bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branded Apps in Spain as a Means of Communicating Trends in Fashion
Authors: González Romo Zahaira Fabiola , Contreras-Espinosa Ruth , García Medina Irene
Published: April 2016

Apps are of great interest and curiosity for the users of mobile phones, being already highly unloaded and used for the users of smartphones. The fashion mobile applications represent only a fraction of the mobile global applications (almost 0,2 %), nevertheless they are starting to deserve special attention from designers and researchers in this area. Brands want to know about the new trends in the market to be able to continue surprising and impressing their public. In this study, we seek to identify the most relevant aspects of the applications that help to improve the image of the Spanish prêt-à-porter fashion brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, Shana, Bimba y Lola,... The study considers the position in the ranking of downloads, the category, the opinions, valuations of the users and the criteria described by Jami Lawrence (2010): amusement, saving of time and / or comfort in the use. Findings: In this analysis, we seek to identify the most relevant aspects of the applications that help to improve the image of the brand, in this particular case of the Spanish prêt-à-porter fashion brands. - It is indispensable that the applications entertain the user, save time and / or comfort, we have observed that they are these characteristics those that are valued by the users. - Another factor that is valued in the applications, is that the application should make sense for the user and to have an added value that doesn't necessarily have to be related with the nature of the brand. - But it is important that applications to be developed have to be coherent with the identity of the brand. As in any other area, the appearance of new mass media, like the mobile, is the introduction of new challenges. – Finally, it is important for the brand to adapt constantly to the new technologies, but we must not forget that a precarious incorporation and badly developed app it can be more harmful than beneficial.
GOLDi – Grid of Online Lab Devices Ilmenau
Authors: Henke Karsten , Vietzke Tobias , Wuttke Heinz-Dietrich , Ostendorff Steffen
Published: April 2016

Based on a grid concept of an interactive hybrid online laboratory we will describe different fields of applications in different learning scenarios. This infrastructure guaranties a reliable, flexible as well as robust usage of this online lab. By using GOLDi, students are able to design control algorithms with different specification techniques to control electro-mechanical hardware models in the online lab. Additionally, the reconfigurable rapid prototyping platform of the GOLDi system can be used to test all the taught topics of a given lectures in the field of digital system design. Finally, a special demonstration platform (a ball in a labyrinth on a balance plate) can be used to give the students a better feeling about the possibilities and limitations of remote control and observation via Internet and to evaluate these technologies critically.
Multi-User and Real-Time Flexible Remote Laboratory Architecture for Collaborative and Cooperative Pedagogical Scenarios
Authors: Farah Said , Abdelhalim Abdelhalim , Guillaume Neveux , Barataud Denis , Andrieu Guillaume , Fredon Thomas
Published: April 2016

An advanced multi-user and realtime INTernational-REmote-LABoratory (INT-RE-LAB) architecture is presented in this paper. The INT-RE-LAB is developed and localized in four different host universities. The software part is based on the use of a free license server Node.js written in JavaScript. It offers lightweight Html/JavaScript clients. The integration of socket.io module enables a real-time operation mode of this Client/Server communication. Associated with hardware architecture, collaborative remote manipulation of resources is enabling in the same way as a chat communication used in Internet. Each remote action performed by one user is instantaneously visible in other users’web interfaces. The hardware part includes a mini-computer that executes node.js server and hosts MySQL. Mini-computer “Pcduino” directly controls specifically developed relays circuit. It offers the required flexibility and reusability for current remote laboratories. Different redundant remote practical works integrate the INT-RE-LAB have been developed for the new EOLES “Electronics and Optic e-Learning for Embedded Systems” bachelor.
Identification and Analysis of Quality Gaps for Online Service Retailers
Authors: Othman Asem Majed , Omachonu Vincent , Asfour Shihab S.
Published: April 2016

There has been a steady growth in e-commerce, especially during the past seven years. Online service retailers (OSRs), as e-commerce retailers, continue to invest heavily in the enhancement of the services provided to their customers. This study aims to identify the quality gaps of OSRs and the influential factors that can mitigate each gap. A conceptual model of the quality gaps of OSRs was developed based on an exploratory review of several service quality studies of online retailers. A survey instrument was developed to measure the significance of the quality gaps on customers' willingness to shop online. Data from a total of 253 survey respondents were analyzed using a linear regression model. Four out of nine of the quality gaps (Tactile feedback, On-time Delivery, Sales Information, and Confounding Knowledge Technology) showed statistical significant with regards to customers' willingness to shop online, and the overall model was significant (p < 0.001).
Organ Correlation with Tryptophan Metabolism Obtained by Analyses of TDO-KO and QPRT-KO Mice
Authors: Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to report the organ-specific correlation with tryptophan (Trp) metabolism obtained by analyses of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase knockout (TDO-KO) and quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase knockout (QPRT-KO) mice models. We found that TDO-KO mice could biosynthesize the necessary amount of nicotinamide (Nam) from Trp, resulting in the production of key intermediate, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. Upstream metabolites, such as kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid, in the urine were originated from nonhepatic tissues, and not from the liver. In QPRT-KO mice, the Trp to quinolinic acid conversion ratio was 6%; this value was higher than expected. Furthermore, we found that QPRT activity in hetero mice was half of that in wild-type (WT) mice. Urine quinolinic acid levels remain unchanged in both hetero and WT mice, and the conversion ratio of Trp to Nam was also unaffected. Collectively, these findings show that QPRT was not the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion. In conclusion, the limiting factors in the conversion of Trp to Nam are the substrate amounts of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and activity of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4-dioxygenase in the liver.
Intravitreal Injection of Ozurdex® Implant in Patients with Persistent Diabetic Macular Edema, with Six-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Pacella Fernanda , Ferraresi Adriana Francesca , Turchetti Paolo , Lenzi Tommaso , Giustolisi Rosalia , Bottone Andrea , Fameli Valeria , Romano Maria Rosaria , Pacella Elena
Published: April 2016

