bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception of Creativity in International Franchising Business Concepts - Comparison Analysis Between Franchisees and Franchisors
Authors: Machackova Vendula
Published: August 2012

Perception of Creativity in International Franchising Business Concepts - Comparison Analysis Between Franchisees and Franchisors

This paper deals with the topic of creativity and perceived freedom of creativity in international franchising business concepts. It analyses various areas of daily business operations and the franchising business concept as a whole. Its focus is aimed at comparing the perception of level of freedom given in these areas to franchisees by the franchisors and its objective is to find out where these perceptions differ between franchisees one side and franchisors on the other. The model of franchising is not described and the article assumes that the reader is familiar with this business model. The purpose of this article is to analyse and present the situation of creativity in the sector of international franchise businesses. As international franchising is in the focus of this article, topics such as cross-cultural environment in franchising models and creativity across cultures are covered. The method used to collect the data for further analysis is running an empirical research among two populations - franchisees and franchisors from several franchising business concepts active in international environment. Representatives from the two populations were asked to evaluate the level of freedom of creativity given or applied in their franchising business concepts. Respondents were answering an online survey, assessing ten different areas in daily business on a scale from one to five, ranging from no creativity allowed and strict governance by rules defined in the franchise concept to high level of creativity and freedom. Findings from both side of the franchise business partnerships, franchisees and franchisors, are presented including the test of homogeneity of proportions. Therefore some implications exist for further discussions and research, if franchising at all is, in its essence, a method of business concept, which enhances and facilitates creativity, or if creativity is perceived as a danger to franchise system that would harm its global unified approach which is the key principle of the franchis unified brand and concept strategy.
Summary on the ringing of raptors and owls in Slovakia in 2010
Authors: Slobodník Vladimír , Slobodník Roman
Published: August 2012

Summary on the ringing of raptors and owls in Slovakia in 2010

This paper presents brief information on the number, species and recoveries of ringed birds of prey and owls in Slovakia in 2010. It follows similar papers from 2002-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008 and 2009. In 2010 a total of 552 individual birds of prey and owls were ringed in Slovakia, of which 405 were birds of prey (16 species) and 147 owls (9 species). From the total number ringed, 327 birds of prey and 85 owl were nestlings. In comparison with the previous year (2009) the number of ringed birds decreased by 55%.
Effective Removal of Fluoride onto Metal Ions Loaded Orange Waste
Authors: Ghimire Kedar Nath
Published: August 2012

Removal of fluoride is investigated onto several metal ions loaded phosphorylated orange juice residue and commercially available alumina. The experimental results revealed that cerium (IV) loaded phosphorylated orange waste indicated excellent fluoride removal efficiency at acidic pH range and while that lanthanum loaded at neutral pH range. Both the metal loaded adsorbents are found superior to the commercially available activated alumina.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6660 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 61-66
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(NIPAM-co-AA) Polymers Possessing Perfluorinated Side Chains and Chemically Linked Pyrene Labels
Authors: Pokhrel Megh Raj , Bossmann Stefan H.
Published: August 2012

The synthesis of Poly(n-isopropylacrylamide–co-acrylic acid)/-Poly(NIPAM-co-AA) polymers featuring perfluorinated side chains as well as chemically linked pyrene fluorescence labels has been reported. The resulting polymers have been characterized with the aid of UV/VIS, FTIR spectroscopy and Gel permeation chromatography.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6663 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 67-73
Inorganic Elemental Composition of Wood of Ficus Religiosa L. (Peepal)
Authors: Shrestha Roshani M. , Dhami Deependra S.
Published: August 2012

The total ash content and inorganic elemental compositions of the wood of Ficus religiosa L. from Nepal had been studied. The percentage of total ash content were found highest in comparison to other Ficus species. Different eight inorganic elements were detected from wet ash analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopic ( AAS) method. The remarkably high concentrations of K, Ca and Mg were also reported.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6664 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 74-77
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Heartwood of Acacia catechu of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Susan , Subedi Yagya Prasad , Paudel Shobha Kumari
Published: August 2012

Antibacterial activity of different extracts of heartwood of Acacia catechu were tested against 11 species of bacteria and antifungal activity were tested against four species of fungi. Among bacteria species highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured against Pseudomonas species by diethyl ether extract, likewise among fungal organism highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured against Fusarium oxysporim by ethyl acetate extract. No extracts showed activity against Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethyl acetate extract was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococus aureus and Shigella species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6667 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 94-99
Preparation of Low Cost Solid State Silver Sulfide Based Bromide Selective Electrodes
Authors: Yadav Amar Prasad
Published: August 2012

Preparation and performance of a cost effective silver sulfide based bromide selective membrane is described. A solid contact between membrane and body of the electrode was examined as an ion-selective electrode by determining S2- and Br- ions by direct potentiometry. A linear response to bromide ion from 2 x 10-5 to 10-1 M with a slope of 57.3 mV per decade [Br-] is observed. The membrane has a very short response. It gives excellent results as an indicator electrode for potentiometric titration.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6668 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 100-106
An Eco-friendly Route to Synthesis of Quinolines
Authors: Mishra A. D.
Published: August 2012

