bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data assimilation method in flood forecasting for Red river system using high performent computer
Authors: Don Nguyen Thanh , Que Nguyen Van , Hung Tran Quang , Phong Nguyen Hong
Published: March 2015

Around the world, the data assimilation framework has been reported to be of great interest for weather forecasting, oceanography modeling and for shallow water flows particularly for flood model. For flood model this method is a power full tool to identify time-independent parameters (e.g. Manning coefficients and initial conditions) and time-dependent parameters (e.g. inflow). This paper demonstrates the efficiency of the method to identify time-dependent parameter: inflow discharge with a real complex case Red River. Firstly, we briefly discuss about current methods for determining flow rate which encompasses the new technologies, then present the ability to recover flow rate of this method. For the case of very long time series, a temporal strategy with time overlapping is suggested to decrease the amount of memory required. In addition, some different aspects of data assimilation are covered from this case.
A tese de Williams e o Antigo Sistema Colonial: notas sobre um debate clássico
Authors: Mathias Carlos Leonardo Kelmer
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo examina a influência da chamada tese de Williams no clássico livro de Fernando Novais, Portugal e Brasil na crise do Antigo Sistema Colonial. Mais de perto, o texto analisa os principais argumentos do trabalho de Eric Williams Capitalismo e escravidão à luz da historiografia acerca do tema e os correlacionam com algumas das noções norteadoras do estudo de Novais. Em linhas gerais, os pontos mais relevantes da tese de Williams consistem no delineamento da contribuição das Índias Ocidentais britânicas para o enriquecimento inglês e para a Revolução Industrial. Nesse sentido, Williams trouxe à baila o debate acerca da importância do tráfico de escravos e da escravidão nesse processo. Inserido no comércio triangular Inglaterra-África-Caribe, o sistema escravista teria concorrido diretamente para o acúmulo de riquezas na pátria mãe. Quando o sistema se mostrou inoportuno para os rumos naturais do capitalismo, iniciaram-se as discussões abolicionistas. O artigo situa o debate em questão e mapeia os ecos de Capitalismo e escravidão no livro base de Fernando Novais. O texto termina por concluir que, no nível da historiografia brasileira,malgrado os recentes avanços, muito ainda há por ser dito acerca desse campo de estudos.
Armadilha à francesa: homens sem profissão
Authors: Rodrigues Lidiane Soares
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo caracteriza o trabalho das missões francesas de fundação da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas da Universidade de São Paulo (FFCL-USP) – especialmente, o papel desempenhado por Fernand Braudel. Entre as atribuições da missão de que era parte constava a seleção de alunos para dar prosseguimento às atividades institucionais em fase posterior à estruturação empreendida pelos franceses. É possível, por meio do exame minucioso dos escolhidos surpreender a atenção do missionário aos potenciais conflitos locais, concentrados no novo constructo institucional. Outrossim, torna possível auscultar desdobramentos de seus princípios de seleção, assinalando o intercâmbio entre a recém fundada FFLC-USP e a tradicional Faculdade de Direito do largo São Francisco (FD). Para tanto, são apresentados perfil social, motivações ligadas ao trabalho historiográfico e às práticas de ensino e pesquisa dos escolhidos, em particular, Eduardo D’Oliveira França.
A formação superior em história na UPA/URGS/ UFRGS de 1943-1971
Authors: Rodrigues Mara Cristina De Matos
Published: March 2015

Este artigo analisa a trajetória do curso de história da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul desde a sua implantação, como curso de geografia e história da Faculdade de Filosofia (1943), até 1970, quando esta foi desarticulada dando lugar ao Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas criado após a Reforma Universitária de 1968. Busca-se acompanhar as principais transformações no seu currículo, na composição do corpo docente e suas formas de recrutamento, bem como as iniciativas voltadas para a formação de professores do ensino secundário e para a pesquisa em história. Espera-se, dessa forma, contribuir para as reflexões em torno da articulação entre a história e os seus lugares de produção no Brasil.
O lado escuro da força: a ditadura militar e o curso de história da Faculdade Nacional de Filosofia da Universidade do Brasil (FNFi/UB)
Authors: Ferreira Marieta De Moraes
Published: March 2015

A proposta deste artigo é focalizar os últimos anos da existência do curso de história da FNFi/UB (1958-1968), com vistas a recuperar os embates políticos e historiográficos aí travados, e entender o percurso desse campo disciplinar e seu processo de profissionalização, num momento de grandes transformações. Estão igualmente contempladas as discussões relativas a problemáticas que caracterizam as memórias de eventos traumáticos e a história do tempo presente. Para isto foram consultadas diferentes tipos de fontes como depoimentos orais, jornais, documentos da FNFi, arquivos policiais.
Notas sobre o nascimento da historiografia moderna no Japão da Era Meiji
Authors: Ehalt Rômulo Da Silva
Published: March 2015

Este trabalho oferece um panorama sobre o processo de formação e desenvolvimento das ciências históricas no Japão durante o processo de abertura ao Ocidente na Era Meiji. O objetivo é refletir sobre processos específicos do caso japonês, como a “história das civilizações” de Fukuzawa Yukichi, a divisão da área em História Nacional (Kokushi), Oriental (Tōyōshi) e Ocidental (Seiyōshi) etc., a partir da história institucional dos locais de produção de história no país e de movimentos historiográficos japoneses oitocentistas. Para esta pesquisa foram levantadas fontes da época e consultada literatura secundária. O trabalho conclui chamando a atenção para a originalidade das interpretações da metodologia ocidental feitas no país durante o século XIX e a autocrítica entre historiadores japoneses em relação às ideologias do país existentes desde antes de sua abertura ao Ocidente.
Causa diz-se em quatro sentidos: sobre a hermenêutica droyseana e a teoria da causalidade aristotélica
Authors: Sammer Renata
Published: March 2015

