bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Space, Marshall McLuhan and Links to Medieval Philosophers and Beyond: Center Everywhere and Margin Nowhere
Authors: Findlay-White Emma , Logan Robert
Published: September 2016

The origin of McLuhan’s notion of acoustic space is described. It is shown that his definition of acoustic space as having its center everywhere and its margin nowhere can be traced back to the Christian mystics of the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance dating as far back as the 12th Century.
Underground Space of Saint-Petersburg as a Multicomponent System: Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Aspects of its Development
Authors: Dashko Regina , Alekseev Ivan
Published: September 2016

The paper offers a complex approach to assess underground space as a multi-component system for its development and utilization. It is indicated that a geotechnical analysis of sandy and clayey soils of St. Petersburg needs to be carried out based on two models, i.e. one for a jointed and blocky environs and the other for fine-pored media. It has been established that chemical composition of the ground water in the city is characterized with a high content of alkaline-earth elements, which proves the intensive destruction of construction materials, as well as with presence of organic substances judging by the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand in 5 days (BOD5). For the first time ever, a microbiotic component has been distinguished which determines the following phenomena: 1) alteration of physical and mechanical properties of sandy and clayey soils; 2) development of flowing sand and thixotropic phenomena; 3) biocorrosion of various construction materials. It is stated that even consolidated morainic soils usually viewed as a safe foundation and media for structures of various applications are transformed into weak and easy-deformable materials characterized with low strength in conditions of intensive contamination.
Soil Improvement Using Rigid Large Elements in the Engineering Practice of the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Kravtsov Vladimir , Seskov Valery , Lapatin Pavel , Yakunenko Sergey
Published: September 2016

The results of research and development of methods for the calculation, design and practical application of a method for technique of improvement soft soil bases for slab foundations with the use of rigid large elements are reported. The optimal percentage of rigid elements, structural characteristics of improved soils (increment and diameter of rigid elements) are presented and principles for their calculation and design are given. As exemplified by a specific construction site, it is demonstrated that technological schemes for the arrangement of improved soils, developed by RUE Institute BelNIIS, reduce the deformability of soft soil bases by four times and more.
SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC FLOW PREDICTION USING A METHODOLOGY BASED ON AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE AND GENETIC PROGRAMMING
Authors: Xu Chengcheng , Li Zhibin , Wang Wei
Published: September 2016

The accurate short-term traffic flow forecasting is fundamental to both theoretical and empirical aspects of intelligent transportation systems deployment. This study aimed to develop a simple and effective hybrid model for forecasting traffic volume that combines the AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and the Genetic Programming (GP) models. By combining different models, different aspects of the underlying patterns of traffic flow could be captured. The ARIMA model was used to model the linear component of the traffic flow time series. Then the GP model was applied to capture the nonlinear component by modelling the residuals from the ARIMA model. The hybrid models were fitted for four different time-aggregations: 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. The validations of the proposed hybrid methodology were performed by using traffic data under both typical and atypical conditions from multiple locations on the I-880N freeway in the United States. The results indicated that the hybrid models had better predictive performance than utilizing only ARIMA model for different aggregation time intervals under typical conditions. The Mean Relative Error (MRE) of the hybrid models was found to be from 4.1 to 6.9% for different aggregation time intervals under typical conditions. The predictive performance of the hybrid method was improved with an increase in the aggregation time interval. In addition, the validation results showed that the predictive performance of the hybrid model was also better than that of the ARIMA model under atypical conditions.
De-escalation of the War at Ukraine, and Its Resolution by International Security Organisations.
Authors: Dubský Zdeněk
Published: September 2016

The article is aimed on the identification of the tools of the international security organisations (NATO, European Union, Organisation for security and Cooperation in Europe) for de-escalation and resolution of the violent conflict in Ukraine. It is based on the liberal institucionalism. It characterizes and systematises tools and divides it into "soft power" and "hard power" tools. It is analysed the possibility of the use of armed forces as a coercive tool or in peacekeeping or monitoring missions. The NATO and the EU became involved in coercive diplomacy, the OSCE as a "soft power" becomes involved in mediation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and dispatched long time missions. All three analysed organisations used the tools without placing of armed forces.
Strategic Documents of the Czech Republic and Ministry of Defence Acquisitions
Authors: Novotný Antonín
Published: September 2016

This article aims to reflect a digression into the history of selected strategic documents, which processed the Ministry of Defence or was in the processing involved - in connection to the planning of acquisitions. The ambition of the article is not a comprehensive evaluation process, but only the selected aspects. After many years of decreasing Czech defence budget, is here the opposite situation. In connection with the new situation it is necessary to rethink the current approach to this topic; to ensure maximal security of the Czech Republic and in a figurative sense NATO and the European Union also. The fact, that the Czech strategy document was among the best in the EU, does not mean that defence spending is automatically efficient.
The Legality of the Military Police Activities by Granting Aid as a Host Nation Support Operation
Authors: Kříž Pavel , Skoruša Leopold
Published: September 2016

