bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPRAY APPLICATIONS TO TOMATO PLANTS IN GREENHOUSES. PART 1: EFFECT OF WALKING DIRECTION
Authors: Cerruto Emanuele , Emma Giuseppe , Manetto Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

The present paper reports the results of some spray application trials carried out in two tomato greenhouses to assess foliar deposition, ground losses, and dermal operator exposure when using hand-held highpressure spray lances. Two operating ways (forward vs. backwards operator movement) and two different plant vegetative stages (pre-production vs. full development) were taken into consideration. An experimental design with one factor (the operator walking direction) was adopted, arranged according to a randomised block design with three replicates. Volume application rates were settled according to the plant development: 900 L/ha in pre-production stage and 1800 L/ha at full development stage. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the mean foliar deposition between the two walking directions in both development stages. The greatest differences among the sampling locations were observed in pre-production stage, when, due to the spraying technique (spray jet directed from top to bottom), the foliar deposits in the low part of the canopy were much lower than those in the middle and high part. Also ground losses were unaffected by walking direction: they ranged on average from 14.3% to 23.5% of the applied volume rate. Finally, the dermal operator exposure was greatly affected by walking direction: at full development stage, it was 8 times higher walking forward than walking backwards. So, this simple change in field practice can noticeably improve the operator safety, without penalising working capacity and quality of deposition.
A PEDOTRANSFER FUNCTION FOR ESTIMATING THE SOIL ERODIBILITY FACTOR IN SICILY
Authors: Bagarello Vincenzo , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Giuseppe Giordano , Iovino Massimo
Published: June 2012

The soil erodibility factor, K, of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is a simple descriptor of the soil susceptibility to rill and interrill erosion. The original procedure for determining K needs a knowledge of soil particle size distribution (PSD), soil organic matter, OM, content, and soil structure and permeability characteristics. However, OM data are often missing and soil structure and permeability are not easily evaluated in regional analyses. The objective of this investigation was to develop a pedotransfer function (PTF) for estimating the K factor of the USLE in Sicily (south Italy) using only soil textural data. The nomograph soil erodibility factor and its associated first approximation, K’, were determined at 471 sampling points distributed throughout the island of Sicily. Two existing relationships for estimating K on the basis of the measured geometric mean particle diameter were initially tested. Then, two alternative PTFs for estimating K’ and K, respectively, on the basis of the measured PSD were derived. Testing analysis showed that the K estimate by the proposed PTF (eq.11), which was characterized by a Nash-Suttcliffe efficiency index, NSEI, varying between 0.68 and 0.76, depending on the considered data set, was appreciably more accurate than the one obtained by other existing equations, yielding NSEI values varying between 0.21 and 0.32.
ASH FUSIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME BIOMASS FEEDSTOCKS AND EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF INORGANIC ADDITIVES
Authors: Toscano Giuseppe , Corinaldesi Fabrizio
Published: June 2012

The increased consumption of solid biomass for energy production has raised a number of technical problems that are mainly related to the variability of the chemical-physical characteristics of feedstocks. The low melting temperature of their inorganic fraction is the main cause of these problems. In this work analysis and comparison of the thermal behaviour of ash from 20 different feedstocks highlighted that biomass materials with the same origin share similar qualitative and quantitative characteristics. A feedstock from a starch group, corn grain, was tested for the effects of four mineral additives (MgO, CaO, Ca- CO3, and SiO2) on ash deformation temperature. MgO and CaO seemed to be the most effective, raising ash melting temperature and enhancing the thermal behaviour of the feedstock. The results of supplementation of the initial corn grain, wheat straw and sunflower cake biomass demonstrated that the amount of additive to be used is a function of biomass type and can depend on its ash content.
CALIBRATION OF DISTRIBUTED SHALLOW LANDSLIDE MODELS IN FORESTED LANDSCAPES
Authors: Bischetti Gian Battista , Chiaradia Enrico Antonio
Published: June 2012

