bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis de la implementación y resultados del presupuesto participativo en contextos locales:dos casos en Argentina
Authors: Pagani Maria Laura
Published: June 2017

Se analiza la problemática de la participación ciudadana en contextos locales, a partir del estudio de dos casos de presupuestos participativos en los municipios de Morón y La Plata (2006-2014), Argentina. La estrategia metodológica siguió un diseño cualitativo, que se realizó a partir de entrevistas, observaciones y análisis documental. Se presentan algunas reflexiones en torno a las modalidades de implementación, el rol de los actores intervinientes y las modalidades de participación, analizando los resultados alcanzados desde la propia gestión municipal y en lo social. Asimismo, se aborda el tipo de proyectos que posibilita esta herramienta de participación y sus alcances en la escala local, identificando las características comunes y las diferencias según los casos. A lo largo del trabajo se intentará demostrar cómo las distintas metodologías de implementación y el papel de los actores intervinientes en los presupuestos participativos bajo análisis influyen en los procesos de participación y en los resultados de la política.
Trascendencia del capital en la subjetivación laboral: dominación y supervivencia
Authors: Martínez Palacios Germán Darío , Rojas Rojas William
Published: June 2017

Reconocer la precarización del trabajo en el ejercicio de la gestión organizacional contemporánea requiere un examen crítico de las formas en que se puede estar re-expresando la subordinación, sobre todo la del trabajador. Se propone como objetivo central, aportar al entendimiento de cómo y desde dónde ciertos contextos pueden arrastrar a los trabajadores y directivos al uso de estrategias racionales de supervivencia, convirtiéndolos en individuos dócilmente cooperantes al cumplimiento de metas, que en muchos casos no comparten pero que deben ser llevadas a cabo. Se reflexiona cómo en ciertos escenarios emergentes de la lógica capitalista maximalista se pueden crear mecanismos eficientes de “sometimiento” que se entremezclan en un aparente juego benevolente y objetivo. La trascendencia del capital expresada en ideales como la explotación racional del trabajo y los recursos, y la búsqueda desenfrenada del máximo rendimiento en una organización, puede desfigurar la dignificación del sujeto que intenta sobrevivir/permanecer en una organización. Las perspectivas de formación del administrador no pueden ser ajenas a estos cuestionamientos; la consolidación de un humanismo organizacional hace posible un encuentro permanente con la dignidad del trabajador.
ASAS FREIES ERMESSEN DAN ASPEK PERPAJAKAN LEASING MENURUT KEPUTUSAN MENTERI KEUANGAN NO. 1169/KMK.01/1991 TENTANG KEGIATAN SEWA GUNA USAHA (LEASING)
Authors: Syofyan Syofrin
Published: June 2017

This article discusses the government’s role in granting tax incentives in support of the leasing business which in itself already functions as a financing instrument. The author purports to show how the government’s (the state administration’s) freedom in making policy rules based on the principle of freies ermessen is realized in the economic (tax) sector. The policy rules being discussed is the Ministry of Finance’ Decree no. 1169/KMK.01/1991 re. Leasing.  
KOMISI PENYIARAN INDONESIA SEBAGAI STATE AUXIALIARY BODIES YANG MENJAMIN SIARAN YANG LAYAK BAGI ANAK
Authors: Arliman S Laurensius
Published: June 2017

This article discusses a number of questions, i.e. regarding the role and function of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission, established by Law no. 32 of 2002, as a state auxiliary body, in supervising Indonesian broadcasters; 2. The Commission’s role in guaranteeing the broadcast of material that are suitable for children; and 3. Offering inputs as to how to secure child-proof broadcasts. The Commission already issued a number of regulations in that respect but practice shows low compliance. Parents and adults should be more involved, pay more attention and offer guidance to children.
BEBERAPA MASALAH DALAM PENGIMPLEMENTASIAN KEWAJIBAN NEGARA INDONESIA DI BAWAH PERJANJIAN INTERNASIONAL KE DALAM HUKUM NASIONAL INDONESIA
Authors: Parthiana I Wayan
Published: June 2017

