bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variabilidade temporal e espacial da precipitação pluviométrica em Pernambuco através de índices de extremos climáticos
Authors: Nóbrega Ranyére Silva , Farias Rafhael Fhelipe de Lima , Santos Carlos Antonio Costa dos
Published: May 2015

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a tendência espacial e temporal da precipitação pluviométrica do Estado de Pernambuco, tendo como base índices de extremos climáticos e a técnica dos quantis. Os dados de precipitação pluviométrica diária foram oriundos do Climate Prediction Center (CPC) relativos ao período de 1978 a 2010. Para analisar a tendência da precipitação foram escolhidos os índices climáticos sugeridos peloExpert Team on Climate Change Detection Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDMI). Através do método de krigagem foi possível analisar a variabilidade espacial dos índices analisados. Os resultados demonstram predominância de tendência de aumento nos padrões pluviométricos em grande parte do Estado, com exceção do setor central da Região Metropolitana leste e parte central da Zona da Mata. Os resultados dos índices conjuntamente indicam que as chuvas estão cada vez mais concentradas em poucos dias ao longo do ano nos sertões e agreste de Pernambuco. Também sobre o sertão, foram encontrados os maiores números de episódios extremamente secos, assim como, a maior quantidade de ocorrência de eventos extremamente chuvosos, concentrados nos meses dezembro, janeiro e fevereiro, período chuvoso do Sertão de Pernambuco.
Calibração do modelo regional BRAMS para a previsão de eventos climáticos extremos
Authors: Freire Julliana Larise M. , Freitas Saulo Ribeiro de , Coelho Caio Augusto dos Santos
Published: May 2015

As previsões climáticas sazonais têm contribuído efetivamente para o planejamento de atividades de diversos setores da sociedade, tais como, energia, agricultura e saúde. A necessidade de um maior detalhamento das previsões, através da diminuição da escala espacial da informação climática, tem concentrado nos últimos anos esforços científicos em várias regiões do globo. A aplicação da técnica de redução de escala através da modelagem dinâmica regional, conhecida como downscaling dinâmico, vem sendo utilizada com esse objetivo. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo calibrar e avaliar o modelo regional BRAMS, aninhado unidirecionalmente ao modelo global MCGA/CPTEC, em prever os eventos climáticos extremos de 1983 (El Niño) e 1989 (La Niña) sobre a América do Sul (AS), para o trimestre março-abril-maio (MAM). As previsões com o BRAMS foram produzidas na resolução espacial de 30 km, tendo como condições de contorno a temperatura da superfície do mar persistida e a umidade do solo climatológica. Após o processo de calibração, o modelo BRAMS conseguiu capturar o padrão de precipitação associada aos eventos climáticos extremos, como a redução (aumento) da precipitação principalmente no leste da região Norte e Nordeste do Brasil e o aumento (redução) de precipitação na região Sul para o ano e 1983 (1989).
Ciclo diário de precipitações pluviais em intervalos de cinco minutos no município de Fortaleza
Authors: Pessoa Francisco Edson Pinheiro , Campos José Nilson B.
Published: May 2015

O artigo estuda o ciclo diário de precipitações pluviais no município de Fortaleza, Ceará. Utilizou-se uma série de 30 anos de dados em intervalos de cinco minutos. Os dados são oriundos de registros pluviográficos da estação meteorológica da Universidade Federal do Ceará, no Campus do Pici. Para se obter a curva do ciclo diário, utilizou-se a análise de regressão não linear. Pesquisou-se o ajustamento dos dados a dois tipos de curvas: polinomial e senoidal. O ajustamento a um polinômio de terceiro grau resultou em uma curva de formato aproximadamente senoidal, com coeficiente de determinação r2=0,9118. Entretanto, a curva ajustada exibiu descontinuidade entre os valores das ordenadas no início e fim do ciclo diário. Desenvolveu-se um polinômio, denominado polinômio cíclico, que retira a descontinuidade nos extremos do ciclo diário. Obteve-se uma curva de forma nitidamente senoidal, com r2=0,8798. Partiu-se, assim, para o ajustamento de funções do tipo senoidal. Foi testada a senoide simples e uma associação seno-cosseno. Com a combinação de senos e cossenos, chegou-se a uma curva com r2=0,9113, que foi considerada como a melhor representação do ciclo diário de chuvas em Fortaleza. A equação da curva tem a forma: P(h)=113,7422sen(2πh)+26,5895cos(2πh)+142,5764, onde h denota a hora do evento.
Avaliação das características da resina epóxi com diferentes aditivos desaerantes
Authors: Oliveira Alexsandro , Becker Cristiane Miotto , Amico Sandro Campos
Published: May 2015

