bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gauge Dependence of Gravitational Waves Generated from Scalar Perturbations
Authors: Hwang Jai-chan , Jeong Donghui , Noh Hyerim
Published: June 2017

A tensor-type cosmological perturbation, defined as a transverse and traceless spatial fluctuation, is often interpreted as gravitational waves. While decoupled from the scalar-type perturbations in linear order, the tensor perturbations can be sourced from the scalar-type in nonlinear order. The tensor perturbations generated by the quadratic combination of a linear scalar-type cosmological perturbation are widely studied in the literature, but all previous studies are based on a zero-shear gauge without proper justification. Here, we show that, being second order in perturbation, such an induced tensor perturbation is generically gauge dependent. In particular, the gravitational wave power spectrum depends on the hypersurface (temporal gauge) condition taken for the linear scalar perturbation. We further show that, during the matter-dominated era, the induced tensor modes dominate over the linearly evolved primordial gravitational wave amplitude for

even for the gauge that gives the lowest induced tensor modes with the optimistic choice of primordial gravitational waves (r = 0.1). The induced tensor modes, therefore, must be modeled correctly specific to the observational strategy for the measurement of primordial gravitational waves from large-scale structure via, for example, the parity-odd mode of weak gravitational lensing, or clustering fossils.
Additions to the knowledge of Nevada carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and a preliminary list of carabids from the Great Basin National Park
Authors: Will Kipling , Madan Riva , Hsu Han
Published: June 2017

Additions to the list of Carabidae known for Nevada, USA and carabid beetles found in the Great Basin National Park, NV are reported with notes on ecology and identification resources.

For 79 species of carabids, we present 57 new state records, two state records previously reported in online resources, one confirmation of a previous questionable record for the state, and report 22 records for the Great Basin National Park that includes three new state records.
L’évolution des polices municipales en France : une imitation des polices d’État vouée à l’échec ?
Authors: Mucchielli Laurent
Published: June 2017

Les polices municipales font un retour remarqué sur la scène policière, dans l’organisation des municipalités et dans le débat public en France depuis les années 1980. Les effectifs cumulés des différentes catégories d’agents municipaux de sécurité dépassent désormais 30 000 personnes, réparties dans environ 3500 communes. Si cette évolution a correspondu à partir des années 1970 à une forte demande de police de proximité de la part des élus locaux, elle se poursuit de nos jours dans une dynamique souvent différente. Derrière un modèle « complémentariste » par rapport aux forces d’État, se profile dans de nombreuses villes un modèle « substitutif ». Ce dernier a été encouragé d’abord par certains maires ayant fortement politisé la question de la sécurité locale. Depuis le tournant sécuritaire des années 2000, amplifié encore par les attentats ayant frappé la France en 2015 et 2016, ce modèle substitutif est désormais encouragé à certains égards par l’État lui-même. Après avoir détaillé cette évolution, l’auteur examine le cas de la ville de Marseille, qui a opéré en 2012 une profonde réforme de sa police municipale, l’engageant volontairement dans le modèle substitutif. Il en propose un bilan montrant les limites de cette stratégie pour les municipalités.
L’humiliation sur Internet : Une nouvelle forme de cyberdélinquance ?
Authors: Dilmaç Julie Alev
Published: June 2017

Dans cet article, il s’agit de s’interroger sur une nouvelle forme de cybercrime : l’humiliation sur Internet. Définie comme l’atteinte à la dignité de la personne par l’image, celle-ci tend à toucher toutes les tranches de la population. Or, si la cyberhumiliation présente les mêmes caractéristiques que l’humiliation traditionnelle, Internet semble y ajouter de nouveaux éléments et notamment l’impossibilité de répondre à l’affront. À partir d’un terrain effectué avec des jeunes adultes, il s’agit ici de cerner les visions liées à l’humiliation numérique et d’identifier les moyens employés par les individus en vue de se protéger d’une telle déviance. Nous verrons que l’émergence de ces stratégies individuelles n’est en fait que la conséquence de l’inefficacité des moyens préconisés par les autorités en vue d’éradiquer cette cyberdélinquance.
Une paraphrase du Notre Père dans les Actes apocryphes de Jean ? L’hypothèse d’A. Hamman revisitée
Authors: Paschke Boris
Published: June 2017

Dans les Actes apocryphes de Jean ( ActJ ), un passage paraphrase le Notre Père . L’article confirme donc l’hypothèse formulée par Adalbert Gautier Hamman en 1963. Toutefois, étant donné que ActJ 75 n’est pas adressée au Père, mais à Jésus-Christ, elle étaye le « christomonisme » attribué aux Actes de Jean par la plupart des chercheurs. De plus, les parallèles entre cette prière et le Notre Père soulignent la notoriété que le Notre Père a eue dans le christianisme du ii e siècle.
La Communauté économique de l’ASEAN : un modèle d’intégration original
Authors: Nicolas Françoise
Published: June 2017