Indonesia had been involved in the making of quite a number of international treaties and had also ratified a certain number of treaties. The State’s international obligations and rights stipulated by those treaties at a certain point must be implemented by and through the national legal system. Two issues identified are how to situate or place international treaties within the hierarchal order of the Indonesian legislation and, secondly, how those international rights and obligations (as found in treaties) should be harmonized (and incorporated) into the national legal system. The author shall present a general overview of those issues and offer some recommendations for change.
DESAIN TATA LETAK SIRKUIT TERPADU DALAM PERSPEKTIF PERBANDINGAN HUKUM INTEREN
Authors: Sudjana Sudjana
Published: June 2017

The author discusses the legal protection of integrated circuit layout design as provided by Law 32/2000 and compares it with how the government regulates and protect other sorts of intellectual property rights (copyright, trademarks, patents, etc.). The purpose of this comparison is to reveal shortcomings as well as the strength of each different regulations. This study reveals that Law 32/2000 as compared to other IPR protections has yet to provide legal protection of inventor’s moral rights, priority rights as well as temporary decision.  At the same time, all regulations cannot be fully implemented due to the lack of or insufficient implementing regulations.
Design and Characterization of In-Plane Piezoelectric Microactuators
Authors: Toledo Javier , Ruiz-Díez Victor , Diaz-Molina Alex , Ruiz David , Donoso Alberto , Bellido José Carlos , Wistrela Elisabeth , Kucera Martin , Schmid Ulrich , Hernando-García Jorge , Sánchez-Rojas José Luis
Published: June 2017

In this paper, two different piezoelectric microactuator designs are studied. The corresponding devices were designed for optimal in-plane displacements and different high flexibilities, proven by electrical and optical characterization. Both actuators presented two dominant vibrational modes in the frequency range below 1 MHz: an out-of-plane bending and an in-plane extensional mode. Nevertheless, the latter mode is the only one that allows the use of the device as a modal in-plane actuator. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations confirmed that the displacement per applied voltage was superior for the low-stiffness actuator, which was also verified through optical measurements in a quasi-static analysis, obtaining a displacement per volt of 0.22 and 0.13 nm/V for the low-stiffness and high-stiffness actuator, respectively. In addition, electrical measurements were performed using an impedance analyzer which, in combination with the optical characterization in resonance, allowed the determination of the electromechanical and stiffness coefficients. The low-stiffness actuator exhibited a stiffness coefficient of 5 × 104 N/m, thus being more suitable as a modal actuator than the high-stiffness actuator with a stiffness of 2.5 × 105 N/m.
Measuring the Temperature Increase of an Ultrasonic Motor in a 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging System
Authors: Shokrollahi Peyman , Drake James , Goldenberg Andrew
Published: June 2017

This paper aims to evaluate the temperature increase caused by a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system on an ultrasonic motor (USM) used to actuate surgical robots in the MRI environment. Four fiber-optic temperature sensors were attached to the USM. Temperature was monitored outside the five-Gauss boundary and then inside the bore for 20 min while the USM was powered on. The USM temperature was tested for two states of the scanner, “off” and “on”, by employing common clinical imaging sequences and echo planar imaging sequences. The USM showed a slight temperature increase while operating in the static field of the MRI. A considerable temperature increase (~10 °C) was observed when the scanner was on. The temperature increased to 60 °C, which is beyond the acceptable safe temperature and can result in thermal burns. Most of the temperature increase (80%) was due to effects of the static field on the motion of the rotating parts of the motor, while the remainder (20%) derived from heat deposited in the conductive components of the USM due to radiofrequency pulses and gradient field changes. To solve the temperature increase, the metal components of the USM’s case can be replaced by silicon carbide.
Impact of the Fused Deposition (FDM) Printing Process on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Chemistry and Structure
Authors: Cuiffo Michael Arthur , Snyder Jeffrey , Elliott Alicia M. , Romero Nicholas , Kannan Sandhiya , Halada Gary P.
Published: June 2017

