bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placement of Combined Heat, Power and Hydrogen Production Fuel Cell Power Plants in a Distribution Network
Authors: Farjah Ebrahim , Bornapour Mosayeb , Niknam Taher , Bahmanifirouzi Bahman
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a new Fuzzy Adaptive Modified Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (FAMPSO) for the placement of Fuel Cell Power Plants (FCPPs) in distribution systems. FCPPs, as Distributed Generation (DG) units, can be considered as Combined sources of Heat, Power, and Hydrogen (CHPH). CHPH operation of FCPPs can improve overall system efficiency, as well as produce hydrogen which can be stored for the future use of FCPPs or can be sold for profit. The objective functions investigated are minimizing the operating costs of electrical energy generation of distribution substations and FCPPs, minimizing the voltage deviation and minimizing the total emission. In this regard, this paper just considers the placement of CHPH FCPPs while investment cost of devices is not considered. Considering the fact that the objectives are different, non-commensurable and nonlinear, it is difficult to solve the problem using conventional approaches that may optimize a single objective. Moreover, the placement of FCPPs in distribution systems is a mixed integer problem. Therefore, this paper uses the FAMPSO algorithm to overcome these problems. For solving the proposed multi-objective problem, this paper utilizes the Pareto Optimality idea to obtain a set of solution in the multi-objective problem instead of only one. Also, a fuzzy system is used to tune parameters of FAMPSO algorithm such as inertia weight. The efficacy of the proposed approach is validated on a 69-bus distribution system.
Ammonium Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Clinoptilolite: Determination of Isotherm and Thermodynamic Parameters and Comparison of Kinetics by the Double Exponential Model and Conventional Kinetic Models
Authors: Tosun İsmail
Published: March 2012

The adsorption isotherm, the adsorption kinetics, and the thermodynamic parameters of ammonium removal from aqueous solution by using clinoptilolite in aqueous solution was investigated in this study. Experimental data obtained from batch equilibrium tests have been analyzed by four two-parameter (Freundlich, Langmuir, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R)) and four three-parameter (Redlich-Peterson (R-P), Sips, Toth and Khan) isotherm models. D-R and R-P isotherms were the models that best fitted to experimental data over the other two- and three-parameter models applied. The adsorption energy (E) from the D-R isotherm was found to be approximately 7 kJ/mol for the ammonium-clinoptilolite system, thereby indicating that ammonium is adsorbed on clinoptilolite by physisorption. Kinetic parameters were determined by analyzing the nth-order kinetic model, the modified second-order model and the double exponential model, and each model resulted in a coefficient of determination (R2) of above 0.989 with an average relative error lower than 5%. A Double Exponential Model (DEM) showed that the adsorption process develops in two stages as rapid and slow phase. Changes in standard free energy (∆G°), enthalpy (∆H°) and entropy (∆S°) of ammonium-clinoptilolite system were estimated by using the thermodynamic equilibrium coefficients.
Optimization of Serine Protease Purification from Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Chokanan) Peel in Polyethylene Glycol/Dextran Aqueous Two Phase System
Authors: Mehrnoush Amid , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam , Yazid Abdul Manap Mohd
Published: March 2012

Mango peel is a good source of protease but remains an industrial waste. This study focuses on the optimization of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/dextran-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) to purify serine protease from mango peel. The activity of serine protease in different phase systems was studied and then the possible relationship between the purification variables, namely polyethylene glycol molecular weight (PEG, 4000–12,000 g·mol−1), tie line length (−3.42–35.27%), NaCl (−2.5–11.5%) and pH (4.5–10.5) on the enzymatic properties of purified enzyme was investigated. The most significant effect of PEG was on the efficiency of serine protease purification. Also, there was a significant increase in the partition coefficient with the addition of 4.5% of NaCl to the system. This could be due to the high hydrophobicity of serine protease compared to protein contaminates. The optimum conditions to achieve high partition coefficient (84.2) purification factor (14.37) and yield (97.3%) of serine protease were obtained in the presence of 8000 g·mol−1 of PEG, 17.2% of tie line length and 4.5% of NaCl at pH 7.5. The enzymatic properties of purified serine protease using PEG/dextran ATPS showed that the enzyme could be purified at a high purification factor and yield with easy scale-up and fast processing.
Prediction of Bioluminescent Proteins Using Auto Covariance Transformation of Evolutional Profiles
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Li Jiakui , Huang Yanxin , Ma Zhiqiang , Yin Minghao
Published: March 2012

Bioluminescent proteins are important for various cellular processes, such as gene expression analysis, drug discovery, bioluminescent imaging, toxicity determination, and DNA sequencing studies. Hence, the correct identification of bioluminescent proteins is of great importance both for helping genome annotation and providing a supplementary role to experimental research to obtain insight into bioluminescent proteins’ functions. However, few computational methods are available for identifying bioluminescent proteins. Therefore, in this paper we develop a new method to predict bioluminescent proteins using a model based on position specific scoring matrix and auto covariance. Tested by 10-fold cross-validation and independent test, the accuracy of the proposed model reaches 85.17% for the training dataset and 90.71% for the testing dataset respectively. These results indicate that our predictor is a useful tool to predict bioluminescent proteins. This is the first study in which evolutionary information and local sequence environment information have been successfully integrated for predicting bioluminescent proteins. A web server (BLPre) that implements the proposed predictor is freely available.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Some Novel Bis-[1,3,4]thiadiazole and Bis-thiazole Pendant to Thieno[2,3-b]thiophene Moiety
Authors: Kheder Nabila Abdelshafy , Mabkhot Yahia Nasser
Published: March 2012

