bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventive Effects of Fermented Brown Rice and Rice Bran against Prostate Carcinogenesis in TRAP Rats
Authors: Kuno Toshiya , Nagano Aya , Mori Yukiko , Kato Hiroyuki , Nagayasu Yuko , Naiki-Ito Aya , Suzuki Shugo , Mori Hideki , Takahashi Satoru
Published: July 2016

Fermented brown rice and rice bran with Aspergillus oryzae (FBRA) is considered to have the potential to prevent chemically-induced carcinogenesis in multiple organs of rodents. In the present study, we evaluated the possible chemopreventive effects of FBRA against prostate tumorigenesis. Six-week-old male rats of the transgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of prostate (TRAP) strain were fed diets containing 5% or 10% FBRA for 15 weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 21 weeks of age, and the ventral and lateral prostate were removed for histopathological evaluation and immunoblot analyses. FBRA decreased the incidence of adenocarcinoma in the lateral prostate and suppressed the progression of prostate carcinogenesis. Treatment with FBRA induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in histologically high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias. Phospho-AMP-activated kinase α (Thr172) was up-regulated in the prostate of rats fed the diet supplemented with FBRA. These results indicate that FBRA controls tumor growth by activating pathways responsive to energy deprivation and suggest that FBRA has translational potential for the prevention of human prostate cancer.
Microfibrillated Lignocellulose Enables the Suspension-Polymerisation of Unsaturated Polyester Resin for Novel Composite Applications
Authors: Yan Yutao , Herzele Sabine , Mahendran Arunjunai , Edler Matthias , Griesser Thomas , Saake Bodo , Li Jianzhang , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang
Published: July 2016

A new route towards embedding fibrillated cellulose in a non-polar thermoset matrix without any use of organic solvent or chemical surface modification is presented. It is shown that microfibrillated lignocellulose made from cellulose with high residual lignin content is capable of stabilising an emulsion of unsaturated polyester resin in water due to its amphiphilic surface-chemical character. Upon polymerisation of the resin, thermoset microspheres embedded in a microfibrillated cellulose network are formed. The porous network structure persists after conventional drying in an oven, yielding a mechanically stable porous material. In an application experiment, the porous material was milled into a fine powder and added to the polyester matrix of a glass fibre-reinforced composite. This resulted in a significant improvement in fracture toughness of the composite, whereas a reduction of bending strength and stiffness was observed in parallel.
Marriage and Sexuality in the Light of the Eschaton: A Dialogue between Orthodox and Reformed Theology
Authors: Manoussakis John
Published: July 2016

This article proposes a re-examination of the institution of marriage in light of the eschatology of the Eastern Church and the theological discourse on the topic developed by three thinkers of the Reformed tradition, namely Kierkegaard, Barth, and Bonhoeffer. In doing so, I take into consideration the relationship of marriage with: (1) sacramental theology; (2) philosophical anthropology; (3) politics; and (4) the question of human sexuality. Such a re-examination of marriage has been made highly urgent and relevant today in the wake of the recent debate on same-sex marriage. This fourfold examination illustrates marriage’s ambivalent position within the Christian tradition insofar as, if taken as normative, marriage diminishes the subversive claim of Christian eschatology. Furthermore, Christian theology refuses marriage an absolute merit, by demanding that it is always qualified in relation to the Church’s eschatological vision.
Surface Energy Balance of Fresh and Saline Waters: AquaSEBS
Authors: Abdelrady Ahmed , Timmermans Joris , Vekerdy Zoltán , Salama Mhd.
Published: July 2016

Current earth observation models do not take into account the influence of water salinity on the evaporation rate, even though the salinity influences the evaporation rate by affecting the density and latent heat of vaporization. In this paper, we adapt the SEBS (Surface Energy Balance System) model for large water bodies and add the effect of water salinity to the evaporation rate. Firstly, SEBS is modified for fresh-water whereby new parameterizations of the water heat flux and sensible heat flux are suggested. This is achieved by adapting the roughness heights for momentum and heat transfer. Secondly, a salinity correction factor is integrated into the adapted model. Eddy covariance measurements over Lake IJsselmeer (The Netherlands) are carried out and used to estimate the roughness heights for momentum (~0.0002 m) and heat transfer (~0.0001 m). Application of these values over the Victoria and Tana lakes (freshwater) in Africa showed that the calculated latent heat fluxes agree well with the measurements. The root mean-square of relative-errors (rRMSE) is about 4.1% for Lake Victoria and 4.7%, for Lake Tana. Verification with ECMWF data showed that the salinity reduced the evaporation at varying levels by up to 27% in the Great Salt Lake and by 1% for open ocean. Our results show the importance of salinity to the evaporation rate and the suitability of the adapted-SEBS model (AquaSEBS) for fresh and saline waters.
Downscaling Meteosat Land Surface Temperature over a Heterogeneous Landscape Using a Data Assimilation Approach
Authors: Mechri Rihab , Ottlé Catherine , Pannekoucke Olivier , Kallel Abdelaziz , Maignan Fabienne , Courault Dominique , Trigo Isabel
Published: July 2016

