bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Runner and Gating Systems for the Investment Casting of 431 Stainless Steel Netting Hook through Numerical Simulation
Authors: Suwankan Patrpimol , Sornsuwit Nuttaphong , Poolthong Nuchthana
Published: August 2015

In the production of netting hook, which requires wear resistance and long service life enabling the fishing net production with high efficiency, there has been some studies to achieve its forming method for high durability and designated smooth surface. The process of investment casting or known as “lost wax casting” is one of casting methods to fabricate metal part with a complex shape. Flow behavior of stainless steel grade 431 at the temperature higher than 1600°C is a critical factor in casting mold design of the lost wax process. In the study, CAST-DESINERTMsimulating software was used to analyze flow of liquid metal to clarify the solidification of SS431 which caused defects in the product. Non-preferred heat transfer phenomena and using of the unsuitable mold design normally lead to defects in casting such as misruns, cold shuts, shrinkage, pin holes and porosity. Parameters in casting such as pouring temperature, preheating temperature, preheat time, pouring rate and cooling rate were given by the current production condition. The experimental design technique for simulation analysis of casting and gating system has been designed to be consistent and appropriate to the casting part. The cross-sectional design of the runner was two types of hexagonal and circular cross-section runner. The angle of gating system was kept constant at 90 degrees to the runner. As a results of the simulations, shrinkage porosity, filling time as well as solidification time were used to evaluate the cross-sectional design of runners. It was found that a circular cross-section runner led to the shorter filling time than a hexagonal one. Furthermore, there was no remarkable difference of shrinkage porosity in all simulated conditions. However, in terms of filling time, the results depended on the combination of runner design and gating system.
Deep Floating Platform with Storage Facilities
Authors: Advocaat Jan-Diederik , Munkeby Jan M. , Jørgensen Jill , Rioda Marco , Østlund Hilde Benedikte
Published: August 2015

This paper is based on a study for a Barents Sea development with the objective to develop an Arctic deep water platform with the possibility to integrate oil storage that demonstrates the overall functionality of such a concept with regard to HSE, constructability, operability, maintainability and offloading capability. The design proposed is a CONDEEP™ Deep Floater platform consisting of a number of cylindrical concrete cells in clusters.
On Full-Scale Ship Performance Measurements
Authors: Wilkman Göran , Leiviskä Topi , Heinonen Teemu , Niini Mikko
Published: August 2015

The development of icebreaking ships started systematically in late 1960ies. That time also it came quite common to also perform model tests in ice. Model tests are used to make comparisons with alternative designs. Full-scale tests are used for two main purposes; to verify the performance of a vessel built and to create correlation data base to be able better scale up model test results. One of the key issues is the guaranteed performance of a vessel which means that in the shipbuilding contract there is the clause containing for instance the icebreaking capability of the vessel. In uniform level ice it could be a speed and ice thickness. During the last 40 + years the full-scale onboard vessel tests by Aker Arctic and its predecessors; namely W& ärtsil& ä Ice Model Basin (WIMB), W& ärtsil& ä Arctic Research Centre (WARC) and Masa-Yards Arctic Research Centre (MARC), consist of a total of 96 different vessels tested on 140 occasions. These tests include in addition to vessel performance verification also measurements on propulsion loads and hull stress. In addition there have been numerous research projects and projects on vessel operations.

This paper will summarize and discuss the extent of work performed in full scale testing concentrating on vessel performance, what and how things have been done.
Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of the lamellae of oocytes in atretic follicles in relation to different processes of cell death
Authors: Escobar M.L. , EcheverrÃ­a O.M. , GarcÃ­a G. , OrtÃ­z R. , VÃ¡zquez-Nin G.H.
Published: August 2015

Atresia is the process through which non-selectable oocytes are eliminated; it involves apoptosis and/or autophagy. This study used immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques to characterize the lamellae present in the cytoplasm of oocytes in follicles in the process of atresia in prepubertal and adult Wistar rats. The results indicate that the lamellae are positive to tubulin and myosin immunodetection under light and electron microscopy. Labeling is greater with anti-tubulin and lesser with anti-myosin. Our observations indicate that lamellae are present in oocytes at the initial antral stage in prepubertal rats; that is, from day 14 post-birth to adult age. We were able to determine that the increase in altered lamellae principally occurs in the apoptotic cells rather than in the autophagic cells.
Corynebacterium CDC Group G Native and Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Sattar Adil , Yu Siegfried , Koirala Janak
Published: August 2015