The synthetic utility of 3,3’-(3,4-dimethylthieno[2,3-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl)bis (3-oxopropanenitrile) (1) in the synthesis of some novel bis-[1,3,4-thiadiazole] 6a–g and bis-thiazole 10 and 13 derivatives with thieno[2,3-b]thiophene moiety is reported. Antimicrobial evaluation of some selected examples from the synthesized products was carried out and showed promising results.
Influence of the Depth on the Shape and Thickness of Nacre Tablets of Pinctada margaritifera Pearl Oyster, and on Oxygen Isotopic Composition
Authors: Rousseau Marthe , Rollion-Bard Claire
Published: March 2012

Nacre, or mother of pearl, is composed of aragonite tablets and is produced by some mollusks. Because of the highly organized internal structure, chemical complexity, mechanical properties and optical effects of nacre, its formation is among the best-studied examples of calcium carbonate biomineralization. The pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera is harvested in French Polynesia for pearl farming. The quality of the pearl depends on the quality of the nacre on its surface and its iridescent colors are affected by the thickness of the layers. Here we report on an experimental study conducted to influence the shape and the thickness of nacre tablets by keeping pearl oysters at four different depths (7, 20, 30 and 39 m) for one week. Scanning electron microscopy was used to measure the thickness of the nacre tablets and to analyze their final shape. The shape of the tablets changed from hexagonal to rhomboid at a depth of 39 m. The change in shape led to a change in size. The thickness of the tablets was reduced by between 16 and 30% on average. We also measured the oxygen isotopic composition using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. In this study, we demonstrated that depth can modify the size, shape and thickness of nacre tablets, but not the d18O. This environmental modification is important for the biomineralization of the shell of the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera.
Lithium Resources and Production: Critical Assessment and Global Projections
Authors: Mohr Steve H. , Mudd Gavin M. , Giurco Damien
Published: March 2012

This paper critically assesses if accessible lithium resources are sufficient for expanded demand due to lithium battery electric vehicles. The ultimately recoverable resources (URR) of lithium globally were estimated at between 19.3 (Case 1) and 55.0 (Case 3) Mt Li; Best Estimate (BE) was 23.6 Mt Li. The Mohr 2010 model was modified to project lithium supply. The Case 1 URR scenario indicates sufficient lithium for a 77% maximum penetration of lithium battery electric vehicles in 2080 whereas supply is adequate to beyond 2200 in the Case 3 URR scenario. Global lithium demand approached a maximum of 857 kt Li/y, with a 100% penetration of lithium vehicles, 3.5 people per car and 10 billion population.
Synthesis and Structural Determination of Novel 5-Arylidene-3-N(2-alkyloxyaryl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones
Authors: Toubal Khaled , Djafri Ayada , Chouaih Abdelkader , Talbi Abdou
Published: March 2012

As part of our project devoted to the synthesis of heterocycles including thiazole rings, some new 5-arylidene-2-thioxo-3-N-arylthiazolidin-4-ones were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation. An interesting feature of these compounds is that their chirality is induced by that of their 3-N-(2-alkyloxyaryl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one precursors, which in turn is due to the presence of a C2 axis of chirality. These new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR). The structure of compound (Z)-(2g) was further determined by X-ray diffraction.
Framework of National Non-Structural Measures for Flash Flood Disaster Prevention in China
Authors: Sun Dongya , Zhang Dawei , Cheng Xiaotao
Published: March 2012

In recent years, disasters caused by flash floods with many casualties have occurred frequently in China. In order to effectively prevent flash flood disasters, the State Council approved the National Flash Flood Control Planning (NFFCP) in 2006. In this planning, non-structural measures are recommended as the first step to be adopted in the prevention of flash floods, debris flow and landslide disasters caused by heavy rainfall. In order to effectively build up a comprehensive non-structural measure system for flash flood disaster prevention, the Ministry of Water Resources has asked the local authorities to conduct studies in 103 pilot counties aiming to explore practical schemes. Based on the experience from these pilot counties, the construction of non-structural measures on flash flood disaster prevention for 1836 counties was officially initiated in 2010. The contents of non-structural measures for flash flood disaster prevention at county level include eight aspects. This paper will systematically illustrate the main contents of this national project for the construction of non-structural measures for flash flood disaster prevention in China. This work could provide a reference for other countries and regions in terms of flash flood prevention.
Pulse-response measurement of frequency-resolved water dynamics on a hydrophilic surface using a Q-damped atomic force microscopy cantilever
Authors: Kageshima Masami
Published: March 2012