In mountainous-forested soil mantled landscapes all around the world, rainfall-induced shallow landslides are one of the most common hydro-geomorphic hazards, which frequently impact the environment and human lives and properties. In order to produce shallow landslide susceptibility maps, several models have been proposed in the last decade, combining simplified steady state topography- based hydrological models with the infinite slope scheme, in a GIS framework. In the present paper, two of the still open issues are investigated: the assessment of the validity of slope stability models and the inclusion of root cohesion values. In such a perspective the “Stability INdex MAPping” has been applied to a small forested pre-Alpine catchment, adopting different calibrating approaches and target indexes. The Single and the Multiple Calibration Regions modality and three quantitative target indexes – the common Success Rate (SR), the Modified Success Rate (MSR), and a Weighted Modified Success Rate (WMSR) herein introduced – are considered. The results obtained show that the target index can 34 003_Bischetti(569)_23 1-12-2010 9:48 Pagina 34 significantly affect the values of a model’s parameters and lead to different proportions of stable/unstable areas, both for the Single and the Multiple Calibration Regions approach. The use of SR as the target index leads to an over-prediction of the unstable areas, whereas the use of MSR and WMSR, seems to allow a better discrimination between stable and unstable areas. The Multiple Calibration Regions approach should be preferred, using information on space distribution of vegetation to define the Regions. The use of field-based estimation of root cohesion and sliding depth allows the implementation of slope stability models (SINMAP in our case) also without the data needed for calibration. To maximize the inclusion of such parameters into SINMAP, however, the assumption of a uniform distribution of probability of the parameters must be overtaken. In small and steep catchments where there is an intrinsic susceptibility to instability phenomena, moreover, an additional class of low probability of instability (0.81)<1.0) has been proposed to better discriminate the areas classified as unstable.
THE INFLUENCE OF CHECK DAMS ON FLUVIAL PROCESSES AND RIPARIAN VEGETATION IN MOUNTAIN REACHES OF TORRENTS
Authors: Bombino Giuseppe , Tamburino Vincenzo , Zema Demetrio Antonio , Zimbone Santo Marcello
Published: June 2012

The complex hydrogeomorphological processes within the active channel of rivers strongly influence riparian vegetation development and organization, particularly in mountain streams where such processes can be remarkably impacted by engineering control works. In four mountain reaches of Calabrian fiumaras we analyze, through previously arranged methods (integrated by a multivariate statistic analysis), the relationships among hydrogeomorphological river characteristics and structure and the development of riparian vegetation within the active channel in transects located in proximity of check dams and in less disturbed sites. The results of this study demonstrate clear and relevant contrasts, due to the presence of check dams, in the physical and vegetation properties of upstream, downstream and intermediate sites around check dams. The multivariate statistical approach through the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted evident relationships in all transects between groups of physical and vegetation properties. The regression analysis performed between the vegetation properties and the width:depth ratio or the specific discharge showed very different relationships between groups of transects, due to evident changes in channel morphology and in flow regime locally induced by check dams. Overall we have shown that check dams have far reaching effects in the extent and development of riparian vegetation of mountain torrent reaches, which extend far beyond physical adjustments to changed morphological, hydraulic and sedimentary conditions.
GIS-BASED PALEO-HYDROGRAPHICAL STUDY FOR TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OF THE RENO BASIN USING XVIII CENTURY ANDREA CHIESA HISTORICAL MAPS (BOLOGNA, ITALY)
Authors: Brusa Matteo , Solmi Michele , Vianello Gilmo , Vittori Antisari Livia
Published: June 2012

This paper focuses on the use of GIS with historical maps of the Bologna plain. A. Chiesa was entrusted, in 1732, by the Senate of Bologna to create a geographical map of the entire plain, with particular reference to the waterways, in order to provide an overall view and to plan considerable land reclamation. After digital acquisition, the maps were georeferenced in a new two-stage technique, using the international UTM-WGS84 datum. The elements contained in the maps were digitized using different layers: points for settlements, polylines for the waterways and polygons for marshes. A database was created to complete the digital representation. These data were compared with the current hydrographic situation. The main interest is the understanding of the relationships between paleochannels and micromorphology, in order to prevent hydrogeological risk. The study of the A. Chiesa maps is important to understand the evolution of toponyms, to highlight the centuriation and as a decisional support in territorial development plans. The popularization of the digitally obtained layers over a topographic regional map must be carried out using a webGIS application that is accessible and immediately understandable by the general public.
RURAL LANDSCAPE MULTIFUNCTIONALITY: A GIS BASED APPROACH FOR ASSESSING AREAS CHARACTERISED BY ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
Authors: Sigura Maurizia
Published: June 2012

The concept of multifunctional agriculture refers to the idea that agriculture has many functions in addition to producing food and fiber, like environmental protection, landscape preservation, and rural employment. The UE Common agricultural policy substains multifunctionality in agriculture by rural development plans that provide relevant frameworks to integrate environmental aims into agriculture. Integration of environmental instances with socio economical development is an important element also in natural resources conservation strategies. Recently, a new view of the ecological network concept has been developed to produce a more multiobjective vision that defines the ecological network as a system of natural and/or semi-natural landscape elements, that is configured and managed with the objective of maintaining or restoring ecological functions, while also providing opportunities for the sustainable use of natural resources. The study refers to a method, based on the Geographical Information System (GIS), for assessing the ecological network model in a rural landscape, where human activities are involved. Two models were developed: the landscape model and the connectivity model. The application in the study area showed the capacity of models to identify strategic places for ecological functions. The results pointed out the natural values of the area (matching the protected areas) and the most favourable expected ways of connection, or interruptions, between suitable areas. Agricultural and woodland areas were the main land uses involved in the ecological network structure. The maps which have been obtained can be useful instruments in order to involve policy makers, and other stakeholders, in the decision process on land use planning. In this way, the ecological network model can be a useful instrument in order to give valuable knowledge about environmental functions of rural landscape and to show constraints and possibilities to change the landscape in the boundaries of sustainability.
NEW PHYTOTRON FOR STUDYING THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PLANT PATHOGENS
Authors: Gullino Maria Lodovica , Pugliese Massimo , Paravicini Alessandro , Casulli Enzo , Rettori Andrea , Sanna Mattia , Garibaldi Angelo
Published: June 2012

