bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Color disease leaf image segmentation using NAMS superpixel algorithm
Authors: Li Hua , Chen Chuanbo , Zhao Shengrong , Lyu Zehua 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Disease leaf segmentation in color image is used to explore the disease shape and lesion regions. It is of great significance for pathological diagnosis and pathological research. OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a superpixel algorithm using Non-symmetry and Anti-packing Model with Squares (NAMS) for color image segmentation of leaf disease. METHODS: First of all, the NAMS model is presented for color leaf disease image representation. The model can segment images asymmetrically and preserve the characteristics of image context. Second, NAMS based superpixel (NAMS superpixel) algorithm is proposed for clustering pixels, which can represent large homogeneous areas by super squares. By this way, the impact of complex background and the data redundancy in image segmentation can be reduced. RESULTS: Experimental results indicate that compared with segmenting the original image directly and manipulating by Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) superpixel, the proposed NAMS superpixel performs more excellently in not only saving storage but also adhering to the lesion region edge. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of NAMS superpixel can be regarded as a preprocess procedure for leaf disease region detection since the method can segment the image into superpixel blocks and preserve the lesion area.
An experimental study of pulse wave measurements with magnetic induction phase shift method
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhuang Wei , Li Gen , Jin Gui , Xu Jia , Ma Ke , Wang Feng , Feng Hua 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Pulse wave monitoring is widely used to evaluate the physiological and pathological states of the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: High-sensitivity ring sensors were designed, and a simultaneous acquisition platform based on National Instruments T-Clock technology (NI-TCLK) was used to achieve simultaneous pulse detection using both the traditional method and the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) method. METHODS: The excitation signal had a frequency of approximately 10.7 MHz and power of about 20 dBm. A total of 30 volunteers (adults, aged 20–30 y) were selected to corroborate the feasibility of our measurement system. The subjects wore the proposed sensor on their right-hand forefingers and for reference, the piezoelectric pulse sensor on the left-hand forefinger. The pulse waves of these 30 subjects were measured over 2 min each. RESULTS: The phase shift of the magnetic induction detection signal ranged from 0.6–0.8 degrees. Comparison of detection results for the same subject between the two methods showed that the pulse rate measured by magnetic induction exhibited fewer deviations and better stability than the traditional method. In addition, spectral analysis indicated that the pulse frequencies obtained using the 2 methods were concentrated between 1–3 Hz and were regular in the 1.5 Hz frequency region. CONCLUSIONS: These results prove that the magnetic induction pulse wave can be used to accurately measure pulse wave features.
Les paradoxes de l’anticipation
Authors: Marchais-Roubelat Anne 
Published: April 2018

La stratégie regarde vers l’avenir comme l’anticipation à laquelle elle est liée, tandis que l’histoire est tournée vers le passé. Il pourrait donc sembler contradictoire qu’un historien comme Hervé Coutau-Bégarie ait pratiqué la prospective et promu la recherche en stratégie, à moins que le paradoxe ne soit qu’apparent. L’usage même de l’anticipation elle-même apparaît contradictoire : elle est indispensable à l’organisation, nécessaire pour passer à l’acte efficacement au moment voulu et inutilisable à long terme car à ce moment-là les circonstances qui auront justifié l’organisation seront caduques. Cette contradiction pose le problème de la nature et du rôle des événements ainsi que celui de l’articulation au cours du temps des volontés humaines avec les événement et les grandes tendances. 2030, la fin de la mondialisation ? examine ces questions et propose une ligne de conduite pour anticiper l’histoire à venir, bousculant les horizons, les méthodes et les enjeux de la prospective.
Quel(s) système(s) internationaux en 2030 ?
Authors: Soutou Georges-Henri 
Published: April 2018

Plusieurs systèmes internationaux coexistent et s’interpénètrent. Deux tendances d’opposent : mondialisation et régionalisation. Mais dans tous les cas la gouvernance mondialiste et l’UE supranationale comme systèmes reculeraient ou ne seraient pas la voie unique du futur.
Intravitreal Ziv-Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema: 48-Week Outcomes
Authors: de Andrade Gabriel Costa , de Oliveira Dias João Rafael , Maia André , Farah Michel Eid , Meyer Carsten H. , Rodrigues Eduardo Buchele 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To study the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept (IVI-ZA) (Zaltrap; Sanofi-Aventis and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY) during a period of 48 weeks in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Seven consecutive patients with DME were enrolled and submitted to 12 consecutive IVI-ZA with a 4-week interval. The safety parameters included changes in full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and systemic or ocular complications, and the efficacy parameters were the mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT).

