bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Indices to Improve Crop Residue Cover Estimation under Varying Moisture Conditions
Authors: Quemada Miguel , Daughtry Craig
Published: August 2016

Crop residues on the soil surface protect the soil against erosion, increase water infiltration and reduce agrochemicals in runoff water. Crop residues and soils are spectrally different in the absorption features associated with cellulose and lignin. Our objectives were to: (1) assess the impact of water on the spectral indices for estimating crop residue cover (fR); (2) evaluate spectral water indices for estimating the relative water content (RWC) of crop residues and soils; and (3) propose methods that mitigate the uncertainty caused by variable moisture conditions on estimates of fR. Reflectance spectra of diverse crops and soils were acquired in the laboratory over the 400–2400-nm wavelength region. Using the laboratory data, a linear mixture model simulated the reflectance of scenes with various fR and levels of RWC. Additional reflectance spectra were acquired over agricultural fields with a wide range of crop residue covers and scene moisture conditions. Spectral indices for estimating crop residue cover that were evaluated in this study included the Normalized Difference Tillage Index (NDTI), the Shortwave Infrared Normalized Difference Residue Index (SINDRI) and the Cellulose Absorption Index (CAI). Multivariate linear models that used pairs of spectral indices—one for RWC and one for fR—significantly improved estimates of fR using CAI and SINDRI. For NDTI to reliably assess fR, scene RWC should be relatively dry (RWC < 0.25). These techniques provide the tools needed to monitor the spatial and temporal changes in crop residue cover and help determine where additional conservation practices may be required.
Analyzing Landscape Trends on Agriculture, Introduced Exotic Grasslands and Riparian Ecosystems in Arid Regions of Mexico
Authors: Mendez-Estrella Romeo , Romo-Leon Jose , Castellanos Alejandro , Gandarilla-Aizpuro Fabiola , Hartfield Kyle
Published: August 2016

Riparian Zones are considered biodiversity and ecosystem services hotspots. In arid environments, these ecosystems represent key habitats, since water availability makes them unique in terms of fauna, flora and ecological processes. Simple yet powerful remote sensing techniques were used to assess how spatial and temporal land cover dynamics, and water depth reflect distribution of key land cover types in riparian areas. Our study area includes the San Miguel and Zanjon rivers in Northwest Mexico. We used a supervised classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm to produce thematic classifications (with accuracies higher than 78%) for 1993, 2002 and 2011 using Landsat TM scenes. Our results suggest a decline in agriculture (32.5% area decrease) and cultivated grasslands (21.1% area decrease) from 1993 to 2011 in the study area. We found constant fluctuation between adjacent land cover classes and riparian habitat. We also found that water depth restricts Riparian Vegetation distribution but not agricultural lands or induced grasslands. Using remote sensing combined with spatial analysis, we were able to reach a better understanding of how riparian habitats are being modified in arid environments and how they have changed through time.
A Review of Classification Techniques of EMG Signals during Isotonic and Isometric Contractions
Authors: Nazmi Nurhazimah , Abdul Rahman Mohd , Yamamoto Shin-Ichiroh , Ahmad Siti , Zamzuri Hairi , Mazlan Saiful
Published: August 2016

In recent years, there has been major interest in the exposure to physical therapy during rehabilitation. Several publications have demonstrated its usefulness in clinical/medical and human machine interface (HMI) applications. An automated system will guide the user to perform the training during rehabilitation independently. Advances in engineering have extended electromyography (EMG) beyond the traditional diagnostic applications to also include applications in diverse areas such as movement analysis. This paper gives an overview of the numerous methods available to recognize motion patterns of EMG signals for both isotonic and isometric contractions. Various signal analysis methods are compared by illustrating their applicability in real-time settings. This paper will be of interest to researchers who would like to select the most appropriate methodology in classifying motion patterns, especially during different types of contractions. For feature extraction, the probability density function (PDF) of EMG signals will be the main interest of this study. Following that, a brief explanation of the different methods for pre-processing, feature extraction and classifying EMG signals will be compared in terms of their performance. The crux of this paper is to review the most recent developments and research studies related to the issues mentioned above.
A Self-Provisioning Mechanism in OpenStack for IoT Devices
Authors: Solano Antonio , Dormido Raquel , Duro Natividad , Sánchez Juan
Published: August 2016

The aim of this paper is to introduce a plug-and-play mechanism for an Internet of Things (IoT) device to instantiate a Software as a Service (SaaS) application in a private cloud, built up with OpenStack. The SaaS application is the digital avatar of a physical object connected to Internet. As a proof of concept, a Vending Machine is retrofitted and connected to Internet with and Arduino Open Hardware device. Once the self-configuration mechanism is completed, it is possible to order a product from a mobile communication device.
Airborne Optical and Thermal Remote Sensing for Wildfire Detection and Monitoring
Authors: Allison Robert , Johnston Joshua , Craig Gregory , Jennings Sion
Published: August 2016