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an organic polymer commonly used in fused deposition (FDM) printing and biomedical scaffolding that is biocompatible and immunologically inert. However, variations in source material quality and chemistry make it necessary to characterize the filament and determine potential changes in chemistry occurring as a result of the FDM process. We used several spectroscopic techniques, including laser confocal microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and photoacousitc FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to characterize both the bulk and surface chemistry of the source material and printed samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize morphology, cold crystallinity, and the glass transition and melting temperatures following printing. Analysis revealed calcium carbonate-based additives which were reacted with organic ligands and potentially trace metal impurities, both before and following printing. These additives became concentrated in voids in the printed structure. This finding is important for biomedical applications as carbonate will impact subsequent cell growth on printed tissue scaffolds. Results of chemical analysis also provided evidence of the hygroscopic nature of the source material and oxidation of the printed surface, and SEM imaging revealed micro- and submicron-scale roughness that will also impact potential applications.
A Polarization-Dependent Frequency-Selective Metamaterial Absorber with Multiple Absorption Peaks
Authors: Deng Guangsheng , Xia Tianyu , Fang Yong , Yang Jun , Yin Zhiping
Published: June 2017

A polarization-dependent, frequency-selective metamaterial (MM) absorber based on a single-layer patterned resonant structure intended for F frequency band is proposed. The design, fabrication, and measurement for the proposed absorber are presented. The absorber’s absorption properties at resonant frequencies have unique characteristics of a single-band, dual-band, or triple-band absorption for different polarization of the incident wave. The calculated surface current distributions and power loss distribution provide further understanding of physical mechanism of resonance absorption. Moreover, a high absorption for a wide range of TE-polarized oblique incidence was achieved. Hence, the MM structure realized on a highly flexible polyimide film, makingthe absorber suitable for conformal geometry applications. The proposed absorber has great potential in the development of polarization detectors and polarizers.
Measurement of the X-ray Spectrum of a Free Electron Laser with a Wide-Range High-Resolution Single-Shot Spectrometer
Authors: Inubushi Yuichi , Inoue Ichiro , Kim Jangwoo , Nishihara Akihiko , Matsuyama Satoshi , Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Tono Kensuke , Ohashi Haruhiko , Yamauchi Kazuto , Yabashi Makina
Published: June 2017

We developed a single-shot X-ray spectrometer for wide-range high-resolution measurements of Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE) X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) pulses. The spectrometer consists of a multi-layer elliptical mirror for producing a large divergence of 22 mrad around 9070 eV and a silicon (553) analyzer crystal. We achieved a wide energy range of 55 eV with a fine spectral resolution of 80 meV, which enabled the observation of a whole SASE-XFEL spectrum with fully-resolved spike structures. We found that a SASE-XFEL pulse has around 60 longitudinal modes with a pulse duration of 7.7 ± 1.1 fs.
Air Quality and Control Measures Evaluation during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing and its Surrounding Cities
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zheng Youfei , Li Ting
Published: June 2017

Air pollution had become a vital concern for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. In order to control air pollutant emissions and ensure better air quality during the Games, the Nanjing municipal government took a series of aggressive control measures to reduce pollutant emissions in Nanjing and its surrounding cities during the Youth Olympic Games. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index of air quality which is used to inform the public about levels of air pollution and associated health risks. In this study, we use the AQI and air pollutant concentrations data to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of control measures. The results suggest that the emission reduction measures significantly improved air quality in Nanjing. In August 2014, the mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3 were 42.44 μg·m−3, 59.01 μg·m−3, 11.12 μg·m−3, 31.09 μg·m−3, 0.76 mg·m−3 and 38.39 μg·m−3, respectively, and fell by 35.92%, 36.75%, 20.40%, 15.05%, 8.54% and 47.15%, respectively, compared to the prophase mean before the emission reduction. After the emission reduction, the mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 increased by 20.81%, 41.84%, 22.84%, 21.16% and 60.93%, respectively, which is due to the cancellation of temporary atmospheric pollution control measures. The air pollutants diurnal variation curve during the emission reduction was lower than the other two periods, except for CO. In addition, the AQI of Nanjing and its surrounding cities showed a downward trend, compared with July 2014. The most of effective method to control air pollution is to implement the measures of regional cooperation and joint defense and control, and reduce local emissions during the polluted period, such as airborne dust, coal-burning, vehicle emissions, mobile sources and industrial production.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production on Waste Water Treatment Plants: Process Scheme, Operating Conditions and Potential Analysis for German and European Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plants
Authors: Pittmann Timo , Steinmetz Heidrun
Published: June 2017

