bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecomuseums (on Clean Energy), Cycle Tourism and Civic Crowdfunding: A New Match for Sustainability?
Authors: Simeoni Francesca , De Crescenzo Veronica
Published: March 2018

An ecomuseum is an ‘instrument’ to share the interests of a region and protect its cultural, historical and natural heritage. Cycle tourism is a sustainable type of tourism. Civic crowdfunding is a method of raising funds from a community for the fulfilment of civic initiatives. Starting from the literature on the link between cycle tourism and sustainability, the interaction between renewable energy resources and tourism, and finally the place-based dimension of a civic crowdfunding campaign, the purpose of this study is to show that an ecomuseum focused on clean energy has the potential to attract cycle tourists, increase the numbers of funders, as well as attract the interest of the municipality, not-for-profit associations and energy and tourism firms, and thus significantly enhance its beneficial effects on sustainability from economic, social and environmental points of view. This study employed an action research method to gain in-depth knowledge of this issue, as well as a qualitative case study approach to present and discuss the results. The principal result of this study is the identification of a potential way to create sustainability, via the match between an ecomuseum devoted to clean energy, cycle tourism and civic crowdfunding.
Influence of Graphene Nanosheets on Rheology, Microstructure, Strength Development and Self-Sensing Properties of Cement Based Composites
Authors: Kashif Ur Rehman Sardar , Ibrahim Zainah , Memon Shazim , Aunkor Md. , Faisal Javed Muhammad , Mehmood Kashif , Shah Syed
Published: March 2018

In this research, Graphene oxide (GO), prepared by modified hammer method, is characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry and Raman spectra. The dispersion efficiency of GO in aqueous solution is examined by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and it is found that GO sheets are well dispersed. Thereafter, rheological properties, flow diameter, hardened density, compressive strength and electrical properties of GO based cement composite are investigated by incorporating 0.03% GO in cement matrix. The reasons for improvement in strength are also discussed. Rheological results confirm that GO influenced the flow behavior and enhanced the viscosity of the cement based system. From XRD and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) results, it is found that more hydration occurred when GO was incorporated in cement based composite. The GO based cement composite improves the compressive strength and density of mortar by 27% and 1.43%, respectively. Electrical properties results showed that GO–cement based composite possesses self-sensing characteristics. Hence, GO is a potential nano-reinforcement candidate and can be used as self-sensing sustainable construction material.
The Effect of Introducing Upgraded Remanufacturing Strategy on OEM’s Decision
Authors: Li Bangyi , Wang Zhe , Wang Yue , Tang Juan , Zhu Xiaodong , Liu Zhi
Published: March 2018

Although remanufacturing has great economic and environmental potential, internal cannibalization, and lack of consumer acceptance of remanufactured products prevent original equipment manufacturer (OEM) from realizing the full potential value through remanufacturing. Practices show that remanufactured products can realize their value by the donation, besides resale. Thus, this paper incorporates the donation of remanufactured products with government subsidy and presents an upgraded remanufacturing strategy to expand the demand for remanufactured products and weaken the internal cannibalization of remanufactured products. We respectively construct the two-period game model with and without upgraded remanufacturing and explore the effect of upgraded remanufacturing on production decision, economic and environmental benefits. The main conclusions are as follows. The donation subsidy is negatively related with the sale quantity of remanufactured products, but is positively related with the donation quantity of remanufactured products and the quantity of new products. The donation subsidy expands the demand for remanufactured products and weakens internal cannibalization of remanufactured products. Whether the upgraded remanufacturing strategy is profitable depends on the fixed cost of the remanufacturing. When consumers consider remanufactured products environmentally friendly, the government can realize an OEM’s win-win situation where the economic and environmental benefits get improved by adjusting the donation subsidy. Otherwise, introducing upgraded remanufacturing makes the environment worse. Comparatively speaking, a low-cost and environmentally friendly manufacturer is relatively easier to achieve the win-win situation through donation subsidy.
Numerical Analysis of the Behavior of an IPM Bridge According to Super-Structure and Sub-Structure Properties
Authors: Park Mincheol , Nam Moon S.
Published: March 2018

A bridge with an integrated and pile-bent abutment with a mechanically stabilized earth-wall (IPM) was developed by separating earth pressure from the abutment to overcome the problems typically faced by integral abutment bridges. Also, the IPM bridge removes expansion joints and bearing by integrating the super-structure and the abutment and does not need many piles because it separates the earth pressure from backfills. Therefore, it is superior in cost, durability, and maintainability to traditional bridges and is sustainable due to using less material. A numerical analysis was conducted to ascertain the behavior of the IPM bridge according to its super-structural and sub-structural characteristics. Based on the analysis results, the behaviors of the IPM bridge are as follows: The bending moments

