bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PM and CO2 variability and relationship in the different school environments
Authors: Lazovic Ivan , Jovasevic-Stojanovic Milena , Zivkovic Marija , Tasic Visa , Stevanovic Zarko
Published: June 2014

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is very important for children health and
well-being, since children are particularly vulnerable and sensitive on
presence of air pollutants. This study was performed in two naturally
ventilated schools located in the same municipality. First school is located
in urban area, at residential - industrial site, while the other school is
situated in rural area. School buildings were chosen based on their urban
environment features. The measurements were carried out in heating as well
as in non-heating period in duration of five consecutive working days. The
objective of the study was to analyze IAQ in the classrooms with special
emphasis on levels and diurnal variations of particulate matter (PM10 and
PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in occupied and
unoccupied school classrooms. In this paper, the CO2 concentrations were
measured at both indoor and outdoor environments. Concentrations of CO2
higher than 1000 ppm were regularly detected in the classrooms during
teaching hours. Indoor concentrations of PM10 were not exceeded the
guideline, daily average, value of 50 ?g/m3. Concentrations of PM2.5 were
exceeded the guideline, daily average, value of 25 ?g/m3 in both school
during heating period. Concentrations NO2 were not exceeded the guideline
value of 200 ?g/m3. Ventilation rates were calculated and compared with the
prescribed limits. In both occupied and unoccupied periods high correlation
between CO2 and PM concentrations was determined.
Understanding Self-Regulated Learning and Its Implications for Accounting Educators and Researchers
Authors: Smith Pamela A.
Published: June 2014

Recommendations by the AICPA (1998, 2000), AAA (1986), and AECC (1995) have focused on the need for the accounting professional to be a lifelong learner. Attributes and skills connected with lifelong learning may be promoted in accounting classroom instruction by drawing from the work of educational theorists and researchers interested in similar goals. This paper introduces the concept of self-regulated learning and its related attributes and processes that are being studied as a means to promote self-motivated, independent, lifelong learning. Research in education theory and psychology from outside the field of accounting has found that the classroom environment can support the development of self-regulated learning and stimulate active involvement in one′s own learning. This paper discusses the major findings of this research and provides guidance to accounting educators for classroom applications, and to accounting education researchers for studying the effectiveness of approaches to promoting self-regulated learning environment in the accounting curriculum.
Coinfusion of Low-Dose GLP-1 and Glucagon in Man Results in a Reduction in Food Intake
Authors: Cegla Jaimini , Troke Rachel C. , Jones Ben , Tharakan George , Kenkre Julia , McCullough Katherine A. , Lim Chung Thong , Parvizi Nassim , Hussein Mohamed , Chambers Edward S. , Minnion James , Cuenco Joyceline , Ghatei Mohammad A. , Meeran Karim , Tan Tricia M. , Bloom Stephen R.
Published: June 2014

Obesity is a growing epidemic, and current medical therapies have proven inadequate. Endogenous satiety hormones provide an attractive target for the development of drugs that aim to cause effective weight loss with minimal side effects. Both glucagon and GLP-1 reduce appetite and cause weight loss. Additionally, glucagon increases energy expenditure. We hypothesized that the combination of both peptides, administered at doses that are individually subanorectic, would reduce appetite, while GLP-1 would protect against the hyperglycemic effect of glucagon. In this double-blind crossover study, subanorectic doses of each peptide alone, both peptides in combination, or placebo was infused into 13 human volunteers for 120 min. An ad libitum meal was provided after 90 min, and calorie intake determined. Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry at baseline and during infusion. Glucagon or GLP-1, given individually at subanorectic doses, did not significantly reduce food intake. Coinfusion at the same doses led to a significant reduction in food intake of 13%. Furthermore, the addition of GLP-1 protected against glucagon-induced hyperglycemia, and an increase in energy expenditure of 53 kcal/day was seen on coinfusion. These observations support the concept of GLP-1 and glucagon dual agonism as a possible treatment for obesity and diabetes.
Blood and Islet Phenotypes Indicate Immunological Heterogeneity in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Arif Sefina , Leete Pia , Nguyen Vy , Marks Katherine , Nor Nurhanani Mohamed , Estorninho Megan , Kronenberg-Versteeg Deborah , Bingley Polly J. , Todd John A. , Guy Catherine , Dunger David B. , Powrie Jake , Willcox Abby , Foulis Alan K. , Richardson Sarah J. , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Morgan Noel G. , Lorenc Anna , Peakman Mark
Published: June 2014

