bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of EMT in Metastasis and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Smith Bethany , Bhowmick Neil
Published: January 2016

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex molecular program that regulates changes in cell morphology and function during embryogenesis and tissue development. EMT also contributes to tumor progression and metastasis. Cells undergoing EMT expand out of and degrade the surrounding microenvironment to subsequently migrate from the primary site. The mesenchymal phenotype observed in fibroblasts is specifically important based on the expression of smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), and collagen to enhance EMT. Although EMT is not completely dependent on EMT regulators such as Snail, Twist, and Zeb-1/-2, analysis of upstream signaling (i.e., TGF-β, EGF, Wnt) is necessary to understand tumor EMT more comprehensively. Tumor epithelial–fibroblast interactions that regulate tumor progression have been identified during prostate cancer. The cellular crosstalk is significant because these events influence therapy response and patient outcome. This review addresses how canonical EMT signals originating from prostate cancer fibroblasts contribute to tumor metastasis and recurrence after therapy.
Numerical Characterization of Piezoceramics Using Resonance Curves
Authors: Pérez Nicolás , Buiochi Flávio , Brizzotti Andrade Marco , Adamowski Julio
Published: January 2016

Piezoelectric materials characterization is a challenging problem involving physical concepts, electrical and mechanical measurements and numerical optimization techniques. Piezoelectric ceramics such as Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) belong to the 6 mm symmetry class, which requires five elastic, three piezoelectric and two dielectric constants to fully represent the material properties. If losses are considered, the material properties can be represented by complex numbers. In this case, 20 independent material constants are required to obtain the full model. Several numerical methods have been used to adjust the theoretical models to the experimental results. The continuous improvement of the computer processing ability has allowed the use of a specific numerical method, the Finite Element Method (FEM), to iteratively solve the problem of finding the piezoelectric constants. This review presents the recent advances in the numerical characterization of 6 mm piezoelectric materials from experimental electrical impedance curves. The basic strategy consists in measuring the electrical impedance curve of a piezoelectric disk, and then combining the Finite Element Method with an iterative algorithm to find a set of material properties that minimizes the difference between the numerical impedance curve and the experimental one. Different methods to validate the results are also discussed. Examples of characterization of some common piezoelectric ceramics are presented to show the practical application of the described methods.
Composite and Nanocomposite Metal Foams
Authors: Duarte Isabel , Ferreira José
Published: January 2016

Open-cell and closed-cell metal foams have been reinforced with different kinds of micro- and nano-sized reinforcements to enhance their mechanical properties of the metallic matrix. The idea behind this is that the reinforcement will strengthen the matrix of the cell edges and cell walls and provide high strength and stiffness. This manuscript provides an updated overview of the different manufacturing processes of composite and nanocomposite metal foams.
Validation of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Aroma Authenticity, Categorized through the Use of an Array of Semiconductors Nanowire Device (S3)
Authors: Sberveglieri Veronica
Published: January 2016

Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheese is one of the most important Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses and it is exported worldwide. As a PDO, the product is supposed to have distinctive sensory characteristics. In this work we present the use of the Small Gas Sensor System (S3) device for the identification of specific PR markers, as compared to classical chemical techniques, such as Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry solid-phase microextraction (SPME-GC-MS). Markers are used to determine the percent of grated pulp and rind commercially utilized. The S3 device is equipped with an array of six metal oxide semiconductor (MOX) gas sensors, three of them with a nanowire (NW) morphology and the other three in the form of thin films. PDO can cover grated PR cheese as well, but only if made with whole cheese. Grated PR cheese must be characterized by the absence of additives and no more than 18% crust. The achieved results strongly encourage the use of S3 for a rapid identification of the percentage of grated PR.
Proton Conductivity of Nafion/Ex-Situ Sulfonic Acid-Modified Stöber Silica Nanocomposite Membranes As a Function of Temperature, Silica Particles Size and Surface Modification
Authors: Muriithi Beatrice , Loy Douglas
Published: January 2016

The introduction of sulfonic acid modified silica in Nafion nanocomposite membranes is a good method of improving the Nafion performance at high temperature and low relative humidity. Sulfonic acid-modified silica is bifunctional, with silica phase expected to offer an improvement in membranes hydration while sulfonic groups enhance proton conductivity. However, as discussed in this paper, this may not always be the case. Proton conductivity enhancement of Nafion nanocomposite membranes is very dependent on silica particle size, sometimes depending on experimental conditions, and by surface modification. In this study, Sulfonated Preconcentrated Nafion Stober Silica composites (SPNSS) were prepared by modification of Stober silica particles with mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, dispersing the particles into a preconcentrated solution of Nafion, then casting the membranes. The mercapto groups were oxidized to sulfonic acids by heating the membranes in 10 wt % hydrogen peroxide for 1 h. At 80 °C and 100% relative humidity, a 20%–30% enhancement of proton conductivity was only observed when sulfonic acid modified particle less than 50 nm in diameter were used. At 120 °C, and 100% humidity, proton conductivity increased by 22%–42% with sulfonated particles with small particles showing the greatest enhancement. At 120 °C and 50% humidity, the sulfonated particles are less efficient at keeping the membranes hydrated, and the composites underperform Nafion and silica-Nafion nanocomposite membranes.
Advances towards a Clean Hydrometallurgical Process for Chromite
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shi Peiyang , Jiang Maofa
Published: January 2016