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its recent fourth assessment report predicts that, because of higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, until 2100 the global mean temperature would rise between 0.6 and 4°C, in combination with changes in precipitation and an increased frequency of extreme weather events. Despite this trend, the extent and mechanisms through which elevated CO2 affects plant diseases remain uncertain. Increases in CO2 and temperatures are also expected to induce complex effects on plant pathogens. Although re- 10 search on the effects of climate change continues to be limited, new tools are permitting to study the effects of climate variables on infection rates in the case of some pathosystems. The shortage of critical epidemiological data on individual plant diseases needs to be addressed using experimental approaches. A useful tool for such types of studies is represented by phytotrons. Hereby, a new phytotron typology, built with the specific aim of studying the effect of climate change on plant disease, is described. Beginning from a general plant overview, key mechanical and electrical systems are described (i.e. air temperature and relative humidity control, lighting and CO2 control system etc.) as environmental parameters and operation cycle are summarized. In particular both parameters which could be set and monitored and those measured and stored are reported. After a suitable testing period, several operation cycles were performed in order to assess the control system’s stability and to optimize the management of all systems involved and the first experimental trials were carried out. The effect of three different simulated climatic conditions: 450 ppm of CO2 with standard temperature (ranging from 18 to 24°C or 18 to 26°C), elevated CO2 (800 ppm) with standard temperature and elevated CO2 (800 ppm) with elevated temperature (4°C higher than standard) on the development of grape powdery and downy mildew were tested.
A NEW PORTABLE INSTRUMENT TO EVALUATE SOFT FLOORING MATERIALS IN DAIRY COW HOUSING
Authors: Liberati Paolo
Published: June 2012

The improvement of flooring materials performance on animal health and welfare requires the support of reliable testing techniques. This is particularly relevant with the synthetic soft coverings used for walking areas since the friction coefficient is not only dependent on the surface characteristics, but also on the penetration of the animal hoof into the material. The paper presents the functioning of a new instrument capable of reproducing more closely the real interaction between the floor surface and the animal foot. The instrument is simple and portable and is suitable both for laboratory measurements and real housing conditions. The measurement is made in two steps: first a probe, shaped as a cow hoof and contacting the testing floor surface, is loaded with a vertical force to obtain a pressure similar to that exerted by the animal; then a pushing force parallel to the floor is applied, at a constant speed, producing a displacement along the surface. The values of the vertical and horizontal strengths required for skidding and the angle of the instrument are continuously measured and by them various parameters can be calculated. The results of the tests carried out in the laboratory and in real dairy houses are presented and, through the analysis of various calculated physical parameters, the main floor properties – more suitable for a previous estimate of the effect on animal welfare – are determined and discussed. In particular, the IPF parameter has been the only one able to predict also the foot escape among all the considered parameters.
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF FARM WINERIES: AN ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY FOR DEFINING META-DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Tassinari Patrizia , Galassi Sergio , Benni Stefano , Torreggiani Daniele
Published: June 2012

The study represents the first step of a broader research aimed at outlining specific building and landscape design criteria for small to medium-sized farm wineries. With reference to a study area of the Emilia- Romagna region (Italy) representative of the regional wine-growing and producing sector, the specific aims of the study are the identification and quantification of the main production parameters, and the formulation of a preliminary framework of dimensional and functional requirements of wineries. We acquired, georeferenced, and analysed the available databases about wine farm production and sizes. We analysed a representative sample of such farms and the national and local codes about building design for that sector. The study has led to the definition of the main characters of the production process and a layout of the main parameters influencing the design process.
TESTING THE GRAIN-SIZE DISTRIBUTION DETERMINED BY LASER DIFFRACTOMETRY FOR SICILIAN SOILS
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Mirabile Stefano
Published: June 2012

In this paper the soil grain-size distribution determined by Laser Diffraction method (LDM) is tested using the Sieve-Hydrometer method (SHM) applied for 747 soil samples representing a different texture classification, sampled in Sicily. 005_Di_Stefano(599)_39 28-12-2011 15:01 Pagina 45 The analysis showed that the sand content measured by SHM can be assumed equal to the one determined by LDM. An underestimation of the clay fraction measured by LDM was obtained with respect to the SHM and a set of equations useful to refer laser diffraction measurements to SHM was calibrated using the measurements carried out for 635 soil samples. Finally, the proposed equations were tested using independent measurements carried out by LDM and SHM for 112 soil samples with a different texture classification.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS IN AGRI-FOOD ENGINEERING
Authors: Fabbri Angelo , Cevoli Chiara , Silaghi Florina Aurelia , Guarnieri Adriano
Published: June 2012