The frequency-resolved viscoelasticity of a hydration layer on a mica surface was studied by pulse-response measurement of a magnetically driven atomic force microscopy cantilever. Resonant ringing of the cantilever due to its 1st and 2nd resonance modes was suppressed by means of the Q-control technique. The Fourier–Laplace transform of the deflection signal of the cantilever gave the frequency-resolved complex compliance of the cantilever–sample system. The significant viscoelasticity spectrum of the hydration layer was successfully derived in a frequency range below 100 kHz by comparison of data obtained at a distance of 300 nm from the substrate with those taken in the proximity of the substrate. A positive value of the real part of the stiffness was determined and is attributed to the reported solidification of the hydration layers.
Asymptomatic Incidental Ductal Carcinomain situin a Male Breast Presenting with Contralateral Gynecomastia
Authors: Isley Laura M. , Leddy Rebecca J. , Rumboldt Tihana , Bernard Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2012

Ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) in males is rare and usually presents with symptoms on the affected side, such as, palpable mass or bloody nipple discharge. Even as DCIS has been reported in conjunction with gynecomastia in the same breast, we report an unusual case of a 62-year-old Caucasian male, with no family history of breast cancer, who presented with symptomatic side gynecomastia, and was incidentally found to have DCIS in a completely asymptomatic left breast. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report in literature of asymptomatic, incidentally discovered DCIS in a male patient.
Early Contralateral Shoulder-Arm Morbidity in Breast Cancer Patients Enrolled in a Randomized Trial of Post-Surgery Radiation Therapy
Authors: Adriaenssens Nele , Vinh-hung Vincent , Miedema Geertje , Versmessen Harijati , Lamote Jan , Vanhoeij Marian , Lievens Pierre , Van Parijs Hilde , Storme Guy , Voordeckers Mia , De Ridder Mark
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Shoulder/arm morbidity is a common complication of breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy (RT), but little is known about acute contralateral morbidity.

Methods

Patients were 118 women enrolled in a RT trial. Arm volume and shoulder mobility were assessed before and 1–3 months after RT. Correlations and linear regression were used to analyze changes affecting ipsilateral and contralateral arms, and changes affecting relative interlimb differences (RID).

Results

Changes affecting one limb correlated with changes affecting the other limb. Arm volume between the two limbs correlated (R = 0.57). Risk factors were weight increase and axillary dissection. Contralateral and ipsilateral loss of abduction strongly correlated (R = 0.78). Changes of combined RID exceeding 10% affected the ipsilateral limb in 25% of patients, and the contralateral limb in 18%. Aromatase inhibitor therapy was significantly associated with contralateral loss of abduction.

Conclusions

High incidence of early contralateral arm morbidity warrants further investigations.
State-of-the-Art Management of Patients Suffering from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Clifford Ruth , Schuh Anna
Published: March 2012

The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has evolved dramatically in the last decade. For the first time, clinical intervention has been shown to alter the natural history of the disease. Considerable efforts are focussing on better patient selection and response prediction, and it is expected that the publication of the first 200 CLL genomes will spark new insights into risk stratification of CLL patients. Besides, many new agents are being evaluated on their own and in combination therapy in early and late Phase clinical studies. Here, we provide a general clinical introduction into CLL including diagnosis and prognostic markers followed by a summary of the current state-of-the-art treatment. We point to areas of continued clinical research in particular for patients with co-morbidities and highlight the challenges in managing refractory disease.
Selection of Marker Genes Using Whole-Genome DNA Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Bohle Harry M. , Gabaldón Toni
Published: March 2012