Some 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-6- substituted quinoline derivatives have been synthesized in an environmentally benign method from easily available 4-substituted anilines and ?-Ketoesters, under ordinary conditions. The reactions were catalyzed by aluminium chloride to afford excellent amount of the products. The usage of hazardous acids, bases and solvents have been avoided in different steps of the reactions completely, which has made this synthetic method one step advance to the existing methods.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6670 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 115-119
En Masse: French Canadian Students, Catholicism, and Mass Media
Authors: Cuplinskas Indre
Published: August 2012

This is a study of JEC/Vie Étudiante (1935–1964), the Young Catholic Student [Jeunesse Étudiante Catholique] movement’s newspaper published for French-speaking Canadian students. The article analyzes how, for three decades, the newspaper functioned as a tool for the formation of an activist Catholic community not only by means of its religious content, but also by modelling Christian community through the complex interplay of editorial policies regarding religious content, the changing profile of contributors, the demands of readers, and the physical format of the paper. The newspaper proves to be a revealing locus in which, paralleling developments in Roman Catholic ecclesiology, French Canadian youth and Catholic authorities negotiated Catholicism’s shifting place in Quebec in the decades leading up to the Quiet Revolution.
Mobilizing for the petro-nation
Authors: Valdivia Gabriela , Benavides Marcela
Published: August 2012

This article analyzes the struggles of the petroleum labor movement against the neo-liberalization of the petroleum industry in Ecuador. Though originally focused on defending collective bargaining rights, since the 1990s the movement has put forward a populist, nationalist critique of the state's governance of petroleum. The article traces the roots of the movement and focuses on two contested terrains of petroleum politics, refineries and oilfields, to examine labor's role in resource governance. The article argues that by strategically joining concerns over class and nation, over a number of administrations from the 1970s to the 2000s (from populist, military juntas, to neoliberal), the petroleum labor movement became a defining actor in petroleum governance.
Andrés Guerrero
Authors: Platt Tristan , Guerrero Andrés
Published: August 2012

Interviewed and translated by Tristan Platt

TP: Andrés, you have recently published a book which has provoked considerable interest, and which presents the results of your reflections over several years on the history and anthropology of Ecuador. Let me start by asking you what led you to these two disciplines, and how you think the combination has led you to understand better an Andean and Latin-American society such as Ecuador?
Reply to Commentators
Authors: Guerrero Andrés
Published: August 2012

I begin with the commentary by João Biehl and
Sebastian Ramirez. I don’t know which is the
author, but I know that my article has not been
read as a “signifying machine,” with openness
toward “what it may tell,” or wondering “if it
works or not” (Deleuze 1990: 3–21), or simply
“with openness to the existence of a third”
(Biehl and Locke 2010: 347). Of course there is
a lack of fit between the positions I put forward
and those defended by the authors of the critique.
Although our positions may differ, they
are not necessarily incompatible: at least one of
their several “intersections and junctions”
(Biehl and Locke 2010: 347) might be revealed
through a reading that is open but not a-critical.
The divergence between the positions adopted
by the authors and those I defend is, for me, one
of the fruits of the diversity that characterizes
intellectual creativity, and in particular that of
history and anthropology.
A Novel Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase from Alkaliphilic Amphibacillus sp. NPST-10: Purification and Properties
Authors: Ibrahim Abdelnasser S. S. , Al-Salamah Ali A. , El-Tayeb Mohamed A. , El-Badawi Yahya B. , Antranikian Garabed
Published: August 2012

Screening for cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase)-producing alkaliphilic bacteria from samples collected from hyper saline soda lakes (Wadi Natrun Valley, Egypt), resulted in isolation of potent CGTase producing alkaliphilic bacterium, termed NPST-10. 16S rDNA sequence analysis identified the isolate as Amphibacillus sp. CGTase was purified to homogeneity up to 22.1 fold by starch adsorption and anion exchange chromatography with a yield of 44.7%. The purified enzyme was a monomeric protein with an estimated molecular weight of 92 kDa using SDS-PAGE. Catalytic activities of the enzyme were found to be 88.8 U mg−1 protein, 20.0 U mg−1 protein and 11.0 U mg−1 protein for cyclization, coupling and hydrolytic activities, respectively. The enzyme was stable over a wide pH range from pH 5.0 to 11.0, with a maximal activity at pH 8.0. CGTase exhibited activity over a wide temperature range from 45 °C to 70 °C, with maximal activity at 50 °C and was stable at 30 °C to 55 °C for at least 1 h. Thermal stability of the purified enzyme could be significantly improved in the presence of CaCl2. Km and Vmax values were estimated using soluble starch as a substrate to be 1.7 ± 0.15 mg/mL and 100 ± 2.0 μmol/min, respectively. CGTase was significantly inhibited in the presence of Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Ba2+, Cd2+, and 2-mercaptoethanol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CGTase production by Amphibacillus sp. The achieved high conversion of insoluble raw corn starch into cyclodextrins (67.2%) with production of mainly β-CD (86.4%), makes Amphibacillus sp. NPST-10 desirable for the cyclodextrin production industry.
Development of Microsatellite Markers for the Korean Mussel, Mytilus coruscus (Mytilidae) Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: An Hye Suck , Lee Jang Wook
Published: August 2012