Este artigo concentra-se sobre a teoria da interpretação de Johann G. Droysen a fim de elucidar alguns importantes aspectos de sua teoria da história (Historik). Procuraremos demonstrar como a teoria da causalidade aristotélica, além de estruturar a segunda grande parte da Historik, a Sistemática (Systematik) – onde encontramos “o modo histórico de existência”, nas palavras de Hayden White –, pode ser relacionada às quatro etapas da teoria da interpretação droyseana. Assim, ilustraremos como a filosofia metafísica de Aristóteles fundamenta uma singular compreensão do pensamento histórico que, sem negar a sua qualidade representativa, abarca o notório presentismo droyseano. Por fim, indicaremos como esta filosofia afina-se à proposta formulada por Droysen ao longo da Historik de fundar a História na Ética.
O historiador enquanto leitor: história da historiografia e leitura da história
Authors: Nicolazzi Fernando
Published: March 2015

Este ensaio parte de uma sugestiva colocação feita por Manoel Luiz Salgado Guimarães a respeito dos procedimentos de pesquisa para a história da historiografia. Ao sugerir que a atenção voltada para os textos e suas condições de produção supõe sempre a existência de um “certo tipo de leitor”, o autor traz para o primeiro plano da investigação o tema da leitura da história. Nesse sentido, partindo da hipótese de que a legitimidade do discurso historiográfico reside não apenas no cumprimento dos protocolos de escrita efetivados pelo historiador, mas também no ato correlato da leitura realizada por seus leitores, este texto oferece um estudo sobre as considerações a respeito da leitura da história feitas pelo historiador e antiquário francês Claude-François Menestrier em sua obra Les divers caracteres des ouvrages historiques, publicada em 1694.
A lição da pedra: usos do passado e cultura material
Authors: Ramos Francisco Régis Lopes , Magalhães Aline Montenegro
Published: March 2015

Ao propor certas divisões entre o passado e o presente, a escrita da história na modernidade também articula várias maneiras de fazer conexões entre o real e o que não é real. Uma possível abordagem historiográfica é exatamente o estudo sobre a forma como essas conexões são constituídas e legitimadas. Portanto, este artigo é uma abordagem historiográfica sobre os usos do passado na cultura histórica vivida por Gustavo Barroso, a partir das proposições teóricas e metodológicas de Manoel Luiz Salgado Guimarães. Relacionando a escrita de Barroso com a produção de outros intelectuais, percebe-se o importante papel da cultura material para a construção de certas formas de dar sentido ao passado, através das transformações de marcas e traços em vestígios da passagem do tempo.
Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Control for Pipeline Restoration
Authors: Johnston Danielle B.
Published: March 2015

Energy-extraction disturbances entail soil handling and often have large edge-to-area ratios. These characteristics should be considered when designing weed-control strategies. In western North America, many energy developments coincide with infestations of downy brome, an annual grass that severely curtails productivity, diversity, and habitat value of invaded areas. Downy brome is sensitive to soil compaction and seed burial, both of which may occur when soil is handled. In this study, I examined the effect of soil-density manipulations and herbicide application (105 g ai ha−1imazapic with 280 g ai ha−1glyphosate) on six simulated pipeline disturbances in a Wyoming big sagebrush ecosystem invaded by downy brome. Disturbances occurred at the end of the growing season, after ambient downy brome seed rain in the study areas had abated. Treatments and seeding occurred shortly after disturbances. The following spring, downy brome seedling density was 10-fold lower within disturbances than in control areas, but seedling density quickly rebounded in disturbed areas where no herbicide had been applied. In herbicide plots, downy brome seedling density remained low during the first growing season, and shrub cover after 3 yr was eight times higher than in no-herbicide plots. Soil density manipulations via disking and rolling treatments had little effect on downy brome. Prior research has shown that imazapic is more effective when combined with disturbances, such as fire. This study demonstrates that imazapic may also be effective in combination with a disturbance that is timed to bury downy brome seeds.
Natural gas – synergies with hydrogen
Authors: Hanley Emma S. , Glowacki Bartek A. , Nuttall William J. , Kazantzis Nikolaos
Published: March 2015