A wide range of environmental applications require the monitoring of land surface temperature (LST) at frequent intervals and fine spatial resolutions, but these conditions are not offered nowadays by the available space sensors. To overcome these shortcomings, LST downscaling methods have been developed to derive higher resolution LST from the available satellite data. This research concerns the application of a data assimilation (DA) downscaling approach, the genetic particle smoother (GPS), to disaggregate Meteosat 8 LST time series (3 km × 5 km) at finer spatial resolutions. The methodology was applied over the Crau-Camargue region in Southeastern France for seven months in 2009. The evaluation of the downscaled LSTs has been performed at a moderate resolution using a set of coincident clear-sky MODIS LST images from Aqua and Terra platforms (1 km × 1 km) and at a higher resolution using Landsat 7 data (60 m × 60 m). The performance of the downscaling has been assessed in terms of reduction of the biases and the root mean square errors (RMSE) compared to prior model-simulated LSTs. The results showed that GPS allows downscaling the Meteosat LST product from 3 × 5 km2 to 1 × 1 km2 scales with a RMSE less than 2.7 K. Finer scale downscaling at Landsat 7 resolution showed larger errors (RMSE around 5 K) explained by land cover errors and inter-calibration issues between sensors. Further methodology improvements are finally suggested.
Hyperspectral Unmixing with Robust Collaborative Sparse Regression
Authors: Li Chang , Ma Yong , Mei Xiaoguang , Liu Chengyin , Ma Jiayi
Published: July 2016

Recently, sparse unmixing (SU) of hyperspectral data has received particular attention for analyzing remote sensing images. However, most SU methods are based on the commonly admitted linear mixing model (LMM), which ignores the possible nonlinear effects (i.e., nonlinearity). In this paper, we propose a new method named robust collaborative sparse regression (RCSR) based on the robust LMM (rLMM) for hyperspectral unmixing. The rLMM takes the nonlinearity into consideration, and the nonlinearity is merely treated as outlier, which has the underlying sparse property. The RCSR simultaneously takes the collaborative sparse property of the abundance and sparsely distributed additive property of the outlier into consideration, which can be formed as a robust joint sparse regression problem. The inexact augmented Lagrangian method (IALM) is used to optimize the proposed RCSR. The qualitative and quantitative experiments on synthetic datasets and real hyperspectral images demonstrate that the proposed RCSR is efficient for solving the hyperspectral SU problem compared with the other four state-of-the-art algorithms.
Mobile Autonomous Sensing Unit (MASU): A Framework That Supports Distributed Pervasive Data Sensing
Authors: Medina Esunly , Lopez David , Meseguer Roc , Ochoa Sergio , Royo Dolors , Santos Rodrigo
Published: July 2016

Pervasive data sensing is a major issue that transverses various research areas and application domains. It allows identifying people’s behaviour and patterns without overwhelming the monitored persons. Although there are many pervasive data sensing applications, they are typically focused on addressing specific problems in a single application domain, making them difficult to generalize or reuse. On the other hand, the platforms for supporting pervasive data sensing impose restrictions to the devices and operational environments that make them unsuitable for monitoring loosely-coupled or fully distributed work. In order to help address this challenge this paper present a framework that supports distributed pervasive data sensing in a generic way. Developers can use this framework to facilitate the implementations of their applications, thus reducing complexity and effort in such an activity. The framework was evaluated using simulations and also through an empirical test, and the obtained results indicate that it is useful to support such a sensing activity in loosely-coupled or fully distributed work scenarios.
Performance Indicator Framework for Evaluation of Sustainable Tourism in the Taiwan Coastal Zone
Authors: Wang Shih-Hao , Lee Meng-Tsung , Château Pierre-Alexandre , Chang Yang-Chi
Published: July 2016

Surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan has been increasingly developing coastal tourism projects. Concerns that negative impacts might be brought about by prosperous tourism have resulted in a recent focus on sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism involves policies that acknowledge the interdependences among the environment, the community, and the economy. The goal of sustainable tourism is to enhance and protect the environment while satisfying basic human requirements, as well as those of the contemporary and future tourism industries to improve quality of life. On the other hand, unsustainable coastal tourism might undermine the natural environment and society, resulting in air, water, and soil pollution, wildlife habitat disruption, and changes of local community cultural characteristics. Therefore, performance evaluation of coastal tourism, using an indicator framework to facilitate sustainable development and enhance the effectiveness of coastal resources exploitation, is critical. Through a literature review and expert surveys using the methods of the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), this study builds a performance indicator framework and identifies the key factors affecting the sustainable development of coastal tourism in Taiwan. The results can serve as a reference for the public sector to be used for the sustainable planning and development of coastal tourism.
Determination of the Optimal Tilt Angle of Solar Collectors for Different Climates of China
Authors: Zang Haixiang , Guo Mian , Wei Zhinong , Sun Guoqiang
Published: July 2016

