bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Roughness and Oxidation Conditions on Wettability of Borosilicate Glass Sealant
Authors: Joshi Rakesh , Chhibber Rahul
Published: November 2017

One of the major challenges in the fabrication of glass-metal Joint is the wettability of glass sealant over the metal surface. The aim of the work was to study the wetting and spreading behavior of borosilicate glass sealant over austenitic stainless steel SS 304 and copper substrates with different surface roughness and oxidation conditions. During the wettability study of borosilicate glass sealant over the metal specimen, glass pallets were melted over the different oxidized metal specimens. The wetting behavior of borosilicate glass over metal specimen was measured in terms of contact angle and spreading area. The types of oxide and change in microstructure after oxidation were examined with the help of XRD analysis and optical microscopy. Tensile strength and hardness of the metal substrates after oxidation was also evaluated .
Experimental Study on the Relationship of Discharge Parameters with Crack Arrest Effects in Inconel 625 Alloy by Electropulsing Treatment
Authors: Yu Jing , Liu Yan Chuan
Published: November 2017

The detour effect and Joule heating of electropulsing is employed on crack arrest. With respect to Inconel 625 alloy, the relationship between discharge parameters and the area of fusion zone, microstructure around the crack tip and mechanical properties are studied. The experimental results indicate that the area of molten hole is directly proportional to the electric energy input. The microstructure ahead of the crack tip is refined and uniform with the increase of electric energy input. The optimum discharge parameter range, which contributes to the improvement of comprehensive mechanical properties, can be obtained.
Investigation of Destruction Mechanisms for Heat-Resistant Coatings in Hypersonic Flows of Air Plasma
Authors: Astapov Alexey N. , Rabinskiy Lev N.
Published: November 2017

The authors present the results of investigations of degradation processes that occur in the structure of heat-resistant coating of the Si-TiSi2-MoSi2-B-Y system in hypersonic flows of air plasma. It is found that coating operating capacity at surface temperatures Tw ≤ 1820÷1830°C is provided by the structural-phase state of its microcomposite main layer and formation on the coating surface of a heterogeneous passivating protective film. It is based on borosilicate glass reinforced by rutile microneedles. The mechanism of coating destruction at Tw ≥ 1850÷1860°C is erosion loss of oxide film as well as generation and growth of gas-filled cavities at the "coating main layer–oxide film" interface. As the pressure of saturated vapor of gaseous oxidation products (SiO, CO, MoO3 and B2O3) exceeds that of the ambient, the oxide film integrity is disrupted and oxidation process becomes active. The rates of erosion loss and sublimation grow as operating temperature increases and ambient pressure decreases.
Stress State Simulation and Durability Evaluation of a Spot-Welded Joint in Case of Random Vibration
Authors: Sidorenko Aleksandr S. , Rybaulin Artem G. , Rabinskiy Lev N. , Kuznetsova Elena L.
Published: November 2017

In this paper the authors present the methodology and results of computational studies of the stress state and the evaluation of the construction durability with multipoint welded joints in the event of random vibration. A special feature of the technique is a detailed simulation of the stress state in the most stressed connection junctions, taking into account the change in the properties of the base material during welding. The empirical equations between the microhardness and the material yield point in the local zone of the welded point are used for this. The developed technique for numerical simulation of the dynamic stressed state of a construction with a point-welded joints can be used to assess the vibration strength of such constructions under conditions of random loading.
Embodying human rights in #FeesMustFall? Contributions from an indecent theology
Authors: Grassow Lisa , Le Bruyns Clint
Published: November 2017

This article focuses on the #FeesMustFall (FMF) movement and the question of a human rights culture. It provides evidence from the specific context of FMF at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, which exposes human rights abuses and violence to the dignity of protesting students. To advance a human rights culture within the higher education sector in the context of FMF, the article highlights the role of theology – ‘indecent theology’ (as espoused by Marcella Althaus-Reid) – in revealing the problem and promise of higher education institutions in the quest for a more liberating and responsible society. It is only through interrogating the narratives that sustain the current university structures – and continue to oppress the poor and the marginalised – that South Africa will be able to begin to construct a society that is respective of the rights of all.
Home literacy activities: Accounting for differences in early grade literacy outcomes in low-income families in Zambia
Authors: Chansa-Kabali Tamara
Published: November 2017

Inequalities on child cognitive outcomes exist as children enter the first grade. These differences are even wider for children in low-income families. This article aims to examine the extent to which home factors account for variation in early literacy outcomes in the first year of schooling. A total of 72 first graders and their parents from low-income families in Lusaka, Zambia, participated in the study. A self-reported home literacy questionnaire was used to collect home literacy data − parental education, home possessions, reading materials, language awareness, print experience, writing activities, reading activities and teaching letters. Children’s early literacy skills were assessed using four measures: orthography awareness, spelling, vocabulary and math tests. These tests were measured at two points: at the beginning and at the end of the first grade. Results showed that teaching letters was most predictive of literacy outcomes both at the beginning and end of the first year. The study concludes that formal teaching of letters at home is the parents’ greatest strength for supporting literacy in low-income families. Thus, energies for parental involvement should be directed in ways that are culturally practised and manageable by parents for better literacy outcomes.
Operational and tegnological requirements for the profitable provision of rail freight transport
Authors: Pienaar Wessel J.
Published: November 2017

