bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dimensão simbólica na cidade neoliberal: notas sobre a construção de subjetividades na produção social do espaço do neoliberalismo
Authors: Magalhães Felipe Nunes Coelho
Published: January 2017

O artigo procura inserir-se na discussão atual acerca do neoliberalismo urbano, propondo a centralidade da dimensão simbólica na produção do espaço na metrópole contemporânea e sua sintonização à “governamentalidade” e ao modo de regulação neoliberais. Parte-se da defesa da necessidade de diálogo entre as perspectivas da antropologia e da economia política, utilizando como ponte a abordagem lefebvriana sobre a produção do espaço. Toma-se como hipótese central a ideia de que o nó borromeano entre capital, Estado e produção simbólica que perpassa a produção do espaço na metrópole é, hoje, sintonizado com neoliberalismo e objetiva sua reprodução nessas três esferas. O potencial criador de novos vetores políticos, econômicos, culturais e sociais, inerente à grande cidade, é subsumido a essa sintonia. As heterotopias e espaços de resistência apresentam-se, nesse contexto, como tentativas de escapar e resistir às formas de disciplinamento e controle. Disso, advém uma questão acerca dos embates em torno do direito à cidade e que será tematizada neste artigo: no quadro atual, os movimentos sociais permanecem ligados ao acesso a serviços coletivos ou transbordam em direção a pautas mais profundas, relacionadas à produção do espaço e dos sentidos do urbano contemporâneo?
Políticas recentes de melhorias urbanas: municípios pequenos e médios e favelas
Authors: D'Ottaviano Camila , Pasternak Suzana
Published: January 2017

Este artigo realiza uma análise comparativa das condições de infraestrutura entre domicílios localizados em setores subnormais (proxy de favelas) e em municípios pequenos e médios, no Brasil como um todo e em suas grandes regiões. A ideia de tal exame advém de um estudo sobre as favelas brasileiras em, fundamentados nas informações do Censo de 2010, identificamos que as condições dos domicílios em favelas, no que diz respeito a alguns indicadores (como abastecimento de água ou esgotamento sanitário), eram melhores que as condições gerais dos domicílios brasileiros. Fazendo uso dos dados relativos aos domicílios permanentes e aglomerados subnormais disponibilizados pelos Censos de 2000 e 2010, procuramos assinalar, aqui, como a realidade do acesso à infraestrutura urbana no Brasil evoluiu no período intercensitário. As perguntas que orientam nosso estudo são: após uma década de intensa intervenção nas áreas de favela, com projetos de urbanização e de instalação de infraestrutura urbana, impulsionados de forma sistemática pelo PAC (Urbanização de Assentamentos Precários), as favelas se mantêm como o espaço de maior precariedade habitacional no país? É possível deduzir, a partir dos dados censitários, se os municípios pequenos e médios também foram beneficiados pelos programas e investimentos federais do período?
Editorial
Authors: Fernandes Ana Cristina , Lacerda Norma , Cargnin Tiago
Published: January 2017

Neste segundo número do volume 17 da RBEUR, damos continuidade ao esforço da atual Comissão Editorial e Diretoria da ANPUR de manter a excelência dos trabalhos publicados e de inserir a Revista no debate internacional dos estudos urbanos e regionais. Nessa direção, duas frentes de atuação merecem destaque: de um lado, a publicação de três trabalhos em língua inglesa, de modo a promover a interlocução com o público estrangeiro em geral (sabendo-se que o inglês vem crescentemente convertendo-se no principal idioma do diálogo acadêmico); e, de outro, a presença de três artigos focados em experiências ocorridas em outros países latino-americanos, um dos quais publicado em espanhol, reforçando a importância que a RBEUR atribui à interação com estudiosos da região.
Games and insurgencies: towards agonistic participation in the production of space
Authors: Assis Ana Paula Silva de
Published: January 2017

By relating games and insurgencies, the intention of this article is to establish a conceptual basis for proposing agonistic participatory tools, with the aim of recovering the emancipatory sense of social participation when producing city space. Through post-political theory and post-democratic criticism we will argue that the institutionalization of participatory processes stands in contradiction to emancipatory ideals, which provide support for social participation as a tool for promoting spatial justice. The concept of open game as formulated by Vilén Flusser will be adopted as a critical, theoretical tool so as to envisage participatory processes that accommodate dissent. Within this context, we will present three game experiences, all of which concern spatial issues. Games, understood as agency, enable insurgent imagery for the city to emerge, facilitate translations and coexistence, and encourage the occupation of public spaces as a possibility for recovering the public sphere.
Importância do trabalho interprofissional para a Estratégia Saúde da Família e Pediatria
Authors: Miguel Edson Arpini , Aires Daniel Lopes , Esteves Roberto Zonato , Pissioli Fabiola Cristine Arpini Miguel , Godoi Sergia Renata , Silva Sonia Maria
Published: January 2017

