bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Polystyrene Films for the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds Using the Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Borelli Mirko , Iasilli Giuseppe , Minei Pierpaolo , Pucci Andrea
Published: August 2017

Thin films of styrene copolymers containing fluorescent molecular rotors were demonstrated to be strongly sensitive to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Styrene copolymers of 2-[4-vinyl(1,1′-biphenyl)-4′-yl]-cyanovinyljulolidine (JCBF) were prepared with different P(STY-co-JCBF)(m) compositions (m% = 0.10–1.00) and molecular weights of about 12,000 g/mol. Methanol solutions of JCBF were not emissive due to the formation of the typical twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state at low viscosity regime, which formation was effectively hampered by adding progressive amounts of glycerol. The sensing performances of the spin-coated copolymer films (thickness of about 4 µm) demonstrated significant vapochromism when exposed to VOCs characterized by high vapour pressure and favourable interaction with the polymer matrix such as THF, CHCl3 and CH2Cl2. The vapochromic response was also reversible and reproducible after successive exposure cycles, whereas the fluorescence variation scaled linearly with VOC concentration, thus suggesting future applications as VOC optical sensors.
An Introduction to Zeolite Synthesis Using Imidazolium-Based Cations as Organic Structure-Directing Agents
Authors: Vinaches Paloma , Bernardo-Gusmão Katia , Pergher Sibele
Published: August 2017

Zeolite synthesis is a wide area of study with increasing popularity. Several general reviews have already been published, but they did not summarize the study of imidazolium species in zeolite synthesis. Imidazolium derivatives are promising compounds in the search for new zeolites and can be used to help understand the structure-directing role. Nearly 50 different imidazolium cations have already been used, resulting in a variety of zeolitic types, but there are still many derivatives to be studied. In this context, the purpose of this short review is to help researchers starting in this area by summarizing the most important concepts related to imidazolium-based zeolite studies and by presenting a table of recent imidazolium derivatives that have been recently studied to facilitate filling in the knowledge gaps.
Structural Engineering of Metal-Mesh Structure Applicable for Transparent Electrodes Fabricated by Self-Formable Cracked Template
Authors: Kim Yeong-gyu , Tak Young , Park Sung , Kim Hee , Kim Hyun
Published: August 2017

Flexible and transparent conducting electrodes are essential for future electronic devices. In this study, we successfully fabricated a highly-interconnected metal-mesh structure (MMS) using a self-formable cracked template. The template—fabricated from colloidal silica—can be easily formed and removed, presenting a simple and cost-effective way to construct a randomly and uniformly networked MMS. The structure of the MMS can be controlled by varying the spin-coating speed during the coating of the template solution or by stacking of metal-mesh layers. Through these techniques, the optical transparency and sheet resistance of the MMS can be designed for a specific purpose. A double-layered Al MMS showed high optical transparency (~80%) in the visible region, low sheet resistance (~20 Ω/sq), and good flexibility under bending test compared with a single-layered MMS, because of its highly-interconnected wire structure. Additionally, we identified the applicability of the MMS in the case of practical devices by applying it to electrodes of thin-film transistors (TFTs). The TFTs with MMS electrodes showed comparable electrical characteristics to those with conventional film-type electrodes. The cracked template can be used for the fabrication of a mesh structure consisting of any material, so it can be used for not only transparent electrodes, but also various applications such as solar cells, sensors, etc.
Combining Pickering Emulsion Polymerization with Molecular Imprinting to Prepare Polymer Microspheres for Selective Solid-Phase Extraction of Malachite Green
Authors: Liang Weixin , Hu Huawen , Guo Pengran , Ma Yanfang , Li Peiying , Zheng Wenrou , Zhang Min
Published: August 2017

Malachite green (MG) is currently posing a carcinogenic threat to the safety of human lives; therefore, it is highly desirable to develop an effective method for fast trace detection of MG. Herein, for the first time, this paper presents a systematic study on polymer microspheres, being prepared by combined Pickering emulsion polymerization and molecular imprinting, to detect and purify MG. The microspheres, molecularly imprinted with MG, show enhanced adsorption selectivity to MG, despite a somewhat lowered adsorption capacity, as compared to the counterpart without molecular imprinting. Structural features and adsorption performance of these microspheres are elucidated by different characterizations and kinetic and thermodynamic analyses. The surface of the molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (M-PMs) exhibits regular pores of uniform pore size distribution, endowing M-PMs with impressive adsorption selectivity to MG. In contrast, the microspheres without molecular imprinting show a larger average particle diameter and an uneven porous surface (with roughness and a large pore size), causing a lower adsorption selectivity to MG despite a higher adsorption capacity. Various adsorption conditions are investigated, such as pH and initial concentration of the solution with MG, for optimizing the adsorption performance of M-PMs in selectively tackling MG. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics are deeply discussed and analyzed, so as to provide a full picture of the adsorption behaviors of the polymer microspheres with and without the molecular imprinting. Significantly, M-PMs show promising solid-phase extraction column applications for recovering MG in a continuous extraction manner.
A Highly Sensitive Nonenzymatic Glucose Biosensor Based on the Regulatory Effect of Glucose on Electrochemical Behaviors of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles on MoS2
Authors: Anderson Kash , Poulter Benjamin , Dudgeon John , Li Shu-En , Ma Xiang
Published: August 2017