Because of the acute toxicity of Cr(VI)-bearing substances, the pollution problem caused by chromite process residue has become a worldwide concern. In the view of relevant studies, the technologies based on the alkali treatment cannot fundamentally resolve the pollution problem, because the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) is unavoidable during chromite decomposition. In contrast, the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) can be controlled by the sulfuric acid treatment of chromite, and the Cr(VI) pollution can be eliminated from the original source of production. Many research studies focusing on the resolutions of the key obstacles hindering the development of the sulfuric acid treatment process have been carried out, and significant progress has been achieved. In this study, a clean hydrometallurgical process without the generation of hexavalent chromium is demonstrated. First, the chromite was decomposed and leached by sulfuric acid solution in the presence of an oxidant. Then, iron was hydrothermally removed from the acid solution as the precipitate of jarosite. Finally, chromium salts were obtained by adjusting the basicity of the solution, separation and drying. With the aim of realizing industrialization, future research emphasis on the development of the sulfuric acid treatment process is proposed in this study.
Total, Free, and Added Sugar Consumption and Adherence to Guidelines: The Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010
Authors: Sluik Diewertje , Van Lee Linde , Engelen Anouk , Feskens Edith
Published: January 2016

A high sugar intake is a subject of scientific debate due to the suggested health implications and recent free sugar recommendations by the WHO. The objective was to complete a food composition table for added and free sugars, to estimate the intake of total sugars, free sugars, and added sugars, adherence to sugar guidelines and overall diet quality in Dutch children and adults. In all, 3817 men and women (7–69 years) from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010 were studied. Added and free sugar content of products was assigned by food composition tables and using labelling and product information. Diet was assessed with two 24-h recalls. Diet quality was studied in adults with the Dutch Healthy Diet-index. Total sugar intake was 22% Total Energy (%TE), free sugars intake 14 %TE, and added sugar intake 12 %TE. Sugar consumption was higher in children than adults. Main food sources of sugars were sweets and candy, non-alcoholic beverages, dairy, and cake and cookies. Prevalence free sugar intake <10 %TE was 5% in boys and girls (7–18 years), 29% in women, and 33% in men. Overall diet quality was similar comparing adults adherent and non-adherent to the sugar guidelines, although adherent adults had a higher intake of dietary fiber and vegetables. Adherence to the WHO free sugar guidelines of <5 %TE and <10 %TE was generally low in the Netherlands, particularly in children. Adherence to the added and free sugar guidelines was not strongly associated with higher diet quality in adults.
Association of Body Composition with Curve Severity in Children and Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS)
Authors: Matusik Edyta , Durmala Jacek , Matusik Pawel
Published: January 2016

The link between scoliotic deformity and body composition assessed with bioimpedance (BIA) has not been well researched. The objective of this study was to correlate the extent of scoliotic-curve severity with the anthropometrical status of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) based on standard anthropometric measurements and BIA. The study encompassed 279 IS patients (224 girls/55 boys), aged 14.21 ± 2.75 years. Scoliotic curve severity assessed by Cobb’s angle was categorized as moderate (10°–39°) or severe (≥40°). Corrected height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured and body mass index (BMI), corrected height z-score, BMI Z-score, waist/height ratio (WHtR) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were calculated for the entire group. Body composition parameters: fat mass (FAT), fat-free mass (FFM) and predicted muscle mass (PMM) were determined using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. The mean Cobb angle was 19.96° ± 7.92° in the moderate group and 52.36° ± 12.54° in the severe group. The corrected body heights, body weights and BMIs were significantly higher in the severe IS group than in the moderate group (p < 0.05). Significantly higher FAT and lower FFM and PMM were observed in the severe IS group (p < 0.05). The corrected heights and weights were significantly higher in patients with severe IS and normal weight (p < 0.01). Normal and overweight patients with a severe IS had significantly higher adiposity levels assessed by FAT, FFM and PMM for normal and BMI, BMI z-score, WHtR, FAT and PMM for overweight, respectively. Overweight IS patients were significantly younger and taller than underweight and normal weight patients. The scoliotic curve severity is significantly related to the degree of adiposity in IS patients. BMI z-score, WHtR and BIA seem to be useful tools for determining baseline anthropometric characteristics of IS children.
2015: A Transition Year for Pharmaceuticals?
Authors: Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: January 2016