Este estudo tem por objetivo caracterizar o atendimento do profissional de Enfermagem no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF), direcionado ao atendimento pediátrico, de forma a integrar a equipe e qualificar as informações para os familiares. Trata-se de estudo observacional, descritivo de uma coorte transversal, em que participaram 102 indivíduos, o qual analisa, de forma quantitativa, os dados coletados por um questionário com 12 questões, sobre o atendimento de Enfermagem, obtendo opiniões dos responsáveis pelas crianças até cinco anos, atendidas no ambulatório de pediatria de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Dos entrevistados, 92,86% receberam atendimento de Enfermagem antes da consulta pediátrica. 96,94% se diziam seguros com o acompanhamento da enfermeira e 95,92% receberam orientações nos aspectos que precisavam, quanto ao cuidado da criança. Quando perguntados sobre a avaliação geral do atendimento da equipe, 46,94% responderam ser ótimo, 46,94% acharam bom e 6,12%, regular. O modelo interprofissional contribuiu para a melhoria da atuação da equipe e na promoção à saúde, visando a melhoria da qualidade no processo de trabalho e na assistência à criança.
Por que eles permanecem: causas de atraso na saída em pacientes de alta médica
Authors: Ajimura Fabio Yoshito , Malik Ana Maria
Published: January 2017

Pacientes que recebem alta e permanecem internados têm se tornado um problema frequente em hospitais de diversas partes do mundo. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar os motivos mais frequentes que fizeram com que pacientes de alta permanecessem sem necessidade no hospital, levando ao uso inadequado do recurso leito hospitalar, e compará-los com o que mostra a literatura internacional. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo em um hospital público universitário de longa permanência, na Região Metropolitana da Grande São Paulo, através de levantamento de dados de prontuários fornecidos pelo SAME do Hospital. Os motivos mais comuns foram problemas relacionados a transporte para a residência, suporte da rede, resistência dos pacientes/familiares, adequação da moradia, espera por documentação e treinamento de familiares/cuidadores. Identificou-se especificidade na realidade brasileira em relação à bibliografia internacional, evidenciando a necessidade de soluções direcionadas a cada realidade para obter melhor utilização dos serviços.
Melting and crystallization DSC profiles of different types of meat
Authors: Savanovic Danica , Grujic Radoslav , Rakita Sladjana , Torbica Aleksandra , Bozickovic Ranko
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to test the influence of scanning rate and meat type on the thermo-physical properties of meat and content of the freezable water in frozen meat, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In this study, three types of meat were investigated: beef (M. Longissimus dorsi), pork (M. Longissimus dorsi), and chicken meat (Pectoralis major). The cooling rate affected the onset (Tcon), peak (Tc) and end (Tcend) temperatures of crystallization process of beef meat (p < 0.05). Decreasing cooling rate from 20 to 2?C/min resulted in significant (p < 0.05) change of the crystallization enthalpy (?Hc) of beef meat, from -220.17 to -168.20 J/g, respectively. Reduction of the heating rate caused significant (p < 0.05) decrease in enthalpy of melting (?Hm) for beef meat, from 228.87 to 161.13 J/g. The heating rate affected the peak (Tm) and end temperatures (Tmend) of melting process of beef meat (p < 0.05). The type of meat did not have effect on ?Hc and ?Hm as well as temperature of crystallization (Tcon, Tc and Tcend) and temperature of melting (Tm and Tmend) in meat. Significant (p < 0.05) change in freezable water content were recorded between heating rate 20 ?C/min and other heating rates, for all three meat types.
Deletion of CD1d in Adipocytes Aggravates Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Obesity
Authors: Huh Jin Young , Park Jeu , Kim Jong In , Park Yoon Jeong , Lee Yun Kyung , Kim Jae Bum
Published: January 2017

Adipose tissue inflammation is an important factor in obesity that promotes insulin resistance. Among various cell types in adipose tissue, immune cells actively regulate inflammatory responses and affect whole-body energy metabolism. In particular, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells contribute to mitigating dysregulation of systemic energy homeostasis by counteracting obesity-induced inflammation in adipose tissue. However, the molecular mechanisms by which adipose iNKT cells become activated and mediate anti-inflammatory roles in obese adipose tissue have not been thoroughly understood yet. In the current study, we demonstrate that adipocyte CD1d plays a key role in the stimulation of adipose iNKT cells, leading to anti-inflammatory responses in high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice. Accordingly, adipocyte-specific CD1d-knockout (CD1dADKO) mice showed reduced numbers of iNKT cells in adipose tissues and decreased responses to α-galactosylceramide–induced iNKT cell activation. Additionally, HFD-fed CD1dADKO mice revealed reduced interleukin-4 expression in adipose iNKT cells and aggravated adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. Collectively, these data suggest that adipocytes could selectively stimulate adipose iNKT cells to mediate anti-inflammatory responses and attenuate excess proinflammatory responses in obese adipose tissue.
Stakeholders Behaviour towards Clean India Mission's New Municipal Solid Waste Collection System in Chandrapur City, Central India
Authors: Kamble R. K. , Nimgade Namrata R. , Patil Priyanka V.
Published: January 2017

