bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un ordre d’enseignement paradoxal : le lycée professionnel comme analyseur des avancées et des obstacles à la démocratisation scolaire
Authors: Jellab Aziz
Published: May 2017

Institution de tous les paradoxes, le lycée professionnel (LP) est censé préparer les élèves à l’insertion professionnelle, notamment dans des emplois d’ouvriers et d’employés. En 1985, le LP a vu changer ses missions avec la création du baccalauréat professionnel, puis, après sa généralisation en 3 ans après la classe de 3 e de collège, la progression de la part des élèves souhaitant poursuivre leurs études dans le supérieur. Si ces évolutions contribuent à valoriser un ordre d’enseignement historiquement dominé dans la hiérarchie scolaire, elles s’accompagnent de nouvelles tensions : l’hégémonie symbolique du baccalauréat professionnel marginalise le CAP, l’expose à une déprofessionnalisation et à une disqualification des compétences professionnelles des élèves qui le préparent. Celle-ci se renforce de la concurrence de l’apprentissage en alternance qui déstabilise l’identité du LP tout en favorisant la construction de nouvelles compétences chez les enseignants dès lors qu’ils interviennent auprès de publics préparant un diplôme selon des modalités différentes. Enfin, la contribution du LP à l’élévation des niveaux de qualification cohabite avec le maintien d’un taux d’absentéisme et de ruptures scolaires élevé.
Le choix d’une éducation rentable : le système des coûts partagés en Chine. Une décision incontournable ?
Authors: Tang Jialu
Published: May 2017

La mise en place de frais d’inscription est une politique appliquée dans l’enseignement supérieur du monde occidental. Inspirée de la théorie du capital humain, cette politique s’appuie sur la notion de coûts partagés de Johnstone. Le principe étant que “celui qui bénéficie paie”, l’étudiant que l’éducation amène à la rentabilité doit contribuer de ses propres deniers. Ce système des coûts partagés conduit en Chine, en 1999, à l’instauration de frais d’inscription. Comment l’expliquer entre le choix de calquer le modèle occidental ou l’attitude pragmatique d’un gouvernement qui veut réaliser la massification ? L’auteur revient sur l’histoire de l’éducation chinoise pour analyser les motivations initiales de la politique des frais d’inscription, décrire l’implantation du marché dans l’enseignement supérieur et montrer que la mise en place des coûts partagés, inspirée des modèles occidentaux, est une option dont le gouvernement chinois n’aurait pas pu se passer.
Observer la fabrique de la ville à Bruxelles : un détour par la participation
Authors: Damay Ludivine , Delmotte Florence
Published: May 2017

Cet article propose un retour réflexif sur quatre expériences d’observation de dispositifs participatifs en matière de développement urbain à Bruxelles. Les auteures s’interrogent sur les relations entre les chercheurs impliqués dans ces expériences et les autres acteurs, notamment associatifs. En s’appuyant sur certains concepts de la sociologie de Norbert Elias, il s’agit de réfléchir aux configurations mouvantes que forment les acteurs dans le contexte bruxellois et à la dialectique entre l’engagement et la distanciation des chercheurs que dessinent ces expériences. Du côté des chercheurs, le « détour par l’engagement », ou par la participation, contribuerait à mieux comprendre le point de vue des autres acteurs. En partant du terrain, le texte s’interroge au final sur les différentes modalités de l’engagement du chercheur et tente de réfléchir à son impact sur la recherche et sur le dispositif participatif.
Le trente-troisième anniversaire de la santé environnementale
Authors: Cicolella André
Published: May 2017

Pour penser 2050, il faut saisir les mouvements de fond survenus au cours des dernières décennies, qui peuvent se résumer dans une expression : la transition épidémiologique, c’est-à-dire la diminution du poids des maladies transmissibles et l’augmentation du poids des maladies non transmissibles (rapport 12/88 à l’horizon 2030). En France, l’incidence des grandes maladies chroniques (maladies cardiovasculaires, cancer, diabète, affections psychiatriques) a progressé de 1994 à 2014 de façon beaucoup plus rapide que l’évolution de la population (de 3 à 6 fois plus). Le vieillissement ne peut donc à lui seul expliquer cette progression. Les causes sont à chercher dans les changements environnementaux survenus au cours des dernières décennies. La définition de l’OMS (« La santé est un état de bien-être et pas seulement l’absence de maladie ») devrait donc être complétée par une dimension écosystémique : la santé est la traduction de la qualité de la relation de l’être humain à son écosystème.
Noncontact Quantification of Topography of Anterior Corneal Surface and Bowman's Layer With High-Speed OCT
Authors: Matalia Himanshu , Francis Mathew , Gangil Tarun , Chandapura Rachana S. , Kurian Mathew , Shetty Rohit , Nelson Everette Jacob Remington , Roy Abhijit Sinha
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE:

To quantify keratometry and wavefront aberration of the anterior corneal surface and epithelium–Bowman's layer interface using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS:

Twenty-five normal eyes and 25 eyes with keratoconus were retrospectively analyzed. The anterior corneal edge and epithelium–Bowman's layer interface were segmented from 12 distortion-corrected OCT B-scans. Axial tangential curvatures and wavefront aberration were calculated by ray tracing and 6th order Zernike analyses. All eyes underwent simultaneous imaging with Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). The Pentacam elevation data were used for aberration analyses using the same ray-tracing method. The paired
t
test was used to compare the variables.