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found in any ERG component after IVI-ZA, and no systemic or ocular complication was observed. The improvement of BCVA was most significant after the first IVI-ZA and remained until week 48 (
P
< .05). The CRT significantly decreased during the course of 48 weeks.

CONCLUSION:
The 48-week results are consistent with our previous 24-week findings, supporting IVI-ZA as a safe, efficient, and well-tolerated therapy for patients with DME.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:245–250.]
Sirex noctilio(Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in Ontario (Canada) pine forests: observations over five years
Authors: Haavik Laurel J. , Dodds Kevin J. , Allison Jeremy D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMore than a decade after its discovery in North America, the European woodwasp,Sirex noctilioFabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), has not been an aggressive tree killer in northeastern North American pine (PinusLinnaeus; Pinaceae) forests. Concern thatS. noctiliohas potential to become a more aggressive pest as it spreads south, or as environmental conditions change, is warranted, because it has caused extensive pine losses on other continents that it has invaded. We observedS. noctilioimpact and attack behaviour in eight pine stands throughout Ontario, Canada annually for a five-year period (2012–2016).Sirex noctilioimpact was variable in unmanaged pine forests; it killed 3–48% of pine stems, and 3–36% of pine basal area. MostS. noctilio-caused mortality was limited to suppressed and intermediate trees. Of the 17% of pines in the entire study that were affected byS. noctilio, many (44%) were attacked in multiple years. Depending on the year, between 46% and 79% of trees remained alive in the year immediately after attack, which suggests that many study trees were at least initially resistant to attack byS. noctilio. Though its impact appears to be limited in most forests for now, we recommend that observations continue in future years.
The impact of infrastructural change and regulation on entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector
Authors: Oberholzer S. M. , Cullen M. , Adendorff C. 
Published: April 2018

The fast pace of technological advancements is regarded as one of the global drivers of change. In the telecommunications sector in South Africa, these technological advancements as well as sector transformation pose competitiveness challenges to entrepreneurs. This paper reports an empirical study performed to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness within the telecommunications sector of the South African economy. From the empirical study, significant relationships proved to exist between the intervening- and independent variables and the dependent variable of this study, namely Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. The independent variable Infrastructural Change positively influenced both the intervening variable Entrepreneurial Orientation and dependent variable Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness. In the same manner, the independent variables of Regulatory Alignment and Entrepreneurial Mindset did positively influenced Perceived Entrepreneurial Competitiveness within thisstudy. The study found that entrepreneurs can position their businesses more competitively if the factors that impact directly or indirectly on Entrepreneurial Competitiveness in the South African Telecommunications sector are taken in consideration.
The relationship between strategic thinking and leadership effectiveness in Kenyan indigenous banks
Authors: Muriithi Samuel M. , Louw Lynette , Radloff Sarah E. 
Published: April 2018