The study was carried out to analyze behavioural pattern of stakeholders–inhabitants of Chandrapur city as well as employees of Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC)–towards the "Clean India Mission" scheme as compared with previous scheme of women’s self help group. For behavioural change analysis field survey was carried out in October 2015 in Chandrapur city. Total 41 respondent including inhabitants and employees of CMC were interviewed. The results of the study shows that, previously municipal solid waste (MSW) collection was irregular (41.66%) however, since the implementation of this new scheme it has become regular (100%). Enhanced MSW collection frequency was observed (once a day, 83.33%) with alternative staff arrangement in case of staff is absent. The work was monitored by officials (79%) which were previously not existing. In previous scheme, extra money was charged for collection of MSW, however no such charges are levied in this new scheme. Satisfaction rate of this new scheme was 95.83% among inhabitants. As reported by MSW collection employees, there was awareness among inhabitants about dry and wet waste (41.17%). The employees were satisfied with the scheme (94.11%) as there is improved and timely salary with a job guaranty.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTVolume-5, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2016, page: 32-43
Against racial profiling
Authors: Pundik Amit
Published: January 2017

A police officer sees a suspicious bulge in the pocket of a passing pedestrian and deliberates whether to stop and search. The pedestrian is also a young, black man, and from past searches and convictions, the police arguably know that such men are much likelier than other people to carry an illegal firearm. Should the police officer be instructed to take this information into account? This article objects to racial profiling because it relies on the following type of inference: from the individual’s membership of a certain racial group, the searcher is invited to infer that the individual is likelier to exhibit some culpable behaviour. The article shows that such an inference to culpable behaviour requires contradictory presuppositions about the freedom of the suspected behaviour. On the one hand, racial profiling ought to presuppose that the individual suspect’s behaviour is unfree because the inference it involves takes the suspect’s behaviour to be determined by his race, age, and gender, none of which is within his control. On the other hand, similarly to criminal trials, search practices ought also to presuppose the exact opposite: that the individual is free to determine his own behaviour. If the suspected behaviour is free, the involved inference to culpable behaviour is not probative of the individual suspect’s behaviour, so profiling methods which rely on it are useless. And if the suspected behaviour is unfree, the inference is probative, but the suspect is not culpable and should thus not be put to trial, whatever the profiled search yields.
Development of Crash Modification Factors for Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Treatments
Authors: Zegeer Charlie , Lyon Craig , Srinivasan Raghavan , Persaud Bhagwant , Lan Bo , Smith Sarah , Carter Daniel , Thirsk Nathan J. , Zegeer John , Ferguson Erin , Van Houten Ron , Sundstrom Carl
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to develop crash modification factors for four treatment types: rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB), pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB), pedestrian refuge island (RI), and advance yield or stop markings and signs (AS). From 14 cities throughout the United States, 975 treatment and comparison sites were selected. Most of the treatment sites were selected at intersections on urban, multilane streets, because these locations present a high risk for pedestrian crashes and are where countermeasures typically are needed most. For each treatment site, relevant data were collected on the treatment characteristics, traffic, geometric, and roadway variables, and the pedestrian crashes and other crash types that occurred at each site. Cross-sectional regression models and before–after empirical Bayesian analysis techniques were used to determine the crash effects of each treatment type. All four of the treatment types were found to be associated with reductions in pedestrian crash risk, compared with the reductions at untreated sites. PHBs were associated with the greatest reduction of pedestrian crash risk (55% reduction), followed by RRFBs (47% reduction), RIs (32% reduction), and AS (25% reduction). The results for RRFBs had their basis in a limited sample and must be used with caution.
External ventricular drain practice variations: results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Baum Griffin R. , Hooten Kristopher G. , Lockney Dennis T. , Fargen Kyle M. , Turan Nefize , Pradilla Gustavo , Murad Gregory J. A. , Harbaugh Robert E. , Glantz Michael , _ _
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

While guidelines exist for many neurosurgical procedures, external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion has yet to be standardized. The goal of this study was to survey the neurosurgical community and determine the most frequent EVD insertion practices. The hypothesis was that there would be no standard practices identified for EVD insertion or methods to avoid EVD-associated infections.

METHODS

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons membership database was queried for all eligible neurosurgeons. A 16-question, multiple-choice format survey was created and sent to 7217 recipients. The responses were collected electronically, and the descriptive results were tabulated. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

In total, 1143 respondents (15.8%) completed the survey, and 705 respondents (61.6%) reported tracking EVD infections at their institution. The most common self-reported infection rate ranged from 1% to 3% (56.1% of participants), and 19.7% of respondents reported a 0% infection rate. In total, 451 respondents (42.7%) indicated that their institution utilizes a formal protocol for EVD placement. If a respondent's institution had a protocol, only 258 respondents (36.1%) always complied with the protocol. Protocol utilization for EVD insertion was significantly more frequent among residents, in academic/hybrid centers, in ICU settings, and if the institution tracked EVD-associated infection rates (p < 0.05). A self-reported 0% infection rate was significantly more commonly associated with a higher level of training (e.g., attending physicians), private center settings, a clinician performing 6 to 10 EVD insertions within the previous 12 months, and prophylactic continuous antibiotic utilization (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrated heterogeneity in the practices for EVD insertion. No standard practices have been proposed or adopted by the neurosurgical community for EVD insertion or complication avoidance. These results highlight the need for the nationwide standardization of technique and complication prevention measures.
Noninfectious prevertebral soft-tissue inflammation and hematoma eliciting swelling after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Yagi Kenji , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Okazaki Toshiyuki , Irie Shinsuke , Inagaki Toru , Saito Osamu , Nagahiro Shinji , Saito Koji
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures are performed to treat patients with cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy. Dysphagia is a post-ACDF complication. When it coincides with prevertebral space enlargement and inflammation, surgical site infection and pharyngoesophageal perforation must be considered. The association between dysphagia and prevertebral inflammation has not been reported. The authors investigated factors eliciting severe dysphagia and its relationship with prevertebral inflammation in patients who had undergone ACDF.