The paper deals with the principle of legality during putting in practice of Military police support to allied armed forces in the Host nation Support operation on the Czech Republic territory. Security of sending nation armed forces weaknesses have been identified on the base of analysis of the issue current state supplemented by the legal framework assessment. Suggestions, for expert discussion of Military police authority change, are in the last chapter.
Lessons Learned Process as a Part of Management Process in the Defense Sector
Authors: Kosecová Janka
Published: September 2016

The Lessons Learned from the military operations and exercises as a system and process was introduced to the Czech Armed Forces in 2004. Since this time, it become a standard component of command and control, and one of the tools that generates impulses on the development of capability of the units and staffs, at all levels. The article discusses not only the achievements but focusing on the barriers that hinder effective development system and the lessons learned process. In the first part of the article, this loosely follows the article, published in issue 1/2015 magazine Vojenské rozhledy - Czech Military Rewiev, the authors focused on the basic principles of the process. The focus of the article is to analyse the current state of the lessons learned process with result, that one of the main problems is the misunderstanding of the process by some commanders and also analysis of the lessons identified on the strategic level. At the end of the text, the authors presented recommendations on how to overcome the identified barriers and ensure the further optimization of the process.
Environmentally Forced Migration and Human Rights
Authors: van der Vliet-Bakker J. M. M.
Published: September 2016

In an era of accelerating environmental degradation, a growing number of people will be affected by its effects. Some of those people will be forced to migrate, both internally and cross-border. Under current international law, those people are not recognized as a specific category entitled to protection. Many protection gaps in international law can be identified for these ‘environmentally forced migrants'. Human rights law can fill some of those gaps by offering minimum standards of treatment, procedural protection or complementary protection. This chapter systematically assesses these possibilities.
Where to Now for Research into the First Year Experience at University?
Authors: Rowan Leonie , Bigum Chris , Larkin Kevin
Published: September 2016

Academics and administrators in higher education contexts increasingly invest time, energy and money in the creation and delivery of a positive “first year experience: (FYE)” a term commonly used to refer to a suite of initiatives intended to impact positively upon student satisfaction and maximise student retention. Various forms of technology feature prominently in the resultant programs: a situation which reflects a widespread belief that ‘flexible' and ‘online' learning environments have a major role to play in meeting the needs of contemporary students. Over the past 20 years decision making about how to create a ‘good' first year experience has been increasingly shaped by what is now a large body of scholarship. While this literature contains much that it is valuable it can also serve to limit research conducted in this area. Drawing upon insights from the sociology of translation this paper explores the hinterland of the FYE and the ways in which it might constrain the authors' research in this field. From this basis the authors propose a case for re-imagining and reassembling their research in this area in response to key challenges provided by actor-network theory. With reference to a small scale research project conducted at a one Australian university, they highlight the different data sets—and different realities—that a reassembled FYE research agenda requires them to attend to, and outline implications for future studies in this field.
Modeling, Simulation, and Thermally Optimization of Thermally-Coupled Distillation Columns
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Mehrabani-Zeinabad Arjomand
Published: September 2016

Distillation is one of the most widely used separation units that consumes the largest amount of energy in chemical and petrochemical industries. Heat integration of thermally coupled distillation column is one of the methods to reduce energy-consumption. This paper provides a comparison between two simple columns with direct configuration and thermally coupled distillation column with direct sequence backward integration arrangement for separation of a ternary mixture based on energy-consumption. The influence of changing numbers of first and second column trays on heating and cooling rate of each column are investigated based on a developed mathematical model using conservation law of mass and energy and bubble-point method. The average relative error between calculated and industrial temperatures in some trays is about 0.74%. The condenser duty of high pressure column is about 9.73×109 kJ/h to provide heating of low pressure column. According to the simulation results, the thermally coupled construction saves energy about 50% more.
An Investigation onto the Importance of Dimensionless Analysis in the Modeling of Electrospinning
Authors: Maghsoodlou Shima , Poreskandar Sulmaz
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, electrospinning has emerged as a widespread technology to produce nanofibers and best candidates for many significant applications. The most important challenge is to attain uniform nanofibers. In these cases, controlling the production of electrospun nanofiber becomes important. However, Analysis dynamics of jet formation and its instability is difficult during the process. For making more suitable nanofibers, one should control the electrospinning process and its instability. For achieving this aim, the most desirable way of controlling them are using dimensionless analysis and modeling electrospinning process. The main objective of this article is using the dimensionless analysis in the modeling of the electrospinning process to better understand.
Acceptability of Social Media Use in Out-of-Class Faculty-Student Engagement
Authors: Njoroge Joyce W. , Reed Diana , Suh Inchul , Strader Troy J.
Published: September 2016