Mytilus coruscus (family Mytilidae) is one of the most important marine shellfish species in Korea. During the past few decades, this species has become endangered due to the loss of habitats and overfishing. Despite this species’ importance, information on its genetic background is scarce. In this study, we developed microsatellite markers for M. coruscus using next-generation sequencing. A total of 263,900 raw reads were obtained from a quarter-plate run on the 454 GS-FLX titanium platform, and 176,327 unique sequences were generated with an average length of 381 bp; 2569 (1.45%) sequences contained a minimum of five di- to tetra-nucleotide repeat motifs. Of the 51 loci screened, 46 were amplified successfully, and 22 were polymorphic among 30 individuals, with seven of trinucleotide repeats and three of tetranucleotide repeats. All loci exhibited high genetic variability, with an average of 17.32 alleles per locus, and the mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.67 and 0.90, respectively. In addition, cross-amplification was tested for all 22 loci in another congener species, M. galloprovincialis. None of the primer pairs resulted in effective amplification, which might be due to their high mutation rates. Our work demonstrated the utility of next-generation 454 sequencing as a method for the rapid and cost-effective identification of microsatellites. The high degree of polymorphism exhibited by the 22 newly developed microsatellites will be useful in future conservation genetic studies of this species.
Quickly Updatable Hologram Images Using Poly(N-vinyl Carbazole) (PVCz) Photorefractive Polymer Composite
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoto , Kinashi Kenji , Nonomura Asato , Sakai Wataru
Published: August 2012

Quickly updatable hologram images using photorefractive (PR) polymer composite based on poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVCz) is presented. PVCz is one of the pioneer materials of photoconductive polymers. PR polymer composite consists of 44 wt % of PVCz, 35 wt % of 4-azacycloheptylbenzylidene-malonitrile (7-DCST) as a nonlinear optical dye, 20 wt % of carbazolylethylpropionate (CzEPA) as a photoconductive plasticizer and 1 wt % of 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone (TNF) as a sensitizer. PR composite gives high diffraction efficiency of 68% at E = 45 V μm−1. Response speed of optical diffraction is the key parameter for real-time 3D holographic display. The key parameter for obtaining quickly updatable holographic images is to control the glass transition temperature lower enough to enhance chromophore orientation. Object image of the reflected coin surface recorded with reference beam at 532 nm (green beam) in the PR polymer composite is simultaneously reconstructed using a red probe beam at 642 nm. Instead of using a coin object, an object image produced by a computer was displayed on a spatial light modulator (SLM) and used for the hologram. The reflected object beam from an SLM was interfered with a reference beam on PR polymer composite to record a hologram and simultaneously reconstructed by a red probe beam.
Simulation of Image Performance Characteristics of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS)
Authors: Schott John , Gerace Aaron , Brown Scott , Gartley Michael , Montanaro Matthew , Reuter Dennis C.
Published: August 2012

The next Landsat satellite, which is scheduled for launch in early 2013, will carry two instruments: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). Significant design changes over previous Landsat instruments have been made to these sensors to potentially enhance the quality of Landsat image data. TIRS, which is the focus of this study, is a dual-band instrument that uses a push-broom style architecture to collect data. To help understand the impact of design trades during instrument build, an effort was initiated to model TIRS imagery. The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) tool was used to produce synthetic “on-orbit” TIRS data with detailed radiometric, geometric, and digital image characteristics. This work presents several studies that used DIRSIG simulated TIRS data to test the impact of engineering performance data on image quality in an effort to determine if the image data meet specifications or, in the event that they do not, to determine if the resulting image data are still acceptable.
Core Design and Deployment Strategy of Heavy Water Cooled Sustainable Thorium Reactor
Authors: Takaki Naoyuki , Mardiansah Deby
Published: August 2012

Our previous studies on water cooled thorium breeder reactor based on matured pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant technology concluded that reduced moderated core by arranging fuel pins in a triangular tight lattice array and using heavy water as coolant is appropriate for achieving better breeding performance and higher burn-up simultaneously [1–6]. One optimum core that produces 3.5 GW thermal energy using Th-233U oxide fuel shows a breeding ratio of 1.07 and averaged burn-up of about 80 GWd/t with long cycle length of 1300 days. The moderator to fuel volume ratio is 0.6 and required enrichment of 233U for the fresh fuel is about 7%. The coolant reactivity coefficient is negative during all cycles despite it being a large scale breeder reactor. In order to introduce this sustainable thorium reactor, three-step deployment scenario, with intermediate transition phase between current light water reactor (LWR) phase and future sustainer phase, is proposed. Both in transition phase and sustainer phase, almost the same core design can be applicable only by changing fissile materials mixed with thorium from plutonium to 233U with slight modification in the fuel assembly design. Assuming total capacity of 60 GWe in current LWR phase and reprocessing capacity of 800 ton/y with further extensions to 1600 ton/y, all LWRs will be replaced by heavy water cooled thorium reactors within about one century then thorium reactors will be kept operational owing to its potential to sustain fissile fuels while reprocessing all spent fuels until exhaustion of massive thorium resource.
Effects of cadmium and mycorrhizal fungi on growth, fitness, and cadmium accumulation in flax (Linum usitatissimum; Linaceae)
Authors: Hancock Laura M. S. , Ernst Charlotte L. , Charneskie Rebecca , Ruane Lauren G.
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: Agricultural soils have become contaminated with a variety of heavy metals, including cadmium. The degree to which soil contaminants affect plants may depend on symbiotic relationships between plant roots and soil microorganisms. We examined (1) whether mycorrhizal fungi counteract the potentially negative effects of cadmium on the growth and fitness of flax (Linum usitatissimum) and (2) whether mycorrhizal fungi affect the accumulation of cadmium within plant parts.