The tilt angle with the horizon (with respect to the ground) of the solar energy system affects the amount of solar radiation received. This paper suggests a simple and universal method to obtain the optimum tilt angles by estimating the monthly mean daily global solar radiation on tilted surfaces facing directly towards the equator, which is based on monthly average daily global solar radiation data produced from Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data. The monthly, seasonal, and yearly optimum tilt angles for photovoltaic panels are calculated at six stations of different climatic types (Tropical Zone (TZ), Subtropical Zone (SZ), Warm Temperate Zone (WTZ), Mid Temperate Zone (MTZ), Cold Temperate Zone (CTZ) and Tibetan Plateau Zone (TPZ)). The results indicate that changing the monthly, seasonal, and yearly optimum tilt angles causes a significant yearly gain in the solar radiation for the region. In addition, general correlations are generated to estimate the optimum tilt angle of solar collectors at six typical climatic stations of China. The performances of the proposed models are compared using statistical error tests such as the mean absolute bias error (MABE), the root mean square error (RMSE) and the correlation coefficients (R).
Evaluation of Satellite Precipitation Products with Rain Gauge Data at Different Scales: Implications for Hydrological Applications
Authors: Guo Ruifang , Liu Yuanbo
Published: July 2016

Rain gauge and satellite-retrieved data have been widely used in basin-scale hydrological applications. While rain gauges provide accurate measurements that are generally unevenly distributed in space, satellites offer spatially regular observations and common error prone retrieval. Comparative evaluation of gauge-based and satellite-based data is necessary in hydrological studies, as precipitation is the most important input in basin-scale water balance. This study uses quality-controlled rain gauge data and prevailing satellite products (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43, 3B42 and 3B42RT) to examine the consistency and discrepancies between them at different scales. Rain gauges and TRMM products were available in the Poyang Lake Basin, China, from 1998 to 2007 (3B42RT: 2000–2007). Our results show that the performance of TRMM products generally increases with increasing spatial scale. At both the monthly and annual scales, the accuracy is highest for TRMM 3B43, with 3B42 second and 3B42RT third. TRMM products generally overestimate precipitation because of a high frequency and degree of overestimation in light and moderate rain cases. At the daily scale, the accuracy is relatively low between TRMM 3B42 and 3B42RT. Meanwhile, the performances of TRMM 3B42 and 3B42RT are highly variable in different seasons. At both the basin and pixel scales, TRMM 3B43 and 3B42 exhibit significant discrepancies from July to September, performing worst in September. For TRMM 3B42RT, all statistical indices fluctuate and are low throughout the year, performing worst in July at the pixel scale and January at the basin scale. Furthermore, the spatial distributions of the statistical indices of TRMM 3B43 and 3B42 performed well, while TRMM 3B42RT displayed a poor performance.
Impacts of Salinity on Saint-Augustin Lake, Canada: Remediation Measures at Watershed Scale
Authors: Guesdon Gaëlle , De Santiago-Martín Ana , Raymond Sébastien , Messaoud Hamdi , Michaux Arthur , Roy Samuel , Galvez Rosa
Published: July 2016

Winter road network management is a source of anthropogenic salinity in the Saint-Augustin Lake watershed (Quebec City, QC, Canada). To prevent the potential impact caused by road runoff involving de-icing salts (NaCl) and trace metals (Cd and Pb) on the watershed, a full-scale treatment chain system (including a detention basin, a filtering bed, and a constructed wetland) was built. Average Cl and Na concentrations in groundwater were higher in wells affected by road network (125 mg/L Cl and 64 mg/L Na) than in control wells (13 mg/L Cl and 33 mg/L Na) suggesting a contamination by de-icing salts. The monitoring of influent and effluent surface water in the treatment system has shown a seasonal dependence in NaCl concentrations and electrical conductivity values, being the highest in summer, linked with the lower precipitation and higher temperature. Concentration ranges were as follows: 114–846 mg/L Na and 158–1757 mg/L Cl (summer) > 61–559 mg/L Na and 63–799 mg/L Cl (spring and autumn). The treatment system removal efficiency was significant, however with seasonal variations: 16%–20% Cl, 3%–25% Na, 7%–10% Cd and 7%–36% Pb. The treatment system has shown an interesting potential to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic salinity at watershed scale with higher expected performances in the subsequent years of operation.
Le don de corps à la science. Aspects juridiques
Authors: Gleize Bérengère
Published: July 2016

L’encadrement juridique du don de corps à la science apparaît relativement lacunaire. Fondé sur le principe de liberté des funérailles, le don de corps à la science est règlementé par l’article R. 2213-13 du code général des collectivités territoriales. Ce texte exige en amont le consentement du donateur sous une forme olographe, et réglemente en aval les questions de transport des corps et de frais d’inhumation ou de crémation. D’autres questions importantes sont en revanche ignorées par le droit. Tel est le cas en particulier de la délicate question de la remise des cendres aux familles. Notre article se propose d’analyser l’opération de don de corps sous cet angle.
Biomechanical Study of a Subscapularis Repair Technique for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Lederman Evan , Streit Jonathan , Idoine John , Shishani Yousef , Gobezie Reuben
Published: July 2016