Background: Leadership effectiveness is critical to organisational performance and survival. To be effective, organisational leaders must possess the right competencies. One vital leadership competency is strategic thinking, which is described as the ability to synthesise and utilise intuition and creativity in order for an organisation to achieve an integrated perspective. Strategic thinking remains a critical area for research, owing to lack of supporting empirical literature, and to theories that give little or no guidance to leaders. Aim: The purpose of this study is to empirically test the relationship between strategic thinking competency and leadership effectiveness in Kenyan indigenous banks. Setting: The setting of the study is the indigenous banks in Kenya. Methods: The study was based on a positivist research paradigm which is quantitative in nature and utilised a survey method to collect data. Both probability and non-probability methods were used to determine the target population. The research instrument was a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire. From a target population of 494 individuals, a total of 257 responses were received and analysed. The analysis was performed using structural equation modelling with confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and goodness-of-fit indices being used for analysis and testing relationships. Results: The overall findings are that a positive relationship exists between strategic thinking and leadership effectiveness in indigenous banks in Kenya. The study further establishes positive relationships between the strategic thinking competency and its sub-constructs of general strategic thinking, intent-focused and hypothesis-driven, but a negative relationship with intelligent opportunism. A similar positive relationship exists between leadership effectiveness and its sub-constructs of influence, follower commitment and versatility. Conclusion: This research has established that strategic thinking is an important determinant of leadership effectiveness for indigenous banks in Kenya, and therefore supports prevailing literature and theory indicating a positive relationship. The implication of the study is that bank management should strive to maintain strategic thinking competency for effective leadership, successful bank performance and stability.
A Lean Six Sigma framework to enhance the competitiveness in selected automotive component manufacturing organisations
Authors: Rathilall Raveen , Singh Shalini 
Published: April 2018

Background: Currently, globalisation, economic uncertainty and fluctuating market demands prompt leaders all over the world to improve their operations and to enhance innovations in processes, products and services in a very reactive manner. Literature shows that the adoption of an integrated Lean Six Sigma tool can assist them to compete with the rest of the world in a manner where productivity, quality and operational costs reduction are crucial for economic success. Aim: This article investigates the integration of Lean and Six Sigma tools as a unified approach to continuous improvement and develops a Lean Six Sigma framework for selected automotive component manufacturing organisations in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Method: The quantitative methods of research were adopted. The target population (42) was organisations within the Durban Automotive Cluster of which five were used for the pilot work. An empirical study was conducted using a survey questionnaire in measurable format to gather practical information from the sample organisations on the status of their existing business improvement programmes and quality practices. Results: The results of the study demonstratedthat the organisations had a very low success rate of Lean and Six Sigma adoption as standalone systems, as they found it difficult to maintain the transition from theory to practice. Conclusion: Hence the adoption of an integrated Lean Six Sigma approach was absent and it can be concluded that the proposed Lean Six Sigma framework affords the KZN automotive sector a unique opportunity to integrate and operate with both tools of quality that complement its management style and industry demands.
Inclusión y convivencia para prevenir el racismo, la xenofobia y otras formas de intolerancia: uno de los retos principales de nuestro sistema educativo
Authors: García Medina Raúl 
Published: April 2018

<p>Es obvio que los episodios de intolerancia, odio y violencia que sufre el planeta sacuden también a la escuela, incapaz de aportar las soluciones que la sociedad reclama, -algo lógico si pensamos en sus propias dificultades para gestionar esos conflictos cuando se le presentan-. Romper este círculo implica que la sociedad asuma la necesidad de preservar y proteger al sistema educativo; tan solo los espacios de convivencia protegidos, en los que debería convertirse cada comunidad escolar, pueden afrontar el reto de formar ciudadanos capaces de encontrar soluciones a los problemas de convivencia que nos preocupan y acucian. Los espacios de convivencia escolares deben asumir el principio de inclusión educativa, la interculturalidad y la lucha expresa y decidida contra cualquier forma de intolerancia, como su principal objetivo y seña de identidad; deben preservar la equidad del proceso educativo evitando la segregación, etiquetado y estigmatización; deben asumir una perspectiva decididamente humanista, crítica y democrática a la hora de explorar y acceder al conocimiento; en definitiva, deben estar abiertas a la realidad y su análisis, pero protegidas de sus consecuencias indeseables. </p>
Voetnoten bij Plato
Authors: Altorf Hannah Marije 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Footnotes to Plato. A plea for writing philosophical dialogues