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone injections in diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

A 700 μg slow-release intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) was placed in the vitreal cavity of 17 patients (19 eyes) affected with persistent DME. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed through Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. BCVA and CMT examinations were carried out at baseline (TO) and repeated after three days, one month (T1), three months (T3), four months (T4), and six months (T6) post injection.

Results

Dexamethasone implant induced an improvement in ETDRS at T1, T3, T4, and T6 post injection. CMT was reduced at T1, T3, and T4, while at T6, CMT values were not statistically different from baseline. No complications were observed during the follow-up.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that dexamethasone implant is effective in reducing DME symptoms within a six-month frame.
The relationship between Polar Mesospheric Clouds and their background atmosphere as observed by Odin-SMR and Odin-OSIRIS
Authors: Christensen Ole Martin , Benze Susanne , Eriksson Patrick , Gumbel Jörg , Megner Linda , Murtagh Donal P.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. In this study the properties of Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) and the background atmosphere in which they exist are studied using measurements from two instruments, OSIRIS and SMR, on-board the Odin satellite. The data comes from a set of tomographic measurements conducted by the satellite during 2010 and 2011. The expected ice mass density and cloud frequency for conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium, calculated using the temperature and water vapour as measured by SMR, are compared to the ice mass density and cloud frequency as measured by OSIRIS. Similar to previous studies, we find that assuming thermodynamic equilibrium reproduces the seasonal, latitudinal and vertical variations in ice mass density and cloud frequency, but with a high bias of a factor of 2 in ice mass density. To explain this bias we use a simple ice particle growth model to estimate the time it would take for the observed clouds to sublimate completely and the time it takes for these clouds to reform. We find a difference in the median sublimation time (2.1 h) and the reformation time (3.2 h) at peak cloud altitudes (82–84 km). This difference implies that temperature variations on these timescales have a tendency to reduce the ice content of the clouds, explaining the high bias of the equilibrium model. Finally, we detect, and are for the first time able to positively identify, cloud features with horizontal scales of 100 to 300 km extending far below the region of supersaturation (> 2 km). Using the growth model, we conclude these features cannot be explained by sedimentation alone, and suggest that these events may be indication of strong vertical transport.
An introduction to the Australian and New Zealand flux tower network – OzFlux
Authors: Beringer Jason , Hutley Lindsay B. , McHugh Ian , Arndt Stefan K. , Campbell David , Cleugh Helen A. , Cleverly James , Resco de Dios Víctor , Eamus Derek , Evans Bradley , Ewenz Cacilia , Grace Peter , Griebel Anne , Haverd Vanessa , Hinko-Najera Nina , Huete Alfredo , Isaac Peter , Kanniah Kasturi , Leuning Ray , Liddell Michael J. , Macfarlane Craig , Meyer Wayne , Moore Caitlin , Pendall Elise , Phillips Alison , Phillips Rebecca L. , Prober Suzanne , Restrepo-Coupe Natalia , Rutledge Susanna , Schroder Ivan , Silberstein Richard , Southall Patricia , Sun Mei , Tapper Nigel J. , van Gorsel Eva , Vote Camilla , Walker Jeff , Wardlaw Tim
Published: April 2016