À sa création voici 50 ans, l’ASEAN affiche des ambitions économiques modestes. Elle va néanmoins jusqu’en 1992 permettre une intégration progressive des économies des États membres. Cette intégration s’institutionnalise dans la période qui suit. La Communauté économique de l’ASEAN suit des principes bien différents de ceux qui ont présidé à la construction européenne. Elle est pourtant appelée à jouer un rôle moteur dans la structuration de la région Asie-Pacifique.
La « centralité » de l’ASEAN : concept et mise en œuvre
Authors: Chalermpalanupap Termsak , Tarpinian Cécile
Published: June 2017

Le concept de « centralité » de l’ASEAN a émergé il y a une dizaine d’années, alors que l’organisation semblait menacée par des projets concurrents. Différentes mesures ont été prises pour renforcer la solidité de l’Association mais sa pérennité n’est pas pour autant garantie. Elle souffre notamment d’un désintérêt des populations locales et d’un sous-financement chronique. Un nouveau traité de coopération politique permettrait de donner un second souffle à l’ASEAN.
Stabilité et croissance en zone euro : les leçons de l’expérience
Authors: Fabre Alain
Published: June 2017

La crise des dettes souveraines a agi comme un révélateur des déséquilibres et dysfonctionnements de la zone euro. Si la situation des pays de la périphérie a pu être stabilisée, les craintes se portent désormais sur les pays du centre qui – par la taille de leur économie – font peser un risque systémique sur toute l’Europe. Pour retrouver le chemin de la croissance, le nouveau gouvernement français doit réduire sérieusement les dépenses publiques et favoriser la compétitivité des entreprises.
La Turquie, entre coup d’État et référendum
Authors: Insel Ahmet
Published: June 2017

Le putsch de juillet 2016 a été un vrai traumatisme, mais aussi l’occasion pour le régime d’aggraver la répression interne, et de tenter de faire passer son projet de réforme constitutionnelle. Celui-ci instaure un président disposant de tous les pouvoirs, sans réel contrôle. La radicalisation de l’AKP a des conséquences politiques internes, mais aussi économiques et diplomatiques, en particulier quant à la posture du pays vis-à-vis de l’Union européenne.
Rare ou abondante, l’eau précieuse. En France, l’exemple de la Brenne des étangs
Authors: Bédoucha Geneviève
Published: June 2017

Este artigo pretende explorar o paradoxo da existência de uma gestão rigorosa da água em diferentes lugares do mundo onde a água é, no entanto, abundante. A análise focaliza a região de Brenne, no centro da França, onde milhares de tanques existem hoje em milhares de hectares. A análise do sistema de exploração dos tanques, inaugurado na Idade Média, demonstra que a água nesta zona úmida é valorizada como um recurso precioso. A autora argumenta que a importância simbólica dos tanques atravessou os séculos e que claramente os proprietários desejam manter os tanques de piscicultura por outras razões além das econômicas. Uma vez que uma melhor gestão do sistema em sua totalidade exige desperdiçar o mínimo de água possível, eles têm que trabalhar em conjunto. A água dos tanques também é valiosa para os agricultores que, na estação quente, dela dispõem como um complemento fundamental para dar de beber ao gado.A preciosidade da água é, portanto, de interesse comum para todos: ela organiza toda a sociedade.
Representing Water: visual anthropology and divergent trajectories in human environmental relations
Authors: Strang Veronica
Published: June 2017

Este artigo baseia-se em pesquisa sobre representações visuais de seres aquáticos e sua capacidade de articular relacionamentos humano-ambientais. Seres aquáticos (como serpentes arco-íris e taniwhas) são relevantes em muitas cosmologias culturais diferentes, mais particularmente aquelas que se orientam no sentido de “religiões da natureza”, nas quais as paisagens terrestres e aquáticas são vistas como animadas por seres sensíveis. As análises destas imagens visuais, e suas transformações ao longo do tempo, sugerem que, como reflexo de crenças cosmológicas e valores, elas podem iluminar o passado e fornecer insights úteis para mudanças fundamentais nas relações humanas com a água. Como representações das visões de mundo de grupos particulares, elas também têm uma função vital nos debates contemporâneos sobre gestão ambiental, propriedade e controle dos recursos hídricos. Baseando-se em exemplos da Austrália e Nova Zelândia, este artigo considera, portanto, o papel das imagens como indicadores temporais de mudança e como representações simbólicas de cosmologias subalternas em sociedades pós-coloniais. Examina também as implicações potenciais da pesquisa para a teoria e o método em antropologia visual. Ao manter uma abordagem etnograficamente situada objetiva, demonstra que as transformações nas relações humanas com a água, expressas através de imagens visuais de seres aquáticos, continuam a dirigir os conflitos contemporâneos sobre a propriedade da água, sua gestão e utilização.
A Distinct Inhibitory Function for miR-18a in Th17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Montoya Misty M. , Maul Julia , Singh Priti B. , Pua Heather H. , Dahlström Frank , Wu Nanyan , Huang Xiaozhu , Ansel K. Mark , Baumjohann Dirk
Published: June 2017