(

M
y

)

of the pre-stressed concrete (PSC) girder and the steel-plate girder of the bridge were influenced by the presence of the time-dependent loads. The contraction behavior in the PSC girder is largely due to the time-dependent loads, whereas the expansion behavior in the steel-plate girder is large due to its greater thermal expansion coefficient and temperature range compared with those of the PSC girder. In general, the suggested bridge length limit for PSC girders in both the integral abutment bridge and the IPM bridge is larger than that in a steel bridge. This needs to be reviewed again with consideration of the long-term and seasonal behaviors.
Effect of Meteorological Patterns on the Intensity of Streambank Erosion in a Proglacial Gravel-Bed River (Spitsbergen)
Authors: Kociuba Waldemar , Janicki Grzegorz
Published: March 2018

Lower parts of proglacial rivers are commonly assumed to be characterised by a multiannual aggradation trend, and streambank erosion is considered to occur rarely and locally. In the years 2009–2013, detailed measurements of channel processes were performed in the Scott River (SW Spitsbergen). More than 60% of its surface area (10 km2) occupies non-glaciated valleys. Since the end of the Little Ice Age, the Scott Glacier has been subject to intensive retreat, resulting in the expansion of the terminoglacial and paraglacial zones. In this area, the Scott River develops an alluvial valley with a proglacial river, which has led to a comparatively low rate of fluvial transport, dominance of suspension over bedload, and the occurrence of various channel patterns. Measurements, performed in the lower course of the valley in two fixed cross-sections of the Scott River channel, document variable annual tendencies with a prevalence of scour over deposition processes in the channel bottom. The balance of scour and fill also differs in particular measurement cross-sections and during the summer season. The maximum erosion indices (1.7 m2) were related to single periods of floods with snow-glacier melt and rainfall origin. The contribution of streambank erosion was usually lower than that of deep erosion both in the annual cycle and during extreme events. The channel-widening index also suggests variable annual (from −1 m to +1 m) and inter-annual tendencies. During a three-day flood from August 2013, in a measurement profile at the mouth of the river, the NNW bank was laterally shifted by as much as 3 m. Annual and inter-seasonal indices of total channel erosion, however, show that changes in the channel-bottom morphology are equalised relatively fast, and in terms of balance the changes usually do not exceed 0.5% of a cross section’s area.
Analysis of Drought Intensity and Trends Using the Modified SPEI in South Korea from 1981 to 2010
Authors: Bae Seungjong , Lee Sang-Hyun , Yoo Seung-Hwan , Kim Taegon
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of drought, such as intensity and trends, based on SPEI (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index) at 8 stations in South Korea from 1981 to 2010. The traditional SPEI is based on the Thornthwaite equation for estimating evapotranspiration; SPEI_th. However, a standard of agricultural water management in Korea suggests the FAO Penman-Monteith equation; SPEI_pm. Therefore, we analyzed the intensity, variability, and trends of drought using SPEI_th and SPEI_pm, respectively, and compared the results. SPEI_pm showed slightly more intensive drought rather than SPEI_th except for Chuncheon and Gwangju. In 5 stations—excluding Cheoncheon, Gwangju and Jinju—the cumulative probability that SPEI_pm was below −1.5 was significantly increased from 1981–1995 to 1996–2010. In addition, the northwest and southwest regions had higher intensity of 1-month droughts, and the central and southwest regions had a higher intensity of 3-month droughts. According to the Mann–Kendall test, there was a decreasing trend of 1-month SPEI during the fall season and 3-month SPEI during winter season.
Evaluating Regime Change of Sediment Transport in the Jingjiang River Reach, Yangtze River, China
Authors: He Li , Chen Dong , Zhang Shiyan , Liu Meng , Duan Guanglei
Published: March 2018

The sediment regime in the Jingjiang river reach of the middle Yangtze River has been significantly changed from quasi-equilibrium to unsaturated since the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). Vertical profiles of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and sediment flux can be adopted to evaluate the sediment regime at the local and reach scale, respectively. However, the connection between the vertical concentration profiles and the hydrologic conditions of the sub-saturated channel has rarely been examined based on field data. Thus, vertical concentration data at three hydrological stations in the reach (Zhicheng, Shashi, and Jianli) are collected. Analyses show that the near-bed concentration (within 10% of water depth from the riverbed) may reach up to 15 times that of the vertical average concentration. By comparing the fractions of the suspended sediment and bed material before and after TGD operation, the geomorphic condition under which the distinct large near-bed concentrations occur have been examined. Based on daily discharge-sediment hydrographs, the reach scale sediment regime and availability of sediment sources are analyzed. In total, remarkable large near-bed concentrations may respond to the combination of wide grading suspended particles and bed material. Finally, several future challenges caused by the anomalous vertical concentration profiles in the unsaturated reach are discussed. This indicates that more detailed measurements or new measuring technologies may help us to provide accurate measurements, while a fractional dispersion equation may help us in describing. The present study aims to gain new insights into regime change of sediment suspension in the river reaches downstream of a very large reservoir.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] Long Noncoding RNA TUNAR Represses Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Human Glioma Cells Through Regulating miR-200a and Rac1
Authors: Dai Jinhua , Ma Jianbo , Yu Bixia , Zhu Zhankun , Hu Yanqin
Published: March 2018

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHERS IN OCTOBER 2020.
Nonradial Pulsations in Post-outburst Novae
Authors: Wolf William M. , Townsend Richard H. D. , Bildsten Lars
Published: March 2018