Abstract. OzFlux is the regional Australian and New Zealand flux tower network that aims to provide a continental-scale national research facility to monitor and assess trends, and improve predictions, of Australia’s terrestrial biosphere and climate. This paper describes the evolution, design and current status of OzFlux as well as an overview of data processing. We analyse measurements from the Australian portion of the OzFlux network and found that the response of Australian biomes to climate was largely consistent with global studies but that Australian systems had a lower ecosystem water-use efficiency. Australian semi-arid/arid ecosystems are important because of their huge extent (70 %) and they have evolved with common moisture limitations. We also found that Australian ecosystems had similar radiation use efficiency per unit leaf area compared to global values that indicates a convergence toward a similar biochemical efficiency. The paper discusses the utility of the flux data and the synergies between flux, remote sensing and modelling. Lastly, the paper looks ahead at the future direction of the network and concludes that there has been a substantial contribution by OzFlux and considerable opportunities remain to further advance our understanding of ecosystem response to disturbances including drought, fire, land use and land cover change, land management and climate change that are relevant both nationally and internationally. It is suggested that a synergistic approach is required to address all of the spatial, ecological, human and cultural challenges of managing the delicately balanced ecosystems in Australia.
Antarctic subglacial lakes drain through sediment-floored canals: Theory and model testing on real and idealized domains
Authors: Carter Sasha P. , Fricker Helen A. , Siegfried Matthew R.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Over the past decade, satellite observations of ice surface height have revealed that active subglacial lake systems are widespread under the Antarctic ice sheet, including the ice streams. For some of these systems, additional observations of ice stream motion have shown that lake activity can affect ice-stream dynamics. Despite all this new information, we still have insufficient understanding of the lake-drainage process to incorporate it into ice sheet models. Process models for drainage of ice-dammed lakes based on conventional "R-channels" incised into the base of the ice through melting are unable to reproduce the timing and magnitude of drainage from Antarctic subglacial lakes estimated from satellite altimetry given the low hydraulic gradients along which such lakes drain. We have developed an alternative process model, in which channels are mechanically eroded into the underlying deformable subglacial sediment. When applied to the known active lakes of the Whillans/Mercer ice stream system, the model successfully reproduced both the inferred magnitudes and recurrence intervals of lake volume changes, derived from Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimeter data for the period 2003–2009. Water pressures in our model changed as the flood evolved: during drainage, water pressures initially increased as water flowed out of the lake primarily via a distributed system, then decreased as the channelized system grew, establishing a pressure gradient that drew water away from the distributed system. This evolution of the drainage system can result in the observed internal variability of ice flow over time. If we are correct that active subglacial lakes drain through canals in the sediment, this mechanism also implies that active lakes are typically located in regions underlain by thick subglacial sediment, which may explain why they are not readily observed using radio-echo sounding techniques.
Audit of documentation proficiency of emergency department patients who are discharged against medical advice before and after implementation of a checklist
Authors: Juan Sze Joo , Lim Ghee Hian , Lim Beng Leong
Published: April 2016

Objective: Documentation of the discharge against medical advice (AMA) is poorly performed in the emergency department (ED). Little is known about the impacts of a checklist on this. Our study aimed to compare the quality of AMA documentation before and after implementation of a checklist.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted followed by a prospective study; each over three months of AMA interactions in our ED pre and post implementation of a checklist. An 11-point checklist was used to determine documentation quality during these two periods. Quality was assessed based on the number of points fulfilled on this tool. Documentation was classified as “good” (8-11), “average” (4-7) and “poor” (0-3). The primary outcome measured was the proportions of discharged AMA records that showed “good”, “average” and “poor” documentation. Secondary outcomes were compliance rates to each of the categories of the checklist before and after its use.Results: 339 and 309 complete records were retrieved from the retrospective and prospective arms respectively. The proportions of case records in the three grades before and after use of the checklist respectively were: poor, 199/339 (59%) vs. 7/313 (2%); fair, 133/339 (39%) vs. 66/313 (21%) and good 7/339 (2%) vs. 240/313 (77%); all p-values were statistically significant. There were also statistically significant differences in compliance rates to each of the categories of the checklist pre and post checklist implementation.Conclusions: This study shows improvement in quality and compliance rates in the audit categories after the implementation of an AMA checklist.
An Analysis of English Verbal Humor Based on Language Memes
Authors: Bao Xiaoli
Published: April 2016

Memetics introduces information replication to the language analysis and discusses the origin, replication, variation and usage of language. Based on memetics this paper will explore English verbal humor. First, the article explains the phenomenon of language memes. Then it discusses the trigger force, manifestation of verbal humor. Finally, it studies the functions of verbal humor.
Venture Capital Networks in Australia: Emerging Structure and Behavioural Implications
Authors: Siddiqui Asif , Marinova Dora , Hossain Amzad
Published: April 2016

Inter-firm collaboration and networking have significantly increased in the context of technological innovation, changing the business environment and contributing to rapid and global integration. Being at the heart of technological innovation and commercialization, the venture capital (VC) industry has adopted inter-firm alliance as a common practice on a global scale. The most common form of collaboration in the industry is investment syndication between firms which eventually leads to a network of syndication. Understanding drivers of syndication and its financial implications is no longer enough. The nature of the inter-firm collaboration networks can be influenced by location and industry characteristics, and in turn they can also influence the industry practices and change. This study investigates the emerging structure of the VC networks in technology ventures in Australia in order to capture key features of the Australian VC market. Using graph theory the paper presents syndication network graphs and analyses their structural properties. The connectivity and density analysis shows further scope for facilitating the flow of information and resources across the VC industry. Behavioural implications of the networks on the industry practices and viability are also analysed and questions raised about the VC industry’s contribution to supporting and mainsteaming sustainable technologies.
The Evolution of Sustainability in a Global Firm and Its Supply Chain
Authors: Mefford Robert Neil , Johnston Payson
Published: April 2016