This article provides an overview of the most pertinent operational and design requirements of rail freight transport technology that could be instrumental in the profitable participation of rail transport in an economically deregulated freight transport market. The following three aspects are addressed: (1) The market segments that are serviced profitably by rail transport in industrial countries; (2) comparative cost of rail transport and the specific operational methods employed to make rail transport more cost advantageous; and (3) the most pertinent technological requirements set upon rail transport systems to operate commercially viably. Regarding technological requirements, the following aspects are elaborated upon: (1) train types and purpose-built wagons to appropriately serve specific market segments; (2) the type of freight terminals employed to effectively support rail transport operations; and (3) the types of handling equipment needed to enable rail transport to operate smoothly. The purpose-built wagon models and the types of train compositions to optimally adhere to rail transport operators’ specific needs, as well as the the most important factors that underlie wagon design, are discussed. Subsequently the functional requirements of the main terminal facilties that receive freight trains are discussed. Lastly, the handling equipment needed to load, unload and transload transportable freight on, from and between wagons and other modes of transport swiftly, safely and at lowest cost per freight unit are discussed.
Detecting Serotonin System in Rats with Myocardial Infarction and/or Depression after Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Ren Yanping , Zhang Lijun , Wei Wanlin , Liu Meiyan
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to explore the effects on serotonergic system of sertraline in the Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats of myocardial infarction (MI), depression, and depression post-MI.

Methods:

A total of 80 SD rats were randomly allocated into two pretreatment groups, including saline-pretreated group and sertraline-pretreated group. The sertraline-pretreated rats received sertraline and the saline-pretreated rats received saline for the past 4 weeks. Then, the two groups were randomly divided into four subgroups, respectively, including sham, MI, depression, and depression post-MI (MI + depression) subgroup. All animals were then sacrificed after 3 days to observe the effects of sertraline on levels of 5-HT, 5-HT2AR, and SERT in the rat serum, platelet, and brain.

Results:

As compared with saline treatment group, serum 5-HT decreased significantly in sham subgroup and increase significantly in MI, depression, and MI-depression subgroups, platelet 5-HT increased significantly, brain 5-HT decreased significantly in the four subgroups after sertraline treatment (all P < 0.05). As compared with saline treatment group, platelet 5-HT2AR decreased significantly in the sham subgroup and increased significantly in MI and depression subgroups, brain 5-HT2AR increased significantly in MI subgroup and decreased significantly in depression and MI + depression subgroups after sertraline treatment (all P < 0.05). As compared with saline treatment group, serum SERT decreased significantly in the sham subgroup and increased significantly in depression subgroup, platelet SERT decreased significantly in the four subgroups and brain SERT increased significantly in sham and depression subgroups and decrease significantly in MI subgroup after sertraline treatment (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Sertraline regulated 5-HT concentration of peripheral blood and brain according to 5-HT2AR and SERT, thereby regulating the platelet function in various pathological states including MI, depression, and depression post-MI.
Therapeutic Hypothermia after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Should We Keep Platelets in Mind?
Authors: Antonio Rodolfo San , Flores-Umanzor Eduardo Josué , Pujol-López Margarida , Caldentey Guillem
Published: November 2017

Therapeutic hypothermia has been associated with an increase in thrombotic events, but this point has not been fully clarified. Most patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia in a cardiac ICU receive antithrombotic treatment, usually in the context of ischemic heart disease. But, what should we do if our patient does not need antithrombotic treatment for any reason? After this case, doubts arise on the need to use an anti-thrombotic treatment on all patients subjected to therapeutic hypothermia in the context of aborted cardiac arrest
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ellenbroek Bart A , Sengul Hatice K
Published: November 2017

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders characterized by stereotyped behaviors and thoughts, and deficits in social behavior, interactions, and communication. The epidemiological evidence shows an increase in the prevalence of ASD although the etiology and pathology of ASD are still largely unknown. In addition to the core symptoms, patients with ASD show emotional and cognitive deficits, and are thought to suffer from abnormal levels of arousal and therefore increasingly studies have been performed to investigate alterations in the autonomic nervous system. The aim of the review is to focus on the changes in the cardiovascular system. Overall, the literature provides some evidence for an increase in baseline heart rate (HR) and a decrease in HR variability (HRV), specifically for high-frequency respiratory sinus arrhythmia. However, the review also illustrates the large variability in results. This is in part due to differences in methodology, but also to the heterogeneity of ASD per se. Moreover, as ASD already occurs at a very young age, differences in the age of the patients are also likely to play a role. Therefore, we propose a more systematic analysis of autonomic dysfunction in well-defined patient populations. In addition, given the plethora of genetic and environmental animal models for ASD that have been developed in recent years, we argue that investigation of HR and HRV could substantially improve the translational validity of these models.
Vulneración de la Ley General de Comunicación Audiovisual. El caso de MYHYV
Authors: Ruiz Acín Leyre , Bandrés Goldáraz Elena
Published: November 2017