This work describes the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as a side stream process on a municipal waste water treatment plant (WWTP) and a subsequent analysis of the production potential in Germany and the European Union (EU). Therefore, tests with different types of sludge from a WWTP were investigated regarding their volatile fatty acids (VFA) production-potential. Afterwards, primary sludge was used as substrate to test a series of operating conditions (temperature, pH, retention time (RT) and withdrawal (WD)) in order to find suitable settings for a high and stable VFA production. In a second step, various tests regarding a high PHA production and stable PHA composition to determine the influence of substrate concentration, temperature, pH and cycle time of an installed feast/famine-regime were conducted. Experiments with a semi-continuous reactor operation showed that a short RT of 4 days and a small WD of 25% at pH = 6 and around 30 °C is preferable for a high VFA production rate (PR) of 1913 mgVFA/(L×d) and a stable VFA composition. A high PHA production up to 28.4% of cell dry weight (CDW) was reached at lower substrate concentration, 20 °C, neutral pH-value and a 24 h cycle time. A final step a potential analysis, based on the results and detailed data from German waste water treatment plants, showed that the theoretically possible production of biopolymers in Germany amounts to more than 19% of the 2016 worldwide biopolymer production. In addition, a profound estimation regarding the EU showed that in theory about 120% of the worldwide biopolymer production (in 2016) could be produced on European waste water treatment plants.
Integrated Lighting Efficiency Analysis in Large Industrial Buildings to Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality
Authors: Katunský Dušan , Dolníková Erika , Doroudiani Saeed
Published: June 2017

We present observations from evaluation of internal environmental quality of industrial halls with priority on daylighting in combination with the integral lighting. The physical parameters related to indoor lighting in large industrial halls in winter and summer periods were analyzed using in situ measurements and computational methods. These are part of a comprehensive research on indoor environmental quality of industrial halls with the aims of saving energy and providing a comfortable environment for the workers while improving the productivity. The results showed that the procedures used for evaluation of residential or office buildings may not be used for industrial buildings. We also observed that the criteria of occupants’ comforts for indoor industrial buildings may differ from those of other kinds of buildings. Based on these results, an adequate attention is required for designing the industrial buildings. For this reason, appropriate evaluation methods and criteria should be created. We found the measured values of daylight factor very close to the skylight component of the total illumination. The skylight component was observed on average 30% that of the measured daylight factor values. Although the daylight is not emphasized when designing the industrial buildings and its contribution is small, but it is very important for the workers psychology and physiology. The workers must feel a connection with the exterior environment; otherwise, their productivity decreases.
Bridging Plant and Human Radiation Response and DNA Repair through an In Silico Approach
Authors: Nikitaki Zacharenia , Pavlopoulou Athanasia , Holá Marcela , Donà Mattia , Michalopoulos Ioannis , Balestrazzi Alma , Angelis Karel , Georgakilas Alexandros
Published: June 2017