Th17 cell responses orchestrate immunity against extracellular pathogens but also underlie autoimmune disease pathogenesis. In this study, we uncovered a distinct and critical role for miR-18a in limiting Th17 cell differentiation. miR-18a was the most dynamically upregulated microRNA of the miR-17–92 cluster in activated T cells. miR-18a deficiency enhanced CCR6+ RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt+ Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and increased the number of tissue Th17 cells expressing CCR6, RORγt, and IL-17A in airway inflammation models in vivo. Sequence-specific miR-18 inhibitors increased CCR6 and RORγt expression in mouse and human CD4+ T cells, revealing functional conservation. miR-18a directly targeted Smad4, Hif1a, and Rora, all key transcription factors in the Th17 cell gene-expression program. These findings indicate that activating signals influence the outcome of Th cell differentiation via differential regulation of mature microRNAs within a common cluster.
The Challenges of Management of High-grade Gliomas in Nigeria
Authors: Ndubuisi Chika Anele , Mezue Wilfred C. , Nzegwu Martin , Okwunodulu Okwuoma , Ejembi Gabriel , Ohaegbulam Samuel C.
Published: June 2017

Background: High-grade gliomas (HGG) are among the most challenging brain tumors despite many research efforts worldwide. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the local challenges that may influence outcome of HGG managed in a neurosurgical center in Nigeria. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data of patients managed for intracranial HGG at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Nigeria, between the year 2006 and 2015. Only cases with conclusive histology following surgery were analyzed. Results: Glioma was 60 (23.8%) of 252 histology confirmed brain tumors. HGG represented 53.8% of gliomas with male:female ratio of 2.2:1.0 and peaked from fifth decade of life. Glioblastoma multiforme accounted for 69% of HGG. At 1-year postsurgery, 53% of HGGs were dead and 88% of these deaths were in the World Health Organization Grade IV group. Only 40% of cases could receive adjuvant treatment with only 15% mortality at 1 year in this subgroup that received adjuvant therapy. In addition, 19% of cases had surgery at Karnofsky score (Ks) of ≤70%. However, 94% of mortality at 1 year was related to surgery at Ks of ≤60%. Only four patients had a tumor volume of ≤50 cm3, and among these cases, three patients were independent at 1 year. Patients with tumor volume above 50 cm3 accounted for 94% of mortality. Conclusion: The peak age incidence for HGG seems to be lower than in Caucasians. Most cases present late with poor Ks and big tumor volume. The proportion with access to adjuvant treatment is still poor. Preoperative Karnofsky, extent of resection, duration of hospital, and Intensive Care Unit stay have impact on outcome.
Isolated Intracranial Myeloid Sarcoma Occurring as Relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Narayanan Geetha , Soman Lali V. , Haridas Lakshmi , Sugathan Harish
Published: June 2017

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) or chloroma is a rare extramedullary tumor composed of extramedullary proliferation of blasts of granulocytic, monocytic, erythroid, or megakaryocytic lineage occurring at sites outside the bone marrow. MS occurs in 2%–8% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), sometimes it occurs as the presenting manifestation of relapse in a patient in remission. We describe the case of a young male with AML in remission for 6 years presenting with central nervous system symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extra-axial altered intensity lesion in the parasagittal parietal region, infiltrating anterosuperiorly into anterior falx, and posterosuperior aspect of the superior sagittal sinus. A biopsy from the lesion was diagnostic of MS which was positive for myeloperoxidase. He did not have any other sites of disease. He has received chemotherapy with FLAG (Fludarabine, Cytosine arabinoside) followed by cranial irradiation and is in complete remission.
Reoperation in Spinal Dysraphism: Does it Help in Reversing the Neurological Deficits?
Authors: Maste Praful Suresh , Lokanath Yadhu Kasetti , Mahantshetti Shambhulingappa S.
Published: June 2017

Aims: After initial primary repair by inexperienced hands for the spectrum of pathological conditions in spinal dysraphism (SD), a few percentage of patients present with recurrent symptoms and worsening neurological status especially when primarily pathology is not identified and dealt properly. When the primary intradural tethering element is left untouched, worsening of symptoms is common. In this retrospective study, we tried to analyze the symptomatology, functional outcome at 1–2 months after the second surgery and associated complications. Subjects and Methods: All patients underwent second surgery at author’s institution. Pre and post-operative data were evaluated using Necker –Enfants Malades (NEM) neurological and modified Hoffer ambulatory scale. Results: The main presenting complaints were bladder incontinence and limb weakness. Preoperative mean scores for motor and bladder were 3.56 and 2.78 out of 5, 2.67 out of 4, and 2.11 out of 3 for bowel and sensory function, respectively. Postoperative mean score for motor, sensory, bladder, and bowel function revealed good neurological improvement. Statistically neurological improvement in bladder and bowel function was significant. More than 60% of patients had normal ambulation at follow-up. Conclusions: Patients presenting with recurrent symptoms in an operated case of SD need to be investigated, cause of recurrence has to be identified, and if needed repeat surgery is recommended at the earliest. Long-standing neurological deficits can potentially improve, especially bladder and bowel function which gives a good quality of life to the patients. Furthermore, we want to stress the fact that since it is an intradural pathology, these cases should be operated by experienced neurosurgeons, and this fact should be made aware among referring doctors.
Predicting Prognosis of Psychosis in Huntington’s Disease: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kar Sujita Kumar , Shahi Mohit Kumar , Tripathi Adarsh , Sharma Praveen Kumar
Published: June 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is rare variant of progressive neurodegenerative disorder which follows an autosomal dominant pattern. Psychiatric comorbidities are not uncommon with HD. Mood disorder, cognitive disturbances, anxiety disorders, and psychosis are the psychiatric comorbidities reported with HD. We report here a case of HD, where psychosis developed during illness. Prognosis of psychosis in HD is emphasized in this report with review of literature.
Depression as a manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Shoib Sheikh , Malik Javid A. , Masoodi Shariq
Published: June 2017

