bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Directional Microphone and Noise Reduction Algorithm Under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios
Authors: Kuk Francis , Slugocki Christopher , Korhonen Petri
Published: October 2019

Background: Many studies on the efficacy of directional microphones (DIRMs) and noise reduction (NR)algorithms were not conducted under realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A Repeat–RecallTest (RRT) was developed previously to partially address this issue.
Purpose: This study evaluated whether the RRT could provide a more comprehensive understanding ofthe efficacy of a DIRM and NR algorithm under realistic SNRs. Possible interaction with listener workingmemory capacity (WMC) was assessed.
Research Design: This study uses a double-blind, within-subject repeated measures design.
Study Sample: Nineteen listeners with a moderate degree of hearing loss participated.
Data Collection and Analysis: The RRT was administered with participants wearing the study hearingaids (HAs) under two microphones (omnidirectional versus directional) by two NR (on versus off) conditions.Speech was presented from 0° at 75 dB SPL and a continuous noise from 180° at SNRs of 0, 5,10, and 15 dB. The order of SNR and HA conditions was counterbalanced across listeners. Each testcondition was completed twice in two 2-hour sessions separated by one month.
Results: The recall scores of listeners were used to group listeners into good and poor WMC groups.Analysis using linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of context, SNR, and microphonefor all four measures (repeat, recall, listening effort, and tolerable time). NR was only significant on thelistening effort scale in the DIRM mode at an SNR of 5 dB. Listeners with good WMC performed better onall measures of the RRT and benefitted more from context. Although DIRM benefitted listeners with goodand poor WMC, the benefits differed by context and SNR.
Conclusions: The RRT confirmed the efficacy of DIRM and NR on several outcome measures underrealistic SNRs. It also highlighted interactions between WMC and sentence context on feature efficacy.
Spatial Release From Masking Using Clinical Corpora: Sentence Recognition In a Colocated or Spatially Separated Speech Masker
Authors: King Grant , Corbin Nicole  E. , Leibold Lori  J. , Buss Emily
Published: October 2019

Background: Speech recognition in complex multisource environments is challenging, particularly forlisteners with hearing loss. One source of difficulty is the reduced ability of listeners with hearing loss tobenefit from spatial separation of the target and masker, an effect called spatial release from masking(SRM). Despite the prevalence of complex multisource environments in everyday life, SRM is not routinelyevaluated in the audiology clinic.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of assessing SRM in adults usingwidely available tests of speech-in-speech recognition that can be conducted using standard clinicalequipment.
Research Design: Participants were 22 young adults with normal hearing. The task was masked sentencerecognition, using each of five clinically available corpora with speech maskers. The target alwayssounded like it originated from directly in front of the listener, and the masker either sounded like it originatedfrom the front (colocated with the target) or from the side (separated from the target). In the realspatial manipulation conditions, source location was manipulated by routing the target and masker toeither a single speaker or to two speakers: one directly in front of the participant, and one mountedin an adjacent corner, 90° to the right. In the perceived spatial separation conditions, the target andmasker were presented from both speakers with delays that made them sound as if they were eithercolocated or separated.
Results: With real spatial manipulations, the mean SRM ranged from 7.1 to 11.4 dB, depending on thespeech corpus. With perceived spatial manipulations, the mean SRM ranged from 1.8 to 3.1 dB. Whereasreal separation improves the signal-to-noise ratio in the ear contralateral to the masker, SRM in the perceivedspatial separation conditions is based solely on interaural timing cues.
Conclusions: The finding of robust SRM with widely available speech corpora supports the feasibility ofmeasuring this important aspect of hearing in the audiology clinic. The finding of a small but significantSRM in the perceived spatial separation conditions suggests that modified materials could be used toevaluate the use of interaural timing cues specifically.
DIMENSIONS OF GREEN OFFICE EVIDENCE FROM REGENCY/CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA
Authors: Pasharibu Yusepaldo , Sugiarto Agus , Ariarsanti Tutuk , Wijayant Petrus
Published: October 2019

Green office that is implemented within the environmental management system is one of the current concerns of environmentally friendly advocates. It is to do with the phenomenon of high environmental degradation and the low awareness of people about environmental-friendly behavior. Previous studies have indicated that the application of green office, particularly in government agencies, had not been optimally practiced due to low commitment and scant discussions. This study was thus conducted with the aim of exploring and identifying the various applications and dimensions of the green office concept among government institutions in Central Java, Indonesia. To fulfil the research objectives, a triangulation research method was employed, comprising focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and close observations of the offices located in five (5) municipal government agencies. Results indicated that seven green office dimensions were applied by the government institutions, namely: energy conservation, water conservation, building layouts, office technology, human resource management, work systems, and office waste management.
NON-COOPERATIVE TWO-ECHELON SUPPLY CHAINS WITH A FOCUS ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Turskis Zenonas , Jafarnejad Ahmad , Rezayar Ali
Published: October 2019