In this period, I could not start this editorial without wishing all of you a Happy New Year. This is also the opportunity for me to warmly thank, for their confidence, our authors, readers, reviewers, members of the editorial board, sponsors, as well as members of MDPI AG in Basel, Beijing, and Wuhan. [...]
Development of PVDF Membrane Nanocomposites via Various Functionalization Approaches for Environmental Applications
Authors: Davenport Douglas , Gui Minghui , Ormsbee Lindell , Bhattacharyya Dibakar
Published: January 2016

Membranes are finding wide applications in various fields spanning biological, water, and energy areas. Synthesis of membranes to provide tunable flux, metal sorption, and catalysis has been done through pore functionalization of microfiltration (MF) type membranes with responsive behavior. This methodology provides an opportunity to improve synthetic membrane performance via polymer fabrication and surface modification. By optimizing the polymer coagulation conditions in phase inversion fabrication, spongy polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with high porosity and large internal pore volume were created in lab and full scale. This robust membrane shows a promising mechanical strength as well as high capacity for loading of adsorptive and catalytic materials. By applying surface modification techniques, synthetic membranes with different functionality (carboxyl, amine, and nanoparticle-based) were obtained. These functionalities provide an opportunity to fine-tune the membrane surface properties such as charge and reactivity. The incorporation of stimuli-responsive acrylic polymers (polyacrylic acid or sodium polyacrylate) in membrane pores also results in tunable pore size and ion-exchange capacity. This provides the added benefits of adjustable membrane permeability and metal capture efficiency. The equilibrium and dynamic binding capacity of these functionalized spongy membranes were studied via calcium ion-exchange. Iron/palladium catalytic nanoparticles were immobilized in the polymer matrix in order to perform the challenging degradation of the environmental pollutant trichloroethylene (TCE).
UV Light Induces Dedoping of Polyaniline
Authors: Kaitsuka Yuki , Goto Hiromasa
Published: January 2016

UV (Ultra-Violet) light-driven change in optical absorption of polyaniline (PANI) is reported. Irradiation of UV light to PANI/camphor sulfonic acid prepared by electrochemical polymerization allows dedoping of the PANI. Especially, UV light irradiation in the presence of a radical trap agent effectively reduces (dedoping) the PANI. The result in this study is quite simple; however, this may be a first report for light-induced dedoping (color change) of a conductive polymer.
Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Digital Imaging System to Derive a 3D Point Cloud for Landslide Scarp Recognition
Authors: Al-Rawabdeh Abdulla , He Fangning , Moussa Adel , El-Sheimy Naser , Habib Ayman
Published: January 2016

Landslides often cause economic losses, property damage, and loss of lives. Monitoring landslides using high spatial and temporal resolution imagery and the ability to quickly identify landslide regions are the basis for emergency disaster management. This study presents a comprehensive system that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Semi-Global dense Matching (SGM) techniques to identify and extract landslide scarp data. The selected study area is located along a major highway in a mountainous region in Jordan, and contains creeping landslides induced by heavy rainfall. Field observations across the slope body and a deformation analysis along the highway and existing gabions indicate that the slope is active and that scarp features across the slope will continue to open and develop new tension crack features, leading to the downward movement of rocks. The identification of landslide scarps in this study was performed via a dense 3D point cloud of topographic information generated from high-resolution images captured using a low-cost UAV and a target-based camera calibration procedure for a low-cost large-field-of-view camera. An automated approach was used to accurately detect and extract the landslide head scarps based on geomorphological factors: the ratio of normalized Eigenvalues (i.e., λ1/λ2 ≥ λ3) derived using principal component analysis, topographic surface roughness index values, and local-neighborhood slope measurements from the 3D image-based point cloud. Validation of the results was performed using root mean square error analysis and a confusion (error) matrix between manually digitized landslide scarps and the automated approaches. The experimental results using the fully automated 3D point-based analysis algorithms show that these approaches can effectively distinguish landslide scarps. The proposed algorithms can accurately identify and extract landslide scarps with centimeter-scale accuracy. In addition, the combination of UAV-based imagery, 3D scene reconstruction, and landslide scarp recognition/extraction algorithms can provide flexible and effective tool for monitoring landslide scarps and is acceptable for landslide mapping purposes.
Real-Time Classification of Seagrass Meadows on Flat Bottom with Bathymetric Data Measured by a Narrow Multibeam Sonar System
Authors: Hamana Masahiro , Komatsu Teruhisa
Published: January 2016