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often results in a wide range of comorbid conditions, predominantly of the cardiovascular/respiratory, endocrine/metabolic, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In view of the ambiguity of literature regarding the association between OSA and depression, we conducted this study to show any association between the two disorders. Objective: The aim of the study was to see the association between OSA and depression and to study the prevalence of OSA in patients suffering from depression. Methods: We performed polysomnography (PSG) studies of patients that were referred from various subspecialty clinics from July 2011 to August 2013. Psychiatric diagnosis was done using mini international neuropsychiatric interview plus scale. This was followed by application of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Standard methods of statistical analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Out of 182 patients who underwent PSG, 47 were suffering from depression with a mean age significantly more (P < 0.001) than that of other population (58.60 years vs. 53.60 years). In our 47 depressed patients, 44 (93.6%) had abnormal PSG. Based on apnea-hypopnea index score, 3 (6.8%) patients had mild, 18 (40.9%) had moderate, and 23 (52.3%) had severe OSA. The mean HAM-D score was significantly more in depression patients, (17. 35 ± 5.45) as compared to non depressive patents (8.64 ± 6.24) (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant overlap between the sleep apnea and depression. Health specialists need more information about screening for patients with OSA to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of those with the condition. Most of the clinicians do not suspect this important comorbidity of depression in the beginning resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Late-onset Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy with Bence Jones Proteinuria and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: García de León Sira Carrasco , González Amalia Hernández , Alonso Carmen Orellana , Lobo Laura Burriel
Published: June 2017

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is a genetically determined disease characterized by deposition of an anomalous transthyretin. A high index of suspicion is needed for this multisymptomatic and lethal disease to be diagnosed. The patient was a 70-year-old male examined due to hypesthesia in the hands and feet, plus difficulty walking. A neurophysiological study delivered the diagnosis of axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy. He later developed cardiac symptoms and diarrhea. Urine laboratory analyses revealed a monoclonal spike of light chains (kappa). Biopsies of abdominal fat and bone marrow yielded normal results. The genetic study was compatible with a heterozygous Val30Met-transthyretin mutation. Very few case studies have described an association between familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy. We stress that genetic confirmation is important regardless of the type of amyloid deposition revealed by the biopsy.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Pregnancy: Four Cases from Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Licona-Enriquez Jesus David , Delgado-de la Mora Jesus , Paddock Christopher D. , Ramirez-Rodriguez Carlos Arturo , Candia-Plata María del Carmen , Hernández Gerardo Álvarez
Published: June 2017

We present a series of four pregnant women with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) that occurred in Sonora, Mexico, during 2015–2016. Confirmatory diagnoses were made by polymerase chain reaction or serological reactivity to antigens of Rickettsia rickettsii by using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Each patient presented with fever and petechial rash and was treated successfully with doxycycline. Each of the women and one full-term infant delivered at 36 weeks gestation survived the infection. Three of the patients in their first trimester of pregnancy suffered spontaneous abortions. RMSF should be suspected in any pregnant woman presenting with fever, malaise and rash in regions where R. rickettsii is endemic.
Ocular Gnathostomiasis—Update of Earlier Survey
Authors: Nawa Yukifumi , Yoshikawa Masahide , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Chotmongkol Verajit , Figueiras Sandra Fernández , Benavides Maria , Diaz Camacho Sylvia Paz
Published: June 2017

Ocular gnathostomiasis is rather a rare food-borne zoonosis caused by infection with the larvae of several species of genus Gnathostoma and is a representative ocular larva migrans syndrome. In our previous literature survey, we found 73 cases of ocular gnathostomiasis reported up to and including 2009, though additional sporadic cases have been reported in Asia and the Americas since that report. Here, we review 10 additional cases reported since 2010, and also update current findings regarding epidemiological and clinical features in affected patients.
Case Report: Disseminated Shewanella algae Infection with Meningoencephalitis in a Traveler Secondary to Marine Injury in Madagascar
Authors: Brulliard Caroline , Traversier Nicolas , Allyn Jérôme , Schaeffer Christopher , Bouchet Bruno , Allou Nicolas
Published: June 2017