In this exploratory study, higher education faculty perceptions regarding acceptability of social media use for out-of-class student engagement are identified. Hypotheses are developed and tested using a survey to address the impact of factors such as awareness, faculty/student relationship status, gender, academic discipline, and rank on faculty attitudes toward out-of-class social media use for student engagement. Findings indicate that faculty members are aware of social media, but use varies. Overall, they do not view social media as an important part of out-of-class engagement, but it is viewed as more acceptable for engagement with former students. In addition, faculty from Marketing and Communications disciplines and Associate/Full Professors perceive social media use to be more acceptable for student engagement when compared with their colleagues from other disciplines and lower ranks. Implications and conclusions are discussed for development of university social media usage policies and directions for future research.
Sustainability Evaluation of IT/IS Projects
Authors: Silvius Gilbert
Published: September 2016

Sustainability is without doubt one of the most important challenges of our time. How can one develop prosperity without compromising the life of future generations? Companies are integrating concepts of sustainability in their marketing, corporate communications, annual reports and in their actions. Information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) provide organizations with the ability to change and improve business processes to better support sustainable practices. IT/IS evaluation methods should therefore reflect this ability and include criteria for the assessment of sustainability aspects of IT/IS projects. However, IT/IS evaluation methods are today still dominated by the economical perspective that resulted from the infamous IT productivity paradox. This paper aims to broaden the perspective on IT/IS evaluation, by exploring the integration of indicators that reflect the concepts of sustainability into IT/IS evaluation methods. Based on an identification IT/IS evaluation methods and an overview of frameworks for sustainability indicators, an analysis is made of the inclusion of the indicators and principles of sustainability assessment in IT/IS evaluation methods. The analysis will conclude that integrating sustainability considerations in IT/IS evaluation requires far more than a set of additional criteria to be considered.
Bilateral Histogram Equalization for Contrast Enhancement
Authors: Amil Feroz Mahmud , Rahman Shanto , Rahman Md. Mostafijur , Dey Emon Kumar
Published: September 2016

As image enhancement is a well discussed issue, various methods have already been proposed till to date. Some of these methods perform well for specific applications but most of the techniques suffer from artifacts due to the over or under enhancement. To mitigate this problem a new technique namely Bilateral Histogram Equalization for contrast enhancement (BHE) which uses Harmonic mean of the image to divide the histogram is introduced. BHE is evaluated in both qualitative and quantitative manner and the results show that BHE creates less artifacts on several standard images than other existing state-of-the-art image enhancement techniques.
Il processo della fecondazione umana: considerazioni a margine del dibattito sul c.d. “ootide”
Authors: Bompiani Adriano
Published: September 2016

Il dibattito scientifico, giuridico e bioetico intorno alle prime fasi dello sviluppo embrionale umano si è di recente appuntato sulla primissima fase della fecondazione, nella quale si forma lo zigote 2N. La ragione risiede essenzialmente nella straordinaria evoluzione delle conoscenze riguardo al processo di fecondazione con l’acquisizione di nozioni cruciali dal momento dell’interazione ravvicinata tra lo spermatozoo e i rivestimenti dell’oocita fino alla prima divisione cellulare. La domanda di fondo è la seguente: allo stadio di zigote 2N (anche detto “ootide”), il frutto del concepimento è da considerare come vita embrionale propriamente detta? Per dare risposta al quesito, l’articolo affronta in modo analitico la biologia della fecondazione umana, che i biologi hanno sempre definito “processo” in quanto costituito da avvenimenti ordinatamente cadenzati nel tempo. Tali fenomeni iniziano dal momento in cui due cellule sessuali gametiche di sesso diverso si fondono una con l’altra per dar luogo ad un individuo con potenzialità genetiche derivate da ambedue i genitori. L’esatta conoscenza dei tempi e delle fasi che lo caratterizzano è indispensabile per l’esatta comprensione del valore da assegnare al processo della fecondazione non solo in “natura”, ma anche nelle tecniche di procreazione assistita, le quali - a loro volta - hanno largamente contribuito a chiarire molti aspetti. La presente riflessione si conclude portando qualche breve considerazione a margine del dibattito etico avviato sull’argomento. ---------- Scientific, juridical and bioethical debate about the first phases of the human embryonic development has recently been focused on the very first phase of fertilization, when zygote 2N forms himself. This is basically due to the extraordinary evolution of knowledge about the process of fertilization with the acquisition of fundamental notions from the moment of the close interaction between spermatozoa and oocyte membranes until the first cellular division. The basic question is the following: should the fruit of conception be considered as embryonic life in the proper sense of the word, at the phase of zygote 2N (also called “ootid”)? To give an answer to the question, the article deals analytically with human fertilisation’s biology, that biologists have always defined “process” as constituted by events cadenced in an orderly way during the time. This kind of phenomena begins from the moment when two sexual gamete cells of different sex merge to give rise to an individual with genetic potentiality coming from both the parents. The exact knowledge of times and phases which characterised it is fundamental for the exact comprehension of the value to assign to the fertilization process not just in “nature”, but also in the reproductive technologies, which - in their turn - have widely contribute to clear up many aspects. The present reflection ends bringing some brief consideration aside the ethical debate started about the topic.
L’Eucaristia e l’impegno a favore della vita
Authors: Grocholewski Zenon Card.
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Il dibattito in Biogiuridica - Nota dell’Istituto di Bioetica a proposito della registrazione anagrafica di minore nato da maternità surrogata come figlio di coppia omosessuale
Authors: Casini M.
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Il dialogo in Bioetica: per una medicina fondata sulla persona umana
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Il contributo argomenta sul ruolo del dialogo nel contesto dello sviluppo e della diffusione della Bioetica. A livello generale, nel panorama culturale contemporaneo, i giudizi sul tema del dialogo sono piuttosto controversi: se, per alcuni, esso potrebbe risolvere conflitti e discordie, dall’altra, aprirebbe a forme di relativismo, sincretismo e irenismo. In Bioetica, il dialogo ha giocato sempre un ruolo fondamentale, finendo per rappresentare un suo elemento costante sia da un punto di vista epistemologico che da un punto di vista metodologico. Si tratta comunque di un dialogo che non è nichilista, ma che ha un logos in sé e una pietra filosofale data dal rispetto della persona umana e dalla sua dignità, entro cui tutti debbono riconoscersi. ---------- The contribution deals with the role of dialogue in the development and spreading of Bioethics. In general, in the contemporary cultural surveys, opinions on the topic of dialogue are rather controversial: according to some people, it could resolve conflict and discord and according to others it could cause forms of relativism, syncretism and irenics. In Bioethics, dialogue has always played a key role, representing a constant element of it from both an epistemological point of view and a methodological point of view. However, dialogue is not nihilistic, but has a logos and a philosopher’s stone, i.e. respect of human person and his dignity.
Paura, sofferenza, speranza e coraggio nella malattia / Fear, suffering, hope and courage in disease
Authors: Fiori Angelo
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
La nascita indesiderata / The unwanted birth
Authors: Fiori Angelo , Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
La conoscenza dei cicli sessuali femminili attraverso l’auto-osservazione per il trattamento della sterilità umana
Authors: Otte Ana
Published: September 2016