Este trabalho tem por objetivo a busca por técnicas alternativas para diminuir a incidência de vazios em resinas poliméricas e, por consequência, em materiais compósitos. Foram produzidas formulações diferentes utilizando resina epóxi à base de éter diglicidílico do Bisfenol A, endurecedor de poliamina alifática com e sem a adição de diferentes aditivos desaerantes a base de éteres e ésteres modificados. As formulações produzidas foram submetidas a condições extremas de agitação e processamento, sendo posteriormente avaliadas quanto a incidência de bolhas e vazios, densidade, propriedades mecânicas, morfológicas e térmicas. Os resultados foram bastante positivos quanto à diminuição da quantidade e do tamanho de poros pela utilização de técnicas de desgaseificação a vácuo e pelo uso de aditivos desaerantes.
Microesferas magnéticas à base de poli(metacrilato de metila-co-divinilbenzeno) obtidas por polimerização em suspensão
Authors: Castanharo Jacira Aparecida , Ferreira Ivana Lourenço de Mello , Costa Marcos Antonio da Silva , Silva Manoel Ribeiro da , Costa Geraldo Magela da , Oliveira Márcia Gomes de
Published: May 2015

Microesferas poliméricas à base de metacrilato de metila (MMA), divinilbenzeno (DVB) e material magnético foram preparadas via polimerização por suspensão. Foi estudada a influência da polimerização em suspensão ou semisuspensão, concentração de material magnético e concentração de divinilbenzeno sobre as características das microesferas obtidas. As partículas poliméricas foram caracterizadas por espectroscopia vibracional na região do infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FT-IR), microscopia eletrônica de varredura, analisador de área específica e porosimetria, espalhamento de luz e magnetometria de amostra vibrante. O material magnético também foi caracterizado por FT-IR, além de difratometria de raios X e espectroscopia Mössbauer. Foram obtidas, com sucesso, microesferas poliméricas magnéticas à base de MMA e DVB (P(MMA-co-DVB)-M), contendo partículas magnéticas tanto na superfície quanto no interior da microesfera. As partículas obtidas através de polimerização em semisuspensão apresentaram tamanhos menores e distribuição de tamanhos de partículas mais estreita que as partículas obtidas através de suspensões convencionais. Os compósitos apresentaram um comportamento superparamagnético. As microesferas magnéticas sintetizadas neste trabalho têm potencial para serem modificadas e aplicadas como resinas de troca iônica ou suportes catalíticos.
The influence of environmental variables on the functional structure of headwater stream fish assemblages: a study of two tropical basins in Central Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Rodrigo Assis , Tejerina-Garro Francisco Leonardo
Published: May 2015

We investigated functional patterns of fish assemblages of two adjacent basins (Araguaia and Tocantins) to test whether their headwater stream fish assemblages are more functionally (dis)similar than expected by chance and whether these (dis)similarities are related to differences of environmental conditions between basins. We used an analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) on a functional dissimilarity matrix to test for (dis)similarities between fish assemblages of both basins. We performed RLQ and fourth-corner analyses to determine fish species trait-environment relationship. Our results revealed functional dissimilarities between fish assemblages of both basins and significant species trait-environment relationships, suggesting that environmental conditions are driving such dissimilarities. Inter-basin dissimilarities are mainly driven by altitudinal and water temperature gradients, whereas dissimilarities among streams within the basins are influenced by channel depth, turbidity and conductivity. These five environmental variables mostly affected six fish species traits (body mass, water column position, substrate preference, parental care, foraging locality and migration) in different manners. This study is an attempt to understand functional trends of fish assemblages in a tropical region that remains poorly known but severely threatened.
A INCIDÊNCIA E A INSISTÊNCIA DA VERDADE NO DISCURSO: NOTAS PARA RELER A VONTADE DE SABER
Authors: Rosa Marluza T. da
Published: May 2015

Resumo: Neste ensaio, propomos um percurso de leitura que incide sobre a relação, frequentemente tida como ambivalente, entre Foucault e a psicanálise. Partimos da crítica desenvolvida pelo autor em A vontade de saber, buscando articular a problemática da produção da verdade à incidência e à insistência do/no discurso. Tal articulação permite reafirmarmos que é porque há demanda de um dizer exaustivo, e em dadas condições, que o sujeito e a verdade, em termos psicanalíticos, emergem, o que nos leva a compreender não só que as verdades de nosso tempo e de nossa sociedade são perpassadas pela experiência fundamental da linguagem, mas também que elas são, em grande medida, produzidas por campos de saber, não preexistindo, assim, ao discurso.
Gestão das águas e sustentabilidade: desafios globais e respostas locais a partir do caso de Seropédica, na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Alcântara Denise de , Schueler Adriana Soares de
Published: May 2015

Este artigo versa sobre o desenvolvimento territorial e a questão hídrica da região abrangida pela Bacia Sedimentar de Sepetiba, onde se situa Seropédica, município da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. A partir de investigação tipomorfológica na escala regional, busca enfatizar sua relação com o abastecimento de água para a RMRJ; a presença do Aquífero Piranema, recurso hídrico em permanente risco ambiental devido às atividades de extração mineral; a expansão urbana/industrial em consequência dos grandes investimentos em curso; e a infraestrutura urbana precária, especialmente saneamento e drenagem pluvial. São apresentados, na escala regional, dados quali-quantitativos sobre potencialidades e fragilidades do território e, na local, propostas de intervenções e boas práticas para mitigação dos problemas hídricos verificados nos núcleos urbanizados.
A trajetória da economia mundial: da recuperação do pós-guerra aos desafios contemporâneos
Authors: Gaspar Ricardo Carlos
Published: May 2015

