes down to confidence”: Con Artistry in David Mamet’s The Shawl and House of Games
Authors: Collard Christophe
Published: October 2017

Cet article s’intéresse à l’attitude ambivalente à l’égard de la tromperie dont le dramaturge et réalisateur David Mamet fait montre dans sa pièce de théâtre The Shawl (1985) et son long métrage House of Game s (1987) – deux œuvres qui traitent de l’escroquerie et sont structurées comme une escroquerie. Chacune suivant le raisonnement selon lequel l’escroc, comme le dramaturge, exploite le pouvoir qu’a le langage de créer des liens tout autant que d’entraîner des confusions, cet article tente de montrer que l’illusion dramatique est un des moteurs de la réflexion. En outre, étant donné la tendance singulière et quasi didactique de David Mamet à rejeter une division claire et agoniste entre vainqueur et perdant, vrai et faux, Bien et Mal, le concept de la tromperie lui-même pourrait être transformé : il devient un processus productif alors qu’il était vu comme un produit emprunt de négativité, passant ainsi de la moralisation à la machination. Au bout du compte, un cadre conceptuel se dégage qui sert à accueillir une certaine diversité, à produire une forme de moralité, et à stimuler la réflexivité.
Melissa Cefkin : une anthropologue chez les ingénieurs
Authors: Cefkin Melissa , Giguère Isabelle
Published: October 2017

Quel est le lien entre l’anthropologie, les véhicules autonomes et la gestion ? Melissa Cefkin, tout simplement. Cette anthropologue de renom, aujourd’hui chercheuse et directrice principale pour le Nissan Research Center , s’est entretenue avec Gestion.
L’esprit de l’entrepreneur : recevoir et rendre
Authors: Barès Franck , Cova Bernard
Published: October 2017

Quoi de plus opposé dans l’esprit de tous qu’entreprendre et donner ! Et pourtant, le cycle du don conceptualisé par l’anthropologue français Marcel Mauss en 1929 peut démontrer comment la vie de l’entrepreneur s’articule autour des trois temps de ce cycle : donner, recevoir, rendre.
Les jeux vidéo publicitaires : une bonne stratégie pour votre marque ?
Authors: Ignatieff Arabella
Published: October 2017

La créativité a une influence positive sur l’intérêt et la confiance des consommateurs à l’égard d’une marque. Dans cette optique, des organisations à la recherche d’avenues innovantes se tournent vers les jeux vidéo publicitaires. Cette tendance représente-t-elle une stratégie gagnante ?
Key Success Factors of an SME's Multi-Site Organizational Restructuring
Authors: Bag Surajit
Published: October 2017

Contemporary manufacturing supply chains face multiple challenges due to long, complex networks that operate internationally. Here, the focal company is an SME that has spread its network globally to reach mining customers with quality products within the shortest lead time. This study uses the case research method to study a family-owned business. It identifies the critical success factors in the supply chain restructuring program. Secondly, it examines the effective strategies in managing pre- and post-restructuring process. Thirdly, it emphasizes how the operational efficiency was achieved by reducing uncertainties and risks in the upstream supply chain and fourthly, to develop a framework for future researchers. The findings suggest that key driving factors of the restructuring program are organization culture, leadership, top management commitment, and information technology. The linkage factors which emerged from the study are effective communication with the stakeholders, employee motivation, work satisfaction, crisis management and managing buyer-supplier relationships.
Designing Secure and Privacy-Aware Information Systems
Authors: Kalloniatis Christos , Pattakou Argyri , Kavakli Evangelia , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: October 2017