Molecular markers serve to assign individual samples to specific groups. Such markers should be easily identified and have a high discrimination power, being highly conserved within groups while showing sufficient variability between the groups that are to be distinguished. The availability of a large number of complete genomic sequences now enables the informed selection of genes as molecular markers based on the observed patterns of variability. We derived a new scoring system based on observed DNA polymorphic differences, and which uses the Bayes theorem as adapted by Wilcox. For validation, we applied this system to the problem of identifying individual species within a prokaryotic ( Vibrio) and a eukaryotic ( Diphyllobothrium) genus for validation. Top-scoring candidates genes Chromosome segregation ATPase and ATPase-subunit 6 showed better discrimination power in Vibrio and Diphyllobothrium, respectively, as compared to standard molecular markers ( recA, dnaJ and atpA for Vibrio, and 18s rRNA, ITS and COX1 for Diphyllobothrium).
Design of a mobile aerosol research laboratory and data processing tools for effective stationary and mobile field measurements
Authors: Drewnick F. , Böttger T. , von der Weiden-Reinmüller S.-L. , Zorn S. R. , Klimach T. , Schneider J. , Borrmann S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. A~compact mobile aerosol research laboratory (MoLa) for stationary and mobile measurements of aerosol and trace gas characteristics was developed at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC). Major efforts were made to design an aerosol inlet system which is optimized and characterized for both, stationary and mobile measurements. The instrumentation on board allows the determination of a multitude of physical and chemical aerosol parameters, for example particle number and mass concentration (PM1/2.5/10), particle size distributions in the diameter range 6 nm up to 32 μm, and chemical composition of the sub-micron aerosol. Furthermore trace gas concentrations of O3, SO2, CO, CO2, NO, NO2 and water vapor as well as meteorological parameters like temperature, relative humidity, pressure, wind, solar radiation and precipitation are measured together with various housekeeping parameters. All instruments collect data with high time resolution in the second to minute-range. The measurement platform as well as data acquisition and handling tools are optimized for efficient application to various measurement settings. The mobile laboratory is designed to be used for mobile investigation of anthropogenically influenced environments. Possible applications include pollutant mapping, chasing of mobile sources or Lagrangian-type measurements in emission plumes, but also stationary measurements with possible frequent position changes and a well-characterized instrument setup. In addition to the design and features of the mobile laboratory, its inlet system and instrumentation as well as examples of applications of this platform are presented. Challenges associated with such measurements and approaches to extract the desired information from the mobile data sets are discussed.
Soot Reference Materials for instrument calibration and intercomparisons: a workshop summary with recommendations
Authors: Baumgardner D. , Popovicheva O. , Allan J. , Bernardoni V. , Cao J. , Cavalli F. , Cozic J. , Diapouli E. , Eleftheriadis K. , Genberg P. J. , Gonzalez C. , Gysel M. , John A. , Kirchstetter T. W. , Kuhlbusch T. A. J. , Laborde M. , Lack D. , Müller T. , Niessner R. , Petzold A. , Piazzalunga A. , Putaud J. P. , Schwarz J. , Sheridan P. , Subramanian R. , Swietlicki E. , Valli G. , Vecchi R. , Viana M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Soot, which is produced from biomass burning and the incomplete combustion of fossil and biomass fuels, has been linked to regional and global climate change and to negative health problems. Scientists measure soot using a variety of methods in order to quantify source emissions and understand its atmospheric chemistry, reactivity under emission conditions, interaction with solar radiation, influence on clouds, and health impacts. A major obstacle currently limiting progress is the absence of established standards or reference materials for calibrating the many instruments used to measure the various properties of soot. The current state of availability and practicability of soot standard reference materials (SRMs) was reviewed by a group of 50 international experts during a workshop in June of 2011. The workshop was convened to summarize the current knowledge on soot measurement techniques, identify the measurement uncertainties and limitations related to the lack of SRMs, and identify attributes of SRMs that, if developed, would reduce measurement uncertainties. The workshop established that suitable SRMs are available for calibrating some, but not all, measurement methods. The community of single-particle sootphotometer (SP2) users identified a suitable SRM, fullerene soot, but users of instruments that measure light absorption by soot collected on filters did not. Similarly, those who use thermal optical analysis (TOA) to analyze the organic and elemental carbon components of soot were not satisfied with current SRMs. The workshop produced recommendations for the development of new SRMs that would be suitable for the different soot measurement methods.
Continental atmospheric circulation over Europe during the Little Ice Age inferred from grape harvest dates
Authors: Yiou P. , García de Cortázar-Atauri I. , Chuine I. , Daux V. , Garnier E. , Viovy N. , van Leeuwen C. , Parker A. K. , Boursiquot J.-M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Estimates of climate conditions before the 19th century are based on proxy data reconstructions or sparse meteorological measurements. The reconstruction of the atmospheric circulation that prevailed during the European Little Ice Age (∼1500–1850) has fostered many efforts. This study illustrates a methodology, combining historical proxies and modern datasets to obtain detailed information on the atmospheric circulation that prevailed over the North Atlantic region during the Little Ice Age. We used reconstructions of temperature gradients over France based on grape harvest dates to infer the atmospheric circulation. We found that blocking situations were more likely in summer, inducing a continental atmospheric flow. This study advocates that the reconstructions of the past atmospheric circulation should take this regime into account.
Quantifying the contribution of glacier runoff to streamflow in the upper Columbia River Basin, Canada
Authors: Jost G. , Moore R. D. , Menounos B. , Wheate R.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Glacier melt provides important contributions to streamflow in many mountainous regions. Hydrologic model calibration in glacier-fed catchments is difficult because errors in modelling snow accumulation can be offset by compensating errors in glacier melt. This problem is particularly severe in catchments with modest glacier cover, where goodness-of-fit statistics such as the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency may not be highly sensitive to the streamflow variance associated with glacier melt. While glacier mass balance measurements can be used to aid model calibration, they are absent for most catchments. We introduce the use of glacier volume change determined from repeated glacier mapping in a guided GLUE (generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation) procedure to calibrate a hydrologic model. This approach is applied to the Mica basin in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin using the HBV-EC hydrologic model. Use of glacier volume change in the calibration procedure effectively reduced parameter uncertainty and helped to ensure that the model was accurately predicting glacier mass balance as well as streamflow. The seasonal and interannual variations in glacier melt contributions were assessed by running the calibrated model with historic glacier cover and also after converting all glacierized areas to alpine land cover in the model setup. Sensitivity of modelled streamflow to historic changes in glacier cover and to projected glacier changes for a climate warming scenario was assessed by comparing simulations using static glacier cover to simulations that accommodated dynamic changes in glacier area. Although glaciers in the Mica basin only cover 5% of the watershed, glacier ice melt contributes up to 25% and 35% of streamflow in August and September, respectively. The mean annual contribution of ice melt to total streamflow varied between 3 and 9% and averaged 6%. Glacier ice melt is particularly important during warm, dry summers following winters with low snow accumulation and early snowpack depletion. Although the sensitivity of streamflow to historic glacier area changes is small and within parameter uncertainties, our results suggest that glacier area changes have to be accounted for in future projections of late summer streamflow. Our approach provides an effective and widely applicable method to calibrate hydrologic models in glacier fed catchments, as well as to quantify the magnitude and timing of glacier melt contributions to streamflow.
Hydrological education and training needs in sub-Saharan Africa: requirements, constraints and progress
Authors: Hughes D. A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. This paper represents a perspective on the education and training needs related to hydrology and water resources science within the sub-Saharan Africa region and discusses the requirements of the region, some of the relatively recent developments and initiatives and some of the constraints that exist and remain difficult to surmount. The requirements include the development of academic research capacity and technical skill for both the private and public sector at a variety of levels. Some of the constraints that exist include a lack of adequate funding, lack of follow-up after short training courses, lack of institutional support to continue training, and competition for major water resources development projects from organizations outside the region. One of the main conclusions is that to sustain both educational and practical expertise in hydrology and water resources science within the region there is a need to build a "critical mass" of local expertise. Part of this could be achieved by increasing networking within the region and promoting the sharing of information, tools and expertise. There is also a need to promote institutional support.
Calibration of the modified Bartlett-Lewis model using global optimization techniques and alternative objective functions
Authors: Vanhaute W. J. , Vandenberghe S. , Scheerlinck K. , De Baets B. , Verhoest N. E. C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The calibration of stochastic point process rainfall models, such as of the Bartlett-Lewis type, suffers from the presence of multiple local minima which local search algorithms usually fail to avoid. To meet this shortcoming, four relatively new global optimization methods are presented and tested for their ability to calibrate the Modified Bartlett-Lewis Model. The list of tested methods consists of: the Downhill Simplex Method, Simplex-Simulated Annealing, Particle Swarm Optimization and Shuffled Complex Evolution. The parameters of these algorithms are first optimized to ensure optimal performance, after which they are used for calibration of the Modified Bartlett-Lewis model. Furthermore, this paper addresses the choice of weights in the objective function. Three alternative weighing methods are compared to determine whether or not simulation results (obtained after calibration with the best optimization method) are influenced by the choice of weights.
Key business factors for eco-innovation: an overview of recent firm-level empirical studies
Authors:   Department of Applied Economics, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Avenida do Burgo, s/n 15782, Santiago de Compostela. angeles.pereira@usc.es, Pereira Ángeles , Vence Xavier ,   Department of Applied Economics, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Avenida do Burgo, s/n 15782, Santiago de Compostela. xavier.vence@usc.es
Published: March 2012