Secure subscapularis repair is an essential element of total shoulder arthroplasty. Some surgeons prefer subscapularis peel because of ease of use, but some evidence suggests that lesser tuberosity osteotomy provides better fixation. The authors developed a novel, through-implant repair technique and performed a biomechanical study of its strength with cadaveric specimens. The authors obtained 20 matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders and inserted an uncemented short-stemmed humeral prosthesis that facilitates through-implant repair in all specimens. For each cadaver, the subscapularis was repaired with lesser tuberosity osteotomy and standard suture technique on 1 side, and the contralateral subscapularis was repaired with a novel through-implant suture repair and subscapularis peel technique. Displacement of the subscapularis footprint, ultimate load to failure, and stiffness of each repair were measured and compared between fixation groups. Mean±SD displacement of the lesser tuberosity osteotomy group was 0.75±0.94 mm at 10 cycles and 2.24±2.76 mm at 500 cycles. Mean±SD load to failure was 612±185 N, and mean±SD ultimate stiffness was 119±32 N/mm. No significant differences were noted between the lesser tuberosity osteotomy group and the subscapularis peel group in mean±SD displacement at 10 cycles (1.09±1.30 mm,
P
=.31), mean±SD displacement at 500 cycles (2.85±2.43 mm,
P
=.26), mean±SD load to failure (683±274 N,
P
=.31), or mean±SD ultimate stiffness (117±37 N/mm,
P
=.88). In a biomechanical testing model, through-implant subscapularis repair provided secure fixation relative to currently accepted subscapularis repair techniques in total shoulder replacement. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):e937–e943.]
Accuracy of Athletic Trainer and Physician Diagnoses in Sports Medicine
Authors: Lombardi Nicholas J. , Tucker Bradford , Freedman Kevin B. , Austin Luke S. , Eck Brandon , Pepe Matthew , Tjoumakaris Fotios P.
Published: July 2016

It is standard practice in high school athletic programs for certified athletic trainers to evaluate and treat injured student athletes. In some cases, a trainer refers an athlete to a physician for definitive medical management. This study was conducted to determine the rate of agreement between athletic trainers and physicians regarding assessment of injuries in student athletes. All high school athletes who were injured between 2010 and 2012 at 5 regional high schools were included in a research database. All patients who were referred for physician evaluation and treatment were identified and included in this analysis. A total of 286 incidents met the inclusion criteria. A total of 263 (92%) of the athletic trainer assessments and physician diagnoses were in agreement. In the 23 cases of disagreement, fractures and sprains were the most common injuries. Kappa analysis showed the highest interrater agreement in injuries classified as dislocations and concussions and the lowest interrater agreement in meniscal/labral injuries and fractures. In the absence of a confirmed diagnosis, agreement among health care providers can be used to infer accuracy. According to this principle, as agreement between athletic trainers and physicians improves, there is a greater likelihood of arriving at the correct assessment and treatment plan. Athletic trainers are highly skilled professionals who are well trained in the evaluation of athletic injuries. The current study showed that additional training in identifying fractures may be beneficial to athletic trainers and the athletes they treat. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):e944–e949.]
Patellar Resurfacing Versus Circumferential Denervation of the Patella in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Spencer Brian A. , Cherian Jeffrey J. , Margetas George , Chughtai Morad , Harwin Steven F. , Elmallah Randa K. , Mont Michael A.
Published: July 2016

This study compared the rates of anterior knee pain and functional outcomes between resurfaced patellas and non-resurfaced patellas with a circumpatellar denervation. One hundred ten patients who underwent patellar resurfacing or a circumpatellar denervation were evaluated for knee pain and functional outcomes at a minimum of 2 years after total knee arthroplasty. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding Knee Society Scores, anterior knee pain scores, or visual analog scale scores. The groups had similar incidences of anterior knee pain. Most patients reported no to mild effect of anterior knee pain on daily living. Patients in each group reported increased pain with kneeling, squatting, and departing an automobile. Similar proportions of patients were disappointed with their overall outcomes in each group. Circumpatellar denervation and patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty lead to similar incidences of anterior knee pain. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e1019–e1023.]
…que nos tenemus a dicto domino rege pro camera assignata. Desarrollo, administración y significado de los bienes reginales de Leonor de Sicilia (1349-1375)
Authors: Roebert Sebastian
Published: July 2016

Los bienes dotales de una reina eran de una importancia fundamental para determinar su margen de acción. Pese a ello, no disponemos de estudios sistemáticos y comparativos al respecto. El caso de la reina Leonor de Sicilia, esposa de Pedro IV el Ceremonioso, permite la reconstrucción detallada del desarrollo y de las funciones de su patrimonio sobre la base de un amplio corpus documental que no ha sido analizado hasta ahora. A partir de él, se puede también analizar claramente cómo se desarrolló la administración concreta de su patrimonio en este caso particular. De esta manera, se pueden determinar las funciones concretas dentro del sistema de la monarquía y, por lo tanto, también el margen de acción reginal.
Las regencias femeninas en los reinos ibéricos medievales: ¿fue el caso portugués una singularidad?
Authors: S. A. Rodrigues Ana Maria
Published: July 2016

Al contrario de lo que sucedió en los otros reinos peninsulares, donde se conocen numerosos ejemplos de ejercicio de la autoridad real por mujeres, en Portugal las dos únicas experiencias de regencia femenina que ocurrieron en la Edad Media fueron interrumpidas por movimientos revolucionarios que entregaron el gobierno a varones de sangre real. En este trabajo, se analizan los argumentos utilizados para retirar el poder a las reinas madres para saber si era su género lo que las descalifi caba o si se tenían en cuenta otros motivos más poderosos.
Poder regio y mecenazgo en el Occidente peninsular: las reinas e infantas de las dinastías Trastamara y Avís
Authors: Beceiro Pita Isabel
Published: July 2016