We report the first case of native and recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis with Corynebacterium CDC group G, a rarely reported cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Previously, there have been only two cases reported for prosthetic valve IE caused by these organisms. A 69-year-old female with a known history of mitral valve regurgitation presented with a 3-day history of high-grade fever, pleuritic chest pain and cough. Echocardiography confirmed findings of mitral valve thickening consistent with endocarditis, which subsequently progressed to become large and mobile vegetations. Both sets of blood cultures taken on admission were positive for Corynebacterium CDC group G. Despite removal of a long-term venous access port, the patient’s presumed source of line associated bacteremia, mitral valve replacement, and aggressive antibiotic therapy, the patient had recurrence of vegetations on the prosthetic valve. She underwent replacement of her prosthetic mitral valve in the subsequent 2 weeks, before she progressed to disseminated intravascular coagulation and expired. Although they are typically considered contaminants, corynebacteria, in the appropriate clinical setting, should be recognized, identified, and treated as potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in the case of line-associated bacteremias, and native and prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Lymphatic Dissemination in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Following Local Treatment
Authors: Thomaidou Elena , Horev Liran , Jotkowitz Deborah , Zamir Mariana , Ingber Arieh , Enk Claes D. , Molho-Pessach Vered
Published: August 2015

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is diverse in its clinical presentation but usually demonstrates an erythematous, infiltrated, ulcerated, and crusted papule or nodule in exposed areas of the body. Rare clinical features have been reported including lymphatic dissemination, usually with subcutaneous nodules along lymphatic channels. Herein, we present six patients suffering from Old World CL with lymphatic dissemination characterized by sporotrichoid subcutaneous nodules along the lymphatic channels draining the primary lesion. Patients' history, clinical and laboratory findings were collected and summarized. Lymphatic dissemination of CL in our patients manifested as subcutaneous nodules without epidermal involvement within the axis of lymphatic drainage toward the regional lymph node, at times accompanied by regional lymphadenopathy. In all patients, the lymphatic dissemination was not present at initial diagnosis of CL, appearing only after local (topical or intralesional) treatment was initiated. In three patients, the subcutaneous nodules resolved without systemic treatment. Lymphatic dissemination of Old World CL is not uncommon and may possibly be triggered by local treatment. It should be recognized by dermatologists, especially those working in endemic areas. Systemic treatment may be not necessary since spontaneous resolution may occur.
Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Schoolchildren and in Pregnant Women from an Amazonian Region in Orellana Province, Ecuador
Authors: Carrera Vargas Caty , Narváez Alberto Orlando , Muzzio Aroca Jenny , Shiguango Gonzalo , Robles Luiggi Martini , Herrera Claudia , Dumonteil Eric
Published: August 2015

Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and about 230,000 persons are estimated to be infected in Ecuador. However, limited studies have been performed in the Amazon region, on the eastern side of the country. We evaluated here the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in 12 rural villages of the Loreto canton, Orellana Province in schoolchildren aged 5–15 years and in pregnant women. A total of 1,649 blood samples were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect hemaglutination, and discordant samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay. We detected a seroprevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies of 1.3% in schoolchildren aged 5–15 years, indicating the persistence of a constant and active vectorial transmission in the Loreto County and confirming the need of the implementation of nonconventional vector control. We also observed a seroprevalence of 3.8% in pregnant women, indicating a clear risk of congenital transmission. Further studies should help define this risk more precisely and implement current international guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of these cases.
Potential Impact of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention on the Acquisition of Antibodies Against Glutamate-Rich Protein and Apical Membrane Antigen 1 in Children Living in Southern Senegal
Authors: Ndiaye Magatte , Sylla Khadime , Sow Doudou , Tine Roger , Faye Babacar , Ndiaye Jean Louis , Dieng Yemou , Lo Aminata Collé , Abiola Annie , Cisse Badara , Ndiaye Daouda , Theisen Michael , Gaye Oumar , Alifrangis Michael
Published: August 2015

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is defined as the intermittent administration of full treatment courses of an antimalarial drug to children during the peak of malaria transmission season with the aim of preventing malaria-associated mortality and morbidity. SMC using sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) combined with amodiaquine (AQ) is a promising strategy to control malaria morbidity in areas of highly seasonal malaria transmission. However, a concern is whether SMC can delay the natural acquisition of immunity toward malaria parasites in areas with intense SMC delivery. To investigate this, total IgG antibody (Ab) responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigens glutamate-rich protein R0 (GLURP-R0) and apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in Senegalese children under the age of 10 years in 2010 living in Saraya and Velingara districts (with SMC using SP + AQ [SMC+] since 2007) and Tambacounda district (without SMC (SMC−)). For both P. falciparum antigens, total IgG response were significantly higher in the SMC− compared with the SMC+ group (for GLURP-R0, P < 0.001 and for AMA-1, P = 0.001). There was as well a nonsignificant tendency for higher percentage of positive responders in the SMC− compared with the SMC+ group (for GLURP-R0: 22.2% versus 14.4%, respectively [P = 0.06]; for AMA-1: 45.6% versus 40.0%, respectively [P = 0.24]). Results suggest that long-term malaria chemoprevention by SMC/SP + AQ have limited impact on the development of acquired immunity, as tested using the P. falciparum antigens GLURP-R0 and AMA-1. However, other factors, not measured in this study, may interfere as well.
Use of Rapid Influenza Testing to Reduce Antibiotic Prescriptions Among Outpatients with Influenza-Like Illness in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Tillekeratne L. Gayani , Bodinayake Champica K. , Nagahawatte Ajith , Vidanagama Dhammika , Devasiri Vasantha , Arachchi Wasantha Kodikara , Kurukulasooriya Ruvini , De Silva Aruna Dharshan , Østbye Truls , Reller Megan E. , Woods Christopher W.
Published: August 2015