Pervasiveness of information systems is well underway, redefining our social and economic relationships. This technological revolution has generated enormous capabilities, but also enabled the creation of new vulnerabilities and threats. A major challenge in the field of information systems is therefore, to ensure the trustworthiness of the underlying technologies that make possible the generation, collection, storage, processing and transmission of user data at rates more intensive than ever before. Trust in information systems depends on different aspects, one of which is the security of user's data. Data security is referred as the protection of user's data from corruption and unauthorized access. Another important aspect of trust is the protection of user's privacy. Protecting privacy is about complying with user's desires when it comes to handling personal information. Without security to guarantee data protection, appropriate uses of that data cannot be realized. This implies that security and privacy issues are inherently intertwined and should be viewed synergistically. The aim of this paper is to elevate modern practices for ensuring security and privacy during software systems analysis and design. To this end, the basic security and privacy requirements that should be considered are introduced. Additionally, a number of well known methods in the research area of requirements engineering which focus on eliciting and modeling security and privacy requirements are described. Finally, a comparative analysis between these methods is presented.
Service-Oriented Cost Allocation for Business Intelligence and Analytics
Authors: Grytz Raphael , Krohn-Grimberghe Artus
Published: October 2017

Quantifying and designing the cost pool generated by Business Intelligence and Analytics (BI&A) would improve cost transparency and invoicing processes, allowing a fairer, more exact allocation of costs to service consumers. Yet there is still no method for determining BI&A costs to provide a base for allocation purposes. While literature describes several methods for BI&A cost estimation on an ROI or resource-consumption level, none of these methods considers an overall approach for BI&A. To tackle this problem, the authors propose a service- oriented cost allocation model which calculates BI&A applications based on defined services, enabling a cost transfer to service consumers. This new approach specifies steps towards deriving a usable pricing scheme for an entire BI&A service portfolio – both for allocation purposes as well as improving cost evaluation of BI&A projects. Moreover, it increases customer understanding and cost awareness. Based on this approach, the authors introduce a BI&A value creation cycle which helps customers to use BI&A services cost-effectively.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester: Effect of Nanoclay and Mixing Time on Tensile Modulus, Flammability, and Wear Resistance
Authors: Ujianto Onny , Margetts Dean , Santoso Heru , Sujarwadi Roni
Published: October 2017

Glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyesters were prepared by hand lay-up technique. Effect of clay conditions and loading, as well as mixing time on tensile modulus, flammability, and wear resistance were evaluated. In general, the results showed that there might be two possible structures, dispersed and agglomerated, in the composite samples. The modulus results showed that the effect of clay drying, as well as higher filler loading increase the property. In contrast, the mixing time resulted in negative effect on modulus. The improvement on modulus and flammability might be influenced by clay dispersion due to shear and viscosity change, while the decrease on modulus and wear resistance might be caused by agglomerated structures due to lubrication effect of moisture content, and less crosslink point caused by styrene evaporation.
Non-Isothermal Curing Kinetics of a Modified Benzoxazine Resin System Suitable for Hot-Melt Prepreg Preparation
Authors: Fan Meng Jin , Zhou Yu , Luan Yi Hao , Zang Qian , Zhang Dong Xia , Shang Cheng Yuan , Jiang Wen Ge
Published: October 2017

Non-isothermal DSC was used to study the cure kinetics of a flame-retardant benzoxazine resin system (BZ501-1) suitable for hot-melt prepreg preparation. The variation of activation energy with conversion for BZ501-1 system was investigated by using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method, and the average value of activation energy obtained from this method was 100.5 kJ/mol. After that, the model function that depends on the reaction mechanism for the non-isothermal cure of BZ501-1 system was determined by Málek method, and the result showed that Šesták-Berggren model can generally simulate well the reaction rate. Finally, the isothermal curing behavior of BZ501-1 at 200 °C was predicted by using the obtained rate equation, and the result showed that there was no significant difference between the experiment conversions and the predicted ones. The predicted results at different temperatures indicated that the curing rate increased gradually with increasing the curing temperature.
Pseudocapacitive Behavior of Ni(OH)2/NiO Hierarchical Structures Grown on Carbon Fiber Paper
Authors: Dahonog Luigi A. , Ocon Joey D. , Balela Mary Donnabelle L.
Published: October 2017