Firms typically go through an evolutionary process in development of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. This paper traces the development of CSR initiatives and the incorporation of sustainability into the corporate culture and business model of a large global firm in the electronics industry. The process at this firm involves several distinct stages and extends over a period of more than ten years. The organizational and managerial factors facilitating the broadening and deepening of CSR penetration and the institutional barriers encountered are discussed. The importance of fitting CSR initiatives to a company’s core competencies is evident at this firm where their most successful programs, in both a business and societal benefits sense, have used the firm’s networking expertise to provide communication services and training in both developing and developed countries. At its current stage of evolution, CSR at the firm has achieved penetration into most functional areas and is a decision criterion for many operational and strategic decisions. The firm is currently extending its sustainability efforts to its supply chain partners across the globe collaborating with them to improve their performance and build their capabilities in CSR. However, the expansion into the supply chain has not been without its hurdles. The company’s sustainability programs are discussed in the context of the theoretical and empirical literature on CSR. Implications for other firms undergoing a similar evolutionary process are highlighted. The next stage in this firm’s evolutionary process of expanding CSR into its global supply chains is discussed in the terms of its potential and challenges.
Entrepreneurial Orientation Level in Mexican SMEs
Authors: Maldonado-Guzmán Gonzalo , López-Torres Gabriela Citlalli , Castro Sandra Yesenia Pinzón
Published: April 2016

In the current literature, there is an important debate about the nature and way of measuring the entrepreneurial orientation level in companies. Some researchers regard this as a one-dimension construct, whereas others view this as a multi-dimensional construct that can vary in an independent manner. Similarly, others consider that the right scale to measure entrepreneurial orientation is through three dimensions instead of five as some propose. Therefore, the objective of this investigation is to analyze the level of entrepreneurial orientation of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) by using three dimensions: proactivity, risk taking and innovation in a sample of 318 companies in Aguascalientes region, Mexico. The results obtained show that proactivity, risk taking and innovation have significant positive effects on business orientation of small and medium-size enterprises.
The Role of the U.S. in Terrorism in the Middle East
Authors: Piri Sadegh , Piri Ali Yavar
Published: April 2016

Terrorism is a widespread phenomenon with a long history reflecting broad and contradictory points of view. This phenomenon has wide aspects occurring in different ways which is not belonging to a specific geographical region. Though, undoubtedly, the prevalence of terrorism in a particular area, e.g. the Middle East indicates the true potential of this given region for emergence and existence of this phenomenon. This paper tries to show the role of foreign countries, i.e. the U.S., besides exploring regional factors contributing to development and evolution of terrorism in the Middle Eater.
Investigation of Frankfurt's Argument on Moral Responsibility
Authors: Giglou Tavakkol Koohi , Danesh Javad , Asadi Habib
Published: April 2016

The common thought of Christian and Moslem philosophers considers moral responsibility of a person as dependent on his or her ability to choose from several options. However, Harry Frankfurt in his famous paper " alternate possibilities and moral responsibility" challenges freedom condition for moral responsibility with implicit reasons and makes use of several examples to show that it is completely possible for a person to be considered as morally responsible despite failure to access any kind of alternate possible. However, there are two reasons presented by Frankfurt that contrary to his claims show that presence of alternate possibilities or at least imagination for presence of alternatives is the base for responsibility or difficulty of moralactor and if sometimes anactor is regarded as responsible despite absence of alternate possible, this is resulted from his or her "ignorance" of the matter and also the impact of his "intention" in doing action. One of the main defects of theories which deal with moral responsibility conditions is ignoring the intention and purpose of moralactor. This is while ethics domain includes internal actions like intention and will of moral actor as well as apparent actions.
JCPOA; A Dialectical Paradigm of Treaty and Other International Instruments
Authors: Mardani Nader , Hooshmand Mohammad Mehdi
Published: April 2016

Generally, agreements made between subjects of international law can adopt diverse contents. Due to their status in international law system, these treaties can play different roles resulting in different repercussions. In this sense, lack of a benchmark to be used as distinguishing between treaties and other international instruments might cause problems in the system of international law of treaties because its paradigm has always been the locus of dialectic issues hold between legal scholars. JCPOA is not devoid of this dialectic since it is considered as a new pattern for solving problems in international relations. Hence, it is very important to determine the position of JCPOA in the system of international law, particularly in terms of its role within the international society, nature of subject matter, and parties. Therefore, the present study is aimed at offering an investigation of JCPOA and its comprising columns to come to an answer to the question of whether JCPOA is an international treaty or another instrument. Investigating the content of JCPOA and its comprising columns and also offering an interpretation on definition of ‘treaty’ from the viewpoint of1969 Convention, it is concluded that not only do not the content of JCPOA and the intentions of its writers imply a treaty, but also rules of international law of treaties and Vienna Convention confirm this too.
A Study of China's Elimination of Private Benefits of Control in State-owned Enterprises
Authors: Wang Yanling
Published: April 2016