For decades detection and monitoring of forest and other wildland fires has relied heavily on aircraft (and satellites). Technical advances and improved affordability of both sensors and sensor platforms promise to revolutionize the way aircraft detect, monitor and help suppress wildfires. Sensor systems like hyperspectral cameras, image intensifiers and thermal cameras that have previously been limited in use due to cost or technology considerations are now becoming widely available and affordable. Similarly, new airborne sensor platforms, particularly small, unmanned aircraft or drones, are enabling new applications for airborne fire sensing. In this review we outline the state of the art in direct, semi-automated and automated fire detection from both manned and unmanned aerial platforms. We discuss the operational constraints and opportunities provided by these sensor systems including a discussion of the objective evaluation of these systems in a realistic context.
Postmortem Internal Gas Reservoir Monitoring Using GC×GC-HRTOF-MS
Authors: Stefanuto Pierre-Hugues , Perrault Katelynn , Grabherr Silke , Varlet Vincent , Focant Jean-François
Published: August 2016

Forensic investigations often require postmortem examination of a body. However, the collection of evidence during autopsy is often destructive, meaning that the body can no longer be examined in its original state. In order to obtain an internal image of the body, whole body postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) has proven to be a valuable non-destructive tool and is currently used in medicolegal centers. PMCT can also be used to visually locate gas reservoirs inside a cadaver, which upon analysis can provide useful information regarding very volatile compounds that are produced after death. However, the non-targeted profiling of all potential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in these reservoirs has never been attempted. The aim of this study was to investigate the VOC profile of these reservoirs and to evaluate potential uses of such information to document circumstances surrounding death, cause of death and body taphonomy. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HRTOF-MS) was used for VOC measurements. This study demonstrated that the chemical composition of VOCs within the gas reservoirs differed between locations within a single body but also between individuals. In the future, this work could be expanded to investigate a novel, non-destructive cadaver screening approach prior to full autopsy procedures.
Early Adoption of Innovative Analytical Approach and Its Impact on Organizational Analytics Maturity and Sustainability: A Longitudinal Study from a U.S. Pharmaceutical Company
Authors: Yi John , Kim Sungho
Published: August 2016

We investigate the impact of early adoption of an innovative analytics approach on organizational analytics maturity and sustainability. With the sales operation planning involving the accurate determination of physician detailing frequency, multiple product sequencing, nonlinear promotional response functions and achievement of the right level of share of voice (SOV), an analytical approach was developed by integrating domain knowledge, neural network (NN)’s pattern-recognition capability and nonlinear mathematical programming to address these challenges. A pharmaceutical company headquartered in the U.S. championed this initial research in 2005 and became the first major firm to implement the recommendations. The company improved its profitability by 12% when piloted to a sales district with 481 physicians; then it launched this approach nationally. In 2014, the firm again gave us its data, performance of the analytical approach and access to key stakeholders to better understand the changes in the pharmaceutical sales operations landscape, the firm’s analytics maturity and sustainability of analytics. Results suggest that being the early adopter of innovation doubled the firm’s technology utilization from 2005 to 2014, as well as doubling the firm’s ability to continuously improve the sales operations process; it outperformed the standard industry practice by 23%. Moreover, the infusion of analytics from the corporate office to sales, improvement in management commitment to analytics, increased communications for continuous process improvement and the successes from this approach has created the environment for sustainable organizational growth in analytics.
Sustainability and the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Baum Tom , Cheung Catherine , Kong Haiyan , Kralj Anna , Mooney Shelagh , Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hải , Ramachandran Sridar , Dropulić Ružić Marinela , Siow May
Published: August 2016

This paper is about the position of workforce and employment considerations within the sustainable tourism narrative. The paper aims to address the relative neglect of this area within the discourse of sustainable tourism and highlights references to the workforce within the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The discussion follows the emerging field of sustainable human resource management and the contribution that this can make to meeting both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to enhancing the recognition of workforce and employment issues within the related debate in tourism. The body of the paper highlights examples of key dimensions of work and employment across varied tourism contexts, where sustainability is of increasing consequence and significance. The paper concludes by drawing together the implications of these “mini-cases” and locating them within key principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Drought Risk Assessment Based on Vulnerability Surfaces: A Case Study of Maize
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhang Xingming , Lian Fang , Gao Yuan , Lin Degen , Wang Jing’ai
Published: August 2016

Agriculture is a sector easily affected by meteorological conditions. Crop yield reduction, even regional conflicts, may occur during a drought. It is extremely important to improve the state of our knowledge on agricultural drought risk. This study has proposed a new method (vulnerability surfaces) for assessing vulnerability quantitatively and continuously by including the environmental variable as an additional perspective on exposure and assessed global maize drought risk based on these surfaces. In this research, based on the Environmental Policy Impact Climate (EPIC) model, irrigation scenarios were adopted to fit “Loss rate-Drought index-Environmental indicator (L-D-E)” vulnerability surfaces by constructing a database suitable for risk assessment on a large scale. Global maize drought risk was quantitatively assessed based on its optimal vulnerability surface. The results showed an R2 for the optimal vulnerability surface of 0.9934, with coarse fragment content as the environmental indicator. The expected global average annual yield loss rate due to drought was 19.18%. The global average yield loss rate due to drought with different return periods (10a, 20a, 50a, and 100a) was 29.18%, 32.76%, 36.89%, and 38.26%, respectively. From a global perspective, Central Asia, the Iberian Peninsula, Eastern Africa, the Midwestern United States, Chile, and Brazil are the areas with the highest maize drought risk. The vulnerability surface is a further development of the vulnerability curve as a continuous expression of vulnerability and considers differences in environmental factors. It can reflect the spatial heterogeneity of crop vulnerability and can be applied in large-scale risk assessment research.
The Role of Generativity in the Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Behavior
Authors: Giménez García-Conde Miguel , Marín Longinos , Ruiz de Maya Salvador
Published: August 2016

