bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suitability of high-volume aerosol samplers for ultra-trace aerosol iron measurements in pristine air masses: blanks, recoveries and bugs
Authors: Winton Holly , Bowie Andrew , Keywood Melita , van der Merwe Pier , Edwards Ross
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric inputs of soluble iron (Fe) to the global ocean are an important factor determining marine primary productivity and nitrogen fixation. To investigate soluble aerosol Fe and fractional Fe solubility, marine aerosol sampling has been conducted from a number of platforms including aerosol towers, ship and buoy platforms. A number of these studies have used commercially available high-volume aerosol samplers to collect aerosols from large volumes of air. These samplers are attractive for sampling air from low Fe air masses since they can rapidly concentrate large volumes improving detection limits. Here we investigate the use of a high-volume sampler from the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station (CGBAPS), Tasmania, Australia to sample aerosol Fe from baseline Southern Ocean air-masses. The study followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for the sampling of ambient air using high-volume sampler, and the recommendations and protocols from GEOTRACES community for sampling, sample preparation and digestion of trace element aerosols. Analysis and inspection of exposure blank (one month exposure) filters for Fe, and other metals, revealed significant contamination resulting from passive deposition of local soil, plants and insects. The results of the study suggest that high-volume aerosol samplers may not be suitable for low concentration air masses over the Southern Ocean without some mechanism to hermetically seal the sampler when the baseline sampling criteria are not met.
Generation of a global fuel data set using the Fuel Characteristic Classification System
Authors: Pettinari M. Lucrecia , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This study presents the methods for the generation of the first global fuel data set, containing all the parameters required to be input in the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS). The data set was developed from different spatial variables, both based on satellite Earth observation products and fuel databases, and is comprised by a global fuelbed map and a database that includes the parameters of each fuelbed that affect fire behavior and effects. A total of 274 fuelbeds were created and parameterized, and can be input into FCCS to obtain fire potentials, surface fire behavior and carbon biomass for each fuelbed. We present a first assessment of the fuel data set by comparing the carbon biomass obtained from our FCCS fuelbeds with the average biome values of four other regional or global biomass products. The results showed a good agreement both in terms of geographical distribution and biomass loads when compared to other biomass data, with the best results found for tropical and boreal forests (Spearman's coefficient of 0.79 and 0.77). This global fuel data set may be used for a varied range of applications, including fire danger assessment, fire behavior estimations, fuel consumption calculations and emissions inventories.
The climate reconstruction in Shandong Peninsula, northern China, during the last millennium based on stalagmite laminae together with a comparison to δ18O
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhou Houyun , Cheng Ke , Chi Hong , Shen Chuan-Chou , Wang Changshan , Ma Qianqian
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Stalagmite ky1, with a length of 75 mm and the upper part (from top to 42.769 mm depth) consisting of 678 laminae, was collected from Kaiyuan Cave in the coastal area of Shandong Peninsula, northern China, located in a warm temperate zone in the East Asia monsoon area. Based on high-precision dating with the U–230Th technique and continuous counting of laminae, the 1st and 678th laminae have been confirmed to be AD 1894 ± 20 and 1217 ± 20 from top to bottom, respectively. By the measurement of laminae thickness and δ18O ratios, we haved obtained the time series data of thickness of laminae and δ18O ratios from AD 1217 ± 20 to 1894 ± 20, analyzed the climatic–environmental meaning of variations in the thickness of laminae, which have a good correspondence with the cumulative departure curve of the drought–waterlog index in the historical period. The results show that, in the  ∼  678 years from AD 1217 ± 20 to 1894 ± 20, both the thickness of the laminae and the degree of fluctuation in the thickness of the laminae of stalagmite ky1 have obvious stages of variation and are completely synchronized with the contemporaneous intensity of the summer monsoons and precipitation as time changed. There is a negative correlation between the thickness of the laminae and the summer monsoon intensity and precipitation. There is a positive correlation between the degree of fluctuation in the thickness of the laminae and both the intensity of the summer monsoons and the precipitation. Therefore, for the Kaiyuan Cave in the coastal area of both the warm temperate zone and the East Asia monsoon area, the variations in the thickness of the laminae are not only related to the change in the climatic factors themselves but also related to the degree of climatic stability. In the coastal area belonging to the warm temperate zone and the East Asia monsoon area, the climate change between the LIA (Little Ice Age) and the MWP (Medieval Warm Period), in addition to less precipitation and low temperatures (a type of dry and cold climate), also shows an obviously decreasing trend in the degree of climatic stability.
Downscaling future precipitation extremes to urban hydrology scales using a spatio-temporal Neyman–Scott weather generator
Authors: Sørup Hjalte Jomo Danielsen , Christensen Ole Bøssing , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten , Mikkelsen Peter Steen
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Spatio-temporal precipitation is modelled for urban application at 1 h temporal resolution on a 2 km grid using a spatio-temporal Neyman–Scott rectangular pulses weather generator (WG). Precipitation time series used as input to the WG are obtained from a network of 60 tipping-bucket rain gauges irregularly placed in a 40 km  ×  60 km model domain. The WG simulates precipitation time series that are comparable to the observations with respect to extreme precipitation statistics. The WG is used for downscaling climate change signals from regional climate models (RCMs) with spatial resolutions of 25 and 8 km, respectively. Six different RCM simulation pairs are used to perturb the WG with climate change signals resulting in six very different perturbation schemes. All perturbed WGs result in more extreme precipitation at the sub-daily to multi-daily level and these extremes exhibit a much more realistic spatial pattern than what is observed in RCM precipitation output. The WG seems to correlate increased extreme intensities with an increased spatial extent of the extremes meaning that the climate-change-perturbed extremes have a larger spatial extent than those of the present climate. Overall, the WG produces robust results and is seen as a reliable procedure for downscaling RCM precipitation output for use in urban hydrology.
Selective detection of naphthalene with nanostructured WO3 gas sensors prepared by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Leidinger Martin , Huotari Joni , Sauerwald Tilman , Lappalainen Jyrki , Schütze Andreas
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature with a nanosecond laser was used to prepare WO3 layers on both MEMS microheater platforms and Si/SiO2 substrates. Structural characterization showed that the layers are formed of nanoparticles and nanoparticle agglomerates. Two types of layers were prepared, one at an oxygen partial pressure of 0.08 mbar and one at 0.2 mbar. The layer structure and the related gas sensing properties were shown to be highly dependent on this deposition parameter. At an oxygen pressure of 0.2 mbar, formation of ε-phase WO3 was found, which is possibly contributing to the observed increase in sensitivity of the sensor material. The gas sensing performance of the two sensor layers prepared via PLD was tested for detection of volatile organic compounds (benzene, formaldehyde and naphthalene) at ppb level concentrations, with various ethanol backgrounds (0.5 and 2 ppm) and gas humidities (30, 50 and 70 % RH). The gas sensors were operated in temperature cycled operation. For signal processing, linear discriminant analysis was performed using features extracted from the conductance signals during temperature variations as input data. Both WO3 sensor layers showed high sensitivity and selectivity to naphthalene compared to the other target gases. Of the two layers, the one prepared at higher oxygen partial pressure showed higher sensitivity and stability resulting in better discrimination of the gases and of different naphthalene concentrations. Naphthalene at concentrations down to 1 ppb could be detected with high reliability, even in an ethanol background of up to 2 ppm. The sensors show only low response to ethanol, which can be compensated reliably during the signal processing. Quantification of ppb level naphthalene concentrations was also possible with a high success rate of more than 99 % as shown by leave-one-out cross validation.
Solving the double-banana rigidity problem: a loop-based approach
Authors: Simroth Florian , Ding Huafeng , Kecskeméthy Andrés
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Rigidity detection is an important tool for structural synthesis of mechanisms, as it helps to unveil possible sources of inconsistency in Grübler's count of degrees of freedom (DOFs) and thus to generate consistent kinematical models of complex mechanisms. One case that has puzzled researchers over many decades is the famous "double-banana" problem, which is a representative counter-example of Laman's rigidity condition formula for which existing standard DOF counting formulas fail. The reason for this is the body-by-body and joint-by-joint decomposition of the interconnection structure in classical algorithms, which does not unveil structural isotropy groups for example when whole substructures rotate about an "implied hinge" according to Streinu. In this paper, a completely new approach for rigidity detection for cases as the "double-banana" counterexample in which bars are connected by spherical joints is presented. The novelty of the approach consists in regarding the structure not as a set of joint-connected bodies but as a set of interconnected loops. By tracking isolated DOFs such as those arising between pairs of spherical joints, rigidity/mobility subspaces can be easily identified and thus the "double-banana" paradox can be resolved. Although the paper focuses on the solution of the double-banana mechanism as a special case of paradox bar-and-joint frameworks, the procedure is valid for general body-and-joint mechanisms, as is shown by the decomposition of spherical joints into a series of revolute joints and their rigid-link interconnections.
Tidal elevation, current, and energy flux in the area between the South China Sea and Java Sea
Authors: Wei Zexun , Fang Guohong , Susanto R. Dwi , Adi Tukul Rameyo , Fan Bin , Setiawan Agus , Li Shujiang , Wang Yonggang , Gao Xiumin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The South China Sea (SCS) and the Java Sea (JS) are connected through the Karimata Strait, Gaspar Strait, and the southern Natuna Sea, where the tides are often used as open boundary condition for tidal simulation in the SCS or Indonesian seas. Tides, tidal currents, and tidal energy fluxes of the principle constituents K1, O1, Q1, M2, S2, and N2 at five stations in this area have been analyzed using in situ observational data. The results show that the diurnal tides are the dominant constituents in the entire study area. The constituent K1 has the largest amplitude, exceeding 50 cm, whereas the amplitudes of M2 are smaller than 5 cm at all stations. The amplitudes of S2 may exceed M2 in the Karimata and Gaspar straits. Tidal currents are mostly of rectilinear type in this area. The semi-major axes lengths of the diurnal tidal current ellipses are about 10 cm s−1, and those of the semidiurnal tidal currents are smaller than 5 cm s−1. The diurnal tidal energy flows from the SCS to the JS. The semidiurnal tidal energy flows from the SCS to the JS through the Karimata Strait and the eastern part of the southern Natuna Sea but flows in the opposite direction in the Gaspar Strait and the western part of the southern Natuna Sea. Harmonic analysis of sea level and current observation also suggest that the study area is located in the antinodal band of the diurnal tidal waves, and in the nodal band of the semidiurnal tidal waves. Comparisons show that the existing models are basically consistent with the observational results, but further improvements are necessary.
Investigation of Growth Rate and Phycocolloid Content from Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) under Different Light Conditions Using Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Thien Vun Yee , Rodrigues Kenneth Francis , Wong Clemente Michael Vui Ling , Yong Wilson Thau Lym
Published: April 2016