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are a common reason for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions worldwide. Our objective was to determine if providing access to rapid influenza test results could reduce antibiotic prescriptions for ARTIs in a resource-limited setting. We conducted a prospective, pre-post study from March 2013 to October 2014. Outpatients presenting to a hospital in Sri Lanka were surveyed for influenza-like illness–onset of fever ≥ 38.0°C and cough in prior 7 days. Enrolled patients were administered a structured questionnaire, physical examination, and nasal/nasopharyngeal sampling for rapid influenza A/B testing. Influenza test results were released only during phase 2 (January–October 2014). We enrolled 571 patients with ILI–316 in phase 1 and 241 in phase 2. The proportion positive for influenza was 46.5% in phase 1 and 28.6% in phase 2, P < 0.001. Between phases, antibiotic prescriptions decreased from 81.3% to 69.3% (P = 0.001) among all patients and from 83.7% to 62.3% (P = 0.001) among influenza-positive patients. On multivariable analysis, a positive influenza result during phase 2 was associated with lower odds of antibiotic prescriptions (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26–0.95). This prospective study suggests that providing access to rapid influenza testing may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in resource-limited settings.
The benefits and limitations of using cricket as a sport for development tool in Samoa
Authors: Khoo Chris , Schulenkorf Nico , Adair Daryl
Published: August 2015