Although research has theoretically and empirically linked corporate social responsibility (CSR) to consumer responses, understanding the different paths that link CSR to loyalty is still limited. A new pathway for this understanding comes from the idea that generative consumers, or those committed to the well-being of future generations, may be inclined to patronize companies engaged in CSR activities. This research addresses the question of how consumer generativity moderates the effect of CSR on consumer behavior through two studies. Study 1 shows how generativity influences purchase intention. Study 2 demonstrates that while a company’s commitment to CSR affects both generative and nongenerative consumers, the effect is greater for the former. This moderating role of generativity of the effect of CSR on purchase intention suggests the utility of considering generativity as a relevant consumer segmentation criterion.
A Linear Surface Epitope in a Proline-Rich Region of ORF3 Product of Genotype 1 Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Yang Yonglin , Lin Shaoli , Nan Yuchen , Ma Zexu , Yang Liping , Zhang Yanjin
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the viral pathogens causing hepatitis in humans. HEV open reading frame 3 (ORF3) encodes a small multifunctional protein (VP13), which is essential for HEV infection. In this study, a linear epitope was identified in a polyproline (PXXP) motif from VP13 of genotype 1 HEV by using a monoclonal antibody. The epitope was detected in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Epitope mapping showed that the epitope locates in a proline-rich region containing a PXXP motif in amino acid residues 66-75 of VP13. The epitope was also detected in HEV-infected liver cells and reacted with genotype 1-specific antibodies in an HEV-positive human serum sample. The results demonstrated that the epitope in the PXXP motif of the genotype 1 VP13 is linear and surface-oriented, which should facilitate in-depth studies on the viral protein and HEV biology.
Engaging Southwestern Tribes in Sustainable Water Resources Topics and Management
Authors: Chief Karletta , Meadow Alison , Whyte Kyle
Published: August 2016

Indigenous peoples in North America have a long history of understanding their societies as having an intimate relationship with their physical environments. Their cultures, traditions, and identities are based on the ecosystems and sacred places that shape their world. Their respect for their ancestors and ‘Mother Earth’ speaks of unique value and knowledge systems different than the value and knowledge systems of the dominant United States settler society. The value and knowledge systems of each indigenous and non-indigenous community are different but collide when water resources are endangered. One of the challenges that face indigenous people regarding the management of water relates to their opposition to the commodification of water for availability to select individuals. External researchers seeking to work with indigenous peoples on water research or management must learn how to design research or water management projects that respect indigenous cultural contexts, histories of interactions with settler governments and researchers, and the current socio-economic and political situations in which indigenous peoples are embedded. They should pay particular attention to the process of collaborating on water resource topics and management with and among indigenous communities while integrating Western and indigenous sciences in ways that are beneficial to both knowledge systems. The objectives of this paper are to (1) to provide an overview of the context of current indigenous water management issues, especially for the U.S. federally recognized tribes in the Southwestern United States; (2) to synthesize approaches to engage indigenous persons, communities, and governments on water resources topics and management; and (3) to compare the successes of engaging Southwestern tribes in five examples to highlight some significant activities for collaborating with tribes on water resources research and management. In discussing the engagement approaches of these five selected cases, we considered the four “simple rules” of tribal research, which are to ask about ethics, do more listening, follow tribal research protocols, and give back to the community. For the five select cases of collaboration involving Southwestern tribes, the success of external researchers with the tribes involved comprehensive engagement of diverse tribal audience from grassroots level to central tribal government, tribal oversight, on-going dialogue, transparency of data, and reporting back. There is a strong recognition of the importance of engaging tribal participants in water management discussions particularly with pressing impacts of drought, climate change, and mining and defining water rights.
In situ characterization of hydrogen absorption in nanoporous palladium produced by dealloying
Authors: Steyskal Eva-Maria , Wiednig Christopher , Enzinger Norbert , Würschum Roland
Published: August 2016