Kappa-carrageenan (K-carrageenan) is an important phycocolloid which is a major constituent of the cell wall of Kappaphycus alvarezii. The chemical structure of K-carrageenan comprises a linear backbone of D-galactose residues linked with alternating α-(1,3) and β-(1,4) linkages which are substituted by one ester-sulphonic group per di-galactose repeating unit. The spectral qualities of light as well as the ambient carbon dioxide concentration, both play an important role in the photosynthetic pathway in plants and this investigation set forth to establish the effect of different wavelengths of light and carbon dioxide supplementation on the chemical structure of K-carrageenan obtained from K. alvarezii. Specimens were cultivated under a range of monochromatic light spectra and assessed for chemical composition using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.The K. alvarezii control was irradiated with full light spectrum, treatments were carried out using blue (492-455 nm), green (577-492 nm) and red (780-622 nm)light. One experiment was carried out by supplementation with carbon dioxide. Samples were collected after 14 days. The effect of different wavelengths of light on the growth rates of experimental samples was determined. Red light had the most significant impact on the growth rate of K. alvarezii as compared to those treated with blue light. The FTIR fingerprint of the ground seaweed was found to be identical to that of commercial K-carrageenan (Sigma). Special emphasis was given to the 800-1300 cm-1 region, which presents several vibrational modes. All the samples produced similar FTIR spectral profiles, suggesting that genes related to the carrageenan biosynthesis are not affected by different wavelengths of light or CO2. The results obtained from FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that different wavelengths of light and supplementation with CO2 have no influence to the chemical structure of K-carrageenan in K. alvarezii.
"Los niños y la naturaleza"
Authors: Silva Augusto
Published: April 2016