Este trabajo aborda el mecenazgo de las reinas consortes e infantas en el Occidente peninsular, desde una perspectiva de historia comparada. Su finalidad es examinar las líneas de actuación comunes a Castilla y Portugal y, al mismo tiempo, las diferencias entre ambos reinos, en un período comprendido entre los años finales del siglo XIV y los inicios del XVI, correspondiente al gobierno respectivo de los últimos Trastamara y los Avís. El análisis de las manifestaciones de este patrocinio pone de manifiesto una gran variedad temática, dentro del predominio de los contenidos religiosos. Las iniciativas culturales de estas señoras deben ser consideradas en el marco de la exaltación de la monarquía, propia de la génesis del Estado Moderno a fines de la Edad Media y en la época renacentista.
Esclerómetro rotativo automático
Authors: Tobío José M.
Published: July 2016

Not available
Acción del protector de construcciones «Silex»
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2016

Not available
Ensayos de cocinas españolas
Authors: Laorden José , Gómez Felipe
Published: July 2016

Not available
Control continuo del secado
Authors: Luther Erich
Published: July 2016

Not available
Effect of TiO2 on the Formation of Primary and Interfacial Cu6Sn5 in Sn-0.7wt%Cu and Sn-0.7wt%Cu-0.05wt%Ni Solder Paste during Soldering
Authors: Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Said R.M. , Saud Norainiza , Yasuda H. , McDonald S.D. , Nogita K.
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the effect of 1 wt% TiO2 on the formation of primary and interfacial Cu6Sn5 in Sn-0.7wt%Cu and Sn-0.7wt%Cu-0.05wt%Ni solder pastes soldered on a Cu substrate using a real-time synchrotron imaging technique. It was found that TiO2 had altered the nucleation time of the primary Cu6Sn5 intermetallics and increased the number of particles observed. In addition, a more planar Cu6Sn5 interfacial layer had formed in joints made with TiO2 reinforced solders. This indicated that TiO2 promotes nucleation of primary Cu6Sn5 intermetallics in the early stages of soldering while being a barrier for further growth of interfacial Cu6Sn5 intermetallics. The synchrotron imaging technique provides direct evidence of the sequence of events in the soldering reaction and how these are influenced by TiO2 reinforcement.
Performance of Waste Cooking Oil in Asphalt Binder Modification
Authors: Wan Azahar Wan Nur Aifa , Bujang Mastura , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Ngadi Norzita , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: July 2016

Oxidation, hydrolysis and polymerization process during frying activity has caused the alteration value of the waste cooking oil (WCO) properties which is acid value and water content. This parameter is recognized as the quality measurement of waste cooking oil that might be affecting the performance of WCO in binder modification. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to relate the quality of WCO by the determination of the WCO parameter with the performance of WCO in modified binder by physical and rheological binder testing. Based on the finding, the high and good quality of WCO is recorded in December sample with the lowest acid value (1.66 mL/g) and water content (0.01 ml). The high quality of WCO affected the good performance of rheological properties where the higher rutting resistance and temperature failure at 64 °C is achieved by the modified asphalt binder with the addition of WCO in December sample.
The Synergistic Effect of Flame Retardants on Flammability, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite
Authors: Khalili Pooria , Tshai Kim Yeow , Kong Ing , Lee Jun Hui , Mostafa Farzad Arefi
Published: July 2016

Epoxy was effectively resin infused with 15 %wt intumescing Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) flame retardant (FR) formulations into a 10 %wt palm EFB natural fiber (NF) mat. The effects of ATH and its intumescing blend with Zinc Borate (ZB) and Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) on flammability, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Compared to neat NF filled epoxy composites, specimens loaded with intumescing blend of FR formulations demonstrated an improved thermal properties, showing greater mass residual which can be attributed to the formation of cross-linked network amongst the NF, FRs and epoxy matrix upon combustion at elevated temperature tested within a TGA instrument. Incorporation of fibers drastically enhanced the mass residue and lowered the heat release compare to the pure epoxy. Addition of the intumescing blend of FR formulations also drastically reduces the combustion heat release, total mass loss and zero drip flame in the NF composites. The optimum FRs formulation with 5 %wt ATH and 10 %wt APP exhibited self-extinguishing property, achieved lowest mass loss and no drip flame under Bunsen burner tests, signifying the synergistic effects between ATH and APP within the NF epoxy composites. APP reacts with the carbonaceous network of NF throughout the ignition period, such interaction formed a thick char layer acting as gas and thermal barrier against the fire mechanism. This reaction does not take place in NF composite specimens without APP. In terms of mechanical properties, NF composites loaded with FRs broadly showed poorer tensile strength, mainly due to the existence of FRs, which acted as a nucleating agent affected the physico-mechanical characteristics of the composites. Amongst the FR rich formulations, specimens with APP or ZB blends seem to possess a more superior tensile strength compared with the neat ATH filled formulation. In addition, composites loaded with FRs showed enhanced Young’s modulus relative to those without addition of FRs.
Knowledge and Attitude of Physicians toward Prescribing Antibiotics and the Risk of Resistance in Two Reference Hospitals
Authors: Alothman Adel , Algwizani Abdullah , Alsulaiman Mohammed , Alalwan Abdullah , Binsalih Salih , Bosaeed Mohammad
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Antibiotics are essential and abundantly prescribed in hospitals because of their effectiveness and lifesaving benefits. However, the unnecessary use of antibiotics has been observed in earlier studies, and it has persisted through recent years as a major issue since it is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance. The increase in antibiotic resistance nowadays is one of the most critical concerns in global public health around the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions related to antibiotic prescription among physicians at our medical centers.