L’auto-osservazione e il follow-up grafico del ciclo mestruale in caso di presunta sterilità, aiutano a diagnosticare e trattare certe alterazioni ginecologiche, al fine di attuare il rapporto sessuale finalizzato ad ottimizzare concepimento. Attraverso queste procedure naturali (naprotecnologia), prive di aspetti negativi da un punto di vista etico, possiamo ottenere tassi di natalità che sono paragonabili, o addirittura superiori, a quelle ottenute con trattamenti invasivi. ---------- Self-observation and the graphic follow-up of the menstrual cycle in cases of supposed infertility, help to diagnose and treat certain gynaecological alterations in order to carry out the sexual intercourse focused on optimising conception. Through these natural procedures (Naprotechnology), with no ethical drawbacks, we can obtain birth rates that are comparable, or even higher, to those obtained with invasive treatments.
Il dibattito in bioetica - The UK paves the way for germ-line alterations
Authors: Sutton Agneta
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Problemas en la relación médico-enfermo y ética de las virtudes como propuesta de solución
Authors: Vilarroig Martín Jaime
Published: September 2016

L’articolo si compone di due parti. La prima si occupa di alcune importanti questioni concernenti la relazione medico-paziente, quali il diritto all’informazione, il consenso informato, le direttive anticipate, il diritto alla riservatezza, l’obiezione di coscienza e così via. Tutti questi argomenti vengono discussi alla luce della relazione medico-paziente e viene mostrato come siano tutti accomunati da mancanza di fiducia. La seconda parte mette in evidenza come recuperare questa fiducia attraverso l’etica della virtù (in contrapposizione all’etica dei doveri di Kant o l’utilitarismo etico di Stuart Mill). A titolo esemplificativo, viene proposta la soluzione dei problemi delineati nella prima parte, mostrando alcune particolari virtù mediche. Come esempio, viene proposta la soluzione dei problemi delineati nella prima parte, mostrando alcune particolari virtù mediche. Viene poi proposto un adattamento delle virtù cardinali della Organizzazione della Sanità (prudenza, giustizia, fortezza, temperanza) e si discutono le virtù cardinali del medico proposte da Beauchamp e Childress (compassione, intuizione, affidabilità e integrità) con una proposta di approfondimento. Infine, si tenta una lettura antropologica delle virtù teologiche (fede, speranza e carità) applicate al mondo medico. ---------- This article has two parts. The first deals with some important issues about the doctor-patient relationship, such as the right to information, informed consent, advance directives, the right to confidentiality, conscientious objection, and so on. It shows how they all appear in the doctor-patient relationship, and how they all indicate a lack of confidence as a common origin. The second part deals with how to recover this lost confidence through ethics of virtue (versus Kant’s ethics of duties, or Stuart Mill’s utilitarian ethics). As an example, we propose the solution of the problems outlined in the first part, showing some particular medical virtues. We propose an adaptation of the World Health cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance), and we discuss the physician’s cardinal virtues proposed by Beauchamp and Childress (compassion, insight, trustworthiness and integrity) adding a proposal to investigate in this way. Finally, it attempts an anthropological reading of the theological virtues (faith, hope and charity) applied to the medical world.
Il dibattito in biogiuridica - Il diritto a conoscere le proprie origini tra fecondazione eterologa, adozione e parto in anonimato
Authors: Casini Marina
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Novel Approach to Analyzing MFE of Noncoding RNA Sequences
Authors: George Tina P. , Thomas Tessamma
Published: September 2016