MATERIALS

The clinical data of 299 patients who underwent 307 ACDF procedures for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy at Kushiro Kojinkai Memorial Hospital and Kushiro Neurosurgical Hospital between December 2007 and August 2014 were reviewed.

RESULTS

After 7 ACDF procedures (2.3%), 7 patients suffered severe prolonged and/or delayed dysphagia and odynophagia that prevented ingestion. In all 7 patients the prevertebral space was enlarged. In 5 (1.6%) the symptom was thought to be associated with prevertebral soft-tissue edema; in all 5 an inflammatory response, hyperthermia, and an increase in the white blood cell count and in C-reactive protein level was observed. After 2 procedures (0.7%), we noted prevertebral hematoma without an inflammatory response. None of the patients who had undergone 307 ACDF procedures manifested pharyngoesophageal perforation or surgical site infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe dysphagia and odynophagia are post-ACDF complications. In most instances they are attributable to prevertebral soft-tissue edema accompanied by inflammatory responses such as fever and an increase in the white blood cell count and in C-reactive protein. In other cases these anomalies are elicited by hematoma not associated with inflammation.
Fractional Order PID Control of Rotor Suspension by Active Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Anantachaisilp Parinya , Lin Zongli
Published: January 2017

One of the key issues in control design for Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) systems is the tradeoff between the simplicity of the controller structure and the performance of the closed-loop system. To achieve this tradeoff, this paper proposes the design of a fractional order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller. The FOPID controller consists of only two additional parameters in comparison with a conventional PID controller. The feasibility of FOPID for AMB systems is investigated for rotor suspension in both the radial and axial directions. Tuning methods are developed based on the evolutionary algorithms for searching the optimal values of the controller parameters. The resulting FOPID controllers are then tested and compared with a conventional PID controller, as well as with some advanced controllers such as Linear Quadratic Gausian (LQG) and H ∞ controllers. The comparison is made in terms of various stability and robustness specifications, as well as the dimensions of the controllers as implemented. Lastly, to validate the proposed method, experimental testing is carried out on a single-stage centrifugal compressor test rig equipped with magnetic bearings. The results show that, with a proper selection of gains and fractional orders, the performance of the resulting FOPID is similar to those of the advanced controllers.
Fused-Ring Oxazolopyrrolopyridopyrimidine Systems with Gram-Negative Activity
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Moloney Jonathan , Christensen Kirsten , Moloney Mark
Published: January 2017

Fused polyheterocyclic derivatives are available by annulation of a tetramate scaffold, and been shown to have antibacterial activity against a Gram-negative, but not a Gram-positive, bacterial strain. While the activity is not potent, these systems are structurally novel showing, in particular, a high level of polarity, and offer potential for the optimization of antibacterial activity.
Luminescent Properties of Silicon Nanocrystals:Spin on Glass Hybrid Materials
Authors: Vásquez-Agustín Marco , Cortazar-Martínez Orlando , González-Fernández Alfredo , Andraca-Adame José , Morales-Sánchez Alfredo , Aceves-Mijares Mariano
Published: January 2017

The photoluminescence characteristics of films consisting of Si nanocrystals either coated with or embedded into Spin on Glass (SOG) were studied. Si nanocrystals showing red or blue luminescence when suspended in alcohol solution were obtained from porous silicon films. These were then either deposited in Si substrates and coated with SOG, or mixed in an SOG solution that was later spun on Si substrates. Both types of films were thermally annealed at 1100 °C for three hours in N2 atmosphere. Transmission electron microscopy measurements showed a mean diameter of 2.5 nm for the Si nanocrystals, as well as the presence of polycrystalline Si nanoagglomerates. These results were confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed the (111), (220) and (311) Bragg peaks in Si nanocrystals. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies showed that the coated films present higher chemical reactivity, promoting the formation of non-stoichiometric SiO2, while the embedded films behave as a stoichiometric SiO2 after the thermal annealing. The PL (photoluminescence) characterization showed that both embedded and coated films present emission dominated by the Quantum Confinement Effect before undergoing any thermal treatment. After annealing, the spectra were found to be modified only in the case of the coated films, due to the formation of defects in the nanocrystals/SiO2 interface.
Single Electrode Deep Brain Stimulation with Dual Targeting at Dual Frequency for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hollingworth Milo , Sims-Williams Hugh , Pickering Anthony , Barua Neil , Patel Nikunj
Published: January 2017