This study investigates benefits and challenges associated with the use of sport – in this case cricket – as a community development tool in Samoa. This Pacific Island nation, like others in the region, has been the focus of various development programs in the post-colonial era, with developed economy neighbours like Australia and New Zealand providing aid funding. Some of that has involved sport as a development tool, underpinned either by funding from the national government, foreign aid agencies, or a combination of both. The present paper, by focusing on a cricket for development (CFD) program in Samoa, aims to explore outcomes and limitations associated with the use of sport as a community engagement tool. The paper pursues that goal by examining the activities of relevant sport and government organisations, and – most crucially – it interviews key stakeholders involved in the CFD process in Samoa. In short, the prime purpose of this paper is to identify and interpret – from the perspective of locals – whether the CFD program has brought benefits to Samoan communities, and the challenges and limitations they see thus far. This is important because, to date, there has been an absence of qualitative inquiry into the efficacy of sport for development (SFD) programs in Samoa, and very limited research in a Pacific Islands context.
What is the limit of climate engineering by stratospheric injection of SO2?
Authors: Niemeier U. , Timmreck C.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The injection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere to form an artificial stratospheric aerosol layer is discussed as an option for solar radiation management. The related reduction of radiative forcing depends upon the injected amount of sulfur dioxide, but aerosol model studies indicate a decrease in forcing efficiency with increasing injection rate. None of these studies, however, consider injection rates greater than 20 Tg(S) yr−1. But this would be necessary to counteract the strong anthropogenic forcing expected if "business as usual" emission conditions continue throughout this century. To understand the effects of the injection of larger amounts of SO2, we have calculated the effects of SO2 injections up to 100 Tg(S) yr−1. We estimate the reliability of our results through consideration of various injection strategies and from comparison with results obtained from other models. Our calculations show that the efficiency of such a geoengineering method, expressed as the ratio between sulfate aerosol forcing and injection rate, decays exponentially. This result implies that the sulfate solar radiation management strategy required to keep temperatures constant at that anticipated for 2020, while maintaining business as usual conditions, would require atmospheric injections of approximately 45 Tg(S) yr−1 (±15 % or 7 Tg(S) yr−1) at a height corresponding to 60 hPa. This emission is equivalent to 5 to 7 times the Mt. Pinatubo eruption each year.
Detailed budget analysis of HONO in central London reveals a missing daytime source
Authors: Lee J. D. , Whalley L. K. , Heard D. E. , Stone D. , Dunmore R. E. , Hamilton J. F. , Young D. E. , Allan J. D. , Laufs S. , Kleffmann J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Measurements of HONO were carried out at an urban background site near central London as part of the Clean air for London (ClearfLo) project in summer 2012. Data was collected from 22 July–18 August 2014, with peak values of up to 1.8 ppbV at night and non-zero values of between 0.2 and 0.6 ppbV seen during the day. A wide range of other gas phase, aerosol, radiation and meteorological measurements were made concurrently at the same site, allowing a detailed analysis of the chemistry to be carried out. The peak HONO/NOx ratio of 0.04 is seen at ~ 02:00 UTC, with the presence of a second, daytime peak in HONO/NOx of similar magnitude to the night-time peak suggesting a significant secondary daytime HONO source. A photostationary state calculation of HONO involving formation from the reaction of OH and NO and loss from photolysis, reaction with OH and dry deposition shows a significant underestimation during the day, with calculated values being close to zero, compared to the measurement average of 0.4 ppbV at midday. The addition of further HONO sources, including postulated formation from the reaction of HO2 with NO2 and photolysis of HNO3, increases the daytime modelled HONO to 0.1 ppbV, still leaving a significant extra daytime source. The missing HONO is plotted against a series of parameters including NO2 and OH reactivity, with little correlation seen. Much better correlation is observed with the product of these species with j(NO2), in particular NO2 and the product of NO2 with OH reactivity. This suggests the missing HONO source is in some way related to NO2 and also requires sunlight. The effect of the missing HONO to OH radical production is also investigated and it is shown that the model needs to be constrained to measured HONO in order to accurately reproduce the OH radical measurements.
Polar Stratospheric Cloud evolution and chlorine activation measured by CALIPSO and MLS, and modelled by ATLAS
Authors: Nakajima H. , Wohltmann I. , Wegner T. , Takeda M. , Pitts M. C. , Poole L. R. , Lehmann R. , Santee M. L. , Rex M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We examined observations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) by CALIPSO and of HCl, ClO and HNO3 by MLS along air mass trajectories to investigate the dependence of the inferred PSC composition on the temperature history of the air parcels, and the dependence of the level of chlorine activation on PSC composition. Several case studies based on individual trajectories from the Arctic winter 2009/10 were conducted, with the trajectories chosen such that the first processing of the air mass by PSCs in this winter occurred on the trajectory. Transitions of PSC composition classes were observed to be highly dependent on the temperature history. In cases of a gradual temperature decrease, nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) and super-cooled ternary solution (STS) mixture clouds were observed. In cases of rapid temperature decrease, STS clouds were first observed, followed by NAT/STS mixture clouds. When temperatures dropped below the frost point, ice clouds formed, and then transformed into NAT/STS mixture clouds when temperature increased above the frost point. The threshold temperature for rapid chlorine activation on PSCs is approximately 4 K below the NAT existence temperature, TNAT. Furthermore, simulations of the ATLAS chemistry and transport box model along the trajectories were used to corroborate the measurements and show good agreement with the observations. Rapid chlorine activation was observed when an airmass encountered PSCs. The observed and modelled dependence of the rate of chlorine activation on the PSC composition class was small. Usually, chlorine activation was limited by the amount of available ClONO2. Where ClONO2 was not the limiting factor, a large dependence on temperature was evident.
Contrasting pH buffering patterns in neutral-alkaline soils along a 3600 km transect in northern China
Authors: Luo W. , Nelson P. N. , Li M.-H. , Cai J. , Zhang Y. , Zhang Y. , Shan Y. , Wang R. , Han X. , Jiang Y.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Soil pH buffering capacity (pHBC) plays a crucial role in predicting acidification rates, yet its large-scale patterns and controls are poorly understood, especially for neutral-alkaline soils. Here, we evaluated the spatial patterns and drivers of pHBC along a 3600 km long transect (1900 km sub-transect with carbonate containing soils and 1700 km sub-transect with non-carbonate containing soils) across northern China. Soil pHBC was greater in the carbonate containing soils than in the non-carbonate containing soils. Acid addition decreased soil pH in the non-carbonate containing soils more markedly than in the carbonate containing soils. Within the carbonate soil sub-transect, soil pHBC was positively correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), carbonate content and exchangeable sodium (Na) concentration, but negatively correlated with initial pH and clay content, and not correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Within the non-carbonate sub-transect, soil pHBC was positively related to initial pH, clay content, CEC and exchangeable Na concentration, but not related to SOC content. Carbonate content was the primary determinant of pHBC in the carbonate containing soils and CEC was the main determinant of buffering capacity in the non-carbonate containing soils. Soil pHBC was positively related to aridity index and carbonate content across the carbonate containing soil sub-transect. Our results indicated that mechanisms controlling pHBC differ among neutral-alkaline soils of northern China, especially between carbonate and non-carbonate containing soils, leading to different rates, risks, and impacts of acidification. This understanding should be incorporated into the acidification risk assessment and landscape management in a changing world.
A Factorial Snowpack Model (FSM 1.0)
Authors: Essery R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. A model for the coupled mass and energy balances of snow on the ground requires representations of absorption of solar radiation by snow, heat conduction in snow, compaction of snow, transfer of heat to snow from the air, and retention and refreezing of meltwater in snow. Many such models exist, but it has proven hard to relate their relative performances to the complexity of their process representations. This paper describes the systematic development of an open-source snowpack model with two levels of representation for each of the five processes mentioned above, allowing factorial experimental designs with 32 different model configurations. The model is demonstrated using driving and evaluation data recorded over one winter at an alpine site.
Regional trends and controlling factors of fatal landslides in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Sepúlveda S. A. , Petley D. N.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. A new data set of landslides that caused loss of life in Latin America and the Caribbean in the 10-year period from 2004 and 2013 inclusive has been compiled, providing new insight into the impact of landslides in this key part of the world. This data set indicates that in the 10-year period a total of 11 631 people lost their lives across the region in 611 landslides. The geographical distribution of the landslides is highly heterogeneous, with areas of high incidence in parts of the Caribbean (most notably Haiti), Central America, Colombia, and southeast Brazil. There is significant interannual variation in the number of landslides, with the El Niño/La Niña cycle emerging as a key control. Our analysis suggests that on a continental scale the mapped factors that best explain the observed distribution are topography, annual precipitation and population density. On a national basis we have compared the occurrence of fatality-inducing landslide occurrence with the production of locally authored research articles, demonstrating that there is a landslide research deficit in Latin America and the Caribbean. Understanding better the mechanisms, distribution causes and triggers of landslides in Latin America and the Caribbean must be an essential first step towards managing the hazard.
Enhancing the Industrial PhD Programme as a Policy Tool for University—Industry Cooperation
Authors: Roolaht Tõnu
Published: August 2015