To cooperate or not is one of the most challenging issues of supply chain management era. If the supply chain is managed optimally, the entire profitability increases. Meanwhile, corporate Social Responsibility (hereafter CSR) is defined as the social and ethical behavior of supply chain members against stakeholders such as shareholders, final customers, employees and executives. Moreover, the observance of the social responsibility obligations is of great importance for consumers and shareholders of companies. The decisions of the supply chain’s members play a direct role in determining the profits of each. These decisions are in conflict with other members in a competitive environment.
In this paper, the contradictory variables encompasses the cost resulting from the performance of corporate social responsibility, inventory, shortage, advertising and pricing in a two-level supply chain, consisting a manufacturer and a retailer. After identifying the quantitative variables for measuring the social responsibility using Delphi-Fuzzy methods and Interpretive Structural Modeling, the most important and influential variable of measuring the social responsibility performance (forced labor ratio) has been selected. Subsequently, after modeling the profit function of each player, optimal results were emanated according to the bargaining power of each member and based on Nash and Stackelberg games. Afterwards, with numerical examples, the optimization and sensitivity analysis of social responsibility in each model has been discussed. The results indicate that the profit of manufacturer and retailer reduces by increasing the proportion of forced labor. Based upon Nash equilibrium, the manufacturer’s profit decreases with a slight slope; nonetheless, on retailer and manufacturer leadership models, the profit decreases with a slight increase of the forced labor.
Non-Maxwellian Velocity Distribution Functions for Coulombic Systems Out of Equilibrium
Authors: Randol Brent M.
Published: October 2019

The velocity distribution function (VDF) of ions in the solar wind, as observed by spacecraft at 1 au and elsewhere in the heliosphere, exhibits a consistent trend: at low energies in the solar wind frame, the distribution is largely Maxwellian—the core; at higher but still modest energies in the solar wind frame, the distribution follows a power law (f ∝ v
−γ
, where f is the VDF, v is the speed in the solar wind frame, and γ is an arbitrary spectral index parameter)—the tail—with a spectral index of γ ≈ 5 being extremely common. Several theories have been proposed to explain this common index. Among these theories is that the tail is a natural consequence of an ensemble of particles obeying Coulomb’s law. In this study, we derive a general analytical formula for the distribution of electric fields, and find that it always exhibits a power-law tail with a spectral index of exactly 9/2, or 4.5, due to the spatial power-law index of Coulomb’s law. We then show how the VDF is a convolution of the distribution of electric fields with a preexisting VDF, and that for small values of time after being created, the ion VDF always exhibits a γ = 9/2 power law, wherein the probability of the tail relative to the core depends on particle density, n, and inversely on the preexisting VDF thermal speed, v
th. Finally, we compare our results with previous works, and find good agreement but with important distinctions.
Modeling Time Dependent Water Chemistry Due to Powerful X-Ray Flares from T-Tauri Stars
Authors: Waggoner Abygail R. , Cleeves L. Ilsedore
Published: October 2019

Young stars emit strong flares of X-ray radiation that penetrate the surface layers of their associated protoplanetary disks. It is still an open question as to whether flares create significant changes in disk chemical composition. We present models of the time-evolving chemistry of gas-phase H2O during X-ray flaring events. The chemistry is modeled at point locations in the disk between 1 and 50 au at vertical heights ranging from the midplane to the surface. We find that strong, rare flares, i.e., those that increase the unattenuated X-ray ionization rate by a factor of 100 every few years, can temporarily increase the gas-phase H2O abundance relative to H by more than a factor of ∼3–5 along the disk surface (Z/R ≥ 0.3). We report that a “typical” flare, i.e., those that increase the unattenuated X-ray ionization rate by a factor of a few every few weeks, will not lead to significant, observable changes. Dissociative recombination of H3O+, H2O adsorption and desorption onto dust grains, and ultraviolet photolysis of H2O and related species are found to be the three dominant processes regulating the gas-phase H2O abundance. While the changes are found to be significant, we find that the effect on gas-phase water abundances throughout the disk is short-lived (days). Even though we do not see a substantial increase in long-term water (gas and ice) production, the flares’ large effects may be detectable as time-varying inner disk water “bursts” at radii between 5 and 30 au with future far-infrared observations.
Predicting Granulation “Flicker” and Radial Velocity “Jitter” from Spectroscopic Observables
Authors: Tayar Jamie , Stassun Keivan G. , Corsaro Enrico
Published: October 2019