RESULTS:

In normal eyes, mean steep axis and maximum keratometry of OCT of the anterior corneal surface and epithelium–Bowman's layer interface were significantly greater than the same of the Pentacam anterior corneal surface (
P
< .05). Mean root mean square of higher order aberrations of the OCT surfaces was greater than the same of the Pentacam surface by a factor of 4. In eyes with keratoconus, mean steep axis and maximum keratometry of the OCT epithelium–Bowman's layer interface was the greatest (
P
< .05). Mean root mean square of the higher order aberrations and vertical coma of the OCT epithelium–Bowman's layer interface was the greatest (
P
< .05). In general, the aberrations of the OCT epithelium–Bowman's layer interface were significantly greater than those of the Pentacam anterior corneal surface.

CONCLUSIONS:

A noncontact method to quantify the topography and aberrations of corneal surfaces with OCT was presented. OCT measurements yielded greater curvature and aberrations than Pentacam in both normal and keratoconic eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(5):330–336.]
Miguel Eyzaguirre: las redes de un chileno reformista en la Lima del virrey Abascal, 1803-1816
Authors: Ossa Santa Cruz Juan Luis
Published: May 2017

Este artículo estudia la carrera del chileno Miguel Eyzaguirre durante los años 1803 y 1816. Para ello se analizan tres fenómenos específicos: la construcción de las redes comerciales y políticas de Eyzaguirre, tanto en Europa como en Sudamérica, durante los años inmediatamente anteriores y posteriores a las abdicaciones reales en Bayona; su papel como político, intelectual y abogado en la Lima del virrey José Fernando de Abascal; y sus vínculos ideológicos con los «revolucionarios» chilenos. Se argumenta que su labor como redactor de artículos periodísticos, como Fiscal del Crimen de la Audiencia de Lima y como líder de la facción «constitucionalista» de la capital peruana demuestra una posición «reformista» pero no «revolucionaria ». Esto lo diferenciaría tanto del grupo «fidelista» que apoyaba las políticas monopólicas y contrarrevolucionarias de Abascal como de los «revolucionarios» chilenos, quienes desde muy temprano quebraron, a diferencia de Eyzaguirre, con las corporaciones españolas que gobernaban el imperio en nombre de Fernando VII. Se concluye, no obstante, que tanto «reformistas» como «revolucionarios» eran –al menos hasta 1815– leales al rey.
Research on Wireless Sensor Actuator Distribution Algorithm Meeting Maximum Request Expectation
Authors: Jiang Xuejun , Zhang Wenbo , Zhang Lincong , Tan Xiaobo
Published: May 2017

In wireless sensor actuator networks, actuator nodes are very important to network coverage for wireless sensor. So according to the characteristics that wireless communication is easy to be affected by the environment, in this wireless sensor actuator network the actuator nodes are abstracted to be service providers and the sensor nodes are abstracted to be service consumers. Furthermore, the messages transferred from actuator nodes to sensor nodes are abstracted to be service requests and the coverage of sensor nodes by actuator nodes is service providing. Moreover, the service faulty ratio of actuator nodes is defined in this paper. Based on that, an actuator node coverage algorithm that satisfies the maximum request expectation is put forwarded. Its goal is to solve the mathematical expectation of maximizing the number of service requests with fixed number of sensor nodes and actuator nodes. So the optimal position of actuator nodes could be identified. The theoretic proof and simulation result show that this algorithm is more efficient compared with similar algorithms
Interactive Head Control of Embroidery Machine using Embedded Web Server
Authors: Mewada Hiren K
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes the design and implementation of prototype model to control embroidery machine using single board ARM processor. Wilcom is the software largely used for embroidery design. Designs prepared using Wilcom software are printed and supplied to the machine for further process. The proposed prototype model extracts the design data from this software by avoiding the printing and/or scanning of the user design and the design data are supplied to ARM based prototype embroidery machine for printing. In proposed model, the pencil is used as printing head and A4 size paper is used for the printing. Further to control the head, Use of web server design is also proposed using ARM processor.
An Energy Aware Multipath Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: LV Liping
Published: May 2017

Wireless sensor network is a new field of computer science and technology research. It has a very broad application prospects. In order to improve the network survival time, it is very important to design efficient energy-constrained routing protocols. In this paper, we studied the characteristics of wireless sensor networks, and analyzed the design criteria of sensor network routing algorithms. In view of the shortcomings of traditional algorithms, we proposed an energy-aware multi-path algorithm. When selecting a data transmission path, the energy-aware multi-path algorithm can avoid nodes with low energy levels. At the same time, it takes the remaining energy of the node and the number of hops as one of the measures of the path selection. The multi-path routing algorithm realized the low energy consumption of the data transmission path, thus effectively prolonging the network lifetime. Compared with the traditional algorithm, the results show that our method has high reliability and energy efficiency.
Effects of Social Presence and Social Capital on User Loyalty to the Social Networking Website
Authors: Wen-Jang (Kenny) Jih  , Lee Su-Fang
Published: May 2017