The changing role of universities in society includes the increasing expectation that academic institutions should engage in collaboration with companies. Industrial PhD programmes are educational tools for building bridges between the academic sector and industry. In these programmes, the PhD student studies and carries out research while being employed in a knowledge-based company or R&D agency. Having reviewed current practice in Estonia and elsewhere, suggestions are offered for improving the use of industrial PhD programmes as a cooperation policy tool. It is argued that these enhancements could help to facilitate university–industry cooperation and therefore could foster the transition to a knowledge-based service society and improve productivity.
Envisioning Workforce Training Differently: The Obama ‘Free’ Community College Initiative
Authors: Holland Brian
Published: August 2015

Education, particularly at the post-secondary level, does not come cheaply in the USA, with the increase in annual tuition costs far outpacing the inflation rate during the same time period. A core tenet of US President Obama's domestic policy agenda is the belief that increased educational attainment can potentially lead to better economic prospects. As a result of the financial hardship that higher education brings to low-income and middle-income individuals and families, access to these educational opportunities and their benefits are not then fully realized. In response, President Obama has called for a ‘universal community college’, where tuition costs are reduced to zero. The intent and effect of the ‘universal community college’ initiative are identified and this commentary also suggests that additional scrutiny is needed with four questions to ensure that the programme design will later translate into meaningful outcomes, if this policy were to pass in Congress.
MENSURANDO A DEMOCRACIA NOS GOVERNOS ESTADUAIS: UMA PROPOSTA PARA CONSTRUÇÃO DO ÍNDICE DE CAPACIDADE INSTITUCIONAL DOS CONSELHOS DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS (ICI)
Authors: Da Silva André Luis Nogueira , De Souza Damião Ernane
Published: August 2015

A tarefa de mensurar/avaliar a democracia brasileira ainda é um desafio para as ciências sociais, principalmente no contexto brasileiro cujo modelo democrático participativo requer ampla investigação sobre a efetividade de suas instituições, especialmente, os Conselhos de políticas públicas e seu potencial democratizante. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor um índice que permita mensurar a capacidade institucional dos Conselhos estaduais em influenciar as políticas públicas. O Índice de Capacidade Institucional dos Conselhos (ICI) foi construído com base nas características colocadas pela literatura como essenciais para o funcionamento destas instituições, utilizando como os dados extraídos da Pesquisa de Informações Básicas Estaduais 2012 (ESTADIC) do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). No Brasil, o ICI encontrado para todos os conselhos de políticas públicas foi de 0,616. Na análise por região, a Sudeste apresentou o menor ICI (0,536) e a Centro-Oeste o maior ICI (0,722). Setores como transporte, segurança pública, esporte e habitação apresentaram ICI abaixo de 0,4, com destaque para o transporte com ICI de 0,181 e segurança pública com ICI de 0,276. Por outro lado, áreas como saúde, educação, assistência social e meio ambiente apresentaram ICI superior a 0,6. Observou-se, portanto que o porte econômico da região não apresenta relação direta com a capacidade institucional dos conselhos de políticas públicas, ao mesmo tempo em que áreas estratégicas como transporte, segurança pública, esporte e habitação apresentaram reduzida capacidade institucional mensurada pelo ICI, indicando fragilidade na participação social nos processos decisórios nestas áreas. Por outro lado, em áreas com forte influência indutora da União, observou-se maior capacidade institucional.
Surface topography and mechanical properties of flax fibres modified glass ionomer restorative materials
Authors: Abou  Neel Ensanya Ali. , Chrzanowski Wojciech
Published: August 2015

Objectives: Regardless of the excellent adhesive and biological properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs), their poor mechanical properties and abrasion resistance limit their application to non-load bearing areas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of flax fibres incorporation on surface and mechanical properties of GIC filling materials. Methods: Short chopped flax fibres were randomly incorporated into GIC at 0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 25 wt%. Surface hardness, distribution of different phases, stiffness map, phase separation and uniformity of the material were investigated. Results: Addition of flax fibres produced no significant change in Vicker hardness number of GIC. Qualitative imaging using atomic force microscopy showed the presence of a single phase in GIC, while biphasic structure was observed for flax fibres modified GICs (FFMGICs). For all tested formulations, the flax fibres, however, were uniformly distributed and well integrated within the GIC matrix without any visible interfacial separation. Incorporation of flax fibres was associated with a significant increase in surface roughness and stiffness. The roughness values obtained for all tested formulations, however, are far below the threshold values for bacterial adhesion and plaque accumulation. Conclusions: Flax fibres modified GICs could be potentially used in high stress bearing areas.
Pragmatism, Holism, and the Concept of Law
Authors: Dyrda Adam Michał
Published: August 2015