Studies in type 1 diabetes indicate potential disease heterogeneity, notably in the rate of β-cell loss, responsiveness to immunotherapies, and, in limited studies, islet pathology. We sought evidence for different immunological phenotypes using two approaches. First, we defined blood autoimmune response phenotypes by combinatorial, multiparameter analysis of autoantibodies and autoreactive T-cell responses in 33 children/adolescents with newly diagnosed diabetes. Multidimensional cluster analysis showed two equal-sized patient agglomerations characterized by proinflammatory (interferon-γ–positive, multiautoantibody-positive) and partially regulated (interleukin-10–positive, pauci-autoantibody–positive) responses. Multiautoantibody-positive nondiabetic siblings at high risk of disease progression showed similar clustering. Additionally, pancreas samples obtained post mortem from a separate cohort of 21 children/adolescents with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes were examined immunohistologically. This revealed two distinct types of insulitic lesions distinguishable by the degree of cellular infiltrate and presence of B cells that we termed “hyper-immune CD20Hi” and “pauci-immune CD20Lo.” Of note, subjects had only one infiltration phenotype and were partitioned by this into two equal-sized groups that differed significantly by age at diagnosis, with hyper-immune CD20Hi subjects being 5 years younger. These data indicate potentially related islet and blood autoimmune response phenotypes that coincide with and precede disease. We conclude that different immunopathological processes (endotypes) may underlie type 1 diabetes, carrying important implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
Performance of a commercially available in-clinic ELISA for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingii and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in dogs
Authors: Stillman Brett A. , Monn Michael , Liu Jiayou , Thatcher Brendon , Foster Paulette , Andrews Blaine , Little Susan , Eberts Matt , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Beall Melissa J. , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy
Published: June 2014

Objective—To evaluate the performance of an in-clinic ELISA designed for detection of heartworm antigen and antibodies against 5 tick-borne pathogens.

Design—Validation study.

Sample—1,601 serum or matched serum, plasma, and blood samples from dogs.

Procedures—Samples were tested for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingii by means of an in-clinic ELISA. Evaluation of assay sensitivity and specificity, agreement of results among sample types, and cross-reactivity of E canis antigens in the assay with anti–Ehrlichia chaffeensis antibodies in stored samples from experimentally infected dogs were performed at a reference laboratory. Field tests of the in-clinic ELISA were performed at 6 veterinary facilities. Results were compared with confirmatory test results.

Results—Sensitivity and specificity of the in-clinic ELISA were > 89% for detection of antibodies against A phagocytophilum (93.2% and 99.2%, respectively), A platys (89.2% and 99.2%, respectively), B burgdorferi (96.7% and 98.8%, respectively), E canis (97.8% and 92.3%, respectively), and E ewingii (96.5% and 93.9%, respectively). Sensitivity of the assay for detection of D immitis was 98.9%, with 99.3% specificity. The in-clinic ELISA identified exposure to > 1 vector-borne pathogen in 354 of 1,195 samples. Cross-reactivity of E canis antigens with anti–E chaffeensis antibodies was confirmed. Results of field evaluations confirmed that the in-clinic ELISA could be reliably used under typical clinical conditions to identify dogs exposed to the pathogens of interest.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The in-clinic ELISA provided a comprehensive in-house serologic screening test for all vector-borne pathogens evaluated.
Statistical Impact Prediction of Decaying Objects
Authors: Ronse A. L. A. B. , Mooij E.
Published: June 2014

This paper describes a method for statistically predicting the impact time and location of an orbital object under 200 km altitude. It also investigates the influence of the chief parameter uncertainties on the statistical dispersion. Unlike the main methods used nowadays, which derive drag parameters from historical state data, a shape model is used to acquire aerodynamic coefficients in the various flow regimes. As a test object, the Delta-K rocket stage is chosen, due to the high data availability for validating the tool. Using a Monte Carlo sequence, multiple six-degrees-of-freedom simulations are executed, in which the initial state and the density output of the atmosphere model are varied within their uncertainty windows. By kernel density estimation, the resulting data are used to derive a probability density function of the impact time and infer a ground track expressing impact probability. In a comparative study with the Tracking and Impact Predictions published by the United States Space Surveillance Network, the method’s performance is tested. In this comparison, a decrease in impact window size is observed, while maintaining the reliability. Moreover, by a variance-based sensitivity analysis, the uncertainty in the density model is identified as the prime contributor to footprint dispersion and it is shown that knowledge of the rotational state can be critical in decreasing impact windows.
Quantifying velocity response to ocean tides and calving near the terminus of Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland
Authors: Podrasky David , Truffer Martin , Lüthi Martin , Fahnestock Mark
Published: June 2014

Dynamic changes on Greenland outlet glaciers are a primary driver for increases in ice-sheet mass loss and its contribution to sea-level rise. One dramatic example of such change has been observed at Jakobshavn Isbræ, which has thinned, retreated and doubled in speed since the early 2000s. Complementary to large changes on decadal scales, we observe the glacier response on shorter timescales, driven by tidal forcing and calving events. During a 14 day period in August 2009, we documented changes in geometry and speed near the terminus. On this timescale, ice flow responds to forcing at the front from iceberg calving and ocean tides. We observe a step-increase in velocity near the terminus during a large calving event, with transient deceleration in the days following the event. A simple calving-response model explains 94–99% of variations in detrended positions at the four sites considered. During each day, variability due to tidal forcing covers 10–90% of the variability that remains after removing effects accounted for by the calving-response model. The influence of the tidal forcing on flow decays upstream with a characteristic length scale of 2 km, comparable with about two ice thicknesses.
The variability of tidewater-glacier calving: Origin of event-size and interval distributions
Authors: Chapuis Anne , Tetzlaff Tom
Published: June 2014