Mujeres y hombres y viceversa es el paradigma de los programas de citas en España. Seguido por un amplio público adolescente y juvenil vulnera gravemente la Ley 7/2010 del 31 de marzo, General de la Comunicación. Se presenta el estudio de caso del programa como ejemplo de apología de la violencia de género protagonizado por uno de sus concursantes. Metodología: Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de 45 episodios del programa cotejados con la legislación vigente. En total se han analizado más de 52 horas de contenido. Resultados y discusión: Los datos revelan que el programa incita a la discriminación de género, atenta contra la dignidad humana y muestra claros ejemplos de violencia machista. Delitos demostrados que quedaron impunes pese a las diferentes denuncias presentadas.
Método para Cálculo de Puntos de Equilibrio en Sistemas Dinámicos Basado en Sincronización Adaptativa
Authors: Prian Rodríguez Manuel , López Sánchez Manuel J. , Moreno Verdulla J. Francisco
Published: November 2017

En este trabajo se propone un sistema de control equivalente a un método numérico para el cálculo de los puntos de equilibrio de sistemas dinámicos, donde dichos equilibrios pueden ser empleados como señal de referencia en diversas técnicas de control. El procedimiento propuesto está basado en la sincronización adaptativa entre un oscilador y un modelo de referencia conducido por las variables de estado del oscilador. Se realiza un análisis de estabilidad y se propone un algoritmo de cálculo simplificado. Finalmente, se muestran resultados satisfactorios de simulación numérica.
Algoritmos de Binarización Robusta de Imágenes con Iluminación No Uniforme
Authors: Molina Edgar , Diaz Julia , Hidalgo-Silva Hugo , Chávez Edgar
Published: November 2017

La binarización es una técnica básica de procesamiento digital de imágenes. Los métodos de binarización han sido progresivamente mejorados para tratar con imágenes en condiciones más realistas. De particular importancia es considerar la condición de iluminación no uniforme de las imágenes a binarizar, presente cuando se realiza la adquisición de imágenes con equipo no especializado (e.g. un teléfono celular). En este trabajo se propone un nuevo enfoque para la binarización de imágenes de texto que fueron adquiridas bajo iluminación no uniforme. La idea central es obtener una iluminación más uniforme (apropiada para binarización) a partir de la fusión de dos imágenes iluminadas complementariamente. Para probar el desempeño de nuestra propuesta capturamos un conjunto grande de imágenes de texto reales, obtenidas con un teléfono celular, con diversas condiciones de iluminación no uniforme. Comparamos nuestra propuesta con diversas técnicas del estado del arte y mostramos que tenemos mejores resultados usando distintas métricas de binarización.
Sistema de Visión Subacuático Inalámbrico Usando un Algoritmo de Compresión Progresivo con Región de Interés
Authors: Rubino Eduardo M , Centelles D. , Sales Jorge , Martí José V. , Marín Raúl , Alvares Alberto J. , Sanz Pedro J.
Published: November 2017