Seagrass meadows, one of the most important habitats for many marine species, provide essential ecological services. Thus, society must conserve seagrass beds as part of their sustainable development efforts. Conserving these ecosystems requires information on seagrass distribution and relative abundance, and an efficient, accurate monitoring system. Although narrow multibeam sonar systems (NMBSs) are highly effective in resolving seagrass beds, post-processing methods are required to extract key data. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple method capable of detecting seagrass meadows and estimating their relative abundance in real time using an NMBS. Because most seagrass meadows grow on sandy seafloors, we proposed a way of discriminating seagrass meadows from the sand bed. We classify meadows into three categories of relative seagrass abundance using the 95% confidence level of beam depths and the depth range of the beam depth. These are respectively two times the standard deviation of beam depths, and the difference between the shallowest and the deepest depths in a 0.5 × 0.5 m grid cell sampled with several narrow beams. We examined Zostera caulescens Miki, but this simple NMBS method of seagrass classification can potentially be used to map seagrass meadows with longer shoots of other species, such as Posidonia, as both have gas filled cavities.
A New Void Fraction Measurement Method for Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Small Channels
Authors: Li Huajun , Ji Haifeng , Huang Zhiyao , Wang Baoliang , Li Haiqing , Wu Guohua
Published: January 2016

Based on a laser diode, a 12 × 6 photodiode array sensor, and machine learning techniques, a new void fraction measurement method for gas-liquid two-phase flow in small channels is proposed. To overcome the influence of flow pattern on the void fraction measurement, the flow pattern of the two-phase flow is firstly identified by Fisher Discriminant Analysis (FDA). Then, according to the identification result, a relevant void fraction measurement model which is developed by Support Vector Machine (SVM) is selected to implement the void fraction measurement. A void fraction measurement system for the two-phase flow is developed and experiments are carried out in four different small channels. Four typical flow patterns (including bubble flow, slug flow, stratified flow and annular flow) are investigated. The experimental results show that the development of the measurement system is successful. The proposed void fraction measurement method is effective and the void fraction measurement accuracy is satisfactory. Compared with the conventional laser measurement systems using standard laser sources, the developed measurement system has the advantages of low cost and simple structure. Compared with the conventional void fraction measurement methods, the proposed method overcomes the influence of flow pattern on the void fraction measurement. This work also provides a good example of using low-cost laser diode as a competent replacement of the expensive standard laser source and hence implementing the parameter measurement of gas-liquid two-phase flow. The research results can be a useful reference for other researchers’ works.
A Full Parallel Event Driven Readout Technique for Area Array SPAD FLIM Image Sensors
Authors: Nie Kaiming , Wang Xinlei , Qiao Jun , Xu Jiangtao
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a full parallel event driven readout method which is implemented in an area array single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) image sensor for high-speed fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The sensor only records and reads out effective time and position information by adopting full parallel event driven readout method, aiming at reducing the amount of data. The image sensor includes four 8 × 8 pixel arrays. In each array, four time-to-digital converters (TDCs) are used to quantize the time of photons’ arrival, and two address record modules are used to record the column and row information. In this work, Monte Carlo simulations were performed in Matlab in terms of the pile-up effect induced by the readout method. The sensor’s resolution is 16 × 16. The time resolution of TDCs is 97.6 ps and the quantization range is 100 ns. The readout frame rate is 10 Mfps, and the maximum imaging frame rate is 100 fps. The chip’s output bandwidth is 720 MHz with an average power of 15 mW. The lifetime resolvability range is 5–20 ns, and the average error of estimated fluorescence lifetimes is below 1% by employing CMM to estimate lifetimes.
Impact of Humidity on Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Based CO Detection Using a Near-IR Telecommunication Diode Laser
Authors: Yin Xukun , Dong Lei , Zheng Huadan , Liu Xiaoli , Wu Hongpeng , Yang Yanfang , Ma Weiguang , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: January 2016

A near-IR CO trace gas sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is evaluated using humidified nitrogen samples. Relaxation processes in the CO-N2-H2O system are investigated. A simple kinetic model is used to predict the sensor performance at different gas pressures. The results show that CO has a ~3 and ~5 times slower relaxation time constant than CH4 and HCN, respectively, under dry conditions. However, with the presence of water, its relaxation time constant can be improved by three orders of magnitude. The experimentally determined normalized detection sensitivity for CO in humid gas is 1.556 × 10 − 8 W ⋅ cm − 1 / Hz 1 / 2 .
Regional Convergence and Sustainable Development in China
Authors: Yang Fang , Pan Shiying , Yao Xin
Published: January 2016

Based on the convergence theory of economic growth, this paper extends this concept to the human development index and carries out an empirical analysis of regional development in China between 1997 and 2006. Our research shows that the conditional convergence has been identified. Investment in fixed assets, government expenditure on education, health and infrastructure construction have positive effects on regional convergence of social development. Population weighted analysis of human development index provides support for weak convergence amongst provinces. Analysis of dynamics of regional distribution reveals the club convergence, which indicate two different convergence states. Central China is in the shade and lags behind, giving rise to the so-called “central downfall”. To solve this problem, the “Rise of Central China” Plan is necessary to promote the connection between coastal and inland regions of China and reduce the regional development gap.
Inter-Organisational Coordination for Sustainable Local Governance: Public Safety Management in Poland
Authors: Kożuch Barbara , Sienkiewicz-Małyjurek Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