Calving activity at the termini of tidewater glaciers produces a wide range of iceberg sizes at irregular intervals. We present calving-event data obtained from continuous observations of the termini of two tidewater glaciers on Svalbard, and show that the distributions of event sizes and inter-event intervals can be reproduced by a simple calving model, focusing on the mutual interplay between calving and the destabilization of the glacier terminus. The event-size distributions of both the field and the model data extend over several orders of magnitude and resemble power laws. The distributions of inter-event intervals are broad, but have a less pronounced tail. In the model, the width of the size distribution increases with the calving susceptibility of the glacier terminus, a parameter measuring the effect of calving on the stress in the local neighborhood of the calving region. Inter-event interval distributions, in contrast, are insensitive to the calving susceptibility. Above a critical susceptibility, small perturbations of the glacier result in ongoing self-sustained calving activity. The model suggests that the shape of the event-size distribution of a glacier is informative about its proximity to this transition point. Observations of rapid glacier retreats can be explained by supercritical self-sustained calving.
From the ‘Aesthetics of Diversity’ to the ‘Poetics of Relating’: Segalen, Glissant and the Genealogies of Francophone Postcolonial Thought
Authors: Forsdick Charles
Published: June 2014

The article explores the ‘significant missed rendezvous’ and posthumous critical dialogue between Victor Segalen (1878–1919) and Édouard Glissant (1928–2011). It studies the ways in which the Martinican novelist, poet and theorist identified Segalen as a catalytic presence in his thought and as one of his privileged, lifelong interlocutors. The study tracks the role of Segalen's work in the steady emergence and elaboration of Glissant's thought, but also analyses the place of Glissant's readings in the progressive reassessment of Segalen's own writings (and particularly in their recent recontextualization in a postcolonial frame). The article contributes to reflections on the formation of communities of thought in which intellectuals from different moments and different ideological niches — in this case colonial and postcolonial — are drawn into dialogue in ways that appear achronological. Segalen and Glissant are presented as part of a wider community of French-language writers, linked with ‘relational’ ties, whose engagements with questions of contact and cultural diversity overlap, intersect and ultimately interact.
‘Internal Harmony, Peace to the Outside World’: Imagining Community in Nineteenth-Century Haiti
Authors: Hodgson Kate
Published: June 2014

This article explores the idea of community and ‘internal concord’ in a radically divided, post-independence Haiti. As the country negotiated the process of decolonization from France, Haitian political writings and speeches repeatedly returned to the problem of how a truly united Haiti might be envisaged. These reworkings of the idea of community were instrumental in the work of postcolonial nation-building in Haiti in the first half of the nineteenth century. Yet the publication of Haiti's Rural Code in 1826 gives a different perspective on the process of national construction of community through work, particularly agricultural labour. The article seeks to look beyond the ideals of unity and Concordia which were being vigorously proclaimed at the time, in order to understand the impact of questions of work and worklessness on political discourse surrounding the idea of postcolonial community in nineteenth-century Haiti.
The ‘Unhomely’ White Women of Antillean Writing
Authors: McCusker Maeve
Published: June 2014

While the field known as ‘Whiteness Studies’ has been thriving in Anglophone criticism and theory for over 25 years, it is almost unknown in France. This is partly due to epistemological and political differences, but also to demographic factors — in contrast with the post-plantation culture of the US, for example, whites in Martinique and Guadeloupe are a tiny minority of small island populations. Yet ‘whiteness’ remains a phantasized and a fetishized state in the Antillean imaginary, and is strongly inflected by gender. This article sketches the emergence of ‘white’ femininity during slavery, then examines its representation in the work of a number of major Antillean writers (Condé, Placoly, Confiant, Chamoiseau). In their work, a cluster of recurring images and leitmotifs convey the idealization or, more commonly, the pathologization, of the white woman; these images resonate strongly with Bhabha's ‘unhomely’, and convey the disturbing imbrication of sex and race in Antillean history.
Performance of Using Cascade Forward Back Propagation Neural Networks for Estimating Rain Parameters with Rain Drop Size Distribution
Authors: Tengeleng Siddi , Armand Nzeukou
Published: June 2014

The aim of our study is to estimate the parameters M (water content), R (rain rate) and Z (radar reflectivity) with raindrop size distribution by using the neural network method. Our investigations have been conducted in five African localities: Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Boyele (Congo-Brazzaville), Debuncha (Cameroon), Dakar (Senegal) and Niamey (Niger). For the first time, we have predicted the values of the various parameters in each locality after using neural models (LANN) which have been developed with locally obtained disdrometer data. We have shown that each LANN can be used under other latitudes to get satisfactory results. Secondly, we have also constructed a model, using as train-data, a combination of data issued from all five localities. With this last model called PANN, we could obtain satisfactory estimates forall localities. Lastly, we have distinguished between stratiform and convective rain while building the neural networks. In fact, using simulation data from stratiform rain situations, we have obtained smaller root mean square errors (RMSE) between neural values and disdrometer values than using data issued from convective situations.
Baker’s Yeast Mediated Reduction of 2-Acetyl-3-methyl Sulfolane
Authors: Deasy Rebecca , O'Riordan Noreen , Maguire Anita
Published: June 2014