Transition metal oxides and hydroxides, specifically nickel (Ni), are currently being studied for their pseudocapacitive behaviors due to their high specific capacitance and efficient redox reactions. In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel hydroxide [Ni (OH)2] hierarchical structures were grown on carbon fiber paper via hydrothermal treatment for a binder-free electrode for pseudocapacitor. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to determine the influence of annealing temperature on the specific capacitance of NiO-and/or Ni (OH)2 – carbon fiber electrodes. The NiO – carbon fiber electrode annealed at 400°C exhibited the highest specific capacitance of about 1993.12 F/g at a scan rate of 2 mV/s. The carbon fibers were fully covered by NiO platelets which possibly provide efficient transport of electrolyte, enhancing the capacitance.
Influence of Indium and Antimony Additions on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Lead Free Solder Alloys
Authors: Chantaramanee Suchart , Sungkhaphaitoon Phairote , Plookphol Thawatchai
Published: October 2017

In this research, we investigated the influence of indium and antimony additions on the microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu lead free solder alloys. The results revealed that the addition of 0.5 wt.%InSb into SAC305 solder alloys resulted to a reduced melting temperature by 3.8 °C and IMCs phases formed new Ag3(Sn,In) and SnSb in the Sn-rich matrix with a decreased grain size of 28%. These phases improved the mechanical properties of solder alloys. In addition, the mechanical properties of SAC305 solder alloys increased by adding 0.5 wt.%InSb, resulting in an increase of ultimate tensile strength of 24%, but the percent elongation decreased to 45.8%. Furthermore, the Vickers microhardness slightly increased of the SAC305 solder alloys.
Mechanical Properties of Curved Nickel-Titanium Orthodontic Archwires Prepared by Cold Bending and Heat Bending Techniques
Authors: Pongpat Kanuengnit , Dechkunakorn Surachai , Anuwongnukroh Niwat , Khantachawana Anak
Published: October 2017

Curved nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires are widely used in deep bite and open bite correction because of their extraordinary properties of shape memory and superelasticity. The aim of this study were to investigate the mechanical properties of curved NiTi archwires prepared by two different techniques; cold bending and direct electric resistance heat treatment (DERHT) bending and compare those properties to preformed curve NiTi archwires. Preformed curve archwires, 0.016x0.022 inch, were served as a control (group1). Plain archwires were curved into similar geometry as control by fingers (group2) and under the application of DERHT (group3). The three-point bending test was performed to analyze unloading force, springback and stiffness of archwires. Surface hardness was measured by Vickers micro-hardness test. The result showed that the unload force of all sample groups were similar. However, the stiffness and spring back properties of group2 and group3 were significantly higher than those of group 1(p<0.05). Moreover, surface hardness of cold forming technique and preform-curved NiTi archwire was slightly lower than those obtained from DERHT bending technique. Based on these results, the cold bending technique could provide the curved archwire with similar mechanical properties to the preform-curved NiTi archwire. Therefore, the cold bending technique was acceptable to be used as a chair-side orthodontic NiTi wire bending.
Development of Biocomposite Based Anchor Screw System for Osteoporosis
Authors: Hong Beom Ki , Kwon Young hoon , Zhang Shu Yao , Lee Ho Jun , Kim Oh Jin , Kim Ji Soo , Lee Sun Mook , Lee Min Su
Published: October 2017

With the recent advancements in arthroscopic surgery, the use of suture anchor has increased in the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears. In the present study, we developed a suture anchor system for ligament reconstruction that can be applied to patients with osteoporosis or with low bone density. The anchor screws are made of biocomposites containing poly-L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in a 70:30 ratio. The suture anchor system consisted of medial and lateral screw. The lateral screw was designed in a hemicylindrical structure to prevent bone damage. The performance of the developed anchor screw was found to be greater than 402.5 N in a pull-out test.
Assessing the role of local institutions in participatory development: The case of Khwee and Sehunong settlements in Botswana
Authors: Molosi- France Keneilwe , Dipholo Kenneth
Published: October 2017