Pragmatism, Holism, and the Concept of Law

When discussing O. W. Holmes’s answer to the question What constitutes the law? Morton White underlines the fact that Holmes’s inquiry didn’t focus on developing the concept of law. White states: '…Holmes said little in The Path of the Law about the notion of legal authority, perhaps because he was interested not in what he called a "useless quintessence of all legal systems" but in "an accurate anatomy of one"'. Such ambition (or lack of ambition) is characteristic of many pragmatic enterprises in the field of jurisprudence. However, sometimes the opposition between legal pragmatism and other legal theories is built upon a reference to the notion of the 'nature' or 'essence' of law. Many legal philosophers who aim to reveal the very 'nature of law' (or 'the concept of law' as H. L. A. Hart did) try to interpret Holmes and other pragmatists as offering a competitive view to their own. I will follow White’s early intuition that such a construal of the controversy is simply wrong. Afterwards I will sketch a portrait of legal pragmatism in the context of White’s own inquiry and his version of 'holistic pragmatism'; thirdly, I will present in brief the main reasons for exploring the concept of law in the contemporary analytic philosophy of law. Then I will show that traditionally 'pragmatic' and 'analytic' efforts in legal theory are situated on different levels of generality and conceptuality. However, these efforts can be, at least to some extent, reordered under the aegis of holistic pragmatism.
Možné souvislosti mezi blízkými vztahy vysokoškolských studentů, vnímáním stresu a používáním copingových strategií
Authors: Roďanová Martina , Lacinová Lenka
Published: August 2015

Výzkumná studie mapovala vztahy mezi citovou vazbou v mladé dospělosti, stresem a jeho zvládáním. Konkrétním cílem práce bylo prověřit souvislost mezi vyhýbavostí/úzkostností v citové vazbě, repertoárem copingových strategií a vnímáním stresu. Dále byl prozkoumán i vztah citové vazby a flexibility ve zvládání stresu. Sledovanou populací byli vysokoškolští studenti ve věku 19–30 let, výzkumný soubor tvořilo 417 respondentů. Výzkum byl realizován pomocí Dotazníku struktury vztahů (ECR-RS, Fraley et al., 2011), Škály flexibility ve zvládání stresu (CFS; Kato, 2012) a vlastní metody, která se sestávala ze 6 vinět popisujících stresové situace. Pomocí regresních analýz byl potvrzen pozitivní vztah mezi mírou vyhýbavost ve vztahu k rodičům a rozsahem repertoáru copingových strategií a negativní vztah mezi mírou vyhýbavosti ve vztahu k otci a využíváním adaptivního copingu jako složky copingové flexibility. V rámci mediačních analýz se nepodařilo prokázat, že je repertoár copingových strategií mediátorem vztahu mezi citovou vazbou a vnímáním stresu. The aim of the empirical study was to determine whether anxiety/avoidance with mother, father and partner is related to coping strategies repertoire and to coping flexibility. Another aim was to determine whether the coping strategies repertoire mediate the relationship between attachment in adulthood and stress appraisal. The research sample included 417 college students from 19 to 30 years old. Coping strategy repertoire and stress appraisal were assessed by personally-designed set of vignettes. Coping flexibility was measured by Coping Flexibility Scale (Kato, 2012) and attachment was assessed by Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS; Fraley et al., 2011). Regression analysis discovered the positive relationship between avoidance with parents and coping strategies repertoire and negative relationship between avoidance with father and adaptive coping. Coping strategies repertoire did not mediate the relationship between attachment in adulthood and stress appraisal.
Vote stratégique au Québec : analyse de l’élection de 2012
Authors: Daoust Jean-François
Published: August 2015

Bien que le vote stratégique soit un thème récurrent lors des campagnes provinciales électorales québécoises, aucune étude n’a analysé le vote stratégique au Québec. En utilisant un sondage du projet Making Electoral Democracy Work, cet article comble cette lacune dans la littérature et analyse l’élection québécoise de 2012 en répondant à deux objectifs principaux : déterminer la proportion de votes stratégiques et identifier les variables individuelles qui influencent la probabilité qu’un électeur opte pour une coordination stratégique. Les résultats indiquent que, dans l’ensemble, 8,4 % des votes peuvent être dits stratégiques. Quant aux déterminants du vote stratégique et tel qu’attendu, le fait pour un électeur d’être partisan et d’avoir un plus grand écart de préférence entre les deux options favorites diminue sa propension à déserter son premier choix. Toutefois, contrairement aux attentes, le niveau de sophistication politique n’influence pas significativement la probabilité qu’un électeur opte pour une coordination stratégique.
Les jeux vidéo de tir à la première personne (FPS) et le Pentagone : les limites du récit pour la science politique
Authors: Hudelot Alexis
Published: August 2015

