bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coase, Hayek, Pigou and Walras: Taxes vs Permit Auctions in Environmental Policy
Authors: Dougan William R. , Thomas Charles J.
Published: November 2014

When policymakers are uncertain about the private costs of pollution abatement, using simple auctions that jointly determine the price and quantity of pollution permits enables them to set precisely the quantity of pollution they would choose if they knew abatement costs perfectly. Auctioning an endogenously determined number of tradable permits therefore yields greater expected net welfare than does a Pigovian tax that reflects policymakers’ best estimate of the efficient tax level. This conclusion holds regardless of polluters’ specific abatement-cost functions, which contrasts with the well-known analysis of Weitzman (1974) that compares the choice between taxing pollution and allocating a fixed number of permits when information is incomplete.
Genetic characterisation of a cohort of children clinically labelled as GH or IGF1 insensitive: diagnostic value of serum IGF1 and height at presentation
Authors: Storr Helen L , Dunkel Leo , Kowalczyk Julia , Savage Martin O , Metherell Louise A
Published: November 2014

Objective and design

GH insensitivity (GHI) encompasses growth failure, low serum IGF1 and normal/elevated serum GH. By contrast, IGF1 insensitivity results in pre- and postnatal growth failure associated with relatively high IGF1 levels. From 2008 to 2013, 72 patients from 68 families (45M), mean age 7.1 years (0.4–17.0) with short stature (mean height SDS −3.9; range −9.4 to −1.5), were referred for sequencing.

Methods

As a genetics referral centre, we have sequenced appropriate candidate genes (GHR, including its pseudoexon (6Ψ),STAT5B,IGFALS,IGF1,IGF1R,OBSL1,CUL7andCCDC8) in subjects referred with suspected GHI (n=69) or IGF1 insensitivity (n=3).

Results

Mean serum IGF1 SDS was −2.7 (range −0.9 to −8.2) in GHI patients and 2.0, 3.7 and 4.4 in patients with suspected IGF1 insensitivity. Out of 69 GHI patients, 16 (23%) (19% families) had mutations in GH–IGF1 axis genes: homozygousGHR(n=13; 6 6Ψ, two novel IVS5ds+1 G to A) and homozygousIGFALS(n=3; one novel c.1291delT). In the GHI groups, two homozygousOBSL1mutations were also identified (height SDS −4.9 and −5.7) and two patients had hypomethylation in imprinting control region 1 in 11p15 or mUPD7 consistent with Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) (height SDS −3.7 and −4.3). A novel heterozygousIGF1R(c.112G>A) mutation was identified in one out of three (33%) IGF1-insensitive subjects.

Conclusion

Genotyping contributed to the diagnosis of children with suspected GHI and IGF1 insensitivity, particularly in the GHI subjects with low serum IGF1 SDS (<−2.0) and height SDS (<−2.5). Diagnoses with similar phenotypes included SRS and 3-M syndrome. In 71% patients, no diagnosis was defined justifying further genetic investigation.
Ovarian macrocysts and gonadotrope–ovarian axis disruption in premenopausal women receiving mitotane for adrenocortical carcinoma or Cushing's disease
Authors: Salenave Sylvie , Bernard Valérie , Cao Christine Do , Guignat Laurence , Bachelot Anne , Leboulleux Sophie , Droumaguet Céline , Bry-Gauillard Hélène , Pierre Peggy , Crinière Lise , Santulli Pietro , Touraine Philippe , Chanson Philippe , Schlumberger Martin , Maiter Dominique , Baudin Eric , Young Jacques
Published: November 2014

Context

Mitotane is an adrenolytic and anticortisolic drug used in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), Cushing's disease (CD), and ectopic ACTH syndrome. Its effects on the ovaries are unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the ovarian and gonadotrope effects of mitotane therapy in premenopausal women.

Patients

We studied 21 premenopausal women (ACC: n=13; CD: n=8; median age 33 years, range 18–45 years) receiving mitotane at a median initial dose of 3 g/day (range 1.5–6 g/day).

Methods

Gynecological history was collected and ovarian ultrasound was performed. Four women also underwent ovarian CT or magnetic resonance imaging. Serum gonadotropin, estradiol (E2), androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and circulating mitotane levels were determined at diagnosis and during mitotane therapy.

Results

In the women included, ovarian macrocysts (bilateral in 51%) were detected after a median 11 months (range: 3–36) of mitotane exposure. The median number of macrocysts per woman was two (range: 1–4) and the median diameter of the largest cysts was 50 mm (range: 26–90). Menstrual irregularities and/or pelvic pain were present in 15 out of 21 women at macrocyst diagnosis. In two women, the macrocysts were revealed by complications (ovarian torsion and hemorrhagic macrocyst rupture) that required surgery. Mitotane therapy was associated with a significant decrease in androstenedione and testosterone levels and a significant increase in LH levels. Serum FSH and E2 levels were also increased, and SHBG levels rose markedly.