Many governments in Africa give priority to rural development mainly because a significant proportion of their populations live in the rural areas where poverty is severe. Thus, one of the goals of rural development is to address the problem of poverty in the rural areas with an emphasis on promoting participation of people in decisions that affect them. The Village Development Committee (VDC) is a village-level institution that is responsible for ensuring that the community actively participates in the development process in order to promote grassroot development. Essentially, VDCs have been established to offer a forum for community engagement in the processes that concern their development with a view to promote a sense of responsibility, commitment and ownership by the community. This discussion is informed by a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews to gather data. Two findings pertaining to the weak role of the VDC and unequal power relations are seen to be hindering community participation. As such, this paper argues that VDCs in Khwee and Sehunong settlements do not serve their intended purpose of engaging the community as other stakeholders pay lip service to community participation, hence not fully involving the VDC. The paper recommends that the Government of Botswana as the main stakeholder in national development, including the development of San communities, should commit to genuine community participation, while on the other hand the San should be empowered so that they can embrace and demand to be involved in their own development.
Measures with locally finite support and spectrum
Authors: Meyer Yves
Published: October 2017

This note answers an issue raised by Nir Lev and Alexander Olevskii in [7]. In the conclusion of [7] Lev and Olevskii mentioned a new and fascinating Poisson summation formula suggested by André Paul Guinand in [4]. Lev and Olevskii wanted to know to what class of functions this formula applies. This will be answered below (Theorem 4.1). Another intriguing Poisson summation formula was elaborated in [10]. We show that it is coupled to the Epstein ζ function by a coupling discovered by Jean-Pierre Kahane and Szolem Mandelbrojt in [5].
Early lambing – kidding, prolificacy and twinning in the Nigerian breeds of sheep and goat
Authors: Aluko F. A. , Ngere L. O.
Published: October 2017

This study examined early lambing-kidding, prolificacy and twinning in Nigerian breeds of sheep and goat using questionnaire administered by enumerators. Sheep and goat farmers in the study area were interviewed. At the time of the study, Nigeria had only 21 States plus the Federal Capital Territory, with each States having different number of local government areas. A total of four hundred forty nine (449) Local Government Areas were used in this survey. Five villages were randomly sampled from each Local Government Area and five questionnaires were administered to five randomly selected farmers in each village. Some breeds of sheep like Yankasa, Uda and Balami were frequent among the states in the north. Red Sokoto and sahel goat were frequent among the states in the north.The Red Sokoto goat (4.43%) kid earliest than WAD goat (4.29 %) and Sahel goat (2.01%). WAD sheep (7.18%) was found to be most prolific, followed by Balami (5.17%) and Yankasa (3.88%) while it was lower in Uda (3.45%).The Sahel goat (5.49%) was the most prolific, followed by WAD (4.64%) and Red Sokoto goat (3.86%). Among the breeds of sheep, WAD sheep had more occurrence of twinning (6.82%) than the other breeds of sheep – Uda (2.57%), Yankasa (2.55%) and was very low in Balami sheep (1.21%).With the breeds of goat, WAD goat (3.31%) had more occurrence of twinning followed by Red Sokoto (2.88%), while Sahel goat had the lowest occurrence of twinning (1.14%).From this study, a successful breeding programme and plan could be made where selection is carried out among these breeds to increase the frequency of these desired traits in Yankasa, WAD sheep and Red Sokoto, Sahel, WAD goat. There is a need for a repeat of this work in this year 2016, where results obtained can be compared with the results obtained in this study.Key words: Breeds, Kidding, lambing, prolificacy, twinning.
Birthweight, good mothering and survival in the Nigerian small ruminants
Authors: Aluko F. A , Ngere L. O.
Published: October 2017