La creciente demanda en todo el mundo de sistemas de intervención submarina en diversos dominios de aplicación requiere sistemas más versátiles y económicos. Empleando un sistema de comunicación inalámbrica, los robots semiautónomos supervisados disponen de libertad de movimientos y, al mismo tiempo, permiten al operador obtener información visual y supervisar la intervención. Por otro lado, la velocidad de transmisión de datos típica de los canales inalámbricos submarinos es, en general, muy limitada, siendo necesaria la aplicación de técnicas de compresión avanzadas. En este artículo se presenta principalmente el algoritmo DEBT (Depth Embedded Block Tree) para la compresión progresiva de imágenes con región de interés (ROI). Los resultados demuestran ventajas con respecto a otros algoritmos de compresión, y la posibilidad de ejecución del algoritmo en tiempo real en ordenadores embebidos de bajo consumo basados en ARM.
Aerobiology and passive restoration of biological soil crusts
Authors: Warren Steven D. , St. Clair Larry L. , Leavitt Steven D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) commonly occupy the surface of many arid and semiarid soils, and disturbed soils in more mesic environments. BSCs perform many essential ecological services. Substantial resources have been invested trying to restore BSCs that have been damaged by anthropogenic disturbances, largely to no avail. The nexus of science related to crust restoration and to aerobiology strongly suggests that crusts can become reestablished via naturally occurring processes. Propagules of BSC organisms are found naturally in the atmosphere, and are transported long distances. Whether restoration occurs naturally in this way, or by costly attempts to produce and disseminate artificial inoculants, success is ultimately moderated and governed by the timing and frequency of adequate precipitation relative to the arrival of viable propagules on suitable substrate at an appropriate time of the year. For greatest ecological benefit, efforts should focus primarily on minimizing the scope and scale of anthropogenic disturbance of BSCs in arid ecosystems.
Re-evaluating the link between the Laacher See volcanic eruption and the Younger Dryas
Authors: Baldini James U. L. , Brown Richard J. , Mawdsley Natasha
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The Younger Dryas is the most well-documented millennial-scale cooling event of the Quaternary, but the mechanisms responsible for its initiation remain elusive. Here we use a recently revised chronology for the GISP2 ice core ion dataset to identify a large volcanic sulphur spike coincident with both the sulphur-rich Laacher See volcanic eruption and the onset of Younger Dryas-related cooling (GS-1) in Greenland. Lake sediment and stalagmite records confirm that the eruption's timing was indistinguishable from the onset of cooling across the North Atlantic, but that it preceded westerly wind repositioning over central Europe by ~ 200 years. We suggest that the initial short-lived volcanic sulphate aerosol cooling was amplified by oceanic circulation shifts or sea ice expansion, gradually cooling the North Atlantic region and incrementally shifting the mid-latitude westerlies to the south. The aerosol-related cooling probably only lasted 2–4 years, and the majority of Younger Dryas-related cooling was instead due to this positive feedback, which was particularly effective during the intermediate ice volume conditions characteristic of ~ 13 ka BP. We conclude that the large and sulphur-rich Laacher See eruption should be considered a viable trigger for the Younger Dryas.
The effect of overshooting 1.5 °C global warming on the mass loss of
the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Rückamp Martin , Falk Ulrike , Frieler Katja , Lange Stefan , Humbert Angelika
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Sea level rise associated with changing climate is expected to pose a major challenge for societies. Here, we estimate the future contribution of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) to sea level change in terms of different ice sheet atmospheric forcings arising from three general circulation models (GCMs), HadGEM2-ES, IPSL-CM5A-LR and MIROC5, for RCP2.6. We run the ice sheet model ISSM with higher order approximation and use a spin-up/inversion scheme to estimate the present day state. The forcing fields for surface mass balance (SMB) and ice surface temperature Ts are computed by the SEMIC model (Krapp et al., 2017) and applied as anomalies to RACMO2.3 fields. According to the three GCMs, warming of 1.5 °C has been reached at GrIS by 2005 (HadGEM2-ES, MIROC5) or as early as 1995 (IPSL-CM5A-LR). Forcing fields suffer from underestimation of polar amplification (MIROC5) and implausible distribution of changes in Ts (IPSL-CM5A-LR). HadGEM2-ES is the most plausible forcing, with globally a peak and decline behaviour leading to overshooting of 1.5 °C and over GrIS a slight recovery of SMB towards values of about half the present day SMB. We find sea level to rise for HadGEM2-ES by 71 mm by 2100 and 189 mm by 2300. Simulated an observed sea level rise 2002–2014 is of the same magnitude, but with a temporal lag to be at least five years (HadGEM2-ES). By end of 22nd century sea level contribution is still 0.46 mm/a for HadGEM2-ES. Hence, even a RCP2.6 peak and decline scenario will lead to significant changes of GrIS including elevation changes up to 100 m and loss of floating tongues. The values of this study may serve as a lower bound, as processes proven to play a major role in GrIS mass loss are not yet represented by the model, but are considerably larger than other studies.
VISIBE AND INFRARED SPECTRAL CHARACTERISATION OF CHINESE CABBAGE (BRASSICA RAPA L. SUBSPECIES CHINENSIS), GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: Mokoatsi B. B. , Tesfamichael S. G. , Araya H. , Mofokeng M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. There is a need to intensify research efforts on improving productivity of indigenous vegetables in South Africa. One research avenue is operationalizing remote sensing techniques to monitor crop health status. This study aimed at characterising the spectral properties of Chinese cabbage (Brassica Rapa L. subspecies Chinensis) grown under varying fertilizer treatments: nitrogen (0 kg/ha, 75 kg/ha, 125 kg/ha, 175 kg/ha and 225 kg/ha), phosphorus (0 kg/ha, 9.4 kg/ha, 15.6, 21.9 kg/ha and 28.1 kg/ha) and potassium (0 kg/ha, 9.4  kg/ha, 15.6 kg/ha, 21.9 kg/ha and 28.1 kg/ha). Visible and infrared spectral measurements were taken from a total of 60 samples inside the laboratory. Contiguous spectral regions were plotted to show spectral profiles of the different fertilizer treatments and then classified using gradient boosting and random forest classifiers. ANOVA revealed the potential of spectral reflectance data in discriminating different fertiliser treatments from crops. There was also a significant difference between the capabilities of the two classifiers. Gradient boost model (GBM) yielded higher classification accuracies than random forest (RF). The important variables identified by each model improved the classification accuracy. Overall, the results indicate a potential for the use of spectroscopy in monitoring food quality parameters, thereby reducing the cost of traditional methods. Further research into advanced statistical analysis techniques is needed to improve the accuracy with which fertiliser concentrations in crops could be quantified. The random forest model particularly requires improvements.
COMPARISON OF SPOT AND LANDSAT DATA IN CLASSIFYING WETLAND VEGETATION TYPES
Authors: Mosime M. T. , Tesfamichael S. G.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of Landsat and SPOT imagery to map wetland vegetation types in the Klipsriviersberg Nature Reserve, South Africa. The Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 (C-Plan 3) was used to delineate the boundaries of the wetlands in the study area. According to the plan, the proposed study area falls within the Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Ecological Support Areas (ESA). Limited field data were collected within the boundaries of the wetlands during summer 2015 when the vegetation cover was relatively high. These data identified features including sparse vegetation, dense vegetation, grassland and bare land.Additional samples were added from Google Earth image to increase sample size. Both the field data and Google Earth data were used as reference against which the performances of SPOT and Landsat product were compared. Unsupervised classification was used to classify SPOT and Landsat images acquired in summer 2015. The results showed that overall accuracy of SPOT images is higher than Landsat images. This is attributed to its high spatial resolution of 1.5 m compared to 30 m spatial resolution of Landsat imagery. This indicates that SPOT imagery is recommended to map wetland vegetation diversity in a localised area such as the study area. The current high temporal resolution of the image has also an added advantage that conservationists should exploit.
SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN LAND COVER CHANGES IN KIGALI, RWANDA USING MULTITEMPORAL LANDSAT DATA AND LANDSCAPE METRICS
Authors: Mugiraneza T. , Haas J. , Ban Y.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Mapping urbanization and ensuing environmental impacts using satellite data combined with landscape metrics has become a hot research topic. The objectives of the study are to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of urbanization patterns of Kigali, Rwanda over the last three decades (from 1984 to 2015) using multitemporal Landsat data and to assess the associated environmental impact using landscape metrics. Landsat images, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) variance texture and digital elevation model (DEM) data were classified using a support vector machine (SVM). Eight landscape indices were derived from classified images for urbanization environment impact assessment. Seven land cover classes were derived with an overall accuracy exceeding 88 % with Kappa Coefficients around 0.8. As most prominent changes, cropland was reduced considerably in favour of built-up areas that increased from 2,349 ha to 11,579 ha between 1984 and 2015. During those 31 years, the increased number of patches in most land cover classes illustrated landscape fragmentation, especially for forest. The landscape configuration indices demonstrate that in general the land cover pattern remained stable for cropland but it was highly changed in built-up areas. Satellite-based analysis and quantification of urbanization and its effects using landscape metrics are found to be interesting for grassroots and provide a cost-effective method for urban information production. This information can be used for e.g. potential design and implementation of early warning systems that cater for urbanization effects.
ASSESSING LANDSAT FRACTIONAL GROUND-COVER TIME SERIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA’S ARID RANGELANDS: SEPARATING GRAZING IMPACTS FROM CLIMATE VARIABILITY
Authors: Barnetson J. , Phinn S. , Scarth P. , Denham R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Suitable measures of grazing impacts on ground cover, that enable separation of the effects of climatic variations, are needed to inform land managers and policy makers across the arid rangelands of Australia. This work developed and tested a time-series, changepoint detection method for application to time series of vegetation fractional cover derived from Landsat data to identify irregular and episodic ground-cover growth cycles. Utilising the High Performance Computing power of the Google Cloud Compute Engine these cycles were segmented to distinguish grazing impacts from that of climate variability. A measure of grazing impact was developed using a multivariate technique to quantify the rate and degree of ground cover change. The method was successful in detecting both long term and short term growth cycles. Growth cycle detection was assessed against rainfall surplus measures indicating a relationship with high rainfall periods. During periods of ground cover decline, grazing utilisation was observed across four major grasslands. Ground cover change associated with grazing impacts was also assessed against field measurements of ground cover indicating a relationship between both field and remotely sensed ground cover. Cause and effects between grazing practices and ground cover resilience can now be explored in isolation to climatic drivers. This is important to the long term balance between ground cover utilisation and overall landscape function and resilience.
SATELLITE AND UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE DATA FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF SAND DUNE VEGETATION
Authors: De Giglio M. , Goffo F. , Greggio N. , Merloni N. , Dubbini M. , Barbarella M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Within coastal systems, sand dunes are the only natural barriers able to counteract erosive processes. Since their equilibrium is often threatened by human activities and high vulnerability of the coastal environment, dunes require increasing attention and specific monitoring. Located between the mainland and the sea, dunes are unique residue habitats for some plant and animal species. In particular, their vegetation is important because it has a consolidation function and promotes the vertical dune accretion. A georeferenced vegetation classification can be useful to define the advancements or erosion stage of the dune, usually based only on the geometric reconstruction. The proposed study aims to compare the classifications performed with some combinations of two of the last generation sensors and traditional image processing techniques. High spectral resolution satellite image (WorldView-2) and a multispectral orthophoto, obtained from data acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle, were used. Objects and pixel algorithms were applied and the results were compared by a statistical test. Using the same bands, the findings show that both data are suitable for monitoring the evolutionary dune status. Specifically, the WorldView-2 pixel-based classification and UAV object-based classification provide the same accurate results.
CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS ON URBAN LEVEL: CITIZEN HEALTH AND BUILDING ENERGY DEMAND
Authors: José R. S. , Pérez J. L. , Pérez L. , Gonzalez Barras R. M. , Pecci J. , Palacios M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The future impacts of climate change on citizen health and building energy demand have been researched considering two possible IPCC global climate scenarios: RCP 4.5 (stabilization emission scenario) and RCP 8.5 (little effort to reduce emissions). The climate scenarios have been dynamically downscaled from 1° to 50 meters of spatial resolution over three European cities: Madrid, Milan and London. Air quality has also been simulated up to streets levels. Climate and air pollution information are used as input to the health impact and building energy demand assessment tools. The impacts are calculated as future (2030, 2050 and 2100) minus present (2011). The short term health impact assessment includes mortality and morbidity related with changes in the temperature and air pollution concentrations. The larger increase of costs of mortality and morbidity was noted in the increasing scenario (RCP8.5) for year 2100, because RCP 8.5 is characterized by temperature increments. Maps of the spatial distribution of the costs of the climate change have showed Building energy demand simulations have been achieved with the EnergyPlus model using specific prototype buildings based on ASHRAE 90.1 Prototype Building Modeling Specifications and urban climate information by each building. .The results show an increase in cooling demand with RCP 8.5 because future will be cooler that the present.
DEFORMATION EFFECTS OF DAMS ON COASTAL REGIONS USING SENTINEL-1 IW TOPS TIME SERIES: THE WEST LESVOS, GREECE CASE
Authors: Karamvasis K. , Karathanassi V.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Coastal zones are vulnerable to erosion and loss by level sea rise. Subsidence caused by the reduction of fluvial sediments in coastal zones found close to dams, is another important deformation factor. Quantification of the deformation rate of coastal region is essential for natural and anthropogenic activities. The study utilizes Interferometric SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) techniques and exploits the archive of Sentinel-1 TOPS data for the period 2014–2016. The freely available, wide ground coverage (250 × 170 km) and small temporal resolution Sentinel-1 TOPS datasets are promising for coastal applications. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) methodologies are considered state-of-the-art remote sensing approaches for land deformation monitoring. The selected PSI method is the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) multitemporal InSAR technique. The study area of this study is the coastal zone of west region of Lesvos Island, Greece. The main characteristic of the area is the reduction of the fluvial sediment supply from the coastal drainage basins due to construction of dams and the abstraction of riverine sediments. The study demonstrates the potentials of the SBAS method for measuring and mapping the dynamic changes in coastal topography in terms of subsidence rates and discusses its advantages and limitations. The results show that natural and rural environments appear to have diverse ground deformation patterns.
Estudios citogenéticos en cuatro taxones de Canna (Cannaceae) de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: González Graciela E. , Ciciarelli María de las Mercedes , Rolleri Cristina H.
Published: November 2017