To eliminate control of state-owned enterprise managers of self-interest is a key problem for management of state-owned enterprises, the Chinese government has adopted a separate government functions from enterprise management, clear property rights, the board of directors system, assignment of the board of supervisors system, disciplinary leadership system reform, the mixed ownership and other measures, are difficult to eliminate the soe managers to seize control of self-interest, together with the present situation of China's state-owned enterprises, this paper proposed by the board of supervisors as the center of the corporate governance structure, powers and running of the reform of internal management mechanism, to try to eliminate the control gain, achieving the value of state-owned enterprises.
The Presumption of Innocence: an Antidote for Sacrificial Venom? Patterns of Girard’s ‘Primitive’ Sacred in Late Medieval and Early Modern Criminal Law
Authors: Van Damme Rafael
Published: April 2016

The Presumption of Innocence: an Antidote for Sacrificial Venom? Patterns of Girard’s ‘Primitive’ Sacred in Late Medieval and Early Modern Criminal Law

This paper interprets the presumption of innocence as a conceptual antidote for sacrificial tendencies in criminal law. Using Girard’s philosophy of scapegoat mechanisms and sacrifice as hermeneutical framework, the consanguinity of legal and sacrificial order is explored. We argue that some legal concepts found in the ius commune’s criminal system (12th-18th century), like torture, infamy, or punishment for mere suspicion, are affiliated with scapegoat dynamics and operate, to some extent, in the spirit of sacrifice. By indicating how these concepts entail more or less flagrant breaches of our contemporary conception of due process molded by the presumption of innocence, an antithesis emerges between the presumption of innocence and sacrificial inclinations in criminal law. Furthermore, when facing fundamental threats like heresy, the ius commune’s due process could be suspended. What emerges in this state of exception allowing for swift and relentless repression, is elucidated as legal order’s sacrificial infrastructure.
Rechtsbescherming tegen omgevingsplannen onder de Omgevingswet
Authors: van Angeren J.R. (Jan Reinier)
Published: April 2016

Rechtsbescherming tegen omgevingsplannen onder de Omgevingswet

Het omgevingsplan bevat algemeen verbindende voorschriften die nu nog in een APV zijn opgenomen. In dit artikel gaat de auteur in op gevolgen van de gewijzigde aard en inhoud van het omgevingsplan voor de rechterlijke toets, de toets bij wijzigingen en het verkrijgen van formele rechtskracht van het omgevingsplan.
Health system design and performance: What can other countries learn from the Nordic experience?
Authors: Smith Peter C.
Published: April 2016

Nordic health systems are amongst the strongest in the developed world. This paper discusses their strengths and lessons for other health systems under five headings: sources of finance, provider payment, organization, regulation, and persuasion. It attributes the good performance of Nordic systems to good governance of the institutions of health care, the behaviour and attitude of citizens, and high levels of cooperation in Nordic countries. The paper notes that there is only modest use of competition or payment incentives in the provider market. It suggests that improving information on the performance of providers and other institutions is an important priority for the future.Published: April 2016.
Willingness to pay for eliminating the risk of being infected by blood-borne diseases in regular replacement treatment for patients with haemophilia
Authors: Olofsson Sara , Steen Carlsson Katarina , Berntorp Erik , Persson Emmelie , Axelsen Flemming , Persson Ulf
Published: April 2016

Hemophilia is a set of lifelong bleeding disorders linked to the X chromosome. Standard treatment for patients with severe hemophilia is intensive replacement therapy with intravenous injection of coagulation factor concentrates to prevent spontaneous recurrent joint bleed. In the 1980s, many hemophilia patients were infected with HIV and/or hepatitis C transmitted by plasma derived coagulation factor concentrates. In the future, new pathogens could appear and a risk remains that the current manufacturing methods will not be able to eliminate those.  The aim of the study is to estimate the value of eliminating the risk of being infected by blood-borne diseases in the treatment of hemophilia which could provide decision-makers with information on how much resource to spend on this purpose to be in line with societal preferences. Individual preferences for safety were elicited from a sample of 821 individuals from the Swedish general population using a web-based questionnaire. The preferences were estimated using the “chained approach” which combines the contingent valuation (CV) and standard gamble (SG) methods. The respondents were asked (1) to state their willingness-to-pay to avoid a temporary, non-fatal injury presented in a health state derived from the EQ-5D instrument, and (2) to choose between living with this injury with certainty or receive a treatment that could restore the respondent to full health immediately, but which entails a risk of being infected by a fatal, blood-borne disease. A value of a statistical life (VSL) in the context of blood-borne diseases of SEK47 million was calculated by “chaining” the answers to the CV question and SG question, and from the VSL we derived a value of a QALY in the context of blood-borne diseases of SEK2.8 million. Using the current mean annual dose of factor concentrate of 268,000 international units (IU) per patient in Sweden, the value of eliminating the risk of being infected by blood-borne diseases would be SEK1.80 per IU corresponding to a price premium of around 45 %.Published: Online April 2016. In print August 2016.
An Evidence-Informed Picture of Course-Related Copying
Authors: Graham Rumi
Published: April 2016