The mechanisms of response to radiation exposure are conserved in plants and animals. The DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are the predominant molecular pathways activated upon exposure to radiation, both in plants and animals. The conserved features of DDR in plants and animals might facilitate interdisciplinary studies that cross traditional boundaries between animal and plant biology in order to expand the collection of biomarkers currently used for radiation exposure monitoring (REM) in environmental and biomedical settings. Genes implicated in trans-kingdom conserved DDR networks often triggered by ionizing radiation (IR) and UV light are deposited into biological databases. In this study, we have applied an innovative approach utilizing data pertinent to plant and human genes from publicly available databases towards the design of a ‘plant radiation biodosimeter’, that is, a plant and DDR gene-based platform that could serve as a REM reliable biomarker for assessing environmental radiation exposure and associated risk. From our analysis, in addition to REM biomarkers, a significant number of genes, both in human and Arabidopsis thaliana, not yet characterized as DDR, are suggested as possible DNA repair players. Last but not least, we provide an example on the applicability of an Arabidopsis thaliana—based plant system monitoring the role of cancer-related DNA repair genes BRCA1, BARD1 and PARP1 in processing DNA lesions.
Surface Erosion of Low-Current Reed Switches
Authors: Zeltser Igor , Karpov Aleksey , Moos Evgeny , Rybin Nikolay , Tolstoguzov Alexander
Published: June 2017

The erosion model of the surface coatings of reed switches considering different physicochemical processes occurring on the contact surfaces and inside the inter-electrode gap was proposed. According to that, the discrete electron avalanche (ecton) introduced in the explosive electron emission theory by Mesyats is considered as the main motive force responsible for the surface modification and mass transfer of materials in the course of breaking/shorting of the contacts. By means of SEM imaging and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the contact surfaces after various numbers of switching cycles, the energy threshold of the ecton generation defining the erosion stability of the coatings was found to be proportional to the specific sublimation and ionization energies of coating materials. It has been shown that the total erosion of the coatings on the working surface of the contacts after the commutation test possess the resultant character; i.e., the specificities of erosion occurring after each commutation event are characteristic for the whole of the commutation test. In further development of our model, we suggested that a few monolayers of metals (or alloys) with low ionization potential deposited on the main coatings can improve the erosion stability of contacts.
Alternative Fillers for the Production of Bituminous Mixtures: A Screening Investigation on Waste Powders
Authors: Sangiorgi Cesare , Tataranni Piergiorgio , Mazzotta Francesco , Simone Andrea , Vignali Valeria , Lantieri Claudio
Published: June 2017

There has been a significant increase in the demand for using recycled materials in construction because of the lack and limitation of available natural resources. A number of industrial and domestic waste products are being used in the replacement of traditional materials for road construction, and many studies have been carried out in recent years on the use of different recycled materials in substitution of conventional fillers in Asphalt Concretes (AC). The aim of this laboratory research is to analyze the physical characteristics of three different recycled fillers and compare them with those of a traditional limestone filler. The alternative fillers presented in this paper are: a waste bleaching clay that comes from two consecutive stages in the industrial process for decolouring vegetable oils and producing biogas (Ud filler), a dried mud waste from a tungsten mine (MW filler) and a recycled glass powder (Gl filler). Results show significant differences between the fillers, and, in particular, Rigden Voids (RV) seem to have the largest potential influence on the rheology of ACs.
Elastic, Mechanical and Phonon Behavior of Wurtzite Cadmium Sulfide under Pressure
Authors: Güler Melek , Güler Emre
Published: June 2017

Cadmium sulfide is one of the cutting-edge materials of current optoelectronic technology. Although many theoretical works are presented the for pressure-dependent elastic and related properties of the zinc blende crystal structure of cadmium sulfide, there is still some scarcity for the elastic, mechanical, and phonon behavior of the wurtzitic phase of this important material under pressure. In contrast to former theoretical works and methods used in literature, we report for the first time the application of a recent shell model-based interatomic potential via geometry optimization computations. Elastic constants, elastic wave velocities, bulk, Young, and shear moduli, as well as the phonon behavior of wurtzite cadmium sulfide (w-CdS) were investigated from ground state to pressures up to 5 GPa. Calculated results of these elastic parameters for the ground state of w-CdS are approximately the same as in earlier experiments and better than published theoretical data. Our results for w-CdS under pressure are also reasonable with previous calculations, and similar pressure trends were found for the mentioned quantities of w-CdS.
Morphology of Diamond Layers Grown on Different Facets of Single Crystal Diamond Substrates by a Microwave Plasma CVD in CH4-H2-N2 Gas Mixtures
Authors: Ashkinazi Evgeny , Khmelnitskii Roman , Sedov Vadim , Khomich Andrew , Khomich Alexander , Ralchenko Viktor
Published: June 2017