Hydrogen represents a valuable energy carrier. It has the potential to contribute strategically to future energy requirements in an environmentally responsible manner when produced using new low-emission production technology. It is important that hydrogen production, conversion and storage technologies can reach techno-economically and environmentally attractive performance levels. Within such a context, natural gas–hydrogen synergies and assorted technology options in a carbon-constrained future are of central importance. The research study described aims at identifying the potential synergies between hydrogen and the changing natural gas industry within the context of an operationally reliable, economically viable and environmentally compliant global energy system.
Características quantitativas da carcaça e qualitativas da carne de cordeiros Morada Nova, Santa Inês e ½ Ile de France ½Texel terminados em confinamento
Authors: Issakowicz Juliano , Bueno Mauro Sartori , Issakowicz Ana Claudia Koki Sampaio , Haguiwara Marcia Mayumi Harada
Published: March 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características da carcaça e da carne de cordeiros Morada Nova, Santa Inês e ½ Ile de France x ½Texel terminados em confinamento. Avaliou-se peso e proporção dos cortes cárneos, medidas de dimensão da carcaça e cor, maciez, perdas por cocção e pH final da carne de 10 animais da raça Morada Nova, 6 Santa Inês e 10 ½ Ile de France ½Texel. Os animais foram terminados em confinamento em baias coletivas, alimentados ad libitum com 50% de silagem de milho e 50% de ração concentrada, e abatidos precocemente com aproximadamente seis meses de idade. Análises de variância foram realizadas pelo PROC GLM do SAS (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Os cordeiros Morada Nova apresentaram valores de 14,1 kg; 13,9 kg; 0,240 kg/cm; 56,2 cm e 35,8 cm para peso de carcaça quente e fria, índice de compacidade, circunferência de quadril e circunferência de perna, respectivamente, sendo estes menores (P<0,05) aos verificados nos animais Santa Inês (19,4 kg; 18,8 kg; 0,283 kg/cm; 64,6 cm e 40,0 cm) e ½ Ile de France ½Texel (18,6 kg; 18,2 kg; 0,305 kg/cm; 65,4 cm e 41,6 cm). O rendimento de carcaça quente e fria não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os grupos genéticos avaliados. A nota para cobertura de gordura e conformação foi superior (P<0,05) nos cordeiros ½ Ile de France ½Texel (2,4 e 3,0) e o comprimento da carcaça foi superior nos cordeiros Santa Inês (66,3 cm). Cordeiros ½ Ile de France ½Texel tiveram menor (P<0,05) proporção de pescoço e maior de pernil (9,10% e 33,1%) em relação aos cordeiros Morada nova (10,3% e 30,4%) e Santa Inês (10,9% e 31,6%). O peso de paleta, pernil, costeleta, costela e fralda foi menor (P<0,05) nos animais Morada Nova (1,306 kg; 2,127 kg; 0,999 kg; 0,775 kg e 0,433 kg, respectivamente) em relação aos animais Santa Inês (1,820 kg; 2,972 kg; 1,355 kg; 0,959 kg e 0,509 kg) e ½ Ile de France ½Texel (1,791 kg; 3,007 kg; 1,212 kg; 1,016 kg e 0,563 kg). O pescoço foi mais pesado nos cordeiros Santa Inês (1,038 kg) que diferiu (P<0,05) dos demais grupos genéticos (0,725 kg para Morada Nova e 0,830 kg para ½ Ile de France ½Texel). Cordeiros ½ Ile de France ½Texel apresentaram carne com maior luminosidade (37,4) em relação a cordeiros Morada Nova (33,5) e Santa Inês (31,7). Cordeiros dos grupos genéticos avaliados, quando abatidos aos seis meses de idade, resultam em carne semelhante de boa qualidade, contudo, cordeiros Morada Nova apresentam menor peso de carcaça e de cortes cárneos assim como menor dimensão da carcaça.
Características zoométricas de equinos de raças definidas e não definidas criadas na região de Araçatuba, SP
Authors: Ramos Thamiris Naiasha Minari , Cardoso Daniel , Oliveira José Victor , Bomfim Carlos Antonio de Miranda
Published: March 2015

Os equinos utilizados por pequenos produtores rurais são na maioria das vezes sem raça definida. A avaliação zoométrica desses animais em comparação a raças definidas pode predizer características herdadas ao longo de gerações. No presente experimento foram realizadas avaliações zoométricas (30 equinos de cada grupo) comparadas entre raças definidas Quarto-de-Milha (QM) e Mangalarga Marchador (ML) com equinos sem raça definida (ESR) de pequenos produtores rurais da região de Araçatuba, SP. Objetivou-se conhecer a morfologia das éguas do grupo ESR, possibilitando orientação futura dos acasalamentos genéticos, com a finalidade de tornar os produtos adaptados à função desejada. Os dados foram agrupados e expressos como média e desvio padrão da média. Para algumas variáveis como peso, perímetro torácico e largura de anca; os animais oriundos do grupo ESR, apresentaram menores comprimentos (P<0,05) quando comparados aos animais QM e ML. Foi calculado o índice Corporal (IC) e de Conformação (ICF), objetivando determinar a aptidão do animal. As éguas do grupo ESR indicaram serem animais médio-líneos e apresentaram menores (P<0,05) índices de conformação (1,98 ± 0,24) comparados aos animais do grupo QM (2,30 ± 0,12) e ML (2,17 ± 0,17) demonstrando não enquadramento à conformação deste grupo às funcionalidades de sela ou tração.
Modelo matemático para análise econômica de dietas: uma aplicação na avaliação dos diferentes cereais utilizados na alimentação de cordeiros em confinamento
Authors: Vidal Marília Patro , Aferri Gabriela , Pereira Angélica Simone Cravo , Gameiro Augusto Hauber
Published: March 2015