The increasing interest in eco-innovation or environmental innovation as a strategy not only to address the serious global environmental problems but also as a source of competitive advantages for companies and for the emergence of new business areas, leads us to try to identify the different factors that act as determinants of its development and adoption at the micro level. In this paper we integrate the findings from several recent empirical studies according to our own classification of factors derived from the variables used in those analyses. From a conventional perspective we referred to the structural characteristics of firms (size, sector, age), the business logic (cost savings, market expansion) or to its technological competence (R&D, path dependencies, qualification of staff and management, cooperation and participation in networks, etc.). We added another category to refer to organizational or marketing innovations that reflect the existence of a certain environmental strategy within the company. In general, the findings show that factors influencing conventional innovation also work in relation to eco-innovation, in particular those related to cost savings and technological competence. Therefore, along with a stringent environmental regulation (justified because of the specific characteristics of eco-innovation) specific supply and demand side instruments are convenient. Measures to disseminate environmental information amongst all stakeholders can also be very useful to promote environmentally friendly and economically viable products and processes, as well as forms of organization and new business.
Introduction: A Variety of Innovation Topics and Approaches
Authors:   Departamento de Economía Aplicada I.Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales - UPV/EHU. Avda. Lehendakari Agirre, 83 48015 Bilbao. miguel.gomez@ehu.es, Gómez Uranga Mikel , Etxebarria Kerexeta Goio ,   Departamento de Economía Aplicada I. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y de la Comunicación - UPV/EHU. Barrio Sarriena s/n 48940 Leioa – Bizkaia. goio.etxebarria@ehu.es
Published: March 2012

This introductory article to the special issue of the journal Cuadernos de Gestión consists of two clearly differentiated sections. The first contains some ideas which may prove useful for readers approaching the topic of innovation and who find a wide range of concepts. Special care has been taken to offer a full explanation of the concept of "Open Innovation" (OI). OI arises from companies having realized that they cannot innovate when they are isolated. They constantly need to acquire ideas and resources from their external environment. As regards the concept of Regional Innovation Systems (RIS), which have been widely discussed in literature on innovation and regional development during the last fifteen years, some ideas which may be complimentary to OI are presented. The authors go on to show the characteristics and differences between the two concepts. The second section gives a brief overview of the rest of the articles that make up this monographic issue on innovation.
Effects of Aluminium Chloride Exposure on the Histology of the Cerebral Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Buraimoh Adebayo Adekunle , Ojo Samuel Adeniyi , Hambolu Joseph Olajide , Adebisi Sunday Samuel
Published: March 2012