Surface granulation can be predicted with the mass, metallicity, and frequency of maximum oscillation power of a star. Using the orders-of-magnitude larger Apache Point Observatory Galaxy Evolution Experiment-Kepler (APOGEE-Kepler) sample, we recalibrate the relationship fit by Corsaro et al. for “flicker,” an easier-to-compute diagnostic of this granulation. We find that the relationship between the stellar parameters and flicker is significantly different for dwarf and subgiant stars than it is for red giants. We also confirm a dependence of flicker amplitude on metallicity as seen originally by Corsaro et al., although the dependence found here is somewhat weaker. Using the same APOGEE-Kepler sample, we demonstrate that spectroscopic measurements alone provide sufficient information to estimate the flicker amplitude to 7% for giants, and 20% for dwarfs and subgiants. We provide a relationship that depends on effective temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity, and calculate predicted flicker values for 129,000 stars with APOGEE spectra. Finally, we use published relationships between flicker and radial velocity jitter to estimate minimum jitter values for these same 129,000 stars, and we identify stars whose total jitter is likely to be even larger than the granulation-driven jitter by virtue of large-amplitude photometric variability.
SOTE: A Nonlinear Method for Magnetic Topology Reconstruction in Space Plasmas
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Fu H. S. , Olshevsky V. , Pontin D. I. , Liu C. M. , Wang Z. , Chen G. , Dai L. , Retino A.
Published: October 2019

Complex magnetic structures are ubiquitous in turbulent astrophysical plasmas. Such structures can be host to many dynamic processes, such as magnetic reconnection and energy dissipation. Thus, revealing the 3D topologies of these structures is necessary. In this study, we propose a new method to reconstruct complex magnetic topologies in quasi-steady space plasmas, by utilizing eight-point measurements of magnetic fields and particles. Such a method, based on the Second-Order Taylor Expansion (SOTE) of a magnetic field, is nonlinear; it is constrained by

and

, where

is from particle moments. A benchmark test of this method, using the simulation data, shows that the method can give accurate reconstruction results within an area about three times the size of a spacecraft tetrahedron. By comparing to the previous First-Order Taylor Expansion (FOTE) method, this method (SOTE) gives similar results for reconstructing quasilinear structures but exhibits better accuracy in reconstructing nonlinear structures. Such a method will be useful to the multi-scale missions, such as the future European Space Agency's “cross-scale” mission and China's “self-adaptive” mission. Also, it can be applied to four-point missions, such as Cluster and the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. We demonstrated how to apply this method to the four-point missions. In principle, this method will be useful to study shocks, magnetic holes, dipolarization fronts, and other nonlinear structures in space plasmas.
Comparison of the Use of Hypnotic in Psychiatric Patients with Insomnia at the Mental Health Centre Prolet in Skopje
Authors: Isjanovski Viktor , Isjanovski Igor
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a symptom complex that comprises difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or non-refreshing sleep in combination with daytime dysfunction or distress. Most people experience insomnia at some time during their lives. Because of its high incidence, and also because its symptoms are usually mild and transient, the importance of insomnia is frequently underestimated. Various conditions are associated with insomnia and can contribute to its development. They can be related to neurological or psychiatric disorders, which in turn may be aggravated by a deficiency of restorative sleep and daytime fatigue.
AIM: In this study, the authors compare the hypnotically effect of Flurazepam and Zolpidem applied on psychiatric cases treated in the Mental Health Centre “Prolet” in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.
METHODS: The investigation covers 45 patients who have insomnia, in addition to their primary mental illness. Тhe examination took six weeks, and it was divided into 3 equal phases. In the first phase of three weeks, Zolpidem was used, and in the third phases, Flurazepam was administrated. We used a self-estimating scale of 13 items and methods of global clinical estimation in the evaluation of received effects.
RESULTS: The results show that referring to the induction of the sleeping period, its duration and quality and the number of awakenings, there are no significant differences between the two medicaments used, but there was a significant difference between hypnotic medicaments and placebo.
CONCLUSION: The termination with the therapy, didn`t lead to the appearance of abstinential symptoms.
Biotic interactions, community assembly, and eco-evolutionary dynamics as drivers of long-term biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships
Authors: Eisenhauer Nico , Bonkowski Michael , Brose Ulrich , Buscot Francois , Durka Walter , Ebeling Anne , Fischer Markus , Gleixner Gerd , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Hines Jes , Jesch Annette , Lange Markus , Meyer Sebastian , Roscher Christiane , Scheu Stefan , Schielzeth Holger , Schloter Michael , Schulz Stefanie , Unsicker Sybille , van Dam Nicole , Weigelt Alexandra , Weisser Wolfgang , Wirth Christian , Wolf Jochen , Schmid Bernhard
Published: October 2019