Palladium is a frequently used model system for hydrogen storage. During the past few decades, particular interest was placed on the superior H-absorption properties of nanostructured Pd systems. In the present study nanoporous palladium (np-Pd) is produced by electrochemical dealloying, an electrochemical etching process that removes the less noble component from a master alloy. The volume and electrical resistance of np-Pd are investigated in situ upon electrochemical hydrogen loading and unloading. These properties clearly vary upon hydrogen ad- and absorption. During cyclic voltammetry in the hydrogen regime the electrical resistance changes reversibly by almost 10% upon absorbing approximately 5% H/Pd (atomic ratio). By suitable loading procedures, hydrogen concentrations up to almost 60% H/Pd were obtained, along with a sample thickness increase of about 5%. The observed reversible actuation clearly exceeds the values found in the literature, which is most likely due to the unique structure of np-Pd with an extraordinarily high surface-to-volume ratio.
From supramolecular chemistry to the nucleosome: studies in biomolecular recognition
Authors: Waters Marcey L
Published: August 2016

This review highlights the author’s indirect path to research at the interface of supramolecular chemistry and chemical biology.
GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE OBSERVATIONS MAY CONSTRAIN GAMMA-RAY BURST MODELS: THE CASE OF GW150914–GBM
Authors: Veres P. , Preece R. D. , Goldstein A. , Mészáros P. , Burns E. , Connaughton V.
Published: August 2016

The possible short gamma-ray burst (GRB) observed by Fermi/GBM in coincidence with the first gravitational-wave (GW) detection offers new ways to test GRB prompt emission models. GW observations provide previously inaccessible physical parameters for the black hole central engine such as its horizon radius and rotation parameter. Using a minimum jet launching radius from the Advanced LIGO measurement of GW 150914, we calculate photospheric and internal shock models and find that they are marginally inconsistent with the GBM data, but cannot be definitely ruled out. Dissipative photosphere models, however, have no problem explaining the observations. Based on the peak energy and the observed flux, we find that the external shock model gives a natural explanation, suggesting a low interstellar density (∼10−3 cm−3) and a high Lorentz factor (∼2000). We only speculate on the exact nature of the system producing the gamma-rays, and study the parameter space of a generic Blandford–Znajek model. If future joint observations confirm the GW–short-GRB association we can provide similar but more detailed tests for prompt emission models.
Inclusão digital no litoral do Paraná: uma crônica da exclusão
Authors: Angelin Simone Ferreira Naves , Meza Maria Lucia Figueiredo Gomes de
Published: August 2016

As novas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) são uma realidade, assim como também é a sua apropriação desigual pelos cidadãos, sendo necessárias ações de inclusão digital. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a implementação das políticas públicas de inclusão digital no Litoral do Paraná, examinando se os programas contemplam três dimensões de inclusão: técnica, econômica e cognitiva. Para tanto, a investigação fundamentou-se na pesquisa bibliográfica e documental e no mapeamento dos programas realizado por meio do Mapa da Inclusão Digital (MID). Posteriormente, foram realizadas observações participantes e entrevistas com os agentes que atuam nos espaços de inclusão digital. O estudo revelou que os programas de inclusão digital no Litoral do Paraná são deficitários e propendem maior atendimento à dimensão técnica, além da existência de um sombreamento de uma política sobre a outra. Concluiu-se que a inclusão digital está mais centrada na universalização da tecnologia do que na sua apropriação crítica.
Intraoperative Hypothermia During Surgical Fixation of Hip Fractures
Authors: Frisch Nicholas B. , Pepper Andrew M. , Jildeh Toufic R. , Shaw Jonathan , Guthrie Trent , Silverton Craig
Published: August 2016

Hip fractures are common orthopedic injuries and are associated with significant morbidity/mortality. Intraoperative normothermia is recommended by national guidelines to minimize additional morbidity/mortality, but limited evidence exists regarding hypothermia's effect on orthopedic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in patients with operatively treated hip fractures and evaluate its effect on complications and outcomes. Retrospective chart review was performed on clinical records from 1541 consecutive patients who sustained a hip fracture and underwent operative fixation at the authors' institution between January 2005 and October 2013. A total of 1525 patients were included for analysis, excluding those with injuries requiring additional surgical intervention. Patient demographic data, surgery-specific data, postoperative complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission were recorded. Patients with a mean intraoperative temperature less than 36°C were identified as hypothermic. Statistical analysis with univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling evaluated associations with hypothermia and effect on complications/outcomes. The incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in operatively treated hip fractures was 17.0%. Hypothermia was associated with an increase in the rate of deep surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 3.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–9.14;
P
=.022). Lower body mass index and increasing age demonstrated increased association with hypothermia (
P
=.004 and
P
=.005, respectively). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first and largest study analyzing the effect of intraoperative hypothermia in orthopedic patients. In patients with hip fractures, the study's findings confirm evidence found in other surgical specialties that hypothermia may be associated with an increased risk of deep surgical-site infection and that lower body mass index and increasing age are risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1170–e1177.]
Puente de Tancarville
Authors: Esquillan Nicolas
Published: August 2016