Conclusions

Mitotane therapy causes significant morphological and ovarian/gonadotrope hormonal abnormalities in premenopausal women. Follicular thecal steroid synthesis appears to be specifically altered and the subsequent increase in gonadotropins might explain the development of macrocysts. The mechanisms underlying these adverse effects, whose exact prevalence in this population still needs to be determined, are discussed.
The development of visual-representation-understanding and its research methods
Authors: Szalai Gerda
Published: November 2014

A vizuális szimbólumok értelmezése, használata, alkotása olyan humánspecifikus képesség, melynek segítségével hatékonyan, akár indirekt módon is tanulhatunk. Tanulmányunk célja annak a közel három évig tartó fejlődési útnak a bemutatása, amely során a fejlődő gyermek képessé válik átlátni a vizuális szimbólum és referense viszonyát.Áttekintésünket annak az elméleti vitának ismertetése indítja, mely a vizuális szimbólumok megértésének kutatását életre hívta. Majd áttérünk a modernebb kutatásokra, amelyek empirikus módon közelítenek a kérdéshez, és integráltabb szemléletmódot közvetítenek. El kell különítenünk a reprezentált entitás felismerésének velünk született vagy korai képességét a tapasztalatszerzést igénylő szimbólummegértéstől. Bemutatjuk azokat az empirikus bizonyítékokat, amelyek igazolják a közös tapasztalatszerzés szerepét a megértés fejlődésében. Legvégül kitérünk a vizuális szimbólumok értelmezésének két feltételezett pillérére: vagyis azok kettős, illetve intencionális természetére. Hangsúlyos helyet kapnak áttekintésünkben azok a vizsgálati módszerek, melyek segítségével a két releváns jellegzetesség értése mérhető. A különböző paradigmák a szimbolikus viszonyok különböző mélységű átlátását várják el. E vizsgálati módszereknek köszönhetően tudhatjuk, hol tart a gyermek a szimbolikus viszonyok átlátásának fejlődésében, továbbá hogy milyen előfeltételek teljesülése mellett, hogyan alakul a korai szimbólummegértés.
Comportamento de híbridos de citros em relação à infecção natural pelo Citrus tristeza virus e à presença de sintomas de descamamento eruptivo
Authors: Rodrigues Almir Santos , Barbosa Cristiane de Jesus , Soares Filho Walter dos Santos , Freitas-Astúa Juliana
Published: November 2014

O Programa de Melhoramento Genético de Citros da Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura vem gerando híbridos para utilização como porta-enxertos, que necessitam ser avaliados em relação ao comportamento frente à infecção natural por isolados locais de Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) e à presença de sintomas de descamamento eruptivo (BahiaBarkScaling disease - BBS). Este trabalho apresenta resultados da avaliação do comportamento de 141 híbridos (sob a forma de pés-francos ou enxertados) estabelecidos na área experimental da Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura, no Recôncavo Sul da Bahia. Foram avaliadas a presença e a severidade de sintomas de caneluras e descamamento por meio de escala de notas. Para detectar a presença do CTV, foi utilizado o método sorológico de ELISA indireto e RT-PCR. Os híbridos avaliados foram classificados como imunes, tolerantes e intolerantes ao CTV. A maioria dos híbridos que apresentaram sintomas de BBS tem uma tangerineira como parental.
Época de maturação, caracterização física e química de cultivares e seleções de castanheiro
Authors: Pio Rafael , Bueno Silvana Catarina Sales , Maro Luana Aparecida Castilho , Bueno João Pedro Sales , Assis Cynthia Natally de
Published: November 2014

Nove cultivares ('Taishowase', 'Tiodowase', 'Tamatsukuri', 'Isumo', 'Okuni', 'Moriwase', 'Kinshu', 'Senri' e 'Ibuki') e duas seleções ('KM-2' e 'KM-1') de castanheiro híbrido (Castanea crenata x Castanea sp.) foram analisadas em São Bento do Sapucaí-SP. Avaliaram-se o início e o término da colheita, a deiscência do fruto e a deiscência, as propriedades físicas, tais como dimensões e massas dos frutos e castanhas, além do formato das castanhas e a poliembrionia, e ainda as propriedades químicas e a composição mineral. Os dados apresentados indicam que as cultivares e seleções diferem quanto à deiscência dos frutos. A colheita das castanhas concentra-se entre a primeira quinzena de novembro e a segunda quinzena de abril. Algumas cultivares apresentaram reduzido número de castanhas dentro da cápsula, o que indica falta de sincronia no período de floração. Há diferença na constituição química das castanhas entre as cultivares e seleções. As castanhas analisadas possuem alta quantidade de proteínas e açúcares totais, baixa quantidade de sódio e extrato etérico, indicando que o amido é a principal substância de reservas das castanhas, das cultivares e seleções analisadas.
Manejo da poda de raízes no transplantio de mudas de fruteiras nativas
Authors: Hossel Cristiano , Oliveira Jéssica Scarlet Marth Alves de , Wagner Júnior Américo , Mazaro Sérgio Miguel , Citadin Idemir
Published: November 2014