In agri-food engineering many complex problems arise in plant and process design. Specifically the designer has to deal with fluid dynamics, thermal or mechanical problems, often characterized by physics coupling, non-linearity, irregular geometry, anisotropy and in definitive rather high complexity. In recent years, the ever growing availability of computational power at low cost, made these problems more often approached with numerical simulation techniques. Mainly in terms of finite elements and finite volumes. In this paper the fundamentals of numerical methods are briefly recalled and a discussion about their possibility of application in the food and agricultural engineering is developed.
DETERMINATION OF THE FOREST ROAD NETWORK INFLUENCE ON THE SUPPLY CHAIN FOR FIREWOOD PRODUCTION BY DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION
Authors: Cavalli Raffaele , Grigolato Stefano , Pellegrini Marco
Published: June 2012

In this study a Discrete-event simulation (D-es) has been developed to analyze the wood supply chain for firewood production in a mountain area in North-eastern Italy. The D-es is applied in the modeling of extraction (Full Tree System), processing of roundwood into wood assortments (cross-cut and sorting), offroad and on-road transport. In order to estimate the productivity functions and parameters, field studies were conducted to gather data about the different operations linked in the model. Also a GIS network analysis was developed to integrate the spatial information onthe covered distance to the D-es model for each of the supposed Scenarios. The results indicats that an increment of 5 m ha-1 of the forest road network could significantly increase the productivity of the wood supply chain up to 2%.
Editorial
Authors: Guarnieri Adriano
Published: June 2012

Starting from issue number 1/2012, the Associazione Italiana di Ingegneria Agraria (AIIA) has assigned to PAGEPress the Open Access publication of the Journal of Agricultural Engineering (JAE). With the new year, the JAE would like to enhance its accreditation profile and respond to the growing demand from authors for their published papers to be indexed and distributed in the main online directories. To increase the journal’s image in a wider international context, together with the Associate editors Paolo Balsari, Claudio Gandolfi, and Giacomo Scarascia-Mugnozza, the JAE’s Editorial Board has been considerably enlarged, and we are asking our colleagues who have accepted the invitation to take on this role to promote the journal in their own particular field of interest. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity, together with the president of the AIIA, to thank those colleagues who have contributed to the peer-review process over the years.
The impact on the landscape, environment and society of new productive chains in a mountain area: strategies, analysis and future perspectives
Authors: Rainis Simona , Sulli Franco , Cividino Sirio Rossano Secondo , Cossio Eliana
Published: June 2012

Zootechnical farms enhance the preservation and valorization of the environmental value of the surroundings in marginal areas, such as the mountains of Friuli Venezia Giulia. An important tool for relaunching mountain animal husbandry can be the promotion of an appropriate policy to maintain and develop local food chains, supporting typical products, tightly related to the peculiarity of the agro-ecosystem. The aim of the chain Carne della Montagna Friulana-Carne di Qualità is to create a cooperation among primary producers, transformation companies, sellers and research institutes, in order to develop innovative pathways throughout the production of meat in Carnia (UD). The project was designed in 2007/08 but it was operative from 2010, with a first batch of animals. The stakeholders subscribed a chain agreement, adopting production guidelines and a commercial trademark. Since the meat is not yet ready, the present paper is, in part, an analysis of the preliminary modification of the operative context and, in part, a previsional examination of the possible effect of the activation of this production chain on the area. The results investigated economic, social, landscape, technical and technological (related to food safety) elements. It can be observed, by an introductive evaluation, that this productive circuit may valorize the resources of this mountain area and can enhance zootechnics in mountain areas. The guidelines allow a vertical integration throughout the production path, coordinating all the operators. This type of production can be considered a niche product, related to the territory, with the maximum guarantee for the consumers. The environmental worthiness is the recovering and the improving of these marginal, agricultural areas. Actually, an overall evaluation can be done only from the summer of 2011, when data such as the organoleptic and qualitative characteristics, selling prices, level of appreciation by the customers and landscape effects will be available.
Model for the economic, energy and environmental evaluation in biomass productions
Authors: Fiala Marco , Bacenetti Jacopo
Published: June 2012

In the near future, renewable energies will have a decisive role to play in attempts to achieve the ambitious objectives fixed by the European Union. Consequently, not only the economic aspect but also energy and environmental issues of agroenergy chains (AEC) must be carefully evaluated. Software (SE3A) able to assess economic, energy and environmental performance of AEC has been developed. The aim of this paper is to present SE3A and show its usefulness in evaluating different AEC and/or different technical solutions. For the moment, the analysis is restricted to: i) field and ii) post-harvest (transport/storage) phases of the AEC. As an example of SE3A flexibility, economic, energy and environmental costs (EEE costs) related to the cultivation technique used in northern Italy for the poplar short rotation coppice were evaluated.
Algorithms for the interpretation of continuous measurement of the slurry level in storage tanks
Authors: Mazzetto Fabrizio , Sacco Pasqualina , Calcante Aldo
Published: June 2012