The goal of this article is to examine the basic characteristics and factors that impact inter-organisational coordination in sustainable local governance to address: 1. What are the factors that effective inter-organisational coordination between independent units creating public safety system on local level in sustainable local governance depends on? 2. What are the principal features of inter-organisational coordination in the public safety management system studied in the context of sustainable local governance? The article’s goal was reached using desk research analysis and empirical research. The desk research covers an analysis of international scientific publications. In turn, the empirical research was based on the example of public safety management. It covered interviews with practitioners dealing with public safety and a hermeneutic process within a focus group of scholars. As a result of the conducted research, interdependencies between coordination and other factors of inter-organisational collaboration were identified and the process of inter-organisational coordination during the emergency situations was characterised.
Molecular Studies of HTLV-1 Replication: An Update
Authors: Martin Jessica , Maldonado José , Mueller Joachim , Zhang Wei , Mansky Louis
Published: January 2016

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first human retrovirus discovered. Studies on HTLV-1 have been instrumental for our understanding of the molecular pathology of virus-induced cancers. HTLV-1 is the etiological agent of an adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and can lead to a variety of neurological pathologies, including HTLV-1-associated-myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The ability to treat the aggressive ATL subtypes remains inadequate. HTLV-1 replicates by (1) an infectious cycle involving virus budding and infection of new permissive target cells and (2) mitotic division of cells harboring an integrated provirus. Virus replication initiates host antiviral immunity and the checkpoint control of cell proliferation, but HTLV-1 has evolved elegant strategies to counteract these host defense mechanisms to allow for virus persistence. The study of the molecular biology of HTLV-1 replication has provided crucial information for understanding HTLV-1 replication as well as aspects of viral replication that are shared between HTLV-1 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Here in this review, we discuss the various stages of the virus replication cycle—both foundational knowledge as well as current updates of ongoing research that is important for understanding HTLV-1 molecular pathogenesis as well as in developing novel therapeutic strategies.
The Autophagic Machinery in Enterovirus Infection
Authors: Lai Jeffrey , Sam I-Ching , Chan Yoke
Published: January 2016

The Enterovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family comprises many important human pathogens, including polioviruses, rhinovirus, enterovirus A71, and enterovirus D68. They cause a wide variety of diseases, ranging from mild to severe life-threatening diseases. Currently, no effective vaccine is available against enteroviruses except for poliovirus. Enteroviruses subvert the autophagic machinery to benefit their assembly, maturation, and exit from host. Some enteroviruses spread between cells via a process described as autophagosome-mediated exit without lysis (AWOL). The early and late phases of autophagy are regulated through various lipids and their metabolizing enzymes. Some of these lipids and enzymes are specifically regulated by enteroviruses. In the present review, we summarize the current understanding of the regulation of autophagic machinery by enteroviruses, and provide updates on recent developments in this field.
La production de viande bovine en Midi-Pyrénées et en Bretagne : un ressort de la différenciation régionale
Authors: Coquart Dominique , Mazenc Lucien
Published: January 2016

Beef production and its organization : a criterion for regional differentiation in Midi-Pyrénées and Britanny. The French beef channel must satisfy a foreign and a home demand. How did the French regions adapted themselves to the evolution of the market ? What were the conditions for success and failure in two regions : Midi-Pyrénées and Britanny ? The first one seized the opportunity with veal, succeeding its reconversion from calf grown under the cow to battery-grown calf, and it became an important area for the export of low-fat animals ; on the other hand, its situation about beef meat has regressed. Brittany obtained a spectacular success in produced quantities and it also built a powerful slaughtering and transformation industry, well adapted to reply to an increasing demand for the distribution of transformed products. These exemples show how divergent can be the evolution of the regions and the evolution of the types of products in each of them. Some of the most imporant conditions for success are environment (ground, climate, relief), but also historical and sociological, locational and the activism of the various entrepreneurs and institutions.
Torrentialité et avalanches dans une forêt des Pyrénées centrales : le Laou d'Esbas
Authors: Boussarsar Brahim
Published: January 2016

Torrencialidad y avalanchas en un bosque del Pirineo central : el Laou d'Esbas. Examen de las condiciones en las que sobrevinieron dos cataclismos de tipo torrencial en un subafluente del río La Pique : pendientes, precipitaciones, clima local, substrato, cobertura forestal, asi como de las relaciones entre la torrencialidad y las avalanchas. Diversas obras tienden a corregir esta situación, pero también se plantea la cuestión del significado, a largo plazo, de los diversos cataclismos observados entre 1965 y 1937.
Simple activation by acid of latent Ru-NHC-based metathesis initiators bearing 8-quinolinolate co-ligands
Authors: Wappel Julia , Fischer Roland C , Cavallo Luigi , Slugovc Christian , Poater Albert
Published: January 2016