Electronic government initiatives play a central role in opening doors for potential voters to participate in the political process by using electronic voting systems. Electronic voting is attracting more attention by governments around the world, where many countries have exploited e-voting systems as an alternative to traditional voting in their national elections. Citizens differ in their attitude towards using e-voting. This study extended the technology acceptance model to predict the intentions to use e-voting. This paper explored the intentions of citizens to use e-voting systems by conducting an empirical research. To accomplish the main objectives of this paper, 320 surveys were collected from Jordanian citizens. The findings indicate a significant influence of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and security. Trust failed to predict intentions to use e-voting systems.
An Efficient Coronary Disease Diagnosis System Using Dual-Phase Multi-Objective Optimization and Embedded Feature Selection
Authors: Priyatharshini R.  , Chitrakala S.
Published: May 2017

Developments in healthcare technologies have significantly enhanced spatial resolution and improved contrast resolution, permitting analysis of additional subtle structures than formerly attainable. An approach for Automatic recognition and quantification of calcifications from arteries in computed tomography (CT) scans is developed which is a key necessity in planning the treatment of individuals with suspected coronary artery disease. First, a Dual-Phase Multi-_objective Optimization approach using an Active Contour Model-based region-growing technique is developed. Second, an embedded feature selection method is developed with an expert classifier to detect calcified objects in the segmented artery with great accuracy. Finally, the Agatston scoring method is utilized to quantify the level of coronary artery calcium plaque. Coronary CT images from the AS+CT scanner with a slice thickness of 3 mm were obtained from clinical practice. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method improves the accuracy of lesion detection for better treatment planning.
Lexical Co-Occurrence and Contextual Window-Based Approach with Semantic Similarity for Query Expansion
Authors: Singh Jagendra , Kumar Rakesh
Published: May 2017

Query expansion (QE) is an efficient method for enhancing the efficiency of information retrieval system. In this work, we try to capture the limitations of pseudo-feedback based QE approach and propose a hybrid approach for enhancing the efficiency of feedback based QE by combining corpus-based, contextual based information of query terms, and semantic based knowledge of query terms. First of all, this paper explores the use of different corpus-based lexical co-occurrence approaches to select an optimal combination of query terms from a pool of terms obtained using pseudo-feedback based QE. Next, we explore semantic similarity approach based on word2vec for ranking the QE terms obtained from top pseudo-feedback documents. Further, we combine co-occurrence statistics, contextual window statistics, and semantic similarity based approaches together to select the best expansion terms for query reformulation. The experiments were performed on FIRE ad-hoc and TREC-3 benchmark datasets. The statistics of our proposed experimental results show significant improvement over baseline method.
Interactive Online Learning
Authors: Rusko Rauno
Published: May 2017

This study is focused on the implications of the student voice in digital-based entrepreneurship education basing on the case study example from university-level schooling from Finland. Practice-based subjects, such as entrepreneurship, have been seen in literature as a problematic field for digital-based education. The studied education was implemented using the synthesis of two computer-mediated communication channels. Analysis based on the content analysis of individual portfolios (diaries), which were returned and stored in the asynchronous platform. In the case study environment, the decision of using use two-channel digital teaching platforms (synchronous and asynchronous) seemed to be successful, because dual channels enable wider forms of feedback and student voice activities during and after the lecture. The results of this study encourage educators to use multifaceted digital educational technology in education and as a channel for the student voice also in practice-based subjects, such as entrepreneurship.
Dialogue Pedagogical Strategies Perceived to Enhance Online Interaction
Authors: Dogbey James , Kumi-Yeboah Alex , Dogbey John
Published: May 2017

The advent and success of online academic programs in recent years have prompted many institutions of higher learning to increase the number of courses they offer online. As the number of online courses increases, however, so has a growing concern about the effectiveness of this instructional delivery method in adequately preparing students for further education and career aspirations. This study explored dialogue pedagogical strategies employed by instructors of online courses to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the online environment. It also investigated challenges faced by instructors of online courses in their effort to maximize students' learning in this environment. Ten instructors of online courses participated in the study. The analysis identified instructors' presence, learning communities, instructional differentiation, and strict deadlines as dialogue factors that promote the quality of online teaching and learning. The response data also pointed to dialogue related three issues, namely: student issues; instructor issues; and technological issues that constrain students' learning in the online environment. Implications and recommendations for educators, instructors, and policymakers are provided.
Understanding the Use of Twitter for Teaching Purposes in Saudi Arabian Universities
Authors: Alim Sophia
Published: May 2017

The increased use of Twitter in Saudi Arabia has opened new opportunities in higher education teaching. However, there exists a lack of studies which examine academics' thoughts on Twitter use for teaching purposes. For this study, a questionnaire was distributed to academics in Saudi Arabian universities in order to explore their experiences and opinions regarding Twitter use in teaching. The results of the questionnaire indicated that the top three teaching activities Twitter was used for were: sharing resources, posting important information, and enabling students to ask questions. Positive experiences of using Twitter in teaching focused on: accessibility, the dissemination of important information, student engagement, and the sharing of opinions and ideas. Negative experiences highlighted issues such as a lack of Internet connections, the distracting nature of tweeting, privacy, the small size of tweets, and time management. What this study highlighted was the use of Twitter in higher education teaching was still in the experimental stages of implementation.
The Parental Perspective over the Use of iPads in Primary and Middle Years of Schooling
Authors: Ismail Abdullah , Cashin Anthony
Published: May 2017