This paper describes a device for monitoring the slurry level in storage tanks. In particular, it describes the inference engine used within the StorEyes software. This software was developed by the Authors to interpret and manage data collected from measurements taken by ultrasonic or pressure sensors mounted on slurry tanks for continuous monitoring of the stored effluent level. The monitoring device consists of a data-logger that uses a GPRS device for the wireless transmission of data to a Farm Information System server, a buffer for the temporary storage of data in case of malfunction of the farm network, and a GPS receiver. The inference engine consists of a set of algorithms used to derive from raw measurements (usually in V) intelligible information about the loading/unloading events in storage facilities. The inference engine has been tested and calibrated through two years of acquisitions at two pilot farms with different slurry tank loading and unloading management systems.
PROPHYLAXIS OF MALARIA
Authors: Schwartz Eli
Published: July 2012

Malaria prevention in travelers to endemic areas remains dependent principally on chemoprophylaxis. Although malaria chemoprophylaxis refers to all malaria species, a distinction should be drawn between falciparum malaria prophylaxis and the prophylaxis of the relapsing malaria species (vivax & ovale). While the emergence of drug resistant strains, as well as the costs and adverse reactions to medications, complicate falciparum prophylaxis use,  there are virtually no drugs available for vivax prophylaxis, beside of  primaquine. Based on travelers malaria data, a revised recommendation for using chemoprophylaxis in low risk areas  should be considered
Covering the Unit Sphere of Certain Banach Spaces by Sequences of Slices and Balls
Authors: Fonf Vladimir P. , Zanco Clemente
Published: July 2012

We prove that, given any covering of any infinite-dimensional Hilbert space H by countably many closed balls, some point exists in H which belongs to infinitely many balls. We do that by characterizing isomorphically polyhedral separable Banach spaces as those whose unit sphere admits a point-finite covering by the union of countably many slices of the unit ball.
Development of a climate record of tropospheric and stratospheric column ozone from satellite remote sensing: evidence of an early recovery of global stratospheric ozone
Authors: Ziemke J. R. , Chandra S.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Ozone data beginning October 2004 from the Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) are used to evaluate the accuracy of the Cloud Slicing technique in effort to develop long data records of tropospheric and stratospheric ozone and for studying their long-term changes. Using this technique, we have produced a 32-yr (1979–2010) long record of tropospheric and stratospheric column ozone from the combined Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and OMI. Analyses of these time series suggest that the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is the dominant source of inter-annual variability of stratospheric ozone and is clearest in the Southern Hemisphere during the Aura time record with related inter-annual changes of 30–40 Dobson Units. Tropospheric ozone for the long record also indicates a QBO signal in the tropics with peak-to-peak changes varying from 2 to 7 DU. The most important result from our study is that global stratospheric ozone indicates signature of a recovery occurring with ozone abundance now approaching the levels of year 1980 and earlier. The negative trends in stratospheric ozone in both hemispheres during the first 15 yr of the record are now positive over the last 15 yr and with nearly equal magnitudes. This turnaround in stratospheric ozone loss is occurring about 20 yr earlier than predicted by many chemistry climate models. This suggests that the Montreal Protocol which was first signed in 1987 as an international agreement to reduce ozone destroying substances is working well and perhaps better than anticipated.
Importance of biogenic precursors to the budget of organic nitrates: observations of multifunctional organic nitrates by CIMS and TD-LIF during BEARPEX 2009
Authors: Beaver M. R. , Clair J. M. St. , Paulot F. , Spencer K. M. , Crounse J. D. , LaFranchi B. W. , Min K. E. , Pusede S. E. , Wooldridge P. J. , Schade G. W. , Park C. , Cohen R. C. , Wennberg P. O.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Alkyl and multifunctional organic nitrates, molecules of the chemical form RONO2, are products of chain terminating reactions in the tropospheric HOx and NOx catalytic cycles and thereby impact ozone formation locally. Many of the molecules in the class have lifetimes that are long enough that they can be transported over large distances. If the RONO2 then decompose to deliver NOx to remote regions they affect ozone production rates in locations distant from the original NOx source. While measurements of total RONO2 (ΣANs) and small straight chain alkyl nitrates are routine, measurements of the specific multifunctional RONO2 molecules that are believed to dominate the total have rarely been reported and never reported in coincidence with ambient ΣANs measurements. Here we describe observations obtained during the BEARPEX 2009 experiment including ΣANs and a suite of multifunctional nitrates including isoprene derived hydroxynitrates, oxidation products of those nitrates, 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) derived hydroxynitrates, and monoterpene nitrates. At the BEARPEX field site, the sum of the individual biogenically derived nitrates account for two-thirds of the ΣANs, confirming predictions of the importance of biogenic nitrates to the NOy budget. Isoprene derived nitrates, transported to the site, are a much larger fraction of the ΣANs at the site than the nitrates derived from the locally emitted MBO. Evidence for additional nitrates, possibly from nocturnal chemistry of isoprene and α-pinene, is presented.
Uncertainties in SOA simulations due to meteorological uncertainties in Mexico City during MILAGRO-2006 field campaign
Authors: Bei N. , Li G. , Molina L. T.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the uncertainties in simulating secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in Mexico City metropolitan area (MCMA) due to meteorological initial uncertainties using the WRF-CHEM model through ensemble simulations. The simulated periods (24 and 29 March 2006) represent two typical meteorological episodes ("Convection-South" and "Convection-North", respectively) in the Mexico City basin during the MILAGRO-2006 field campaign. The organic aerosols are simulated using a non-traditional SOA model including the volatility basis-set modeling method and the contributions from glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Model results demonstrate that uncertainties in meteorological initial conditions have significant impacts on SOA simulations, including the peak time concentrations, the horizontal distributions, and the temporal variations. The ensemble spread of the simulated peak SOA at T0 can reach up to 4.0 µg m−3 during the daytime, which is around 35% of the ensemble mean. Both the basin wide wind speed and the convergence area affect the magnitude and the location of the simulated SOA concentrations inside the Mexico City basin. The wind speed, especially during the previous midnight and the following early morning, influences the magnitude of the peak SOA concentration through ventilation. The surface horizontal convergence zone generally determines the area with high SOA concentrations. The magnitude of the ensemble spreads may vary with different meteorological episodes but has same significance compared to the ensemble mean.
Study On the Influence of Network Economy on the Modern Enterprise and Chinese Enterprise Tactics
Authors: Sun Jing
Published: July 2012