The functioning and service provisioning of ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic environmental and biodiversity change is a cornerstone of ecological research. The last three decades of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) research have provided compelling evidence for the significant positive role of biodiversity in the functioning of many ecosystems. Despite broad consensus of this relationship, the underlying ecological and evolutionary mechanisms have not been well understood. This complicates the transition from a description of patterns to a predictive science. The proposed Research Unit aims at filling this gap of knowledge by applying novel experimental and analytical approaches in one of the longest-running biodiversity experiments in the world: the Jena Experiment. The central aim of the Research Unit is to uncover the mechanisms that determine BEF relationships in the short- and in the long-term. Increasing BEF relationships with time in long-term experiments do not only call for a paradigm shift in the appreciation of the relevance of biodiversity change, they likely are key to understanding the mechanisms of BEF relationships in general. The subprojects of the proposed Research Unit fall into two tightly linked main categories with two research areas each that aim at exploring variation in community assembly processes and resulting differences in biotic interactions as determinants of the long-term BEF relationship. Subprojects under “Microbial community assembly” and “Assembly and functions of animal communities” mostly focus on plant diversity effects on the assembly of communities and their feedback effects on biotic interactions and ecosystem functions. Subprojects under “Mediators of plant-biotic interactions” and “Intraspecific diversity and micro-evolutionary changes” mostly focus on plant diversity effects on plant trait expression and micro-evolutionary adaptation, and subsequent feedback effects on biotic interactions and ecosystem functions. This unification of evolutionary and ecosystem processes requires collaboration across the proposed subprojects in targeted plant and soil history experiments using cutting-edge technology and will produce significant synergies and novel mechanistic insights into BEF relationships. The Research Unit of the Jena Experiment is uniquely positioned in this context by taking an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to capture whole-ecosystem responses to changes in biodiversity and to advance a vibrant research field.
First record of the genus Schistomitra Butler, 1881 (Lepidoptera, Epicopeiidae) from China, with the description of a new species
Authors: Huang Si-Yao , Zhang Yuan , Wang Min , Fan Xiao-Ling
Published: October 2019

The epicopeiid moth genusSchistomitraButler, 1881 is reported outside Japan for the first time, with a new species,Schistomitra joelminetiHuang & Wang,sp. nov., described from the southern part of Shaanxi and Gansu Province in China. Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided, and the distribution pattern of the genus is discussed.
Nine new species groups, 15 new species, and one new subspecies of New Guinea diving beetles of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae)
Authors: Shaverdo Helena , Surbakti Suriani , Warikar Evie L. , Sagata Katayo , Balke Michael
Published: October 2019

Nine new species groups of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are introduced with keys to their representatives. Four groups are monotypic and include three new species: the E. aipomek group, the E. koroba group: E. korobasp. nov., the E. mekilensis group: E. mekilensissp. nov., and the E. morobensis group: E. morobensissp. nov. The remaining five species groups include 18 species with 12 new species and one new subspecies: the E. bacchusi group: E. akamekusp. nov., E. oiwasp. nov., E. oksibilensissp. nov., and E. bacchusi herzogensisssp. nov.; the E. jaseminae group: E. asekisp. nov., E. kailakisp. nov., and E. pseudojaseminaesp. nov.; the E. larsoni group: E. warahulenensissp. nov.; the E. takime group: E. mianminensissp. nov.; and the E. warasera group: E. haiasp. nov., E. kobausp. nov., E. pulchellasp. nov., and E. waraserasp. nov. Diagnoses of five already described species of these groups are provided, as well as comparatives notes on all species. Exocelina santimontis (Balke, 1998) syn. nov. is a junior synonym of E. aipomek (Balke, 1998). Data on the distribution of the species are given, showing that most of the species of these groups occur in the Papua New Guinea.
Valeur(s) & management
Authors: Engel Alexandre
Published: October 2019

Henry Ford disait « Se réunir est un début. Rester ensemble est un progrès. Travailler ensemble est la réussite. ». L’apport du Lean Six Sigma dans une entreprise n’est plus à démontrer. En effet, cette méthode ou culture a permis de valoriser significativement, aussi bien en efficience qu’en efficacité, les chaînes de valeur des entreprises aussi bien dans le domaine de l’industrie, avec Toyota comme référence, que dans les sociétés de service (banque, assurance …). Ces processus ou chaînes de valeur de l’entreprise sont managés du point de vue leadership (équipe) et organisation (fonctionnement). Ces éléments primordiaux font partie intégrante à la démarche Lean Six Sigma. Le Lean Six Sigma est un tout qui apporte de la valeur à l’entreprise aussi bien sur le plan humain que sur le plan organisation/managérial. C’est un système ou démarche qui pousse/tire l’entreprise à évoluer perpétuellement en qualité et efficacité.
Valeur(s) & management
Authors: des Mesnards Paul-Hubert
Published: October 2019

L’analyse de la valeur se définit comme une démarche collaborative, organisée et méthodique, permettant de créer ou de faire évoluer un produit (ou un service) afin de répondre au mieux aux besoins de ses utilisateurs tout en optimisant l’emploi des ressources nécessaires. Ce rapport entre la satisfaction des besoins et l’emploi des ressources est justement la Valeur. Plus précisément, l’analyse de la valeur, c’est : • exprimer les besoins au strict nécessaire, en éliminant le superflu, en raisonnant fonctions et non solutions ; • élaborer la réponse aux besoins en éliminant tout ce qui n’apporte pas de la valeur ajoutée à l’utilisateur ; • et ce en travaillant en équipe multidisciplinaire en se posant en même temps les bonnes questions dans le cadre d’une démarche structurée : – le « quoi » avant le « comment » ; – et le « pour quoi » avant le « quoi ».
Valeur(s) & management
Authors: Froment Éric
Published: October 2019