Este trabalho propõe a elaboração de um modelo matemático para análises econômicas de dietas compostas de diferentes ingredientes. Foram consideradas variáveis zootécnicas como o consumo e ganho de peso, e as variáveis econômicas, como os preços relativos dos ingredientes. Vinte e quatro cordeiros cruzados, machos inteiros, com aproximadamente 70 dias de idade, com peso vivo inicial de 22 ± 1,61 kg e peso vivo final de 37 ± 2,16 kg foram alimentados com dietas com alto teor de concentrado, contendo diferentes tipos de grãos (milho moído grosso, milho em grão inteiro, sorgo e milheto). Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, alimentados por um período de 66 dias e posteriormente abatidos. A análise econômica foi feita por meio de três etapas: comparação entre as produtividades dos fatores de produção, comparação entre as margens brutas de comercialização e comparação entre os preços relativos dos fatores de produção. Não houve diferença estatística entre a eficiência técnica dos quatro tratamentos (P>0,05). Os tratamentos à base de milho inteiro e milheto apresentaram maior eficiência econômica. O uso do milho moído grosso em substituição ao milho inteiro só seria recomendado com segurança se seus preços fossem 24% mais baixos que o do milho inteiro. Diante dos comportamentos históricos dos preços do sorgo e do milheto, estes poderiam substituir o milho sem prejuízo estatisticamente significativo do desempenho zootécnico.
Produção, composição química e taxa de lotação de sistemas forrageiros constituídos por coastcross-1 sobressemeada com azevém e trevos
Authors: Diehl Michelle Schalemberg , Olivo Clair Jorge , Agnolin Carlos Alberto , Meinerz Gilmar Roberto , Foletto Vinícius , Bem Cláudia Marques de , Aguirre Priscila Flôres , Araújo Tiago Luis da Ros , Machado Paulo Roberto , Mombach Guilherme
Published: March 2015

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a produção de forragem, os teores de proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, e taxa de lotação de três sistemas forrageiros constituídos por Coastcross-1 (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) + azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam., cv. Comum); Coastcross-1 + azevém + trevo vermelho (Trifolium pratense L., cv. Estanzuela 116) e Coastcross-1 + azevém + trevo branco (Trifolium repens L., cv. Yi). O experimento foi conduzido entre 26 de abril de 2007 e 22 de abril de 2008, sendo conduzidos 11 pastejos, seis no período hibernal e cinco no estival. Para avaliação foram utilizadas vacas em lactação da raça Holandesa que receberam suplementação alimentar com concentrado à razão de 0,9% do peso corporal/dia. Avaliou-se a massa de forragem de pré e pós-pastejo, as composições botânica e morfológica e os teores de proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros), duas repetições (piquetes) e avaliações independentes (ciclos de pastejos). No período hibernal foram observados resultados superiores (P<0,05) nos sistemas forrageiros consorciados com leguminosas para produção de forragem e taxa de acúmulo diário de matéria seca. Para a taxa de desaparecimento de matéria seca e taxa de lotação não foram observadas diferenças entre os sistemas forrageiros. Foi observado efeito residual do trevo vermelho sobre a Coastcross-1 + azevém, com valor superior (P<0,05) para o teor de proteína bruta e menor teor de fibra em detergente neutro.
Avaliação de reator anaeróbio de manta de lodo no tratamento de efluentes de frigorífico
Authors: Rodrigues Luciano dos Santos , Spelta Anna Carolina Ferreira , Santos Renata de Paoli , Lima Camila de Aguiar , Dutra Joyce da Cruz , Silva Israel José da
Published: March 2015

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficiência em escala real de um sistema de tratamento de efluentes de frigorífico. A estação de tratamento de efluentes em escala real foi projetada para uma vazão diária de 60 m³/d, correspondente a um abate de 60 bovinos por dia. O sistema de tratamento composto de uma calha parshall, para medição de vazão, seguida de peneira estática, caixa de gordura gravimétrica, decantador e reator anaeróbio de manta de lodo (UASB) foi monitorado semanalmente entre janeiro e agosto de 2012. Foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: pH, alcalinidade, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), sólidos totais (ST), sólidos suspensos totais (SST), nitrogênio amoniacal e nitrogênio total Kjedhall. Os valores efluentes médios de pH, DQO e SST no reator UASB foram de 6,96; 660 mg/L e 188 mg/L, respectivamente. O sistema mostrou-se eficiente, com remoção média de 96,40% para DQO e 89,92% para SST. O reator UASB apresentou alta performance na remoção de sólidos e carga orgânica. Dessa forma, esse reator torna-se uma alternativa viável para o tratamento de águas residuárias de frigoríficos, já que oferece bons resultados de remoção e baixo custo de implantação.
Invasive toads shift predator–prey densities in animal communities by removing top predators
Authors: Doody J. Sean , Soanes Rebekah , Castellano Christina M. , Rhind David , Green Brian , McHenry Colin R. , Clulow Simon
Published: March 2015

Although invasive species can have substantial impacts on animal communities, cases of invasive species facilitating native species by removing their predators have rarely been demonstrated across vertebrate trophic linkages. The predictable spread of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina), however, offered a unique opportunity to quantify cascading effects. In northern Australia, three species of predatory monitor lizards suffered severe population declines due to toad‐induced lethal toxic ingestion (yellow‐spotted monitor [Varanus panoptes], Mertens' water monitor [V. mertensi], Mitchell's water monitor [V. mitchelli]). We, thus, predicted subsequent increases in the abundance and recruitment of prey species due to the reduction of those predators. Toad‐induced population‐level declines in the water monitor species approached 50% over a five‐year period spanning the toad invasion, apparently causing fledging success of the Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) to increase from 55% to 81%. The consensus of our original and published long‐term data is that invasive cane toads are causing predators to lose a foothold on top‐down regulation of their prey, triggering shifts in the relative densities of predator and prey in the Australian tropical savannah ecosystem.
Similarity in the difference: changes in community functional features along natural and anthropogenic stress gradients
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cánovas Cayetano , Sánchez-Fernández David , Velasco Josefa , Millán Andrés , Bonada Núria
Published: March 2015