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been used to target many deep brain structures for the treatment of chronic pain. The periaqueductal grey and periventricular grey (PAG/PVG) is an effective target but results are variable, sometimes short-lived or subject to tolerance. The centromedian intra-laminar parafascicular complex (CMPf) modulates medial pain pathways and CMPf DBS may address the affective aspects of pain perception. Stimulation of multiple deep brain targets may offer a strategy to optimize management of patients with complex pain symptomatology. However, previous attempts to stimulate multiple targets requires multiple trajectories and considerable expense. Using a single electrode to stimulate multiple targets would help overcome these challenges. A pre-requisite of such a technique is the ability to use different stimulation parameters at different contacts simultaneously on the same electrode. We describe a novel technique in 3 patients with chronic pain syndromes for whom conventional medical and/or neuromodulation therapy had failed using a single electrode technique to stimulate PVG/PAG and CMPf at dual frequencies.
Pressure Fluctuations in the S-Shaped Region of a Reversible Pump-Turbine
Authors: Wang Zijie , Zhu Baoshan , Wang Xuhe , Qin Daqing
Published: January 2017

Numerical simulations were performed to investigate pressure fluctuations in the S-shaped region of a pump-turbine model. Analyses focused on pressure fluctuations in the draft tube and in the gap between the guide vanes and runner. Calculations were made under six different operating conditions with a constant guide vane opening, and the best efficiency point, runaway point, and low-discharge point in the turbine brake zone were determined. The simulated results were compared with experimental measurements. In the draft tube, a twin vortex rope was observed. In the gap between the guide vanes and runner, a low frequency component was captured at both the runaway and low-discharge points in the turbine brake zone, which rotated at 65% of the runner frequency. This low frequency component was induced by the rotating stall phenomenon. At the runaway point, a single stall cell was found in the gap between the guide vanes and runner, while at the low-discharge point, four stall cells were observed.
Evaluation of Potential Average Daily Doses (ADDs) of PM2.5 for Homemakers Conducting Pan-Frying Inside Ordinary Homes under Four Ventilation Conditions
Authors: Lee Seonyeop , Yu Sol , Kim Sungroul
Published: January 2017

Several studies reported that commercial barbecue restaurants likely contribute to the indoor emission of particulate matters with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) while pan-frying meat. However, there is inadequate knowledge of exposure level to indoor PM2.5 in homes and the contribution of a typical indoor pan-frying event. We measured the indoor PM2.5 concentration and, using Monte-Carlo simulation, estimated potential average daily dose (ADD) of PM2.5 for homemakers pan-frying a piece of pork inside ordinary homes. Convenience-based sampling at 13 homes was conducted over four consecutive days in June 2013 (n = 52). Although we pan-fried 100 g pork for only 9 min, the median (interquartile range, IQR) value was 4.5 (2.2–5.6) mg/m3 for no ventilation and 0.5 (0.1–1.3) mg/m3 with an active stove hood ventilation system over a 2 h sampling interval. The probabilities that the ADDs from inhalation of indoor PM2.5 would be higher than the ADD from inhalation of PM2.5 on an outdoor roadside (4.6 μg/kg·day) were 99.44%, 97.51%, 93.64%, and 67.23%, depending on the ventilation conditions: (1) no window open; (2) one window open in the kitchen; (3) two windows open, one each in the kitchen and living room; and (4) operating a forced-air stove hood, respectively.
Occurrence of Emerging Micropollutants in Water Systems in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West Provinces, South Africa
Authors: Wanda Elijah , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Mamba Bhekie , Msagati Titus
Published: January 2017

The ubiquitous occurrence of emerging micropollutants (EMPs) in water is an issue of growing environmental-health concern worldwide. However, there remains a paucity of data regarding their levels and occurrence in water. This study determined the occurrence of EMPs namely: carbamazepine (CBZ), galaxolide (HHCB), caffeine (CAF), tonalide (AHTN), 4-nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in water from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces, South Africa using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-HRTOFMS). Kruskal-Wallis test and ANOVA were performed to determine temporal variations in occurrence of the EMPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Surfer Golden Graphics software for surface mapping were used to determine spatial variations in levels and occurrence of the EMPs. The mean levels ranged from 11.22 ± 18.8 ng/L for CAF to 158.49 ± 662 ng/L for HHCB. There was no evidence of statistically significant temporal variations in occurrence of EMPs in water. Nevertheless, their levels and occurrence vary spatially and are a function of two principal components (PCs, PC1 and PC2) which controlled 89.99% of the variance. BPA was the most widely distributed EMP, which was present in 62% of the water samples. The detected EMPs pose ecotoxicological risks in water samples, especially those from Mpumalanga province.
Osteocyte Alterations Induce Osteoclastogenesis in an In Vitro Model of Gaucher Disease
Authors: Bondar Constanza , Ormazabal Maximiliano , Crivaro Andrea , Ferreyra-Compagnucci Malena , Delpino María , Rozenfeld Paula , Mucci Juan
Published: January 2017