Se investigaron los números cromosómicos y los cariotipos de tres especies y un híbrido del género Canna, que crecen en la Argentina y también se encuentran distribuidos en el neotrópico. Mediante una tinción cromosómica convencional se analizaron C. indica, C. fuchsina, C. coccinea y el híbrido C. x generalis. Todos los taxones estudiados resultaron diploides (2n = 18). Las tres especies presentaron cariotipos similares simétricos, con cromosomas pequeños, mayormente metacéntricos aunque con algunos pares cromosómicos submetacéntricos. En C. coccinea y C. fuchsina, y por primera vez en el género, se aplicó la técnica de bandeo fluorescente DAPI sobre interfases y metafases mitóticas, con el objetivo de detectar regiones de heterocromatina constitutiva rica en Adenina-Timina (A-T). Los resultados obtenidos permitieron el reconocimiento de pares cromosómicos y demostraron la utilidad de este método para detectar la variación interespecífica en la distribución cromosómica de la heterocromatina rica en A-T en Canna. Se sugiere que el material estudiado de C. x generalis es un diploide en el que el 2n = 18 no contradice la hipótesis sobre su origen, ya que el número hallado coincide con el de uno de los progenitores, C. indica, y con el que se conoce para otras especies parentales.
Factors affecting motivation of academic staff at nursing faculties
Authors: Sabra Hanaa Esmail , Abo-Elmagd Nahed Shawkat
Published: November 2017