Jusqu’à maintenant, les politologues intéressés à l’étude des jeux vidéo ont dépendu des écoles narratives et ludologiques, qui les ont amalgamés aux médiums visuels. Ces études portent surtout sur la construction d’une représentation virtuelle et vertueuse de la guerre, même si des recherches – extérieures aux sciences sociales – démontrent toute une panoplie d’effets physiques et psychologiques associés à la pratique de ces jeux. Dans cet article, nous proposons de revenir sur les liens entre l’Armée américaine et les jeux vidéo de tir à la première personne (FPS), d’abord par l’approche narrato-ludologique reconnue, puis en proposant d’élargir ce cadre théorique par l’approche cybernétique.
Pour une approche sociopolitique de la philanthropie financière : plaidoyer pour un programme de recherche
Authors: Lefèvre Sylvain
Published: August 2015

Cet article défend la pertinence d’une approche sociopolitique de la philanthropie, à travers cinq clés de lecture : 1) le recours à la science comme point d’appui externe ; 2) l’articulation entre le don et l’action collective ; 3) le lien entre la richesse, les inégalités et la philanthropie financière ; 4) le rapport entre le don et l’impôt ; et 5) la relation entre l’État et la philanthropie. Cette recherche, appuyée par un recul historique, invite ainsi à analyser la philanthropie comme un phénomène politique, malgré son apparente dépolitisation et sa distance du champ politique. Cette étude est donc également un défi proposé à la science politique.
Traditions religieuses et modèles d’éducation à la citoyenneté : l’héritage d’un univers normatif
Authors: Mathieu Félix , Laforest Guy
Published: August 2015

Cet article analyse les liens significatifs entre les curriculums d’éducation à la citoyenneté de la France, de l’Angleterre et du Québec, ainsi que leurs traditions religieuses respectives, lesquelles découlent toutes du noyau central et commun d’appartenance qu’est le christianisme. Plus précisément, en partant du postulat selon lequel le fait religieux, en tant qu’héritage socioculturel, imprègne de manière profonde et durable les sociétés contemporaines, les auteurs montrent que les valeurs et les idéaux issus des différents parcours religieux se transposent plus ou moins singulièrement à travers l’univers normatif et pédagogique des programmes français, anglais, puis québécois d’éducation à la citoyenneté.
How Affordable Is Medicare Advantage?
Authors: Blumenthal David , Jacobson Gretchen
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint explores the affordability of health care services for Medicare Advantage vs traditional Medicare beneficiaries.
Cutaneous Neurofibromas and Quality of Life in Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Lin Michelle Jade , Yao Hanqi , Vera Katya , Patel Ekshika , Johnson Mandi , Caroline Peter , Ramos Jeanie , Mehta Jasmine , Hu Xing , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Romo Carlos G. , Sarin Kavita Y.
Published: August 2024

Importance

There is a burgeoning interest in therapeutic development for cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs), a major cause of morbidity in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). To determine meaningful clinical trial outcomes, deeper understanding is needed regarding how cNFs are associated with quality of life (QoL). However, this understanding has been hampered by challenges in recruiting participants with this rare genetic disease.

Objective

To develop a large, crowdsourced validated registry of persons with NF1 and determine the association of specific cNF features with QoL, pain, and itch.

Design, Setting, and Participants

From May 2021 to December 2023, a decentralized platform was developed and recruited persons 40 years or older with NF1 and at least 1 cNF from 49 states and 12 countries, who provided clinical survey data, detailed photographs, and genetic sequencing data. Photographs from 583 participants were scored on 12 features of cNFs, including general severity, number, size, facial severity, color, and subtypes.

Exposure

cNF features derived from participant-supplied photographs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Total Skindex scores and subdomain scores (symptoms, emotion, function, pain, and itch).

Results

Of 583 participants, 384 (65.9%) were female, and the mean (range) age was 51.7 (40.0-83.0) years. Female sex, general severity, number, size, and facial severity of cNFs were negatively associated with QoL, as demonstrated by increased total Skindex scores. QoL had the largest association with the number of cNFs and presence of facial cNFs. Increasing number of cNFs was associated with worse QoL, and even individuals with a low cNF burden (<10 total cNFs) experienced a decrease in QoL.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study suggest that reducing cNF number, particularly on the face, may be associated with improved QoL in individuals with NF1. In addition, early intervention before the development of numerous tumors may lead to the highest benefit in QoL. These data potentially provide insight into which individuals and cNF tumors may benefit most from therapy and highlights the utility of a completely decentralized, photograph-validated and age-controlled study for rare genetic disease. This cohort will allow analysis of disease and tumor heterogeneity after full phenotypic expression is achieved in NF1 and potentially serves as an example in its design for other rare diseases that struggle from poor recruitment.
Polygenic Risk Scores and Twin Concordance for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Song Jie , Pasman Joëlle A. , Johansson Viktoria , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Harder Arvid , Karlsson Robert , Lu Yi , Kowalec Kaarina , Pedersen Nancy L. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Hultman Christina M. , Sullivan Patrick F.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are highly heritable psychiatric disorders with strong genetic and phenotypic overlap. Twin and molecular methods can be leveraged to predict the shared genetic liability to these disorders.