Augusto Silva es una de las más altas expresiones de la plástica nicaragüense, en particular de la Costa Caribe. Desarrolla un programa de arte monumental en distintas ciudades del país y su obra mural la ha plasmado en distintos países europeos.
"Mío tu gato"
Authors: Madrigal Arcia Mario
Published: April 2016

… Y en este contexto, el color es omnipresente. El color, como un elemento que ayuda a potenciar lo mágico. El color contribuyendo a una explosión plástica más intensa, que permite a la vitalidad atravesar fronteras. Todo es color, una sinfonía de color, una fiesta de coloridas partículas. El color, como una varita mágica que enciende pasiones, realza paisajes, personas y situaciones. El color que marca las horas, que mueve al mundo, ese mundo de Mario René; un sensual, sutil, expectante y cambiante mundo.El color en la obra de Mario René Madrigal Arcia, plasma un contraste de tonalidades y matices, revestimientos, búsquedas cromáticas donde el fuego arde en todo su esplendor…Joan Lluís MontanéAsociación Internacional de Críticos de Arte (AICA).
Cumbre de Paris: Convención sobre el Cambio Climático
Authors: Sobre el Cambio Climático Cumbre de Paris
Published: April 2016

El Instituto “Martin Luther King” de la UPOLI -dada la importancia para la humanidad y nuestra Casa Común- publica en este número de Cultura de Paz, por razones de espacio, lo correspondiente a la parte preambular del Acuerdo de la Cumbre de Paris sobre Cambio Climático realizada en el 2015, como adelanto de una futura publicación completa de la misma.
Muscle Strength and Flexibility without and with Visual Impairments Judoka’s
Authors: Karakoc Onder
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to examine muscle strength and flexibility of Judoka with and without visual impairments. A total of 32 male national judoka volunteered to participate in this study. There were 20 male judoka without visual impairments (mean±SD; age: 19.20±5.76 years, body weight: 66.45±11.09 kg, height: 169.60±7.98 cm, sport age: 6.20±1.15 years). There were 12 male judoka with visual impairments (mean±SD; age: 24.50±4.06 years, body weight: 75.58±22.49 kg, height: 173.50±7.23 cm, sport age: 8.08±1.44years). Judoka were also assessed on several strength measurements including standing long jump, right hand grip, left hand grip, vertical jump, leg strength, sit-up and push up, and flexibility with sit and reach. We found significant differences between with and without visual impairments in leg strength, left and right hand grip and push-up (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between with visual and without impairments in vertical jump, sit-up, flexibility, and standing long jump (p>0.05). In conclusion, it is considered that visual impairment issue does not have negative effects on physical development and muscle power performance levels for ones doing judo sport because elite active athletes’ training levels are close to each other.
Long-term Examination of Bank Crashes Using Panel Logistic Regression: Turkish Banks Failure Case
Authors: Eygi Erdogan Birsen
Published: April 2016