Marine microorganisms such as Shewanella spp., Vibrio spp., and Aeromonas spp. can cause sepsis secondary to a wound infection in the context of swimming. These microorganisms are most often susceptible to fluoroquinolones. Here, we report a unique case of Shewanella algae bacteremia associated with meningoencephalitis and disseminated via hematogenous spread secondary to a skin injury. The patient suffered the injury while swimming in saline water during a cruise holiday in Madagascar, and she was initially treated with amoxicillin. The neurological evolution was unsatisfactory. Better knowledge of such infections (and especially of the context in which they occur), as well as greater familiarity with the susceptibility profile of different marine microorganisms would have allowed health professionals to provide presumptive microbiological diagnosis and effective treatment earlier.
Estimating the Added Utility of Highly Sensitive Histidine-Rich Protein 2 Detection in Outpatient Clinics in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Plucinski Mateusz M. , Rogier Eric , Dimbu Pedro Rafael , Fortes Filomeno , Halsey Eric S. , Aidoo Michael
Published: June 2017

Most malaria testing is by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2). Recently, several RDT manufacturers have developed highly sensitive RDTs (hsRDTs), promising a limit of detection (LOD) orders of magnitude lower than conventional RDTs. To model the added utility of hsRDTs, HRP2 concentration in Angolan outpatients was measured quantitatively using an ultrasensitive bead-based assay. The distribution of HRP2 concentration was bimodal in both afebrile and febrile patients. The conventional RDT was able to detect 81% of all HRP2-positive febrile patients and 52–77% of HRP2-positive afebrile patients. The added utility of hsRDTs was estimated to be greater in afebrile patients, where an hsRDT with a LOD of 200 pg/mL would detect an additional 50–60% of HRP2-positive persons compared with a conventional RDT with a LOD of 3,000 pg/mL. In febrile patients, the hsRDT would detect an additional 10–20% of cases. Conventional RDTs already capture the vast majority of symptomatic HRP2-positive individuals, and hsRDTs would have to reach a sufficiently low LOD approaching 200 pg/mL to provide added utility in identifying HRP2-positive, asymptomatic individuals.
Reflection as a Learning Tool in Graduate Medical Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Winkel Abigail Ford , Yingling Sandra , Jones Aubrie-Ann , Nicholson Joey
Published: June 2017

Background 

Graduate medical education programs employ reflection to advance a range of outcomes for physicians in training. However, the most effective applications of this tool have not been fully explored.

Objective 

A systematic review of the literature examined interventions reporting the use of reflection in graduate medical education.

Methods 

The authors searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ERIC for studies of reflection as a teaching tool to develop medical trainees' capacities. Key words and subject headings included reflection, narrative, residents/GME, and education/teaching/learning. No language or date limits were applied. The search yielded 1308 citations between inception for each database and June 15, 2015. A total of 16 studies, encompassing 477 residents and fellows, met eligibility criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. The authors conducted a thematic analysis of the 16 articles.

Results 

Outcomes studied encompassed the impact of reflection on empathy, comfort with learning in complex situations, and engagement in the learning process. Reflection increased learning of complex subjects and deepened professional values. It appears to be an effective tool for improving attitudes and comfort when exploring difficult material. Limitations include that most studies had small samples, used volunteers, and did not measure behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions 

Critical reflection is a tool that can amplify learning in residents and fellows. Added research is needed to understand how reflection can influence growth in professional capacities and patient-level outcomes in ways that can be measured.
The right to the sun in the urban design
Authors: Lepore Michele
Published: June 2017

All the initiatives aimed at removing obstacles to the widespread use of renewable energy sources have costs for the Community. May they be economic, such as grants, reductions on taxation, discounts on concession or town planning charges, as prizes of cubic capacity building. But even in the case of mandatory standards the question of “solar rights” of existing buildings and open spaces during a given period of the year. Remains a crucial issuel in fact, among the various design strategies aimed at energy efficiency standards required, pursuit of those who use solar energy are determined. In the face of such costs created by the public authorities and the legal constraints, the current legislation does not guarantee the solar right in the urban planning. It is absurd to legislate and use collective resources to encourage or even force the adoption of strategies that are based on the solar energy and plan the city with rules that deny access to neighboring lots.
Architectural practice and theory: the case of Bruno Taut's house in Berlin-Dahlewitz
Authors: Ardizzola Paola
Published: June 2017