Aluminium (Al) is presents in many manufactured foods, medicines and is also added to drinking water for purification purposes. Human exposure to Al has been increasing over the last decades. Al exposure and neurological impairments demonstrate mixed findings. The cerebral cortex is a sheet of neural tissue that is outer-most to the cerebrum of the mammalian brain and it plays a key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible effects that aluminium Chloride could have on the histology of cerebral cortex. Total of twenty adult wistar rats were used for this experiment. The wistar rats were divided into five groups; group I was the control, group II received 475mg/Kg, group III received 950mg/kg, group IV received 1,425mg/kg and group V received 1,900mg/kg via oral intubation for a duration of Eight weeks. The wistar rats were humanly sacrificed and the brain was removed and immediately fixed in bouin fluid. The histological observations of the aluminium treated groups revealed extensive neuronal vacuolation and necrosis (neuro-degeneration) of the cerebral cortex of wistar rats.Based on our observations, we therefore conclude that Aluminium chloride exposure has neurodegenerative effects on the histology of cerebral cortex of adult wistar rats especially at higher dose. Therefore, caution should be taken in its usage.
The Risk Factors for Nosocomial Infection in Chinese Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Shanghai
Authors: Xie Wei-Lin , Li Zhuo-Ling , Xu Zhen , Qu Huan-Ru , Xue Luan , Su Xiao , Wei Qiang-Hua , Wang Hui , Li Miao-Ying , Zhao Fu-Tao , Jiang Lin-Di , Zhang Jiong , Wan Wei-Guo , Dai Min , Yang Cheng-De , Guan Jian-Long , Su Li , Zhao Dong-Bao , He Dong-Yi , Xu Hu-Ji , Zou He-Jian , Bao Chun-De
Published: March 2012

Objective. To analyse the potential risk factors of nosocomial infections in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. A total of 2452 active RA patients at Hospitals in Shanghai between January 2009 and February 2011 were analyzed. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with those without infection, and the potential risk factors were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results. Multivariate analysis indicated the gender (OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.92), duration in hospital (OR=1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05), number of organs involved (OR=0.82, 95%CI 0.72–0.92), number of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs ((DMARDs) (OR=1.22, 95%CI 1.061–1.40)), corticosteroid therapy (OR=1.02, 95%CI 1.01–1.03), peripheral white blood cell counts ((WBC) (OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.00–1.08)), levels of serum albumin (OR=0.98, 95%CI 0.97–0.99), and C-reactive protein ((CRP) (OR=1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.04)) that were significantly associated with the risk of infections. Conclusion. The female patients, longer hospital stay, more organs involved, more DMARDs, corticosteroid usage, high counts of WBC, lower serum albumin, and higher serum CRP were independent risk factors of infections in active RA patients.
Pulso entre poderes en el Nuevo Reino de León, 1723-1731: el gobernador Arriaga y el regidor García de Pruneda
Authors: Baeza Martín Ascensión
Published: March 2012

Focado na região fronteiriça do Novo Reino de León nas primeiras décadas do século XVIII, onde a convivência entre colonos e índios continuou conflitiva como em outras épocas, este trabalho investiga as relações entre o poder provincial e municipal, sua estrutura, vínculos e efeitos. Por meio, principalmente, da análise dos processos judiciais, reconstroem-se as motivações de seus enfrentamentos e sublinha-se a força do poder local quando se somam as já tradicionais redes familiares e clientelistas ao acúmulo de encargos no mesmo indivíduo.
Laços sociais e práticas políticas na fronteira sul de Córdoba em uma década chave: 1870-1880
Authors: Basconzuelo Celia Cristina
Published: March 2012

É uma afirmação geral que o Estado central passou por um processo de maior consolidação a partir da década de 1870. Ao mesmo tempo, e dentro dos estados provinciais, as relações político-administrativas entre as unidades integrantes também estavam sendo redefinidas; departamentos e municípios, no caso de Córdoba. Este artigo trata de uma região, o sul da província de Córdoba, que no final do século XIX foi reformulada territorial e administrativamente como um "departamento", mas ao mesmo tempo continuou a se desenvolver em seu papel de zona "fronteiriça". , para explicar nele a dinâmica dos laços sociais e políticos construídos. Esses vínculos estavam ancorados na diversidade de práticas institucionais geradas a partir do exercício de funções públicas (militar, judiciária, policial, política) ou do trabalho missionário. Esses vínculos, aliados às práticas institucionais e à defesa dos interesses locais, operaram numa perspectiva territorial; mas também foram mediados por esse personagem fronteiriço. Por meio dessa análise, mostrar-se-á como se fortaleceram laços de diferentes graus, que tiveram uma funcionalidade social e também política, pois serviram como estratégia para construir poder na região, articular relações com a província ou instalar na agenda do governo o representação de interesses departamentais. Mesmo esses vínculos políticos poderiam irradiar sua influência para o plano eleitoral, fornecendo às facções oficiais e de oposição uma equação que poderia ser vitoriosa. A escolha do departamento de Río Cuarto, no sul de Córdoba, e a referência temporal à década de 1970, respondem ao interesse em investigar esse problema em uma região que foi povoada na fronteira até 1879, localizada no cruzamento de rotas comerciais e onde uma elite local renovada em sua composição pela incorporação de cordobes da capital, identificados com o comércio e a pecuária controlava a estrutura institucional da cidade e a campanha. Ao mesmo tempo, disputava espaços de poder em nível provincial, a partir da representação política nos órgãos do governo estadual.
Rivalidade imperial e comércio fronteiriço: aspectos do contrabando entre as missões espanholas de Mojos e Chiquitos e a capitania portuguesa de Mato Grosso (c. 1767-1800)
Authors: Carvalho Francismar Alex Lopes de
Published: March 2012