O presente texto constitui uma tentativa de interpretação dos múltiplos fenômenos que caracterizaram o período pós-guerra e as dinâmicas e vetores que levaram, a partir dos anos 1970, às profundas transformações que todos vivenciamos hoje. Na primeira seção, recuperamos os aspectos principais que demarcaram o advento da modernidade e a consolidação do sistema-mundo capitalista, com ênfase nas grandes mudanças econômicas do final do século XIX e início do século XX, bem como nas décadas de crise da primeira metade do século anterior. Nas quatro seções seguintes, repassamos criticamente todos os acontecimentos mais importantes ao longo da trajetória da economia global, do pós-guerra até a atualidade (início da segunda década do século XXI). Finalizamos com uma tentativa de avaliação da contemporaneidade, realçando os dilemas que a humanidade tem pela frente.
Viability of Brazilwood seeds (Caesalpinia echinata Lam.) stored at room temperature in controlled atmospheres
Authors: Martini Neto Nestor , Barbedo Claudio José
Published: May 2015

Seed storage at room temperature is an important and low-cost tool for ex situ conservation. However, the high rates of seed deterioration could reduce the potential for storage in this condition. Therefore, the knowledge of the suitable water content for this type of storage plays a critical role. This study aimed to assess the time required to stabilize the relative humidity (RH) in sealed flasks with saturated salt solutions, with or without the introduction of seeds of Caesalpinia echinata, as well as to assess the viability of these seeds stored in environments with different hygroscopic equilibrium. The results showed that 2 and about 12 days are needed to stabilize the RH, respectively, without or with the seeds. The amount of saturated salt solutions in this airtight environment influences both the speed to equilibrate the RH and the final values of the RH. Seeds of Caesalpinia echinata tolerate drying up to 5% water content (wet basis); however, the viability of these seeds at room temperature is maintained for short periods even at low water content.
Physiological quality and expression of genes in seeds of Handroanthus serratifolius subjected to drying
Authors: Gonçalves Leandra Helena do Nascimento , Santos Heloísa Oliveira dos , Von Pinho Édila Vilela de Resende , Andrade Thaís de , Von Pinho Iolanda Vilela , Pereira Rucyan Walace
Published: May 2015

Handroanthus serratifolius seeds are considered orthodox and have some mechanisms that assist in desiccation tolerance, like heat-resistant proteins and the presence of protective systems against free radical production. In order to investigate the drying effect on the quality of Handroanthus serratifolius seeds collected with 28% water content two methods were used: slow drying (30 °C) and fast drying (45 °C) until water contents equaled 20%, 15%, 10% and 5%. Seed quality was assessed by germination test, first count of germination, speed germination, emergence and speed emergence. The expression of heat-resistant proteins and enzymes catalase, esterase and isocitrate lyase was assessed by electrophoresis. The gene expression of sHSP17.5, CAT3 and ICL6 was quantified by real time PCR. Higher values of germination and vigor were obtained in seeds with 20% water content, subjected to fast drying. There was induction of heat-resistant proteins expression for both drying methods. There was variation in the electrophoretic pattern of catalase, esterase and isocitrate lyase in seeds subjected to different treatments. The gene expression in Handroanthus serratifolius seeds varies depending on methods of drying and water content of seeds. The drying of Handroanthus serratifolius seeds until the water content between 15 and 10% compromises their physiological quality.
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: a continuous infusion of cefazolin versus ampicillin/sulbactam and ertapenem
Authors: FERRAZ Álvaro Antônio Bandeira , SIQUEIRA Luciana Teixeira de , CAMPOS Josemberg Marins , ARAÚJO JUNIOR Guido Correa de , MARTINS FILHO Euclides Dias , FERRAZ Edmundo Machado
Published: May 2015

Background The incidence of surgical site infection in bariatric patients is significant and the current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis are sometimes inadequate. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of three prophylactic antibiotic regimens on the incidence of surgical site infection. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2009 and January 2013 in which 896 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed to treat obesity. The study compared three groups of patients according to the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis administered intravenously and beginning at anesthesia induction: Group I consisting of 194 patients treated with two 3-g doses of ampicillin/sulbactam; Group II with 303 patients treated with a single 1-g dose of ertapenem; and Group III with 399 patients treated with a 2-g dose of cefazolin at anesthesia induction followed by a continuous infusion of cefazolin 1g throughout the surgical procedure. The rate of surgical site infection was analyzed, as well as its association with age, sex, preoperative weight, body mass index and comorbidities. Results The rates of surgical site infection were 4.16% in the group treated prophylactically with ampicillin/sulbactam, 1.98% in the ertapenem group and 1.55% in the continuous cefazolin group. Conclusion The prophylactic use of continuous cefazolin in surgeries for morbid obesity shows very promising results. These findings suggest that some prophylactic regimens need to be reconsidered and even substituted by more effective therapies for the prevention of surgical site infections in bariatric patients.
ÉTICA DA RECEPTIVIDADE: ASPECTOS DE UMA FILOSOFIA MORAL SEGUNDO JEAN-FRANÇOIS LYOTARD
Authors: Leeten Lars
Published: May 2015