Method

A cross-sectional survey of non-infectious diseases specialized physicians. The study was conducted during 2015 at two tertiary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Result

Of the 107 returned questionnaires, 93 were complete and valuable. Most respondents (82%) perceived antibiotic resistance to be a critical problem globally, and 78% also think that it is a very important national problem. These attitudes did not differ across specialty or level of training. Widespread antibiotic use and inappropriate empirical choices were believed by 81% of the participants to be important general causes of resistance. Only half of respondents thought that antibiotic restriction is a useful intervention to decrease the antibiotic resistance. The physicians believed educational interventions are the most useful and effective way to improve prescription patterns and decrease antibiotic resistance. Complications due to infection with resistant organisms were acknowledged by almost all of the participants, with some differences in their estimations of how often it will occur.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance, globally and nationally, is considered as a serious threat, and physicians in this survey acknowledged that. Among the most significant factors is antimicrobial misuse, either by overprescribing or providing inappropriate drugs with some ambivalence, as well as the importance of hand hygiene and antibiotic restrictions. By adhering to local guidelines, continuous education, and other practical interventions, the burden of resistance can be alleviated, as highlighted in this survey.
Immunity against Fungal Infections
Authors: Jiang Shuai
Published: July 2016

Fungal diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality among the immunocompromised, including HIV-infected individuals and patients with cancer. Individuals without a weakened immune system can also suffer from these infections. Not surprisingly, fungi are a major target for the immune system, rendered visible to it by expression of pathogen-associated molecular patterns/signatures. We now appreciate the roles of both innate and adaptive immunity in eliminating fungal infections, and how a disproportionate or inadequate immune response can diminish the host's capacity to eliminate fungi. This review focuses on our current understanding of the roles of innate and adaptive immunity in clearing common and emergent fungal pathogens. A clearer understanding of how the host's immune response tackles fungal infection may provide useful clues as to how we might develop new agents to treat those diseases in the future.
Surfactant control of gas transfer velocity along an offshore coastal
transect: results from a laboratory gas exchange tank
Authors: Pereira R. , Schneider-Zapp K. , Upstill-Goddard R. C.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Understanding the physical and biogeochemical controls of air–sea gas exchange is necessary for establishing biogeochemical models for predicting regional- and global-scale trace gas fluxes and feedbacks. To this end we report the results of experiments designed to constrain the effect of surfactants in the sea surface microlayer (SML) on the gas transfer velocity (kw; cm h−1), seasonally (2012–2013) along a 20 km coastal transect (North East UK). We measured total surfactant activity (SA), chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and chlorophyll a (Chl a) in the SML and in sub-surface water (SSW) and we evaluated corresponding kw values using a custom-designed air–sea gas exchange tank. Temporal SA variability exceeded its spatial variability. Overall, SA varied 5-fold between all samples (0.08 to 0.38 mg L−1 T-X-100), being highest in the SML during summer. SML SA enrichment factors (EFs) relative to SSW were  ∼  1.0 to 1.9, except for two values (0.75; 0.89: February 2013). The range in corresponding k660 (kw for CO2 in seawater at 20 °C) was 6.8 to 22.0 cm h−1. The film factor R660 (the ratio of k660 for seawater to k660 for “clean”, i.e. surfactant-free, laboratory water) was strongly correlated with SML SA (r ≥ 0.70, p ≤ 0.002, each n = 16). High SML SA typically corresponded to k660 suppressions  ∼  14 to 51 % relative to clean laboratory water, highlighting strong spatiotemporal gradients in gas exchange due to varying surfactant in these coastal waters. Such variability should be taken account of when evaluating marine trace gas sources and sinks. Total CDOM absorbance (250 to 450 nm), the CDOM spectral slope ratio (SR = S275 − 295∕S350 − 400), the 250 : 365 nm CDOM absorption ratio (E2 : E3), and Chl a all indicated spatial and temporal signals in the quantity and composition of organic matter in the SML and SSW. This prompts us to hypothesise that spatiotemporal variation in R660 and its relationship with SA is a consequence of compositional differences in the surfactant fraction of the SML DOM pool that warrants further investigation.
A sub-grid model for improving the spatial resolution of air quality modelling at a European scale
Authors: Theobald Mark R. , Simpson David , Vieno Massimo
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Currently, atmospheric chemistry and transport models (CTMs) used to assess impacts of air quality applied at a European scale lack the spatial resolution necessary to simulate fine-scale spatial variability. This spatial variability is especially important for assessing the impacts to human health or ecosystems of short-lived pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or ammonia (NH3). In order to simulate this spatial variability, a sub-grid model has been developed to estimate the spatial distributions (at a spatial resolution of 1 × 1 km2) of annual mean atmospheric concentrations within the grid squares of a CTM (in this case with a spatial resolution of 50 × 50 km2). This is done by combining high spatial resolution emission data with simple parameterisations of atmospheric dispersion. The sub-grid model was tested for two European sub-domains (the Netherlands and central Scotland) and evaluated using NO2 and NH3 concentration data from monitoring networks within each domain. A statistical comparison of the performance of the two models shows that the sub-grid model represents a substantial improvement on the predictions of the CTM, reducing both mean model error (from 60 % to 40 % for NO2 and from 42 % to 26 % for NH3 and increasing the spatial correlation (r) with the measured concentrations (from 0.0 to 0.42 for NO2 and from 0.74 to 0.85 for NH3). This improvement was greatest for monitoring locations close to pollutant sources. Although the model ideally requires high spatial resolution emission data, which is not available for the whole of Europe, the use of a Europe-wide emission dataset with a lower spatial resolution also gives an improvement on the CTM predictions for the two test domains. The sub-grid model provides a simple and robust method to estimate sub-grid variability that can potentially be extended to different time scales and pollutants.
Brief Communication: Twelve-year cyclic surging episodes at Donjek Glacier in Yukon, Canada
Authors: Abe Takahiro , Furuya Masato , Sakakibara Daiki
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Surge-type glaciers repeat their short active phase and their much longer quiescent phase usually every several decades or longer, but detailed observations of the evolution cycles have been limited to only a few glaciers. Here we report three surging episodes in 1989, 2001, and 2013 at Donjek Glacier in the Yukon, Canada, indicating remarkably regular and short repeat cycles of 12 years. The surging area is limited within the  ∼ 20 km section from the terminus, originating in an area where the flow width significantly narrows downstream, suggesting a strong control of the valley constriction on the surge dynamics.
Strain localisation and dynamic recrystallisation in the ice-air aggregate: A numerical study
Authors: Steinbach Florian , Bons Paul D. , Griera Albert , Jansen Daniela , Llorens Maria-Gema , Roessiger Jens , Weikusat Ilka
Published: July 2016