Com o intuito de se avaliar o efeito da poda de raízes no transplantio de mudas de jabuticabeira, cerejeira-da-mata e uvaieira, realizou-se o presente trabalho por meio do manejo da poda do sistema radicular em diferentes proporções. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) - Câmpus Dois Vizinhos-PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em fatorial duplo 3 x 4 (fruteira nativa x percentual de poda de raiz), contendo quatro repetições, utilizandose de 10 mudas por unidade experimental. Após 180 dias de implantação do experimento, avaliaram-se o percentual de sobrevivência, o comprimento da parte aérea (cm) e o número de folhas, sendo para estas duas últimas variáveis considerada somente a diferença de valores obtidos do transplantio até esta análise. A realização da poda radicular em mudas de jabuticabeira, cerejeira-da-mata e uvaieira interfere de forma negativa para a sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento destas, não sendo aconselhada sua aplicação.
Uso fertilizante do subproduto da agroindústria processadora de goiabas I: atributos químicos do solo
Authors: Souza Henrique Antunes de , Rozane Danilo Eduardo , Amorim Daniel Angelucci de , Modesto Viviane Cristina , Natale William
Published: November 2014

A utilização de fontes alternativas de nutrientes, provenientes especialmente de resíduos e subprodutos da agroindústria, pode ser estratégia importante na ciclagem de elementos essenciais, garantindo destino adequado de materiais que seriam descartados. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a aplicação de doses do subproduto da indústria processadora de goiabas sobre a fertilidade de um Argissolo, sob pomar de goiabeiras. As doses de resíduo foram estabelecidas em função dos teores de N no material. O delineamento empregado foi o de blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendo as doses do resíduo (moído) iguais a: zero; 9; 18; 27 e 36 t ha-1 (peso do material seco). Foram feitas cinco aplicações do subproduto em: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 e 2010. O subproduto da indústria processadora de goiabas promoveu alterações na fertilidade do solo do pomar. Com o aumento das doses, houve incremento das concentrações de fósforo no solo em todas as análises realizadas. As concentrações de manganês aumentaram, e houve redução do valor pH do solo nos últimos anos de condução do experimento. Observou-se, na camada subsuperfical (0,20-0,40 m), após a aplicação contínua do subproduto, aumento na concentração de fósforo em função das doses do subproduto.
Identification of hepatitis B virus genotypes in the state of São Paulo
Authors: Santos Ana Paula de Torres , Levi José Eduardo , Lemos Marcílio Figueiredo , Calux Samira Julien , Oba Isabel Takano , Moreira Regina Célia
Published: November 2014

Objective: the aim of this study was to identify HBV genotypes in serum samples from patients from the state of São Paulo, received by the viral hepatitis laboratory, at the Virology Centre of Instituto Adolfo Lutz, from various municipalities. Methods: a total of 94 serum samples were randomly analyzed. Genotyping was performed using nested PCR for amplification of S and Pol regions from viral genome. Genotypes were identified comparing the sequences obtained with the sequences deposited in GenBank. Results: we were able to determine the genotype of 91 (97%) samples, as follows: genotype A (55.3%), D (32%), F (5.3%), C (3.2%) and G (1%). There are few data on the epidemiology of genotype G. This genotype has been detected in restricted areas around the world. Frequently, the genotype G infection occurs in HIV-positive male patients. In our case, the sample identified as G was also positive for HIV but in a female patient, which is an uncommon finding in the scientific literature. Conclusion: in this work, we identified the most frequent genotypes in São Paulo as well as the genotype G, rare among the genotypes found in our environment.
Expansion of morbidity: trends in healthy life expectancy of the elderly population
Authors: Campolina Alessandro Gonçalves , Adami Fernando , Santos Jair Licio Ferreira , Lebrão Maria Lucia
Published: November 2014

Objective: to analyze the changes in life expectancy (LE) and disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) in São Paulo's elderly population to assess the occurrence of compression or expansion of morbidity, between 2000 and 2010. Methods: cross-sectional and population survey, based on official data for the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and data obtained from the Health, Well-Being and Aging Survey (SABE). Functional disability was defined as difficulty in performing at least one basic activity of daily living. The Sullivan method was used to calculate LE and DFLE for the years 2000 to 2010. Results: from 2000 to 2010, there was an increase in disabled life expectancy (DLE) in all age groups and both sexes. The proportion of years of life free of disability, at 60 years of age, decreased from 57.94% to 46.23% in women, and from 75.34% to 63.65% in men. At 75 years of age, this ratio decreased from 47.55% to 34.54% in women, and from 61.31% to 56.01% in men. Conclusion: the expansion of morbidity is an ongoing process in the elderly population of the municipality of São Paulo, in the period of 2000-2010. These results can contribute to the development of preventive strategies and planning of adequate health services to future generations of seniors.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella infection in São Paulo
Authors: Curti Suely Pires , Figueiredo Cristina Adelaide , Oliveira Maria Isabel de , Andrade Joelma Queiroz , Zugaib Marcelo , Pedreira Denise Araújo Lapa , Durigon Edison Luiz
Published: November 2014

Objective: rubella during the early stages of pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Samples collected from pregnant women with symptoms and suspected of congenital rubella infection between 1996 and 2008 were analyzed. Methods: a total of 23 amniotic fluid samples, 16 fetal blood samples, 1 product of conception and 1 placenta were analyzed by serology and RT-PCR. Results: all patients presented positive serology for IgG / IgM antibodies to rubella virus. Among neonates, 16 were IgG-positive, 9 were IgM-positive and 4 were negative for both antibodies. Of the 25 samples analyzed in this study, 24 were positive by RT-PCR. Changes in ultrasound were found in 15 (60%) of 25 fetuses infected with rubella virus. Fetal death and miscarriage were reported in 10 (40%) of the 25 cases analyzed. The rubella virus was amplified by PCR in all fetuses with abnormal ultrasound compatible with rubella. Fetal death and abortion were reported in 10 of 25 cases analyzed. Conclusion: this study, based on primary maternal rubella infection definitely confirms the good sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR using amniotic fluid and ultrasound. The results showed that molecular assays are important tools in the early diagnosis of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.
Doses de nitrogênio e fósforo para produção econômica de milho na Chapada do Apodi, RN
Authors: Silva Gerônimo F. da , Oliveira Fábio H. T. de , Pereira Rodrigo G. , Silva Paulo S. L. e , Diógenes Talita B. A. , Silva Antonia R. da C.
Published: November 2014