• Methods: Two flax cultivars (Linott and Omega) were grown in three soil cadmium environments (0, 5, and 15 ppm). Within each cadmium environment, plants were grown in either the presence or absence of mycorrhizal fungi. Upon senescence, we measured growth and fitness and quantified the concentration of cadmium within plants.

• Key results: Soil cadmium significantly decreased plant fitness, but did not affect plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi, which were able to colonize roots of plants growing in all cadmium levels, significantly increased plant growth and fitness. Although mycorrhizal fungi counteracted the negative effects of cadmium on fruit and seed production, they also enhanced the concentration of cadmium within roots, fruits, and seeds.

• Conclusions: The degree to which soil cadmium affects plant fitness and the accumulation of cadmium within plants depended on the ability of plants to form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. The use of mycorrhizal fungi in contaminated agricultural soils may offset the negative effects of metals on the quantity of seeds produced, but exacerbate the accumulation of these metals in our food supply.
Asexual propagules as an adaptive trait for epiphylly in tropical leafy liverworts (Lejeuneaceae)
Authors: Kraichak Ekaphan
Published: August 2012

•Premise of the study:Many links between form and function are described in the context of adaptation. Several morphological and life‐history traits in the leafy liverwort family Lejeuneaceae (Marchantiophyta) have been hypothesized to be adaptations for living on the surface of leaves of vascular plants (epiphylly). There have been, however, no rigorous tests of these hypotheses.

•Methods:Using a recently published phylogeny of Lejeuneaceae and trait data from published monographs, I tested the correlations of putative adaptive traits with the incidence of epiphylly. Both cross‐species and phylogenetic‐based analyses of trait data were performed to distinguish the patterns of shared evolutionary history from independent origins of putatively adaptive traits. The rates of transitions between different combinations of character states were also calculated to determine whether traits were more likely to evolve in the presence of epiphylly.

•Key results:Only one trait, production of asexual propagules, was correlated with epiphylly in the phylogenetic‐based analysis. The rate of transition to asexual propagules was also significantly higher in the presence of epiphylly. Other traits correlated with epiphylly appeared to be the results of shared evolutionary history among sister taxa and therefore not due to adaptive evolution.

•Conclusion:The present study distinguished production of asexual propagules from other traits as a key adaptive response to living on the leaf surface. No other putative “adaptive” traits to epiphylly showed evidence of being specific adaptation to epiphylly. The results highlight the importance of phylogenetically controlled methods in determining an adaptive function of traits.
Free and Total Plasma Levels of Lopinavir during Pregnancy, at Delivery and Postpartum: Implications for Dosage Adjustments in Pregnant Women
Authors: Fayet-Mello Aurélie , Buclin Thierry , Guignard Nicole , Cruchon Sandra , Cavassini Matthias , Grawe Claudia , Gremlich Erika , Popp Karoline Aebi , Schmid Flavia , Eap Chin B , Telenti Amalio , Biollaz Jérôme , Decosterd Laurent A , De Tejada Begoña Martinez ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and the Mother & Child HIV Cohort Study
Published: August 2012

Background

Physiological changes associated with pregnancy may alter antiretroviral plasma concentrations and might jeopardize prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Lopinavir is one of the protease inhibitors more frequently prescribed during pregnancy in Europe. We described the free and total pharmacokinetics of lopinavir in HIV-infected pregnant and non-pregnant women, and evaluated whether significant alterations in its disposition and protein binding warrant systematic dosage adjustment.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected at first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, at delivery, in umbilical cord and postpartum. Lopinavir free and total plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Bayesian calculations were used to extrapolate total concentrations to trough (Cmin).

Results

A total of 42 HIV-positive pregnant women and 37 non-pregnant women on lopinavir/ritonavir were included in the study. Compared to postpartum and control values, total lopinavir Cmin was decreased moderately (31–39%) during pregnancy, and free Cmin minimally, showing significant alteration only at delivery (-35%). However, total and free Cmin remained in all patients above the target concentrations for wild-type virus of 1,000 ng/ml, and above the unbound IC50WT of 0.64–0.77 ng/ml of lopinavir, respectively. Lopinavir free fractions remained higher during pregnancy compared to post-partum and controls, and were influenced by α-1-acid-glycoprotein and albumin decrease. Free cord-to-mother ratio (0.43) was 2.7-fold higher than total cord-to-mother ratio (0.16), suggesting higher fetal exposure.