A novel and highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose biosensor was developed by nucleating colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on MoS2. The facile fabrication method, high reproducibility (97.5%) and stability indicates a promising capability for large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the excellent sensitivity (9044.6 µA•mM−1•cm−2), low detection limit (0.03 μM), appropriate linear range of 0.1–1000 μM, and high selectivity suggests that this biosensor has a great potential to be applied for noninvasive glucose detection in human body fluids, such as sweat and saliva.
China’s Industrial Total-Factor Energy Productivity Growth at Sub-Industry Level: A Two-Step Stochastic Metafrontier Malmquist Index Approach
Authors: Cao Lizhan , Qi Zhongying , Ren Junxia
Published: August 2017

Under the concept of metafrontier, technology gap ratio is alternatively interpreted as potential energy efficiency. Combined with Malmquist index framework and Shephard energy distance function, we then develop a metafrontier Malmquist energy productivity index to analyze the total-factor energy productivity growth with four specific components: groupfrontier efficiency change index, groupfrontier technological change index, efficiency catch-up index and technological catch-up index. Methodologically, a newly developed two-step stochastic metafrontier analysis is applied to address the potentially biased estimation problems in the previous mixed approach. This analytical framework is used to evaluate the energy productivity growth of China’s 35 sub-industries in industrial sector from 2001 to 2015. The main empirical results show that: (1) In terms of cumulative metafrontier Malmquist energy productivity growth, China’s overall industry has witnessed a 25% growth and a U-shaped growing trend bottoming out in 2006; meanwhile, 19 sub-industries have suffered an energy productivity loss and the remaining 16 sub-industries have experienced an energy productivity gain. (2) From the technology heterogeneity perspective, light industry outperforms heavy industry in metafrontier Malmquist energy productivity growth, while the intra-group and inter-group energy productivity develops roughly in balance for overall industry. (3) The change of metafrontier Malmquist energy productivity is mainly driven by technological change components rather than efficiency change components. On average, groupfrontier technological change makes the biggest contribution to energy productivity growth, followed by technological catch-up, then efficiency catch-up, and groupfrontier efficiency change is last. (4) The metafrontier Malmquist energy productivity growth has shown a significant convergence in heavy industry and light industry, as well as overall industry.
Directive 2014/95/EU: Are Italian Companies Already Compliant?
Authors: Venturelli Andrea , Caputo Fabio , Cosma Simona , Leopizzi Rossella , Pizzi Simone
Published: August 2017

According to Directive 2014/95/EU on disclosure of non-financial information from 2017 onwards, large companies (exceeding 500 employees) headquartered in Member States will be required to provide a series of social, environmental, and governance statements. The Directive was transposed into Italian law by Legislative Decree 254 of 30 December 2016.The aim of this paper is to evaluate the information gap for Italian companies and,consequently,the adjustments required by the new Directive on non-financial information. In order to analyze the level of non-financial and diversity disclosure, we created an assessment model called “Non-financial information score”, which records the required information as a percentage. We apply it to a sample of 223 large companies.The results (with an average NFIscore of about 49%) show that, in spite of what has previously emerged in the European debate about the application of the Directive on the part of large companies, an information gap remains, although the implementation of the directive should help to fill it in the coming years.In this sense, the potential contribution of the EU directive to non-financial disclosure in Italy appears to be greater than we had expected. Thus, in accordance with the literature, this paper appears to confirm the role of regulation in improving the quality of disclosure of non-financial information.
SAO-Based Semantic Mining of Patents for Semi-Automatic Construction of a Customer Job Map
Authors: Lim Joohyung , Choi Sungchul , Lim Chiehyeon , Kim Kwangsoo
Published: August 2017

The Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI) method based on the ‘Jobs-to-be-done’ concept is very useful in the identification of unmet customer needs and has been adopted widely in the industry. The Job Map, a tool of the ODI method, is used to understand customers by defining their behavioral process. Complications must be overcome before the Job Map can be applied to the specific problem in question, such as a time-consuming process, dealing with a large amount of data, and experts’ biased work. To solve these problems, this study develops a patent mining-based method based on the subject-action-object (SAO) structure to support the creation of a Job Map by semi-automatizing data collection and analysis. This effort at better utilizing computers in customer analysis for product design will contribute to expanding computerized methods for solving design and engineering problems in practice.
Development of an Evaluation System for Sustaining Reservoir Functions—A Case Study of Shiwen Reservoir in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Rong-Song , Tsai Chan-Ming
Published: August 2017