Este estudo foi realizado no município de Baraúna, RN, no ano agrícola de 2010, em um Cambissolo Háplico eutrófico e derivado de calcário objetivando definir a melhor combinação das doses de nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P) associadas à máxima produção econômica de grãos de milho, assim como os níveis críticos de N na folha e de P no solo e na folha. Foram aplicados 17 tratamentos sendo 16 resultantes da combinação entre quatro doses de N (30, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1) e de quatro doses de P2O5 (30, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1) e um tratamento testemunha no qual não se aplicou nenhuma dose desses nutrientes. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A melhor combinação das doses de N e de P2O5 recomendadas para a produção de máxima eficiência econômica de grãos foi de 70 kg ha-1 de N combinado com 120 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Os níveis críticos de N na folha e de P no solo e na folha, associados à produção de máxima eficiência econômica de grãos de milho foram, respectivamente, de 32,93 g kg-1, de 7,97 mg dm-3 e de 3,11 g kg-1.
Antecedentes de las intenciones de abandono en cooperativas colombianas
Authors: Román-Calderón Juan Pablo , Battistelli Adalgisa , Vargas-Saenz Mario
Published: November 2014

El artículo describe un estudio cuantitativo sobre las intenciones de dejar la organización por parte de los trabajadores de algunas cooperativas colombianas. Las 3 empresas participantes fueron creadas con el fin de dar empleo a la población femenina local golpeada por la violencia política. Este tipo de empresas, de estructura cooperativista y organizadas alrededor de una misión social fundamental, enfrentan problemas de reclutamiento y retención de personal. 332 trabajadores participaron en la investigación. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la metodología SEM. Los resultados indican que el intercambio líder-miembro tiene un efecto negativo indirecto sobre las intenciones de dejar la organización. En congruencia con la investigación precedente, esta relación aparece mediada por el apoyo organizacional percibido. Se encontró que la implicación en el trabajo también mediaba el efecto de la relación líder-miembro sobre las intenciones de dejar la organización. Algunas limitaciones del estudio, consideraciones prácticas/teóricas son presentadas al final del artículo.
Cloroplast pigments as indicators of lead stress
Authors: Gomes Silvânia M. de S. , Lima Vera Lucia A. de , Souza Adailson P. de , Nascimento Joab J. V. R. do , Nascimento Everaldo S. do
Published: November 2014

Plants respond to environmental adversities, becoming an indicator for assessing the environment quality. In this aspect, chlorophyll contents as well, carotenoids are used as a reliable indicator to associate environmental quality and pollution, mainly regarding the toxicity of heavy metals in higher plants. So, we aimed to evaluate the content of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophylls and carotenoids in plants vetiver [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash], maize (Zea mays L.) cv. AG 1051, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. BRS 122/V-2000, and castor beans (Ricinus communis L. ) cv . Northeastern BRS grown in contaminated soil with lead, with and without correction of soil pH, so they were used as indicators of metal stress by the soil. From the biochemical point of view, the correction of soil pH values caused chlorophyll a, b and total statistically higher for vetiver species and castor beans in the analyzed periods, except for the analysis performed 60 days after transplanting where only the species vetiver benefited from the correction of soil pH on the content of chlorophyll b and total. On the other hand plants without correction of soil pH showed a decrease of all chlorophyll levels. In addition, the largest increase in the synthesis of carotenoids, indicated that under stress the plants have developed alternative routes of dissipation of energy in order to avoid problems of photo-inhibition and photo-oxidation.
Leaf concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in phaseolus vulgaris l. Plants under high CO2 concentration and drought stress
Authors: Silva João B. L. da , Ferreira Paulo A. , Justino Flávio , Pires Luanna C. , Toledo Amanda S.
Published: November 2014

This study aims to evaluate the leaf concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus correlated to the production of photoassimilates in beans plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under high [CO2] and drought stress. The experiment was conducted in Viçosa (Brazil), during the period from April to July 2009, by using open-top chambers equipped with CO2 injection system. The drought stress was applied, through the irrigation suspension, during the period from flowering to maturation. The experimental design was randomized blocks in split-plot scheme with four replication, where the plots with plants grown in [CO2] of 700 mg L-1 and [CO2] environment of 380 mg L-1 and the subplots with plants with and without drought stress. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). In the plants under high [CO2] with and without drought stress, the photosynthetic rate increased by 59%, while the dry matter presented an increment of 20% in the plants under high [CO2] without drought stress. Reductions in [N] and [P] occurred in plants grown under high [CO2], resulting in greater efficiency in nitrogen use for photosynthesis. The high [CO2] increase only the total dry matter and not the total mass of grains. The drought stress reduces the dry matter and mass of grain, even at high [CO2].
Determination of physical properties of crambe fruits during drying
Authors: Gonçalves Douglas N. , Resende Osvaldo , Costa Lílian M. , Prado Mariana C.
Published: November 2014