Abstract. We performed numerical simulations on the micro-dynamics of ice with air inclusions as a second phase. This provides first results of a numerical approach to model dynamic recrystallisation in polyphase crystalline aggregates. Our aim was to investigate the rheological effects of air inclusions and explain the onset of dynamic recrystallisation in the permeable firn. The simulations employ a full field theory crystal plasticity code coupled to codes simulating dynamic recrystallisation processes and predict time-resolved microstructure evolution in terms of lattice orientations, strain distribution, grain sizes and grain boundary network. Results show heterogeneous deformation throughout the simulations and indicate the importance of strain localisation controlled by air inclusions. This strain localisation gives rise to locally increased energies that drive dynamic recrystallisation and induce heterogeneous microstructures that are coherent with natural firn microstructures from EPICA Dronning Maud Land ice coring site in Antarctica. We conclude that although overall strains and stresses in firn are low, strain localisation associated with locally increased strain energies can explain the occurrence of dynamic recrystallisation.
Los más pequeños toman la palabra: La Escuela Infantil que a ellos les gustaría
Authors: Castro Zubizarreta Ana , Manzanares Ceballos Nuria del Mar
Published: July 2016

El derecho a ser escuchado y participar en aquellos asuntos que afectan a los niños es un derecho fundamental de la infancia escasamente respetado por el adulto, quien tiende a silenciar su voz, infravalorando su visión y posible aportación. Ante esta realidad, la Escuela Infantil se erige como un marco privilegiado para la escucha y la participación de la infancia en aquellos temas que les afectan, contribuyendo a la formación de ciudadanos democráticos. A partir de un marco de escucha donde se concibe al pequeño como un sujeto activo, competente y experto en su propia vida, se ha llevado a cabo una investigación que ha adoptado el formato de estudio de caso, en la que se ha recogido a través de las técnicas del dibujo y de las conversaciones con niños, la visión que poseen los más pequeños sobre la Escuela Infantil, analizando el bienestar del niño en el contexto escolar, el sentido y finalidad que los niños otorgan a la escuela; el grado de satisfacción con la misma; sus gustos y preferencias en el contexto escolar; la autonomía y libertad que dicen poseer en la escuela; su visión sobre los aspectos organizativos que rigen el funcionamiento del centro y su perspectiva sobre cómo es y cómo les gustaría que fuera la participación de las familias en la escuela. Finalmente, se recogen sus propuestas de mejora para hacer de la Escuela Infantil a la que asisten su escuela ideal. Los resultados del estudio ponen de manifiesto la demanda de los niños de una Escuela Infantil diferente a la que conocen y la existencia de un pensamiento divergente del pensamiento adulto que es necesario escuchar y tener en consideración, siendo sus aportaciones de gran valía para poder iniciar procesos de innovación y mejora educativa.
Los conocimientos acerca del maltrato infantil de los futuros profesionales de la educación: un estudio exploratorio
Authors: Priegue Caamaño Diana , Cambeiro Lourido María Del Carmen
Published: July 2016