The network economy is a new economic model after market economy and network mutual integration，it makes information alternative capital becomes dominant in the economy, due to the Internet characteristics of rapid spread and across geographical, thus make the product transaction costs to reduce and improving the efficiency . This article outlines the concept of network economy and the current situation, analysis of the influence of network economy on the modern enterprise, and Chinese enterprises countermeasures to adapt to the network economy development.
Participatory Budgeting in Local Authorities: Is E-governance the Missing Link? The Case of Harare City Council
Authors: Zinyama Tawanda
Published: July 2012

Harare City Council has both “processes” and “outputs” crises. The processes crisis includes waste, red tape, delay, mismanagement and corruption within the local authority. The outputs crisis involves failure to deliver what it should. Quality of service delivery is poor. E-governance contributes to poverty reduction through making communication easier and more affordable by enabling speedy and secure economic transactions. Participation is central to good governance and an important factor for sustainable development. Local authorities are closest to residents and thus in a better post to effectively drive participation. E-governance therefore means e-participation hence connecting residents of different social, academic, political and cultural backgrounds. The research explores the questions: how does e-governance improve service delivery and good governance such as responsiveness, transparency, accountability, effectiveness governance, improved participation, effectiveness and efficiency. The research findings indicate that the relationship between e-governance and participation is positive and strong. The findings are based on Harare City Council activities, analysis of key documents, views of key informant and content analysis. Recommendations proffered include the coming up with a shared e-governance strategy for Harare City Council by the Ministry of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development and Harare City Council. This must result in website creation. Residents’ awareness must be conducted through workshops, seminars and conferences in order to explain the benefits of e-governance. Human development designed to empower residents with basic ICT skills must be embarked upon.
Synthesis, Crystallographic and Spectral Characterization of a Cadmium Chloride Complex Containing a Novel Imidazo[1,5-a]Pyridine Derivative
Authors: Hakimi Mohammad , Mardani Zahra , Moeini Keyvan , Mohr Fabian , Schuh Esther , Vahedi Hooshang
Published: July 2012

The reaction between 2-(2-amino-ethylamino)ethanol and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde in a 1 : 3 molar ratio gave 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (PPIP) which was characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The study of CSD-deposited structures revealed that PPIP is a new derivative of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine. The cadmium chloride complex of this ligand [Cd(PPIP)Cl2][Cd(PPIP)Cl2]ʹ·3H2O (1) was prepared and identified by elemental analysis, FT-IR, Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the crystal structure of 1, there are two cadmium complexes with slightly different coordination bond lengths and angles. Also water molecules are incorporated in the crystal network. The geometry around the cadmium atom which is coordinated by two pyridine and one imine nitrogen atoms and two chloride ions is distorted square pyramidal. All bond lengths compare well with CSD averages of similar structures. The hydrogen bonds including O-H...Cl and O-H...O present in the crystal structure of 1 are also comparable to those in analogs.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic, Thermal and Electrochemical Studies of Mixed-ligand Complexes of Silver(I) with Derivatives of Benzoyltrifluoroacetonate and 4,4ʹ-Bipyridine, Including the Crystal Structure of [Ag(4,4ʹ-bpy)(tfcpb)]n
Authors: Marandi Farzin , Marandi Afsaneh , Pantenburg Ingo , Meyer Gerd
Published: July 2012