After an optical peak, a classical or recurrent nova settles into a brief (days to years) period of quasi-stable thermonuclear burning in a compact configuration nearly at the white dwarf (WD) radius. During this time, the underlying WD becomes visible as a strong emitter of supersoft X-rays. Observations during this phase have revealed oscillations in the X-ray emission with periods on the order of tens of seconds. A proposed explanation for the source of these oscillations is internal gravity waves excited by nuclear reactions at the base of the hydrogen-burning layer. In this work, we present the first models exhibiting unstable surface g-modes with periods similar to oscillation periods found in galactic novae. However, when comparing mode periods of our models to the observed oscillations of several novae, we find that the modes that are excited have periods shorter than that observed.
On the Detection of Coronal Dimmings and the Extraction of Their Characteristic Properties
Authors: Dissauer K. , Veronig A. M. , Temmer M. , Podladchikova T. , Vanninathan K.
Published: March 2018

Coronal dimmings are distinct phenomena associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The study of coronal dimmings and the extraction of their characteristic parameters help us to obtain additional information regarding CMEs, especially on the initiation and early evolution of Earth-directed CMEs. We present a new approach to detect coronal dimming regions based on a thresholding technique applied on logarithmic base-ratio images. Characteristic dimming parameters describing the dynamics, morphology, magnetic properties, and the brightness of coronal dimming regions are extracted by cumulatively summing newly dimmed pixels over time. It is also demonstrated how core dimming regions are identified as a subset of the overall identified dimming region. We successfully apply our method to two well-observed coronal dimming events. For both events, the core dimming regions are identified and the spatial evolution of the dimming area reveals the expansion of the dimming region around these footpoints. We also show that in the early impulsive phase of the dimming expansion the total unsigned magnetic flux involved in the dimming regions is balanced and that up to 30% of this flux results from the localized core dimming regions. Furthermore, the onset in the profile of the area growth rate is cotemporal with the start of the associated flares and in one case also with the fast rise of the CME, indicating a strong relationship of coronal dimmings with both flares and CMEs.
Classification of Tidal Disruption Events Based on Stellar Orbital Properties
Authors: Hayasaki Kimitake , Zhong Shiyan , Li Shuo , Berczik Peter , Spurzem Rainer
Published: March 2018

We study the rates of tidal disruption of stars on bound to unbound orbits by intermediate-mass to supermassive black holes using high-accuracy direct N-body experiments. Stars from the star cluster approaching the black hole can have three types of orbit: eccentric, parabolic, and hyperbolic. Since the mass fallback rate shows different variabilities depending on the orbital type, we can classify tidal disruption events (TDEs) into three main categories: eccentric, parabolic, and hyperbolic. The respective TDEs are characterized by two critical values of the orbital eccentricity: the lower critical eccentricity is the one below which stars on eccentric orbits cause finite, intense accretion, and the upper critical eccentricity is the one above which stars on hyperbolic orbits cause no accretion. Moreover, we find that parabolic TDEs can be divided into three subclasses: precisely parabolic, marginally eccentric, and marginally hyperbolic. We analytically derive that the mass fallback rate of marginally eccentric TDEs can be flatter and slightly higher than the standard fallback rate proportional to t
−5/3, whereas it can be flatter and lower for marginally hyperbolic TDEs. We confirm using N-body experiments that only a few eccentric, precisely parabolic, and hyperbolic TDEs can occur in a spherical stellar system with a single intermediate-mass to supermassive black hole. A substantial fraction of the stars approaching the black hole would cause marginally eccentric or marginally hyperbolic TDEs.
Bipolar Jets Launched by a Mean-field Accretion Disk Dynamo
Authors: Fendt Christian , Gaßmann Dennis
Published: March 2018

By applying magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we investigate the launching of jets driven by a disk magnetic field generated by a mean-field disk dynamo. Extending our earlier studies, we explore the bipolar evolution of the disk α
2Ω-dynamo and the outflow. We confirm that a negative dynamo-α leads to a dipolar field geometry, whereas positive values generate quadrupolar fields. The latter remain mainly confined to the disk and cannot launch outflows. We investigate a parameter range for the dynamo-α ranging from a critical value below which field generation is negligible,

, to α
0 = −1.0. For weak

, two magnetic loop structures with opposite polarity may arise, which leads to reconnection and disturbs the field evolution and accretion-ejection process. For a strong dynamo-α, a higher poloidal magnetic energy is reached, roughly scaling with

, which also leads to higher accretion and ejection rates. The terminal jet speed is governed by the available magnetic energy and increases with the dynamo-α. We find jet velocities on the order of the inner disk Keplerian velocity. For a strong dynamo-α, oscillating dynamo modes may occur that can lead to a pulsed ejection. This is triggered by an oscillating mode in the toroidal field component. The oscillation period is comparable to the Keplerian timescale in the launching region, thus too short to be associated with the knots in observed jets. We find a hemispherically asymmetric evolution for the jet and counter-jet in the mass flux and field structure.
Desert Shield and Desert Storm 1990 - 1991: Memories of Participant Gulf War
Authors: Princ Ivan
Published: March 2018