A contenda entre Espanha e Portugal pela definição da posse das regiões limítrofes das colônias da América foi acompanhada de políticas distintas no tocante ao comércio entre vassalos de ambos os impérios. Na segunda metade do século XVIII, na região do vale do rio Guaporé (centro da América do Sul), ao passo que havia rigorosa proibição ao contrabando por parte da Coroa espanhola, a Coroa portuguesa estimulava veladamente o comércio ilegal, que se tornou intensamente praticado por mercadores, missionários, militares e mesmo governadores. As missões de Mojos e Chiquitos e as regiões de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba e La Plata, embora produtoras de gado, sebo, mulas, cacau, cera, algodão e açúcar, sofriam com a escassez de artigos europeus devido ao monopólio comercial espanhol, situação que encorajava missionários e comerciantes a procurar fornecedores alternativos. Por sua vez, os portugueses, estimulados pela Coroa, contavam com pedras e metais preciosos das minas de Mato Grosso para adquirir os artigos de primeira necessidade indispensáveis ao abastecimento do Forte Príncipe da Beira, circunstância que propiciava uma articulação com os interesses de setores locais dos domínios espanhóis. Neste texto analiso os impactos do contrabando sobre instituições administrativas, comerciantes e povos indígenas desde o período pós-jesuítico, auge do contrabando, até a administração dos últimos governos reformistas espanhóis, responsáveis por tentativas de interdição.
Llanquitruz e a “máquina de guerra” Mapuche-Tehuelche: continuidades e rupturas na geopolítica indígena Patagônia (1850-1880)
Authors: Vezub Julio Esteban
Published: March 2012

Com o objetivo de elucidar a metamorfose das chefias Mapuche-Tehuelche no norte da Patagônia entre 1850 e 1880, este artigo compara os corpus de correspondências escritos em espanhol pelos primos Llanquitruz e Saygüeque com a ajuda de seus secretários, em momentos críticos de seus respectivos chefias. O autor explora as mudanças qualitativas entre cada estrutura política, propondo uma revisão do tropo da “máquina de guerra”, conceito desenvolvido por Deleuze e Guattari, útil para raciocinar sobre as estratégias nômades e sua ambivalência em relação ao poder. O artigo resgata essa metonímia para analisar a dinâmica de negociação e conflito entre essas chefias e o emergente estado da Argentina. Também reconhece as representações mapuche-tehuelche das estruturas de poder e parentesco, território e geopolítica, focando em textos produzidos por indígenas.
Construyendo el territorio tras Caseros: los jueces de paz y la administración pública en la formación del Estado de Buenos Aires
Authors: Canedo Mariana
Published: March 2012

A construção do território como elemento constitutivo dos Estados foi um processo mais dinâmico e complexo do que se costuma considerar. No marco da formação do Estado de Buenos Aires, separado da Confederação Argentina, o Departamento Topográfico promoveu um processo de busca de informações sobre os limites das jurisdições internas (partes) que foi realizado pelas autoridades locais (juízes de paz) por volta de 1854. O objetivo do artigo é analisar os critérios utilizados pelas autoridades locais para estabelecer os limites de suas jurisdições, e quais ajustes foram propostos em seu território. Além disso, são consideradas as características da comunicação e uso da informação entre a administração tanto ao nível do governo provincial e as autarquias locais, como também entre os próprios departamentos do Estado. Argumentamos que os processos de gestão fundiária em uma complexa situação de convulsão política e limitações na própria administração tiveram uma longa realização. Os processos de articulação para pactuar limites jurisdicionais que permitissem um melhor controle do território e da população implicou, em meados do século XIX, a aceitação de diferentes relações sociais e políticas por parte das autoridades locais e provinciais.
Expediciones, narrativas y utopías: nuevas miradas sobre el “espacio guaraní-misionero” hacia fines del siglo XVIII
Authors: Quarleri Lía
Published: March 2012

O século XVIII inaugurou na América a "jornada científica" da qual participaram botânicos, naturalistas, cartógrafos, engenheiros e marinheiros, que iniciou uma intervenção diferente nos territórios coloniais aliando novos conhecimentos a uma política absolutista. No Río de la Plata, isso deu uma guinada notável após a expulsão dos jesuítas, com o estabelecimento de um novo regime missionário entre os Guarani anteriormente administrados por eles e em virtude da implantação de um aparato de reconhecimento e exploração que aumentou com a Tratado de San Ildefonso assinado entre Espanha e Portugal em 1777. Várias perspectivas, sob objetivos associados ao engrandecimento do Estado Bourbon e à delimitação e reconhecimento territorial, nortearam as relações, crônicas e memórias feitas durante as últimas décadas do século XVIII no espaço ocupado pelas antigas missões Guarani. No presente trabalho, é interessante dar conta de como sujeitos como Félix de Azara, Diego de Alvear e Gonzalo de Doblas deram um lugar notável ao poder da escrita e da observação para registrar informações de vários tipos, sugestões e "notícias útil a serviço do Rei” dentro de um quadro ideológico específico e em relação a um espaço, as missões guaranis, portadoras de uma história particular que alimentava um imaginário proliferante e amplo em ambos os lados do Atlântico.
A renovação peronista em questão: uma abordagem da experiência do peronismo nos anos 1980
Authors: Basso Germán
Published: March 2012