In 1926 Bruno Taut built his own house in Berlin-Dahlewitz. The German architect had already declared his ideas of housing in the book Die neue Whonung (1924) exemplifying the new concept of modern living-style, according to Neues Bauen. In other theoretical writings he defines the Neues Bauen in relation with new needs, tendencies and aesthetics of architecture, referring to important issues as climate, topography and tradition. The book Ein Whonhaus (1927) stigmatizes the coeval construction process of his house: the thirteen chapters are a detailed analysis which give evidence to every technological and morphological choice. Taut focuses on the relationship between architecture and landscape, type of furniture, functional plan layout, use of glass; especially he enlightens the reader as to the use of colour as a construction material. The house has an unconventional shape, it is a quarter of a circle; in his writings the architect painstakingly explains the impressive plan. With the book Ein Whonhaus Taut delivers to memory his home design, transforming process and ideas related to the modern house. He breaks through conventions and changes the notions of what Modernism could produce. The paper highlights the theoretical production related to the architect’s own house as praxis for doing architecture, emphasizing Taut’s contribution to a dialectic mutual relationship between theoretical and architectural practice, in order to achieve a more conscious and effective design process.
Hysterectomy by Vaginal Route: Not a Pressure
Authors: Vembu Radha , Dharmalingam Sithara
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Vaginal route of hysterectomy is a safe procedure with less morbidity and hospital stay. So, there is a need to expand the indication for vaginal hysterectomy beyond uterovaginal prolapse.

Aims

To determine the feasibility and outcome of nondescent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) and to assess the pre- and postoperative complications, duration of surgery, and hospital stay.

Materials and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between 2012 and 2014 at a tertiary care center. A total of 256 patients satisfying the selection criteria of hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions, uterus size <16 weeks, and excluding stage IV endometriosis, genital tract malignancy, and uterine prolapse were included. The NDVH was performed by the standard technique, and the following parameters of age, parity, indication for surgery, duration of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and hospital stay were recorded. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 by frequency and percentage analysis and Chi-square test.

Results

All 256 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 44.4 ± 6.1 years; fibroid uterus was the commonest indication. About 89.4% had a uterine size ≤12 weeks and 59% had uterine volume <200 cm3. The mean duration of surgery was 83.5 ± 11.0 minutes; salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 25.8% of the patients. Intraoperatively, 1.2% had bladder injury and 0.4% required conversion to laparotomy for pelvic hematoma. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.9 ± 2.2 days, and the mean pain score in numerical rating scale pain scale was 3.0 ± 0.3. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 1.9% of the patients only.

Conclusion

The NDVH is a safe and feasible procedure for benign gynecological disorders.

Clinical significance

The NDVH is a boon in this techno-savvy era by reducing the morbidity and promising early return to work.

How to cite this article

Vembu R, Dharmalingam S. Hysterectomy by Vaginal Route: Not a Pressure. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):8-10.
Great Big Hairy Bees! Regulating the European Bumblebee, Bombus Terrestris L. What does it say about the Precautionary Principle?
Authors: Moore Cameron Alastair , Gross Caroline
Published: June 2017

The previous Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, Mr Garrett, recently rejected a request to allow the importation of live bumblebees (Bombus terrestris L.) to mainland Australia. New South Wales and Victoria had already listed the introduction of bumblebees as, respectively, a key threatening process and a potentially threatening process. The Commonwealth, however, had previously declined an application to list the introduction of bumblebees as a key threatening process, although its Threatened Species Scientific Committee urged ‘that extreme caution be shown in considering any proposal to introduce this species to the mainland.’ The potential threat from bumblebees would appear to beg the questions posed by the precautionary principle. Would the presence of bumblebees to mainland Australia pose a threat of serious or irreversible environmental damage? Should a lack of full scientific certainty be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation? This paper considers the role of the precautionary principle in regulatory approaches to the bumblebee. It seeks to establish the application of the precautionary principle to this particular potential environmental threat, including its relationship to the principle of conservation of biological diversity. It concludes that, despite widespread adoption of the precautionary principle in policy, legislation and case law in Australia, its impact on regulating bumblebees has not been consistent.
The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity, REDD+ and climate change in mangrove ecosystems of Southeast Asia
Authors: Pollisco Filiberto , Simorangkir Dicky
Published: June 2017

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats. They occupy large stretches of the sub-tropical and tropical coastlines around the world. They not only provide valuable goods such as timber, fish and medicinal plants but also vital ecological services, such as prevention of coastal erosion. They also help buffer coastal communities from storms and floods. During the ASEAN Conference on Biodiversity held in Singapore in 2009, Ellison reported that mangrove forests in South East Asia are among the highest biodiversity resources in the world, occupying an area of 60.9 x 102 km2. Unfortunately, the region also has the highest rates of mangrove loss in the world, losing 628 km2 per year in two decades. In many parts of the world, where mangrove forests have been cleared, there are now problems of erosion and siltation, and loss of life and property have occurred due to destructive hurricanes, storms and tsunamis. The complex relationship between climate change and mangrove ecosystems can be seen from two different angles. On the one hand, mangrove ecosystems have a critical function in combating climate change; on the other hand, they are affected by climate change. The values of ecosystems vary according to local biophysical and ecological circumstances and the social, economic and cultural context. Intangible values, which may be reflected in society’s willingness to pay to conserve particular species or landscapes, or to protect common resources, must be considered alongside more tangible values such as food or timber to provide a complete economic picture. This has important implications for mangrove conservation strategies and suggests that the preservation of contiguous areas is preferable to patches that are spatially dispersed.
How Laos is moving forward with REDD+ schemes
Authors: Thongmanivong Sithong , Phanvilay Khamla , Vongvisouk Thoumthone
Published: June 2017