Reservoirs serve as important facilities, providing a stable source of public water in Taiwan. As construction of new reservoirs becomes more difficult, it is essential to ensure sustainable functionality of reservoirs in the future. To this end, this study proposes a system for reservoir sustainability evaluation. The evaluation system consists of social justice, environmental protection, and economic development containing 12 indicators which are grouped into six categories: flood control, sediment management, water resources allocation, river ecology, water quality, and benefit and fairness. Moreover, evaluation system operational procedures to supplement planning and decision-making processes are proposed, and applied in a case study of the Shiwen reservoir planning in Taiwan. The planned reservoir in this case study is rated as “Good”, nearly “Excellent”, in sustainability as evaluated with the Sustainability Confidence Index (SCI). Additionally, Analytic Network Process (ANP) results indicate that the flood control capacity and sediment management are the first and second most important indicators for the reservoir. If desilting operations had been conducted, the SCI values would have increased from 3.3 to 3.7, warranting an “Excellent” rating for the reservoir. The case study demonstrates that decision-makers can apply the proposed system when managing reservoir evaluations.
Impact of Volcanic Ash on Road and Airfield Surface Skid Resistance
Authors: Blake Daniel , Wilson Thomas , Cole Jim , Deligne Natalia , Lindsay Jan
Published: August 2017

Volcanic ash deposited on paved surfaces during volcanic eruptions often compromises skid resistance, which is a major component of safety. We adopt the British pendulum test method in laboratory conditions to investigate the skid resistance of road asphalt and airfield concrete surfaces covered by volcanic ash sourced from various locations in New Zealand. Controlled variations in ash characteristics include type, depth, wetness, particle size and soluble components. We use Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) for most road surface experiments but also test porous asphalt, line-painted road surfaces, and a roller screed concrete mix used for airfields. Due to their importance for skid resistance, SMA surface macrotexture and microtexture are analysed with semi-quantitative image analysis, microscopy and a standardised sand patch volumetric test, which enables determination of the relative effectiveness of different cleaning techniques. We find that SMA surfaces covered by thin deposits (~1 mm) of ash result in skid resistance values slightly lower than those observed on wet uncontaminated surfaces. At these depths, a higher relative soluble content for low-crystalline ash and a coarser particle size results in lower skid resistance. Skid resistance results for relatively thicker deposits (3–5 mm) of non-vesiculated basaltic ash are similar to those for thin deposits. There are similarities between road asphalt and airfield concrete, although there is little difference in skid resistance between bare airfield surfaces and airfield surfaces covered by 1 mm of ash. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for maintaining road safety and effective cleaning techniques in volcanic ash environments.
Characterization of Naturally Occurring NS5A and NS5B Polymorphisms in Patients Infected with HCV Genotype 3a Treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Bartolini Barbara , Giombini Emanuela , Taibi Chiara , Lionetti Raffaella , Montalbano Marzia , Visco-Comandini Ubaldo , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , McPhee Fiona , Garbuglia Anna Rosa
Published: August 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT)3 is associated with increased risk of steatosis, development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Limited data are available regarding genetic variability and use of direct-acting antiviral agents in these patients. non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) and non-structural protein 5B (NS5B) sequencing was performed on 45 HCV GT3-infected Italian patients subsequently treated with sofosbuvir ± daclatasvir (SOF ± DCV). Novel GT3a polymorphisms were observed by Sanger sequencing in three NS5A (T79S, T107K, and T107S) and three NS5B (G166R, Q180K, and C274W) baseline sequences in patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Baseline NS5A resistance-associated substitutions A30K and Y93H were detected in 9.5% of patients; one patient with A30K did not achieve SVR. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences showed no distinct clustering. Genetic heterogeneity of NS5A and NS5B was evaluated using ultra-deep pyrosequencing (UDPS) in samples longitudinally collected in patients not achieving SVR. Some novel NS5A and NS5B polymorphisms detected at baseline may not impact treatment outcome, as they were not enriched in post-failure samples. In contrast, the novel L31F NS5A variant emerged in one treatment failure, and I184T, G188D and N310S, located on the same NS5B haplotype, became predominant after failure. These findings suggest a potential impact of these novel substitutions on the treatment outcome; however, their significance requires further investigation.
Dust Properties of C ii Detected z ∼ 5.5 Galaxies: New HST/WFC3 Near-IR Observations
Authors: Barisic I. , Faisst A. L. , Capak P. L. , Pavesi R. , Riechers D. A. , Scoville N. Z. , Cooke K. , Kartaltepe J. S. , Casey C. M. , Smolcic V.
Published: August 2017

We examine the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) properties of 10 [C ii]λ158 μm-detected galaxies at z ∼ 5.5 in COSMOS using new Hubble Space Telescope/Wide Field Camera 3 near-infrared imaging. Together with pre-existing 158 μm continuum and [C ii] line measurements by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, we study their dust attenuation properties on the IRX–β diagram, which connects the total dust emission (

) to the line-of-sight dust column (∝ β). We find systematically bluer UV continuum spectral slopes (β) compared to previous low-resolution ground-based measurements, which relieves some of the tension between models of dust attenuation and observations at high redshifts. While most of the galaxies are consistent with local starburst or Small Magellanic Cloud–like dust properties, we find galaxies with low IRX values and a large range in β that cannot be explained by models of a uniform dust distribution well mixed with stars. A stacking analysis of Keck/DEIMOS optical spectra indicates that these galaxies are metal-poor with young stellar populations that could significantly alter their spatial dust distribution.
Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions to Enhance Occupational Performance for Adults With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Major Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smallfield Stacy , Heckenlaible Cindy
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions designed to establish, modify, and maintain occupations for adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders.