In the article the author in his memoirs ponders the military-political aspects of the presence of toxic substances in the Gulf War in 1990-1991, measured by chemists from the 1st Czechoslovak independent chemical protection battalion. The thesis provides a comprehensive look at the history of its origin, its own deployment of in the war, and access to public administrations to its members after returning from the war.
System Thinking in the Czech and Polish Strategic Documents
Authors: Brázová Věra-Karin , Wiśniewski Rafał
Published: March 2018

The growing complexity of the security environment has recently revived systems theories in many areas. Yet, the notion of security system has been used in strategic documents of the central European countries already for many years. This paper thus examines how the understanding of the security system has developed over time in Poland and the Czech Republic and how do the national concepts of security system relate to the theoretical understanding of systems. Finally, we examine how the idea of security system is translated into practice in the two countries.
Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Patients with Complete Dentures
Authors: Shala Kujtim , Tmava-Dragusha Arlinda , Dula Linda , Pustina-Krasniqi Teuta , Bicaj Teuta , Ahmedi Enis , Lila Zana
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate maximum bite forces (mBF) in dominant (DS) and non-dominant sides (NDS) at certain time periods after the insertion of new complete dentures based on prior experience and gender.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 patients, complete denture wearers (CDWs), were examined. The maximum bite force at the intercuspal position between the first molars in 3 seconds was registered and recorded with piezoelectric gnathodynamometer. The procedure was repeated 3 times in identical conditions, with relaxation intervals of 1 minute between repeats and the limiting factor was the subjective feeling of pain. Testing of parametric data was performed with One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test.RESULTS: The average mBF values increased during the observational period, both on the DS and NDS, with significant difference in DS, which was greater. The analysis of one-factor variance showed that there were differences of average mBF values in DS and NDS during six consecutive measurements (mBF–DS = 11.3, p = 0.0001, and mBF-NDS = 2.26, p = 0.047). Significant changes in the masticatory force (mBF) on the DS and NDS is explained by different measurement times and with the prior experience with complete dentures, BF–DS = 11.76, p = 0.0000; mBF–NDS = 2.42, p = 0.0351; mBFe–DS = 40.48; P = 0.0000 mBFe–NDS = 39.93, p = 0.0000.CONCLUSION: mBF represents a significant discriminating variable of the level of functional adaptation of new complete denture wearers (nCDWs) about the initial measurements.
Dyspnea in Children as a Symptom of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections and Antibiotic Prescribing
Authors: Risteska-Nejashmikj Valentina , Stojkovska Snezhana , Stavrikj Katarina
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is an unpleasant feeling of breathing difficulty, shortness of breath and inability to satisfy the hunger for air. The role of family physicians is to be prepared to recognise dyspnea as a symptom of acute respiratory infections (ARI), to perform triage and managing of children with acute dyspnea and make continuous education of parents. In the treatment of acute dyspnea more important is to treat dyspnea as a symptom than the prescribing of antibiotics (AB). Nowadays, even more often large amount of children, because of the noncompliance in the treatment and the pressure from the parents, unnecessary is hospitalised and frequently used antibiotics: According to the guidelines, a small percentage of children with ARI should be treated with AB. The rate of antibiotic prescription should be around 15-20% and lower.AIM: To assess doctor’s AB prescriptions in Primary care practices in Macedonia, for ARI and dyspnea in children we use the data from a National project about antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections, which has been run in 2014 November as a part of E - quality program.METHODS: Eighty-six general practitioners from Macedonia have taken participation in it. The group of 3026 children, from 0-5 years of age, with symptoms of dyspnea, was analysed. We have found a rate of 54.6% antibiotic prescriptions (AB). From 3026 children with dyspnea, AB got 1519 children, 852 of which were prescribed by a specialist.RESULTS: The children were mostly diagnosed with upper ARI, in 57.7%. The most used AB is amoxicillin + clavulonic acid. We concluded that there was an increased and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in children with ARI, presented with dyspnea in Macedonia.CONCLUSION: Perceptions and the parent's attitudes do not correlate with the severity of clinical picture of the disease in children and lack of use Evidence-based medicine (EBM), insecurity, fear, loss of patients effect on antibiotic prescribing of the doctors.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Lopharia s.s., Dendrodontia, Dentocorticium and Fuscocerrena (Basidiomycota, Polyporales)
Authors: Liu Shi-Liang , Nakasone Karen K. , Wu Sheng-Hua , He Shuang-Hui , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2018

Eleven taxa ofLopharias.s.,Dendrodontia,DentocorticiumandFuscocerrenain Polyporales are included in the phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S) and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) sequences. New speciesLophariaresupinataandL.sinensisare described and illustrated.Lophariaresupinata, from south-eastern China, is closely related toL.ayresii, andL.sinensis, from northern China, is related toL.cinerascensandL.mirabilis.Lophariamirabilisspecimens from temperate to tropical areas with varied hymenophore configurations all cluster together in a fully supported clade.DendrodontiaandFuscocerrenaare shown to be synonyms ofDentocorticium, which is phylogenetically related toLopharia. Four new combinations,Dentocorticiumbicolor,D.hyphopaxillosum,D.portoricenseandD.taiwanianum, are proposed. Revised generic descriptions ofLophariaandDentocorticiumare provided with keys to the six accepted species in each genus. A list of all names inLophariaandDentocorticiumare presented with their current taxonomic status. Type specimens ofDentocorticiumbrasilienseandD.irregularewere examined and determined to be later synonyms ofPunctulariasubhepaticaandDiplomitoporusdaedaleiformis, respectively.