L’économie de fonctionnalité a désormais ses lettres de noblesse car elle est inscrite dans notre quotidien, mais chacun en fait sans le savoir ! Dans chaque cas constaté, elle est un relais de croissance. Elle est typiquement un des modèles économiques les plus adaptés (sinon le plus) au changement de cycle macroéconomique que nous vivons. Il est important de préciser, dès le début de ce chapitre, que l’économie de fonctionnalité est un modèle économique. C’est bien plus large qu’une stratégie marketing ou un modèle d’affaires (business model). C’est pourquoi les différents cas connus peuvent être très différents tout en respectant les principes fondamentaux du modèle. C’est ce qui fait sa richesse, son adaptabilité à presque tous les secteurs, couples produits-marchés. Il est tout aussi important de préciser qu’elle est une innovation organisationnelle de rupture. Pour cette raison, elle est bien plus facile et rapide à mettre en place qu’une innovation technologique de rupture, dont les délais et les coûts sont très difficiles à maîtriser.
Valeur(s) & management
Authors: Yannou Bernard , Lamé Guillaume , Cluzel François
Published: October 2019

Après avoir fait le constat que les grandes entreprises françaises pilotent encore très peu leur processus d’innovation, nous établissons le besoin d’une organisation et d’une méthodologie d’innovation radicale tirée par les usages. Nous avons développé et expérimenté depuis 2009 une méthodologie d’innovation radicale tirée par les usages, dénommée Radical Innovation Design ® (RID), dans le but de répondre aux attentes de pilotage de l’innovation par les usages. RID présente un processus structuré de pose puis de résolution de problème centré sur l’obtention de poches de valeur obtenues par l’identification de problèmes importants apparaissant dans des situations d’usage fréquentes et pour lesquels les solutions existantes apportent peu ou pas d’améliorations. Ces poches de valeur font alors l’objet d’un choix stratégique par les entreprises pour établir un périmètre d’ambition. Ce dernier, qui remplace avantageusement le traditionnel brief marketing, est le point de départ de séances de créativité ciblées très efficaces. La méthodologie RID est décrite au travers de l’exemple d’une innovation en santé dans le cadre de l’imagerie dentaire.
Ville-cosmopolite, quartier-multiculturel : la différence comme instrument des politiques de la ville
Authors: Galhardo Jacques
Published: October 2019

L’adhésion du Portugal à la CEE a conduit rapidement les villes portugaises à accepter les normes internationales et le jeu du marketing urbain pour espérer capter les flux de la mondialisation. Les institutions internationales ont encouragé les élus locaux à orienter leurs politiques publiques vers la prise en charge de la différence culturelle et socio-économique. Pour répondre aux tensions qui découlent de ces injonctions, les élus lisboètes se focalisent sur les différences culturelles et construisent un discours qui cherche à articuler cosmopolitisme et multiculturalisme. L’action publique s’efforce alors de marquer le territoire par des objets ou des manifestations qui font de la différence culturelle une caractéristique de l’image de marque de la ville, présentée comme originale.
The Relationship Between Retrobulbar and Choroidal Hemodynamics in Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Rechtman Ehud , Harris Alon , Siesky Brent , Kagemann Larry , Danis Ronald P. , Sines Dan , Ciulla Thomas A.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between retrobulbar and choroidal hemodynamics in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Thirteen patients with age-related macular degeneration were assessed by both color Doppler imaging and scanning laser ophthalmoscope indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Color Doppler imaging was used to measure peak systolic and end diastolic velocity (from which the resistance index, a measure of the resistance to flow downstream, was calculated) in the retrobulbar vessels. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope ICG angiograms were analyzed by area dilution analysis for quantitative choroidal fluorescence intensity assessment. Color Doppler imaging parameters were correlated with scanning laser ophthalmoscope ICG area dilution analysis parameters.
RESULTS
A good correlation was found between the posterior ciliary arteries resistance index and scanning laser ophthalmoscope ICG area dilution analysis fluorescence duration.
CONCLUSIONS
Scanning laser ophthalmoscope ICG area dilution analysis “duration” may serve as an alternative to color Doppler imaging in assessing the resistance to blood flow in the posterior ciliary arteries. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2007;38:219-225.]
AUTHORS
From the Goldschleger Eye Institute (ER), Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; the Department of Ophthalmology (AH, BS, DS), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; the UPMC Eye Center (LK), Eye and Ear Institute, and the Departments of Ophthalmology and Bioengineering (LK), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the Department of Ophthalmology (RPD), University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; and the Midwest Eye Institute (TAC), Indianapolis, Indiana.
Accepted for publication February 20, 2007.
Supported in part by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness,Inc., New York, New York.
Address correspondence to Ehud Rechtman, MD, Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 52621, Israel.
Epiretinal Deposit of Triamcinolone Acetonide at the Posterior Pole After Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Jaissle Gesine B. , Szurman Peter , Volker Michael , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich
Published: October 2019