A straightforward synthesis utilizing the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reaction is described for acid-triggered N,O-chelating ruthenium-based pre-catalysts bearing one or two 8-quinolinolate ligands. The innovative pre-catalysts were tested regarding their behavior in ROMP and especially for their use in the synthesis of poly(dicyclopentadiene) (pDCPD). Bearing either the common phosphine leaving ligand in the first and second Grubbs olefin metathesis catalysts, or the Ru–O bond cleavage for the next Hoveyda-type catalysts, this work is a step forward towards the control of polymer functionalization and living or switchable polymerizations.
Quel avenir pour des maisons de soins palliatifs ?
Authors: Pétermann Michel
Published: January 2016

La Fondation Rive-Neuve implantée à Villeneuve (CH) en 1988 a déménagé dans une plus grande maison (hôpital) de soins palliatifs à Blonay en 2012. Le gain en efficience s’est fait en privilégiant des valeurs clés telles que la dignité et la convivialité. Une clinique de jour pilote a été créée et les bureaux de l’équipe mobile de la région ont été conviés sous le même toit. Si, dans cette nouvelle structure, la satisfaction des patients et des proches reste grande et unanime, se pose la question de l’avenir d’une telle maison à moyen et long terme. Une piste praticable passe par un redimensionnement géographique du bassin de recrutement des patients ainsi qu’un élargissement des indications médicales, ceci au sein d’un réseau de soin structuré autour de cabinets médicaux de groupe et d’une équipe mobile.
Early Ankle Mobilization Promotes Healing in a Rabbit Model of Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Jielile Jiasharete , Asilehan Batiza , Wupuer Aikeremu , Qianman Bayixiati , Jialihasi Ayidaer , Tangkejie Wulanbai , Maimaitiaili Abudouheilil , Shawutali Nuerai , Badelhan Aynaz , Niyazebieke Hadelebieke , Aizezi Adili , Aisaiding Amuding , Bakyt Yerzat , Aibek Rakimbaiev , Wuerliebieke Jianati
Published: January 2016

The use of early mobilization of the ankle joint without orthosis in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture has been advocated as the optimal management. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes in a postoperative rabbit model of Achilles tendon rupture between early mobilization and immobilized animals using a differential proteomics approach. In total, 135 rabbits were randomized into the control group (n=15), the postoperative cast immobilization (PCI) group (n=60), and the early mobilization (EM) group (n=60). A rupture of the Achilles tendon was created in each animal model and repaired microsurgically, and tendon samples were removed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. Proteins were separated using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel elec trophoresis and identified using peptide mass fingerprinting, tandem mass spectrometry, NCBI database searches, and bioinformatics analyses. A series of differentially expressed proteins were identified between groups, some of which may play an important role in Achilles tendon healing. Notable candidate proteins that were upregulated in the EM group were identified, such as CRMP-2, galactokinase 1, tropomyosin-4, and transthyretin. The healing of ruptured Achilles tendons appears to be affected at the level of protein expression with the use of early mobilization. The classic postoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with an orthosis ignored the self-protecting instinct of humans. With a novel operative technique, the repaired tendon can persist the load that comes from traction in knee and ankle joint functional movement. In addition, kinesitherapy provided an excellent experimental outcome via a mechanobiological mechanism. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(1):e117–e126.]
Pure Curd Supply Chain
Authors: Mahajan Rajneesh , Garg Suresh , Sharma P. B.
Published: January 2016

The modern food safety management comprises of ISO 22000:2005. It has modified the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) by embedding food safety management. It has created a standardized management system. The objective of current chapter is to endow a systematic approach for the ground level implementation of ISO 22000 in Indian pure curd supply chain management. The chapter is prepared utilizing combination of qualitative research and case study method. A case of Milsh Dairy Ltd. (MDL, organisation's name is disguised) was discussed to shed light on ISO 22000 features, comparative analysis between HACCP and ISO 22000. The research is limited to professional pure curd manufacturing sector. Authors have adopted the research methodology which can be applied to other sectors also.
Strategic Development of Responsible Warehousing with Safety Partnership
Authors: Surienty Lilis , Auyong Hui-Nee , Zailani Suhaiza
Published: January 2016