Epitaxial growth of diamond films on different facets of synthetic IIa-type single crystal (SC) high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) diamond substrate by a microwave plasma CVD in CH4-H2-N2 gas mixture with the high concentration (4%) of nitrogen is studied. A beveled SC diamond embraced with low-index {100}, {110}, {111}, {211}, and {311} faces was used as the substrate. Only the {100} face is found to sustain homoepitaxial growth at the present experimental parameters, while nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films are produced on other planes. This observation is important for the choice of appropriate growth parameters, in particular, for the production of bi-layer or multilayer NCD-on-microcrystalline diamond (MCD) superhard coatings on tools when the deposition of continuous conformal NCD film on all facet is required. The development of the film morphology with growth time is examined with SEM. The structure of hillocks, with or without polycrystalline aggregates, that appear on {100} face is analyzed, and the stress field (up to 0.4 GPa) within the hillocks is evaluated based on high-resolution mapping of photoluminescence spectra of nitrogen-vacancy NV optical centers in the film.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of a Switched Inertance Hydraulic System in a Four-Port High-Speed Switching Valve Configuration
Authors: Pan Min , Plummer Andrew , El Agha Abdullah
Published: June 2017

The switched inertance hydraulic system (SIHS) is a novel high-bandwidth and energy-efficient digital device which can adjust or control flow and pressure by a means that does not rely on throttling the flow and dissipation of power. An SIHS can provide an efficient step-up or step-down of pressure or flow rate by using a digital control signal. In this article, analytical models of an SIHS in a four-port high-speed switching valve configuration are proposed, and the system dynamics and performance are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The flow responses, system characteristics, and power consumption can be predicted effectively and accurately by using the proposed models, which were validated by comparing with experiments and with numerical simulation. The four-port configuration is compared with the three-port configuration, and it is concluded that the former one is less efficient for valves of the same size, but provides a bi-direction control capability. As bi-direction control is a common requirement, this constitutes an important contribution to the development of efficient digital hydraulics.
Development of a Temperature Programmed Identification Technique to Characterize the Organic Sulphur Functional Groups in Coal
Authors: Ghauri Moinuddin , Shahzad Khurram , Khurram M. Shahzad , Jaffery Mujtaba Hussain , Ali Najaf , Khan Waqar Ali , Cliffe Keith R.
Published: June 2017

The Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) technique is employed for the characterisation of various organic sulphur functional groups in coal. The TPR technique is modified into the Temperature Programmed Identification technique to investigate whether this method can detect various functional groups corresponding to their reduction temperatures. Ollerton, Harworth, Silverdale, Prince of Wales coal and Mequinenza lignite were chosen for this study. High pressure oxydesulphurisation of the coal samples was also done. The characterization of various organic sulphur functional groups present in untreated and treated coal by the TPR method and later by the TPI method confirmed that these methods can identify the organic sulphur groups in coal and that the results based on total sulphur are comparable with those provided by standard analytical techniques. The analysis of the untreated and treated coal samples showed that the structural changes in the organic sulphur matrix due to a reaction can be determined.
Drivers of Plot-Scale Variability of CH4 Consumption in a Well-Aerated Pine Forest Soil
Authors: Maier Martin , Paulus Sinikka , Nicolai Clara , Stutz Kenton , Nauer Philipp
Published: June 2017