El cruce del río Sena en su curso inferior, entre el Havre y Rouen (Francia), era una que se hacía sentir para asegurar un paso permanente entre las dos márgenes, dado el intenso y creciente tráfico entre uno y otro lado del río y la carencia de paso en este trozo. Para este cruce se eligió un lugar próximo a Tancarville -de donde recibe el nombre el puente-, ya que el río es más estrecho en este paraje y, además, presenta la particularidad de tener un buen banco rocoso para apoyar una extremidad del puente.
Monumento Nacional al Dinosaurio
Authors: Anshen y Allen Arquitectos
Published: August 2016

Este extraño y original edificio-museo-monumento, situado en el Estado de Utah, U.S.A., se ha levantado con el exclusivo objeto de albergar el más rico y grande descubrimiento fósil de la nación, cubriendo toda la ladera de una colina en la que se encontró esta joya prehistórica de considerable valor arqueológico: el esqueleto del dinosaurio. A la vez, está proyectado con el doble propósito de servir como museo y hacer posible sucesivas y continuadas excavaciones. El curioso espectador podrá observar los restos ya descubiertos, y seguir atentamente los trabajos posteriores en busca de una completa exposición de este tipo de reliquias.
Hangar metálico, en Getafe-Madrid
Authors: Rodríguez Borlado Ramiro
Published: August 2016

El hangar que vamos a describir es, en líneas generales, una gran nave en diente de sierra.
Museo de arte moderno. Río de Janeiro
Authors: Reidy Affonso Eduardo
Published: August 2016

Si la correspondencia entre la obra arquitectónica y el ambiente físico que la envuelve es cuestión de importancia capital, en el caso de este edificio, dicha condición adquiere mayor relieve, dada la situación privilegiada que ocupa, en pleno corazón de la ciudad, en el centro de una zona que será un hermoso parque, asomado al mar, y rodeado por el paisaje más hermoso del mundo.
Gimnasio Yawata Seitetsujo
Authors: Raymond Proyecto , Obayashi, Gumi Constructor
Published: August 2016

Este gimnasio forma parte de un complejo de recreo y deportivo, del cual se hallan ya edificados: el hall, el gimnasio al aire libre y el instituto de higiene.
¿Libertad de precios para los cementos artificiales?
Authors: Vizoso Mozo Ángel
Published: August 2016

Es interesante contrastar, en la actual coyuntura económica española, la diferencia existente entre la teoría y ia realidad práctica del comercio. La primera se centra en el deseo general de desarrollar nuestras producciones, con precios estables y conforme a las normas del mundo occidental, que busca la formación del equilibrio de precios, en el régimen de libertad y competencia.
Chalet en la playa de Javea
Authors: García-Ordóñez Fernando M. , Dexeus Beatty Juan M. Dexeus Beatty
Published: August 2016

El terreno destinado a la construcción era un alargado retazo de 20 m de profundidad por 200 de longitud. Se encuentra inmediatamente lindando con el mar; es de naturaleza rocosa, muy accidentado y con pendiente hacia el mar, Dentro del solar existen grandes fosas naturales y artificiales producidas por explotaciones de canteras.
Dos obras de M. Fisac, Madrid. Laboratorios Alter y Farmabión
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: August 2016

Dos edificios de fina lámina y brillante concepción, destinados a diferentes fines: el primero comprende todos los locales nobles, de presidencia y recepción de los laboratorios Alter, S. A.; el segundo, aunque formando parte de otros laboratorios también —Farmabión, S. A.— tiene función distinta, ya que en él se albergan auténticamente las oficinas y locales de trabajo de la empresa.
Puente pretensado
Authors: Sarrasin Philippe
Published: August 2016

La autopista de Ginebra a Lausana (Suiza) salva el cauce del río Aubonne, en las proximidades de Allaman, con un paso superior de unos 25 m de altura sobre el fondo del valle, el cual se extiende, transversalmente en esta zona, unos 300 metros.
Puente Beaucaire sobre el río Ródano
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: August 2016

El puente Beaucaire, de 462 m de longitud total, es una estructura de hormigón pretensado, de cinco tramos de 81,20 m de luz cada uno. El puente salva el río Ródano y une la aglomeración de Beaucaire con la de Tarascón (Francia), siguiendo el trazado de la carretera nacional número 99. La anchura total es de 13 m, de los que se han reservado cuatro para los dos andenes de dos metros de anchura.
Reactor atómico, Trombay
Authors: Seshadri B.
Published: August 2016

El reactor de Trombay, denominado reactor Canadá-India, e instalado en las proximidades de Bombay (India), constituye el proyecto de mayor amplitud construido con la colaboración internacional y dedicado al empleo de la energía atómica para usos de carácter puramente pacíficos.
Cubierta prefabricada
Authors: Thompson Isadore Thompson
Published: August 2016

La cubierta de dos nuevos edificios, cuyo conjunto engloba la denominación San Mateo County, en California (EE. UU.), dedicado a fiestas y exposiciones mercantiles, está constituida por láminas en arco de medio punto, prefabricadas y de hormigón armado. Estructuralmente ha sido proyectada por el autor, dejando la parte arquitectónica a Janssen, Daseking y Keller, arquitectos.
Seminario Concordia
Authors: Saarinen Eero
Published: August 2016