Recent changes in Canadian copyright law have prompted Canada’s educational institutions to reexamine their need for a blanket copying license. Users’ rights under the amended Copyright Act now include fair dealing for purposes of education, and the Supreme Court has established that copying short excerpts for classroom use can qualify as fair dealing. This study looks at one university’s examination of copied course materials made available via library reserve, coursepacks and its learning management system, and likely sources for copyright permissions, when needed. Results suggest that fair dealing is the most important and the institution’s blanket license is the least important basis for permissions clearance over a semester’s worth of copying.
To Determng the Serostatus and Frequency of HIV Exposed Infants in Ishaka Adventist Hospital
Authors: B.M. Ambrose  , G.O. Mauti  , M. Nansunga  , E.M. Mauti  , B.M. Mabeya  , G.R. Neel
Published: April 2016

Background: Acquired Immune deficiency syndrome was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. An estimated 34 million people are living with HIV, according to UNAIDS estimates released early December 2011. This study determined the serostatus and frequency of ill health of HIV exposed infants in Ishaka Adventist hospital.Method: Study Design: The study design was descriptive cross sectional study to determine the serostatus and frequency of ill health among HIV exposed infants and the feeding options chosen by mothers.Study Population: The study focused on HIV exposed infants brought in the EID clinic from Bushenyi, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Sheema and Buhweju districts. According to the incharge EID clinic, the clinic gets about 10 patients per day and runs from Monday to Friday. The prevalence rate of HIV among mothers attending antenatal care in Bushenyi district is 7.2%. “Incharge EID clinic said” This gives a reflection of HIV exposed infants. The majority of people in Bushenyi district are small scale subsistence farmers, earning less than 1 dollar per day. The main cash crop is coffee and food crop is matooke. Other food crops include; Millet, cassava, potatoes, beans, groundnuts and peas. The animals kept mainly are; cows, goats, sheep and hens (District records 2014).Sampling Procedure: To determine the prevalence of HIV, a systematic random sampling method using EID numbers was used. To determine the feeding options and frequency of ill health, a ballot paper was used to determine the participants among the clients who attend to the clinic.Results: A total of 100 respondents were used. Majority of the mothers 51(51%) said PMTCT offers services like HIV counseling and Testing especially pregnant mothers for safe delivery after knowing your serostatus, 20 (20%) said it involves health education to pregnant mothers on safe motherhood, while minority 2(2%) said it involves breastfeeding, most of the mothers 80 (80%) had an idea about breast feeding options among mothers who are HIV positive, 4 (4%) were confused and16 (16%) did not know about any option. Majority of the mothers 55 (55%) said that ARV’s should be taken for PMTCT to be possible, 12(12%) said attending ANC and delivering in hospital, 17 (17 %) said feeding well, 2 (2%) said abstaining, and 2(2%) didn’t know.
PmagPy: Software package for paleomagnetic data analysis and a bridge to the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Database
Authors: Tauxe L. , Shaar R. , Jonestrask L. , Swanson‐Hysell N. L. , Minnett R. , Koppers A. A. P. , Constable C. G. , Jarboe N. , Gaastra K. , Fairchild L.
Published: April 2016

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) database provides an archive with a flexible data model for paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data. The PmagPy software package is a cross‐platform and open‐source set of tools written in Python for the analysis of paleomagnetic data that serves as one interface to MagIC, accommodating various levels of user expertise. PmagPy facilitates thorough documentation of sampling, measurements, data sets, visualization, and interpretation of paleomagnetic and rock magnetic experimental data. Although not the only route into the MagIC database, PmagPy makes preparation of newly published data sets for contribution to MagIC as a byproduct of normal data analysis and allows manipulation as well as reanalysis of data sets downloaded from MagIC with a single software package. The graphical user interface (GUI), Pmag GUI enables use of much of PmagPy's functionality, but the full capabilities of PmagPy extend well beyond that. Over 400 programs and functions can be called from the command line interface mode, or from within the interactive Jupyter notebooks. Use of PmagPy within a notebook allows for documentation of the workflow from the laboratory to the production of each published figure or data table, making research results fully reproducible. The PmagPy design and its development using GitHub accommodates extensions to its capabilities through development of new tools by the user community. Here we describe the PmagPy software package and illustrate the power of data discovery and reuse through a reanalysis of published paleointensity data which illustrates how the effectiveness of selection criteria can be tested.
Photoelectron‐induced waves: A likely source of 150 km radar echoes and enhanced electron modes
Authors: Oppenheim Meers M. , Dimant Yakov S.
Published: April 2016