The Knowledge of the physical properties of agricultural products has great importance for the construction and operation of equipment for drying and storage, to achieve increased efficiency in post-harvest operations. The aim was to determine and analyze the physical properties of crambe fruits during drying at different temperatures. Crambe fruits with an initial moisture content of 0.36 (decimal d.b.) which was reduced by drying at 37.0; 58.8 and 83.5 ºC and relative humidity of 29.4; 11.2 and 3.2%, respectively, to 0.09 ± 1 (decimal d.b.). At different levels of moisture contents (0.36; 0.31; 0.26; 0.21; 0.17; 0.13 and 0.09 decimal d.b.), was evaluated the intergranular porosity, the bulk density, the true density as well as the volumetric shrinkage and the fruit mass. The study was installed by the factorial 3 x 7, and three drying temperatures and seven moisture contents in a randomized design. Data were analyzed using regression. The bulk density and the true density decreases along the drying process; the volumetric shrinkage and the mass increased with lower moisture content and the intergranular porosity decreased sharply with the increasing drying temperature.
Caracterização da pulverização de fungicida na cultura do trigo com pontas hidráulicas e atomizadores rotativos de discos
Authors: Stefanelo Maurício S. , Sari Bruno G. , Lenz Giuvan , Arrué Adriano , Pes Maiquel Pizzuti , Costa Ivan F. D. da
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características de pulverização de pontas hidráulicas e atomizadores rotativos de discos, utilizando diferentes volumes de calda, na cultura do trigo, bem como seus rendimentos operacionais. Foram realizados dois experimentos, nas safras agrícolas de 2009 e 2010. No primeiro ano, utilizou-se da cultivar Fundacep 30, e no segundo das cultivares Pampeano e Nova Era. As pontas testadas foram do tipo leque e cone vazio, ambas com volume de calda de 120 L ha-1, e atomizadores rotativos de discos utilizando baixo volume oleoso (BVO®), com volumes de calda de 24 e 34 L ha-1. Os parâmetros avaliados foram densidade de gotas (DG) e diâmetro mediano volumétrico (DMV) nos terços superior, médio e inferior, através da análise de cartões hidrossensíveis. Também foi calculada a capacidade operacional para os tratamentos. Os resultados mostraram que os atomizadores rotativos de disco com 24 L ha-1 apresentaram a maior DG no terço superior; entretanto, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para os demais terços avaliados. Atomizadores rotativos de disco apresentaram gotas de menor DMV em comparação com as pontas hidráulicas, sendo que estas apresentaram grande heterogeneidade de gotas. A maior capacidade de campo operacional foi obtida com uso de atomizadores rotativos de disco, devido ao menor volume de calda utilizado por este equipamento.
Composite nature of fresh skin revealed during compression
Authors: Butler Benjamin J. , Boddy Rachael L. , Bo Chiara , Arora Hari , Williams Alun , Proud William G. , Brown Katherine A.
Published: November 2014

Biological systems are subjected to moderate-to-high strain rates in blast-type traumatic injuries. An improved understanding of the responses of cells and tissues to extreme mechanical stresses could improve mitigation and post-injury treatment strategies. A key aim of this research is to create biologically meaningful injury models of soft tissues. Here the authors examine the material and cellular properties of freshly harvested porcine skin in compression. The data presented suggest that fresh skin differentially responds low to moderate strain rates as a composite rather than that of a homogeneous polymer. The implications of this work are discussed in terms of creating improved analytical models to describe the material properties of fresh skin.
Optimisation of water injection nozzles to aid pile jacking
Authors: Shepley Paul
Published: November 2014

Utilising water injection to aid pile installation is becoming increasingly widespread. Water injection reduces installation loads in a variety of soil conditions, making pile jacking possible at hard ground sites. Previous work has focused on understanding the mechanisms governing water injection but the aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of nozzle geometry on the efficacy of the technique. A series of centrifuge model experiments were completed using a closed-ended tubular pile in saturated fine sand to complete a parametric study of a variety of base-exiting and side-exiting nozzles. Base injection has a large effect on base resistance and a minor effect on shaft resistance, whereas side injection behaves in the opposite manner. Load testing of the model piles showed a permanent reduction in the shaft resistance when using side-exiting nozzles, an effect not observed for the base-exiting nozzles. A set of mechanisms is proposed to match the observed differences in the experiments and compared with the results of another study in silt to demonstrate that the theoretical mechanisms are relevant in various soil types.
Ice storms generate spatially heterogeneous damage patterns at the watershed scale in forested landscapes
Authors: Isaacs Rachel E. , Stueve Kirk M. , Lafon Charles W. , Taylor Alan H.
Published: November 2014