Crises in the financial sector over the last two decades have shown the importance of early warning systems, especially for bank failures. This study aims to develop an early warning system for Turkish commercial bank failures using panel data from 2002 to 2012. The data was analyzed using pooled logistic regression versus random panel logistic regression. The dependent variable was the bank failure, defined as the return-on assets ratio. Factor analysis was used to construct independent variables of financial ratios. The meaningful factors were found as: Interest income and expenditures, Equity, Other income and expenditures, Balance sheet, Deposit, Due, Asset quality. When the focus is sensitivity, the best prediction performance was obtained using random-effect logistic regression.
An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of an Advising Survey for Medical and Professional Program Students
Authors: Royal Kenneth D. , Gonzalez Liara M.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a newly developed instrument intended to measure faculty competence as it pertains to their role as advisors, particularly in medical and professional programs. A total of 166 students completed the Faculty Advisor’s Skills and Behaviors Inventory (FASBI). The psychometric properties of the FASBI were evaluated using the Rasch Rating Scale Model. Results indicate the FASBI is a psychometrically-sound instrument capable of producing valid and reproducible measures.
Subclinical ADHD-Symptoms Are Associated with Executive-Functioning and Externalizing Problems in College Students without ADHD-Diagnoses
Authors: Brown Allen J. , Casey Beth M.
Published: April 2016

This study investigated whether problem behaviors, typically associated with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, would also be associated with subclinical ADHD symptoms within a non-clinical college sample. These are symptoms characteristic of ADHD, which are insufficient to warrant a DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD. Self-ratings of behaviors known to be comorbid with ADHD (Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD) behaviors, risk-taking, and Executive-Functioning (EF) problems) were examined as predictors of self-ratings of ADHD symptoms. Measures of ODD symptoms, risk-taking, and EF behavioral problems (related to poor management of time) significantly predicted ADHD symptoms, as measured by Barkley’s ADHD Combined Subscale. These predictors accounted for 26% of the variance. The same measures predicted symptoms of ADHD, Inattentive type, as measured by Barkley’s Inattentiveness (IA) Subscale, and accounted for 30% of the variance. For the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Subscale (HI), the ODD measure significantly entered the equation, while the other two measures were borderline significant, accounting altogether for 10% of the variance. As hypothesized, the EF measure was the strongest predictor for IA, and the ODD measure was the strongest predictor for HI. In conclusion, problem behaviors comorbid with a formal clinical ADHD diagnosis were found to be significantly associated with subclinical ADHD symptoms within a non-clinical sample of college students, as indicated by the substantial proportion of the variance they accounted for in predicting the Barkley’s’ Combined and Inattentiveness Subscales, and to a lessor extent for the Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Subscale. This indicates that college students with ADHD symptoms may have substantial problems not only with their ADHD symptoms, but also with executive functioning and externalizing behaviors associated with these symptoms.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of CdTe / CdS Heteroepitaxy - Effect of Substrate Orientation
Authors: J. Chavez Jose , W. Zhou Xiao , F. Almeida Sergio , Aguirre Rodolfo , Zubia David
Published: April 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to catalogue atomic scale structures of CdTe films grown on eight wurtzite (wz) and zinc-blende (zb) CdS surfaces. Polytypism, grain boundaries, dislocations and other film defects were detected. Dislocation lines were distributed in three distinct ways. For the growths on the wz {0001} and zb {111} surfaces, dislocations were found throughout the epilayers and formed a network at the interface. The dislocations within the films grown on the wz {1100}, wz {1120}, zb {110}, zb {010}, and zb {1/10 1 1/10} surfaces formed an interface network and also threaded from the interface towards the film’s surface. In contrast, the growth on the zb {112} surface only had dislocations localized to the interface. This film exhibited a different orientation from the substrate to reduce the lattice mismatch strain energies, and therefore, its misfit dislocation density. Our study indicates that the substrate orientation could be utilized to modify the morphology of dislocation networks in lattice mismatched multi-layered systems.
Synthesis of Bi- and Trifunctional Cyclic Carbonates Based on Trimethylolpropane and Their Application to Networked Polyhydroxyurethanes
Authors: Matsukizono Hiroyuki , Endo Takeshi
Published: April 2016