Genomic studies have become noncoding RNA (ncRNA) centric after the study of different genomes provided enormous information on ncRNA over the past decades. The function of ncRNA is decided by its secondary structure, and across organisms, the secondary structure is more conserved than the sequence itself. In this study, the optimal secondary structure or the minimum free energy (MFE) structure of ncRNA was found based on the thermodynamic nearest neighbor model. MFE of over 2600 ncRNA sequences was analyzed in view of its signal properties. Mathematical models linking MFE to the signal properties were found for each of the four classes of ncRNA analyzed. MFE values computed with the proposed models were in concordance with those obtained with the standard web servers. A total of 95% of the sequences analyzed had deviation of MFE values within ±15% relative to those obtained from standard web servers.
Predominant Corticospinal Tract Involvement in a Late Infant with Krabbe Disease
Authors: Yoshimura Ayumi , Kibe Tetsuya , Irahara Kaori , Sakai Norio , Yokochi Kenji
Published: September 2016

A case of late-infantile Krabbe disease in a patient who presented with developmental regression and spastic quadriplegia in late infancy is reported. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 11 months of age showed predominant corticospinal tract involvement, which usually appears in adult Krabbe disease. Galactocerebrosidase activity in lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts was very low. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of the galactocerebrosidase ( GALC) gene, c.635_646 delinsCTC and c.1901T>C [p.L618S], both of which are known pathogenic mutations. It has been reported that the c.1901T>C [p.L618S] mutation is associated with the late-onset phenotype and, in a past case, a homozygous mutation at this location showed predominant corticospinal tract involvement on MRI. Although further analysis is needed to identify the pathophysiological mechanism, this combination of mutations is likely to be associated with this unusual MRI finding in late-infantile Krabbe disease. Because these types of mutations are common for Japanese patients, it is possible that there are more undiagnosed and late-diagnosed patients of late-infantile Krabbe disease who display limited lesions on MRI. Pediatricians should be aware that patients with late-infantile Krabbe disease can present with predominant corticospinal tract involvement on MRI.
Rare tumor of the spleen - case report
Authors: Meireles Rita , Cunha Joana Cordeiro , Iglesias Violeta , Baptista Paula
Published: September 2016

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation was first described as a solitary angioma-like disease of the spleen by Martel et al. in 2004. It is a relatively new rare benign lesion. The authors present a clinical case of an asymptomatic, 48-year-old female. SANT has been an incidental finding in an abdominal ultrasound. Histological appearance and the immunohistochemical staining after spleen biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. As suggested in previously published articles, a splenectomy was performed for definitive treatment. This case contributes to the differential diagnosis of splenic tumors, its treatment and clinical impact.
Management commitment to safety, teamwork, and hospital worker injuries
Authors: McGonagle Alyssa K. , Essenmacher Lynnette , Hamblin Lydia , Luborsky Mark , Upfal Mark , Arnetz Judith
Published: September 2016

Although many studies link teamwork in health care settings to patient safety, evidence linking teamwork to hospital worker safety is lacking. This study addresses this gap by providing evidence linking teamwork perceptions in hospital workers to worker injuries, and further, finds a linkage between manager commitment to safety and teamwork. Organizational records of worker injuries and survey responses regarding management commitment to safety and teamwork from 446 hospital workers within 42 work units in a multi-site hospital system were examined. Results underscored the particular importance of teamwork on worker injuries as well as the importance of management commitment to safety as relating to teamwork. To improve worker safety, organizational leaders and unit managers should work to maintain environments wherein teamwork can thrive.
Towards Extending the Ethical Dimension of Human Resource Management
Authors: Silva Viruli A. de , Opatha H. H. D. N. P. , Gamage Aruna S.
Published: September 2016