Apple's iPad and other forms of tablet are reportedly gaining increasing popularity within the academic premises. Most of the published research on this topic has highly admired the positive role and impact of iPads on teaching and learning practices, as if an exogenous technological induction in any local context would essentially revolutionize and transform the whole educational paradigm; however, some recent publications also highlight the parental and policy-makers' concerns over the undesired consequences of technological obsession in educational development. The current study aims at bringing a balanced view on this crucially important topic. The study employs mixed methods research and it uses Ajman Academy, a renowned K-12 institution in the United Arab Emirates, as a case study. This research concludes that due to the relative immaturity of these young children, they cannot be left alone to make their own technological choices. Hence, adopting an over-ambitious approach in terms of technological adoption, without properly understanding the nuances and complexities of a local context; may possibly put these children in a vulnerable situation, and thus likely exposed to many unintended and undesired consequences.
Résumé, étude des politiques relatives aux données géospatiales
Authors: Sears G
Published: May 2017

GéoConnexions a commandé l'Étude des politiques canadiennes relatives aux données géospatiales afin d'obtenir de l'information empirique sur les politiques actuelles en matière de données géospatiales et leur impact sur les
trois ordres de gouvernement (fédéral, provinciaux et municipaux), de même que sur les utilisateurs et les distributeurs de données dans le secteur des affaires et dans l'ensemble de la collectivité. Le consultant devait, à la lumière de ses constatations,
recommander des modifications aux politiques et aux pratiques du gouvernement du Canada en matière de diffusion des données géospatiales pour faciliter l'expansion des affaires et l'amélioration de la compétitivité de l'industrie canadienne de la géomatique, tout
en assurant un financement adéquat de l'infrastructure.
Between the Mount of Transfiguration and Jerusalem and beyond: The chiastic structure of Matthew 17:14–20:34
Authors: Scholtz Jacob J.
Published: May 2017

In this article, a chiastic structure in Matthew 17:14–20:34 is identified, evaluated and discussed. This structure highlights the movements of Jesus between the Mount of Transfiguration and Jerusalem as he is on his way to the cross to provide forgiveness of sins. However, this chiastic structure may also be considered in its wider, prophetic context. The structure of Matthew 17:14–20:34 fits into the larger thought or movement of Matthew 16:28–25:46. This shows Jesus’ movements from the Mount of Transfiguration to Jerusalem and beyond — not only during his first advent, but also at his second coming.
Seasonal habitat selection by African buffalo Syncerus caffer in the Savuti–Mababe–Linyanti ecosystem of northern Botswana
Authors: Sianga Keoikantse , Fynn Richard W.S. , Bonyongo Mpaphi C.
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to establish seasonal movement and habitat selection patterns of African buffalo Syncerus caffer in relation to a detailed habitat map and according to seasonal changes in forage quality and quantity in the Savuti–Mababe–Linyanti ecosystem (Botswana). Two buffalo were collared in November 2011 and another in October 2012. All three buffalo had greater activities in the mopane–sandveld woodland mosaic during the wet season, which provided high-quality leafy grasses and ephemeral water for drinking, but moved to permanent water and reliable forage of various wetlands (swamps and floodplains) and riverine woodlands during the dry season. Wetlands had higher grass greenness, height and biomass than woodlands during the dry season. Buffalo had similar wet season concentration areas in the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 wet seasons and similar dry season concentration areas over the 2012 and 2013 dry seasons. However, their dry season location of collaring in 2011 differed dramatically from their 2012 and 2013 dry season concentration areas, possibly because of the exceptionally high flood levels in 2011, which reduced accessibility to their usual dry season concentration areas. The study demonstrates that extremely large and heterogeneous landscapes are needed to conserve buffalo in sandy, dystrophic ecosystems with variable rainfall.Conservation implications: This study emphasises the importance of large spatial scale available for movement, which enables adaptation to changing conditions between years and seasons.
Regional aspects of long-term public sector psychiatric care in the Eastern Cape
Authors: Sukeri Kiran
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The objective of this research was to determine regional aspects (such as clinical, geographic and socio-demographic) influencing the use of public sector long-term psychiatric services in the Eastern Cape. This is important in improving service delivery, to assist policy developers with evidence-based research and in providing equitable and efficient resource utilisation.Methodology: A situational analysis of Tower Psychiatric Hospital and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre (TPHPRC) in the Eastern Cape was conducted. Patient administrative data were utilised to determine geographic origin, date and age at admission, gender and diagnosis as of December 2015. The number of admissions from each region for the years 2010–2015 was also extracted from these data.Results: As of December 2015, there were a total of 390 patients at TPHPRC. Of these, 87% were male patients. The average age at admission for male and female patients was 36 years and 44 years, respectively. Of the patients, 53% originated from the western regions and 57% of female patients presented with a dual diagnosis. The highest number of admissions was in 2015, with the majority originating from Port Elizabeth.Conclusion: Despite higher access to public psychiatric care in the western region, the majority of patients originated from there. Contributing factors to this include diagnoses, insufficient bed numbers and the absence of admission criteria and referral pathways. It is recommended that the provincial Department of Health set up a task team to determine a standardised working framework for all public sector psychiatric institutions. This should be informed by national policies, legislation and provincial norms and indicators.
Nonlocal problems with Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Dipierro Serena , Ros-Oton Xavier , Valdinoci Enrico
Published: May 2017

We introduce a new Neumann problem for the fractional Laplacian arising from a simple probabilistic consideration, and we discuss the basic properties of this model. We can consider both elliptic and parabolic equations in any domain. In addition, we formulate problems with nonhomogeneous Neumann conditions, and also with mixed Dirichlet and Neumann conditions, all of them having a clear probabilistic interpretation.