The effect of stressors on biodiversity can vary in relation to the degree to which biological communities have adapted over evolutionary time. We compared the responses of functional features of stream insect communities along chronic stress gradients with contrasting time persistence. Water salinity and land use intensification were used as examples of natural (long‐term persistent) and anthropogenic (short‐term persistent) stressors, respectively. A new trait‐based approach was applied to quantify functional diversity components and functional redundancy within the same multidimensional space, using metrics at the taxon and community levels. We found similar functional responses along natural and anthropogenic stress gradients. In both cases, the mean taxon functional richness and functional similarity between taxa increased with stress, whereas community functional richness and functional redundancy decreased. Despite the differences in evolutionary persistence, both chronic stressors act as strong nonrandom environmental filters, producing convergent functional responses. These results can improve our ability to predict functional effects of novel stressors at ecological and evolutionary scales.
Imaging-Based Characterization of Calcite-Filled Fractures and Porosity in Shales
Authors: Vega Bolivia , Ross Cynthia M. , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: March 2015

Gas- and liquid-rich shales exhibit structural and compositional features across a broad range of length scales from meters to nanometers. This laboratory characterization effort of a shale sample aids hydrocarbon resource and reserves estimation, and improves understanding of flow behavior including potential geological carbon dioxide storage. Multiscale laboratory-imaging techniques were applied to characterize pore and microfracture structure of a Barnett Shale sample including connectivity and heterogeneity. X-ray computed tomography (CT) illuminated the krypton (Kr)-accessible porosity of centimeter-sized shale cores. Transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) imaged micrometer-sized shale samples, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed pore, fracture, and textural features. Registration of 190 μm resolution CT images with micrometer to nanometer resolution TXM and SEM images improved physical understanding of transport through organic-rich shale. Results focus on calcite-filled fractures and the calcite/shale-matrix interface as well as the distribution of micrometer- and nanometer-scale porosity. Fractures are likely both natural and induced. For the sample studied, pore accessibility determined by CT imaging corresponds with open microfractures that cross calcite-filled fractures and adjacent shale matrix. Such observations are made with corresponding micrometer- to nanometer-scale SEM images as well as compositional data. Taken together, these data indicate that calcite-filled fractures in this core act as a barrier to flow parallel to bedding except where breached by numerous open fractures. In contrast, these filled fractures enhance vertical flow, that is, flow between laminations. A region containing porosity and organic matter (with dimensions of tens to hundreds of nanometers) determined by 3D nanocharacterization with TXM and focused ion beam/SEM at the filled-fracture/shale-matrix interface facilitates this observed gas transport along the wall of the fracture fill. Areas adjacent to calcite-filled fractures and carbonaceous laminations within the shale matrix of the study sample are most readily accessed by Kr and may therefore be more readily produced than comparatively clay-rich laminations. The numerous open fractures and sheet pores within the calcite fracture fill, as well as the inherent weakness of the porosity and organic matter at the fracture-fill/shale-matrix interface, are indicative of its susceptibility to reopening and fracturing.
Antioxidant activity of Ruscus species from Serbia: Potential new sources of natural antioxidants
Authors: Jakovljevic Violeta , Milicevic Jasmina , Ðelic Gorica , Vrvic Miroslav
Published: March 2015

The antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content of ethanolic,
acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Ruscus hypoglossum L. and Ruscus
aculeatus L. (aerial parts) from Serbia were investigated in this paper. The
best total antioxidant capacity (23.329 ?g AA g-1) and the highest DPPH
scavenging activity (IC50 = 182.54 ?g mL-1) were found in acetone and ethyl
acetate extract of R. aculeatus L. Ethanolic extract of R. hypoglossum L.
showed the highest ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (IC50 = 3.04 ?g
mL-1) as well as reducing power (IC50 = 0.143 ?g mL-1). The best inhibitory
activity against lipid peroxidation (IC50 =651 ?g mL-1) and the best ferrous
ion chelating ability (IC50 = 110 ?g mL-1) were found in acetone and ethyl
acetate extract of R. hypoglossum L. The highest total phenolic (8.569 mg GAE
g-1) and flavonoid content (0.136 mg RU g-1) were found in ethanolic and
acetone extract of R. hypoglossum L. and R. aculeatus L, respectively.
Fe-Mo alloy coatings as cathodes in chlorate production process
Authors: Gajic-Krstajic Ljiljana , Elezovic Nevenka , Jovic Borka , Martelli Gian , Jovic Vladimir , Krstajic Nedeljko
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the feasibility
of partial replacement of dichromate, Cr(VI), with phosphate buffer, focusing
on the cathode reaction selectivity for hydrogen evolution on mild steel and
Fe-Mo cathodes in undivided cell for chlorate production. To evaluate the
ability of phosphate and Cr(VI) additions to hinder hypochlorite and chlorate
reduction, overall current efficiency (CE) measurements in laboratory cell
for chlorate production on stationary electrodes were performed. The
concentration of hypochlorite was determined by a conventional potentiometric
titration method using 0.01 mol dm-3 As2O3 solution as a titrant. The
chlorate concentration was determined by excess of 1.0 mol dm-3 As2O3
solution and excess of arsenic oxide was titrated with 0.1 mol dm-3 KBrO3
solution in a strong acidic solution. Cathodic hypochlorite and chlorate
reduction were suppressed efficiently by addition of 3 g dm-3 dichromate at
both cathodes, except that Fe-Mo cathode exhibited higher catalytic activity
for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overvoltage for the HER was around
0.17 V lower on Fe-Mo cathode than on mild steel at the current density of 3
kA m-2. It was found that a dichromate content as low as 0.1 g dm-3 is
sufficient for complete suppression of cathodic hypochlorite and chlorate
reduction onto Fe-Mo catalyst in phosphate buffering system (3 g dm-3 Na2HPO4
+ NaH2PO4). The overall current efficiency was practically the same as in the
case of the presence of 3 g dm-3 dichromate buffer (98 %). However, for the
mild steel cathode, the overall current efficiency for the chlorate
production was somewhat lower in the above mentioned mixed phosphate +
dichromate buffering system (95%) than in the pure dichromate buffering
solution (97.5%).
Mesiodistal inclination of the unerupted second premolar in the mandible of Japanese orthodontic patients with incisor agenesis
Authors: Kure Kenichi , Arai Kazuhito
Published: March 2015