The forest cover in Laos has decreased over the past three decades for variety of reasons. The current Laos Government has committed itself to restoring the forest cover to 70 per cent by 2020. As a result, many conservation projects and programs have been planned and implemented in different parts of the country. REDD+ was introduced in late 2007; however, progress of implementation of REDD+ has been slow. This paper examines and updates the status of REDD+ implementation in Laos, using information from literature and interviews with relevant individuals. The paper reveals that progress of REDD+ is slow not only due to external factors but also on internal factors. Currently, there are various international organisations and NGOs, from both the public and private sectors, attempting to pilot REDD+ projects. Laos faces many challenges in implementing REDD+, including institutional arrangements; appropriate methods for carbon accounting, reporting and verification; benefit sharing; and engaging local communities.
Environment pollution: The rise of militarism and terrorism in the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Madubuko Christian
Published: June 2017

Oil was discovered in large quantities in Nigeria in 1956 and exploration began in the same year. Before oil, agriculture and fishing had assured the Niger Delta people of a bright future. Since 1956, oil has been extracted from the Niger Delta with destructive consequences on the environment, bringing about environmental degradation and destruction of the people’s primary means of livelihood. Land and water were badly polluted, and the health of the people affected because of leaks from oil pipelines, gas flaring and acid rains. Several petitions and non-violent protests by Delta communities, women and youth against environmental destruction failed to receive attention. Rather, opposition to peaceful protests earned the people military invasions of their communities, clampdowns and jailings. The rise of militarism and terrorism in the Niger Delta was the result of the Federal Government and Oil Companies’ clampdown on non-violent protests for environmental justice in the Niger Delta. This paper discusses the history of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, oil laws, effects of oil exploration in the region, and the rise of militants and terrorists in the area. The paper uses the term, ‘environmental Justice’ to denote unfair treatment and destruction of the Delta environment resulting from oil exploration, non implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, and abuse of human rights.The paper suggests solutions for peace in the Niger Delta.
Co-production of knowledge in soils governance
Authors: Prager Katrin , McKee Annie
Published: June 2017