We prove that solutions to the fractional heat equation with homogeneous Neumann conditions have the following natural properties: conservation of mass inside

\Omega

, decreasing energy, and convergence to a constant as

t\to \infty

. Moreover, for the elliptic case we give the variational formulation of the problem, and establish existence of solutions.

We also study the limit properties and the boundary behavior induced by this nonlocal Neumann condition.

For concreteness, one may think that our nonlocal analogue of the classical Neumann condition

\partial_\nu u=0

on

\partial\Omega

consists in the nonlocal prescription

\int_\Omega \frac{u(x)-u(y)}{|x-y|^{n+2s}}\,dy=0 \quad {\text{for }} x\in\mathbb R^n\setminus\overline{\Omega}.

We made an effort to keep all the arguments at the simplest possible technical level, in order to clarify the connections between the different scientific fields that are naturally involved in the problem, and make the paper accessible also to a wide, non-specialistic public (for this scope, we also tried to use and compare different concepts and notations in a somehow more unified way).
Sharpness of the differentiability almost everywhere and capacitary estimates for Sobolev mappings
Authors: Hencl Stanislav , Tengvall Ville
Published: May 2017

We give sharp conformal conditions for the differentiability in the Sobolev space

W_{\mathrm {loc}}^{1,n-1}(\Omega, \mathbb R^{n})

. Furthermore, we show that the space

W_{\mathrm {loc}}^{1,n-1}(\Omega, \mathbb R^{n})

can be considered as the borderline space for some capacitary inequalities.
Defects Around a Spherical Particle in Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Tong Yu , Wang Yiwei , Zhang Pingwen
Published: May 2017

We investigate the defect structures around a spherical colloidal particle in a cholesteric liquid crystal using spectral method, which is specially devised to cope with the inhomogeneity of the cholesteric at infinity. We pay particular attention to the cholesteric counterparts of nematic metastable configurations. When the spherical colloidal particle imposes strong homeotropic anchoring on its surface, besides the well-known twisted Saturn ring, we find another metastable defect configuration, which corresponds to the dipole in a nematic, without outside confinement. This configuration is energetically preferable to the twisted Saturn ring when the particle size is large compared to the nematic coherence length and small compared to the cholesteric pitch. When the colloidal particle imposes strong planar anchoring, we find the cholesteric twist can result in a split of the defect core on the particle surface similar to that found in a nematic liquid crystal by lowering temperature or increasing particle size.
Linear Stability of Hyperbolic Moment Models for Boltzmann Equation
Authors: Di Yana , Fan Yuwei , Li Ruo , Zheng Lingchao
Published: May 2017

Grad's moment models for Boltzmann equation were recently regularized to globally hyperbolic systems and thus the regularized models attain local well-posedness for Cauchy data. The hyperbolic regularization is only related to the convection term in Boltzmann equation. We in this paper studied the regularized models with the presentation of collision terms. It is proved that the regularized models are linearly stable at the local equilibrium and satisfy Yong's first stability condition with commonly used approximate collision terms, and particularly with Boltzmann's binary collision model.
Multidimensional Iterative Filtering Method for the Decomposition of High–Dimensional Non–Stationary Signals
Authors: Cicone Antonio , Zhou Haomin
Published: May 2017

Iterative Filtering (IF) is an alternative technique to the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm for the decomposition of non–stationary and non–linear signals. Recently in [3] IF has been proved to be convergent for anyL2signal and its stability has been also demonstrated through examples. Furthermore in [3] the so called Fokker–Planck (FP) filters have been introduced. They are smooth at every point and have compact supports. Based on those results, in this paper we introduce the Multidimensional Iterative Filtering (MIF) technique for the decomposition and time–frequency analysis of non–stationary high–dimensional signals. We present the extension of FP filters to higher dimensions. We prove convergence results under general sufficient conditions on the filter shape. Finally we illustrate the promising performance of MIF algorithm, equipped with high–dimensional FP filters, when applied to the decomposition of two dimensional signals.
Clinical Usefulness of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Vibrio vulnificus Infection Using Skin and Soft Tissues
Authors: Lee Jun-Young , Kim Seok Won , Kim Dong-Min , Yun Na Ra , Kim Choon-Mee , Lee Sang-Hong
Published: May 2017

Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic gram-negative bacillus isolated in seawater, fish, and shellfish. Infection by V. vulnificus is the most severe food-borne infection reported in the United States of America. Here, we aimed to examine the clinical usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using tissue specimens other than blood samples as a diagnostic tool for V. vulnificus infection. A retrospective study was conducted with patients who underwent real-time PCR of toxR in both blood and skin tissues, including serum, bullae, swab, and operation room specimens, between 2006 and 2009. The median V. vulnificus DNA load of 14 patients in real-time PCR analysis of serum at the time of admission was 638.5 copies/mL blood, which was within the interquartile range (IQR: 37–3,225). In contrast, the median value by real-time PCR using the first tissue specimen at the time of admission was 16,650 copies/mL tissue fluid (IQR: 4,419–832,500). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.022). DNA copy numbers in tissues were less affected by short-term antibiotic administration than that in blood samples, and antibiotic administration increased the DNA copy number in some patients. We found, for the first time, that DNA copy numbers in tissues of patients infected by V. vulnificus were higher than those in blood samples. Additionally, skin lesions were more useful than blood samples as specimens for PCR analysis in patients administered antibiotics for V. vulnificus infection before admission.
Case Report: Zika Virus Meningoencephalitis and Myelitis and Associated Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Pradhan Faruq , Burns Joseph D. , Agameya Ahmed , Patel Avignat , Alfaqih Mohammad , Small Juan E. , Ooi Winnie
Published: May 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) has a wide clinical spectrum of associated neurologic disease including microcephaly and Guillain–Barre syndrome but, despite its known neurotropism, ZIKV meningoencephalitis and myelitis have been rare complications. We describe a case of ZIKV meningoencephalitis and probable myelitis and its associated magnetic resonance imaging findings that rapidly resolved during recovery in a previously healthy adult.
Hygienic Behaviors and Risks for Ascariasis among College Students in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Mubarak Mohammad Yousuf , Wagner Abram L. , Carlson Bradley F. , Boulton Matthew L.
Published: May 2017

Teenagers have a high prevalence of ascariasis in low-income countries with endemic disease, and their hygienic behaviors and access to proper sanitation may be limited in rapidly urbanizing settings. We studied university students in Kabul to estimate the proportion with ascariasis and determine the prevalence of risk factors for infection. Ascariasis was assessed through microscopy for 520 students attending Kabul Medical University. Overall, 15.8% of students were infected. Living in a hostel (21.2% versus 10.4% in houses) using well water (27.7% versus 9.7% for piped water), eating street food (29.4% versus 3.0% for those who do not), and eating unwashed vegetables (63.6% versus 8.8% for those who do not) were risk factors for infection. Recent city migrants who live in group hostels, including students, are important targets for interventions to reduce ascariasis. Such interventions could include encouraging individuals to prepare their own food and use only potable water.
Differential Vector Competency of Aedes albopictus Populations from the Americas for Zika Virus
Authors: Azar Sasha R. , Roundy Christopher M. , Rossi Shannan L. , Huang Jing H. , Leal Grace , Yun Ruimei , Fernandez-Salas Ildefonso , Vitek Christopher J. , Paploski Igor A. D. , Stark Pamela M. , Vela Jeremy , Debboun Mustapha , Reyna Martin , Kitron Uriel , Ribeiro Guilherme S. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Vasilakis Nikos , Weaver Scott C.
Published: May 2017

To evaluate the potential role of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) as a vector of Zika virus (ZIKV), colonized mosquitoes of low generation number (≤ F5) from Brazil, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas engorged on viremic mice infected with ZIKV strains originating from Senegal, Cambodia, Mexico, Brazil, or Puerto Rico. Vector competence was established by monitoring infection, dissemination, and transmission potential after 3, 7, and 14 days of extrinsic incubation. Positive saliva samples were assayed for infectious titer. Although all three mosquito populations were susceptible to all ZIKV strains, rates of infection, dissemination, and transmission differed among mosquito and virus strains. Aedes albopictus from Salvador, Brazil, were the least efficient vectors, demonstrating susceptibility to infection to two American strains of ZIKV but failing to shed virus in saliva. Mosquitoes from the Rio Grande Valley were the most efficient vectors and were capable of shedding all three tested ZIKV strains into saliva after 14 days of extrinsic incubation. In particular, ZIKV strain DakAR 41525 (Senegal 1954) was significantly more efficient at dissemination and saliva deposition than the others tested in Rio Grande mosquitoes. Overall, our data indicate that, while Ae. albopictus is capable of transmitting ZIKV, its competence is potentially dependent on geographic origin of both the mosquito population and the viral strain.
Clinical Characteristics of Severe Japanese Encephalitis: A Case Series from South Korea
Authors: Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Lee Soon-Tae , Jung Keun-Hwa , Park Kyung-Il , Moon Jangsup , Jung Ki-Young , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Chu Kon
Published: May 2017