METHOD. Titles and abstracts of 2,597 articles were reviewed, of which 256 were retrieved for full review and 52 met inclusion criteria. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force levels of certainty and grade definitions were used to describe the strength of evidence.

RESULTS. Articles were categorized into five themes: occupation-based, sleep, cognitive, physical exercise, and multicomponent interventions. Strong evidence supports the benefits of occupation-based interventions, physical exercise, and error-reduction learning.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should integrate daily occupations, physical exercise, and error-reduction techniques into the daily routine of adults with AD to enhance occupational performance and delay functional decline. Future research should focus on establishing consensus on types and dosage of exercise and cognitive interventions.
Spatial extent of new particle formation events over the Mediterranean Basin from multiple ground-based and airborne measurements
Authors: Berland Kevin , Rose Clémence , Pey Jorge , Culot Anais , Freney Evelyn , Kalivitis Nikolaos , Kouvarakis Giorgios , Cerro José Carlos , Mallet Marc , Sartelet Karine , Beckmann Matthias , Bourriane Thierry , Roberts Greg , Marchand Nicolas , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Sellegri Karine
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Over the last two decades, new particle formation (NPF), i.e., the formation of new particle clusters from gas-phase compounds followed by their growth to the 10–50 nm size range, has been extensively observed in the atmosphere at a given location, but their spatial extent has rarely been assessed. In this work, we use aerosol size distribution measurements performed simultaneously at Ersa (Corsica) and Finokalia (Crete) over a 1-year period to analyze the occurrence of NPF events in the Mediterranean area. The geographical location of these two sites, as well as the extended sampling period, allows us to assess the spatial and temporal variability in atmospheric nucleation at a regional scale. Finokalia and Ersa show similar seasonalities in the monthly average nucleation frequencies, growth rates, and nucleation rates, although the two stations are located more than 1000 km away from each other. Within this extended period, aerosol size distribution measurements were performed during an intensive campaign (3 July to 12 August 2013) from a ground-based station on the island of Mallorca, as well as onboard the ATR-42 research aircraft. This unique combination of stationary and mobile measurements provides us with detailed insights into the horizontal and vertical development of the NPF process on a daily scale. During the intensive campaign, nucleation events occurred simultaneously both at Ersa and Mallorca over delimited time slots of several days, but different features were observed at Finokalia. The results show that the spatial extent of the NPF events over the Mediterranean Sea might be as large as several hundreds of kilometers, mainly determined by synoptic conditions. Airborne measurements gave additional information regarding the origin of the clusters detected above the sea. The selected cases depicted contrasting situations, with clusters formed in the marine boundary layer or initially nucleated above the continent or in the free troposphere (FT) and further transported above the sea.
The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project H-Series Climate Data Record Product
Authors: Young Alisa H. , Knapp Kenneth R. , Inamdar Anand , Hankins William , Rossow William B.
Published: August 2017

Abstract. This paper describes the new global long-term, International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) H-Series climate data record (CDR). The H-Series data contains a suite of level 2 and level 3 products for monitoring the distribution and variation of cloud and surface properties to better understand the effects of clouds on climate, the radiation budget, and the global hydrologic cycle. This product is currently available for public use and is derived from both geostationary and polar orbiting satellite imaging radiometers with common visible and infrared (IR) channels. The H-Series data spans from July 1983 to Dec 2009 with plans for continued production to extend the record to the present with regular updates. The H-series data are the longest combined geostationary and polar orbiter satellite based CDR of cloud properties. Access to the data is provided in network Common Data Form (netCDF) and archived by NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) under the satellite Climate Data Record Program (https://doi.org/10.7289/V5QZ281S). The basic characteristics, history, and evolution of the dataset are presented herein with particular emphasis on and discussion of product changes between the H-Series and the widely used predecessor D-Series product which spans from July 1983 through December 2009. Key refinements included to the ISCCP H-Series CDR are based on improved quality control measures, modified ancillary inputs, higher spatial resolution input and output products, calibration refinements, and updated documentation and metadata to bring the H-Series product into compliance with existing standards for climate data records.
Automated observatory in Antarctica: real-time data transfer on constrained networks in practice
Authors: Bracke Stephan , Gonsette Alexandre , Rasson Jean , Poncelet Antoine , Hendrickx Olivier
Published: August 2017