O presente artigo aborda a dimensão ética no pensamento de Jean-François Lyotard. Como conceito decisivo para essa relação, é aqui proposto o conceito de receptividade (passibilité). Partindo dele, deseja-se mostrar que é possível reconstruir uma concepção de responsabilidade ética no pensamento do filósofo francês, a qual se coloca em sentido diametralmente oposto à concepção de autonomia: a obrigação ética se torna por conta disso afetiva, fundada e repousando na capacidade de se deixar falar. Com vistas a uma determinação mais acurada dessa posição, serão consultadas as reflexões de Lyotard acerca da filosofia da linguagem em Le Differénd: a concepção do “acontecimento da fase” se deixa mostrar na ética do diálogo, que deixa espaço para a assimetria, alteridade e transformação. O pensamento do conflito insolúvel (différend) mostra-se como plenamente implicado com essa ética.
ORTEGA Y GASSET, A VIDA COMO REALIDADE METAFÍSICA
Authors: Carvalho José Mauricio de
Published: May 2015

Neste artigo, estudamos as características que o filósofo espanhol Ortega y Gasset atribuiu à vida. Mostramos que o essencial de sua meditação girou em torno do assunto. No entanto, o tema ganhou densidade metafísica somente no final dos anos 1920, quando suas considerações foram inseridas na tradição filosófica do ocidente. Foi quando ele apontou a insuficiência do realismo e do idealismo na abordagem do fundamento pretendido pela Filosofia e apresentou a filosofia da razão vital como um passo adiante das duas grandes perspectivas filosóficas que marcaram a história da metafísica.
WALTER BENJAMIN Y GEORGES SOREL: ENTRE EL MITO DE LA HUELGA GENERAL Y UNA POLÍTICA DE MEDIOS PUROS
Authors: López Carlos Pérez
Published: May 2015

En su ensayo Para una crítica de la violencia, Walter Benjamin reivindica el fenómeno social de la huelga general revolucionaria teorizada por Georges Sorel en su obra Reflexiones sobre la violencia, como una figura ejemplar de lo que sería un “medio puro de la política”, al margen de cualquier forma legitimada de poder. En este marco, pocos comentadores contemporáneos advierten una discordancia conceptual entre ambos filósofos: para Sorel, la huelga revolucionaria es un mito social, mientras que el mito, categoría esencialmente negativa en Benjamin, describe la violencia que aprisiona la vida y que se traduce en una forma de poder político superior. En este artículo quisiéramos demostrar esta discordancia conceptual para examinar en seguida cómo ha sido comentada por otros pensadores contemporáneos. La filosofía de la historia, la posibilidad de una acción política ética y la temporalidad mesiánica aparecen en el horizonte teórico que emparenta a estos filósofos y por el cual podría descifrarse su impasse conceptual. Esto se confirma si se despliega la idea de un “medio puro de la política”, pista que Benjamin ofrece sin profundizar y sobre la cual reenvía al pensamiento de un filósofo poco explorado, Erich Unger. En la última parte de este artículo desarrollaremos las claves dadas por Unger, que entran justamente en sintonía con la mención de la huelga general como medio puro de la política.
Molecular Phenotype of Breast Cancer According to Time Since Last Pregnancy in a Large Cohort of Young Women
Authors: Collins Laura C. , Gelber Shari , Marotti Jonathan D. , White Sarah , Ruddy Kathryn , Brachtel Elena F. , Schapira Lidia , Come Steven E. , Borges Virginia F. , Schedin Pepper , Warner Ellen , Wensley Taylor , Tamimi Rulla M. , Winer Eric P. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: May 2015

Background.

The increase in breast cancer risk during pregnancy and postpartum is well known; however, the molecular phenotype of breast cancers occurring shortly after pregnancy has not been well studied. Given this, we investigated whether nulliparity and the time interval since pregnancy among parous women affects the breast cancer phenotype in young women.

Materials and Methods.

We examined molecular phenotype in relation to time since pregnancy in a prospective cohort of 707 young women (aged ≤40 years) with breast cancer. Parity was ascertained from study questionnaires. Using tumor histologic grade on central review and biomarker expression, cancers were categorized as luminal A- or B-like, HER2 enriched, and triple negative.

Results.

Overall, 32% were luminal A-like, 41% were luminal B-like, 9% were HER2 enriched, and 18% were triple negative. Although, numerically, patients diagnosed >5 years after pregnancy had more luminal A-like subtypes than women with shorter intervals since pregnancy, there was no evidence of a relationship between these intervals and molecular subtypes once family history of breast cancer and age at diagnosis were considered.

Conclusion.

Distribution of breast cancer molecular phenotype did not differ significantly among young women by parity or time interval since parturition when important predictors of tumor phenotype such as age and family history were considered.