Enduring interest in the ‘social’ aspect of the ethical dimension of Human Resource Management (HRM) on employees and society is a positive trend towards humanity. To maintain justice, fairness and well-being towards its stakeholders, it is necessary for an organization to perform HRM functions ethically. Authors identified two possible meanings to the ethical dimension of HRM. In addition to the above, a second possible connotation was recognized, and labeled as ‘Ethical Orientation of HRM or EOHRM’. This is ‘to direct HRM functions to create, enhance and maintain ethicality within employees, to make an ethical workforce in the organization’. EOHRM is conceptualized based on three dimensions: acquire, develop and retain. Elements of EOHRM are the functions of these three HRM fields. Ethical characteristics would be embedded into elements and question items of the instrument, in order to measure EOHRM. It seems that this concept has been unexplored by scholars in the existent HRM literature. This article attempts to bridge this knowledge gap to a significant extent. EOHRM is offered as a novel concept to HRM architecture, and it gives favorable directions towards future research.
Gender Based Utilization of Microfinance: An Empirical Evidence from District Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Naeem Abdul , Rehman Sana -ur-
Published: September 2016

This study examines the impact of microfinance on gender based income generating activities of the Khushhalli Bank Ltd client’s in urban zone of district Quetta during year 2011. The Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire from 80 clients (60 beneficiaries and 20 non-beneficiaries) by adopting cross sectional experimental design.

In order to analyze the collected data the t-tests were applied. The results show that the microfinance has a positive impact on both male as well female beneficiaries as compare to non-beneficiaries in term of increase in business performance. It has non-significant impact on average sale revenue of both male as well as female micro-entrepreneurs. Whereas it has a significant impact on average net profit, average fixed assets as well as average net worth of the male but having non-significant impact on female established micro-entrepreneurs. Comparison of gender based business performance reveals that the microenterprises operated by male are able to generate better revenue and net income performance also the same results are obtained in case of enhancement in fixed assets as well as net worth. So we may confidently say that male clients are able in utilizing the microfinance services more effectively as compared to female.
Hydroxyl Radical (ºOH) Scavenger Power of Tris (hydroxymethyl) Compared to Phosphate Buffer
Authors: Khosravifarsani Meysam , Shabestani-Monfared Ali , Pouramir Mahdi , Zabihi Ebrahim
Published: September 2016

Tris and phosphate buffer are regularly used in experimental investigations. These buffers might have radical scavenger properties toward different kinds of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) produced in solutions during chemical reactions like Fenton reaction and gamma radiolysis. Hydroxyl radicals (ºOH) are the most reactive and oxidizing agents having a great potential in oxidization of macromolecules like DNA and proteins. This in vitro study was aimed to evaluate radio-protective effects of Tris and phosphate buffer toward hydroxyl radicals generated by Fenton reaction. Hence, ºOH radicals were produced using a mixture of Hydrogen Peroxideand Ferrous Sulfate, called Fenton system. Human serum albumin (500µM) was prepared in Tris (10mM) and phosphate buffer (10mM), separately. These two samples were incubated with Fenton reaction (Ferrous Sulfate + Hydrogen peroxide) (10 mM) for 30 minutes and carbonyl groups were quantified by spectrophotometric carbonylation assay. The results of this study revealed the values of 1.04 ± 0.02 and 1.73 ± 0.03 for Tris and phosphate buffer treated samples, respectively. In conclusion, these findings confirmed that Tris buffer is a stronger radical scavenger toward ºOH radicals than phosphate buffer. 
Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and Biochemical Biomarkers in Pinto Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Ebrahimi Ahmad , Galavi Mohammad , Ramroudi Mahmood , Moaveni Payam
Published: September 2016

Tests were done on the effects of titanium dioxide spray on Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. c.v ‘c.o.s.16’). The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications for two years (2014 - 2015). Treatments consisted of two factors; the first factor was stage of plant growth that spraying was applied (rapid vegetative growth, flowering and pod filling); and the second factor was that of different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) that consisted of spray with water (control), nano titanium dioxide at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.05%. Activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity of catalase (CAT), activity of peroxidase (POD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) Content and 8-deoxy-2-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHDG) content were assayed. Results showed that effect of nano TiO2 was significant on activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity of catalase (CAT), activity of peroxidase (POD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) Content and 8-deoxy-2-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHDG) content. Results of combined analysis of variance showed that the effect year significantly affected on SOD and 8-OH-2-DG (P ≤ 0.05). The effect of different amounts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) on MDA and 8-OH-2-DG. The effects of different amounts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and year were significant on SOD, POD, MDA and the amount of 8-deoxy-2-hydroxyguanosine in P ≤ 0.05. None of the physiological traits were affected by spraying of nano titanium dioxide. The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles times of spraying and year were significant on SOD, CAT and 8-deoxy-2-hydroxyguanosine (P ≤ 0.05). Interaction effects of nano TiO2 concentrations × nano TiO2 spraying times did not have a significant impact on SOD, CAT, POD, GPX, MDA and 8-OH-2-DG. Although, all trait were affected by interaction effects of year × nano TiO2 concentrations × nano TiO2 spraying times with the exception of GPX (P ≤ 0.05).
An unusually elongate endogeic centipede from Sardinia (Chilopoda: Geophilidae)
Authors: Bonato Lucio , Zapparoli Marzio , Drago Leandro , Minelli Alessandro
Published: September 2016