The co-production of knowledge between different actor groups has the potential to generate ‘more socially robust knowledge’ and better decisions, therefore improving governance processes. This paper explores knowledge co-production between different types of actors involved in soils governance in Scotland: policy makers, agency staff, scientists, local authorities, land managers and other stakeholders. In a setting characterised by network governance, we investigate knowledge co-production in three arenas that aimed to implement the Scottish Soil Framework and progress several activities such as a Soil Monitoring Action Plan and the Scotland’s Soils website. Adopting an action research, case study approach, we collected data through document analysis, observation, personal communication with policy actors involved, and semi-structured interviews with soil data users (local authorities, farmers, estate managers). The findings show different levels of interaction in the different arenas, ranging from major interaction and two-way communication to no interaction. The interaction levels indicate the extent to which knowledge exchange has taken place. Analysis highlights the divergence in problem framing between the actor groups, their diverse soil data needs and, therefore, a variation in perceptions of solutions. The combination of co-production in the different arenas enhanced policy actors’ knowledge and allowed them to reconsider policy implementation efforts. However, the delineation of knowledge types remains challenging since the same actor can hold different types of knowledge. We conclude that the concept of knowledge co-production is useful as a frame for developing polycentric, interactive and multi-party processes in soils governance, as well as to identify where interaction requires facilitation and/or improvement, but the concept does not provide a consistent theory.
The impact of fluctuations and correlations in droplet growth by collision–coalescence revisited – Part 1: Numerical calculation of post-gel droplet size distribution
Authors: Alfonso Lester , Raga Graciela B.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The impact of stochastic fluctuations in cloud droplet growth is a matter of broad interest, since stochastic effects are one of the possible explanations of how cloud droplets cross the size gap and form the raindrop embryos that trigger warm rain development in cumulus clouds. Most theoretical studies on this topic rely on the use of the kinetic collection equation, or the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm. However, the kinetic collection equation is a deterministic equation with no stochastic fluctuations. Moreover, the traditional calculations using the kinetic collection equation are not valid when the system undergoes a transition from a continuous distribution to a distribution plus a runaway raindrop embryo (known as the sol–gel transition). On the other hand, the stochastic simulation algorithm, although intrinsically stochastic, fails to adequately reproduce the large end of the droplet size distribution due to the huge number of realizations required. Therefore, the full stochastic description of cloud droplet growth must be obtained from the solution of the master equation for stochastic coalescence. In this study the master equation is used to calculate the evolution of the droplet size distribution after the sol–gel transition. These calculations show that after the formation of the raindrop embryo, the expected droplet mass distribution strongly differs from the results obtained with the kinetic collection equation. Furthermore, the low-mass bins and bins from the gel fraction are strongly anticorrelated in the vicinity of the critical time, this being one of the possible explanations for the differences between the kinetic and stochastic approaches after the sol–gel transition. Calculations performed within the stochastic framework provide insight into the inability of explicit microphysics cloud models to explain the droplet spectral broadening observed in small, warm clouds.
Role of Atmospheric Circulations on Haze Pollution in December
2016
Authors: Yin Zhicong , Wang Huijun
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In the east of China, recent haze pollution has been severe and damaging. In addition to anthropogenic emissions, atmospheric circulations and local meteorological conditions were conductive factors. The number of December haze days over North China and the Huanghuai area has increased sharply since 2010 and was greatest in 2016. During 2016, the most aggressive control measures for anthropogenic emissions were executed from 16–21 December, but the most severe haze pollution still occurred, covering approximately 25 % of the land area of China and lasting for 6 days. The atmospheric circulations must play critical roles. The associated atmospheric circulations that were verified by climatic correlation analysis were a weaker East Asia jet stream in the upper troposphere, a positive phase of the East Atlantic/West Russia pattern in the middle troposphere and conductive local weather conditions (lower PBL, small surface wind speed, and abundant moisture) near the surface. The influence of sea surface temperature near the Gulf of Alaska and the subtropical eastern Pacific, snow cover in western Siberia and associated physical processes on haze pollution are also discussed.
Integrating uncertainty propagation in GNSS radio occultation retrieval: from excess phase to atmospheric bending angle profiles
Authors: Schwarz Jakob , Kirchengast Gottfried , Schwaerz Marc
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) observations are highly accurate, long-term stable data sets, and are globally available as a continuous record since 2001. Essential climate variables for the thermodynamic state of the free atmosphere, such as pressure, temperature and tropospheric water vapor profiles (involving background information), can be derived from these records, which therefore have the potential to serve as climate benchmark data. However, to exploit this potential, atmospheric profile retrievals need to be very accurate and the remaining uncertainties quantified and traced throughout the retrieval chain from raw observations to essential climate variables. The new Reference Occultation Processing System (rOPS) at the Wegener Center aims to deliver such an accurate RO retrieval chain with integrated uncertainty propagation. Here we introduce and demonstrate the algorithms implemented in the rOPS for uncertainty propagation from excess phase to atmospheric bending angle profiles, for estimated systematic and random uncertainties, including vertical error correlations and resolution estimates. We estimated systematic uncertainty profiles with the same operators as used for the basic state profiles retrieval. The random uncertainty is traced through covariance propagation and validated using Monte-Carlo ensemble methods. The algorithm performance is demonstrated using test-day ensembles of simulated data as well as real RO event data from the satellite missions CHAMP and COSMIC. The results of the Monte-Carlo validation show that our covariance propagation delivers correct uncertainty quantification from excess phase to bending angle profiles. The results from the real RO event ensembles demonstrate that the new uncertainty estimation chain performs robustly. Together with the other parts of the rOPS processing chain this part is thus ready to provide integrated uncertainty propagation through the whole RO retrieval chain for the benefit of climate monitoring and other applications
Methane profiles from GOSAT thermal infrared spectra
Authors: de Lange Arno , Landgraf Jochen
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This paper discusses the retrieval of atmospheric methane profiles from the thermal infrared band of the Japanese Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) between 1210 and 1310 cm−1, using the RemoTeC analysis software. Approximately one degree of information on the vertical methane distribution is inferred from the measurements with the main sensitivity at about 9 km altitude but little sensitivity to methane in the lower troposphere. For verification, we compare the GOSAT methane abundance at measurement sites of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) to methane profiles provided by the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC) model fields scaled to the total column observations at the sites. Without any radiometric corrections of GOSAT observations, differences between both data sets can be as large as 10 %. To mitigate these differences, we developed a correction scheme using a principal component analysis of spectral fit residuals and airborne observations of methane during the HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO) campaign II and III. When the correction scheme is applied, the bias in the methane profile can be reduced to less than 2 % over the whole altitude range with respect to MACC model methane fields. Furthermore, we show that, with this correction, the retrievals result in smooth methane fields over land and ocean crossings and no differences are to be discerned between daytime and nighttime measurements. Finally, a cloud filter is developed for the nighttime and ocean measurements. This filter is rooted in the GOSAT-TIR measurements and is consistent with the cloud filter based on the GOSAT-SWIR measurements, despite the fact that the TIR-filter is less stringent.
Severe weather as a spectacle: the Meteo-Show
Authors: Orbe Iñaki , Gaztelumendi Santiago
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In this work we focus on perhaps one of the worst journalist practice when dealing with severe weather, the Meteo-Show or the extended practice, especially in TV, for using weather and meteorology for spectacle. Journalism today has found weather information in a real goldmine in terms of audience due to the growing public interest in this matter. However, as it happens with other content, sensationalism and exaggeration have also reached weather information, primarily when episodes of adverse nature (snow, heavy rain, floods, etc.) are addressed. In this paper we look to identify the worst practices in weather communication through analysis of examples from real journalist work. We present some keys to understand this trend, highlighting the ingredients that are present in the worst Meteo-show.