The baker’s yeast mediated reduction of 2-acetyl-3-methyl sulfolane 1 to provide the corresponding alcohol 2 is described. Excellent efficiency and enantioselectivity (>98% ee) has been achieved under these mild environmentally benign reaction conditions. In direct contrast, the chemical reduction of 1 proceeds with poor yield (≤25%) and diastereocontrol.
Exploring Childhood Lead Exposure through GIS: A Review of the Recent Literature
Authors: Akkus Cem , Ozdenerol Esra
Published: June 2014

Childhood exposure to lead remains a critical health control problem in the US. Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into childhood lead exposure studies significantly enhanced identifying lead hazards in the environment and determining at risk children. Research indicates that the toxic threshold for lead exposure was updated three times in the last four decades: 60 to 30 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) in 1975, 25 µg/dL in 1985, and 10 µb/dL in 1991. These changes revealed the extent of lead poisoning. By 2012 it was evident that no safe blood lead threshold for the adverse effects of lead on children had been identified and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently uses a reference value of 5 µg/dL. Review of the recent literature on GIS-based studies suggests that numerous environmental risk factors might be critical for lead exposure. New GIS-based studies are used in surveillance data management, risk analysis, lead exposure visualization, and community intervention strategies where geographically-targeted, specific intervention measures are taken.
The Role of Civic Engagement for Men’s Health and Well Being in Norway—A Contribution to Public Health
Authors: Goth Ursula , Småland Erik
Published: June 2014

Objectives: Using the example of older men volunteering on teams that restore historic ships, this article examines the effects of volunteering on the well-being of older adults. We consider particularly how volunteering impacts levels of social engagement and explore how the men’s reminiscences as they bond with their fellows in highly skilled work helps integrate their life experiences. Methods: Data are based on 14 in-depth interviews with volunteers working on historic vessels in Norway. Self-rated health, functional dependency, and well-being measures were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Volunteering in a context of skilled, group-bonded, culturally prestigious activity adds considerably to social capital among elderly men in Norway. Respondents explain their involvement in terms of prior relationships and current social benefits. They spoke of the value of maintaining past personal connections to a particular ship, shipping company, or local community. These were reinforced by current social benefits, such as the experience of companionship, unity, and the feeling of making an important contribution to the society. The group dynamics and strong collective aspect of these voluntary associations maintains internal cohesion, and members only leave when forced by increasing age, poor health, or insufficient financial resources. Conclusions: This article illuminates a case study of gender-specific engagement of older adults in volunteer roles returning high benefits both to participants and society, and adds knowledge to public-health programs and policies in the volunteer- and cultural-heritage sector.
Cellulose Nanocrystals/ZnO as a Bifunctional Reinforcing Nanocomposite for Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Blend Films: Fabrication, Characterization and Properties
Authors: Azizi Susan , Ahmad Mansor , Ibrahim Nor , Hussein Mohd , Namvar Farideh
Published: June 2014

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals/zinc oxide (CNCs/ZnO) nanocomposites were dispersed as bifunctional nano-sized fillers into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (Cs) blend by a solvent casting method to prepare PVA/Cs/CNCs/ZnO bio-nanocomposites films. The morphology, thermal, mechanical and UV-vis absorption properties, as well antimicrobial effects of the bio-nanocomposite films were investigated. It demonstrated that CNCs/ZnO were compatible with PVA/Cs and dispersed homogeneously in the polymer blend matrix. CNCs/ZnO improved tensile strength and modulus of PVA/Cs significantly. Tensile strength and modulus of bio-nanocomposite films increased from 55.0 to 153.2 MPa and from 395 to 932 MPa, respectively with increasing nano-sized filler amount from 0 to 5.0 wt %. The thermal stability of PVA/Cs was also enhanced at 1.0 wt % CNCs/ZnO loading. UV light can be efficiently absorbed by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles into a PVA/Cs matrix, signifying that these bio-nanocomposite films show good UV-shielding effects. Moreover, the biocomposites films showed antibacterial activity toward the bacterial species Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. The improved physical properties obtained by incorporating CNCs/ZnO can be useful in variety uses.
3-(Methoxycarbonylmethylene)isobenzofuran-1-imines as a New Class of Potential Herbicides
Authors: Araniti Fabrizio , Mancuso Raffaella , Ziccarelli Ida , Sunseri Francesco , Abenavoli Maria , Gabriele Bartolo
Published: June 2014