Según Saarinen, la iglesia ha sido el punto en que se han concentrado la máxima reflexión, cuidado e imaginación, ya que todo su menaje arquitectónico había de ser emitido en simples líneas, simbolismo y materiales sencillos; ladrillo, mortero y tejas.
Aeropuerto internacional de Los Angeles: Edificio "Theme"
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: August 2016

Recientemente, se ha terminado un nuevo edificio en el aeropuerto de Los Angeles, que constituye una estación aérea, moderna por su forma y servicios de que está dotada, en la que se ha dado cabida a todas las necesidades actuales que el servicio de aeronaves reactores requiere.
Edificio comercial, Coventry
Authors: Hellberg Rolf , Harris Maurice
Published: August 2016

El solar en que se levanta este gran edificio está situado al norte de Broadgate, la plaza principal de la ciudad, y se halla rodeado por tres calles y un pasaje . Es sensiblemente cuadrado y existe un desnivel de 3,80 metros desde la esquina suroeste v noroeste.
Tres viviendas unifamiliares, Sevilla
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: August 2016

En una región española fuertemente impregnada de tradicionalismo, se han construido estas tres viviendas unifamiliares, cuya moderna arquitectura ha sabido entroncarse con los auténticas valores locales, fuera de todo formalismo folklórico.
Puente sobre el Rin
Authors: Gortz Wilhelm
Published: August 2016

Del total de 35 proyectos presentados al concurso del puente para carretera sobre el Rin, entre Duisburg-Ruhrort y Homberg, sólo dos proposiciones de la Demag fueron consideradas: Una con tablero suspendido por vientos que parten de dos torres, y otra, con suspensión por cables flexibles que se apoyan en dos torres y anclaje en la misma estructura. Por razones netamente estéticas fue elegida la propuesta Demag de puente suspendido por cables, aunque la solución con vientos hubiera sido la más económica, teniendo en cuenta las condiciones existentes.
El suelo estabilizado, material de construcción
Authors: Nadal Jaime
Published: August 2016

No disponible
Students' Perceptions of Teaching and Social Presence
Authors: Bowers James , Kumar Poonam
Published: August 2016

Online learning has grown dramatically over the past few years and has become an integral part of most of the higher education institutions' overall strategy. While this explosive growth has created exciting opportunities for both institutions and students, high dropout rates in online learning environments continues to be a major concern for all institutions. Research has identified lack of social and teacher presence in online courses as major factors leading to student attrition. While it is easy to establish these presences in traditional classrooms, developing them in an online environment could be challenging due to absence of any face-to-face contact. The purpose of this preliminary study is to compare students' perceptions of social and teacher presences in online and traditional classroom. Thirty-four students enrolled in an online section and 29 students enrolled in a face-to-face section of an undergraduate course participated in the study. The results indicate that students' perceived stronger teacher and social presences in the online section compared to the face-to-face section. Implications of these results for practice and research are discussed.
Combating Terrorism through Peace Education
Authors: de Silva Eugenie , de Silva Eugene , Nepomuceno Eriberta B.
Published: August 2016

This chapter focuses on peace education as a vital resource to combat terrorism. It is herein established that an everlasting solution to terrorism could only be reasonably expected if individuals' states of minds are altered. Accordingly, it is further determined that such changes are feasible through peace education, which will ultimately provide a firm basis for fact-based, non-violent, analyses of situations, and resolutions of issues. Furthermore, the authors of this chapter have further incorporated how peace education through online educational classrooms and courses will be extremely useful in the twenty-first century as more activities are conducted through cyber systems.
Decision of Suppliers and Consumers of Credence Good in Quality Food Markets
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2016

Most food products can be classified as “credence” goods and regulations exist to provide consumers with a substitute for the lacking information and trust. The paper presents an analysis of the decisions of suppliers and consumers about “credence” good in three institutional scenarios, which reflect different levels of credibility of the regulation. The first scenario is a reference scenario in which the regulation is fully credible. In the second case considered there is no regulation, or, if there is, it is totally ineffective. In the third scenario a regulation only partially credible provides consumers with an imperfect substitute for the information and trust they lack. The last section of the paper discusses the possible implications of the results reached in explaining the limited effectiveness of many regulations concerning food quality.
Brands and Media Gatekeeping in the Social Media
Authors: Miliopoulou Georgia-Zozeta , Cossiavelou Vassiliki
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine current trends and practices regarding brand communication through the social media, as brand activation in the online social environment rises and proliferates rapidly. Believing that further interdisciplinary contributions are needed to bridge the gap between brand management on the one hand and ICT potential on the other, the authors designed and implemented an exploratory research. They interviewed middle and senior-management executives, working either in companies who promote brands in the social media or in agencies who undertake social media projects and tasks. The authors' results indicate that gatekeeping remains an integral and very important aspect of social media brand management. Most brands consider what to release rather than what not to. They withhold information based on a narrow campaign-oriented mindset which reflects traditional marketing and public relations' practices and has not embraced the requirements for transparency and openness that prevail in the digital and social media environment.
The Influence of Layer Thickness on Mechanical Properties of the 3D Printed ABS Polymer by Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Shubham Pritish , Sikidar Arnab , Chand Teg
Published: August 2016