This article aims to encourage writing philosophical dialogues. Its main focus is education. Writing philosophical dialogues introduces students to a genre that was once widely practiced. It can teach philosophical skills, such as the ability to put oneself in the position of another. Yet, writing philosophical dialogues is not as common as it used to be and this creates difficulties when teaching students to write such dialogues. In order to deal with these difficulties I first consider reasons for the contemporary scarcity of philosophical dialogues. I then provide possible ways to help students write philosophical dialogues. I show that writing philosophical dialogues today can benefit from working with other disciplines, especially creative writing and it thus has the additional benefit of encouraging reflection on philosophical practices. My argument is based on my own experience of writing (and failing to write) philosophical dialogues and as well as the experience of teaching philosophical dialogue writing to students.
‘Filosofie – waar is dat goed voor?’
Authors: Bos Jacques 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

‘Philosophy – what is the use of it?’ Dutch philosophers about education in philosophy

This article gives an overview of the ideas of twentieth-century Dutch philosophers on the use and function of education in philosophy, both in a university context and in secondary schools. In the first half of the twentieth century, there was a very strong emphasis on expanding the place of philosophy in other academic programmes, which was related to the neokantian conception of philosophy as the examination of the fundamental assumptions and the interconnectedness of the sciences. After the Second World War, this view had a unique institutional effect, in the form of the establishment of a ‘centrale interfaculteit’ at all Dutch universities, where philosophy was to be practised in relation to other disciplines. This institutional experiment was brought to an end in the 1980s. Since then, there has been a tendency to regard philosophy as an academic discipline in its own right, and less as a place for creating meaningful connections between other disciplines. From the 1970s onwards, the focus of thinking about philosophy education in the Netherlands has shifted from the universities to the secondary schools. Whereas philosophy was practically non-existent as a secondary-school subject in 1970, nowadays it has a remarkably strong presence as an elective in Dutch upper secondary education. Simultaneously, the didactics of philosophy became a flourishing field in the Netherlands, exploring the way in which secondary-school pupils can learn the skill of philosophical thinking.
First simultaneous measurements of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and ozone at Nam Co in the central Tibetan Plateau: impacts from the PBL evolution and transport processes
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Zhang Hualong , Lin Weili , Wang Ying , Xu Wanyun , Jia Shihui 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Both peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and ozone (O3) are key photochemical products in the atmosphere. Most of the previous in situ observations of both gases have been made in polluted regions and at low-altitude sites. Here we present the first simultaneous measurements of PAN and O3 at Nam Co (NMC; 30°46′ N, 90°57′ E, 4745 m a.s.l.), a remote site in the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). The observations were made during summer periods in 2011 and 2012. The PAN levels averaged 0.36 ppb (range: 0.11–0.76 ppb) and 0.44 ppb (range: 0.21–0.99 ppb) during 17–24 August 2011 and 15 May to 13 July 2012, respectively. The O3 level varied from 27.9 to 96.4 ppb, with an average of 60.0 ppb. Profound diurnal cycles of PAN and O3 were observed with minimum values around 05:00 LT, steep rises in the early morning, and broader platforms of high values during 09:00–20:00 LT. The evolution of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) played a key role in shaping the diurnal patterns of both gases, particularly the rapid increases of PAN and O3 in the early morning. Air entrainment from the free troposphere into the PBL seemed to cause the early-morning increase and be a key factor for sustaining the daytime high concentrations of both gases. The days with higher daytime PBL (about 3 km) showed stronger diurnal variations in both gases and were mainly distributed in the drier pre-monsoon period, while those with shallower daytime PBL (about 2 km) showed minor diurnal variations and were mainly distributed in the humid monsoon period. Episodes of higher PAN levels were occasionally observed at NMC. These PAN episodes were caused either by rapid downward transport of air masses from the middle/upper troposphere or by long-range transport of PAN plumes from north India, north Pakistan, and Nepal. The maximum PAN level in the downward transport cases ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 ppb. In the long-range transport case, the PAN level varied in the range of 0.3–1.0 ppb, with an average of 0.6 ppb. This long-range transport process influenced most of the western and central TP region for about a week in early June 2012. Our results suggest that polluted air masses from South Asia can significantly enhance the PAN level over the TP. As PAN acts as a reservoir of NOx, the impacts of pollution transport from South Asia on tropospheric photochemistry over the TP region deserve further studies.
Crustal thickness of Antarctica estimated using data from gravimetric satellites
Authors: Llubes Muriel , Seoane Lucia , Bruinsma Sean , Rémy Frédérique 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Computing a better crustal thickness model is still a necessary improvement in Antarctica. In this remote continent where almost all the bedrock is covered by the ice sheet, seismic investigations do not reach a sufficient spatial resolution for geological and geophysical purposes. Here, we present a global map of Antarctic crustal thickness computed from space gravity observations. The DIR5 gravity field model, built from GOCE and GRACE gravimetric data, is inverted with the Parker–Oldenburg iterative algorithm. The BEDMAP products are used to estimate the gravity effect of the ice and the rocky surface. Our result is compared to crustal thickness calculated from seismological studies and the CRUST1.0 and AN1 models. Although the CRUST1.0 model shows a very good agreement with ours, its spatial resolution is larger than the one we obtain with gravimetric data. Finally, we compute a model in which the crust–mantle density contrast is adjusted to fit the Moho depth from the CRUST1.0 model. In East Antarctica, the resulting density contrast clearly shows higher values than in West Antarctica.
Accumulation patterns around Dome C, East Antarctica, in the last 73 kyr
Authors: Cavitte Marie G. P. , Parrenin Frédéric , Ritz Catherine , Young Duncan A. , Van Liefferinge Brice , Blankenship Donald D. , Frezzotti Massimo , Roberts Jason L. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We reconstruct the pattern of surface accumulation in the region around Dome C, East Antarctica, since the last glacial. We use a set of 18 isochrones spanning all observable depths of the ice column, interpreted from various ice-penetrating radar surveys and a 1-D ice flow model to invert for accumulation rates in the region. The shallowest four isochrones are then used to calculate paleoaccumulation rates between isochrone pairs using a 1-D assumption where horizontal advection is negligible in the time interval of each layer. We observe that the large-scale (100s km) surface accumulation gradient is spatially stable through the last 73 kyr, which reflects current modeled and observed precipitation gradients in the region. We also observe small-scale (10 s km) accumulation variations linked to snow redistribution at the surface, due to changes in its slope and curvature in the prevailing wind direction that remain spatially stationary since the last glacial.
ESTOQUE DE CARBONO EM ÁREAS DE RESTAURAÇÃO FLORESTAL DA MATA ATLÂNTICA
Authors: Azevedo Aline Damasceno , Camara Rodrigo , Francelino Marcio Rocha , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Leles Paulo Sérgio Santos 
Published: April 2018

Ecossistemas florestais são importantes no processo de estocagem de carbono da atmosfera. Áreas de reflorestamentos podem contribuir de maneira substancial nesse processo e diminuir a pressão extrativista sobre florestas nativas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a biomassa acima do solo viva (por meio do método não-destrutivo – equações alométricas) e morta (serapilheira) e o estoque de carbono nesses compartimentos em áreas de reflorestamento com diferentes idades (3, 5 e 7 anos) e em área de Floresta Ombrófila Densa (testemunha), localizadas no município de Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ). Foram alocadas 30 parcelas (10 x 10 m cada) na área testemunha e 20 parcelas (20 x 30 m cada) nas áreas de reflorestamento. Os indivíduos arbóreos foram identificados, e a altura total, circunferência e diâmetro à altura do peito foram medidos. A serapilheira foi coletada com gabarito quadrado (1 x 1 m) em cinco repetições em cada área. Os valores de biomassa acima do solo e carbono estocado aumentaram à medida que a idade dos plantios de restauração florestal avançou. Os modelos alométricos utilizados foram adequados no estudo. Contudo, é necessário testar a confiabilidade dos dados com a utilização do método destrutivo nas áreas reflorestadas.