Objective: This study aims to examine the factors that affecting motivation of academic staff at Faculties of Nursing at Assiut, Sohag and Quena Universities. Methods: A descriptive comparative design was used in the present study. Subjects of the study were all available academic staff who agreed to participate in the study (240). Tool of the study: A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection it consisted of two parts: The first part included the personal characteristics of academic staff. The second part--Questionnaire of the factors that affecting motivation of academic staff which was adapted from Alam & Farid & Shaheen and colleagues contained 52 items.Results: The findings of the present study showed that the first factor positively motivate the academic staff to teach was self-confidence, followed by choice of teaching staff for their profession. While, the first factor negatively affecting the motivation of the academic staff to teach was anxiety in classroom, followed by examination stress and rewards.Conclusions: The factors positively motivate the academic staff  to teach were self-confidence, choice of teaching staff for their profession, and relation of teachers with their colleagues. While, the factors negatively affecting the motivation of the academic staff to teach were anxiety in classroom, examination stress and rewards, socio-economic status of teaching staff, and administration polices. There were statistically significant differences and negative relation between socio-economic status, anxiety in classroom, and academic staff's years of experience while, there were statistically significant differences and positive relation between self-confidence, administrative policies and academic staff's years of experience. Recommendation: The academic staff must be acknowledged for their good performance and should be accompanied with improvement of their salary and academicians should not employ without a professional training by in-service training courses.
An Analysis of how Financial Ratios of Companies in Turkey Are Affected by National Standards, and IFRS
Authors: Cengiz Hülya , Combs Alan , Samy Martin
Published: November 2017