Corticioid fungi, dendrohyphidia, species complex, wood-inhabiting fungi
First population assessment of the Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus Cuvier, 1829) in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Truong Quang , Ngo Hai Ngoc , Pham Cuong The , Van Hoang Nguyen , Ngo Chung Dac , van Schingen Mona , Ziegler Thomas
Published: March 2018

The Asian Water Dragon, Physignathuscocincinus Cuvier, 1829, was originally described from southern Vietnam. Wild populations of this species are strongly affected by harvesting, particularly in central Vietnam, while potential negative impacts are not yet foreseeable. This study provides the first population size estimation using a capture-recapture approach and an evaluation of threats to and trade levels in P.cocincinus in Thua Thien Hue Province, central Vietnam. Field surveys were conducted at 14 sites of known occurrences of the species in Thua Thien Hue during April and June of 2016 and 2017. The estimated population size of the species amongst these sites ranged from 232 to 250 individuals. The mean abundance varied from 1.98–2.64 individuals/100 m along inhabited streams. This study revealed harvest activities for local food consumption and to supply the pet trade. Accordingly, imports of several thousand living individuals per year from Vietnam into the EU were documented. It was further demonstrated that the level of negative impacts on different sub-populations is in accordance with respective abundances and the incidence of adults. This finding indicates that rising harvest levels in concert with decreasing habitat quality, might seriously affect the wild population of P.cocincinus in the future. Thus, the authors herein emphasise the necessity for increased conservation measures and for monitoring of the species as well as its natural habitat in order to warrant a sustainable use of the species in the future.
A distinctive new frog species (Anura, Mantellidae) supports the biogeographic linkage of two montane rainforest massifs in northern Madagascar
Authors: Scherz Mark D. , Hawlitschek Oliver , Razafindraibe Jary H. , Megson Steven , Ratsoavina Fanomezana Mihaja , Rakotoarison Andolalao , Bletz Molly C. , Glaw Frank , Vences Miguel
Published: March 2018

We describe a new species of the genusGephyromantis, subgenusVatomantis (Mantellidae, Mantellinae), from moderately high elevation (1164–1394 m a.s.l.) on the Marojejy, Sorata, and Andravory Massifs in northern Madagascar. The new species, Gephyromantis (Vatomantis) lomorinasp. n.is highly distinct from all other species, and was immediately recognisable as an undescribed taxon upon its discovery. It is characterised by a granular, mottled black and green skin, reddish eyes, paired subgular vocal sacs of partly white colour, bulbous femoral glands present only in males and consisting of three large granules, white ventral spotting, and a unique, amplitude-modulated advertisement call consisting of a series of 24–29 rapid, quiet notes at a dominant frequency of 5124–5512 Hz. Genetically the species is also strongly distinct from its congeners, with uncorrected pairwise distances ≥10 % in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene to all other nominalGephyromantisspecies. A molecular phylogeny based on 16S sequences places it in a clade with species of the subgeneraLaurentomantisandVatomantis, and we assign it to the latter subgenus based on its morphological resemblance to members ofVatomantis. We discuss the biogeography of reptiles and amphibians across the massifs of northern Madagascar, the evidence for a strong link between Marojejy and Sorata, and the role of elevation in determining community sharing across this landscape.
Ontogeny of Hemidactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) with emphasis on the limbs
Authors: van der Vos Wessel , Stein Koen , Di-Poï Nicolas , Bickelmann Constanze
Published: March 2018

Squamate reptiles constitute a major component of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate diversity, encompassing many morphotypes related to ecological specialization. Specifically, Gekkota, the sister clade to most other squamates, have highly specialized autopodia, which have been linked to their ecological plasticity. In this study, a developmental staging table of the geckoHemidactylus, housed at the Museum für Naturkunde, is established. Twelve post-ovipositional stages are erected, monitoring morphological embryological transitions in eye, ear, nose, heart, limbs, pharyngeal arches, and skin structures. Ecomorphological specializations in the limbs include multiple paraphalanges, hypothesized to aid in supporting the strong muscles, that are situated adjacent to metacarpal and phalangeal heads. Furthermore, some phalanges are highly reduced in manual digits III and IV and pedal digits III, IV, and V. Development, composition, and growth of limb elements is characterized in detail via µCT, histochemistry, and bone histological analysis. Using known life history data from two individuals, we found an average lamellar bone accretion rate in the humeral diaphysis comparable to that of varanids. Various adult individuals also showed moderate to extensive remodeling features in their long bone cortices, indicating that these animals experience a highly dynamic bone homeostasis during their growth, similar to some other medium-sized to large squamates. This study of in-ovo development of the geckoHemidactylus and its ecomorphological specializations in the adult autopodia, enlarges our knowledge of morphological trait evolution and of limb diversity within the vertebrate phylum.
Glucocorticoids Are Associated with an Increased Risk for Vertebral Fracture in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kim Dam , Cho Soo-Kyung , Park Byeongju , Jang Eun Jin , Bae Sang-Cheol , Sung Yoon-Kyoung
Published: March 2018

Objective.