Implications for Practice:

Distribution of breast cancer molecular phenotype did not differ among parous young women by time interval since pregnancy. The implication of these findings for clinical practice suggests that pregnancy-associated breast cancers may be seen up to 5 years beyond parturition.
Laboratory study on recycling of sediments in paving blocks
Authors: Missaoui Amel , Said Imen , Lafhaj Zoubeir , Daoued Samar , Ali Imen Bel Hadj
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility, in a laboratory experiment, of using dredged marine sediments as substituents of sand in paving blocks. Marine sediments recycled in this study are dredged from Rades harbour, which is considered as one of the most important harbours in Tunisia. This study reports a problem related to the large tonnage of marine sediments, which are considered as wastes. To optimise the circular economy, the recycling of these wastes in construction materials seems to present an interesting solution. This paper is composed of three main parts. The first part deals with the physical, chemical and environmental characterisation of marine sediments. The second part includes a research study on an optimal formulation of the use of marine sediments in paving blocks. In this article, we present the six formulations studied. Over 80 blocks were produced at laboratory scale. The last part is devoted to the analysis of normative test results conducted on specimens. It reveals that the substitution of 12·5% of sands by marine sediments provides paving blocks comparable to standard ones.
Control of response time of early-stage concrete with accelerator using granulation processing
Authors: Lee Yong-Soo , Ryou Jae-Suk
Published: May 2015

Although accelerators can be used to prevent early frost damage by developing the strength of concrete in cold weather, they do not lead to retention of workability because early hydration makes them react rapidly. In this study, granulation was used as a method to control the response time of the C12A7-based accelerator to retain the workability of fresh concrete. It was found that the workability of the granulated C12A7-based accelerator was retained for the operation time after mixing, and adequate strength was developed to prevent early frost damage.
Orientación de las flores de dos poblaciones norteñas de Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum (Cactaceae)
Authors: Aguilar Gastelum Ileem , Molina-Freaner Francisco
Published: May 2015

Varios estudios previos han documentado que algunas cactáceas columnares muestran orientación ecuatorial de sus flores. Sin embargo, se desconoce qué tan general es este patrón de orientación entre las cactáceas que producen flores laterales. Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum es una especie que produce flores laterales y que tiene una amplia distribución en México. En este trabajo se describe el patrón de distribución de las flores de dos poblaciones norteñas de P. pecten-aboriginum y se explora su relación con la intercepción de radiación fotosintéticamente activa (RFA). Se eligieron dos poblaciones de P. pecten-aboriginum del estado de Sonora donde se midió el azimut de las costillas y el número de estructuras reproductivas por costilla. Para una de las poblaciones se estimó la RFA interceptada por  las costillas de diferente orientación, se colectaron flores orientadas al este, sur y oeste y se contó el número de óvulos por flor. Las  flores de ambas poblaciones tuvieron un promedio de orientación de 191.5º ± 69.7º y 194.6º ± 61.8º, mostrando una orientación significativa hacia el sur. El análisis del número de óvulos por flor no mostró diferencias significativas entre costillas de diferente orientación. Los valores diarios de intercepción de RFA mostraron que las costillas orientadas hacia el sur y el ápice son las superficies que más radiación interceptan, mientras que las costillas orientadas hacia el norte son las que menos interceptan. Los resultados se comparan con los datos de otras especies y se discute el posible mecanismo involucrado en la orientación de las flores de esta especie.
The bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) of Arkansas, fifty years later
Authors: Tripodi Amber D. , Szalanski Allen L.
Published: June 2015

Many species of bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus Latreille) are declining throughout their ranges in North America, yet detecting population trends can be difficult when historical survey data are lacking.  In the present study, contemporary data is compared to a 1965 survey to detect changes in bumble bee distributions throughout Arkansas.  Using county-level records as a point of comparison to look for changes in state-wide occurrence among species over time, we find that state-level changes reflect national trends.  Contemporary records of Bombus bimaculatus Cresson and B. impatiens Cresson have more than tripled, while records for B. pensylvanicus (De Geer) show a decline to 61% of historical levels.  Although B. fervidus (Fabricius) has been reported infrequently in the state, misidentifications may have led to an overestimation of the state’s species richness.  In addition to an updated assessment of the bumble bees of Arkansas, we also provide new, localized information on the seasonal phenology and plant preferences of each species that can be used to guide conservation efforts.
Development of eHealth in Slovenia - Critical Issues and Future Directions
Authors: Stanimirović Dalibor
Published: June 2015

Although the basic informatization of the health care system was established relatively early, Slovenia still does not have an interoperable and comprehensive health information system (HIS). Fragmentation of information systems (IS) and their limited interoperability significantly compromise further development of the health care system and adversely affect the quality of health care services. Overcoming the aforementioned challenges requires the progressive implementation of eHealth project, which is one of the key long-term goals of the Slovenian public sector. The main objective of eHealth is the comprehensive integration of distributed IS and connection of a widespread network of stakeholders within the health care system. The paper presents the review of eHealth projects in Slovenia, Austria and Denmark, and provides a comparative analysis of the eHealth development in designated countries. Focusing on the Slovenian experience, the paper summarizes the main deficiencies in the current eHealth settings, and finally outlines a set of applicable guidelines for an effective development and implementation of highly intricate and complex eHealth project.
An Application of Subgroup Discovery Algorithm on the Case of Decentralization and Quality of Governance in EU
Authors: Umek Lan
Published: June 2015