The authors investigated possible toxic side effects of epiretinal triamcinolone acetonide deposits at the posterior pole after an intravitreal injection in both a vitrectomized and a non-vitrectomized eye. The vitrectomized eye developed massive epiretinal triamcinolone acetonide deposits at the posterior pole that were less pronounced in the non-vitrectomized eye. After resolution of the deposits, no morphologic signs of retinal toxicity were apparent. Mild scattered visual field defects did not correlate with the localization of the triamcinolone acetonide deposits. However, because recent in vitro studies indicate potential cytotoxicity, patients should be instructed to keep their heads in an upright position after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection to avoid deposits at the posterior pole. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2007;38:238-241.]
AUTHORS
From the Department for Vitreoretinal Surgery, University Eye Hospital, Tüebingen, Germany.
Accepted for publication February 10, 2007.
Address correspondence to Gesine B. Jaissle, MD, Department for Vitreoretinal Surgery, University Eye Hospital, Schleichstr. 12, 72076 Tüebingen, Germany.
Value of Positron Emission Tomography in Staging Ocular Adnexal Lymphomas and Evaluating Their Response to Therapy
Authors: Gayed Isis , Eskandari M. Farahnaz , McLaughlin Peter , Pro Barbara , Diba Roxana , Esmaeli Bita
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
An observational case series to assess the value of positron emission tomography (PET) in staging ocular adnexal lymphomas and evaluating their response to therapy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The clinical records of 16 consecutive patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma for whom pretreatment and posttreatment PET scans and corresponding computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were available were compared.
RESULTS
Pretreatment PET scans demonstrated fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positive lesions in 15 orbits of 12 patients. In 1 patient with low-grade follicular lymphoma of the orbit, PET revealed an additional focus of lymphoma in the deltoid muscle that was missed on clinical examination and conventional radiography. All of the posttreatment PET scans showed complete resolution of FDG uptake, suggesting good response to therapy. However, posttreatment CT and MRI scans demonstrated residual masses in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS
PET is valuable for initial staging of ocular adnexal lymphomas and may be a good adjunct to conventional imaging in evaluation of response to therapy.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2007;38:319-325.]
AUTHORS
From the Department of Nuclear Medicine (IG); the Section of Ophthalmology
(MFE, RD, BE); and the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma (PM,
BP), The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Accepted for publication January 9, 2007.
Address correspondence to Bita Esmaeli, MD, Section of Ophthalmology,
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 441, Houston,
TX 77030.
Capsulorhexis Assisted by Slit Illuminator for White Cataract Without a Red Reflex
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Choi Hee Young , Oum Boo Sup , Lee Jong Soo
Published: October 2019

The authors investigated the clinical efficacy
of a slit illuminator in a surgical microscope during
capsulorhexis for white cataract. After staining the
anterior capsule, the slit illuminator was adjusted to a
width of 3 mm and a height of 12 mm using the slider
to obtain a high-contrast image of the anterior capsule,
and an angle of 30° to both the left and right was possible
using the arc guide. After the anterior capsular
puncture was done, a capsulorhexis forceps was used
to grasp the capsular edge and a continuous curvilinear
capsulorhexis was successfully performed in all 10
cases. Using a slit illuminator in a surgical microscope
seems to be a valuable technique for performing a continuous
curvilinear capsulorhexis on a mature or intumescent
cataract that has no red reflex and high intralenticular
pressure. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging
2007;38:349-352.]
AUTHORS
From the Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Pusan
National University; and the Medical Research Institute, Pusan National
University Hospital, Pusan, Korea.
Accepted for publication October 10, 2006.
Address correspondence to Jong Soo Lee, MD, Department of Ophthalmology,
College of Medicine, Pusan National University, 1-10, Ami-Dong,
Seo-Ku, Pusan 602-739, Korea.
OPECST et le nucléaire :
Authors: Parotte Céline
Published: October 2019

Quel rôle l’OPECST a - t- il joué dans le programme de gestion des déchets hautement radioactifs en France ? Comparativement à ses homologues européens, l’Office Parlementaire de Technology Assessment (TA) fait figure d’exception dans ce domaine : il n’a cessé, depuis 27 ans, d’évaluer, de critiquer et d’influencer ce dossier sensible.
The Stability Study of Dynamic Systems Using the Leapunov Function Method
Authors: Bălă Dumitru
Published: October 2019