Conclusions

The moderate decrease of total lopinavir concentrations during pregnancy is not associated with proportional decrease in free concentrations. Both reach a nadir at delivery, albeit not to an extent that would put treatment-naive women at risk of insufficient exposure to the free, pharmacologically active concentrations of lopinavir. No dosage adjustment is therefore needed during pregnancy as it is unlikely to further enhance treatment efficacy but could potentially increase the risk of maternal and fetal toxicity. Nonetheless, in case of viral resistance in treatment-experienced pregnant women, loss of virological control or questionable adherence, it is justified to consider lopinavir dosage adjustment based on total plasma concentration measurement.
Vers quelle histoire africaine ?
Authors: Bisanswa Justin K.
Published: August 2012

À partir de l’analyse attentive des romans africains depuis les années 1930, le présent article examine le vertige de l’histoire africaine dans ses balbutiements et ses convulsions : conflits sur fond de race, tensions, classements sociaux, rivalités et rébellions pour la domination et le pouvoir. Mais cette histoire, fruit de l’imaginaire du romancier, est fragmentaire, latérale et témoigne d’une posture de l’écrivain qui en livre une mémoire. L’État postcolonial est devenu la cible privilégiée comme l’était la colonisation. Si les romans laissent voir généralement des illusions perdues, ils montrent aussi l’espoir et la possibilité d’établir un monde plus juste, plus démocratique, plus respectueux des droits humains. Tout cela montre que l’histoire africaine a décrit une spirale et que la situation de l’Afrique est plus complexe qu’elle ne paraît.
Carmichael Meets Chebotarev
Authors: Banks William D. , Güloğlu Ahmet M. , Yeager Aaron M.
Published: August 2012

For any finite Galois extension K of ℚ and any conjugacy class C in Gal(K/ℚ), we show that there exist infinitely many Carmichael numbers composed solely of primes for which the associated class of Frobenius automorphisms is C. This result implies that for every natural number n there are infinitely many Carmichael numbers of the form a2 + nb2 with a, b ∊ 핫.
Environment and morphology of mesoscale convective systems associated with the Changma front during 9–10 July 2007
Authors: Jeong J.-H. , Lee D.-I. , Wang C.-C. , Jang S.-M. , You C.-H. , Jang M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. To understand the different environment and morphology for heavy rainfall during 9–10 July 2007, over the Korean Peninsula, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that accompanied the Changma front in two different regions were investigated. The sub-synoptic conditions were analysed using mesoscale analysis data (MANAL), reanalysis data, weather charts and Multi-functional Transport Satellite (MTSAT-IR) data. Dual-Doppler radar observations were used to analyse the wind fields within the precipitation systems. During both the case periods, the surface low-pressure field intensified and moved northeastward along the Changma front. A low-level warm front gradually formed with an east-west orientation, and the cold front near the low pressure was aligned from northeast to southwest. The northern convective systems (meso-α-scale) were embedded within an area of stratiform cloud north of the warm front. The development of low-level pressure resulted in horizontal and vertical wind shear due to cyclonic circulation. The wind direction was apparently different across the warm front. In addition, the southeasterly flow (below 4 km) played an important role in generating new convective cells behind the prevailing convective cell. Each isolated southern convective cell (meso-β-scale) moved along the line ahead of the cold front within the prefrontal warm sector. These convective cells developed when a strong southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ) intensified and moisture was deeply advected into the sloping frontal zone. A high equivalent potential temperature region transported warm moist air in a strong southwesterly flow, where the convectively unstable air led to updraft and downdraft with a strong reflectivity core.
Lake El'gygytgyn water and sediment balance components overview and its implications for the sedimentary record
Authors: Fedorov G. , Nolan M. , Brigham-Grette J. , Bolshiyanov D. , Schwamborn G. , Juschus O.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Modern process studies of the hydrologic balance and sediment flux into and out of Lake El'gygytgyn, central Chukotka, provide important quantitative estimates for better understanding the lacustrine paleoclimate record from this basin. Formed ca. 3.6 Ma as a result of a meteorite impact, the basin contains one of the longest paleoclimate records in the Arctic. Fluvial activity into the basin today is concentrated over the short snowmelt period. Recent lake-level changes have a slow regressive character due to active underground runoff, even during winter. The residence time of the lake-water is estimated to be about 100 yr. The main source of clastic material are incoming steams. The amount of sediment discharge through the outflow river is insignificant and completely compensated even by little aeolian input.
Towards an integrated soil moisture drought monitor for East Africa
Authors: Anderson W. B. , Zaitchik B. F. , Hain C. R. , Anderson M. C. , Yilmaz M. T. , Mecikalski J. , Schultz L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Drought in East Africa is a recurring phenomenon with significant humanitarian impacts. Given the steep climatic gradients, topographic contrasts, general data scarcity, and, in places, political instability that characterize the region, there is a need for spatially distributed, remotely derived monitoring systems to inform national and international drought response. At the same time, the very diversity and data scarcity that necessitate remote monitoring also make it difficult to evaluate the reliability of these systems. Here we apply a suite of remote monitoring techniques to characterize the temporal and spatial evolution of the 2010–2011 Horn of Africa drought. Diverse satellite observations allow for evaluation of meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological aspects of drought, each of which is of interest to different stakeholders. Focusing on soil moisture, we apply triple collocation analysis (TCA) to three independent methods for estimating soil moisture anomalies to characterize relative error between products and to provide a basis for objective data merging. The three soil moisture methods evaluated include microwave remote sensing using the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer – Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) sensor, thermal remote sensing using the Atmosphere-Land Exchange Inverse (ALEXI) surface energy balance algorithm, and physically based land surface modeling using the Noah land surface model. It was found that the three soil moisture monitoring methods yield similar drought anomaly estimates in areas characterized by extremely low or by moderate vegetation cover, particularly during the below-average 2011 long rainy season. Systematic discrepancies were found, however, in regions of moderately low vegetation cover and high vegetation cover, especially during the failed 2010 short rains. The merged, TCA-weighted soil moisture composite product takes advantage of the relative strengths of each method, as judged by the consistency of anomaly estimates across independent methods. This approach holds potential as a remote soil moisture-based drought monitoring system that is robust across the diverse climatic and ecological zones of East Africa.
INSECTICIDAS BOTÁNICOS Y BIOLÓGICOS EN EL MANEJO DEL CHINCHE PATAS DE HOJA (Leptoglossus zonatus, DALLAS. HEMIPTERA: COREIDAE) Y LA MOSQUITA NEGRA (Trigona silvestrianun, VACHALL, HIMENOPTERA: APIDAE) Y SU EFECTO SOBRE LOS ENEMIGOS NATURALES
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Edgardo , Gómez Martínez Jorge
Published: August 2012