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by mutations in the glucosylceramidase β (GBA 1) gene that confer a deficient level of activity of glucocerebrosidase (GCase). This deficiency leads to the accumulation of the glycolipid glucocerebroside in the lysosomes of cells, mainly in the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Its mildest form is Type I GD, characterized by non-neuronopathic involvement. Bone compromise is the most disabling aspect of the Gaucher disease. However, the pathophysiological aspects of skeletal alterations are not yet fully understood. The bone tissue homeostasis is maintained by a balance between resorption of old bone by osteoclasts and new bone formation by osteoblasts. A central player in this balance is the osteocyte as it controls both processes. We studied the involvement of osteocytes in an in vitro chemical model of Gaucher disease. The osteocyte cell line MLO-Y4 was exposed to conduritol-β-epoxide (CBE), an inhibitor of GCase, for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. Conditioned media from CBE-treated osteocytes was found to induce osteoclast differentiation. GCase inhibition caused alterations in Cx43 expression and distribution pattern and an increase in osteocyte apoptosis. Osteoclast differentiation involved osteocyte apoptotic bodies, receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) and soluble factors. Thus, our results indicate that osteocytes may have a role to play in the bone pathophysiology of GD.
Effects of Iodine Doping on Optoelectronic and Chemical Properties of Polyterpenol Thin Films
Authors: Bazaka Kateryna , Jacob Mohan
Published: January 2017

Owing to their amorphous, highly cross-liked nature, most plasma polymers display dielectric properties. This study investigates iodine doping as the means to tune optoelectronic properties of plasma polymer derived from a low-cost, renewable resource, i.e., Melaleuca alternifolia oil. In situ exposure of polyterpenol to vapors of electron-accepting dopant reduced the optical band gap to 1.5 eV and increased the conductivity from 5.05 × 10−8 S/cm to 1.20 × 10−6 S/cm. The increased conductivity may, in part, be attributed to the formation of charge-transfer complexes between the polymer chain and halogen, which act as a cation and anion, respectively. Higher levels of doping notably increased the refractive index, from 1.54 to 1.70 (at 500 nm), and significantly reduced the transparency of films.
Nano-Photonic Structures for Light Trapping in Ultra-Thin Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Pathi Prathap , Peer Akshit , Biswas Rana
Published: January 2017

Thick wafer-silicon is the dominant solar cell technology. It is of great interest to develop ultra-thin solar cells that can reduce materials usage, but still achieve acceptable performance and high solar absorption. Accordingly, we developed a highly absorbing ultra-thin crystalline Si based solar cell architecture using periodically patterned front and rear dielectric nanocone arrays which provide enhanced light trapping. The rear nanocones are embedded in a silver back reflector. In contrast to previous approaches, we utilize dielectric photonic crystals with a completely flat silicon absorber layer, providing expected high electronic quality and low carrier recombination. This architecture creates a dense mesh of wave-guided modes at near-infrared wavelengths in the absorber layer, generating enhanced absorption. For thin silicon (<2 μm) and 750 nm pitch arrays, scattering matrix simulations predict enhancements exceeding 90%. Absorption approaches the Lambertian limit at small thicknesses (<10 μm) and is slightly lower (by ~5%) at wafer-scale thicknesses. Parasitic losses are ~25% for ultra-thin (2 μm) silicon and just 1%–2% for thicker (>100 μm) cells. There is potential for 20 μm thick cells to provide 30 mA/cm2 photo-current and >20% efficiency. This architecture has great promise for ultra-thin silicon solar panels with reduced material utilization and enhanced light-trapping.
Nitrogen Doped Macroporous Carbon as Electrode Materials for High Capacity of Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Yudong , Xu Xianzhu , He Yanzhen , Jiang Yanqiu , Lin Kaifeng
Published: January 2017

Nitrogen doped carbon materials as electrodes of supercapacitors have attracted abundant attention. Herein, we demonstrated a method to synthesize N-doped macroporous carbon materials (NMC) with continuous channels and large size pores carbonized from polyaniline using multiporous silica beads as sacrificial templates to act as electrode materials in supercapacitors. By the nice carbonized process, i.e., pre-carbonization at 400 °C and then pyrolysis at 700/800/900/1000 °C, NMC replicas with high BET specific surface areas exhibit excellent stability and recyclability as well as superb capacitance behavior (~413 F ⋅ g−1) in alkaline electrolyte. This research may provide a method to synthesize macroporous materials with continuous channels and hierarchical pores to enhance the infiltration and mass transfer not only used as electrode, but also as catalyst somewhere micro- or mesopores do not work well.
IceMap250—Automatic 250 m Sea Ice Extent Mapping Using MODIS Data
Authors: Gignac Charles , Bernier Monique , Chokmani Karem , Poulin Jimmy
Published: January 2017

The sea ice cover in the North evolves at a rapid rate. To adequately monitor this evolution, tools with high temporal and spatial resolution are needed. This paper presents IceMap250, an automatic sea ice extent mapping algorithm using MODIS reflective/emissive bands. Hybrid cloud-masking using both the MOD35 mask and a visibility mask, combined with downscaling of Bands 3–7 to 250 m, are utilized to delineate sea ice extent using a decision tree approach. IceMap250 was tested on scenes from the freeze-up, stable cover, and melt seasons in the Hudson Bay complex, in Northeastern Canada. IceMap250 first product is a daily composite sea ice presence map at 250 m. Validation based on comparisons with photo-interpreted ground-truth show the ability of the algorithm to achieve high classification accuracy, with kappa values systematically over 90%. IceMap250 second product is a weekly clear sky map that provides a synthesis of 7 days of daily composite maps. This map, produced using a majority filter, makes the sea ice presence map even more accurate by filtering out the effects of isolated classification errors. The synthesis maps show spatial consistency through time when compared to passive microwave and national ice services maps.
Monitoring Annual Urban Changes in a Rapidly Growing Portion of Northwest Arkansas with a 20-Year Landsat Record
Authors: Reynolds Ryan , Liang Lu , Li XueCao , Dennis John
Published: January 2017