Objective: 

To elucidate the mesiodistal inclination of the unerupted mandibular second premolar (MnP2) in cases of mandibular incisor (MnIc) agenesis and unilateral MnP2 agenesis.

Materials and Methods: 

Twenty-two cases of unilateral MnP2 agenesis (MnP2 agenesis group) and a control group (control group A) of 22 cases without permanent tooth agenesis excluding third molars were selected. Thirty-six cases of MnIc agenesis (MnIc agenesis group) and another control group (control group B) of 36 subjects were also selected. Mesiodistal inclination of the unerupted MnP2 on the panoramic X-rays was measured according to the distal angle and premolar-molar angle using the methods of Shalish et al. and Baccetti et al., respectively. Differences in mean values of the angular measurements between agenesis groups and corresponding controls were investigated (unpaired t-test).

Results: 

In the MnP2 agenesis group, the mean distal angle decreased 12.3° and the mean premolar-molar angle increased 13.3° for the MnP2 compared with control group A (both P < .001). In the MnIc agenesis group, no significant differences in the means of those angles for the MnP2 were found when compared with control group B.

Conclusion: 

In Japanese orthodontic patients, there is a relationship between unilateral MnP2 agenesis and the mesiodistal angulation of the unerupted MnP2. However, no significant relationship was observed between MnIc agenesis (which relationship is often seen in Asian populations) and the position of the unerupted MnP2. These results suggest that different genetic factors are involved in MnP2 agenesis and MnIc agenesis.
Evaluation of the Effect of Enteral Lipid Sensing on Endogenous Glucose Production in Humans
Authors: Xiao Changting , Dash Satya , Morgantini Cecilia , Koulajian Khajag , Lewis Gary F.
Published: March 2015

Administration of lipids into the upper intestine of rats has been shown to acutely decrease endogenous glucose production (EGP) in the preabsorptive state, postulated to act through a gut-brain-liver axis involving accumulation of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA, release of cholecystokinin, and subsequent neuronal signaling. It remains unknown, however, whether a similar gut-brain-liver axis is operative in humans. Here, we infused 20% Intralipid (a synthetic lipid emulsion) or saline intraduodenally for 90 min at 30 mL/h, 4 to 6 weeks apart, in random order, in nine healthy men. EGP was assessed under pancreatic clamp conditions with stable isotope enrichment techniques. Under these experimental conditions, intraduodenal infusion of Intralipid, compared with saline, did not affect plasma glucose concentration or EGP throughout the study period. We conclude that Intralipid infusion into the duodenum at this rate does not elicit detectable effects on glucose homeostasis or EGP in healthy men, which may reflect important interspecies differences between rodents and humans with respect to the putative gut-brain-liver axis.
Mass balance of the Sør Rondane glacial system, East Antarctica
Authors: Callens Denis , Thonnard Nicolas , Lenaerts Jan T.M. , Van Wessem Jan M. , Van de Berg Willem Jan , Matsuoka Kenichi , Pattyn Frank
Published: March 2015

Mass changes of polar ice sheets have an important societal impact, because they affect global sea level. Estimating the current mass budget of ice sheets is equivalent to determining the balance between surface mass gain through precipitation and outflow across the grounding line. For the Antarctic ice sheet, grounding line outflow is governed by oceanic processes and outlet glacier dynamics. In this study, we compute the mass budget of major outlet glaciers in the eastern Dronning Maud Land sector of the Antarctic ice sheet using the input/output method. Input is given by recent surface accumulation estimates (SMB) of the whole drainage basin. The outflow at the grounding line is determined from the radar data of a recent airborne survey and satellite-based velocities using a flow model of combined plug flow and simple shear. This approach is an improvement on previous studies, as the ice thickness is measured, rather than being estimated from hydrostatic equilibrium. In line with the general thickening of the ice sheet over this sector, we estimate the regional mass balance in this area at 3.15 ± 8.23 Gt a−1 according to the most recent SMB model results.
Report about the Architectural Survey of the Parish Church of the Settlement of Chiddes
Authors: Daragó László , Bakonyi Dániel
Published: March 2015