Occupational safety and health (OSH) issues have become a major concern to many corporations in Malaysia since the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. While safety management system has been researched, only limited literatures have given attention to warehousing. The development of effective partnerships between customers and vendors to identify opportunities for enhancing safety management system. Employee safety behaviour in the workplace is crucial in approaching towards safety compliance and safety performance indicators. The main objective was to test the safety behaviour of the workers. Data were collected throughout the warehousing processes of a multinational electronics manufacturer in Malaysia. A questionnaire has been filled-up by the warehousing employees. This study proposes the theory of planned behaviour were to explain the linkage between customer - vendor partnership and safety behaviour. Respondents were questioned partnership with its customers to systematically improve safety behaviour. Usually most of the occupational accident or disease took place in the material handling operations and activities with cargo interface. The findings of this study show that customer-vendor partnership has a significant and positive relationship on safety behaviour. This approach to be examined for improved safety ownership and the possibility that enhancements would become an essential part of the vendor's processes, systems, and culture. This customer-vendor partnership approach will develop safety improvements for next heights of success. SPSS was applied for processing the data. It was found that information dissemination and collaboration with the client are important. Employees should participate in the safety program as required by the clients so as to obtain the merits of high performance workforce.
The Role of Institutional Pressures on Green Supply Chain Practices in Building the Organizational Image
Authors: Sharma Manisha
Published: January 2016

Supply chain management has been used by businesses and the companies have attributed their success to effective supply chain management. But in case of healthcare sector, supply chain management is not that prominent since it deals with finished products. Supply Chain Management is a concept, strategy and approach that is proving its worth in hospital management all over the world. The pressures on hospital supply chains are changing. In response to these pressures some hospitals have initiated green supply chain management (GSCM) practices that provide tremendous opportunities to improve supply chain performance. This paper tries to provide empirical results in order to examine the impact of GSCM practices in building the positive image of the Indian hospitals incorporating two moderating variables namely regulatory and competition. In order to gain unique insights of current levels of awareness/adoption of GSCM and the potential impact GSCM could have in building organizational image, a survey was conducted among 53 hospitals from NCR (National Capital Region) India. Moderated hierarchical regression analysis has been used to arrive at the following results: (1) Indian hospitals have experienced increasing environmental pressure to implement GSCM practices; (2) The implementation of GSCM practices have helped in building positive organizational image (3) The existence of competitive and regulatory pressures influence hospitals to implement green supply chain practices that eventually help in building positive organizational image especially when these pressures cause adoption of green purchasing and green hospital services even though organizational image is most influenced by Internal environment management; (4) Hospitals implement green transportation policies under regulatory and competitive pressures. Implications for operations strategists from these relationships are also discussed.
The Dream Analog
Authors: Schafer Stephen Brock
Published: January 2016

Increasingly, human perceptions of reality are based on virtual illusions. This altered reality called the metaverse is dreamlike. If reality, the metaverse, and dreams are virtual illusions, the metaverse and dreams are real. This suggests that virtual realities may be analyzed according to Carl Jung's compensational dynamics of dream analysis. The objective of such analysis would be discovery of contextual (target group) meaning in unconscious dimensions. Such discovery could lead to the use of mediated biofeedback to engineer Earth-sustainable media content in order to promote coherent frequencies on correlated electro-magnetic scales. This chapter will emphasize the authenticity of research on the collective unconscious as projected into the metaverse. Based on fundamental correlations in structure, function, and purpose of dreams as defined by Carl Jung, drama-based video games can be understood as a genre that may serve as an unprecedented, interactive dream analog for purposes of cognitive research.
Jungian Reflections on South African Cinema
Authors: Broodryk Chris
Published: January 2016

This chapter explores how, in the aftermath of apartheid, Oliver Hermanus' film Skoonheid (2011) can serve as a healing fiction by inviting an engagement with present and past political and personal conflicts and resisting a type of cultural amnesia. In particular, this chapter draws on Jungian film studies to explore key scenes in Skoonheid that demonstrate the effects of a frustrated individuation process that nonetheless offers possibilities for the viewer to consider ways of healing. To position Skoonheid as healing fiction, the chapter utilises the work of James Hillman, amongst others, to conceptualise notions of healing. The chapter also locates the film against the historical backdrop of an Afrikaans-language cinema that traditionally privileged an inflexible white male subjectivity. In contrast, Skoonheid shows the Afrikaans-speaking white male as inhabiting a space of perceived disempowerment and loss, where the soul should still strive towards meaningful acts within a collective, within a community.
Measuring the Thermo-Technical Parameters of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Authors: Struhárová Alena
Published: January 2016

Bulk density and moisture content are factors that significantly affect the physical properties of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) including thermal conductivity and other thermo-technical characteristics. This article shows the results of measurements of compressive strength, capillary absorption, water absorption and porosity of AAC (ash on fluidized fly ash) at different bulk density and also the results of thermal conductivity of AAC at different bulk density and variable moisture content of the material. The thermo-technical properties were measured using the Isomet 2104, a portable measuring device. Acquired results demonstrate dependence of physical properties including thermal conductivity of AAC on bulk density and moisture content. The reliability and accuracy of the method of measuring was also shown.
Case Study of Chimney and Flue Fires in Timber Constructions in Slovak Republic
Authors: Olbřímek Juraj , Lišková Zuzana , Leitnerová Soňa
Published: January 2016