A novel class of potential herbicides, the 3-(methoxycarbonylmethylene) isobenzofuran-1-imines, has been discovered. The herbicidal activity has been tested on two particular molecules, (E)-methyl 2-[3-(butylimino)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ylidene]acetate (1) and (E)-methyl 2-phenyl-2-[3-(phenylimino)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ylidene]acetate (2), prepared by palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of 2-alkynylbenzamides. Both compounds 1 and 2 showed a strong phytotoxic effect on both shoot and root systems of Arabidopsis thaliana. The effects observed on the shoot were similar for both molecules, but while compound 1 showed a stronger effect on root parameters (such as primary root length, root hair and density, showing lower ED50 values), compound 2 caused important malformations in root morphology. Our results indicate that these molecules are very promising synthetic herbicides.
A PPARγ, NF-κB and AMPK-Dependent Mechanism May Be Involved in the Beneficial Effects of Curcumin in the Diabetic db/db Mice Liver
Authors: Jiménez-Flores Lizbeth , López-Briones Sergio , Macías-Cervantes Maciste , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel , Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano
Published: June 2014

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family which has been used to treat biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, rheumatism, cancer, sinusitis, hepatic disorders, hyperglycemia, obesity, and diabetes in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Suggested mechanisms of action include the modulation of signal transduction cascades and effects on gene expression, however they remain to be elucidated. In this study, the expression of some proteins responsible for transcription factors, inflammation, and metabolic control were evaluated by western blot in 15-week-old db/db mice livers treated with curcumin 0.75% mixed in their diet for 8 weeks. In addition, nitrosative stress was evaluated. Curcumin increased the expression of AMPK and PPARγ, and diminished NF-κB protein in db/db mice. However, it did not modify the expression of PGC-1α or SIRT1. Nitrosative stress present in db/db mice livers was determined by a unique nitrotyrosylated protein band (75 kDa) and was not reverted with curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin regulates the expression of AMPK, PPARγ, and NF-κB; suggesting a beneficial effect for treatment of T2DM complications. In order to observe best beneficial effects it is desirable to administer curcumin in the earlier states of T2DM.
Thymine- and Adenine-Functionalized Polystyrene Form Self-Assembled Structures through Multiple Complementary Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Wu Yu-Shian , Wu Yi-Chen , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: June 2014

In this study, we investigated the self-assembly of two homopolymers of the same molecular weight, but containing complementary nucleobases. After employing nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization to synthesize poly(vinylbenzyl chloride), we converted the polymer into poly(vinylbenzyl azide) through a reaction with NaN3 and then performed click chemistry with propargyl thymine and propargyl adenine to yield the homopolymers, poly(vinylbenzyl triazolylmethyl methylthymine) (PVBT) and poly(vinylbenzyl triazolylmethyl methyladenine) (PVBA), respectively. This PVBT/PVBA blend system exhibited a single glass transition temperature over the entire range of compositions, indicative of a miscible phase arising from the formation of multiple strong complementary hydrogen bonds between the thymine and adenine groups of PVBT and PVBA, respectively; Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the presence of these noncovalent interactions. In addition, dynamic rheology, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy provided evidence for the formation of supramolecular network structures in these binary PVBT/PVBA blend systems.
Application of an Electronic Nose Instrument to Fast Classification of Polish Honey Types
Authors: Dymerski Tomasz , Gębicki Jacek , Wardencki Waldemar , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: June 2014

The paper presents practical utilization of an electronic nose prototype, based on the FIGARO semiconductor sensors, in fast classification of Polish honey types—acacia flower, linden flower, rape, buckwheat and honeydew ones. A set of thermostating modules of the prototype provided gradient temperature characteristics of barbotage-prepared gas mixtures and stable measurement conditions. Three chemometric data analysis methods were employed for the honey samples classification: principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and cluster analysis (CA) with the furthest neighbour method. The investigation confirmed usefulness of this type of instrument in correct classification of all aforementioned honey types. In order to provide optimum measurement conditions during honey samples classification the following parameters were selected: volumetric flow rate of carrier gas—15 L/h, barbotage temperature—35 °C, time of sensor signal acquisition since barbotage process onset—60 s. Chemometric analysis allowed discrimination of three honey types using PCA and CA and all five honey types with LDA. The reproducibility of 96% of the results was within the range 4.9%–8.6% CV.
Obstacle Classification and 3D Measurement in Unstructured Environments Based on ToF Cameras
Authors: Yu Hongshan , Zhu Jiang , Wang Yaonan , Jia Wenyan , Sun Mingui , Tang Yandong
Published: June 2014

Inspired by the human 3D visual perception system, we present an obstacle detection and classification method based on the use of Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras for robotic navigation in unstructured environments. The ToF camera provides 3D sensing by capturing an image along with per-pixel 3D space information. Based on this valuable feature and human knowledge of navigation, the proposed method first removes irrelevant regions which do not affect robot’s movement from the scene. In the second step, regions of interest are detected and clustered as possible obstacles using both 3D information and intensity image obtained by the ToF camera. Consequently, a multiple relevance vector machine (RVM) classifier is designed to classify obstacles into four possible classes based on the terrain traversability and geometrical features of the obstacles. Finally, experimental results in various unstructured environments are presented to verify the robustness and performance of the proposed approach. We have found that, compared with the existing obstacle recognition methods, the new approach is more accurate and efficient.
An Index of Human Well-Being for the U.S.: A TRIO Approach
Authors: Summers J. , Smith Lisa , Harwell Linda , Case Jason , Wade Christina , Straub Kendra , Smith Heather
Published: June 2014