In this study,birthweight, good mothering and survival in the Nigerian small ruminants were examined using a questionnaire administered by enumerators. Sheep and goat farmers in Nigeria were the respondents. In the year 1988, Nigeria had only 21 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with each states having different number of local government areas. A total of four hundred and forty nine Local Government Areas were used in this study. Five villages were randomly sampled from each Local Government Area and five questionnaires were administered to five randomly selected farmers in each village. In sheep Yankasa (5.43%) had the highest birth weight and it was lowest in Balami (2.51%). Sahel goat (5.24%) had the highest birth weight than West African Dwarf (3.87%) and Red Sokoto (3.33%). Good mothering attribute was more in Uda (7.90%), Balami (7.56%), Yankasa (7.08%) sheep and WAD goat (5.17%). Survival rate was highest in Yankasa sheep (7.95%) and WAD goat (5.86%). From this study therefore, selection could be made for Yankasa, Uda sheep and sahel, WAD goat in a meat enterprise for this attribute – birth weight, good mothering, survival were found to be excellent in this breed of sheep and goat.Keywords: Yankasa, birthweight, good mothering, survival rate.
Entrevista a Mª Patrocinio Morrondo
Authors: Castillo Rodríguez Cristina
Published: October 2017

Cristina Castillo Rodríguez entrevista a Mª Patrocinio Morrondo Pelayo, 
Presidenta del Consejo de Dirección de la Agencia para la Calidad del Sistema Universitario de Galicia (ACSUG)
La comunicación como competencia transversal a adquirir en el aprendizaje de Patología General Veterinaria. La experiencia de la Facultad de Veterinaria de Lugo
Authors: Castillo Rodríguez Cristina , Abuelo Sebio Ángel , Hernández Bermúdez Joaquín
Published: October 2017

La docencia universitaria ha cambiado al tiempo que lo han hecho las demandas de la sociedad. Ahora no sólo se valoran los  conocimientos  sino  también  otras habilidades necesarias para el ejercicio de la actividad profesional: la búsqueda de  información,  el  análisis  crítico,  la comunicación,  el  cooperativismo  y  la determinación  a  la  hora  de  superar problemas,  valores  que  no  son contemplados en ningún temario. Para fomentar  el  liderazgo  de  los  alumnos hay que buscar estrategias docentes que los  motiven,  hecho  difícil  en  muchas materias de la rama de Ciencias de la Salud. En este trabajo se exponen dos modelos de docencia teórico-práctica en la materia troncal de Patología General y en la que los alumnos han de recurrir a las habilidades anteriormente mencionadas: el aprendizaje cooperativo (basado en el sistema PBL), y la realización de un taller (o workshop) basadas también en PBL y empleando situaciones simuladas en la que los estudiantes se enfrentan a la resolución de un caso clínico en condiciones reales, que incluyen la presencia de un cliente/propietario y precios de mercado para los distintos servicios. Los alumnos responden positivamente en un marco de estimulación y retos ante los problemas siendo capaces del trabajo en equipo y de la búsqueda de recursos. Esto obliga al profesor a la dinamización de su docencia ya que la sociedad exige más habilidades del graduado que la mera adquisición de conocimientos. 
Proyectos cooperativos vinculados a empresas en la Educación Superior
Authors: Verano-Tacoronte Domingo , Sosa-Cabrera Silvia
Published: October 2017