El chinche patas de hoja (Leptoglossus zonatus Dallas) y la mosquita negra (Trigona silvestrianun,Vachal) han provocado severos problemas fitosanitarios y económicos para los productores de marañón (Anacardium occidentale L) en el occidente de Nicaragua (León y Chinandega). Estas plagas han provocado grandes e importantes pérdidas significativas en el rendimiento y calidad, además como resultado, se han aumentado los costos de producción en este cultivo. Ante la problemática existente en estas zonas y con el propósito de encontrar una solución al problema, se realizó un estudio en la comarca Chacraseca del departamento de León, en el periodo comprendido entre febrero 2009 a mayo 2010, con el objetivo de evaluar cuatro alternativas botánicas y una biológica para el manejo del chinche patas de hoja y la mosquita negra. Las alternativas evaluadas fueron: chile + ajo + jabón, cebolla + crisantemo, chile + ajo, Metarrhizium anisopliae, chile + jabón y un testigo (agua). Las variables evaluadas fueron: número de chinches por árbol y número de mosquita negra por árbol, también se evaluó el rendimiento en kg/ha a través de un análisis económico de presupuesto parcial. Para decidir el momento de aplicación de los productos se realizaron muestreos semanales tomando como nivel crítico un chinche o mosquita negra por árbol. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que el tratamiento chile + ajo + jabón fue el que presentó la menor fluctuación poblacional del chinche patas de hoja y mosquita negra, seguido por el tratamiento chile +ajo. El análisis económico basado en un presupuesto parcial determinó que el tratamiento chile + ajo + Jabón fue el que presentó los mejores rendimientos, los menores costos variables y el mayor beneficio neto, la tasa de retorno marginal resultó que en el tratamiento chile + jabón se obtiene por cada dólar invertido, una ganancia de 40 centavos de dólar. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i17.773 La Calera Vol.11 No.17, p.14-25
Gender Issues in Microfinance and Repayment Performance: The Case of a Nicaraguan Microfinance Institution.
Authors: Saravia-Matus Silvia , Saravia-Matus Jimmy
Published: August 2012

As a result of some spot observations conducted on Managua, capital city of Nicaragua, a preliminary list of mollusks and birds was published. The list was made up of 18 species, 12 families and three orders of mollusks as well as 41 species, 23 families and 9 orders of birds. These values are consistent with total species numbers estimated by experts on these taxa for the country. This was the first inventory from these taxa associated to the city of Managua, where previous data on trees already existed. These results are analyzed in the light of existing literature on the subject.
The Relationship between Acute Functional Status and Long-Term Ambulation after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: de Guise Elaine , LeBlanc Joanne , Abouassaly Michel , Lin Howell , Lamoureux Julie , Champoux Marie-Claude , Couturier Céline , Maleki Mohammed , Roger Eric P. , Feyz Mitra
Published: August 2012

Objective. To correlate long-term physical impairments of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) based on their functional status in an acute care setting. Methods. 46 patients with sTBI participated in this prospective study. The Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) and the FIM instrument were rated at discharge from the acute care setting and at followup. The Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC), the Five-Meter Gait Speed, a quantified measure of negotiating stairs (Stair Climbing Speed and Rails used), and the functional reach test were rated at followup. Results. The subject with a score of 6 on the GOSE at discharge remained nonfunctional ambulator at followup. None of the subjects with a GOSE score of 5 became independent ambulators. Fifty percent of the subjects with a GOSE score of 4 were dependent ambulators. 100% of the subjects with a GOSE score of 2 or 3 at discharge were independent ambulators. A higher FIM score at discharge was associated with a greater chance of ambulating independently at 2 to 5 years after TBI (χKW22df). Conclusions. These data will allow physical health professionals in acute rehabilitation settings to provide more precise long-term physical outcome information to patients and families.
Hormonal Link to Autoimmune Allergies
Authors: Shah Shilpa
Published: August 2012

IgE recognition of autoantigens might augment allergic inflammation in the absence of exogenous allergen exposure. Among allergy and autoimmunity, there is disproportionate representation of males before puberty and females after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones. Hormone allergy is an allergic reaction where the offending allergens are one's own hormones. It is an immune reaction to the hormones, which can interfere with the normal function of the hormones. It can occur perimenstrually in women along with the variation in menstrual cycle. The perimenstrual allergies are about the cyclic abundance of the hormone causing a cyclic expression of allergic symptoms. The inflammatory mechanisms of allergic reactions to hormone allergens, which are intrinsic to the body, are the same as the mechanisms of allergic reactions to external allergens.
Creative engineering adds ozone to Utah treatment plant
Authors: London Steven
Published: August 2012

Significant improvements in two Utah treatment plants address current and future needs as well as projected regulatory requirements.
Utility transfers to the general fund: What is reasonable, fair, and legal?
Authors: Mantz Bryan A.
Published: August 2012

Utility transfers to the local government's general fund can represent a substantial financial obligation for a publicly owned utility and are often disputed. This article addresses what is reasonable, fair, and legal in relation to such transfers and provides recommendations for local governments. Local government officials should: recognize that funding nonutility‐related operating or capital costs with utility revenues is not considered a utility best management practice by credit‐rating agencies; routinely calculate—and maintain written documentation for—allocations that equitably represent the cost of general fund services provided to the utility; be able to provide written evidence justifying the fairness of the amount or percentage of a transfer representing a rate of return on the utility's investment, provided the transfer is legal and allowable by debt covenants; promote government transparency by separating transfer components in utility budgets; and adopt financial policies that allow easy calculation and projection of transfer amounts.
In Search of an Accurate Evaluation of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: Martinefski Manuela , Contin Mario , Lucangioli Silvia , Di Carlo Maria Beatriz , Tripodi Valeria
Published: August 2012

Until now, biochemical parameter for diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) mostly used is the rise of total serum bile acids (TSBA) above the upper normal limit of 11 μM. However, differential diagnosis is very difficult since overlapped values calculated on bile acids determinations, are observed in different conditions of pregnancy including the benign condition of pruritus gravidarum. The aim of this work was to determine the better markers in ICP for a precise diagnosis together with parameters associated with severity of symptoms and treatment evaluation. Serum bile acid profiles were evaluated using capillary electrophoresis in 38 healthy pregnant women and 32 ICP patients and it was calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, predictive values and the relationships of certain individual bile acids in pregnant women in order to replace TSBA determinations. The evaluation of the results shows that LCA and UDCA/LCA ratio provided information for a more complete and accurate diagnosis and evaluation of ICP than calculation of solely TSBA levels in pregnant women.
L’instant cosmogonique et le récit philosophique
Authors: Gagnon Rémy
Published: August 2012

La narrativité philosophique aurait maladroitement rompu ses liens avec la multitude mouvante du monde et avec l’ambiguïté inhérente de la vie humaine. Les premiers récits humains s’étaient pourtant fait un devoir de raconter, comme un écho du ciel, une histoire d’insuffisances, de raconter le drame humain, de la mesure et de la démesure, de la force et de la faiblesse, de la vie et de la mort, dans monde partagé et pour cette raison, énigmatique. Pourquoi et comment la philosophie est-elle parvenue à abolir l’impuissance humaine, à nous persuader que la vérité est non seulement possible, mais qu’elle constitue le fondement de l’existence ? Telle est la problématique qu’explore ce texte.
Le rôle des déceptions dans À la recherche du temps perdu de Marcel Proust. Autofiction, crise du sujet et montage identitaire
Authors: Carrier-Lafleur Thomas
Published: August 2012

À la recherche du temps perdu raconte l’apprentissage du narrateur proustien, futur homme de lettres. Un parcours ponctué par d’innombrables déceptions pousse le héros vers le nihilisme. Ce sera ainsi jusqu’à la fin du Temps retrouvé. Cet enjeu des déceptions proustiennes sera d’abord étudié à travers le prisme de la formation littéraire du personnage, puis sous le signe de l’autofiction. C’est que les déceptions font tomber le narrateur dans une crise du sujet de laquelle il ne pourra sortir qu’en attribuant une nouvelle fonction de l’oeuvre littéraire, fonction qui sera nommée, quelques décennies plus tard, « autofiction ». Ce que l’on pourrait alors appeler « l’autofiction proustienne » pousse également l’auteur à user d’un autre concept que nous désignons par le terme de « montage identitaire », suivant une expression de Sophie-Jan Arrien et Jean-Pierre Sirois-Trahan, le « montage des identités », et à partir de la récente étude d’Anne Henry, La tentation de Marcel Proust.
Coastal circulation in the absence of wind in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico: High-frequency radar observations
Authors: Flores-Vidal X , Durazo R , Chavanne C , Flament P
Published: August 2012