Este trabalho aborda a experiência sofrida pelo peronismo durante a década de 1980, dando especial atenção à facção conhecida como Renovação Peronista. Os Renovadores, que a princípio se definiram em oposição aos líderes ortodoxos que controlavam o PJ, aos poucos foram ganhando espaço dentro do partido até chegar ao seu controle formal no início de 1988. Uma vez que os ortodoxos foram deslocados de posições de poder dentro do PJ, um confronto entre seus dois mais altos representantes, Antonio Cafiero e Carlos Menem, será desencadeado dentro do grupo de renovação, produzindo uma severa modificação na composição e significado da Renovação. Compreender os processos que desencadearam a origem e o posterior desenvolvimento da Renovação é o objetivo primordial deste artigo, bem como explorar sua identidade no contexto político argentino.
Uma contribuição à história comparada: o Mosteiro de San Jerónimo de Valparaíso (Córdoba, Espanha) em seu relato escrito durante o antigo regime
Authors: Navarro Soledad Gómez
Published: March 2012

Este trabalho faz parte da minha atual linha de pesquisa focada no estudo da Igreja na Espanha moderna como instituição social e de poder e, em particular, no mosteiro de São Jerônimo de Córdoba, Valparaíso, onde iniciei um estudo de caso porque da consulta, resgate e valorização de um dos documentos acumulados mais destacados, ricos e significativos fornecidos pelos Jerônimos, Córdoba: o chamado “Protocolo” ou livro “Tumbo”. A análise formal e principalmente do conteúdo de documentos particulares da igreja é o cerne desta contribuição. Suas informações sobre bens, admissão de noviços, proteção real, relações com várias instituições da cidade, fundações e criação de caridade, expansão e manutenção do mosteiro são definitivamente necessárias para conhecer o recém-nascido Valparaíso econômica, social, política e culturalmente em do início do século XIV, manteve-se até ao primeiro confisco no século XIX como um autêntico exemplo da Ordem Ibérica a que pertencia.
Soft power, o brilho da espada:o Brasil e a ordem internacional pós 11 de setembro
Authors: Menezes Roberto Goulart
Published: March 2012

O objetivo deste artigo é examinar em que medida os eventos de 11 de setembro de 2001 contribuíram para a revisão da inserção internacional do Brasil e de como estes influíram na elaboração de uma nova estratégia no governo Lula da Silva (2003- 2010). Entre as principais mudanças na agenda externa do País figuram a derrocada das negociações da ALCA, a busca de uma inserção soberana e o fortalecimento de uma ordem multipolar. Para isso, os eventos de 11 de setembro são discutidos à luz do conceito braudeliano de longa duração, que separa os acontecimentos de curta duração (os episódios) daqueles que ressoam e acabam por mudar os rumos da história dos povos e das nações.
Apresentação - Ecos do11/09: O dia em que tudo mudou?
Authors: Bazzano Ariana , Mariano Silvana
Published: March 2012

Apresentação Dossiê.
Entre o departamento de estado, os Think Tanks e a USAID: a visão estadunidense das áreas não-governadas na América do Sul
Authors: Santos Aline Pavan dos , Mateo Luiza
Published: March 2012

A natureza difusa das ameaças transnacionais e a falta de eficácia de alguns Estados, ao lidarem com problemas internos, aumentam exponencialmente o palco de manobra das potências. Neste aspecto se abordam as áreas não-governadas, que têm ganho relevância nas discussões sobre segurança internacional e impactaram em particular a política externa exercida pelos Estados Unidos no século XXI. A partir destes pressupostos propõe-se comentar, tendo como palco o continente Sul Americano, a definição utilizada para áreas não-governadas, o trato delas pelo Departamento de Estado dos EUA e pela USAID, sumarizar os locais de risco apontados por determinados centro de pensamento estratégico (Think Tanks) e comparar as localidades beneficiadas pela USAID, assim como também discutir a questão da baixa governabilidade regional.
Cultura política, dimensões do exercício da cidadania e participação na vida pública
Authors: Tonella Celene
Published: March 2012

A proposta deste artigo é fazer uma reflexão sobre elementos do exercício da cidadania, da cultura política e dos valores subjetivos que influenciam fenômenos políticos. A relação entre valores culturais e a dinâmica política ainda se constitui em tema controverso entre os cientistas políticos, no entanto, cada vez mais, percebemse vínculos entre as variáveis. A importância das atitudes do conjunto de cidadãos é enfatizada por autores como Putnam (2000) e Moisés (2010). A análise ocorre a partir de dados coletados por um survey (2010), realizado com a população de três cidades que compõem a chamada mancha urbana da Região Metropolitana de Maringá: Sarandi, Paiçandu e Maringá. Foram apresentados temas clássicos em pesquisas sobre cultura política e temas controversos como a descriminalização da maconha, a legalização do aborto, entre outros.