The reaction of trimethylolpropane (TMP) and diphenyl carbonate gives three types of TMP-based six-membered cyclic carbonates (TMPCs) via phosgene-free route. TMPC having one hydroxyl group (TMPC-OH) reacted with terephthaloyl chloride or trimesoyl chloride to give bifunctional (Ph-TMPC2) or trifunctional cyclic carbonate monomers (Ph-TMPC3), respectively. The ring-opening polyaddition of Ph-TMPC2 and conventional diamines efficiently proceeded without the cleavage of ester bonds to afford linear polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) with well-controlled molecular weights and polydispersities via isocyanate-free route. Moreover, the polyaddition of Ph-TMPC2 and diamine at TMPC2/diamine feed ratio of 1.1 afforded PHUs having cyclic carbonate terminals, the hydroxyl side chains of which were easily reacted with acetic anhydride to give acetylated PHUs with cyclic carbonate terminals. On the other hand, the polyaddition at Ph-TMPC2/diamine feed ratio of 0.91 gave PHUs with amine terminals. The copolymerization of Ph-TMPC2, Ph-TMPC3 and diamine gives PHUs comprising covalently-bridged networked structures. After DMF solutions of Ph-TMPC2, Ph-TMPC3 and diamines were simply kept at 60 °C overnight, networked PHU films with well transparency were successfully fabricated. The PHU films prepared at different diamines showed similar transparency and thermal stability, while the mechanical properties were significantly affected by the methylene spacers of diamines.
Study Clastic Sediments and Evaporite Deposits’ Changes in the Sedimentary Core Lake Maharlou, Iran
Authors: Safe Abdolah , Sabokkhiz Fatemeh , Hosein Ramesht Mohamad , Djamali Morteza , Naderi Beni Abdolmajid
Published: April 2016

The continental environments, lakes are proper for deposition locations of evaporites. Evaporite minerals are formed wherever the evaporation rate is more than incoming water to the basin. In this article the evaporate deposits (Calcite, Gypsum and Halite) are studied in a sedimentary core of Lake Maharlou, Zagros Mountains, South of Iran. The core sample treated for getting Magnetic Susceptibility values along with the core as well as basic sedimentological data including grain size, Total Organic Matter and carbonate contents. NaCl is determin ed by gravimetric analysis. Loss on Ignition is applied to measure and estimate the amount of (OC), (Ca) and (SO4) mineralogy of which is determined by SEM method. The exists a direct relation between evaporation deposit formation of lake water level reduction. Accordingly, the change in the sediment stratum indicating the level of evaporations. The results indicate a lower extant of gypsum than Ca and NaCl. The sequence of layers principle, changes in the shoreline (lake water level fluctuations) with respect to stratum zonation. Magnetic susceptibility level is directly related to the Silt layer thickness but also there is an indirect relation with the level of organically rich sediments’ occurrence and abundance.
Comparison of Physical Structure of Iran Traditional Neighborhoods Based on Living Center Theory of Christopher Alexander (Case Study: Haji and Kolapa Neighborhoods in Hamedan)
Authors: Hatefi Shogae Somayeh
Published: April 2016

In the way Christopher Alexander1 provides understanding and knowing order of nature, the pattern of living structures according to the concepts of totality and strong centers are paid attention to in 15 integrated features. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the physical totality of these two neighborhoods based on Alexander`s living center theory and its adaptability with architectural physics .This paper tries to answer following questions: What is the theory of living centers proposed by Alexander? Based on living center theory, how is the geometrical structure of traditional neighborhoods in Hamedan? How is the comparative study of structure of both neighborhoods based on Alexander`s theory? The results of study suggest that certain space as an essential feature of the theory of Alexander is not applicable with geometry structure of elements of the traditional neighborhoods of Hamadan. Comparison of geometry structure of the neighborhood and the characters of Alexander's theory pattern suggests that the most important role in the neighborhood for creating more life arises from strong centers, levels of Scale, boundaries, non-separateness, roughness, the void and contrast .The findings survey can use urban planners, urban designers and architectures to design new neighborhoods.
Characterization and Genetic Variation of Sugarcane Streak Mosaic Virus, a Poacevirus Infecting Sugarcane in Thailand
Authors: Kasemsin Paweena , Chiemsombat Pissawan , Hongprayoon Ratchanee
Published: April 2016

Sugarcane disease surveys were conducted from 2010 to 2014 at major sugarcane growing areas in 5 provinces (Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima) and germplasm collection fields. Random samples of the virus-like sugarcane leaves obtained from the surveyed areas suggested yellow streak mosaic symptoms. Direct antigen coating ELISA using locally produced SCSMV antiserum, revealed widespread incidence of SCSMV in the major sugarcane growing areas and the germplasm collection fields, ranging from 43.48-90.91% and 54.17-100% respectively. The virus isolate from sugarcane in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, designated as THA-NP3, was characterized by genomic sequencing. Complete genome of THA-NP3 (JN163911) contained 9,781 nucleotides, excluding 3¢ Poly (A) tail which encoded a polyprotein of 3,130 amino acid residues comprising 10 functional proteins, namely P1, HC-Pro, P3, 6K1, CI, 6K2, NIa-VPg, NIa-Pro, NIb and CP. Sequence comparisons revealed that THA-NP3 showed 97.84% nucleotide identity to JP2 (JF488065) from China and 81.39-97.78% nucleotide identities to other recorded SCSMV sequences. Detection for the presence of CP gene by RT-PCR indicated 1094 bp containing 846 bp of the CP coding region. Analysis of the CP gene revealed genetic variation of 58 Thai SCSMV isolates, 86.17-100% nucleotide identities among them and 85.70-99.29% nucleotide identities to SCSMV isolates from other countries. Recombination events existed in the CP coding regions between two distinct sub-populations, the germplasm isolates and the farmers’ field isolates. These results suggested the incidence of SCSMV variants between the farmers’ fields and the germplasm collection fields.   
Numerical Analysis of Propagation of Nonlinear Waves in Prestressed Solids
Authors: Levin Vladimir A. , Vershinin Anatoly V. , Zingerman Konstantin M.
Published: April 2016