Abstract. In 2013 a project was started by the geophysical centre in Dourbes to install a fully automated magnetic observatory in Antarctica. This isolated place comes with specific requirements: unmanned station during 6 months, low temperatures with extreme values down to −50 °C, minimum power consumption and satellite bandwidth limited to 56 Kbit s−1. The ultimate aim is to transfer real-time magnetic data every second: vector data from a LEMI-25 vector magnetometer, absolute F measurements from a GEM Systems scalar proton magnetometer and absolute magnetic inclination–declination (DI) measurements (five times a day) with an automated DI-fluxgate magnetometer. Traditional file transfer protocols (for instance File Transfer Protocol (FTP), email, rsync) show severe limitations when it comes to real-time capability. After evaluation of pro and cons of the available real-time Internet of things (IoT) protocols and seismic software solutions, we chose to use Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and receive the 1 s data with a negligible latency cost and no loss of data. Each individual instrument sends the magnetic data immediately after capturing, and the data arrive approximately 300 ms after being sent, which corresponds with the normal satellite latency.
Development of a composite soil degradation assessment index for cocoa agroecosystems in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Sunday Adenrele , de Clercq Willem Petrus , van Niekerk Adriaan
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Cocoa agroecosystems are a major land-use type in the tropical rainforest belt of West Africa, reportedly associated with several ecological changes, including soil degradation. This study aims to develop a composite soil degradation assessment index (CSDI) for determining the degradation level of cocoa soils under smallholder agroecosystems of southwestern Nigeria. Plots where natural forests have been converted to cocoa agroecosystems of ages 1–10, 11–40, and 41–80 years, respectively representing young cocoa plantations (YCPs), mature cocoa plantations (MCPs), and senescent cocoa plantations (SCPs), were identified to represent the biological cycle of the cocoa tree. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 20 cm in each plot and analysed in terms of their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Factor analysis of soil data revealed four major interacting soil degradation processes: decline in soil nutrients, loss of soil organic matter, increase in soil acidity, and the breakdown of soil textural characteristics over time. These processes were represented by eight soil properties (extractable zinc, silt, soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available phosphorus, total porosity, pH, and clay content). These soil properties were subjected to forward stepwise discriminant analysis (STEPDA), and the result showed that four soil properties (extractable zinc, cation exchange capacity, SOM, and clay content) are the most useful in separating the studied soils into YCP, MCP, and SCP. In this way, we have sufficiently eliminated redundancy in the final selection of soil degradation indicators. Based on these four soil parameters, a CSDI was developed and used to classify selected cocoa soils into three different classes of degradation. The results revealed that 65 % of the selected cocoa farms are moderately degraded, while 18 % have a high degradation status. The numerical value of the CSDI as an objective index of soil degradation under cocoa agroecosystems was statistically validated. The results of this study reveal that soil management should promote activities that help to increase organic matter and reduce Zn deficiency over the cocoa growth cycle. Finally, the newly developed CSDI can provide an early warning of soil degradation processes and help farmers and extension officers to implement rehabilitation practices on degraded cocoa soils.
Innovativeness as a means to improve competitiveness in the real estate market
Authors: Sitek Marcin
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that innovativeness in the real estate market represents a means to improve competitiveness of business entities present in this market. The study discusses determinants of innovativeness were presented with division into technical, technological, organizational, process, marketing and financial innovations in the real estate market. Analysis of the types of innovations in the real estate showed that major innovations in the real estate market that employed innovative solutions in the construction sector are oriented particularly at energy efficiency and ecology. Furthermore, the results of the studies that demonstrated a reduction in costs of operation in sustainable buildings lead to the conclusion that the thesis concerning innovativeness as a means to stimulate competitiveness was supported.
The analysis of crisis management systems operating in selected countries in the aspect of public security
Authors: Falecki Janusz
Published: August 2017

An important source for the improvement of the crisis management system is also using of the experience of countries, which already built and used that system to ensure the security of their citizens. United States, Germany and Great Britain were selected for the study. The analyzes show that the organizational structures of the crisis management systems of the analyzed countries are multi-level and based on the structure of public administration. They consist of permanent and temporary elements, appointed at the time of crisis. In the analyzed systems work a planning process that results in crisis management plans. Decisions to launch crisis management procedures are taken at the lowest level of the system and at the same time they are supported by higher level. In the analyzed systems the crisis management process follows in the crisis management phases. Particular attention is given to the participation of the armed forces in the support of civil authorities in crisis management. It should be noted that the solutions used in the analyzed countries do not differ from the solutions used in the Polish crisis management system.
O além-do-homem e o cristianismo
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo Marcos Silva
Published: August 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo ressaltar um momento da filosofia de Nietzsche em contraposto a uma crescente difusão literária e cientificista, iniciada no início do século XIX e com ênfase em finais da década de 1880. Seu posicionamento conflita com o embasamento da religião cristã presa a uma filosofia socrática,em que Nietzsche busca desmascarar a doutrina religiosa que expressa remorso, receio e temor ao homem diante de suas atitudes, enganando seus sentidos devido a uma falsa moralidade.

A filosofia nietzschiana estruturou-se de forma distinta no processo de compreensão do ser humano frente às interpretações da vida humana, conduzidas por uma dominação cristianizada. Dessa forma, o que se pretende neste artigo é descrever algumas das implicações que Nietzsche apresenta em sua empreitada contra o cristianismo e sua imposição ao modo de vida do ser humano e, com isso, apresentar  possibilidades que o filósofo descreve como potencialidades do homem que o conduziriam ao além-do-homem, através de um processo de ultrapassamento e superação da cultura cristã.