The paper includes the stability study of some dynamical systems given by systems of differential equations. The paper examines the stability of three dynamic systems using the Leapunov function method. The originality of the paper consists of how we choose the Leapunov function. We apply the stability theorems given by Leapunov for autonomous systems. Stability is an important property of a dynamic system that has applications in the technique.
Virtual Implantology System Used for Long Bones Simulation Studies
Authors: Petrovici Ilaria Lorena , Tenovici Mihai Catalin , Vaduva Razvan Cristian , Tarnita Danut Nicolae , Popa Dragoş Laurenţiu , Vintila Georgiana , Rogoveanu Otilia , Capitanescu Bogdan
Published: October 2019

The basic concepts of Kuntscher's centromedular osteosynthesis remain largely valid today: centromedular osteosynthesis must be conducted under fluoroscopic control and without fracture outbreak exposure to avoid contamination, the rod must be strong enough to withstand stress caused by muscle contraction, joint movement and body weight load, this to avoid twisting and tearing the rod, the rod must exhibit sufficient elasticity to compress during insertion into the canal and then re-expand for firmly fix the fracture fragments and prevent their rotation. On the other hand, osteosynthesis with flexible centromedullary rods is mainly used in pediatric surgery where elastic rods in secant arch are used applying the principles of stable elastic osteosynthesis. Starting from the research done worldwide, we examined the orthopedic implants used in the long bones as a whole and some inconsistencies were found between the osteosynthesis material and the bone tissue. The necessary materials used in the study are orthopedic implants, different in structure, elasticity, dimensions, which were tested on bone virtual models, according to the CT scan sections. With the help of normal bone virtual models, both bone strength, various orthopedic implants, and the resistance of the osteosynthesis material used were taken into account. On these complete virtual models various simulations were made using FEM. The potential for FEM use in orthopedics and biomechanics has often been overestimated. In many situations, inappropriate use of the method on complicated biological structures can become costly, inefficient or prone to errors. Also, nonlinear soft tissue material has created new difficulties. But these disadvantages and limitations have been diminished successively through new results of biomechanical researches, but also by improving the method by using new types of finite elements. From this results database obtained through various virtual experiments, account will be taken of the most common accidents and incidents occurring in the implanted bone, and solutions will be sought to improve post-implant bone quality.
Three-Dimensional Virtual Model Used to Analyze a Normal and Prosthetic Human Joint
Authors: Tenovici Mihai Catalin , Petrovici Ilaria Lorena , Vaduva Razvan Cristian , Tarnita Danut Nicolae , Popa Dragoş Laurenţiu , Albulescu Dana , Capitanescu Bogdan
Published: October 2019

Prosthetic alignment is one of the most important factors, both in terms of the correct functioning of neoarticulation and the survival duration of knee arthroplasty. Significant changes in the alignment of prosthetic components affect the distribution of stress in the knee joint. These changes may also affect the distribution of stresses on the contact surface, soft knee joints, and the subjacent bone remodeling under these forces. The malposition of the components and, in particular, the tibial component in the varus, which in practice is the most common situation alongside the malrotation of the femoral component, leads to the excessive intimal tension of the internal tibial plate by the summing of the additional stresses at this level with its physiological loading from during the unipodal support phase during the walk. Although valuable, all of these studies have no capacity to assess these changes in the kinetics of in vivo knee arthroplasty. Two methods are used for this: telemetry and mathematical models. Traditionally, telemetry has been used to determine the forces acting on the hip, and more recently, on the knee. It values ​​very precisely the value of the axial rotation forces as well as the moments of bending; however, this method is little used, because the necessary equipment is very expensive. Taking this into account, the most used method is the finite element method. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of malpositioning in the valgus and varus of the tibial component on tension developed in polyethylene as well as in the subjacent bone. Obviously, other situations have also been analyzed. In this direction a series of original numerical models of the anatomical elements (tibia, fibula, femur) of the knee were constructed to simulate the biomechanical phenomena occurring in the normal and prosthetic joint during physical activities, in order to evaluate the factors that influence the duration operation of total knee prostheses.
Simulations Using Finite Element Method Made on a Personalized Dental System
Authors: Vatu Mihaela , Vintilă Daniela , Popa Dragoş Laurenţiu , Mercuţ Veronica , Popescu Sanda Mihaela , Vintila Georgiana
Published: October 2019