The partly medieval church of Chiddes in the South of Burgundy had been surveyed and researched in 2010 by students of architecture from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The survey was part of a 20-year long campaign by the French organization  CEP (Centre International d’Etude des Patremoines Culturels) for the inventory of Romanesque churches and chapels in the Charolais-Brionnais region. The result of the survey and the research is introduced, and the findings are summed up in the form of a hypothetical relative periodization of the church.
The Effect of Convolvulus arvensis Dried Extract as a Potential Antioxidant in Food Models
Authors: Azman Nurul , Gallego Maria , Juliá Luis , Fajari Lluis , Almajano MaríaPilar
Published: March 2015

In this study, the antioxidant activity of the Convolvulus arvensis Linn (CA) ethanol extract has been evaluated by different ways. The antioxidant activity of the extract assessed by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 1.62 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, 1.71 mmol TE/g DW and 2.11 mmol TE/g DW, respectively. CA ethanol extract exhibited scavenging activity against the methoxy radical initiated by the Fenton reaction and measured by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The antioxidant effects of lyophilised CA measured in beef patties containing 0.1% and 0.3% (w/w) CA stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (80% O2 and 20% CO2) was determined. A preliminary study of gelatine based film containing CA showed a strong antioxidant effect in preventing the degradation of lipid in muscle food. Thus, the present results indicate that CA extract can be used as a natural food antioxidant.
Inter-Institutional Comparison of Personalized Risk Assessments for Second Malignant Neoplasms for a 13-Year-Old Girl Receiving Proton versus Photon Craniospinal Irradiation
Authors: Taddei Phillip , Khater Nabil , Zhang Rui , Geara Fady , Mahajan Anita , Jalbout Wassim , Pérez-Andújar Angélica , Youssef Bassem , Newhauser Wayne
Published: March 2015

Children receiving radiotherapy face the probability of a subsequent malignant neoplasm (SMN). In some cases, the predicted SMN risk can be reduced by proton therapy. The purpose of this study was to apply the most comprehensive dose assessment methods to estimate the reduction in SMN risk after proton therapy vs. photon therapy for a 13-year-old girl requiring craniospinal irradiation (CSI). We reconstructed the equivalent dose throughout the patient’s body from therapeutic and stray radiation and applied SMN incidence and mortality risk models for each modality. Excluding skin cancer, the risk of incidence after proton CSI was a third of that of photon CSI. The predicted absolute SMN risks were high. For photon CSI, the SMN incidence rates greater than 10% were for thyroid, non-melanoma skin, lung, colon, stomach, and other solid cancers, and for proton CSI they were non-melanoma skin, lung, and other solid cancers. In each setting, lung cancer accounted for half the risk of mortality. In conclusion, the predicted SMN risk for a 13-year-old girl undergoing proton CSI was reduced vs. photon CSI. This study demonstrates the feasibility of inter-institutional whole-body dose and risk assessments and also serves as a model for including risk estimation in personalized cancer care.
The Italian University Habilitation and the Challenge of Increasing the Representation of Women in Academia
Authors: Pautasso Marco
Published: March 2015

Increasing the representation of women in academia is a priority challenge in higher education policy. This study uses data from the Italian University habilitation competition in 2012 to test whether this national, standardized and quantitative assessment of researchers contributed to improving the situation. The proportion of female applications (on the whole about 36%) was in many fields higher than the reported proportion of female University professors (27%, 2010), but lower than the proportion of female researchers (2010) in Italy (45% and 51% for researchers with and without a permanent position, respectively). There was still a gap between the proportion of female applications at the associate (on average 39%) and full professor level (29%). A similar gap was also present between scientific disciplines and the humanities. Average success rates of female applications (41.2%) were on the whole lower than those of male applications (43.9%), but in most fields these differences were not significant. Overall, it is generally much lower proportion of female applications rather than their lower success rate that perpetuates the low proportion of female academics in Italy. More effort is needed to support female researchers in choosing and pursuing an academic career.
Recent High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic Studies on Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda)
Authors: Fried Bernard , Reddy Aditya
Published: March 2015

This review examines the recent high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) literature on the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on certain analytes in the medically important freshwater snail, Biomphalaria glabrata. The analytes studied were lipids, lipophilic pigments, amino acids, and carbohydrates. As determined by HPTLC, various factors, such as larval parasitism, estivation, temperature changes, and others, alter the metabolism of the snail and cause significant changes in the chemical contents of the analytes under study.
Association of Light Exposure on Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Young People
Authors: Aggio Daniel , Smith Lee , Fisher Abigail , Hamer Mark
Published: March 2015

Background: To investigate whether light exposure was associated with objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in young people. Methods: Participants (n = 229, 46.7% female) were young people (mean 8.8 years [SD ± 2.2]) from the borough of Camden, UK. Daily sedentary time, moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) and light exposure were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer with an ambient light sensor during the summer. Multiple linear regression models examined associations between average daily light exposure, sedentary time and time in MVPA. Models were repeated investigating weekdays and weekend days separately. Analyses were adjusted for pre-specified covariables, including age, sex, device wear time, ethnic group, school and body fat. Results: There were significant associations between average daily light exposure and time sedentary (β coefficient = −11.2, 95% CI, −19.0 to −3.4) and in MVPA (β coefficient = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.9). Light exposure was significantly associated with weekend sedentary time (β coefficient = −10.0, 95% CI, −17.6, −2.4), weekend MVPA (β coefficient = 3.7, 95% CI, 1.7, 5.7), weekday sedentary time (β coefficient = −15.0, 95% CI, −22.7 to −7.2), but not weekday MVPA (β coefficient = 2.0, 95% CI, −0.5 to 4.5). Conclusion: Average daily light exposure is positively associated with time in MVPA and negatively associated with sedentary time. Increasing daylight exposure may be a useful intervention strategy for promoting physical activity.
Health Risk Assessment Related to Waterborne Pathogens from the River to the Tap
Authors: Jacob Pauline , Henry Annabelle , Meheut Gaëlle , Charni-Ben-Tabassi Nadine , Ingrand Valérie , Helmi Karim
Published: March 2015