 
Corpo e Vulnerabilidade: caminhos da teologia pós-moderna
Authors: Dentz René Armand , Ferreira Vicente Santos
Published: August 2017

Ao tomar o evento cristão como testemunho do feliz encontro entre Deus e homem, na pessoa de Jesus, a Teologia tem a continua tarefa de trazer tal iluminação para o diálogo com cada época e suas realidades. E, em certo sentido, mesmo com suas limitações, que não são poucas, a pós-modernidade tem seus apelos especiais para quem procura aprofundar o humanismo cristão. Como proclamar a misericórdia infinita de Deus em tempos de vulnerabilidade corpórea? De fato, o que antes, no declínio da modernidade poderia se configurar como declínio racional, uma passagem da razão forte para a razão fraca, hoje as marcas da fragilidade humana estão inscritas em seu próprio corpo. Caso essa vulnerabilidade configure-se como encontro aberto com a finitude, ultrapassando estruturas de egoísmo, haverá, então, a possibilidade de se inscrever como lugar privilegiado da teologia pós-moderna. 
Laicidade e liberdade religiosa no Brasil: situando a discussão entre religião e política
Authors: Souza Mailson Fernandes Cabral de
Published: August 2017

A laicidade é um conceito central para o debate sobre o lugar que a religião deve ocupar no espaço público, do papel do Estado na garantia da liberdade religiosa e da isonomia das diferentes religiões perante a lei. O presente artigo tem o objetivo de analisar essa questão no âmbito brasileiro. Para isso, em um primeiro momento, será apresentado o percurso histórico da noção de tolerância religiosa até a emergência do conceito de laicidade. Em seguida, será desenvolvido um itinerário teórico da laicidade e suas tipologias. Por último, serão expostos seus desdobramentos no campo político brasileiro no que tange à liberdade religiosa, em especial, a provação pelo Plenário do Conselho Nacional do Ministério Público da proposta de recomendação que visa assegurar nos órgãos do poder público a observância do principio constitucional da laicidade. 
Biochemical and histopathological endpoints of in vivo cadmium toxicity in Sparus aurata
Authors: Costa PM , Costa MH
Published: August 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal common in water bodies subjected to anthropogenic pollution. Its proven toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms (including humans) has made this metal a subject of particular interest in toxicological studies, especially concerning common coastal fish species that are important marine resources, such as Sparus aurata. In order to establish laboratory tests and biomarker techniques to assess in vivo Cd toxicity in a multilevel (from histological to biochemical) approach, a short-term (48 h) assay was performed using juvenile S. aurata injected intraperitoneally with individual Cd dosages (0–8.1 µg Cd g–1 fish w.w.). The results showed that Cd causes a fast and pronounced histopathological degeneration of liver tissue and an exponential induction in liver metallothionein-like proteins (MTs) strongly correlated to the injected Cd dosage (Spearman R = 0.97, P < 0.01) but not to Cd bioaccumulation or survival time. The relationships between Cd dosage, liver Cd, and liver MT suggested the existence of an absorbed Cd threshold after which the animals were no longer able to regulate and bioaccumulate the metal. This threshold was not dependent on survival time but rather on Cd dosage. The findings also confirmed the suitability of S. aurata as a test organism regarding toxicity caused by Cd. Complimentarily, a histological technique using a fluorochrome (acridine orange) to enhance tissue detail is described, as well as a method suitable for the detection of MTs in SDS-PAGE gels with a colloidal Coomassie blue stain.
Partitioning of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations among eleven tissues of Octopus vulgaris from the Portuguese coast
Authors: Raimundo J , Vale C
Published: August 2017

Levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were determined in digestive gland, posterior salivary glands, kidneys, gills, gonads, branchial hearts, ink sac, stomach, skin, mantle, and arm of 13 common octopuses, Octopus vulgaris, collected in November 2002 at Matosinhos (northwest coast of Portugal). No significant (P > 0.05) differences were found between metal concentrations and size/weight, sex, and maturity stage. Median levels found in digestive gland were one order of magnitude above those in all remaining analyzed parts (Cd and Pb), and in all tissues except branchial heart (Fe); posterior salivary glands, gills, mantle, and arm (Zn); and arm (Cu). Iron was significantly higher in digestive gland and branchial heart; Cu was lower in gonads, mantle, and arm; Zn was higher in digestive gland and lower in mantle and arm; Cd was higher in digestive gland, ink sac, and kidneys; and Pb was higher in digestive gland. Strong Pb-Fe, Cd-Fe, and Cu-Zn correlations (r > 0.700) were obtained in digestive gland, salivary glands, ink sac, and stomach. The different metal concentrations in the 11 tissues/organs of octopus are apparently a consequence of the role of metals in metabolic functions (e.g., gonads, ink sac, kidneys, gills, and salivary glands), although non-essential elements (Cd and Pb) in digestive gland, branchial hearts, kidneys, and ink sac may be linked to specific ligands or excretory/detoxification mechanisms.
Mercury levels in Perna viridis from the north coast of Sucre State, Venezuela
Authors: Rojas N , Lemus M , Rojas L , Martínez G , Ramos Y , Chung K
Published: August 2017