The human skull and the maxillary bones have a very complicated architecture, determined by the outer walls, by the internal bone structures and their joining. In this paper CAD parametric software has been used to define complex virtual models. First, the mandible and jaw were defined using CT images. These images were imported into a CAD software using specific techniques and methods. These models have been finalized in SolidWorks where the virtual model of the studied system has been generated. Then, the virtual models were exported to a software for FEA simulation and prepared for every dentistry simulations. The structure of the maxillary bones contains spongy bone tissue, cortical bone tissue along with dental tissues. Each of these tissues have certain properties (elasticity, plasticity, density) assessed by flexibility. The analysis of the mechanical tension of the dental structures has been a subject of interest in recent years in order to determine the state of tension in the dental structures and to improve the mechanical strength of these structures. Such numerical techniques can give a better understanding of reactions and interactions of individual tissues. This involves a series of computational procedures to calculate stress in each element. Field variables can be interpolated by using form functions for scientific verification and validation of clinical assumptions. Various loadings have been applied to a personalized skull obtained from CT images using CAD techniques and procedures. On this system, FEM simulations were made and maps of stress, displacements and deformations were obtained that show the mechanical behavior of the maxillary dental system. Finally, important conclusions were highlighted.
The Impact of Human Behaviour on Cyber Security of the Maritime Systems
Authors: Hanzu-Pazara Radu , Raicu Gabriel , Zagan Remus
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, there are threats everywhere around us, on land, in the air and at sea. The most important and dangerous ones at the same time are the threats with impact on security and safety. At sea, more than in other fields, these threats are very different, starting with piracy, armed robbery and taking hostages up to different forms of terrorist or cybercrime acts. Piracy and other violent activities appear specifically in particular geographical areas, mostly based on different conflicts inside seaside countries. For the other threats considered, such as different types of terrorist activities, there are not geographical areas of interest defined. They can appear all over the world. The terrorist acts in the maritime field are not necessarily to be treated as a direct action, background systems may also be used, like information or operative computer control systems, which have a great importance and impact on the proper functionality of the maritime systems. Nowadays, there are some serious cybersecurity incidents with major impact on a worldwide scale. In the last decade there was a limited approach to address such major issues, most of them based on several methods, which had a centralized point of failure: the lack of knowledge and adaptability versus new ways of system penetration. For the technical vulnerabilities there are different solutions already developed, or being developed, for data protection and information security. Despite some important developments on data security, many of the important sectors remain under high risk regarding cybersecurity. The maritime sector today is considered one of the most exposed sectors to cyber threats, due to the global nature of the business as well as a great economical, geopolitical and environmental influence. Here, the higher vulnerability remains the human element, as an operative part of the data systems. Humans will always be a source for mistakes and errors. “To err is human” can be successfully applied in many activity fields, included the maritime one. The main purpose of any study on these matters, human factor and cyber protection is to start from the unpredictability of the human behaviour. It would be almost impossible to provide a totally secure information system, as long as such a system is exposed to the human factor. This paper intends to analyse possible models of human behaviour with impact on data systems’ protection in the maritime field and how systems can be improved and highly secured for any vulnerabilities based on these models.
The Risk Concept and the Impact on the Organizational Performance of Maritime Shiprepairs Shipyards
Authors: Manea Emil , Manea Mihaela Greti
Published: October 2019

Since the quality management systems have undergone a significant change by taking into account the concept of risk, for the shipyards, becomes necessary, an approach aimed at improving organizational performance by implementing a actions plan based on the risks which may adversely affect the achievement of the objectives identification and assessment. The purpose of the paper is to propose a series of measures for improving the shiprepairs shipyards organizational performance,based on identifying and assessing the risks. The contents of the paper address the following aspects: summarizes the main changes made by the quality management systems; presents some developments in view of the identification and results of the risk assessment, identifying key performance indicators specific to the ships maintenance works in shiprepairs shipyards, the use of the performance indicators related to the management systems processes (quality, environment, security and occupational health). Concluding, the authors bring some proposals on improving the quality of institutional relations of the shiprepair shipyards.
A Study Regarding Human Perception of a Company through Social Media
Authors: Popescu Mirona Ana Maria , Negoiță Olivia Doina , Purcărea Anca , Helfert Markus
Published: October 2019

Of the utmost importance is finding the social networks that best fit to an industry, a company, its products / services, and last but not least, with the target audience. Each social network has different characteristics and, in addition, a different philosophy.The authors aim to carry out a bibliographic research in this paper to highlight the extent to which social networks are used. As a result, a top of social networks will be built to help raise awareness, promote products, and consolidate a strong customer-company relationship. The authors will also realize a statistical analysis of online social media networks to determine their key indicators, traffic on each platform, time spent by a user on that platform, and other key indicators, through an online tool. The results of this paper consist in presenting two classifications: the first from the perspective of the companies and the second from the perspective of social network users.
Statistical-Mathematical Methods Used in Analysis of Trade in Industrial Products
Authors: Vasile Tomiță Constantin , Popescu Luminița , Dăniasă Cora Ionela , Iancu Anica , Popescu Virgil
Published: October 2019

Dairy products are of great socio-economic importance in Romania today. These products have both nutritional and economic importance. The market is the economic category of commodity production in which it expresses the totality of the sale-purchase acts viewed in an organic unit with the relations it generates and in connection with the space in which it takes place. The market originated a long time ago, being related to the moment when, in order to satisfy their existential needs, "discovered" and increasingly "conscious", the people exchanged between them, respectively collectivities, the surpluses held by each individual - individually or collectively. The exchange, set up as a means of realizing its own interests, has seen various forms and has evolved continuously, being still the foundation of all the economies of the world. The market has grown based on the amplification and diversification of human needs. The satisfaction of these needs is given by the close link between producers and consumers.