Three new mixed-ligand complexes of silver(I) with 4,4ʹ-bipyridine and derivates of benzoyltrifluoroacetone (Htfpb: 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butandione, Htfcpb: 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(4- chlorophenyl)-1,3-butandione and Htfmpb: 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-butandione) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thermal and electrochemical properties were also studied. The single-crystal structure of [Ag(4,4ʹ-bpy)(tfcpb)]n shows a one-dimensional coordination polymer as a result of 4,4ʹ-bpy bridging. The four-coordinate Ag(I) ions are linked into double chains by Ag...O contacts, which are extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through abundant weak interactions, such as μ...μ, C-H...F, C-H...O, C-H...Cl and F...F contacts.
Photolysis of Aqueous [Os(NH3)5(N2)]2+. Photoreduction of Coordinated Dinitrogen to Hydrazine as a Model for a New Type of Artificial Photosynthesis?
Authors: Kunkely Horst , Vogler Arnd
Published: July 2012

In the absence of oxygen the photolysis of [Os(NH3)5(N2)]2+ leads to the reduction of the N2 ligand according to [OsII(NH3)5(N2)]2+ + H2O → [OsVI(NH3)4N]3+ + N2H4 + OH-. The photochemical formation of hydrazine from N2 is discussed with regard to the photochemical conversion and storage of solar energy.
Characterization of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors as a Feasible Source of Stem Cells for Central Nervous System Applications in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Harris Violaine K. , Faroqui Raihan , Vyshkina Tamara , Sadiq Saud A.
Published: June 2012

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural progenitors (MSC-NPs) are a potential therapeutic source of cells that have been shown to be efficacious in a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis (MS). To examine the feasibility of using MSC-NPs as an autologous source of cells to promote central nervous system (CNS) repair in MS, this study characterized human MSC-NPs from a panel of both MS and non-MS donors. Expanded MSCs showed similar characteristics in terms of growth and cell surface phenotype, regardless of the donor disease status. MSC-NPs derived from all MSCs showed a consistent pattern of gene expression changes that correlated with neural commitment and increased homogeneity. Furthermore, the reduced expression of mesodermal markers and reduced capacity for adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation in MSC-NPs compared with MSCs suggested that MSC-NPs have reduced potential of unwanted mesodermal differentiation upon CNS transplantation. The immunoregulatory function of MSC-NPs was similar to that of MSCs in their ability to suppress T-cell proliferation and to promote expansion of FoxP3-positive T regulatory cells in vitro. In addition, MSC-NPs promoted oligodendroglial differentiation from brain-derived neural stem cells that correlated with the secretion of bioactive factors. Our results provide a set of identity characteristics for autologous MSC-NPs and suggest that the in vitro immunoregulatory and trophic properties of these cells may have therapeutic value in the treatment of MS.
Concise Review: Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts for Cardiac Surgery: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Kurobe Hirotsugu , Maxfield Mark W. , Breuer Christopher K. , Shinoka Toshiharu
Published: June 2012

In surgical repair for heart or vascular disease, it is often necessary to implant conduits or correct tissue defects. The most commonly used graft materials to date are (a) artificial grafts; (b) autologous tissues, such as pericardium and saphenous vein; (c) allografts; and (d) xenografts. However, none of these four options offer growth potential, and all are associated with varying levels of thrombogenicity and susceptibility to infection. The lack of growth potential of these four options is particularly important in pediatric cardiac surgery, where patients will often outgrow their vascular grafts and require additional operations. Thus, developing a material with sufficient durability and growth potential that will function as the child grows older will eliminate the need for reoperation and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of some types of congenital heart defects. Vascular tissue engineering is a relatively new field that has undergone enormous growth over the last decade. The goal of vascular tissue engineering is to produce neovessels and neo-organ tissue from autologous cells using a biodegradable polymer as a scaffold. The most important advantage of tissue-engineered implants is that these tissues can grow, remodel, rebuild, and respond to injury. Once the seeded autologous cells have deposited an extracellular matrix and the original scaffold is biodegraded, the tissue resembles and behaves as native tissue. When tissue-engineered vascular grafts are eventually put to use in the clinical arena, the quality of life in patients after surgery will be drastically improved.
Introduction to Genetic Processes in Transplantation
Authors: Santiago-Sim Teresa , Colosimo Sarah , Powner David J.
Published: June 2012

Recent investigations have explored how analyses of genetic DNA from organ donors and recipients may be helpful during organ allocation so as to reduce graft rejection or improve dosing of immunosuppressive medications. This discussion reviews those data and the processes by which genetic coding controls the production of protein that is important in cellular structure and function during donor and recipient care. Changes in gene structure (polymorphisms or mutations) may occur spontaneously or as a result of cell interactions with environmental factors, and may be associated with recognized diseases or, potentially, could reduce or worsen graft rejection.
Expanded Criteria Living Donors: How Far Can We Go?
Authors: Serur David , Charlton Marian
Published: June 2012