While differences in greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes between ecosystems can be explained to a certain degree, variability of the same at the plot scale is still challenging. We investigated the spatial variability in soil-atmosphere fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) to find out what drives spatial variability on the plot scale. Measurements were carried out in a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest in a former floodplain on a 250 m2 plot, divided in homogenous strata of vegetation and soil texture. Soil gas fluxes were measured consecutively at 60 points along transects to cover the spatial variability. One permanent chamber was measured repeatedly to monitor temporal changes to soil gas fluxes. The observed patterns at this control chamber were used to standardize the gas fluxes to disentangle temporal variability from the spatial variability of measured GHG fluxes. Concurrent measurements of soil gas diffusivity allowed deriving in situ methanotrophic activity from the CH4 flux measurements. The soil emitted CO2 and consumed CH4 and N2O. Significantly different fluxes of CH4 and CO2 were found for the different soil-vegetation strata, but not for N2O. Soil CH4 consumption increased with soil gas diffusivity within similar strata supporting the hypothesis that CH4 consumption by soils is limited by the supply with atmospheric CH4. Methane consumption in the vegetation strata with dominant silty texture was higher at a given soil gas diffusivity than in the strata with sandy texture. The same pattern was observed for methanotrophic activity, indicating better habitats for methantrophs in silt. Methane consumption increased with soil respiration in all strata. Similarly, methanotrophic activity increased with soil respiration when the individual measurement locations were categorized into silt and sand based on the dominant soil texture, irrespective of the vegetation stratum. Thus, we suggest the rhizosphere and decomposing organic litter might represent or facilitate a preferred habitat for methanotrophic microbes, since rhizosphere and decomposing organic are the source of most of the soil respiration.
Preserving Ecosystem Services on Indigenous Territory through Restoration and Management of a Cultural Keystone Species
Authors: Uprety Yadav , Asselin Hugo , Bergeron Yves
Published: June 2017

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is a cultural keystone tree species in the forests of eastern North America, providing numerous ecosystem services to Indigenous people. White pine abundance in the landscape has considerably decreased over the last few centuries due to overharvesting, suppression of surface fires, extensive management, and plantation failure. The Kitcisakik Algonquin community of western Quebec is calling for restoration and sustainable management of white pine on its ancestral territory, to ensure provision of associated ecosystem services. We present five white pine restoration and management scenarios taking into account community needs and ecological types: (1) natural regeneration of scattered white pines to produce individuals of different sizes and ages used as medicinal plants; (2) protection of supercanopy white pines used as landmarks and for providing habitat for flagship wildlife species, and younger individuals left as regeneration and future canopy trees; (3) the uniform shelterwood system to create white pine-dominated stands that provide habitat for flagship wildlife species and support cultural activities; (4) under-canopy plantations to yield mature white pine stands for timber production; (5) mixed plantations to produce forests with aesthetic qualities that provide wildlife habitat and protect biodiversity.
Evaluation of a New Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System for Micropropagation of Cultivars of Eucalyptus, Birch and Fir
Authors: Businge Edward , Trifonova Adelina , Schneider Carolin , Rödel Philipp , Egertsdotter Ulrika
Published: June 2017

The use of liquid instead of solid culture medium for the micropropagation of plants offers advantages such as better access to medium components and scalability through possible automation of the processes. The objective of this work was to compare a new temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) to solid medium culture for the micropropagation of a selection of tree species micropropagated for commercial use: Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach), Eucalyptus (E. grandis x E. urophylla), Downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh), and Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica). Cultivation of explants in the TIB resulted in a significant increase of multiplication rate and fresh weight of Eucalyptus and B. pendula, but not Betula pubescens. In addition, the fresh weight of embryogenic tissue and the maturation frequency of somatic embryos increased significantly when an embryogenic cell line of A. nordmanniana was cultivated in the TIB compared to solid culture medium. These results demonstrate the potential for scaling up and automating micropropagation by shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis in commercial tree species using a temporary immersion bioreactor.
Fine Mapping and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Candidate Genes Associated with Hybrid Lethality in Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea)
Authors: Xiao Zhiliang , Hu Yang , Zhang Xiaoli , Xue Yuqian , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Zhang Yangyong , Liu Yumei , Li Zhansheng , Liu Xing , Liu Zezhou , Lv Honghao , Zhuang Mu
Published: June 2017