The effects of large‐scale disturbances play a pivotal role in shaping ecosystem structure and function. Interactions between disturbances and a multitude of biophysical factors at different scales generate spatially heterogeneous patterns of damage on vegetated landscapes. However, research on large‐scale disturbances is often conducted at one spatial extent because of the challenges associated with quantifying patterns of damage in vegetation across multiple spatial extents. Consequently, the literature has identified many different and often conflicting biophysical controls of vegetation damage, which is likely a consequence of the historical and spatial contingency of particular geographic locations. We investigated the influence of biophysical factors and spatial extent of ice storm damage patterns across the entire Ouachita National Forest and in 65 individual watersheds. This allowed for an assessment of how spatial extent and contingency might influence statistical results and therefore any conclusions drawn from these analyses. Two pre‐ and post‐storm Landsat 7 ETM+ scenes (October 6, 1999 and September 25, 2001) were acquired to map ice storm damage based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) change. Field sites verified the relationship between NDVI and actual forest damage from the storms. We derived topographic variables from a digital elevation model (DEM) and biological variables from GAP‐generated data. The relationship between ice storm damage patterns and biophysical factors across the entire national forest landscape was weak. However, the relationship between damage severity, topography, and forest type increased significantly at the watershed scale, though the specific variable displaying the strongest influence varied by individual watershed. This research demonstrates that complex topography and biological factors interact with the meteorological characteristics of ice storms to generate spatially heterogeneous damage patterns in forests at the watershed scale. It is likely that the damage patterns corresponding to a particular watershed will be repeated during future disturbances.
Assessment and Treatment of Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Dimitrijević Lidija , Čolović Hristina , Spalević Marija , Stanković Anita , Zlatanović Dragan , Cvetković Bratislav
Published: November 2014

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common type of CP. Up to 80% of all individuals with cerebral palsy suffer from some degree of spasticity. Spasticity adversely affects muscles and joints of the extremities, causing abnormal movements, and it is especially harmful in growing children.

Several methods have been developed and used to assess spasticity. The most commonly used test in clinical practice is the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The test is based on the assessment of resistance to passive strech of muscle group at one nonspecified velocity.

Management of spasticity in CP involves multidisciplinary intervention intended to increase functionality, sustain health, and improve quality of life for children and their carers. This may include: oral medications, intrathecal medications, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orthoses, surgical interventions, and pharmacological agents such as botulinum toxin.
Karyometric Analysis of Squamous Metaplasia, Dysplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Mijović Žaklina , Pešić Zoran , Živković Nikola , Denčić Tijana , Petrović Ana Ristić , Stojnev Slavica
Published: November 2014

The sequence of precursor lesions for squamous cell carcinoma may be hyperplasia-metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma in situ. The aim of this study was to perform a karyometric analysis of squamous metaplasia, moderate dysplasia and squamous cell lung carcinoma. Bronchoscopic biopsies of normal mucosa in chronic bronchitis patients (n=10), squamous metaplasia (n=10), moderate dysplasia (n=11), squamous cell lung carcinoma (n=48), and normal appearing mucosa surrounding carcinoma (n=11) were retrieved. Three nuclear variables were estimated using an image analysis system. The mean equivalent diameter, nuclear area and volume of equivalent sphere of squamous cell lung carcinoma were significantly larger than in moderate dysplasia, squamous metaplasia and normal bronchial mucosa. Also, the values of equivalent diameter, nuclear area and volume of equivalent sphere were significantly larger in normal appearing mucosa surrounding carcinoma compared to normal mucosa in chronic bronchitis patients. Karyometric analysis may be a helpful ancillary tool in distinguishing squamous cell lung carcinoma from dysplasia, and dysplasia from squamous metaplasia in bronchoscopic biopsy specimens.
Influence of Chemical Fertilizers Application on Autumn Wheat Yield in Long-Term Experiences at Agricultural Research and Development Secuieni, Neamţ County, Romania
Authors: Lupu Cornelia , Druţu Cătălina , Popa Lorena-Diana , Naie Margareta
Published: November 2014

The current paper intends to interpret from a technical point of view the data and yield functions which resulted from applying different fertilizer doses with nitrogen and phosphorus. The analyzed parameters (yield, yield increase, marginal increase) represent basic elements with determining role in establishing the doses and approximating the economic efficiency when applying fertilizers. The data comes from a long time experience with chemical fertilizers at Agricultural Research and Development Station (A.R.D.S.) Secuieni, Neamţ county, Romania, since 1975 and examines the results obtained between 2010-2012. As a result of nitrogen and phosphorus chemical fertilizers application (compared to the unfertilized version N0P0), were achieved yield increases of 5-56%, representing 234-2342 kg/ha. The resulted yield have been influenced by the fertilizer’s type but also by the weather conditions in the research period. The use of phosphorus fertilizers in doses of P40-P160 brought medium yield increases compared to the unfertilized version P0 of 5-13% representing 256-681 kg/ha, and those with N40-N160 nitrogen brought medium increases (compared to the unfertilized version N0) of 15 -35% representing 599-1584 kg/ha. The production increases were directly correlated with the doses used, establishing highly significant correlations. The yield increases achieved by applying 1 kg of fertilizer active matter had medium values of 4.25-8.82 kg wheat/kg active matter P2O5 at phosphorus fertilizers and 9.9-14.97 kg wheat/kg active matter N at nitrogen fertilizers. These increases were indirectly correlated with the applied doses.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Some Wild Populations of Thymus Kotschyanus Usingrapd Molecular Markers
Authors: Khoshsokhan F. , Babalar M. , Fatahi M. , Poormeidani A.
Published: November 2014