VHF radars near the geomagnetic equator receive coherent reflections from plasma density irregularities between 130 and 160 km in altitude during the daytime. Though researchers first discovered these 150 km echoes over 50 years ago and use them to monitor vertical plasma drifts, the underlying mechanism that creates them remains a mystery. This paper uses large‐scale kinetic simulations to show that photoelectrons can drive electron waves, which then enhance ion density irregularities that radars could observe as 150 km echoes. This model explains why 150 km echoes exist only during the day and why they appear at their lowest altitudes near noon. It predicts the spectral structure observed by Chau (2004) and suggests observations that can further evaluate this mechanism. It also shows the types and strength of electron modes that photoelectron‐wave interactions generate in a magnetized plasma.
The effect of hydrate saturation on water retention curves in hydrate‐bearing sediments
Authors: Mahabadi Nariman , Zheng Xianglei , Jang Jaewon
Published: April 2016

The experimental measurement of water retention curve in hydrate‐bearing sediments is critically important to understand the behavior of hydrate dissociation and gas production. In this study, tetrahydrofuran (THF) is selected as hydrate former. The pore habit of THF hydrates is investigated by visual observation in a transparent micromodel. It is confirmed that THF hydrates are not wetting phase on the quartz surface of the micromodel and occupy either an entire pore or part of pore space resulting in change in pore size distribution. And the measurement of water retention curves in THF hydrate‐bearing sediments with hydrate saturation ranging from Sh = 0 to Sh = 0.7 is conducted for excess water condition. The experimental results show that the gas entry pressure and the capillary pressure increase with increasing hydrate saturation. Based on the experimental results, fitting parameters for van Genuchten equation are suggested for different hydrate saturation conditions.
Inferring river bathymetry via Image‐to‐Depth Quantile Transformation (IDQT)
Authors: Legleiter Carl J.
Published: April 2016

Conventional, regression‐based methods of inferring depth from passive optical image data undermine the advantages of remote sensing for characterizing river systems. This study introduces and evaluates a more flexible framework, Image‐to‐Depth Quantile Transformation (IDQT), that involves linking the frequency distribution of pixel values to that of depth. In addition, a new image processing workflow involving deep water correction and Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) transformation can reduce a hyperspectral data set to a single variable related to depth and thus suitable for input to IDQT. Applied to a gravel bed river, IDQT avoided negative depth estimates along channel margins and underpredictions of pool depth. Depth retrieval accuracy (R2 = 0.79) and precision (0.27 m) were comparable to an established band ratio‐based method, although a small shallow bias (0.04 m) was observed. Several ways of specifying distributions of pixel values and depths were evaluated but had negligible impact on the resulting depth estimates, implying that IDQT was robust to these implementation details. In essence, IDQT uses frequency distributions of pixel values and depths to achieve an aspatial calibration; the image itself provides information on the spatial distribution of depths. The approach thus reduces sensitivity to misalignment between field and image data sets and allows greater flexibility in the timing of field data collection relative to image acquisition, a significant advantage in dynamic channels. IDQT also creates new possibilities for depth retrieval in the absence of field data if a model could be used to predict the distribution of depths within a reach.
Electrically Polarized Biomaterials
Authors: Tofail Syed A. M. , Bauer Joanna
Published: April 2016

Electrically polarized biomaterials and their interactions with the surrounding biological environment is important for understanding the host response, growth and inhibition of biological species as well as the long‐term fate and performance of the implants. Polarized materials possess electrical charges at the surface due to polar or electret properties. As these surfaces are at the frontier of biological reactions understanding biological interactions at the interface with polarized biomaterials requires a convergence of understanding multiple disciplines. This article discusses progress that has taken place in the fields of surface and interface science, materials science and biomedical device engineering to obtain a better perspective of such interactions.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Syntheses of 7‐Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes via a Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Alkynediols: Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Farnesiferol C
Authors: Gu Yue‐Qing , Zhang Peng‐Peng , Fu Jun‐Kai , Liu Song , Lan Yu , Gong Jian‐Xian , Yang Zhen
Published: April 2016

A highly regio‐ and stereoselective method to construct a broad range of 7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes, which proceeds through a sequential reaction involving gold(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of alkynediols and sequential semi‐pinacol‐type 1,2‐alkyl migration, was developed. The developed chemistry was applied to the asymmetric total synthesis of the natural product farnesiferol C.

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A Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Amines with Carbon Dioxide Catalyzed by the N‐Heterocyclic Carbene 1,3‐Di‐tert‐butylimidazol‐2‐ylidene (ItBu)
Authors: Fujita Ken‐ichi , Sato Junichi , Fujii Akira , Onozawa Shun‐ya , Yasuda Hiroyuki
Published: April 2016

By employing N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as catalysts, the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines proceeded under atmospheric pressure of CO2 (0.1 MPa) to afford the corresponding 2‐oxazolones as the main products. It was considered that the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 proceeded to initially provide 2‐oxazolidinones, after which the generated 2‐oxazolidinones were consecutively tautomerized to give the corresponding 2‐oxazolones. Moreover, we could perform the NHC‐catalyzed carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines to provide 2‐oxazolidinones or 2‐oxazolones selectively under controlled reaction conditions.
Copper‐Catalyzed C−H Oxygenation of Benzoxepine‐4‐carboxylates: Facile Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Naphtho[2,1‐d]oxazoles and Benzo[c]phenoxazines
Authors: Prasad Kasagani Veera , Saidachary Gannerla , Hariprasad Kurma Siva , Nagaraju Peethani , Rao Vaidya Jayathirtha , Raju Bhimapaka China
Published: April 2016