In 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development program, Sustainable and Healthy Communities, coined the term TRIO (Total Resources Impact Outcome) to represent approaches that fully incorporate all three pillars of community sustainability—environmental, economic and social. This holistic approach to sustainability is embodied in the Human Well-Being Index (HWBI) comprised of sub-indices representing environmental well-being, economic well-being and societal well-being (which includes basic human needs and subjective well-being). The development of the HWBI is described in this manuscript along with its application at national, state and county spatial scales. In addition, application at even smaller spatial scales (communities, neighborhoods, demographic and economic sub-groups, and even individuals) is discussed. The potential utility of HWBI for comparing the intended and unintended consequences of alternative decisions is described.
Cloning and Characterization of a Unique Cytotoxic Protein Parasporin-5 Produced by Bacillus thuringiensis A1100 Strain
Authors: Ekino Keisuke , Okumura Shiro , Ishikawa Tomoyuki , Kitada Sakae , Saitoh Hiroyuki , Akao Tetsuyuki , Oka Takuji , Nomura Yoshiyuki , Ohba Michio , Shin Takashi , Mizuki Eiichi
Published: June 2014

Parasporin is the cytocidal protein present in the parasporal inclusion of the non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis strains, which has no hemolytic activity but has cytocidal activities, preferentially killing cancer cells. In this study, we characterized a cytocidal protein that belongs to this category, which was designated parasporin-5 (PS5). PS5 was purified from B. thuringiensis serovar tohokuensis strain A1100 based on its cytocidal activity against human leukemic T cells (MOLT-4). The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of PS5 to MOLT-4 cells was approximately 0.075 μg/mL. PS5 was expressed as a 33.8-kDa inactive precursor protein and exhibited cytocidal activity only when degraded by protease at the C-terminal into smaller molecules of 29.8 kDa. Although PS5 showed no significant homology with other known parasporins, a Position Specific Iterative-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (PSI-BLAST) search revealed that the protein showed slight homology to, not only some B. thuringiensis Cry toxins, but also to aerolysin-type β-pore-forming toxins (β-PFTs). The recombinant PS5 protein could be obtained as an active protein only when it was expressed in a precursor followed by processing with proteinase K. The cytotoxic activities of the protein against various mammalian cell lines were evaluated. PS5 showed strong cytocidal activity to seven of 18 mammalian cell lines tested, and low to no cytotoxicity to the others.
L’entrelacement des pratiques culturelles et de l’usage des TIC : une analyse économique
Authors: Le Guel Fabrice , El Hedi Arouri Mohamed , Rochelandet Fabrice
Published: June 2014

Developments in the news often illustrate the weakness of models of online distribution of cultural goods. To assess their viability , we need to look not only at the supply characteristics, but also at potential demand for these services. We offer some empirical criteria for assessing demand drawn from the 2005 “ Household Living Conditions ” Survey by INSEE, the French national statistical institute. We apply two methods (AHC and MCC ) to identify consumer groups by the statistical cross-tabulation of their cultural participation and their ownership and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). We use a multinomial logit model to test the determinants of membership in the five profiles identified, ranging from “ univores ” to “ multi-omnivores ”. Social status, social interactions, and generational effects explain these different profiles rather well.
Innovation et primes à l’exportation : une analyse empirique sur données d’entreprises françaises
Authors: Guillou Sarah , Bellone Flora
Published: June 2014

Cet article analyse la relation entre innovation , productivité et exportations à partir d’une large base de données d’entreprises sur l’industrie française. Nous montrons que l’hétérogénéité des entreprises en matière d’innovation est un facteur déterminant des primes à l’exportation. En d’autres termes, les entreprises exportatrices françaises sont plus productives en partie parce qu’elles innovent davantage. Nous montrons néanmoins qu’une fois tenu compte de ces écarts d’aptitude à innover, des primes résiduelles de l'ordre de 3 % persistent à l’avantage des firmes exportatrices. Ce résultat suggère que d’autres facteurs, possiblement relatifs aux compétences managériales et entrepreneuriales propres aux entreprises exportatrices, fondent le lien entre productivité et performance à l’exportation.
Déterminants de l’innovation dans les technologies énergétiques efficientes et renouvelables
Authors: Koléda Gilles , Pillu Hugo
Published: June 2014

We estimate the two main drivers of technological innovation in the energy sector : demand mechanisms and supply mechanisms. We study eleven efficient and renewable energy technologies in four countries : Germany, France, Japan, and the United States. Innovation activity is proxied by patent applications. Demand mechanisms, which represent market demand for new technologies, are proxied by energy prices. Supply mechanisms, which represent technological opportunities, are identified by stocks of domestic and foreign knowledge. The results show that high energy prices induce innovation. However, the mechanism is not automatic and gives way to public policies aimed at fostering innovation, since we also find a strong response of innovation to technological opportunities.
Assessing Gene-Environment Interactions in Genome-Wide Association Studies: Statistical Approaches
Authors:   RTI International, Cooley Philip , Clark Robert , Folsom Ralph
Published: June 2014