RAPD molecular markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of some population of thyme (Thymus kotschyanus) from Iran. The 17 tennucleotide primers used that produced 185 high-resolution bands, which 21 of these were monomorphic and 162 were polymorphic. An average, 10.88 bands were obtained per primer and 9.52 of these were polymorphic. POPGENE software was used to calculate Nei's genetic distance among populations and based on the cluster analysis of this matrix, a UPGMA dendrogram was drawn using the software NTSYS-pc. On the basis of dendrogram among populations of wild mountain thyme, Avan (Qazvin) and Siahkal (Gilan province) populations was the most similar between studied populations with the distance of 0.094 high disimilarity was observed between Qazvin and Mazandaran 2 populations with the distance of 0.185 within populations variation based on Shannon's information index and Nei genetic diversity index showed that Takestan (I= 0.26; H= 0.3) and Alamut (I= 0.24; H= 0.15) had a highest and lowest within populations variation compared to other populations, respectively. Average of Fst and Nm indices, which represent the amount of gene flow between populations, were recorded as 0.26 and 1.361, respectively, which reflects the high level of gene exchange between ten populations of Thymus kotschyanus.
Civil education in the theory and practice of Women’s Civil Work Association in the Second Polish Republic
Authors: Piwowarczyk Mirosław
Published: November 2014

One of the main aims of Women’s Civil Work Association (Związek Pracy Obywatelskiej Kobiet) (1928-1939): the largest and the most influential women’s organisation of the Sanation political camp in Poland in the interwar period, was the creation of a new model of a woman citizen and forming and educating women, in concordance with ideological and political ideas of the Sanation (the state-forming idea of J. Piłsudski), to be “a new type of citizens”, aware of their rights and duties, who take an interest in the affairs of the state and who take an active stance towards the strengthening of the new independent state. The Association tried to achieve this aim by organising various forms and methods of civil education, setting up and running various educational, supportive, an economic institutions, which made it possible for the Association to bring into effect its ideas, including the main goal, that is, the creation of a modern, active, and responsible woman citizen.
Journals and chronicle as a crucial source of historical pedagogical cognition
Authors: Figiel Dominik
Published: November 2014

Diaries and journals play a special role in the historical and pedagogical knowledge. The significance of sources in this situation will refer to the knowledge of specific areas of education. First of all, are they related with: school atmosphere, exceptional lessons and school activities, relationships with school staff, participation in youth organizations and circles of interests.
Preliminary investigation to estimate soil NAPL retention using parametric pedotransfer functions
Authors: Hernádi Hilda , Makó András
Published: November 2014

Organic liquid retention of soils is a primary input variable for modelling the nonaqueous phase liquid transport and behaviour in the subsurface. In environmental and soil physical practice, it is mainly determined by scaling based on the water retention of soils or with charts of average empirical values of organic liquid retention or the fitting parameters of hydraulic functions. Predicting the fitting parameters of organic liquid retention curves with pedotransfer functions might be a promising alternative method, but this topic has only been researched to a limited extent. Thus we investigated the applicability of different hydraulic functions (3- and 4- parameter form of the van Genuchten equation and Brutsaert equation) for fitting organic liquid retention characteristics. Multivariate linear regression was used to build and develop pedotransfer functions, modelling relations between original and transformed values of basic soil properties and organic liquid retention. We attempted to generate parametric pedotransfer functions. According to our results, the applicability of hydraulic functions for fitting nonaqueous phase liquid retention curves to the experimental data was proven. The investigations gave promising results for the possibility to estimate soil nonaqueous phase liquid retention with parametric pedotransfer functions.
Innovation and Quality: Drivers of Successful Ventures that Seek Success in Catering to Consumers who Live in Poverty
Authors: Chattopadhyay Satya P.
Published: November 2014

The next big challenge in a global marketplace is to engage the very large segment of world population which survives on less income than the defined poverty level by any measurements that may be applied. This segment in the past has been the focus of aid and charities and been at the receiving end of poverty alleviation programs created by a variety of international donor agencies, with very limited success. It is time now to take a different approach. A radical re-thinking of the problem now has resulted in a novel approach: that of engaging them as customers like any other. The underlying assumption is that folks in this segment still spend billions of dollars in the aggregate and are now able to critically examine offerings and choose to go after quality and value just like any other segment. The opportunity to tap into this huge market lies in innovative entrepreneurial efforts that make goods and services available to this segment without compromising on performance and quality. This paper explores the nature of innovation that is likely to result in entrepreneurial success in what is called the Base (Bottom) of the Pyramid marketplace.
Developing a Customer Relationship Management Model for Better Health Examination Service
Authors: Lyu Jr-Jung , Chao Hai-Lun , Chen Chia-Wen , Huang Li-Yu
Published: November 2014

People emphasize on their own health and wish to know more about their conditions. Chronic diseases now take up to 50 percent of top 10 causes of death. As a result, the health-care industry has emerged and kept thriving. This work adopts a customer-oriented business model since most clients are proactive and spontaneous in taking the “distinguished” health examination programs. We adopt the soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM) to develop and to evaluate the steps of introducing customer relationship management model into a case health examination organization. Quantitative results are also presented for a case physical examination center and to assess the improved efficiency. The case study shows that the procedures developed here could provide a better service.
The Business Excellence Model for CSR Implementation?
Authors: Neergaard Peter , Pedersen Esben Rahbek
Published: November 2014