3D Printed ABS polymer samples were investigated for understanding the effect of layer thickness on the various mechanical properties of the component. Standard samples with varying layer thickness were prepared by 3D printing machine which works on the principle of Fused Deposition modeling (FDM) method and compared with sample prepared by standard injection molding method. Results show that tensile strength (36 MPa), impact strength (103.6 J/m) and hardness (R107) were highest for the samples made by injection molding method. Furthermore, among 3D printed samples, properties were better with smaller layer thickness. With increase in layer thickness, there was negative effect on mechanical properties as tensile strength, impact strength and hardness decreased. Exception with hardness of 3D printed ABS samples was found; for largest layer thickness hardness further increased instead of decreasing.
TiO2-SiO2 Gel Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Composite Energy Gap Calculation
Authors: Pijarn Nuchanaporn , Seng Hasan , Toso Tuwaeibroheng , Dissong Chanatan
Published: August 2016

The objectives of this study were to mix TiO2 and SiO2 gel for photo catalyzing in methylene blue and calculated energy gap of TiO2- SiO2 gel composite. Nanoparticles of TiO2-doped SiO2 gels have been synthesized for use as composites in photodegradation of methylene blue. SiO2 gel was synthesized by a sol-gel method from rice husk ash. TiO2 was synthesized by microwave method from TiOSO4. The composite of TiO2-SiO2 was prepared by mixing of 25% wt TiO2 and 75% wt SiO2 gel and SiO2 gel bead. This work can be dived into two kinds of TiO­2 sources were TiO2 from microwave synthesis (MW) and TiO2 from P25. The UV absorption values of methylene blue after used TiO2-SiO2 composite were measured. Wavelengths of composites were measured by Uv-vis reflectometer and energy gap were calculated.
Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Using Titanium Dioxide in Different Lighting Area
Authors: Pijarn Nuchanaporn , Seng Hasan , Dissong Chanatan , Toso Tuwaeibroheng
Published: August 2016

The objectives of this work were to investigate the degradation of methylene blue (MB) by titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst in dark or no lighting area (NL), the common fluorescent lighting area (FL), and direct sun lighting area (SL). The experimental sections were carried on sol gel method of TiO2 synthesis, the 100 mg of photocatalytic sample was put in 2.0 ppm methylene blue (MB) dye solution, hold in the dark area for 30 minutes to equilibrium state, after that the sample solution can be divided into three area holder that are NL, FL and SL. The degradation rates were studied with UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. The solution hold in the NL area has lower percent degradation than the other, while the solution hold in FL area has higher percent degradation than the other.
Folate Receptor β Regulates Integrin CD11b/CD18 Adhesion of a Macrophage Subset to Collagen
Authors: Machacek Christian , Supper Verena , Leksa Vladimir , Mitulovic Goran , Spittler Andreas , Drbal Karel , Suchanek Miloslav , Ohradanova-Repic Anna , Stockinger Hannes
Published: August 2016

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is necessary for essential cellular functions such as DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. It is supplied to the cell via several transporters and receptors, including folate receptor (FR) β, a GPI-anchored protein belonging to the folate receptor family. As FRβ shows a restricted expression to cells of myeloid origin and only a subset of activated macrophages and placental cells have been shown to express functional FRβ, it represents a promising target for future therapeutic strategies. In this study, we performed affinity purification and mass spectrometric analysis of the protein microenvironment of FRβ in the plasma membrane of human FRβ+ macrophages and FRβ-transduced monocytic THP-1 cells. In this manner, we identified a novel role of FRβ: that is, we report functional interactions of FRβ with receptors mediating cellular adhesion, in particular the CD11b/CD18 β2 integrin heterodimer complement receptor type 3/Mac-1. This interaction results in impeded adhesion of FRβ+ human primary macrophages and THP-1 cells to collagen in comparison with their FRβ− counterparts. We further show that FRβ is only expressed by human macrophages when differentiated with M-CSF. These findings thus identify FRβ as a novel CD11b/CD18 regulator for trafficking and homing of a subset of macrophages on collagen.
Human Invariant NKT Cells Induce IL-1β Secretion by Peripheral Blood Monocytes via a P2X7-Independent Pathway
Authors: Felley Laura E. , Sharma Akshat , Theisen Erin , Romero-Masters James C. , Sauer John-Demian , Gumperz Jenny E.
Published: August 2016