Endogeophilus ichnusae gen. et sp. nov. (Chilopoda: Geophilidae sensu stricto) is described based on three specimens from two localities in south-western Sardinia, examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The new centipede resembles the rare Ibero-Pyrenean genus Galliophilus Ribaut & Brolemann, 1927 in some features, especially in the forcipular segment, and the temperate European species Geophilus electricus (Linnaeus, 1758) in other features, especially in the ultimate leg-bearing segment. However, the true affinities of E. ichnusae gen. et sp. nov. are uncertain, because the new species departs significantly from the majority of geophilids for the higher number of legs (91–107 pairs in the specimens examined), the slender trunk segments (the sternites being longer than wide), the relatively stout legs (the tarsus being only about twice as long as wide) and the very short setae (≤ 15 mm) scattered on the body surface. All these features are probably derived and suggest adaptation to a more strictly endogeic habit than other geophilids.
Loss of ZBTB20 impairs circadian output and leads to unimodal behavioral rhythms
Authors: Qu Zhipeng , Zhang Hai , Huang Moli , Shi Guangsen , Liu Zhiwei , Xie Pancheng , Li Hui , Wang Wei , Xu Guoqiang , Zhang Yang , Yang Ling , Huang Guocun , Takahashi Joseph S , Zhang Weiping J , Xu Ying
Published: September 2016

Many animals display morning and evening bimodal activities in the day/night cycle. However, little is known regarding the potential components involved in the regulation of bimodal behavioral rhythms in mammals. Here, we identified that the zinc finger protein gene Zbtb20 plays a crucial role in the regulation of bimodal activities in mice. Depletion of Zbtb20 in nerve system resulted in the loss of early evening activity, but the increase of morning activity. We found that Zbtb20-deficient mice exhibited a pronounced decrease in the expression of Prokr2 and resembled phenotypes of Prok2 and Prokr2-knockout mice. Injection of adeno-associated virus-double-floxed Prokr2 in suprachiasmatic nucleus could partly restore evening activity in Nestin-Cre; Zbtb20fl/fl (NS-ZB20KO) mice. Furthermore, loss of Zbtb20 in Foxg1 loci, but intact in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, was not responsible for the unimodal activity of NS-ZB20KO mice. Our study provides evidence that ZBTB20-mediated PROKR2 signaling is critical for the evening behavioral rhythms.
Effect of Intracameral Moxifloxacin (0.5mg) on Morphology and Cell Density of Corneal Endothelium in Phacoemulsification Surgery
Authors: Malik VK , Kapoor Rohit , Malik KPS , Kumar Sanjiv , Jain Charu , Jhalani Rishi
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To study the effect of intracameral Moxifloxacin (0.5mg) on morphology and cell density of corneal endothelium in Phacoemulsification.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2011 to January 2013. Sixty eyes of 60 adult patients suffering from senile cataract, planned for phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group A, 0.1 ml of 0.5% moxifloxacin (newly opened UNIMS of Brand name Occumox of Sunways india private limited) was injected intracamerally at the end of the surgery. In group B, the control group, the surgery was completed without intracameral injection of moxifloxacin. Patient's preoperative & postoperative specular microscopy was performed. Endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation (CV) in cell area, hexagonality and corneal thickness were measured on third day, seventh day, 3rd week and at sixth week post operatively. Statistical analysis was done by paired t test.

Results:

There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between changes in endothelial cell count and corneal thickness in either of the groups. The changes in coefficient of variation (CV) in cell area and hexagonality in control group did not show any significant difference from the study group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

0.1 ml of 0.5% moxifloxacin (newly opened UNIMS of Brand name Occumox of Sunways india private limited can be safely used for prophylaxis against post-operative infection (endophthalmitis) in cataract surgery.
‘Flying Eagle’ Incision for Combined Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery-Trabeculectomy
Authors: Malik Krishan Pal Singh , Goel Ruchi
Published: September 2016

Combined trabeculectomy with cataract extraction is a frequently performed procedure. Manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS) is preferred over phacoemulsification in combination with trabeculectomy in situations like lens induced glaucoma, hard cataract, non-dilating pupil with shallow chamber, corneal opacities or non-availability of phacomachine. We describe a simple technique of MSICS-trabeculectomy with lens implantation using anterior chamber maintainer that results in satisfactory control of intraocular pressure with minimal induction of astigmatism.
Orbital Prosthesis Fabrication
Authors: Gupta Shreya , Gupta Sachin
Published: September 2016

Unacceptable cosmetic disfigurement occurs following destructive procedures or accident. An orbital prosthesis serves as a major morale booster in these patients by combating the physical and emotional trauma. This article describes a simplified technique for fabrication of silicone orbital prosthesis.
“Regional Variation of Epidemiological and Microbiological Profile of Microbial Keratitis In India”
Authors: Gupta Aruna Kumari R , Gupta Roopam Kumar R
Published: September 2016

A cross sectional study of 208 patients was done to find the regional variation of the epidemiological and microbiological profile of patients with suspected microbial keratitis.