Using high-frequency radars, ocean surface currents were mapped every hour over an area of ≈5000 km2 in the inner Gulf of Tehuantepec (Mexico). The coastal circulation patterns (≈100 km offshore) were studied during spring, summer, and autumn 2006. The spring circulation was similar to the typical winter circulation, when the circulation is forced by outbursts of northerly winds (>8 m s–1) known locally as Tehuanos. Although Tehuano events are less common in spring than in winter, they are perfectly capable of modifying the sea surface by triggering cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies (≈50–200 km in diameter). Under moderate wind conditions, the ocean circulation showed a quasipermanent westward coastal current (≈50 cm s–1). Though the Tehuano winds were absent in summer, cyclonic eddies were observed and likely linked to the westward coastal current. Autumn was influenced by steady northerly winds with speeds of ≈12 m s–1 that remained over the region for almost 15 days. These conditions allowed us to study the competition between the wind-induced circulation and the more intense (≈100 cm s–1) westward coastal current during this period. The origin of this coastal current could be related to a warm coastal-trapped flow, composed of tropical low-salinity waters. The northwestward excursion of the observed coastal current is discussed, and the three-dimensional implications of surface current fields are studied by the Ekman theory and vorticity conservation.
Metal Foams with Graded Pore Size for Heat Transfer Applications
Authors: Zaragoza Gael , Goodall Russell
Published: August 2012

Open cell metal foams show great potential as a heat exchangers, due to their permeability to fluids and the high conductivity of the metallic network. In this study, aluminum foams were produced using the replication technique with NaCl, flour, and water used to create the preform. The samples included both uniform pore sizes and examples where different pore sizes were created in different parts of the sample. A bespoke rig was used to measure the thermal and fluid flow performance of the foams, and results for heat transfer coefficient are presented. It is also found that asymmetric behavior can be obtained when non‐uniform pore sizes are present; a factor that could be exploited in heat exchanger design.
The Role of Metal Hydroxide Complexes in Late Transition Metal‐Mediated Transmetalation Reaction: The Case of Gold
Authors: Dupuy Stéphanie , Crawford L. Ellis , Bühl Michael , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: August 2012

In gold chemistry, the hydroxide function on the metal center was observed to act as a potent transmetalation group facilitator when reacted with boronic acids leading to the exceedingly rapid formation of gold‐aryl bonds.
Asymmetric Counteranion‐Directed Iron Catalysis: A Highly Enantioselective Sulfoxidation
Authors: Liao Saihu , List Benjamin
Published: August 2012

A highly active and enantioselective ion‐pair sulfoxidation catalyst, consisting of an achiral iron(III)‐salen cation and a chiral phosphate counteranion, mediates the oxidization of various sulfides with high yields and enantioselectivities. The enantioselectivities observed, especially for electron‐poor substrates, represent the best results so far in manganese and iron‐salen systems. This work represents the first application of our concept of asymmetric counteranion‐directed catalysis (ACDC) to iron catalysis.
Synthesis of Aryl Carbamates via Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Halides with Potassium Cyanate
Authors: Yang Xinye , Zhang Yihua , Ma Dawei
Published: August 2012

Coupling of aryl halides with potassium cyanate takes place at 100–110 °C in alcohols under the catalysis of CuI (cuprous iodide) and 2‐(2,6‐dimethylphenylamino)‐2‐oxoacetic acid, affording the corresponding aryl carbamates with great diversity.
Palladium‐Catalyzed, Chelation‐Assisted Stereo‐ and Regioselective Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Olefins by Oxidative Heck Arylation
Authors: Lee Hyun Seung , Kim Ko Hoon , Kim Sung Hwan , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: August 2012

An efficient synthesis of tetrasubstituted olefins was achieved via a palladium‐catalyzed, chelation‐assisted oxidative Heck arylation protocol from trisubstituted olefins bearing a tether with a directing group in a completely stereo‐ and regioselective manner. The stereo‐ and regioselectivity as well as excellent yields of tetrasubstituted olefins originated from the stabilization of a palladium intermediate by chelation between the palladium center and a directing group.
Application of Tethered Ruthenium Catalysts to Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones, and the Selective Hydrogenation of Aldehydes
Authors: Jolley Katherine E. , Zanotti‐Gerosa Antonio , Hancock Fred , Dyke Alan , Grainger Damian M. , Medlock Jonathan A. , Nedden Hans G. , Le Paih Jacques J. M. , Roseblade Stephen J. , Seger Andreas , Sivakumar Vilvanathan , Prokes Ivan , Morris David J. , Wills Martin
Published: August 2012

An improved method for the synthesis of tethered ruthenium(II) complexes of monosulfonylated diamines is described, together with their application to the hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes. The complexes were applied directly, in their chloride form, to asymmetric ketone hydrogenation, to give products in excess of 99% ee in the best cases, using 30 bar of hydrogen at 60 °C, and to the selective reduction of aldehydes over other functional groups.