This paper analyses a statistical relationship between the decentralization of the EU countries and the quality of their governance. The degree of decentralization is measured from a fiscal and political point of view, and the quality of governance by multiple indicators and citizen opinions. The paper presents a subgroup discovery algorithm which is capable of analysing two sets of several variables, and uses it for the analysis of EU countries. The paper is one of the first to use the data mining methods from the social sciences domain. The used algorithm has discovered some interesting patterns which show a desired relationship. We have discovered that the proportion of public sector employees is one of the most important indicators, which strongly correlates with the degree of trust in the European and national institutions, the government effectiveness and the perception of corruption.
Higher Education as a Means of Achieving Economic Growth and Development – A Comparative Analysis of Selected EU and former Soviet Union Countries
Authors: Grdinić Maja
Published: June 2015

In the last twenty years, higher education policies have become increasingly important national priorities in both the developed and the developing countries. According to the endogenous growth theory, higher education and thereby accumulation of human capital is considered to be the main driver of economic competitiveness in the growing global economy founded on knowledge. Thus, as education is undoubtedly one of the main drivers of economic growth and development, an increase in the real expenditures for education is found in many countries. All this is especially evident in times of rapid technological changes. The interest of this paper is to show the relationship between GDP and public spending on education by applying the method of panel data analysis on the selected EU Member States and former Soviet Union Countries for the period 2000 – 2011. The results of the analysis showed that public expenditure for education, as well the size of the tertiary educated workforce and the number of researchers have a positive impact on GDP growth.
Patterns, Trends and Policy Processes in Spanish Secondary Education: Multiple Streams in a Multilevel Context
Authors: López Sánchez Eliseo , Del Campo Esther
Published: June 2015

Educational policies in Spain have been characterized by conflict and continuous changes to legislation in the Central State. However, Spain is a decentralized State and the Autonomous Communities (regions) are responsible for implementing secondary education. The article aims at explaining and analyzing how Autonomous Communities have defined their educational models and policies for secondary education based on an unstable state legal framework. The analysis focuses on key elements of State legislation, such as the management methods of schools and the adaptation of policies to social differences between autonomous communities. Based on Zahariadis' multiple streams model, the article concludes by pointing out the importance of the context and its impact on the policies, the relevance of the ruling party's ideology in each Autonomous Community and the involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of secondary education policy.
Collective Agreement for Members of Slovenian Armed Forces: Reflections on Features of Collective Negotiations in the Public Sector for the Military Profession
Authors: Štampar Ljubo
Published: June 2015

In the Republic of Slovenia, the military is an organization that, like elsewhere in the European Union (EU), belongs to the public sector. The military service is a part of the public service sector and treated with a single collective agreement for the public sector. Despite certain theses (Janowitz 1977, Moskos 1986, Callaghan and Kernic 2003, Garb 2008) about the growing similarity of the military profession with professions in the public sector or other civilian occupations, work in the military is unique because of the specific role of the military in society. However, the military profession has sufficient similarities with other public sector professions in peacetime circumstances, so that soldiers should be granted the right to bargain the economic conditions of their employment. Through the process of collective bargaining, either within the public sector or individually, they could ensure compensation for the restrictions and requirements contained in the work of soldiers. The most important European institutions, in terms of safety and protection of the rights in the European region, are following the trend of changes in the security environment, new tasks of the military organization, the changed nature of the military profession in the postmodern era, and defend the concept of the “citizen in uniform”. Through resolutions, recommendations and memorandums, they are following the trend of increasing demands for the equalization of the rights of soldiers with the rights of other citizens. In particular, the right of unions to organize and the right for the possibilities to negotiate conditions of employment are emphasized. In the EU, there are two approaches regarding the possibility of bargaining on the economic conditions of employment for soldiers. Both provide the possibility of obtaining a special allowance for soldiers serving the country.
Hydrological disturbance diminishes predator control in wetlands
Authors: Dorn Nathan J. , Cook Mark I.
Published: June 2015

Effects of predators on prey populations can be especially strong in aquatic ecosystems, but disturbances may mediate the strength of predator limitation and even allow outbreaks of some prey populations. In a two‐year study we investigated the numerical responses of crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and small fishes (Poeciliidae and Fundulidae) to a brief hydrological disturbance in replicated freshwater wetlands with an experimental drying and large predatory fish reduction. The experiment and an in situ predation assay tested the component of the consumer stress model positing that disturbances release prey from predator limitation. In the disturbed wetlands, abundances of large predatory fish were seasonally reduced, similar to dynamics in the Everglades (southern Florida). Densities of small fish were unaffected by the disturbance, but crayfish densities, which were similar across all wetlands before drying, increased almost threefold in the year after the disturbance. Upon re‐flooding, juvenile crayfish survival was inversely related to the abundance of large fish across wetlands, but we found no evidence for enhanced algal food quality. At a larger landscape scale (500 km2 of the Everglades), crayfish densities over eight years were positively correlated with the severity of local dry disturbances (up to 99 days dry) during the preceding dry season. In contrast, densities of small‐bodied fishes in the same wetlands were seasonally depressed by dry disturbances. The results from our experimental wetland drought and the observations of crayfish densities in the Everglades represent a large‐scale example of prey population release following a hydrological disturbance in a freshwater ecosystem. The conditions producing crayfish pulses in the Everglades appear consistent with the mechanics of the consumer stress model, and we suggest crayfish pulses may influence the number of nesting wading birds in the Everglades.
Crafting and evaluating Broader Impact activities: a theory‐based guide for scientists
Authors: Skrip Megan M
Published: June 2015