The cytokine IL-1β plays a central role in inflammatory responses that are initiated by microbial challenges, as well as in those that are due to endogenous processes (often called sterile inflammation). IL-1β secretion that occurs independently of microbial stimulation is typically associated with the presence of endogenous alarmins, such as extracellular ATP (an indicator of cytopathic damage). In this study, we show that IL-2–activated human invariant NKT (iNKT) cells stimulate the secretion of IL-1β protein by human peripheral blood monocytes in a manner that requires neither the presence of microbial compounds nor signaling through the extracellular ATP receptor P2X7. Monocyte IL-1β production was specifically induced by iNKT cells, because similarly activated polyclonal autologous T cells did not have this effect. Secretion of IL-1β protein occurred rapidly (within 3–4 h) and required cell contact between the iNKT cells and monocytes. Similar to IL-1β production induced by TLR stimulation, the iNKT-induced pathway appeared to entail a two-step process involving NF-κB signaling and IL1B gene transcription, as well as assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of caspase-1. However, in contrast to the classical inflammasome-mediated pathway of IL-1β production, activation of monocytes via P2X7 was dispensable for iNKT-induced IL-1β secretion, and potassium efflux was not required. Moreover, the iNKT-induced effect involved caspase-8 activity, yet it induced little monocyte death. These results suggest that IL-2–activated human iNKT cells induce monocytes to produce IL-1β through a distinctive pathway that does not require the presence of microbial danger signals or alarmins associated with cytopathic damage.
Blood-Borne RNA Correlates with Disease Activity and IFN-Stimulated Gene Expression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Doedens John R. , Jones Wendell D. , Hill Kay , Mason Michael J. , Gersuk Vivian H. , Mease Philip J. , Dall’Era Maria , Aranow Cynthia , Martin Richard W. , Cohen Stanley B. , Fleischmann Roy M. , Kivitz Alan J. , Burge Daniel J. , Chaussabel Damien , Elkon Keith B. , Posada James A.
Published: August 2016

The loss of tolerance and the presence of circulating autoantibodies directed against nuclear Ags is the hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Many of these Ags are complexed with short, noncoding RNAs, such as U1 and Y1. The amount of U1 and Y1 RNA complexed with SLE patient Abs and immune complexes was measured in a cross-section of 228 SLE patients to evaluate the role of these RNA molecules within the known biochemical framework of SLE. The study revealed that SLE patients had significantly elevated levels of circulating U1 and/or Y1 RNA compared with healthy volunteers. In addition, the blood-borne RNA molecules were correlated with SLE disease activity and increased expression of IFN-inducible genes. To our knowledge, this study provides the first systematic examination of the role of circulating RNA in a large group of SLE patients and provides an important link with IFN dysregulation.
Thermal regime of a highly regulated Italian river (Ticino River) and implications for aquatic communities
Authors: Salmaso Francesca , Quadroni Silvia , Gentili Gaetano , Crosa Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Thermal alteration is one of the adverse effects of flow regulation sharpened in recent years due to climate changes. In this work, we characterize the thermal regime of a highly regulated river located in Northern Italy, which is the emissary of Lake Maggiore. The thermal characteristics of the study reach are influenced by the presence of two dams and by climate warming. In the 15-year monitored period (1999-2013) a significant increase of the mean annual river temperature (i.e., +1.8°C) was indeed recorded. Minimum and maximum water temperatures were detected in correspondence of low-flow periods in February and August, respectively. During August the temperature reached a maximum of 27°C, that is a value below the upper thermal limit of tolerance for most of the aquatic taxa collected in the study area. Moreover, the local presence of seeps and the interaction with groundwater play an important ecological role by guaranteeing patches of cool water to the aquatic communities. Nevertheless, the sensitive early life stages of fish species that spawn in spring/summer may be affected by the high summer temperatures and the expected future climate warming. The wider range of temperatures preferred by alien fish species could result into a competitive disadvantage for autochthonous species. The current minimum flows established by local laws as environmental flows appeared to be able to guarantee an acceptable thermal alteration in morphologically heterogeneous reaches where river/groundwater interaction occurred, at least within the current climatic conditions.
Factors driving semi-aquatic predator occurrence in traditional cattle drinking pools: conservation issues
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Zanetti Nicola , Pennati Roberta , Scarì Giorgio
Published: August 2016

In several cases, human impact on water bodies and on their freshwater communities is detrimental, but in some cases the human activity may favour and enhance the biodiversity of small water bodies, as traditional cattle drinking pools. Despite their small size, small water bodies may constitute hot spot of biodiversity often representing the only lentic aquatic biotope in landscapes where superficial water lacks or flows in lotic environments like creeks and streams. Predators are good indicators of biodiversity in ponds and give information of food chain web complexity. In particular, semi-aquatic predators like amphibians and dragonflies may account for a substantial percentage of energy flow between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated the conservation value of traditional cattle drinking pools building by assessing the factors determining the occurrence and distribution of the semi-aquatic predators. From April to August 2015, we investigated 30 distinct pools recording several abiotic and biotic environmental variables. We detected 4 semi-aquatic predators: Salamandra salamandra larvae, Triturus carnifex, Aeshna sp. larvae and Libellula sp. larvae. Abiotic features played a major role in shaping the predator community that resulted linked to stable, with no dryness period, and large drinking pools. Invertebrate prey biomass was not particularly important, while vegetation cover and occurrence of unpalatable tadpoles were the most important biotic features of the pools. Our study provides novel evidence on the importance of cattle drinking pools management to preserve biodiversity especially in areas where traditional pastoral activity is disappearing.