In this report, we address a scenario that uses synthetic genotype case-control data that is influenced by environmental factors in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) context. The precise way the environmental influence contributes to a given phenotype is typically unknown. Therefore, our study evaluates how to approach a GWAS that may have an environmental component. Specifically, we assess different statistical models in the context of a GWAS to make association predictions when the form of the environmental influence is questionable. We used a simulation approach to generate synthetic data corresponding to a variety of possible environmental-genetic models, including a “main effects only” model as well as a “main effects with interactions” model. Our method takes into account the strength of the association between phenotype and both genotype and environmental factors, but we focus on low-risk genetic and environmental risks that necessitate using large sample sizes (N = 10,000 and 200,000) to predict associations with high levels of confidence. We also simulated different Mendelian gene models, and we analyzed how the collection of factors influences statistical power in the context of a GWAS. Using simulated data provides a “truth set” of known outcomes such that the association-affecting factors can be unambiguously determined. We also test different statistical methods to determine their performance properties. Our results suggest that the chances of predicting an association in a GWAS is reduced if an environmental effect is present and the statistical model does not adjust for that effect. This is especially true if the environmental effect and genetic marker do not have an interaction effect. The functional form of the statistical model also matters. The more accurately the form of the environmental influence is portrayed by the statistical model, the more accurate the prediction will be. Finally, even with very large samples sizes, association predictions involving recessive markers with low risk can be poor.
OPTIMAL FINANCIAL AND ORDERING DECISIONS OF A FIRM WITH INSURANCE CONTRACT
Authors: WANG Wenli , LUO Jianwen
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the impact of a bank’s risk limit on the financial and ordering decisions of a capital-constrained firm with insurance contract. All our major results can be computed via explicit expressions. It is shown that the bank will control its risk to be below the risk limit through setting a loan limit and the firm can make the loan limit increase by buying a deductible insurance policy. It is also shown that the repayment demand level needed to avoid bankruptcy will not be affected by the insurance policy. We derive the firm’s optimal ordering quantity and insurance coverage level under a downside risk measurement and a variance risk measurement separately. It is shown that the firm should pay more attention to whether to buy insurance or not under the downside risk measurement and how much insurance coverage to buy under the variance risk measurement. Under the downside risk measurement, once the firm decides to buy insurance, the optimal coverage level is independent of the bank’s risk limit. We also show that the insurance contract has a more obvious effect on the profit increases when the selling price is high or the bank’s risk limit is low.
Psychotic Rampage Murderers, Part II: Psychotic Mania, Not Schizophrenia
Authors: Lake C. Ray
Published: June 2014

This provocative and controversial article addresses efforts at prevention of lethal psychotic rampages by challenging the long-established medical concept that functional psychosis means a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has been the diagnosis given to most psychotic mass murderers, but detailed media reports of the perpetrators’ behaviors, when available, have suggested states of psychotic mania, defining a bipolar disorder, not schizophrenia. Psychotic killers murder more than 1,000 innocent victims, including children, each year, usually with firearms; however, efforts at prevention must go beyond gun control and include focus on the severely mentally ill. Psychiatry has an opportunity to more effectively intervene regarding diagnostics, treatment, and restraint in cases who come into contact with mental health facilities prior to their rampages.

Bipolar disorder is a bona fide medical disease with strikingly specific diagnostic criteria that includes psychosis in half of severe cases, thus accounting for many cases diagnosed with schizophrenia. Seven typical cases have been detailed in this paper to support these opinions. All were diagnosed with schizophrenia despite reports of multiple symptoms suggesting psychotic mania. Manic patients misdiagnosed with schizophrenia do not receive standard-of-care treatment, resulting in suboptimal efforts at prevention and increasing the risk for medical malpractice liability. Litigation can change psychiatric diagnostic practices.
Comfort Care Rounds: A Staff Capacity-Building Initiative in Long-Term Care Homes
Authors: Wickson-Griffiths Abigail , Kaasalainen Sharon , Brazil Kevin , McAiney Carrie , Crawshaw Diane , Turner Mickey , Kelley Mary Lou
Published: June 2014

This article reports a pilot evaluation of Comfort Care Rounds (CCRs)—a strategy for addressing long-term care home staff’s palliative and end-of-life care educational and support needs. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured individual and focus group interviews were conducted to understand staff members’ perspectives and feedback on the implementation and application of CCRs. Study participants identified that effective advertising, interest, and assigning staff to attend CCRs facilitated their participation. The key barriers to their attendance included difficulty in balancing heavy workloads and scheduling logistics. Interprofessional team member representation was sought but was not consistent. Study participants recognized the benefits of attending; however, they provided feedback on how the scheduling, content, and focus could be improved. Overall, study participants found CCRs to be beneficial to their palliative and end-of-life care knowledge, practice, and confidence. However, they identified barriers and recommendations, which warrant ongoing evaluation. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40
(1), 42–48.]
Establishing a Program of Global Initiatives for Nursing Education
Authors: Kulage Kristine M. , Hickey Kathleen T. , Honig Judy C. , Johnson Mary P. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: June 2014