The details of numerical algorithms implemented in CAE FIDESYS for the analysis of the propagation of nonlinear waves in elastic and viscoelastic bodies are discussed. It’s taken into account that waves propagation lead to new strains which superimpose on existing stresses (induced anisotropy) in the media. For the formulation of problem we used the theory of repeated superposition of large strains. The details of numerical algorithms for the analysis of the propagation of nonlinear waves in elastic and viscoelastic bodies are discussed. The implementation of the spectral element method for the nonlinear dynamic problems of elasticity under finite strains is considered. Some details of parallel computing on multicore and multiprocessor systems for the problems of nonlinear dynamic elasticity are presented. The results of numerical experiments obtained in CAE Fidesys are shown, in particular: the analysis of propagation of nonlinear shock wave; the analysis of propagation of surface waves; the dynamic processes related with the origination of a hole in a weakly compressible nonlinear-viscoelastic material.
Return Determinants in a Deteriorating Market Sentiment: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Ramadan Imad Zeyad
Published: April 2016

This paper aimed to examine the relationship between the returns and special characteristics of the industrial firms listed at Amman Stock Exchange; namely risk and size, when market sentiment deteriorates. This study used econometric analysis, utilizing cross-sectional panel data regression. As for the financial data needed for this study, we utilize the information which are distributed six month prior deterioration of market sentiment. Data on the firm-level were derived from the official website of ASE. The sample of firms includes all manufacturing firms listed at ASE through the period 2000-2014. The experimental results of this study have concluded that when market sentiment deteriorates, the risks and returns are associated inversely with returns, this outcome is reliable with the perspective that in times of deteriorating market sentiment, speculators support the “safe” characteristics of firms and move away from the characteristics of firms that are related to speculative activities.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Titaniferous Gabbros of Ophiolitic Fanouj Zone (Sistan & Baluchestan, Iran)
Authors: Falaknazi Majid , Karimi Mehrdad
Published: April 2016

Ophiolite complex in the west of Fanuj is 200 Km south west of Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan province. This ophiolite complex lies in the uplift zone of the oceanic crust of Oman between Makran and Fanuj faults. Ophiolite of the west part of Fanuj is consisted of three parts including gabbro, diabase dikes and small quantity microdiorite masses. Ilmenite is the main mineral of titanium which along with magnetite has been formed independently or inter-crystalline way after crystallization of plagioclase, pyroxene and often along with amphibole in gabbro rocks. The formation of the broad gabbro masses which is associated with plagioclase and pyroxene crystallization in High Oxygen fugacity condition formed a fluid rich in iron and titanium during the formation of ferro gabbro rocks as the main host of the ilminite reserves. Gradual crystallization process and decrease in compatible elements such as Cr, Ni, Mg and increase in incompatible elements such as Mn، Na، Ti from the bottom to the upper parts of ophilite complex shows that the formation of the complex has been occurred through the process of crystal fractionation from a tholeiitic magma which is rich in titanium.
Investigating Online Consumer Behavior in Iran Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Bagherzadeh Ramin , Bayat Rohullah
Published: April 2016

The aim of this research is to study the online consumer behavior in Iran using a combination of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with other variables. This study is objective, analytical, and descriptive. The subject of this research is online shoppers in the city of Shiraz. Sampling was simple random and was collected via the Internet. According to the conceptual model, the minimum required sample for this study was 80 samples; however, to ensure accuracy 390 questionnaires were collected. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling was used, using partial least squares (PLS) and analysis of one way variance (ANOVA). Results show that in online purchasing in Iran perceived ease of use (PEOU) has a positive effect on controllability and self-efficacy of individuals. Trust has a positive effect on the attitude and controllability of individuals. Media has a positive effect on subjective norms. Cost reduction has a positive effect on the attitude of individuals. Finally, age and income influence the intention of individuals in online purchasing. The other hypotheses of this study were not confirmed. It can be concluded that factors such as PEOU, trust, media, cost reduction, age and income affect online consumer behavior in Iran.
Implementation of the Binary Random Number Generator Using the Knight Tour Problem
Authors: Shakir Mahmood Ali , Mohd Rahim Mohd Shafry , Syazrah Othman Nur Zuraifah
Published: April 2016