In the past, due to a harmonization of standards of the Slovak Republic to European Union standards, there was the amendment of Act no. 455/1991 Coll. on small business. Based on adjustments related regulations was a canceled competence requirement of persons performing regular cleaning and inspection of the chimney. According to statistics of Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic is a chimney still one of the most common reasons of fire in residential buildings. The article deals with the analysis of fires caused by chimneys and flues. The main goal is to point out the necessity to solve this problem by stricter regulations on testing and approval of the chimney.
Mold Growth Risk Analysis on the Surfaces of an Organic Building Structure Based on In Situ Monitoring
Authors: Bečkovský David , Vlach František , Vitík Jan , Šuhajdová Eva
Published: January 2016

This article deals with the assessment of methodologies for water vapor condensation determination and mold growth risk analysis on the surfaces of an organic building structure based on in-situ monitoring, carried out on the structural elements of renovated roof truss above the greenhouse “Květná zahrada” in Kroměříž. The garden including the building is signed on the UNESCO Word Heritage List for its historical and architectonical value. The monitoring was focused on hygrothermal behavior of a particular attic area during winter term 2014 - 2015. The risks of water vapor condensation and mold growth were then analyzed on the basis of data obtained by the monitoring process. These also include measurement and output data accuracy is included as well. The Results were used as recommendation for a control system of forced ventilation in the monitored attic area.
Characteristics of Mechanically Fastened Joints of Single-Layer Bitumen Sheets
Authors: Petříček Tomáš , Plachý Jan , Kacálek Petr , Smolka Radim
Published: January 2016

This contribution focuses on the examination of the mutual dependence between the degree of modification of bitumen sheets and the strength characteristics of their mechanically fastened joints.Bitumen sheets with differently modified bitumen substances which were used as single-layer mechanically fastened waterproofing membranes for flat roofs were chosen as samples. The aforementioned dependence has been noted in practice, but until now has not been explicitly documented.The aim of this contribution is to confirm or to refute the hypothesis that a relation exists between the degree of modification of bitumen sheets and the strength of their joints. The formulation of the results was based on the statistical evaluation of laboratory measurement data.
The Influence of Thermal Bridges on the Energy Need for Heating after Renewal: A Case Study
Authors: Menďan Rastislav , Pavčeková Monika
Published: January 2016

The contribution deals with the influence of additional heat loss caused by thermal bridges of a building on the energy need for heating. Calculations and comparisons were carried out for a simple characteristic family house built in the sixties in the last century. The family house was evaluated in original state and in four variants of a renewal.
The Impact of Balcony Glazing on the Selected Building Envelope
Authors: Perina Zdenek , Sevcikova Hana , Fabian Radek , Halirova Marcela , Rykalova Eva
Published: January 2016

Current requirements for energy savings lead to improve heat insulation properties of claddings. That is the reason why thermal insulation properties are improved in existing buildings, such as additional insulation of the building envelope and replacing filling holes in the facade. The reason for the implementation of the glazing of these areas is the idea of improving the indoor climate of the living space. It is assumed that condensation of water vapor and occurrence of moulds on inner surface of the structures can happened in certain conditions of indoor air.
The Applicability of Existing Methods for Testing the Base Layers of ETICS
Authors: Novotný Michal
Published: January 2016

The contact thermal insulation system is a major trend in building construction in the Czech Republic. In this way both for new buildings and for renovations to improve thermal and technical parameters of buildings. Effort of an extension of the construction season, however, causes frequent visits of the application of this system in unsuitable weather conditions. One of the important layers in the systems ETICS (which is the contact thermal insulation of the building) is the basic layer with glass-fibre reinforcing mesh. Such a cover layer of thermal insulation and at the same time a basis for the final outer layer - plaster. Climatic conditions during application are given by the manufacturer. Normal temperature is indicated by + 5°C to +30°C. The lower boundary is not often observed. That's why I have my research and thesis focused on testing the parameters of the base layer made outside the ideal conditions. I thus produced samples underwent laboratory tests and watching the resulting parameters. This article provides a brief description of the testing methods and their advantages and disadvantages. The methods used were, for example, tests in flexural strength, pressure, water absorption test or tests of beginning and end of solidification. The most important findings of my research were the facts that significantly limit the applicability of standardized tests to determine the beginning and end of solidification. For the base layer samples of 4mm even these methods give very distorted information. Another effort of my research will be to verify these results and determine how it will be necessary to modify the methodology of testing, we received the relevant data. Preliminary hypothesis is at least the size of a substitute specimens - especially reducing the sample thickness from 40 mm to 4-6 mm, which corresponds to the reality of practical implementation. The data obtained would subsequently be used to adjust the rules for testing insulation systems. Data were obtained primarily from my research within VUT FAST brand FAST‑J‑10‑50