Mercury levels were determined in green mussels, Perna viridis, from two localities of Sucre State (Venezuela): Chacopata and Río Caribe. Specimens were captured in the intertidal zone from February to December 2003. They presented anteroposterior lengths ranging from 18 to 113 mm and were classified, according to their sexual maturity, as juveniles or adults. Mercury was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the method of analysis was validated using certified standards. Seasonal variations were significant at both sites. Highest mercury concentrations in the Chacopata specimens were recorded during February (mean value of 0.432 ± 0.472 µg g–1 d.w.) and in the Río Caribe specimens during April (mean value of 1.129 ± 0.763 µg g–1 d.w.). No relation between mercury levels and sexual maturity was found at Chacopata, but a relation was observed at Río Caribe. Immature organisms showed the highest concentrations (0.471 ± 0.679 and 0.688 ± 0.894 µg g–1 d.w. for males and females, respectively).
Immunosuppressive enzymes in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Molinier‐Frenkel Valérie , Castellano Flavia
Published: August 2017

Antigen encounter by T lymphocytes induces important metabolic changes. Antitumor T lymphocytes enter in a metabolic competition with tumors, which divert feedback mechanisms of the immune response. Immunosuppressive enzymes, modifying the nutrient availability and leading to the production of toxic catabolites, represent one of these mechanisms, contributing to the metabolic halo in which T lymphocytes evolve during immune responses. Two classes of immunosuppressive enzymes, expressed by the tumor cells or by cells of the microenvironment, have been described: those catabolizing essential or semiessential amino acids, tryptophan, arginine, and phenylalanine and the ectoenzymes, which degrade the ATP to produce adenosine. These enzymes are described, as well as some of the ongoing clinical trials aiming to block them in cancer treatment.
Medium‐Range Order in Oxide Glasses
Authors: Eckert Hellmut
Published: August 2017

The state of the literature relating to medium‐range ordering effects in oxide glasses has been reviewed, based on experimental information from X‐ray/neutron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, solid‐state NMR, and molecular dynamics simulations. Aspects discussed include bond‐angle distributions around bridging oxygen atoms, spatial correlations within the second and third coordination spheres of the network former and the network modifier species, chemical ordering effects in mixed‐network‐former glasses, nanosegregation effects, and ring size distributions in highly polymerized glasses. A special emphasis is put on the use of advanced solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques for providing information on spatial correlations relating to the connectivities between network‐former species and the spatial distributions of mobile network modifiers.
Fluorite‐Type Transition Metal Oxynitrides
Authors: Tessier Franck
Published: August 2017

This chapter gives an overview of the chemistry of transition metal oxynitrides with structures of the fluorite type. Each structure type among fluorites, antifluorites, bixbyites and antibixbyites, scheelites, and pyrochlores is described and illustrated with corresponding materials and applications. The study of two defect fluorite solid solutions in the R–W–O–N and R–Ta–O–N systems complete this chapter.
Mechanochemical Synthesis, Vacancy‐Ordered Structures and Low‐Dimensional Properties of Transition Metal Chalcogenides
Authors: Ueda Yutaka , Ohtani Tsukio
Published: August 2017

Transition metal chalcogenides have a lot of mixed‐valence compounds with wide range of nonstoichiometric compositions. The metal chalcogenides also have many low‐dimensional structures possibly due to the directionality of the covalent bonds.

Several interesting topics of transition metal chalcogenides are presented in this chapter.

Many metal (Cu, Ag) chalcogenides including metastable phases were obtained by milling the elemental mixtures. Cu and Ag chalcogenides were synthesized by sonochemical method. Cu3Se2was obtained by solid‐state reaction between α‐CuSe and α‐Cu2Se at room temperature. CdSe was obtained by milling the elemental mixture for 5 s, when each element was separately premilled for 15 min.

The phase diagrams ofMSex(M: 3d transition metals) were investigated. They are marked by various metal‐vacancy‐ordered phases and the order–disorder transitions. Based on the phase study ofM3Se4‐M′3Se4system, it is concluded that Ti, V, and Cr prefer the fully occupied metal‐layer (MF‐layer) more than Fe, Co and Ni, particularly Ti prefers theMF‐layers most. The magnetic properties of (CrxTi1−x)3Se4and (FexTi1−x)3Se4are well explained by the preference of nonmagnetic Ti for theMF‐layers.

Quasi‐one‐dimensional chalcogenide InxNb3Te4shows charge density wave (CDW) instability. Thec*component of CDW vectors in InxNb3Te4increases with increasingx, indicating the increase of Fermi energy due to the In insertion. It is suggested that one of three kinds of Nb–Nb chains in InxNb3Te4is responsible for the superconductivity observed at 4–5 K.