A two-year monitoring program of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Giardia duodenalis cysts, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens spores and adenovirus was conducted in three large rivers in France used for recreational activities and as a resource for drinking water production. Fifty-liter river water and one thousand-liter tap water samples were concentrated using hollow-fiber ultrafiltration and analyzed by molecular biology or laser-scanning cytometry. In order to evaluate watershed land use influence on microorganism concentration changes, occurrence and seasonality of microorganisms were studied. The highest concentrations of protozoan parasites and C. perfringens were found for one of the three sites, showing a high proportion of agricultural territories, forests and semi-natural environments, which may be partly attributable to soil leaching due to rainfall events. On the contrary, the highest concentrations of adenoviruses were found at the two other sites, probably due to strong urban activities. Health risk assessment was evaluated for each waterborne pathogen regarding exposure during recreational activities (for a single or five bathing events during the summer). The calculated risk was lower than 0.5% for parasites and varied from 1% to 42% for adenovirus. A theoretical assessment of microorganism removal during the drinking water treatment process was also performed, and it showed that an absence of microorganisms could be expected in finished drinking water. This hypothesis was confirmed since all tested tap water samples were negative for each studied microorganism, resulting in a risk for drinking water consumption lower than 0.01% for parasites and lower than 0.5% for adenovirus.
The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital on the Association between Occupational Stress and Job Burnout among Bank Employees in China
Authors: Li Xirui , Kan Dan , Liu Li , Shi Meng , Wang Yang , Yang Xiaoshi , Wang Jiana , Wang Lie , Wu Hui
Published: March 2015

Although job burnout is common among bank employees, few studies have explored positive resources for combating burnout in this population. This study aims to explore the relationship between occupational stress and job burnout among Chinese bank employees, and particularly the mediating role of psychological capital. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Liaoning, China, during June to August of 2013. A questionnaire that included the effort-reward imbalance scale, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, as well as demographic and working factors, was distributed to 1739 employees of state-owned banks. This yielded 1239 effective respondents (467 men, 772 women). Asymptotic and resampling strategies explored the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between occupational stress and job burnout. Both extrinsic effort and overcommitment were positively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Meanwhile, reward was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, but positively associated with personal accomplishment. There was a gender difference in the mediating role of Psychological capital on the occupational stress-job burnout. In male bank employees, Psychological capital mediated the relationships of extrinsic effort and reward with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization; in female bank employees, it partially mediated the relationships of extrinsic effort, reward and overcommitment with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, as well as the relationship between reward and personal accomplishment. Psychological capital was generally a mediator between occupational stress and job burnout among Chinese bank employees. Psychological capital may be a potential positive resource in reducing the negative effects of occupational stress on job burnout and relieving job burnout among bank employees, especially female bank employees.
Impact of Soluble HLA-G Levels and Endometrial NK Cells in Uterine Flushing Samples from Primary and Secondary Unexplained Infertile Women
Authors: Rizzo Roberta , Lo Monte Giuseppe , Bortolotti Daria , Graziano Angela , Gentili Valentina , Di Luca Dario , Marci Roberto
Published: March 2015

The aim of this research was to determine the levels of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) and endometrial Natural Killer ((e)NK) cell percentages in uterine flushing samples from primary and secondary infertile women. sHLA-G levels were lower in the uterine flushing samples from primary infertile women in comparison with women with secondary infertility. Lower CD56+KIR2DL4+ (e)NK cell percentages were detected in primary infertile women compared with secondary infertile women. This is the first study demonstrating that primary and secondary unexplained infertilities are characterized by different basal sHLA-G levels and CD56+KIR2DL4+ (e)NK cell percentages.
Urban Saturated Power Load Analysis Based on a Novel Combined Forecasting Model
Authors: Zhao Huiru , Guo Sen , Xue Wanlei
Published: March 2015

Analysis of urban saturated power loads is helpful to coordinate urban power grid construction and economic social development. There are two different kinds of forecasting models: the logistic curve model focuses on the growth law of the data itself, while the multi-dimensional forecasting model considers several influencing factors as the input variables. To improve forecasting performance, a novel combined forecasting model for saturated power load analysis was proposed in this paper, which combined the above two models. Meanwhile, the weights of these two models in the combined forecasting model were optimized by employing a fruit fly optimization algorithm. Using Hubei Province as the example, the effectiveness of the proposed combined forecasting model was verified, demonstrating a higher forecasting accuracy. The analysis result shows that the power load of Hubei Province will reach saturation in 2039, and the annual maximum power load will reach about 78,630 MW. The results obtained from this proposed hybrid urban saturated power load analysis model can serve as a reference for sustainable development for urban power grids, regional economies, and society at large.