To identify the effects of glucocorticoids (GC) on various types of fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We used the Korean National Healthcare Claims database from 2010 to establish a retrospective cohort of patients with RA ≥ 19 years old. We then followed those patients through December 2013. The incidence rates of total and major fractures were calculated. We evaluated the effects of GC dose and duration on fractures using multivariable logistic regression analyses. We also examined the influence of GC on fractures in RA patients without a history of osteoporosis.

Results.

A total of 11,599 fractures was observed in 9964 out of 138,240 patients with RA. During followup, 68.2% of patients used oral GC for > 3 months. Adjusted analysis showed the risk of vertebral fractures was increased by the following characteristics: duration of GC ≥ 6 months (OR 1.76, p < 0.01); mean dose of GC ≥ 2.5 mg (OR range = 1.37–1.71, p < 0.01); and highest daily dose of GC ≥ 10 mg (OR range = 1.23–1.75, p < 0.03). However, neither the duration nor the dose of oral GC increased the risk of hip and nonvertebral/nonhip fractures in patients with RA. Consistent results were observed in RA patients without osteoporosis.

Conclusion.

Longer duration and higher dose of oral GC in patients with RA increased the risk of vertebral fractures. However, the dose and duration of GC did not influence the risk of hip and nonvertebral/nonhip fractures.
In Early Axial Spondyloarthritis, Increasing Disease Activity Is Associated with Worsening of Health-related Quality of Life over Time
Authors: van Lunteren Miranda , Ez-Zaitouni Zineb , de Koning Anoek , Dagfinrud Hanne , Ramonda Roberta , Jacobsson Lennart , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Désirée , van Gaalen Floris A.
Published: March 2018

Objective.

In early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), data are lacking about the relationship between disease activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We assessed and quantified the association between change in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and HRQOL over time in early axSpA.

Methods.

Baseline and 1-year data of patients with axSpA fulfilling the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria from the SPondyloArthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort were analyzed. Associations between change in ASDAS and in physical (PCS) or mental component summary (MCS) of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 were tested by linear regression models. Age, sex, ASAS criteria arm, and blue- versus white-collar work were tested for effect modification. Subsequently, these factors and medication were tested for confounding.

Results.

There were 161 patients with axSpA [53% male, mean (± SD) age 29.7 (± 7.5) yrs, symptom duration 13.6 (± 7.2) months, HLA-B27–positive 91%, radiographic sacroiliitis 22%] who had ASDAS of 2.5 (± 1.0) and 2.0 (± 0.8), PCS of 28.4 (± 14.3) and 36.9 (± 13.1), and MCS of 48.2 (± 13.8) and 49.3 (± 12.0) at baseline and 1 year, respectively. Per unit increase in ASDAS between baseline and 1 year, PCS worsened by 9.5 points. The same level of disease activity had fewer adverse effects on physical HRQOL in women and white-collar workers.

Conclusion.

To our knowledge, our data are the first to show that in a broad group of patients with early axSpA, increasing ASDAS is associated with worsening of physical HRQOL, but not mental HRQOL, over time.
L’entrepreneuriat, une voie d’intégration et de contribution au marché du travail
Authors: Arcand Sébastien , Jézéquel Myriam
Published: March 2018

Il existe de nombreuses raisons de se lancer en affaires, mais pour les immigrants, les difficultés de l’insertion professionnelle ont longtemps constitué le principal motif pour devenir entrepreneur. De nouvelles réalités tendent toutefois à apparaître.
Mégadonnées – Les patrouilles de l’avenir ; comment votre voiture deviendra autonome
Authors: Gmira Maha
Published: March 2018

Intelligence artificielle, exploitation des mégadonnées, gestion anticipative... la vitesse de la marche technologique est étourdissante. Pour prendre la mesure des avancées actuelles et à venir, voici deux exemples concrets expliqués.
La méritocratie en gouvernance : les mentalités doivent changer
Authors: Francœur Claude , d’Amours Liette
Published: March 2018

Alors que le taux de diplomation des femmes dans les universités canadiennes dépasse celui des hommes depuis près de 20 ans, le taux de représentation des femmes aux conseils d’administration et parmi la haute direction des entreprises peine toujours à atteindre les 15 % au Canada. Nous sommes donc encore très loin de la parité à l’échelon décisionnel. Mais comment expliquer la persistance de cet écart et, surtout, comment le réduire ?
Le maintien d’un bon climat social au travail : relevez ce nouveau défi !
Authors: Beau Pauline
Published: March 2018