Most of the Fortune 500 companies address Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on their websites. However, CSR remains a fluffy concept difficult to implement in organization. The European Business Excellence Model has since the introduction in 1992 served as a powerful tool for integrating quality in organizations. CSR was first introduced in the model in 2002. From 2004 the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) has been eager to promote the model as an effective tool for implementing CSR.. The article discusses the potentials of the model for this end and illustrates how a 2006 European Award winning company has used the model to integrate CSR. The company adapted the Business Excellence model to improve performance, stimulate innovation and consensus.
Leadership in the Innovative Organization
Authors: Loveridge Ray
Published: November 2014

In the context of the increasing globalisation of value chains the management of both manufacturing and service firms find themselves faced by contradictory pressures to reduce costs whilst at the same time engaging with customers and suppliers in product improvement and innovation. For advocates of lean production methods the answer is often to be found in a check-list approach to rationalising the present modes of value creation within any organization. Much can be gained by combining such approaches with modes of continuous improvement or kaizen. As Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) have brilliantly illustrated, the most successful of Japanese firms have achieved their ability to adapt and to innovate through the uses of internal and external appropriation of tacit knowledge. For these authors this implied not only a 'bottom-up' structure of formal organization but also a means of listening and translating experiential knowledge into codifiable product and process designs. In the Japanese context this was seen as being brought about by the day-to-day integration of group decision making into operational management as well as the use of special project teams. The application of the methods has proved much more problematic for Western managers, although Japanese transplants have been relatively successful in the same Western context. In this paper I suggest that leadership styles and the formal organization of knowledge creation have to be seen as being congruent both in their aims and in the manner in which they are operationalised. Managers have also to begin by recognising the basis for the psychological contract held with outside customers, suppliers and other organizational members. Quality, especially in service fields, is often in the eye of the beholder!
Appraisal of Innovation Knowledge
Authors: Soliman Fawzy
Published: November 2014

The transformation into a full fledge innovative firm requires the firms to embrace, the concept of learning organisation. Transformation should be based on the premise that the foundation of good innovation is good knowledge. Furthermore, it is widely accepted that knowledge is a key component of the concept of learning organisation. Knowledge transfer which central to the innovation chain should be based on good knowledge which has been by appropriate method for measurement of knowledge. It is shown in this paper that assessment of knowledge should result in a better management of innovation. The paper proposes that good innovation strategies are always based on good knowledge and that in order to differentiate between which knowledge is good and which is useful or applicable for innovation, then knowledge must be first evaluated or assessed using an appropriate assessment method. The paper also shows that a method for assessing the attributes of knowledge should encompass nine important characteristics of knowledge.
Large Scale Construction Project Innovative Management Through 5-S
Authors: Hashim Hj. Abdul Ghani Mohd. , Ahmad Dato' Hj. Abdul Rahim Bin , Mat Dato' Hj. Abdullah bin Che , Chik Ir. Abdullah
Published: November 2014

It has been well-recognised that Japanese construction firms are good in safety, hygiene, quality, productivity and image. Over the last century, the Japanese have formalised the technique and name it as '5S' Practice. Through his research in Japan in 1988, the author has re-define the name as '5-S' and developed the world's first 5-S Audit Checklist. Since 1993, he used an innovative 5-S Checklist developed at SIRIM for training and consultancy in no less than 20 countries with over 100,000 persons from around 8,000 organisations world-wide. The objective of this paper is to explain the intricacy of the 5-S so that it can be understood easily and adopted readily by those who may find the tool useful. Some experience will also be shared in this article. It is hoped that this article can arouse the interest of the construction industry in Malaysia to take up this important and effective tool for quality improvement.
What are Languages? A Biolinguistic Perspective
Authors: Mendívil-Giró José-Luis
Published: November 2014

The goal of the present contribution is to explore what kinds of objects languages are from a biolinguistic point of view. I define the biolinguistic point of view as a naturalistic study of languages and I show that from this point of view, languages are human language organs, that is, they are natural objects. However, languages change over time; therefore, they are also historically modified objects. Considering that natural organisms are historically modified natural objects, I look for inspiration in evolutionary theory to better specify what kinds of objects languages are and how they change and diversify. I conclude that every language is a ‘unique evolutionary history’ within a restricted space of design. This conclusion means that although the structure of languages reveals aspects of formal elegance and aspects of functional efficiency, there are no arguments to state that these aspects are manifested more or less intensely in some languages than in others. Then their formal and functional aspects are part of what is common to all languages, while variable parts of language are a reflection of the essentially historical nature of the lexical interface between the components of our language organs.
Soap Films as 1D waveguides
Authors: Emile Olivier , Emile Janine
Published: November 2014

Laser light is injected in a free standing horizontal draining soap film through the glass frame sustaining the film. Two propagation regimes are clearly identified depending on the film thickness. At the beginning of the drainage, the soap film behaves as a multimode-one dimensional optofiuidic waveguide. In particular, we observe that the injected light creates a bottleneck in the film and part of the injected light is refracted leading to whiskers. At the end of the drainage where the film thickness is below 1μm, there is a strong selection among the various possible optical modes in the film, and part of the light is defiected. This leads to a self selection of the mode propagation inside the film.