La  realización  de  proyectos  cooperativos vinculados se considera una forma eficaz   para   dotar   de   mayor   realismo a las enseñanzas en la Educación Superior. El contacto directo y la realización  de  actividades  vinculadas  al tejido empresarial aportan una visión complementaria al trabajo realizado en las aulas y deja una huella profunda en los  estudiantes  que  participan  en  ellas. El  presente  trabajo  tiene  como  objetivo probar  que  los  proyectos  cooperativos vinculados a empresas contribuyen significativamente  al  aprendizaje  y  a  la satisfacción  de  los  estudiantes.  Para  ello, se  analizó  en  el  contexto  de  aplicación, una asignatura de cuarto curso de Administración  y  Dirección  de  Empresas, la  satisfacción  de  los  estudiantes  con  los diferentes aspectos de la metodología aplicada   (i.e.,   tutorización,   evaluación, competencias   adquiridas...),   así   como la  correlación  entre  las  calificaciones  de los  proyectos  y  las  del  examen  final  de la asignatura. Los resultados muestran que la metodología hace una aportación significativa y positiva en ambos aspectos, ya que la mayoría de sus elementos ha sido muy bien acogida por los estudiantes y,  además,  la  calificación  obtenida  en  el proyecto  guarda  una  correlación  positiva y   significativa   con   sus   calificaciones. Asimismo,  de  los  resultados  obtenidos, cabe destacar que tanto la implicación del  profesorado  en  las  actividades  de tutorización como la clara determinación de  las  expectativas  de  los  estudiantes  a través de la utilización de rúbricas para la evaluación, son elementos cruciales en el éxito de la metodología.
Between the sheets
Authors: Greenberg Stephen J.
Published: October 2017

This column examines an unusual early printed book in the National Library of Medicine collection and considers its implications as both text and as a physical object.
Alt HealthWatch
Authors: Christianson Merete
Published: October 2017

Alt HealthWatch has evolved from a CD-ROM-based database in 1998 [1] to its present online iteration, which indexes complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) periodicals, often including full-text articles.
Enhancing the research and publication efforts of health sciences librarians via an academic writing retreat
Authors: Bullion John W. , Brower Stewart M.
Published: October 2017

Background: This case study describes the South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association (SCC/MLA) initiative to develop an academic writing retreat for members who sought the necessary time and support to advance their research projects toward publication.Case Presentation: SCC/MLA staged a dedicated writing retreat to coincide with the organization’s 2012, 2013, and 2014 annual meetings. Each cohort met over two days to write and to workshop their peers’ manuscripts. Organizers distributed an online survey one month after each retreat to evaluate attendees’ perceptions.Conclusions: Three years’ worth of writing retreats yielded fourteen peer-reviewed articles and one book chapter. Participants indicated that the retreat helped them meet or exceed their writing goals by offering protected time and a setting conducive to productivity. The format of the retreat is cost effective and easily adaptable for fellow professionals who wish to organize a formal event as a conference offering or simply support a writing group at their home institutions. In SCC/MLA, the retreat revitalized interest in writing and demystified the scholarly publication process.
Library as Safe Haven: Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery
Authors: Truex Eleanor Shanklin
Published: October 2017

This serviceable manual, Library as Safe Haven: Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery, provides a common-sense overview of the methods used to prepare any library for a variety of worst case scenarios.
Data Management: A Practical Guide for Librarians
Authors: Natal Gerald
Published: October 2017

The problem of managing the surfeit of existing research data is a growing concern.
Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals
Authors: Duncan Suzanne
Published: October 2017

This book, while not lengthy, is packed with a wealth of information about ontologies
Outcomes of cataract surgery in children with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous
Authors: Jinagal Jitender , Gupta Parul C. , Ram Jagat , Sharma Manu , Singh Simar R. , Yangzes Sonam , Sukhija Jaspreet , Singh Ramandeep
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery in children with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) and factors affecting outcomes.

Methods:

We analyzed 29 eyes of 28 children with PHPV presenting at a tertiary care center in northern India. All eyes underwent phacoaspiration followed by primary posterior capsulotomy with or without cauterization of persistent fetal vasculature under general anesthesia. Hydrophobic intraocular lens was implanted in selective cases. Postoperative outcomes such as clarity of visual axis, need for secondary surgical procedures, and complications were noted.