Several phase transitions were successively observed in quasi‐one‐dimensional sulfidesACu7S4(A: Tl, K, Rb).
Magnetoresistance Materials
Authors: Terasaki Ichiro
Published: August 2017

The magnetoresistance (MR) is a most fundamental transport parameter for metals and semiconductors. This chapter reviews various magnetic materials showing large MR, mainly focusing on transition metal oxides with strong electron correlations. The Boltzmann equation predicts that the classical MR is always positive and small, and the field dependence is quadratic at low fields. When one takes quantum natures into account, however, the MR can be negative, large, or nonmonotonic with fields. The chapter summarizes various types of MR. It also introduces bulk giant MR (GMR) materials with peculiar interactions between localized spins and conduction electrons. The chapter further explains why and how external magnetic fields cause a metal‐insulator transition in the colossal MR (CMR) materials.
Magnetic Frustration in Spinels, Spin Ice Compounds,
A
3
B
5
O
12
Garnet, and Multiferroic Materials
Authors: Zhao Hongyang , Kimura Hideo , Cheng Zhenxiang , Jia Tingting
Published: August 2017

Frustrated magnets are materials in which localized magnetic moments, or spin, interact through competing exchange interactions that cannot be simultaneously satisfied, giving rise to a large degeneracy of the system ground state. Study of frustration began with antiferromagnets, in which frustration usually has a simple geometric origin. In addition to the fact that real magnetic materials are often frustrated due to several kinds of interactions, frustrated spin systems have their own interest in statistical mechanics. Recent studies show that many established statistical methods and theories have encountered many difficulties in dealing with frustrated systems. Since the mechanisms of many phenomena are not understood in real system (disordered systems, systems with long‐range interaction, three‐dimensional systems, etc.), it is worth to search for the origins of those phenomena in exactly solved systems. These exact results will help to understand qualitatively the behavior of real systems that are in general much more complicated. We survey how the discovery of new materials and improved experimental probes, together with complementary advances in theory, have reinvigorated the study of spin liquids and frustrated magnetism in general. We begin with several concepts in magnetic frustration: Geometric Frustration in Simple Atomic Systems, Fluctuations of the Spins in a Spin Liquid–Classical or Quantum, Spin Vice. After describing their basic physics, we discuss the experimental situation and Interesting Magnetic Frustrated Materials: Highly Frustrated Magnetism in Spinels, Spin Ice Compounds:
Ho
2
Ti
2
O
7
and
Dy
2
Ti
2
O
7
,
A
3
B
5
O
12
Garnet Structure, and Magnetic Frustration in Multiferroic Materials.
Defect Chemistry and Its Relevance for Ionic Conduction and Reactivity
Authors: Maier Joachim
Published: August 2017

This chapter introduces mechanical properties of materials in a way accessible to the solid‐state chemist. It discusses elastic and plastic properties, fracture of materials, information on elastic and nonelastic behavior, as well as friction and wear on the atomic scale, the length scale most familiar to the solid‐state chemist. Different plastic deformation mechanisms exist and all of them can be related to defects. The chapter then focuses on dislocation movement since it is the most common plastic deformation mechanism. An edge dislocation is characterized by a line vector L describing the border of the inserted half‐plane and the Burgers vector b describing the lattice distortion. The Burgers vector is constructed by following a continuous path around the dislocation with arbitrary distance from the dislocation core. Finally, the chapter describes experimental techniques enabling the characterization of mechanical properties.
Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Goto Takashi , Katsui Hirokazu
Published: August 2017

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a versatile technique for mainly preparing thin films typically used in semiconductor devices and protective coatings. Highly pure and dense self‐standing materials can be also prepared byCVDfollowed by removing the substrate after deposition. Without the substrate,CVDcan form powder or particles in a gas phase. In addition, by changing the wide‐ranged deposition condition ofCVD, it can be employed to discover new materials.CVDcan also be used to prepare highly oriented, anisotropic or porous materials.

AsCVDgenerally adopts thermochemical reactions to prepare various forms of materials, it is fundamentally a high‐temperature process; this is sometimes disadvantageous for practical applications. In such cases, auxiliary energy such as plasma and photo (laser) can be employed to accelerate chemical reactions and enable low‐temperature deposition. This chapter mainly describes the preparation of films and various forms of materials byCVDand auxiliary energy‐assistedCVD.
Calorimetry
Authors: Kawaji Hitoshi
Published: August 2017

The calorimetric study of materials is essential for considering the stability of a phase; the Gibbs energy can be determined by the calorimetry. In addition, calorimetry is very useful in characterizing the thermal properties of materials, especially the phase transition behavior, because all types of phase transition can be detected by calorimetry and the entropy change can be determined. In this chapter, various types of calorimeters, especially those for heat capacity measurements, will be introduced and also some examples of calorimetric studies of phase transition behavior of solids will be provided. Heat capacity measurement methods such as adiabatic calorimetry, relaxation method,
AC
calorimetry, heat pulse method, drop calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and heat capacity spectroscopy are discussed. Calvet calorimeter is also discussed for high‐temperature reaction calorimetry to determine the enthalpy of formation of materials.