In an effort to expand the deceased donor pool, transplant centers have accepted expanded criteria donors as appropriate for many of the patients in the deceased donor pool. Translating this into the living donor pool is more complex. One must consider not only the quality of the organ procured but the consequences that the nephrectomy might have on the living donors for the rest of their lives. This review examines the available data on higher risk donors and the appropriateness, or lack thereof, of accepting them as kidney donors.
Increasing Donor Designation through Black Churches: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Andrews Ann M. , Zhang Nanhua , Magee John C. , Chapman Remonia , Langford Aisha T. , Resnicow Ken
Published: June 2012

Context

African Americans are disproportionately represented among those awaiting a transplant, but many are reluctant to donate their organs.

Objective

To test the effectiveness of using lay health advisors to increase organ donation among church members.

Design

Churches were pair-matched by average estimated income and size and then randomized to 1 of 2 interventions: one addressing organ donation and the other addressing increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Setting

Twenty-two African American churches in Southeast Michigan.

Patients or Other Participants

Church members were trained to serve as lay health advisors (called peer leaders).

Interventions

Peer leaders conducted organ donation discussions with church groups and showed a DVD created for this program that was tailored to African American churches.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was verified registration in the state's donor registry. Participants also completed pre/post questionnaires regarding their attitudes about organ donation.

Results

Once clustering, baseline value, and demographics were adjusted for, the intervention and comparison groups did not differ on any of the 3 attitude scales on the posttest. In logistic regression analysis, with baseline donation status, demographics, and church clustering controlled for, the odds of self-reported enrollment at 1-year posttest did not differ by condition (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.87–1.72). A total of 211 enrollments in the state registry from participating churches were verified. Of these, 163 were from intervention churches and 48 were from comparison churches.

Conclusions

Use of lay health advisors through black churches can increase minority enrollment in a donor registry even absent change in attitudes.
Overcoming Alterations in Body Image Imposed by the Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Case Report
Authors: Marcuccilli Linda , Casida Jesus (Jessie)
Published: June 2012

Little is known about clothing issues among patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This article describes the experience of a woman who had challenges in adapting to an altered body image imposed by the external components of the LVAD system. The woman discusses her problems about clothes that fit her personal style and shares her strategies and recommendations in overcoming the problem. Her description of how she approached and resolved the problem is situated within the Apparel Body Construct Model. In this context, appropriate selection of apparel is crucial not only to preserving the integrity and function of the LVAD system but also to the recipient's satisfaction with her body image. The information presented is a catalyst for knowledge development and heightening health care providers' awareness of patients' perception of body image, which is vital to adapting to an LVAD as a component of the recipient's body and life.
Gene Delivery Using Helper Virus‐Free HSV‐1 Amplicon Vectors
Authors: Laimbacher Andrea S. , Fraefel Cornel
Published: July 2012

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1)‐based amplicon vectors contain only a very small percentage of the 152‐kbp viral genome. Consequently, replication and packaging of amplicons depend on helper functions that are provided either by replication‐defective mutants of HSV‐1 or by replication‐competent, but packaging‐defective, HSV‐1 genomes. Sets of cosmids that overlap and represent the entire HSV‐1 genome can form, via homologous recombination, circular replication‐competent viral genomes, which give rise to infectious virus progeny. However, if the DNA cleavage/packaging signals are deleted, reconstituted virus genomes are not packageable, but still provide all the helper functions required for the packaging of cotransfected amplicon DNA. The resulting stocks of packaged amplicon vectors are essentially free of contaminating helper virus. This unit describes the cotransfection of amplicon and cosmid or bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA into 2‐2 cells by cationic liposome‐mediated transfection and the harvesting of packaged vector particles. Support protocols provide methods for preparing cosmid and BAC DNA and determining the titers of amplicon stocks. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 60:4.14.1‐4.14.21. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assays for Investigating deSUMOylation Enzymes
Authors: Madu Ikenna G. , Chen Yuan
Published: July 2012

Post‐translational modifications by the SUMO (Small Ubiquitin‐like MOdifier) family of proteins are recently discovered essential regulatory mechanisms. All SUMO proteins are synthesized as larger precursors that are matured by SUMO‐specific proteases, known as SENPs, which remove several C‐terminal amino acids of SUMO to expose the Gly‐Gly motif. SENPs also remove SUMO modifications from target proteins, making this modification highly dynamic. At least six deSUMOylation enzymes, all of which are encoded by essential genes, have been identified in mammals. SENP1 has been shown to play an important role in the development of prostate cancer and in angiogenesis. This unit describes and discusses methods for characterizing the deSUMOylation enzymes. These assays enable the identification of inhibitors of these enzymes and investigation of their mechanism of inhibition in order to develop research tools and future therapeutics. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 99:10.30.1‐10.30.13. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.