An efficient, solvent‐free, one‐pot protocol was developed for the preparation of naphtho[2,1‐d]oxazoles and benzo[c]phenoxazines by the C−H oxygenation of benzoxepine‐4‐carboxylates with benzylamines and anilines in the presence of Cu(OAc)2. The synthesis, UV/vis absorption, fluorescence emission and electrochemical properties have been studied for these heterocyclic compounds. The benzo[c]phenoxazines absorbed in the UV/vis in the range 449–461 nm and fluorescence emission in the range 562–627 nm. The nitro‐ and dimethyl‐substituted benzo[c]phenoxazines had the most favorable fluorescence emission in these series of compounds (emission maxima at 627 and 603 nm with quantum yields Φf=0.51 and 0.37, respectively). The optical and electrochemical properties suggest that these compounds can act as electron‐transporting materials for organic light‐emitting diode applications.
Rational Design of Heterogeneous Silver Catalysts by Exploitation of Counteranion‐Induced Coordination Geometry
Authors: Singh Ashish , Ramanathan Gurunath
Published: April 2016

The coordination geometry of silver complexes of the green fluorescence protein chromophore is highly diverse and dependent on the size and shape of the counteranion in the complexes. Only complexes that have vacancies at the silver atom prove to be heterogeneous catalysts in the “green” synthesis of 1,4‐benzodioxines. The results reveal an interesting strategy of exploiting crystal packing forces to enhance catalytic efficiency by just changing the counteranion.
Bismuth telluride topological insulator nanosheet saturable absorbers for q‐switched mode‐locked Tm:ZBLAN waveguide lasers
Authors: Jiang Xiantao , Gross Simon , Zhang Han , Guo Zhinan , Withford Michael J. , Fuerbach Alexander
Published: April 2016

Nanosheets of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), a topological insulator material that exhibits broadband saturable absorption due to its non‐trivial Dirac‐cone like energy structure, are utilized to generate short pulses from Tm:ZBLAN waveguide lasers. By depositing multiple layers of a carefully prepared Bi2Te3 solution onto a glass substrate, the modulation depth and the saturation intensity of the fabricated devices can be controlled and optimized. This approach enables the realization of saturable absorbers that feature a modulation depth of 13% and a saturation intensity of 997 kW/cm2. For the first time to our knowledge, Q‐switched mode‐locked operation of a linearly polarized mid‐IR ZBLAN waveguide chip laser was realized in an extended cavity configuration using the topological insulator Bi2Te3. The maximum average output power of the laser is 16.3 mW and the Q‐switched and mode‐locked repetition rates are 44 kHz and 436 MHz, respectively.
Total Synthesis of Rubriflordilactone B
Authors: Yang Peng , Yao Ming , Li Jian , Li Yong , Li Ang
Published: April 2016

Taking advantage of a 6π electrocyclization–aromatization strategy, we accomplished the first and asymmetric total synthesis of rubriflordilactone B, a heptacyclic Schisandraceae bisnortriterpenoid featuring a tetrasubstituted arene moiety. The left‐hand fragment was accessed through a chiral‐pool‐based route, and linked to the right‐hand fragment by a Sonogashira coupling. The cis geometry of the electrocyclization substrates was established by hydrogenation or hydrosilylation of the alkyne. An electrocyclization–aromatization sequence finally built the multisubstituted arene. The hydrosilylation approach was of significant advantage in terms of reaction scale, reproducibility, and intermediate stability. The structure of synthetic rubriflordilactone B was validated by X‐ray crystallographic analysis, and found to be consistent with that reported for the authentic natural product based on an independent X‐ray crystallographic analysis. However, obvious differences in the NMR spectra of the synthetic and authentic samples suggest that the authentic samples subjected to X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy were two different compounds.
Measuring the Elasticity of Poly‐l‐Proline Helices with Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Ruggiero Michael T. , Sibik Juraj , Orlando Roberto , Zeitler J. Axel , Korter Timothy M.
Published: April 2016

The rigidity of poly‐l‐proline is an important contributor to the stability of many protein secondary structures, where it has been shown to strongly influence bulk flexibility. The experimental Young's moduli of two known poly‐l‐proline helical forms, right‐handed all‐cis (Form I) and left‐handed all‐trans (Form II), were determined in the crystalline state by using an approach that combines terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and solid‐state density functional theory. Contrary to expectations, the helices were found to be considerably less rigid than many other natural and synthetic polymers, as well as differing greatly from each other, with Young's moduli of 4.9 and 9.6 GPa for Forms I and II, respectively.