Northwest Arkansas has undergone a significant urban transformation in the past several decades and is considered to be one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. The urban area expansion and the associated demographic increases bring unprecedented pressure to the environment and natural resources. To better understand the consequences of urbanization, accurate and long-term depiction on urban dynamics is critical. Although urban mapping activities using remote sensing have been widely conducted, long-term urban growth mapping at an annual pace is rare and the low accuracy of change detection remains a challenge. In this study, a time series Landsat stack covering the period from 1995 to 2015 was employed to detect the urban dynamics in Northwest Arkansas via a two-stage classification approach. A set of spectral indices that have been proven to be useful in urban area extraction together with the original Landsat spectral bands were used in the maximum likelihood classifier and random forest classifier to distinguish urban from non-urban pixels for each year. A temporal trajectory polishing method, involving temporal filtering and heuristic reasoning, was then applied to the sequence of classified urban maps for further improvement. Based on a set of validation samples selected for five distinct years, the average overall accuracy of the final polished maps was 91%, which improved the preliminary classifications by over 10%. Moreover, results from this study also indicated that the temporal trajectory polishing method was most effective with initial low accuracy classifications. The resulting urban dynamic map is expected to provide unprecedented details about the area, spatial configuration, and growing trends of urban land-cover in Northwest Arkansas.
Factors Affecting the Survival of SMEs: A Study of Biotechnology Firms in South Korea
Authors: Shin Kwangsoo , Park Gunno , Choi Jae , Choy Minkyung
Published: January 2017

Past studies examining survival factors of biotechnology firms have focused on pioneer countries, such as the USA, the UK and Germany. However, as the biotechnology industry in Asia is reaching the take-off stage and showing a high growth rate, the research on survival factors in the context of Asian latecomers is needed. The present research investigates internal and external factors affecting the survival of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in the biotechnology industry in South Korea. The Cox hazard model was employed to perform a robust estimation in survival analysis. The analysis of internal factors showed that the origin of a firm (i.e., having prior experience or spin-offs) and the business sub-sector (i.e., platform-based) affect the hazard rates of biotechnology firms. In terms of external factors, unlike strategic alliances, government R&D funding lowered hazard rates for the firm’s survival. Additionally, considering that the reasons of firm exit can be divided into bankruptcy and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions), the different effects of origins from other firms and strategic alliance for firm survival are confirmed. The results suggest that prior experience, platform-based and constant government R&D funding contribute to the sustainable development of SMEs in the biotechnology industry.
Determinants of Residential Solid Waste Management Services Provision: A Village-Level Analysis in Rural China
Authors: Pan Dan , Ying Ruiyao , Huang Zuhui
Published: January 2017

Providing residential solid waste collection (RSWC) services is the first and most indispensable part of residential solid waste management and is crucial for rural environment protection. This paper seeks to analyze the determinants of RSWC services’ provision at the village level, based on a latest survey data set of 150 villages in the Poyang Lake Eco-Economic Zone (PLEEZ) in Jiangxi Province. Using a Probit regression model and a Bivariate Probit regression model, our results indicated that: (1) The provision of RSWC services is not evenly distributed and richer villages have more RSWC services; (2) A showcasing phenomenon exists in the provision of RSWC services. Villages that are more populous, nearer to the township government, and located in the new countryside and old liberated areas saw an increase in the provision of RSWC facilities, services that will more easily showcase village leaders’ political achievement, while the provision of RSWC workers and both RSWC facilities and workers, services that will less easily showcase village leaders’ political achievement, do not increase in these villages; (3) Informal governance characteristics, such as the ratio of largest family clans, whether village leaders come from the village’s largest family clans, and the number of people working in the upper-level government have strong predictive power over the provision of RSWC services, while formal governance characteristics, such as elections, do not matter in RSWC services’ provision.
Managing European Cross Border Cooperation Projects on Sustainability: A Focus on MESP Project
Authors: Schenone Corrado , Marrè Brunenghi Margherita , Pittaluga Ilaria , Hajar Abdelrahman , Kamali Walid , Montaresi Federica , Rasheed Mohammed , Wahab Abdallah , El Moghrabi Yara , Manasrah Riyad , Merhaby Dima , Montani Lorenzo
Published: January 2017