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is a major cause of devastating viral encephalitis, especially in Asia. Although a successful vaccination program led to its near-elimination over three decades in South Korea, the incidence of JE has increased since 2010. The present study investigated the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and factors affecting neurological outcomes of reemerging JE. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of laboratory-confirmed JE patients who presented with acute encephalitis syndrome at three tertiary hospitals between 2010 and 2015. A total of 17 patients with JE were identified. Their median age was 51 years, and 10 (58.5%) were men. The most common symptoms and signs were fever (94.1%), altered consciousness (94.1%), and headache (80.2%). Hyporeflexia (47.1%), seizures (35.2%), abnormal brainstem reflex (23.5%), and flaccid weakness (17.6%) were also noted. Brain imaging revealed thalamic lesions in all patients, with the hippocampus, midbrain, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex affected to varying degrees. Sixteen patients (94.1%) required management in the intensive care unit with mechanical ventilation due to neurological deterioration. At the time of discharge, 11 (64.7%) had poor recovery, defined as Glasgow coma scale scores of less than 8, and remained ventilator dependent. Comparison between the two outcome groups indicated that midbrain involvement (P = 0.028) and rapid deterioration (P = 0.005) were associated with severe neurological sequelae. Given that JE is a vaccine-preventable disease, vaccination for adults should be considered in response to the reemergence of JE.
Combined Impacts of Nitrous Acid and Nitryl Chloride on Lower
Tropospheric Ozone: New Module Development in WRF-Chem and
Application to China
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Qinyi , Wang Tao , Ahmadov Ravan , Zhang Qiang , Li Meng , Lv Mengyao
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Nitrous acid (HONO) and nitryl chloride (ClNO2) – through their photolysis – can have profound effects on the nitrogen cycle and oxidation capacity of the lower troposphere. Previous numerical studies have separately considered and investigated the sources/processes of these compounds and their roles in the fate of reactive nitrogen and the production of ozone (O3), but their combined impact on the chemistry of the lower part of the troposphere has not been addressed yet. In this study, we updated the WRF-Chem model with the currently known sources and chemistry of HONO and chlorine in a new chemical mechanism (CBMZ_ReNOM), and applied it to a study of the combined effects of HONO and ClNO2 on summertime O3 in the boundary layer over China. We simulated the spatial distributions of HONO, ClNO2, and related compounds at the surface and within the lower troposphere. The results showed that the modeled HONO levels reached up to 800–1800 ppt at the surface (0–30 m) over the Northern China Plain (NCP), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) regions and that HONO was concentrated within a 0–200 m layer. In comparison, the simulated surface ClNO2 mixing ratio was around 800–1500 ppt over the NCP, YRD, and central China regions and was predominantly present in a 0–600 m layer. HONO enhanced daytime ROx (OH + HO2 + RO2) and O3 at the surface (0–30 m) by 2.8–4.6 ppt (28–37 %) and 2.9–6.2 ppb (6–13 %), respectively, over the three most developed regions, whereas ClNO2 increased surface O3 in the NCP and YRD regions by 2.4–3.3 ppb (or 5–6%) and it also had a significant impact (3–6%) on above-surface O3 within 200–500 m. The combined effects increased surface O3 by 11.5 %, 13.5 %, and 13.3 % in the NCP, YRD and PRD regions, respectively. Over the boundary layer (0–1000 m), the HONO and ClNO2 enhanced O3 by up to 5.1 % and 3.2 %, respectively, and their combined effect increased O3 by 7.1–8.9 % in the three regions. The new module noticeably improved O3 predictions at ~ 900 monitoring stations throughout China by reducing the mean bias from −4.3 ppb to 0.1 ppb. Our study suggests the importance of considering these reactive nitrogen species simultaneously into chemical transport models to better simulate the formation of summertime O3 in polluted regions.
O TAMASHEQ NA CONVERGÊNCIA COM O FRANCÊS NO TERRITÓRIO AFRICANO: CASO DO POVO TUAREGUE NO DESERTO DO SAARA, NORTE DO MALI
Authors: DIABATE Moussa , OLIVEIRA Cláudia Regina M. de
Published: May 2017

Esta investigação centra-se no Tamasheq na convergência com o Francês no território africano (Mali). A escolha do tema justifica-se porque a área de substrato Tamasheq / Francês fundamentado na Pedagogia Convergente permanece pouco explorada. O objetivo geral é o de registrar e analisar dados sobre o funcionamento do bilinguismo na aprendizagem de alunos cuja língua nacional é o Tamasheq no contexto escolar de aulas ministradas em Francês. A investigação constituiu–se de: busca de literatura referente à Pedagogia Convergente. A reflexão, à luz da fundamentação teórica reiterou a contribuição da Pedagogia Convergente para a qualidade da aprendizagem escolar de estudantes tamasheq e a relevância do ambiente de estudo marcado pelo ensino bilíngue Tamasheque e Francês.
BREVE REFLEXÃO EM TORNO DA TEORIA DE INCORPORAÇÃO APLICADA ÀS CONSTRUÇÕES CAUSATIVA E PASSIVA E SUAS IMPLICAÇÕES SEMÂNTICAS EM CIYAO
Authors: MAGONA Vasco
Published: May 2017

O estudo aplica de forma breve a teoria da incorporação na análise das extensões causativa e passiva e suas implicações semânticas na língua Yao, uma língua do grupo Bantu, falada em Moçambique, Malawi e Tanzânia. O estudo argumenta que, a aplicação das extensões implica ao acréscimo ou perda de lugares mas, também, o incremento de novas propriedades semânticas aos argumentos o que sugere olhar para os papéis temáticos como elementos flutuantes se, se entender que estes podem ser vistos sob duas perspectivas: (i) Lexical e, (ii) Sintáctica.
DEBATES EM TORNO DA TEORIA RACIAL E URBANIZAÇÃO NA SÉRIE DE CRÔNICAS “BONS DIAS!” DE MACHADO DE ASSIS
Authors: RIBEIRO Sálua Francinele
Published: May 2017