Le stress de vos équipes et les risques psychosociaux associés vous préoccupent ? Vous n’êtes pas les seuls. Les gestionnaires des ressources humaines et les administrateurs se doivent aujourd’hui d’en suivre et d’en contrôler l’évolution. Néanmoins, les outils pour y parvenir et les conditions dans lesquelles on doit y recourir ne sont pas toujours suffisamment connus. Voici comment y voir plus clair.
Le cas de Dom Pedro II, empereur du Brésil et traducteur
Authors: Romanelli Sergio , Stallaert Christiane , Soares Noêmia G. , Mafra Adriano
Published: March 2018

Cet article présente les recherches que nous menons sur le rôle de l’empereur Dom Pedro II (1825-1891) dans la constitution d’une identité nationale brésilienne – authentiquement autochtone mais ouverte aux ferments culturels d’autres pays –, rôle à notre avis central, mais considéré comme marginal par l’historiographie brésilienne. Le projet « Dom Pedro II : un traducteur empereur », porté par le Centre d’études du processus de création (NUPROC) de l’université fédérale de Santa Catarina (Brésil), a pour objectif de faire connaître cet intellectuel, très important dans l’histoire du Brésil et du Portugal, mais dont l’intense activité de traducteur est peu connue du grand public et dans les milieux scientifiques. Dans le cadre de ce projet, nous analysons ses traductions littéraires, qui ont été réalisées en différentes langues (classiques et modernes) et qui ont été totalement ignorées par la presse officielle de l’époque, qui ne s’intéressait qu’aux actes politiques et administratifs de l’empereur.
Le « devenir auctorial » d’Ahmadou Kourouma
Authors: Corcoran Patrick
Published: March 2018

Toute tentative d’élucidation des moments-clés, supposés être déterminants, dans le devenir d’un écrivain risque de privilégier la biographie de l’auteur en question et de nous éloigner de l’étude analytique de son écriture. L’un des défis inhérents à la notion même d’une genèse auctoriale est celui de savoir comment transposer les méthodes et les outils employés par la génétique textuelle dans cet autre domaine, infiniment plus insaisissable, d’une vie humaine. Conscient de cette difficulté, cet article examine le parcours suivi par Ahmadou Kourouma vers la publication de son premier roman, Les Soleils des indépendances. Le contexte historique dans lequel ce projet d’écriture a vu le jour est esquissé, non pas pour expliquer l’existence du roman, mais pour confirmer l’une des sources majeures de la motivation de son auteur. L’histoire éditoriale du roman est également évoquée, mais sans lui conférer une valeur explicative quelconque. Refusant d’entériner l’opinion exprimée par Kourouma lui-même dans un court article sur le rôle joué par Georges-André Vachon dans la publication de son roman (« Vachon, l’ami qui m’a fait »), l’article s’appuie sur une analyse du modus scribendi de Kourouma et sur une étude des multiples traces matérielles fournies par les archives pour dresser le portrait d’un écrivain, autodidacte certes, mais aussi acharné que méticuleux. Passionné par les dictionnaires et les livres de stylistique, Kourouma souhaitait vivement devenir écrivain et c’est grâce à une pratique scripturale menée sur de longues années, accompagnée d’un questionnement incessant sur sa propre pratique, qu’il a su réaliser ses ambitions.
Sur la conformité constitutionnelle de la représentativité proportionnée aux élections professionnelles
Authors: de Tonnac Aurélia
Published: March 2018

Le 19 janvier 2018, le Conseil constitutionnel s'est prononcé sur la conformité d'une partie de la loi du 17 août 2015 relative au dialogue social et à l'emploi, dite "loi Rebsamen". La question prioritaire de constitutionnalité transmise par la Cour de cassation portait sur les règles relatives aux élections professionnelles lorsque les listes présentent plusieurs candidats. Le dispositif, maintenu en partie par l'ordonnance du 22 septembre 2017 entre temps, instaure une obligation de présenter des listes "correspondant à la part de femmes et d'hommes inscrits sur la liste électorale". Le Conseil Constitutionnel affirme une conformité de principe assortie d'une réserve d'interprétation des règles de représentativité proportionnée des sexes, par rapport au second alinéa de l'article 1er de la Constitution, aux principes d'égalité devant la loi et de participation des travailleurs. Cette décision s'inscrit dans la jurisprudence constitutionnelle abondante qui œuvre à concilier les dispositifs légaux visant à favoriser une représentation équilibrée des deux sexes avec les autres principes constitutionnels.
Financial Instruments for Small and Medium Enterprise Sustainable Growth
Authors: Salcedo-Perez Carlos , Contreras Andres Carvajal
Published: March 2018