A random number can be defined as a set of numbers produced by a numerical function, in which the next number is unpredictable and a relationship between successive occurrences is lacking. Moreover, these sequences cannot be reproduced unless the same generator function with an exact initial value is used. The design of a random number generator must overcome the previous problems of a low periodic and the capacity to reproduce the same sequence. This paper proposes the knight tour as a tool for generating pseudo random numbers. These random numbers can be use in the encryption process or in a password generator for network administrators. The randomness test suite is used to ensure the randomness of outcome sequences. Roughly, 75% of the test results obtained is better than the results from other works. The statistical properties and security analysis indicate that the knight tour application is highly successful in generating a pseudo random number with good statistical results, high linear complexity and strong capacity to withstand attacks.
Evaluation of Brazilian Sugarcane Bagasse Characterization: An Interlaboratory Comparison Study
Authors: Sluiter Justin B , Chum Helena , Gomes Absai C , Tavares Renata P A , Azevedo Vinicius , Pimenta Maria T B , Rabelo Sarita C , Marabezi Karen , Curvelo Antonio A S , Alves Aparecido R , Garcia Wokimar T , Carvalho Walter , Esteves Paula J , Mendonça Simone , Oliveira Patricia A , Ribeiro José A A , Mendes Thais D , Vicentin Marcos P , Duarte Celina L , Mori Manoel N
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a study of the variability of measured composition for a single bulk sugarcane bagasse conducted across eight laboratories using similar analytical methods, with the purpose of determining the expected variation for compositional analysis performed by different laboratories. The results show good agreement of measured composition within a single laboratory, but greater variability when results are compared among laboratories. These interlaboratory variabilities do not seem to be associated with a specific method or technique or any single piece of instrumentation. The summary censored statistics provide mean values and pooled standard deviations as follows: total extractives 6.7% (0.6%), whole ash 1.5% (0.2%), glucan 42.3% (1.2%), xylan 22.3% (0.5%), total lignin 21.3% (0.4%), and total mass closure 99.4% (2.9%).
Influence of Distillation Temperature in the Determination of Added Sulfites in Dehydrated Garlic Powders Using the Modified Optimized Monier-Williams Method
Authors: Addala Ramya , Fong Leonard , Vasavada Mihir , Subramanian Siva
Published: April 2016

Influence of distillation temperature on the determination of added sulfites in dehydrated garlic originating from China and California using the modified optimized Monier-Williams method was evaluated. In the study, the temperature of the distillation was monitored and maintained from 90° to 95°C instead of boiling temperature (>95°C). Samples from 38 unsulfited dehydrated garlic powders were analyzed at the 90° to 95°C temperature and at boiling temperature (>95°C) at 94 m above sea level. At the boiling distillation temperature, 25 of the 38 unsulfited garlic samples had a positive result for sulfite content ranging from 10.2 to 14.1 ppm using the modified optimized Monier-Williams procedure. Maintaining distillation temperature between 90° and 95°C eliminated false-positive results for added sulfite and had an average spiked sulfite recovery of 95.6% with a coefficient of variation of 3.79%. Lowering of the distillation temperature decreases the possible acid hydrolysis of organosulfur compounds that can lead to positive added sulfite results in unsulfited dehydrated garlic samples.
A Novel and Rapid Colorimetric Method for Measuring Total Phosphorus and Phytic Acid in Foods and Animal Feeds
Authors: McKie Vincent A , McCleary Barry V
Published: April 2016

Phytic acid, or myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, is the primary source of inositol and storage phosphorus in plant seeds and has considerable nutritional importance. In this form, phosphorus is unavailable for absorption by monogastric animals, and the strong chelating characteristic of phytic acid reduces the bioavailability of multivalent minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium. Currently, there is no simple quantitative method for phytic acid; existing methods are complex, and the most commonly accepted method, AOAC Official MethodSM 986.11, has limitations. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, high-throughput method for the measurement of total phosphorus and phytic acid in foods and animal feeds. The method described here involves acid extraction of phytic acid, followed by dephosphorylation with phytase and alkaline phosphatase. The phosphate released from phytic acid is measured using a modified colorimetric molybdenum blue assay and calculated as total phosphorus or phytic acid content of the original sample. The method was validated to a maximum linearity of 3.0 g phytic acid/100 g sample. Accuracy ranged from 98 to 105% using pure phytic acid and from 97 to 115% for spiked samples. Repeatability ranged from 0.81 to 2.32%, and intermediate precision was 2.27%.
Medieval Arabic Poetics
Authors: Kemal Salim ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2016

The paper concerns the Commentary on Aristotle's Poetics written by Avicenna (Ibn Sina : 930-1037AD). The paper is divided into two parts, the first of which examines Avicenna's account of poetic imagination and the use he makes of this concept in justifying a 'poetic syllogism' that accounts for aesthetic validity. The second part develops this account of the poetic syllogism to show that the completeness of the syllogistic requires us to consider the kind of commurlty and moral validity sustained by poetic validity. To explain the first claim - for poetic syllogisms - the paper examines Avicenna's writings on logic and parts of his commentaries on the Prior and Posterior Analytics, linking these to issues in his commentary on the Poetics. To explain the relation of poetry to community, the paper develops issues from the commentary on the Poetics, especially Avicenna's use of the concept of 'themes'.
Increased Survival and Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids Entrapped in Instructive Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Ho Steve S. , Murphy Kaitlin C. , Binder Bernard Y.K. , Vissers Caroline B. , Leach J. Kent
Published: April 2016