Results:

Out of a total of 28 children (16 male and 12 female), 27 were unilateral while 1 patient had bilateral involvement. Mean age at surgery was 25.14 months, ranging from 2 months to 144 months. Mean axial length of the globe at surgery was 19.66 ± 2.28 mm. Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was done in 22 eyes whereas 7 were left aphakic. The most common intraoperative complication noted was intraoperative bleed in 11 eyes (37.9%) resulting in postoperative hyphema in 9 eyes (31%) and vitreous hemorrhage in 8 eyes (27.5%). Visual axis opacification was seen in 12 eyes and all required membranectomy. Three eyes developed glaucoma while retinal detachment was noted in 2 eyes and 1 of them became phthisical.

Conclusions:

Favorable outcome was more often achieved in anterior PHPV. Surgical outcomes in eyes with PHPV undergoing cataract surgery are limited by intraoperative and postoperative complications such as hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, recurrent visual axis opacification, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
Visual outcomes after progressive apodized diffractive intraocular lens implantation
Authors: García-Bella Javier , Ventura-Abreu Néstor , Morales-Fernández Laura , Talavero-González Paula , Carballo-Álvarez Jesús , Sanz-Fernández Juan Carlos , Vázquez-Moliní José M. , Martínez-de-la-Casa José M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To assess photopic and mesopic vision in patients implanted with the Bi-Flex® M 677 MY bifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods:

In this prospective clinical study, 25 patients with cataract in both eyes were subjected to cataract surgery and bilateral implantation of the Bi-Flex® M 677MY (Medicontur, Hungary) IOL. Three months after surgery, high-contrast photopic uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were determined. Intermediate at 65 cm (DCIVA) and near at 40 cm (DCNVA) visual acuity were also measured, both with best distance correction. The CSV-1000 test chart was used to assess contrast sensitivity (CS). Defocus curves were constructed under photopic and mesopic conditions, determining binocular best-corrected visual acuity over the range +1.50 D to -4.00 D in 0.50-D steps. A KR-1W Wavefront Analyzer was used to measure pupil size and aberrometric outcomes. Presence and type of dysphotopsia were evaluated with the Likert scale.

Results:

Mesopic mean pupil diameter was 4.58 ± 0.73 mm. The mean values at 3 months were UDVA 0.03 ± 0.09, CDVA -0.05 ± 0.06, DCIVA 0.20 ± 0.07, and DCNVA 0.11 ± 0.08. Mean CS for the 4 frequencies examined were 1.66 ± 0.16, 1.75 ± 0.14, 1.39 ± 0.22, and 0.96 ± 0.19. Significant differences were observed in defocus curves for photopic and mesopic conditions. A significant correlation between pupil diameter and the dysphotopic photopic was found (r = 0.62; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

The evaluated progressive apodized diffractive design IOL provides effective restoration of visual function in far and near vision distance with an adequate intermediate visual quality between -1.00 and -1.50 focus.
Morphology of the optic nerve head in glaucomatous eyes with visual field defects in superior or inferior hemifield
Authors: Longo Antonio , Avitabile Teresio , Uva Maurizio G. , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Russo Andrea , Toro Mario D. , Faro Salvatore , Reibaldi Michele
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the morphology of optic nerve head (ONH) and border tissue (BT) of Elschnig in glaucomatous eyes with visual field defects in superior or inferior hemifield.

Methods:

In a case-control study, we included 25 patients with superior arcuate scotoma, 25 patients with inferior arcuate scotoma, and 25 healthy controls. They received visual field testing, measurement of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and ONH examination in a radial pattern with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In each ONH scan, the length of Bruch membrane opening (BMO) and BT were measured. Pattern deviation of 6 areas of the visual field and RNFL thickness in corresponding sectors was calculated.

Results:

Mean BMO length did not differ between groups. Compared with controls, glaucomatous eyes with superior scotoma had a greater BT length in inferior sectors (p<0.001), and eyes with inferior scotoma had a greater BT length in superotemporal sectors (p = 0.006). In both groups, a significant correlation was found between BT length and pattern deviation and RNFL thickness of corresponding sectors of superior and inferior hemifields.

Conclusions:

In patients with arcuate scotoma in one hemifield, the length of the BT correlates with glaucomatous anatomical and functional damage.