To secure research funding from grant‐awarding agencies such as the US National Science Foundation, scientists – despite not typically being trained in non‐technical communication or public engagement – must competitively formulate so‐called Broader Impacts activities. Dissemination activities are often proposed as Broader Impacts of research, but what characteristics of these activities truly indicate their potential to be “broad” or “impactful”? How can the “impacts” of very different activities be fairly compared during peer review? Combining the experiences of successful practitioners with communication theory, I have synthesized a five‐point framework that could help both proposers and reviewers craft and compare Broader Impacts dissemination activities. This “Broader Impacts Impact Framework” summarizes best practices in communication and outreach, and can be easily used by scientists during proposal writing and review. This framework focuses on five main factors: who, why, what, how, and with whom.
Interval squeeze: altered fire regimes and demographic responses interact to threaten woody species persistence as climate changes
Authors: Enright Neal J , Fontaine Joseph B , Bowman David MJS , Bradstock Ross A , Williams Richard J
Published: June 2015

Projected effects of climate change across many ecosystems globally include more frequent disturbance by fire and reduced plant growth due to warmer (and especially drier) conditions. Such changes affect species – particularly fire‐intolerant woody plants – by simultaneously reducing recruitment, growth, and survival. Collectively, these mechanisms may narrow the fire interval window compatible with population persistence, driving species to extirpation or extinction. We present a conceptual model of these combined effects, based on synthesis of the known impacts of climate change and altered fire regimes on plant demography, and describe a syndrome we term “interval squeeze”. This model predicts that interval squeeze will increase woody plant extinction risk and change ecosystem structure, composition, and carbon storage, especially in regions projected to become both warmer and drier. These predicted changes demand new approaches to fire management that will maximize the in situ adaptive capacity of species to respond to climate change and fire regime change.
Climate‐change adaptation on rangelands: linking regional exposure with diverse adaptive capacity
Authors: Briske David D , Joyce Linda A , Polley H Wayne , Brown Joel R , Wolter Klaus , Morgan Jack A , McCarl Bruce A , Bailey Derek W
Published: June 2015

The ecological consequences of climate change are predicted to vary greatly throughout US rangelands. Projections show warming and drying in the southern Great Plains and the Southwest, warmer and drier summers with reduced winter snowpack in the Northwest, and warmer and wetter conditions in the northern Great Plains. Primarily through their combined effects on soil water availability, these climatic changes will modify plant production and community composition, which will, in turn, affect the livelihoods of humans who rely upon livestock grazing. The ability of rangeland managers to assess risk and prepare for climate change varies greatly and reflects their different adaptive capacities. Geographically specific exposure to climate change and a diverse adaptive capacity to counteract these changes will require development of varied adaptation strategies that can accommodate the various needs and abilities of livestock managers.
The portfolio concept in ecology and evolution
Authors: Schindler Daniel E , Armstrong Jonathan B , Reed Thomas E
Published: June 2015

Biological systems have similarities to efficient financial portfolios; the emergent properties of aggregate systems are often less volatile than their components. These portfolio effects derive from statistical averaging across the dynamics of system components, which often correlate weakly or negatively with each other through time and space. The “portfolio” concept when applied to ecological research provides important insights into how ecosystems are organized, how species interact, and how evolutionary strategies develop. It also helps identify appropriate scales for developing robust management and conservation schemes, and offers an approach that does not rely on prescriptive predictions about threats in an uncertain future. Rather, it presents a framework for managing risk from inevitable perturbations, many of which we will not be able to understand or anticipate.
Valuing the Seed of an Improved Switchgrass Cultivar
Authors: Gouzaye Amadou , Epplin Francis M. , Wu Yanqi
Published: June 2015

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as a model perennial grass species to compete with alternative sources for providing biomass to fulfill cellulosic biofuels provisions of the US Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The objective of this study is to determine the value of a more productive switchgrass variety relative to that of the best available alternative. Biomass data were produced in an experiment with four commercial switchgrass cultivars (Alamo, Blackwell, Kanlow, and Cave‐in‐Rock) and five experimental lines over 4 yr at Stillwater, OK. One of the experimental lines, Cimarron, was released as a cultivar in 2008 during the experiment. The remaining four experimental lines were NL93‐2, NSL 2001‐1, NL 94‐2001‐1, and NSU 95‐2001. An ANOVA model is used to test for differences in switchgrass yield. Enterprise budgets are used to calculate net returns and stochastic efficiency analysis is used to investigate yield risk. For a farm‐gate biomass price of $50 Mg−1, expected net returns were estimated to be $80 ha−1 yr−1 greater in postestablishment years for Cimarron than for Alamo. Assuming a year for establishment, nine postestablishment production years, a farm‐gate biomass price of $50 Mg−1, a discount rate of 6.5%, and environmental conditions similar to those that prevailed during the field experiment, the net present value of seeding a field in the region to Cimarron rather than Alamo would be $501 ha−1.
Industry‐Scale Evaluation of Maize Hybrids Selected for Increased Yield in Drought‐Stress Conditions of the US Corn Belt
Authors: Gaffney Jim , Schussler Jeff , Löffler Carlos , Cai Weiguo , Paszkiewicz Steve , Messina Carlos , Groeteke Jeremy , Keaschall Joe , Cooper Mark
Published: June 2015