O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar os posicionamentos do narrador da série “Bons dias!”, Policarpo, criado por Machado de Assis, referentes à: teoria racial, epidemias e ciência, no Brasil do século XIX. Tomaremos como corpus as crônicas da série “Bons dias!”, que abordam tais temáticas. A abolição da escravidão, ocorrida em 13 de Maio de 1888, e outras mudanças que estavam ocorrendo no Brasil no final do século XIX, como a discussão sobre a urbanização da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, o combate às epidemias que assolavam a cidade (como a febre amarela e a malária) e os debates em torno das teorias raciais, permitiram que a série de crônicas “Bons dias!” construísse significados junto aos leitores sobre os últimos acontecimentos. Com a análise das crônicas escolhidas é possível aproximarmos das opiniões de Machado de Assis sobre os acontecimentos do seu tempo. Machado de Assis, “na voz” irônica de Policarpo, observou e comentou as temáticas analisadas, mostrando-se contrário a várias opiniões da elite dominante do Brasil do século XIX, no que diz respeito à teoria racial, epidemias e a ciência no Brasil. Machado de Assis, através de seu personagem, Policarpo se mostrou um crítico de várias atitudes da classe dominante.
SAIR OU NÃO SAIR: A LINHA TÊNUE ENTRE FICAR NO ARMÁRIO E A LIBERDADE
Authors: CAMPOS Ionice Barbosa de , MELO Carlos Augusto de
Published: May 2017

Este artigo objetiva trazer para discussão a representação do homossexual na literatura brasileira contemporânea. Para tanto, trata-se de um trabalho de cunho bibliográfico, que traz para uma breve análise o romance As Lesmas, de Heleno Godoy. Em termos teóricos, buscamos alguns conceitos terminológicos em Lomando e Wagner (2009), bem como as teorias que abordam questões de gênero, como é o caso da obra Sedgwick (2007) em “A epistemologia do armário” e Albuquerque Júnior (s/d). Discutiremos, em específico, o papel do homossexual na obra literária em questão, visando identificar quem é esse sujeito, de onde ele fala e qual lugar assume, tanto na obra quanto na sociedade, já que o homossexualismo, ainda que em pleno século XXI, não é bem aceito pela sociedade patriarcal e heteronormativa. Enfim, essa relação e seu valor estético serão aqui colocados para evidenciar a necessidade de trazer o assunto para discussão acadêmica.
ESTRATÉGIAS DE MARCAÇÃO DO GÉNERO POR APRENDENTES DO PORTUGUÊS COMO LÍNGUA ESTRANGEIRA
Authors: ERNESTO Nelson Maurício , CHIPARA Margret , NHATUVE Diocleciano
Published: May 2017

Este estudo estabelece padrões de ocorrência de desvios em relação ao Português Europeu sobre a marcação do Género, apoiando-se num corpus-amostragem de frases recolhidas em textos escritos produzidos por estudantes da Universidade do Zimbabué, em processo de aquisição do Português como uma Língua Estrangeira (PLE), o que constitui a sua interlíngua. A pesquisa procura também equipar o professor de com alguns subsídios para o tratamento destes “erros” na aula de PLE, em função de investigações científicas anteriormente realizadas, e com relativo sucesso, sobre a interlíngua não fossilizada de aprendentes de Português como Língua Não Materna.
Succeeding Alone and Together - University Students’ Perceptions of Caring Online Teaching
Authors: Uusiautti Satu , Määttä Kaarina , Leskisenoja Eliisa
Published: May 2017

Studying and learning means adaptation of new information, skills, and values. Students’ previous knowledge and experiences direct their studies, and in the best case, these experiences are positive. Learning is always a social process, too. How do new learning environments at universities influence students’ individuality and communality? Are students left alone and to work just with their computers? What kinds of experiences do students have of online teaching? In this study, these questions were asked from students studying at a Finnish university. Based on their perceptions, four features of an ideal online teaching and learning environment were found. Online solutions, when based on caring teaching, can provide new positive experiences of learning and teaching to teachers and students.
Democracia, Movimentos Sociais e o Meio Ambiente
Authors: Correia Mary Lúcia Andrade , Dias Eduardo Rocha
Published: May 2017

Analisa-se neste estudo o tema “Democracia, Movimentos Sociais e o Meio Ambiente”, cuja relevância reside no entendimento da relação entre o processo democrático, os movimentos sociais e o meio ambiente. Este ensaio tem por objetivo geral demonstrar os aspectos relevantes da democracia antiga e moderna. São seus objetivos específicos identificar o papel da democracia e sua relação com os movimentos sociais e, por fim, verificar a relação entre democracia, movimentos sociais e proteção do meio ambiente. A metodologia utilizada na pesquisa consiste na análise exploratória e descritiva sobre o objeto de estudo por meio de levantamento bibliográfico em livros, documentos eletrônicos, teses, dissertações, revistas e periódicos etc. Como resultados esperados busca-se contribuir para melhor compreensão da realidade da democracia atual e de seus reflexos e avanços com relação aos movimentos sociais e a proteção ambiental no contexto brasileiro.