Sociodemographic data and risk factors were noted, clinically examination was done and corneal scrapings for stain and cultures were taken.

Maximum patients were between the age group 41-60 years, male patients more than females. Trauma especially due to vegetative matter, in farmers residing in rural part was the most common predisposing factor. Bacterial keratitis was more than fungal keratitis with Staphylococcus aureus being the predominant bacterial and Aspergillus predominant fungal pathogen.

Thus, this difference in microbial etiology for corneal ulceration in different regions of our country should be borne in mind when treating microbial keratitis.
Linking microbiota and respiratory disease
Authors: Hauptmann Matthias , Schaible Ulrich E.
Published: September 2016

An increasing body of evidence indicates the relevance of microbiota for pulmonary health and disease. Independent investigations recently demonstrated that the lung harbors a resident microbiota. Therefore, it is intriguing that a lung microbiota can shape pulmonary immunity and epithelial barrier functions. Here, we discuss the ways how the composition of the microbial community in the lung may influence pulmonary health and vice versa, factors that determine community composition. Prominent microbiota at other body sites such as the intestinal one may also contribute to pulmonary health and disease. However, it is difficult to discriminate between influences of lung vs. gut microbiota due to systemic mutuality between both communities. With focuses on asthma and respiratory infections, we discuss how microbiota of lung and gut can determine pulmonary immunity and barrier functions.
Characterizing relative humidity with respect to ice in midlatitude cirrus clouds as a function of atmospheric state
Authors: Dzambo Andrew M. , Turner David D.
Published: September 2016

Midlatitude cirrus cloud macrophysical and microphysical properties have been shown in previous studies to vary seasonally and in various large‐scale dynamical regimes, but relative humidity with respect to ice (RHI) within cirrus clouds has not been studied extensively in this context. Using a combination of radiosonde and millimeter‐wavelength cloud radar data, we identify 1076 cirrus clouds spanning a 7 year period from 2004 to 2011. These data are separated into five classes using a previously published algorithm that is based largely on synoptic conditions. Using these data and classification scheme, we find that RHI in cirrus clouds varies seasonally. Variations in cirrus cloud RHI exist within the prescribed classifications; however, most of the variations are within the measurement uncertainty. Additionally, with the exception of nonsummer class cirrus, these variations are not statistically significant. We also find that cirrus cloud occurrence is not necessarily correlated with higher observed values of RHI. The structure of RHI in cirrus clouds varies more in thicker clouds, which follows previous studies showing that macrophysical and microphysical variability increases in thicker cirrus clouds.
Slip distribution of the 2014 Mw = 8.1 Pisagua, northern Chile, earthquake sequence estimated from coseismic fore‐arc surface cracks
Authors: Loveless John P. , Scott Chelsea P. , Allmendinger Richard W. , González Gabriel
Published: September 2016

The 2014 Mw = 8.1 Iquique (Pisagua), Chile, earthquake sequence ruptured a segment of the Nazca‐South America subduction zone that last hosted a great earthquake in 1877. The sequence opened >3700 surface cracks in the fore arc of decameter‐scale length and millimeter‐to centimeter‐scale aperture. We use the strikes of measured cracks, inferred to be perpendicular to coseismically applied tension, to estimate the slip distribution of the main shock and largest aftershock. The slip estimates are compatible with those based on seismic, geodetic, and tsunami data, indicating that geologic observations can also place quantitative constraints on rupture properties. The earthquake sequence ruptured between two asperities inferred from a regional‐scale distribution of surface cracks, interpreted to represent a modal or most common rupture scenario for the northern Chile subduction zone. We suggest that past events, including the 1877 earthquake, broke the 2014 Pisagua source area together with adjacent sections in a throughgoing rupture.
Deep and abyssal ocean warming from 35 years of repeat hydrography
Authors: Desbruyères Damien G. , Purkey Sarah G. , McDonagh Elaine L. , Johnson Gregory C. , King Brian A.
Published: September 2016

Global and regional ocean warming deeper than 2000 m is investigated using 35 years of sustained repeat hydrographic survey data starting in 1981. The global long‐term temperature trend below 2000 m, representing the time period 1991–2010, is equivalent to a mean heat flux of 0.065 ± 0.040 W m−2 applied over the Earth's surface area. The strongest warming rates are found in the abyssal layer (4000–6000 m), which contributes to one third of the total heat uptake with the largest contribution from the Southern and Pacific Oceans. A similar regional pattern is found in the deep layer (2000–4000 m), which explains the remaining two thirds of the total heat uptake yet with larger uncertainties. The global average warming rate did not change within uncertainties pre‐2000 versus post‐2000, whereas ocean average warming rates decreased in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and increased in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans.