bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current practices of diagnostic techniques requir- ing the use of ophthalmic drugs among KwaZulu- Natal optometrists*
Authors: Mashige K. P. , Naidoo K. S. 
Published: October 2016

In anendeavour to improve the quality of optometric eye care services in South Africa, the scope of practice was expanded to include the use of ocular diagnostic procedures such as goniosco-py that require the use of ophthalmic drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess the practices of specific diagnostic techniques (contact tonometry, 78 D/90 D lens fundus examination, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and gonioscopy) requiring the use of ophthalmic drugs among optometrists in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. These specific techniques are referred to as diagnostic procedures in this article. A questionnaire containing information on demography and practice of these specific techniques was sent to all 213 KwaZulu-Natal registered optometrists who owned private practices. One hundred and thirty two completed questionnaires were received, a response rate of 62%. One hundred and seventeen (55%) of the questionnaires were included in the analysis of which 55% of the respondents were females and 45% were males. Sixty two optometrists (53%) were certified in di-agnostic procedures but many procedures were not being practiced. These procedures and the percentage respondents were: Contact tonometry (60%), 78 D/90 D lens fundus examination (60%), binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (84%) and gonioscopy (78%). Also, among these certified respondents (62 optometrists), a significant proportion (60%) disagreed when asked if they were confident and proficient in performing the relevant diagnostic procedures. Many, (61%) agreed that lack of incentives discouraged them from routinely performing the procedures. More than half (58%), agreed that chair time was an important factor in deciding whether or not to perform these diagnostic procedures. Of the total respondents (117), 86% agreed that they were confident about the accuracy of their referrals and less than half (45%) disagreed that diagnostic procedures should be the sole responsibility of ophthalmologists. Less than half (48%) agreed that diagnostic procedures should be incorporated into routine eye examinations. This study indicatesthat the performance of these diagnostic procedures was limited despite many optometrists having the necessary educational certification. It is recom-mended that initiatives that can be translated into practical action such as CPD workshops should pay greater attention to the improvement of diagnosticskills and practice. In addition, further education or opportunities emphasizing the importance of per-forming these diagnostic procedures over financialgains and time constraints are warranted.
Generalized magnification in visual optics. Part 2: Magnification as affine transformation
Authors: Harris W. F. 
Published: October 2016

In astigmatic systems magnification may be different in different directions. It may also be accompanied by rotation or reflection. These changes from object to image are examples of generalized magnification. They are represented by 2 2× matrices. Because they are linear transformations they can be called linear magnifications. Linear magnifications account for a change in appearance without regard to position. Mathematical structure suggests a natural further generalization to a magnification that is complete in the sense that it accountsfor change in appearance and position. It is represented by a 3 3× matrix with a dummy third row. The transformation is called affine in linear algebra which suggests that these generalized magnifica-tions be called affine magnifications. The purpose of the paper is to define affine magnification in the context of astigmatic optics. Several examples are presented and illustrated graphically. (S Afr Optom 2010 69(4) 166-172)
The prevalence of strabismus in schizophrenic patients in Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Authors: Ndlovu D. , Nhleko S. , Pillay Y. , Tsiako T. , Yusuf N. , Hansraj R. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose: The psychosocial implications of a strabismus have not received sufficient attention and yet may have a significantly negative effect on a person’s life. Schizophrenia is the fourth leading cause of mental disability in the developed world. Both schizophrenia and strabismus appear to share a genetic and neurological origin. This study thus set out to assess the prevalence of strabismus in a sample of schizophrenic subjects. Setting: The study was carried out in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal inSouth Africa specifically at the Durban and Coastal Mental Health Institution. Method: Fifty schizophrenic subjects residing at the Durban and Coastal Mental Health (DMH) Institution were assessedfor the presence of strabismus using the cover test and modified Krimsky test. The inclusion criteria were all subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia, of both genders and any race. The subjects werebetween fifteen to seventy years of age. The exclusion criteria included any other mental illness, systemic disease or medication other than that usedon schizophrenic patients. Results: The prevalence of strabismus in this sample was found tobe 74% which was considerably higher than thatreported by other studies1,2. There was a greater incidence of exotropia as opposed to esotropia. The mean distance exotropia as detected with the cover test was 33 prism dioptres. Similarly, the near cover test indicated a mean of 11 prism dioptres exotropia, and with the modified Krimsky test a mean of 9 prism dioptres exotropia. Most of the strabismic subjects (86.5%) presented with a strabismus when fixating a near target. Generally the strabismus was found to be constant and unilateral and no gender bias was found. Conclusion:There appears to be a strong relationship between strabismus and schizophrenia. Health care professionals, especially those dealing with paediatric care, parents and the public should be made awareof this relationship so that psychological adviceand early intervention can be sought for strabismic children. (S Afr Optom 2011 70(3) 101-108)
A review of the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of eye diseases
Authors: Oduntan O. A. , Masige K. P. 
Published: October 2016

Free radicals, referred to as oxidants are molecules in the body with unpaired electrons, hence are unstable and ready to bond with other molecules with unpaired electrons. They include Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) such as superoxide anion radicals (·O¯), hydrogen peroxide (H202), and hydroxyl free radicals (·OH). Endogenous sources of ROS include metabolic and other organic processes, while exogenous sources include ultraviolet radiation and environmental toxins such as smoke. Antioxidants (oxidant scavengers) such as ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol and glutathione as well as various enzymatic compounds such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione reductase are also present in the body and in manyfoods or food supplements. An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favour of oxidantsis termed oxidative stress and can lead to cell or tissue damage and aging. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many serious systemic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. Also, laboratory and epidemiological studies have implicated oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the majority of common serious eye diseases such as cataract, primary open angle glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. In this article, we reviewed the current information on the roles of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various eye diseases and the probable roles of antioxidants. Eye care practitioners will find this article useful as it provides information on the pathogenesis of common eye diseases. (S Afr Optom 2011 70(4) 182-190)
Neurobiology of developmental dyslexia: Part 1: A review of evidence from autopsy and structural neuro-imaging studies
Authors: Wajuihian S. O. 
Published: October 2016

Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a language-based neurological disorder which impairs readingability but does not result from low intelligence,lack of motivation, sensory impairment, or inadequate instruction. Although the neurological basisof dyslexia has long been assumed, the exact natureof the altered brain structure associated with DD remains unknown and has been a subject of autopsyand neuro-imaging research. Autopsy studies provide consistent evidence of symmetry of the planum temporale (PT), thalamus and cortical malformations, whereas results from structural imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are inconsistent. To address the possible etiology of DD, this paper reviews evidence from autopsy and structural imaging studies on developmental dyslexia and discusses possible methodological sources of some inconsistent results. The role of the optometrist in the multidisciplinary management of dyslexia is highlighted. (S Afr Optom 2011 70(4) 191-202)
Traditional eye medicine practice in Benin-City, Nigeria
Authors: Ebeigbe J. A. 
Published: October 2016

The use of traditional eye medicines as a form of eye care in Africa is very common. However, there is concern about the harmful effects of some traditional medicines on the eyes. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Benin-City, Edo state, Nigeria. Sixty-eight traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) who treated eye conditions participated in this study. Most (87%) were males and 13% were females. Their age ranged between 25 to 65 years with a mean age of 42.25 ± 2.14 years. Information was obtained through one-on-one oral interviews and a structured questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. The most common method of training (46%) was by father-to-son tutelage. Conjunctivitis, itching and poor vision were the most common conditions treated by all practitioners. The majority of the TMPs (62%), practiced full time while 38% practiced part time. Forty six percent considered patients’ case histories as more important than physical examination of the eye while 54% felt both history and examination were equally important. Thirty-six percent of practitioners reported inverting the upper eyelids as part of their examination. Couching of cataracts was done by 38%. While 49% had referred ‘difficult’ or ‘stubborn’ cases to orthodox hospitals, 51% had never referred a case. Traditional healers are well accepted in their communities and will continue to be consulted by the people. Health education programs with emphasis on safe eye care practices need to be established for traditional healers. Working with healers and training them to recognize cases needing urgent referral and encouraging the use of non-harmful practices may provide a more sustainable health care structure in the community. Cooperation between these two aspects of medicine is extremely important for the provision of primary eye care services in rural Africa. (S Afr Optom 2013 72(4) 167-172)
Association analysis of g.68G  → A SNP in CAPN1 gene with carcass and meat
quality traits in goose raised in organic &lt;i&gt;dehesa&lt;/i&gt;
Authors: Solé Marina , Negro Sara , Membrillo Alberto , Peña Francisco , Domenech Valeriano , Verona Juan Carlos , Rubí Maria , Valera Mercedes , Molina Antonio 
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Meat quality is an important concern for the poultry industry. Domestic geese products obtained from free-range systems usually have rather tough meat, and it is necessary to select them to improve meat tenderness. The relation of the calpain 1 (CAPN1) gene with the post-mortem tenderness process of meat has been demonstrated in several species. Thus, the objective of the present study was to identify polymorphisms in this gene and to perform an association analysis between these polymorphisms and related economic traits in goose raised in the dehesa ecosystem. For the analysis, 50 geese of 3 different subpopulations (20 Embden Anser anser; 20 Toulouse Anser anser; 10 F1 cross) were studied. The experimental protocols were followed complying with principles of animal welfare. A novel SNP was found in the CAPN1 gene, g.68G → A. This polymorphism was statistically associated with different carcass and meat quality traits such as thigh muscle width (P = 0.020) and the b* 10-day meat colour parameter (P = 0.024) for the global goose population. The association of this gene with meat tenderness (Warner–Bratzler shear force) was confirmed in the case of female individuals of the Toulouse breed (P = 0.043). The results suggest the possibility of using molecular markers in CAPN1 gene as a potential tool for improving carcass and meat quality traits in goose breeding programmes.
Editorial: Natur, Gesellschaft, Materialität: aktuelle Herausforderungen der
Politischen Ökologie
Authors: Becker Sören , Otto Antje 
Published: October 2016

Abstract. This editorial introduces different theoretical strands in political ecology both in English and German speaking contexts. Comparing Marxist with more relational and "new materialist" approaches, it is argued that the various theoretical approaches chosen induce different ways of how the relationship between society and nature, between material and culture is conceptualized. The dialectical perspective derived from Marxism is thereby contrasted with the more emergent, and relativist understandings of actor network theory and assemblage thinking. Besides, the six single contributions in this Special Issue are introduced and five areas for further research are laid out: (1) the multiplicity of materiality, (2) the opposition between dialectic and relativist thinking, (3) the tension between elements and entire socio-material configurations, (4) materiality in the production of space and (5) issues of materiality and power.
East African wetland-catchment data base for sustainable wetland management
Authors: Leemhuis Constanze , Amler Esther , Diekkrüger Bernd , Gabiri Geofrey , Näschen Kristian 
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Wetlands cover an area of approx. 18 Mio ha in the East African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, with still a relative small share being used for food production. Current upland agricultural use intensification in these countries due to demographic growth, climate change and globalization effects are leading to an over-exploitation of the resource base, followed by an intensification of agricultural wetland use. We aim on translating, transferring and upscaling knowledge on experimental test-site wetland properties, small-scale hydrological processes, and water related ecosystem services under different types of management from local to national scale. This information gained at the experimental wetland/catchment scale will be embedded as reference data within an East African wetland-catchment data base including catchment physical properties and a regional wetland inventory serving as a base for policy advice and the development of sustainable wetland management strategies.
Water resources assessment and prediction in China
Authors: Guangsheng Wang , Ning Dai , Jianqing Yang , Jinxing Wang 
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Water resources assessment in China, can be classified into three groups: (i) comprehensive water resources assessment, (ii) annual water resources assessment, and (iii) industrial project water resources assessment. Comprehensive water resources assessment is the conventional assessment where the frequency distribution of water resources in basins or provincial regions are analyzed. For the annual water resources assessment, water resources of the last year in basins or provincial regions are usually assessed. For the industrial project water resources assessment, the water resources situation before the construction of industrial project has to be assessed. To address the climate and environmental changes, hydrological and statistical models are widely applied for studies on assessing water resources changes. For the water resources prediction in China usually the monthly runoff prediction is used. In most low flow seasons, the flow recession curve is commonly used as prediction method. In the humid regions, the rainfall-runoff ensemble prediction (ESP) has been widely applied for the monthly runoff prediction. The conditional probability method for the monthly runoff prediction was also applied to assess next month runoff probability under a fixed initial condition.
Time Series Chaos Detection and Assessment via Scale Dependent Lyapunov Exponent
Authors: Fenga Livio 
Published: October 2016

Many dynamical systems in a wide range of disciplines -- such as engineering, economy and biology -- exhibit complex behaviors generated by nonlinear components which might result in deterministic chaos. While in lab--controlled setups its detection and level estimation is in general a doable task, usually the same does not hold for many practical applications. This is because experimental conditions imply facts like low signal--to--noise ratios, small sample sizes and not--repeatability of the experiment, so that the performances of the tools commonly employed for chaos detection can be seriously affected. To tackle this problem, a combined approach based on wavelet and chaos theory is proposed. This is a procedure designed to provide the analyst with qualitative and quantitative information, hopefully conducive to a better understanding of the dynamical system the time series under investigation is generated from. The chaos detector considered is the well known Lyapunov Exponent. A real life application, using the Italian Electric Market price index, is employed to corroborate the validity of the proposed approach.
Mindeord
Authors: Jørgensen Steen Bille 
Published: October 2016

Mindeord om Cécile Black (1976-2012), leder af den Franske Bogcafé i Fiolstræde i København. Skrevet af Lisbeth Verstraete Hansen, Steen Bille Jørgensen, Hans Peter LundSociété danoise de littérature contemporaine en langue française
Steder og ikke-steder - “Telefonen” i Walter Benjamins Barndom i Berlin omkring år 1900
Authors: Schlosser Jan T. 
Published: October 2016

Jan T. Schlosser: “Places and Non-Places: “The Telephone” in Walter Benjamin’s Berlin Childhood around 1900”Drawing on the French anthropologist Marc Augé’s theory of ‘places’ and ‘non-places’, the article analyses Walter Benjamin’s text “The Telephone” and other texts from Berlin Childhood around 1900. The analysis argues that Benjamin’s “The Telephone” establishes a tension between places and non-places and signals the transition from modernity to the period that Augé labels supermodernity.
Structural, optical, and electrical properties of silicon nanocrystals fabricated by high silicon content silicon-rich oxide and silicon dioxide bilayers
Authors: Nomoto Keita , Yang Terry Chien-Jen , Ceguerra Anna V. , Breen Andrew , Wu Lingfeng , Jia Xuguang , Zhang Tian , Puthen-Veettil Binesh , Lin Ziyun , Ringer Simon , Conibeer Gavin , Perez-Wurfl Ivan 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Intrinsic, boron (B)-doped, and phosphorus (P)-doped silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) formed from an excess Si concentration of 40 at. % were investigated to study their structural, optical, and electrical properties. Atom probe tomography (APT) revealed that the size and arrangement of Si NCs were different in each sample. A strong blue shift in photoluminescence spectra for the intrinsic and B-doped Si NCs was correlated with the volume fraction of small Si NCs. The lower resistivity of the B-doped sample than the P-doped one was explained by the percolation of Si NCs through the film.
InGaAs/AlAs triple-barrier p–i–n junction diode for realizing superlattice-based FET for steep slope
Authors: Yukimachi Atsushi , Miyamoto Yasuyuki 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The subthreshold slope of a conventional FET is over 60 mV/dec at room temperature. One of the proposed devices capable of overcoming this limitation is a superlattice FET (SLFET). In this study, we determined the feasibility of an SLFET experimentally. To overcome the limitations of conventional FETs, we proposed a “leaned” superlattice structure for an FET. With the help of calculations, we fabricated InGaAs/AlAs triple-barrier p–i–n diodes instead of FETs. By using measurements recorded at room and low temperatures, we confirmed the change in slope at the expected bias through calculations.
Numerical homogenization of the Richards equation for unsaturated water flow through heterogeneous soils
Authors: Li Na , Yue Xingye , Ren Li 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHomogenized equations and the corresponding effective constitutive relations are generally necessary for numerically modeling large‐scale unsaturated flow processes in soils. Recently, based on the Kirchhoff transformation and the two‐scale convergence theory, a homogenization method for the Richards equation with the Mualem‐van Genuchten model has been proposed, with a constant model parameter α relating to the inverse of the air‐entry pressure and the soil pore size distribution. The homogenized model is computationally efficient and convenient to use because of its explicit expression. In this study, we generalize this method, allowing α to be a spatially distributed random field and proposing a homogenized Richards equation in the mixed form (θ/h) under the condition that the effective hydraulic conductivity tensor is diagonal. This generalization eliminates the limitation of a constant α in practical applications; the proposed homogenized model is meaningful in most situations because the flow problems are influenced mainly by the diagonal terms of conductivity and the off‐diagonal terms are often neglected. Two‐dimensional numerical tests are conducted in soil profiles with different degrees of spatial heterogeneity structure to illustrate that the homogenized model can capture the fine‐scale flow behaviors on coarse grids effectively. Homogenization for the Richards equation with other two commonly used constitutive relations—the Brooks‐Corey model and the Gardner‐Russo model—is also illustrated in this study.
Connectivity, permeability, and channeling in randomly distributed and kinematically defined discrete fracture network models
Authors: Maillot J. , Davy P. , Le Goc R. , Darcel C. , de Dreuzy J.R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA major use of DFN models for industrial applications is to evaluate permeability and flow structure in hardrock aquifers from geological observations of fracture networks. The relationship between the statistical fracture density distributions and permeability has been extensively studied, but there has been little interest in the spatial structure of DFN models, which is generally assumed to be spatially random (i.e., Poisson). In this paper, we compare the predictions of Poisson DFNs to new DFN models where fractures result from a growth process defined by simplified kinematic rules for nucleation, growth, and fracture arrest. This so‐called “kinematic fracture model” is characterized by a large proportion of T intersections, and a smaller number of intersections per fracture. Several kinematic models were tested and compared with Poisson DFN models with the same density, length, and orientation distributions. Connectivity, permeability, and flow distribution were calculated for 3‐D networks with a self‐similar power law fracture length distribution. For the same statistical properties in orientation and density, the permeability is systematically and significantly smaller by a factor of 1.5–10 for kinematic than for Poisson models. In both cases, the permeability is well described by a linear relationship with the areal density
, but the threshold of kinematic models is 50% larger than of Poisson models. Flow channeling is also enhanced in kinematic DFN models. This analysis demonstrates the importance of choosing an appropriate DFN organization for predicting flow properties from fracture network parameters.