International cooperation is a must to achieve the goal of sustainable development, since only through cross border actions’ complex issues like environmental degradation can be faced. Supranational initiatives and shared objectives are the only path for getting a durable and effective green strategy, which transcends boundaries or governments and fosters a common effort for sustainability through networking. The European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) aims at reinforcing cooperation between the European Union (EU) and partner countries’ regions placed along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. To this extent, MESP (Managing the Environmental Sustainability of Ports for a durable development) can be considered as a typical cross border cooperation project, willing to create a sustainable environmental management of port in northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean basin. This has been achieved through the development of specific guidelines towards environmental sustainability and the collection of common tools, methodologies, good practices and innovations focused on pollution reduction that can be replicated in Mediterranean ports and further. This was possible through the creation of a strong cooperation network and long-lasting collaborations among partners and stakeholders such as harbour cities, port authorities, universities, research centres and scientific skills.
The Influence of the Toxin/Antitoxin mazEF on Growth and Survival of Listeria monocytogenes under Stress
Authors: Curtis Thomas , Takeuchi Ippei , Gram Lone , Knudsen Gitte
Published: January 2017

A major factor in the resilience of Listeria monocytogenes is the alternative sigma factor B (σB). Type II Toxin/Antitoxin (TA) systems are also known to have a role in the bacterial stress response upon activation via the ClpP or Lon proteases. Directly upstream of the σB operon in L. monocytogenes is the TA system mazEF, which can cleave mRNA at UACMU sites. In this study, we showed that the mazEF TA locus does not affect the level of persister formation during treatment with antibiotics in lethal doses, but exerts different effects according to the sub-inhibitory stress added. Growth of a ΔmazEF mutant was enhanced relative to the wildtype in the presence of sub-inhibitory norfloxacin and at 42 °C, but was decreased when challenged with ampicillin and gentamicin. In contrast to studies in Staphylococcus aureus, we found that the mazEF locus did not affect transcription of genes within the σB operon, but MazEF effected the expression of the σB-dependent genes opuCA and lmo0880, with a 0.22 and 0.05 fold change, respectively, compared to the wildtype under sub-inhibitory norfloxacin conditions. How exactly this system operates remains an open question, however, our data indicates it is not analogous to the system of S. aureus, suggesting a novel mode of action for MazEF in L. monocytogenes.
Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Effluents from Different On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems across Finland and Sweden
Authors: Heinonen-Tanski Helvi , Matikka Ville
Published: January 2017

Domestic wastewaters, which cannot be disposed through sewage networks, must be treated with different on-site treatment systems; these are usually commercial, small-scale treatment plants or built sand filters. These systems are usually maintained by the house’s inhabitants. This study was achieved by analysing the chemical and microbiological data of 717 effluents collected in Finland and Sweden. There were inadequate reductions in 31% of phosphorus effluents, 22% of nitrogen effluents and 5% of biological oxygen demand compounds. The addition of a coagulant capable of precipitating phosphorus improved the performance of sand filters and biorotors. There are no legally binding limitations on the number of enteric microorganisms that can be present in an effluent, but the number of Escherichia coli and enterococci exceeded more than 100 colony forming units per 100 mL in 59% and 53% effluents studied, with the highest numbers for these indicators being more than 100,000 cfu per 100 mL. The number of E. coli and enterococci were lower when the concentration of phosphorus in effluent was less than 1 mg/L. The treatment efficiency varied extensively, even between similar plant models, possibly due to either irregular use, or after long pauses, when they were not being used. In addition, it is possible that the end users are not capable of properly maintaining these wastewater treatment plants.
Impacts of Ridge-Furrow Planting on Salt Stress and Cotton Yield under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Sun Chitao , Feng Di , Mi Zhaorong , Li Caixia , Zhang Junpeng , Gao Yang , Sun Jingsheng
Published: January 2017

Flat (F), mini-ditch (MD), and ridge-furrow (RF) are three conventional cotton planting patterns that are usually adopted around the world, yet soil and crop responses to these three patterns are poorly studied, as is their suitability for increasing yield for coastal areas in Eastern China. The effects of three planting methods on water and salt dynamics as well as on growth and lint yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were investigated in a saline field in Bohai Rim, China, to select the best planting pattern for cultivating coastal saline fields of Eastern China. Soil moisture in the root zone with RF was 11.9% and 12.1% higher than with F and MD, whereas the electrical conductivity of a saturated soil extract (ECe) in the root zone with RF was 18.0% and 13.8% lower than with MD and F, respectively, during the growth period, which indicated that RF could efficiently collect rainfall and leach salt in the root zone. After drip irrigation, the infiltration and salt-leaching depth with RF were both deeper than that with F and MD. The stand establishment of MD was the highest (80.3%) due to the greenhouse effect from film mulching, and was 12.8% and 4.6% higher than that with F and RF, respectively. Growth indicators and lint yield demonstrated that RF was superior to F and MD because of the higher soil moisture and lower ECe. The lint yield was significantly higher in RF, suggesting that RF can be an optimal planting pattern for agricultural reclamation in similar saline-alkaline areas around the world.
New Organ Representation Areas Localized Between Front & Back of the Human Neck and Body Their Potential Application to Metameric Acupuncture
Authors: Bredikhin A. V. , Bredikhin K. A. , Chekha O. A.
Published: January 2017

The article presents literature data and our own research on metameric acupuncture theory projection zones of visceral organs (Hirata area), interrelation of endocrine glands and vertebra (in Pak Jae Woo), internal organs and interspinous spacing (''Chzhud Chi''). By the method of molecular
and tissue identification (Y. Omura) we have isolated areas of the endocrine glands and internal organs, their key points allowing to use metameric acupuncture in order to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic process.