In the global nursing community, schools of nursing are increasingly developing initiatives and networks across national boundaries. This article describes the process undertaken at a school of nursing to determine its global health priorities and develop a program of global initiatives for nursing education. A series of meetings were held to determine faculty global activities and gauge interest in designing a 5-year strategic plan for the program. A volunteer Strategic Planning Work-group was convened to formalize a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the program, which were presented to, refined by, and vetted by an advisory board and the faculty at large. We recommend this process to schools committed to developing or expanding a program dedicated to global initiatives and a global perspective in educational planning. Involving stakeholders, building on current strengths, and aligning with mission and vision are essential elements for developing a meaningful program of global initiatives for nursing education. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(7):371–378.]
A Unique Interprofessional and Multi-Institutional Education Series
Authors: Poling Deborah , Kiersma Mary
Published: June 2014

Interprofessional health education has received increased attention from educators and health care institutions over the past decades. In the Institute of Medicine’s
The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
report, the necessity of nursing professionals becoming full partners with other health care professionals is described. In 2011, a group of faculty members in northeast Indiana formed an interprofessional education (IPE) consortium, which included faculty from several universities. The members were from a larger community group who met monthly and realized they shared a common interest in developing an IPE program. The purpose of this article is to describe the unique interprofessional and multi-institutional educational series that has been offered as a result of the collaborative efforts of this consortium. The initiative is continuous and now enters the second phase of the IPE learning series. This initiative may help others make the necessary changes in health care education. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(7):415–420.]
Reforma, orden y concierto en el Perú del siglo XVII: el arbitrio de Joan de Belveder
Authors: Suárez Margarita
Published: June 2014

Este artículo analiza la vida y la obra de Joan de Belveder, matemático aragonés, que llegó al Perú hacia fines del siglo XVI para dedicarse al comercio. Publicó en Lima una obra sobre las equivalencias de oro y plata y, además, inmerso en el espíritu del arbitrismo, escribió un largo memorial acerca de la situación general del reino del Perú y de los asuntos que debían resolverse con más urgencia, que abarca temas como el manejo de la real hacienda, la evasión de impuestos, el fraude en los gastos del estado, el contrabando en el comercio atlántico y asiático, y el cultivo de productos que competían con aquellos elaborados en España. La obra de Belveder brinda un excelente panorama acerca de los principales problemas de la administración hispana y del comercio en el Perú a inicios del siglo XVII.
Pensamiento arbitrista y estructuras institucionales en la carrera de Indias (siglo XVII): entre la desincentivación y la represión
Authors: Díaz Blanco José Manuel
Published: June 2014

El arbitrismo castellano del siglo XVII mostró una gran preocupación por el comercio colonial y, sin embargo, la carrera de Indias participó en la cultura arbitrista de forma moderada. ¿Cómo puede explicarse esta paradoja? Este artículo ofrece como respuesta una argumentación basada en tres ideas: 1) existió una relación contradictoria entre la cultura arbitrista y el aparato institucional de la carrera; 2) esa relación varió a lo largo del siglo XVII: durante las primeras décadas las instituciones desincentivaron el arbitrismo y, durante las últimas, tendieron más a reprimirlo; 3) tal evolución se debe en gran medida al desplazamiento del centro de la Carrera desde Sevilla hasta Cádiz.
El arbitrio de tierras de 1622 y el debate sobre las propiedades y los derechos coloniales de los indios
Authors: Glave Luis Miguel
Published: June 2014

Este artículo analiza un arbitrio sobre la venta de tierras de 1622, situándolo en el extenso debate acerca de la licitud de la enajenación y composición de propiedades comenzado a finales del siglo XVI. Se estudia la coyuntura de presión sobre los recursos de los naturales y las opciones de defensa de los mismos, procurando resaltar el diálogo entre la política metropolitana, que buscaba ampliar recursos monetarios en tiempo de necesidad, y las discrepancias internas del reino andino en pleno proceso de cambios administrativos y legales que intentaban responder a esa demanda imperial.
Las otras mitas. Aproximaciones al estudio de la mita de plaza en la jurisdicción de Jujuy, gobernación de Tucumán, siglo XVII
Authors: Sica Gabriela
Published: June 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la conformación de la mita de plaza en la jurisdicción de San Salvador de Jujuy en la gobernación de Tucumán durante el siglo XVII. La mita era una de las instituciones económicas sobre las que reposaba el sistema colonial en los Andes, y permitió garantizar el aporte de trabajo indígena que se volcaba a las obras públicas o diferentes actividades económicas como la minería, agricultura, ganadería, servicios de tambos, etc. Para las comunidades constituía una carga de un porcentaje de sus tributarios que debían abandonar sus propias actividades y en muchos casos trasladarse a considerable distancia, mientras que para distintos sectores como mineros, vecinos sin encomiendas y autoridades era una importante contribución de mano de obra, por esta razón se convirtió en un campo de disputa y tensiones entre los distintos sectores.