Objective

To investigate whether twin concordance for psychosis depends on the level of polygenic risk score (PRS) for psychosis and zygosity and compare PRS from cases and controls from several large samples and estimate the twin heritability of psychosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this case-control study, psychosis PRS were generated from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) combining schizophrenia and bipolar disorder into a single psychosis phenotype and compared between cases and controls from the Schizophrenia and Bipolar Twin Study in Sweden (STAR) project. Further tests were conducted to ascertain if twin concordance for psychosis depended on the mean PRS for psychosis. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate heritability. This study constituted an analysis of existing clinical and population datasets with genotype and/or twin data. Included were twins from the STAR cohort and from the Swedish Twin Registry. Data were collected during the 2006 to 2013 period and analyzed from March 2023 to June 2024.

Exposures

PRS for psychosis based on the most recent GWAS of combined schizophrenia/bipolar disorder.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Psychosis case status was assessed by clinical interviews and/or Swedish National Register data.

Results

The final cohort comprised 87 pairs of twins with 1 or both affected and 59 unaffected pairs from the STAR project (for a total of 292 twins) as well as 443 pairs with 1 or both affected and 20 913 unaffected pairs from the Swedish Twin Registry. Among the 292 twins (mean [SD] birth year, 1960 [10.8] years; 158 female [54.1%]; 134 male [45.9%]), 134 were monozygotic twins, and 158 were dyzygotic twins. PRS for psychosis was higher in cases than in controls and associated with twin concordance for psychosis (1-SD increase in PRS, odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% CI, 1.23-3.87 on case status in monozygotic twins and OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.56-5.30 in dizygotic twins). The association between PRS for psychosis and concordance was not modified by zygosity. The twin heritability was estimated at 0.73 (95% CI, 0.30-1.00), which overlapped with the estimate in the full Swedish Twin Registry (0.69; 95% CI, 0.43-0.85).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case-control study, using the natural experiment of twins, results suggest that twins with greater inherited liability for psychosis were more likely to have an affected co-twin. Results from twin and molecular designs largely aligned. Even as illness vulnerability is not solely genetic, PRS carried predictive power for psychosis even in a modest sample size.
Initial stiffness estimation method for wooden house considering non‐structural elements using design information and microtremor measurement
Authors: Yoshitomi Shinta , Sada Takahiro , Habara Takuro
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a previously proposed method for story stiffness estimation of steel residential house is extended to estimate story stiffness of wooden residential houses considering non‐structural walls based on the available design information, that is, story weights, wall type, wall length, and wall opening type. Microtremor measurement data of several newly constructed buildings are used to determine unknown model parameters of stiffness estimation function, which minimize the estimation error of eigen frequency. The proposed method can simultaneously estimate the standard stiffness of wall element common to the same specification and the effects of wall opening and wall shape. The validity of the proposed method is examined by using measured actual microtremor records and drawing information of wall types and wall lengths of 19 wooden residential houses.
Promoting Surface Conduction through Scalable Structure Engineering of Flexible Topological Insulator Thin Films
Authors: Moreira Mafalda , Pires Ana L. , Ferreira‐Teixeira Sofia , Iurkevich Oksana , Vilarinho Rui , Castro Eduardo V. , Pereira André M.
Published: August 2024

Spintronics, micro/nanofabrication, and the semiconductor industry are undergoing significant transformations, highlighting the need for flexible technologie. This study examines the possibility of integrating topological insulators (TIs), specifically Bi2Te3 thin films (13–191 nm), into flexible spintronic applications through scalable magneto‐sputtering techniques, and investigates how structural organization influences electrical and topological properties through post‐thermal annealing. Films annealed above 250 °C display improved polycrystalline structure, larger crystallites, fewer local defects, and higher a room‐temperature Seebeck coefficient (S) and resistivity (ρ), suggesting decreased bulk electronic contributions. A metastable transport regime is identified in the temperature‐dependent resistivity of films annealed at 300 °C between 20–100 K; in this range, the thinnest film exhibits markedly metallic behavior, signaling the presence of topological surface states (TSS). Magnetoresistance measurements of as‐grown and annealed films, between 3–20 K, demonstrate weak antilocalization. Applying the Hikami‐Larkin‐Nagaoka model, α‐coefficients are found to scale with thickness from 0.5–1, indicating thickness‐controlled coupling of the TSS. Post‐annealing at 300 °C, the phase coherence length, Lϕ, of the thinner films increases, while the temperature dephasing rate shifts from ∼0.7 (as‐grown) to ∼0.5 (post‐annealing), aligning with expected values for 2D TSS. These are encouraging findings for large‐scale manufacturing flexible TI technologies, without sacrificing tunabilit.