Maize (Zea mays L.) is among the most important grains contributing to global food security. Eighty years of genetic gain for yield of maize under both favorable and unfavorable stress‐prone drought conditions have been documented for the US Corn Belt, yet maize remains vulnerable to drought conditions, especially at the critical developmental stage of flowering. Optimum AQUAmax (Dupont Pioneer) maize hybrids were developed for increased grain yield under drought and favorable conditions in the US Corn Belt. Following the initial commercial launch in 2011, a large on‐farm data set has been accumulated (10,731 locations) comparing a large sample of the AQUAmax hybrids (78 hybrids) to a large sample of industry‐leading hybrids (4287 hybrids) used by growers throughout the US Corn Belt. Following 3 yr (2011–2013) of on‐farm industry‐scale testing, the AQUAmax hybrids were on average 6.5% higher yielding under water‐limited conditions (2006 locations) and 1.9% higher yielding under favorable growing conditions (8725 locations). In a complementary study, 3 yr (2010–2012) of hybrid‐by‐management‐by‐environment evaluation under water‐limited conditions (14 locations) indicated that the AQUAmax hybrids had greater yield at higher plant populations when compared to non‐AQUAmax hybrids. The combined results from research (2008–2010) and on‐farm (2011–2013) testing throughout the US Corn Belt over the 6‐yr period from 2008 to 2013 indicate that the AQUAmax hybrids offer farmers greater yield stability under water‐limited conditions with no yield penalty when the water limitations are relieved and growing conditions are favorable.
Spatial Variation and Improving Measures of the Utilization Efficiency of Accumulated Temperature
Authors: Liu Yuee , Hou Peng , Xie Ruizhi , Hao Weiping , Li Shaokun , Mei Xurong
Published: June 2015

Temperature, especially accumulated temperature, is very important for agricultural productivity. Fully using the heat resource is important for increasing yields of maize (Zea maysL.). To understand spatial variation and improving measures of the utilization efficiency of accumulated temperature, we conducted experiments during the period of 2007 to 2012 at 52 locations in the north spring maize (NM) and Huanghuaihai summer maize (HM) regions of China. We found that the utilization efficiency of ≥10°C accumulated temperature for the whole year (hereafter, UE10y) and residual accumulated temperature for maize were highly correlated with latitude. The UE10y increased by 1.3 and 1.4% for 1° increases in latitude moving northward for NM and HM, respectively. In NM, the variation in residual accumulated temperature was large across the experiment locations, ranging from 76 to 1655°C degree days. To make full use of the heat resource, we studied the effects of delaying harvest, optimum sowing date, and planting‐adapted cultivars on the UE10y and maize yield. We found that, compared to conventional harvest time, delaying harvest significantly increased UE10y and maize yield. For different sowing dates, maize yield increased significantly with increasing UE10y in the northern area of NM but not in the southern area of NM. Regarding the use of different planting‐adapted cultivars, yield potentials of the longest maturity cultivars and cultivars adapted to mechanical grain harvest averaged 17.12 and 14.39 Mg ha–1in NM, which were 27.9 and 7.5% higher than the yield potential of traditional cultivars, respectively.
Interaction between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Orleans Levee Board preceding the drainage canal wall failures and catastrophic flooding of New Orleans in 2005
Authors: Rogers J. David , Kemp G. Paul , Bosworth H. J. , Seed Raymond B.
Published: June 2015

The authors hope to correct any premature conclusions about the role of the pre-Katrina Orleans Levee Board (OLB) in the failure of the outfall drainage canals in New Orleans during the 2005 hurricane – conclusions that appear to have been based on inaccurate information and/or assumptions. With regard to the 17th Street and London Avenue Canals, the authors have not uncovered any information that would suggest that the OLB behaved irresponsibly in its duties. What is evident from the project record is that the Army Corps of Engineers recommended raising the canal floodwalls for the 17th Street Canal, but recommended gated structures at the mouths of the Orleans and London Avenue Canals because the latter plan was less expensive. The OLB convinced Congress to pass legislation that required the Corps to raise the floodwalls for all three canals. Furthermore, the Corps, in a separate attempt to limit project costs, initiated a sheet pile load test (E-99 Study), but misinterpreted the results and wrongly concluded that sheet piles needed to be driven to depths of only 17 feet (1 foot = 0.3048 meters) instead of between 31 and 46 feet. That decision saved approximately US$100 million, but significantly reduced overall engineering reliability.