Los profesionales de la educación se encuentran, en su ejercicio profesional, en una posición privilegiada para realizar una detección precoz del maltrato infantil y para identificar posibles casos de riesgo. Sin embargo, en ocasiones, maestros y educadores en general aducen falta de conocimiento y formación para realizar dichas tareas. Es por ello que, en este trabajo deseamos insistir en la necesidad de analizar la formación de los futuros profesionales de la educación en torno al maltrato infantil, tanto en el seno de la familia como fuera de ella, y ya sea ejercido por un adulto o por otros menores. No olvidemos que la identificación temprana de comportamientos violentos y, por supuesto, la puesta en marcha de estrategias sólidas para su prevención requieren disponer de una buena capacitación. Por esta razón, hemos realizado un estudio piloto que nos permitiera conocer la formación que los estudiantes del Grado de Pedagogía tienen sobre el maltrato infantil, utilizando un cuestionario que hemos diseñado específicamente para alcanzar tal propósito. En la realización de un estudio piloto contamos con una muestra de 24 alumnos y alumnas del 4º curso del Grado de Pedagogía. Entre las conclusiones alcanzadas destacamos que, tras analizar los datos derivados del pase piloto, podemos concluir que los futuros pedagogos consideran necesario tener formación específica al respecto, una preparación que, mayoritariamente, consideran insuficiente y muy limitada para poder afrontar sus responsabilidades profesionales en el futuro.
El Aprendizaje Cooperativo, un camino hacia la inclusión educativa
Authors: Lata Doporto Sara , Castro Rodríguez Mª Montserrat
Published: July 2016

La atención a la diversidad se ha convertido en un elemento básico de los sistemas educativos de muchos países. Las respuestas educativas que se han desarrollado en las escuelas, aquellas que entienden la diversidad como un valor enriquecer dentro del proceso educativo, han dado lugar a modelos muy diferentes. A nivel internacional, hay un movimiento que defiende la necesidad de promover los modelos inclusivos, que entienden la diferencia como una oportunidad para aprender juntos, y sitúa la metodología como uno de los pilares básicos del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En este sentido, el aprendizaje basado en la cooperación se presenta como una propuesta alternativa para trabajar en la escuela. Diferentes investigaciones realizadas a lo lardo de los últimos años ponen en evidencia las importantes contribuciones del trabajo cooperativo para la adquisición de valores y actitudes que mejoran la convivencia al mismo tiempo que facilitan un mejor desarrollo personal para todo el alumnado. Nuestro trabajo en la escuela primaria y secundaria nos ha permitido reflexionar y recoger información sobre nuestra experiencia alrededor de la atención a la diversidad en el marco de una escola que pretende caminar a la inclusión. El artículo presenta una reflexión sobre las contribuciones del aprendizaje cooperativo dentro de una escuela que busca la inclusión de todos los chicos y las chicas, basándonos para ello en nuestras experiencias profesionales propias así como en el análisis y la interpretación de las contribuciones principales recogidas en la bibliografía nacional e internacional.
Preferencias, dedicación y problemáticas generadas por los videojuegos: Una perspectiva de género
Authors: Ricoy Carmen , Ameneiros Aida
Published: July 2016

Entre las actividades de ocio de los/as jóvenes, cabe mencionar las asociadas con los videojuegos. Por ello, la finalidad central de este estudio es analizar las preferencias del colectivo de adolescentes con los videojuegos, así como conocer su dedicación y problemáticas que generan, teniendo en cuenta principalmente la variable de género. El presente trabajo se encuadra en un enfoque metodológico cuantitativo-cualitativo, a partir de la recogida de datos con un cuestionario y la técnica del grupo de discusión. En el estudio han participado un total de 151 adolescentes. 124 a partir de la aplicación de un cuestionario cerrado (62 hombres y 62 mujeres) y 27 a través de la realización de 6 grupos de discusión (17 hombres y 10 mujeres). Como resultados y conclusiones, cabe destacar la existencia diferenciada en el uso de los videojuegos en función de la edad y por razón de género. A su vez, las mujeres muestran una responsabilidad mayor en esta actividad, tanto en el tiempo de dedicación como en la elección. Los chicos destinan una gran cantidad de tiempo a los videojuegos de contenido violento, mientras las chicas prefieren los de estrategia. En general, el juego con videojuegos no genera problemáticas sustanciales y controversias, aunque algunos participantes reflejan manifestaciones de mal humor. Por último, cabe indicar que las prácticas con los videojuegos en la adolescencia se ciñen al mero hecho de divertirse, desperdiciando las posibilidades educativas que esta actividad ofrece.
Los conocimientos mínimos de Geografía en los estudios de Grado en Educación Primaria
Authors: Binimelis Sebastián Jaume , Ordinas Garau Antoni
Published: July 2016

La asignatura Ciencias Sociales y su Didáctica I (Geografía) de los estudios de Grado en Educación Primaria es, en la Universitat de les Illes Balears y en la mayoría de universidades españolas, el único contacto académico que mantendrán los futuros maestros con la Geografía. Existe un ambiente de preocupación sobre la formación de los maestros en España, inquietud que no es exclusiva de los geógrafos ni de nuestro país. El presente trabajo indaga en los conocimientos mínimos de Geografía exigibles a los futuros docentes a través de una prueba de conocimientos basada, en gran parte, en el currículo de Ciencias Sociales de Educación Primaria de la Comunidad Autónoma de las Islas Baleares. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que el alumnado del Grado en Educación Primaria no ha interiorizado esos contenidos tras su dilatada trayectoria académica. Asimismo desvelan que aunque ninguna variable es determinante, el género, la escasa presencia de materias de Geografía en el sistema educativo español y el nivel de formación de los padres son algunos de los factores que inciden en los resultados alcanzados por los alumnos en una prueba piloto sobre la que se basa la investigación.