Adoption in 2005 of IAS/IFRS by Turkish listed companies resulted in changes in classification, valuation and disclosure of financial items. This paper makes accessible to non-Turkish speakers a detailed investigation of the results from previous ratio analysis studies identified by Balsari & Varan (Balsari & Varan, 2014), in addition to presenting a more extensive analysis than Cengiz (Cengiz, 2014). Eight financial ratios have been analysed before and after implementation of international standards. One set of results compares the periods 2002-2003 with 2005-2006; and the other 2004 with 2005. The companies investigated are substantially the same in both analyses, but different versions of national standards are compared against international standards. Significant differences in average Book Value of Equity per Share are found after implementation of international standards for both sets of comparisons; and for one set only, at a lower confidence level, significant differences are indicated in the leverage ratio. The major contribution of the paper is the analyses of the differences during the pre and post implementation of international standards.
Value Co-creation in the Health Service Ecosystems: The Enabling Role of Institutional Arrangements
Authors: Ciasullo Maria Vincenza , Cosimato Silvia , Palumbo Rocco , Storlazzi Alessandra
Published: November 2017

The health care service system is currently undergoing a profound revolution that has put the patient at the core of health outcome co-creation. Patient-centered care could be associated with Service Dominant Logic that looks at co-creation process as a dynamic resources’ integration between actors. From this standpoint, the need for a broader vision of value creation process towards a service ecosystem perspective is emerging. This paper includes an overview of the scientific literature and reports on a narrative case study analysis concerning the "International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement" in an attempt to nourish the debate on the different ways that multiple actors can collaboratively shape a health service ecosystem. Findings reveal that co-creation practices, involving multiple actors who belong to different ecosystem levels, led to mutual adjustments and to on-going shared changes. These processes directly influenced health outcome creation, which is reframed in light of patients’ needs, expectations, and experiences. Therefore, patients are assuming the role of health outcome “co-creator”, interacting with all other ecosystems actors (e.g. physicians, institutions, NGOs, health managers, ICTs providers etc.). This study represents a first and preliminary attempt to investigate a real example of dynamic resources’ exchange, based on the contribution of multiple interacting actors and on the role of interdepend and interacting institutions in value practices.
Characterisation of Protein Isolates Prepared from Processed Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Flours
Authors: Skylas Daniel J. , Molloy Mark P. , Willows Robert D. , Blanchard Christopher L. , Quail Ken J.
Published: November 2017

Pulses are normally processed prior to consumption, are high in protein, providing opportunities for improving nutritional qualities of food. Processing methods can modify nutritional properties, affecting protein content, composition and functionality. In this study, we investigated the effect of processing methods on protein concentration and yield from protein isolates prepared by alkaline solubilisation and isoelectric precipitation, from whole seed flour, raw dahl flour, roasted dahl flour and germinated flour of mungbean. Protein isolates contained protein contents ranging from 87.3 to 90.4 g 100 g-1. The effect of processing methods on protein solubility characteristics was evident, as protein yields ranged from 75.7 (whole seed flour), 80.8 (raw dahl flour), 27.1 (roasted dahl flour) and 65.9 g 100 g-1 (germinated seed flour). Essential amino acid content was higher in protein isolates prepared from germinated flour, at 30.03 g 100 g-1 (39.1% of amino acids), compared to raw dahl flour, at 27.08 g 100 g-1 (38.3% of amino acids). A comparative proteomic analysis of protein isolates, prepared from raw dahl and germinated flour, resulted in the inferred identification of 214 proteins from protein sequence databases, in which, 72 proteins were classified as being common, 42 proteins specific to raw dahl flour and 28 proteins specific to germinated flour. Processing methods such as roasting and germination can significantly alter flour protein solubility, consequently, impacting on overall efficiency of protein extraction. The comparative proteomic analysis used in this study proved to be useful for investigating changes in protein composition and relative abundance, highlighting the potential in applying this technology for further characterisation of modified protein fractions for food applications.
Anatomic Characterization and Photosynthetic Rate in Cotton Genotypes due the Mepiquat Chloride
Authors: Paixão Amanda Pereira , Martins Aline Redondo , Hiraki Simone Silva , Camargos Liliane Santos de , Machado Luis Henrique Marani Daruichi , Yamada Mariana , Furlani Jr Enes
Published: November 2017