Financing is a key issue for companies to grow. In Latin America, small and medium enterprises face difficult challenges when trying to get the necessary resources they need to grow or just stay in the market. From excessive paperwork to high interest rates, difficult access to credit is a challenge that has prevented companies from growing, reaching new markets, or just surviving in the markets during the first stages of operation. This, consequently, has an impact on the economic development of the region. The current macroeconomic situation, characterized by the end of a raw material boom, brings an additional issue to a normally difficult situation. This chapter therefore analyzes the current situation of five Latin American emerging economies and then presents a set of financial instruments that could help SMEs to get resources easily.
The Economics Sustainability in Medium and Small Companies in Colombia (SMEs)
Authors: Duran Fabio Fernando Moscoso , Mancha-Navarro Tomás
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to explain the importance of SMEs for Colombian economic growth and how business sustainability can generate value, innovation, and respect for the environment. The chapter analyzes how SMEs could create economic sustainability based on the study carried out by Avellaneda et al. for the Colombian case. It is structured with the main objective of explaining the most important barriers to sustainable practices of SMEs in developing countries. Some theoretical elements that allow SMEs to create sustainable value in companies and the main stylized fact of SMEs at world level are introduced. Finally, the chapter analyzes how to integrate sustainability into business practices based on the study carried out by the EAN University in a sample of SMEs between 2000 and 2009.
Developing a Cyber-Physical System for Hybrid Manufacturing in an Internet-of-Things Context
Authors: Grefen Paul , Vanderfeesten Irene , Boultadakis Georgios
Published: March 2018

This chapter describes design and development of the HORSE system for process-oriented hybrid manufacturing that seamlessly integrates human and robotics actors in vertical manufacturing cells that are horizontally coupled in end-to-end manufacturing processes. The HORSE system supports advanced dynamic actor allocation to work cells, direct robot control and human actor instruction, closed-loop local event processing, and near-real-time global event processing. The system handles abstract process definitions and status information on the one hand and directly interfaces to industrial sensors and actuators on the other hand, making it a system with a strong cyber-physical character. The physical side of the system is deployed in an internet-of-things context, where the things are the industrial robots controlled by the HORSE system, the sensors feeding data to the system, and the products being manufactured in the industrial process managed by the system. The system will be deployed in real-world, industrial pilot scenarios in a European Horizon 2020 project.
Communication Protocols for the Internet of Things
Authors: Umamaheswari S.
Published: March 2018

The future internet is expected to be an internet of things (IoT) that makes a huge increase in its capability to collect, investigate, and distribute data that can be turned into information or knowledge. The changeover to IPv6, having a common set of standards and developing energy sources for millions of minute sensors, are the challenges of IoT. The environment can be made smart and self-aware by the direct communication between more and more devices that are part of the IoT. The low power lossy networks (LLNs) that consist of more tiny sensors and low power devices are the elements of the IoT. The TCP/IP reference model is used for the internet connectivity, which is not exactly suited for the network that uses smart objects. There is a need to connect the local network that has the smart objects to the internet. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has come out with the standardized protocols like 6LoWPAN, RPL, COAP, etc. This chapter provides the various protocols used in the internet of things network with their specifications, benefits, and limitations.
Willingness to Communicate
Authors: Han Feifei , Wang Zizhen
Published: March 2018

This chapter examines factors impacting L2 WTC among Chinese ELLs studying in an EAP program in Australia. Adopting both quantitative and qualitative methods, three questionnaires were used to measure L2 WTC, English learning motivation, and self-rated English proficiency; and semi-structured interviews were used to triangulate and complement questionnaire data. The main results were (1) L2 WTC with friends was higher than L2 WTC with acquaintance and with strangers and (2) L2 WTC with strangers and acquaintances were positively related to integrativeness and attitude toward the learning situation, but not with motivation intensity. L2 WTC with friends did not correlate with any of the scales in the English learning motivation; thus, (3) L2 WTC with strangers and acquaintances but not with friends had positive association with self-rated English proficiency, and (4) factors such as teaching methods, teachers' attitude, learning style, and personality all impacted on L2 WTC. The results are discussed and practical implications are articulated.
Expatriate Cantonese Learners in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Siu-Lun
Published: March 2018

This chapter discusses the identity negotiation process of adult L2 learners while they are learning a foreign language abroad. The study in this chapter used longitudinal study techniques. This longitudinal study lasted for two years. Learning diaries were used as primary data source and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to verify the diary data to elicit learning difficulties and learning needs. This chapter found out that learners' learning experiences were influenced by identity negotiation process and the social environment around them. This chapter showed the expatriate learners came to Hong Kong with an enthusiastic motivation of learning the language of Hong Kong people and the willingness to assimilate into the local culture. However, there were puzzles and struggles in identity negotiation aroused while they were learning the language. The research presented in this chapter shows learners' levels of success depended on many factors, such as the amount of time devoted to their learning, quality of language programs, as well as social attitude towards the target language (TL) and the language learners in the surrounding environment.
Electronic Nose Applications
Authors: Wang Ping , Gao Fan , Zhang Xusheng , Wang Min
Published: March 2018

In this chapter, the authors introduce three typical applications of electronic nose, including the diagnosis of lung cancer and gastrointestinal diseases and food freshness detection. Firstly, an electronic nose system intended for lung cancer screening employs semiconductor and electrochemical sensors to compose an array in a chamber to conduct breath analysis with pre-concentration and multiple desorption procedures. Secondly, a design of virtual electronic nose was presented to detect the concentration of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide in breath for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Finally, combined with the metal oxide semiconductor sensors and electrochemical sensors array, the small size electronic nose system is to identify the freshness and classify different kinds of food stored in the refrigerator.