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies are under broad investigation for applications in tissue repair but suffer from poor cell persistence and engraftment upon transplantation. MSC spheroids exhibit improved survival, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic potential in vitro, while also promoting vascularization when implanted in vivo. However, these benefits are lost once cells engage the tissue extracellular matrix and migrate from the aggregate. The efficacy of cell therapy is consistently improved when using engineered materials, motivating the need to investigate the role of biomaterials to instruct spheroid function. In order to assess the contribution of adhesivity on spheroid activity in engineered materials and promote the bone-forming potential of MSCs, we compared the function of MSC spheroids when entrapped in Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-modified alginate hydrogels to nonfouling unmodified alginate. Regardless of material, MSC spheroids exhibited reduced caspase activity and greater vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion compared with equal numbers of dissociated cells. MSC spheroids in RGD-modified hydrogels demonstrated significantly greater cell survival than spheroids in unmodified alginate. After 5 days in culture, spheroids in RGD-modified gels had similar levels of apoptosis, but more than a twofold increase in VEGF secretion compared with spheroids in unmodified gels. All gels contained mineralized tissue 8 weeks after subcutaneous implantation, and cells entrapped in RGD-modified alginate exhibited greater mineralization versus cells in unmodified gels. Immunohistochemistry confirmed more diffuse osteocalcin staining in gels containing spheroids compared with dissociated controls. This study demonstrates the promise of cell-instructive biomaterials to direct survival and function of MSC spheroids for bone tissue engineering applications.

Significance

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids exhibit improved therapeutic potential in vitro compared with dissociated MSCs, yet spheroids are directly injected into tissues, ceding control of cell function to the extracellular matrix and potentially limiting the duration of improvement. Cell delivery using adhesive biomaterials promotes cell retention and function. These studies explored the role of adhesion to the surrounding matrix on spheroid function. When entrapped in an adhesive biomaterial, MSC spheroids exhibited improved survival and proangiogenic growth factor secretion in vitro and bone formation in vivo compared with cells in nonadhesive hydrogels. These findings demonstrate the value of deploying MSC spheroids in instructive biomaterials to improve cell function.
Selection of Biomarkers from Differentially Expressed Genes in Leukocytes of Buffalos Treated with Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: The Importance of Sample Size for Reliable Discriminating Systems
Authors: Castigliego Lorenzo , Jodi Carrieri Filippo , Armani Andrea , Mazzi Marco , Boselli Carlo , Grifoni Goffredo , Gianfaldoni Daniela , Guidi Alessandra
Published: April 2016

The research on biomarkers to detect livestock treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is still an open issue. In fact, beyond undertaking confirmation methods, there is the need to develop simple and inexpensive screening tests. In this direction, some proposals have been forwarded, mostly involving the measurement of circulating molecules, whereas the possibility of using biomarkers related to gene expression is a field under investigation. The present study was carried out on sixteen buffalos, eight of which treated with rbST. Blood samples were collected six times during the treatment to investigate on the presence of differentially expressed genes in leukocytes. Analysis with the microarray technique was performed on two sampling moments, in order to obtain a first selection of genes. Further analysis was carried out by real time RT-PCR, in order to create a discriminating linear system. A study on the variation of the error related to the number of samples included in statistics was also performed. Results showed that, including an increasing number of samples to build the discriminating algorithm, the b-error grows and tends to stabilize on 6.5%. This study clearly shows the paramount importance of including a proper number of samples to obtain reliable algorithms.
Productive and Reproductive Performances of Indigenous Lime and Parkote Buffaloes in the Western hills of Nepal
Authors: Shah M. K. , Hayashi Y. , Kumagai H.
Published: April 2016

Livestock is an integral part for the most rural livelihoods in Nepal. A very high proportion of poor and marginalized farmers depend on livestock as main or supplemental resources for their income. Cattle and buffalo contribute to more than 70% of the livestock sector. The Lime, Parkote and Gaddi are the indigenous buffalo breeds of Nepal. The productive and reproductive performances of indigenous buffalo breeds, Lime and Parkote, were studied in Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Lumle in Nepal. The lactation data of the indigenous buffaloes recorded by RARS livestock farm for 14 years (from 2000 to 2014) was collected and analyzed to assess the production and reproduction traits. The productive performance was 964.0±33.0 litre/lactation in Lime and 878.5±66.3 litre/lactation in Parkote, while a daily milk yield of Lime was 3.2±0.1 litre/day and that of Parkote was 2.9±0.2 litre/day. The milk constituents of Lime were 9.0% fat, 9.2% solids not fat (SNF) and 3.8% protein. The milk contents of Parkote were 8.9% fat, 9.8% SNF and 4.0% protein. The maximum mating was found in October (30%), while the minimum mating was in June (1%) in both the breeds. The calving time of Lime and Parkote was maximum in September (36%). The Lime and Parkote buffaloes are high potential milking animals in the western hills of Nepal. Furthermore, the value chain and organic production approaches would be very useful for the conservation and utilization of these indigenous buffaloes