The FMT 701 and Fibermax 966 genotypes of the herbaceous cotton plants showed distinct morphophysiological characteristics due to their unique genetics. Henceforth, they are likely to have differences both in the foliar anatomic characters and in the photosynthetic apparatus due to the application of the mepiquat chloride (MC) growth regulator. The goal of the present work was to assess two genotypes of cotton plants with unique genetic characteristics through the application of increasing doses of MC by means of anatomic analyses of the foliar limb. The experiment was led in field conditions in the region of Cerrado, and experimental delineation employed was the randomized blocks, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme totaling 10 treatments, with 4 repetitions making up a total of 40 parcels. MC was applied through foliar route, parceled in three applications performed 50, 60 and 70 days after the emergence, and such treatments consisted of the application of fours doses of MC (500; 1,000; 1,500; 2,500 mL ha-1) and a witness. The results obtained from the FMT 701 and Fibermax 966 genotypes suggest that MC exerted distinct influence upon the thicknesses of the adaxial and abaxial epidermises, palisade and lacuna parenchyma and the total thickness of both the internervural region and the region next to the central nervure. The number of adaxial stomata was reduced due to the doses of MC, exerting influence upon the photosynthetic rate in both genotypes.
Effect of Coloured Agro-Net Covers on Insect Pest Control and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill)
Authors: Caroline Langàt Jelagat , Saidi Mwanarusi , Opiyo Arnold
Published: November 2017

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill) is one of the most important vegetable crops consumed throughout the world; and is rich in important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Production of the crop in open fields is however constrained by several biotic and abiotic stresses that lead to low tomato yields and quality. This study aimed at determining the effects of coloured agro-net covers on microclimate, pest infestation and yield of tomato cultivar ‘‘Rio Grande’’. The study consisted of two trials conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications and six treatments. Tomato plants were grown under blue, yellow, grey, white or multi-coloured net covers with a no net cover as the control. Data were collected on microclimate (temperature, soil moisture, relative humidity and photosynthetically active radiation), pest counts and crop yield variables. Net covering modified the tomato crop microclimate with highest temperatures and soil moisture and, relative humidity levels recorded under white (21.03 oC), blue (30.03%) and multi-coloured net covers (76.26%), respectively compared to the no net control treatment (16.32 oC, 14.82% and 64.90%). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was lowest under the blue agro-net cover (416.09 µmol m-2 s-1) and highest under control treatment (985.00 µmol m-2 s-1). Tomato plants grown under coloured-colour nets (yellow and blue) had lower population of silverleaf whitefly, thrips and aphids while mite population was lower under neutral-colour net covers (white, grey and multi-coloured). The neutral-colour net covers (24938.87, 19525.16 and 21541.93 kg/ha) resulted in higher yields compared to coloured-colour net covers (16804.62 and 14551.05 kg/ha). Results of the study indicate that use of agro-net covers especially the neutral-colour net cover can improve microclimate, protect tomato against insect pests and can be considered a viable strategy for tomato production by smallholder growers.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Zn Acetate and Oxide as Alternatives for Corn and Soybean Seed Treatment in Sandy and Clay Soil
Authors: Nirschl Matheus Gomes , De Almeida Risely Ferraz , Zavaschi Eduardo , Moreira Lílian Angélica , Vitti Godofredo César , Otto Rafael
Published: November 2017

Zinc (Zn) is the micronutrient with the lowest availability in agricultural soils, and consequently 50 % of the world’s soils present Zn deficient. To test the viability of alternative Zn sources (Zn acetate and Zn oxide) to corn and soybean seed treatments, we ran an experiment using these two alternatives at contrasting application rates (0; 0.25; 0.50; 0.76 and 1.01 g kg-1) applied to soybean and corn seeds that were subsequently sowed in sandy and clay soils. We measured: Zn accumulation, dry matter and germination, and analyzed this data using uni (LSD-test) and multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA). Results of the PCA showed that the sandy soil yielded higher dry matter and Zn accumulation than the clay soil. The corn provided higher dry matter while the soybean showed enhanced Zn accumulation and germination. The LSD test showed that corn presented positive Zn accumulation in response to Zn rates in both sandy and clay soil. For soybeans, this effect was only observed in sandy soil, while the clay soil presented decreases in dry matter and germination due to Zn rates. Overall, our findings reveal that both Zn acetate and Zn oxide are viable alternatives for supplying Zn to corn seed treatment in sandy and clay soil, and to soybean seed treatment in sandy soil. We suggest that more research should be undertaken to understand the response of soybean seed treatments to Zn supply, especially in clay soil.