Hybrid lethality is a deleterious phenotype that is vital to species evolution. We previously reported hybrid lethality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and performed preliminary mapping of related genes. In the present study, the fine mapping of hybrid lethal genes revealed that BoHL1 was located on chromosome C1 between BoHLTO124 and BoHLTO130, with an interval of 101 kb. BoHL2 was confirmed to be between insertion-deletion (InDels) markers HL234 and HL235 on C4, with a marker interval of 70 kb. Twenty-eight and nine annotated genes were found within the two intervals of BoHL1 and BoHL2, respectively. We also applied RNA-Seq to analyze hybrid lethality in cabbage. In the region of BoHL1, seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five resistance (R)-related genes (two in common, i.e., Bo1g153320 and Bo1g153380) were found, whereas in the region of BoHL2, two DEGs and four R-related genes (two in common, i.e., Bo4g173780 and Bo4g173810) were found. Along with studies in which R genes were frequently involved in hybrid lethality in other plants, these interesting R-DEGs may be good candidates associated with hybrid lethality. We also used SNP/InDel analyses and quantitative real-time PCR to confirm the results. This work provides new insight into the mechanisms of hybrid lethality in cabbage.
New Insights in the Cytogenetic Practice: Karyotypic Chaos, Non-Clonal Chromosomal Alterations and Chromosomal Instability in Human Cancer and Therapy Response
Authors: Rangel Nelson , Forero-Castro Maribel , Rondón-Lagos Milena
Published: June 2017

Recently, non-clonal chromosomal alterations previously unappreciated are being proposed to be included in cytogenetic practice. The aim of this inclusion is to obtain a greater understanding of chromosomal instability (CIN) and tumor heterogeneity and their role in cancer evolution and therapy response. Although several genetic assays have allowed the evaluation of the variation in a population of cancer cells, these assays do not provide information at the level of individual cells, therefore limiting the information of the genomic diversity within tumors (heterogeneity). The karyotype is one of the few available cytogenetic techniques that allow us not only to identify the chromosomal alterations present within a single cell, but also allows us to profile both clonal (CCA) and non-clonal chromosomal alterations (NCCAs). A greater understanding of CIN and tumor heterogeneity in cancer could not only improve existing therapeutic regimens but could also be used as targets for the design of new therapeutic approaches. In this review we indicate the importance and significance of karyotypic chaos, NCCAs and CIN in the prognosis of human cancers.
Ataxin-2: From RNA Control to Human Health and Disease
Authors: Ostrowski Lauren , Hall Amanda , Mekhail Karim
Published: June 2017

RNA-binding proteins play fundamental roles in the regulation of molecular processes critical to cellular and organismal homeostasis. Recent studies have identified the RNA-binding protein Ataxin-2 as a genetic determinant or risk factor for various diseases including spinocerebellar ataxia type II (SCA2) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), amongst others. Here, we first discuss the increasingly wide-ranging molecular functions of Ataxin-2, from the regulation of RNA stability and translation to the repression of deleterious accumulation of the RNA-DNA hybrid-harbouring R-loop structures. We also highlight the broader physiological roles of Ataxin-2 such as in the regulation of cellular metabolism and circadian rhythms. Finally, we discuss insight from clinically focused studies to shed light on the impact of molecular and physiological roles of Ataxin-2 in various human diseases. We anticipate that deciphering the fundamental functions of Ataxin-2 will uncover unique approaches to help cure or control debilitating and lethal human diseases.
Eloquent Alogia: Animal Narrators in Ancient Greek Literature
Authors: Hawkins Tom
Published: June 2017

Classical Greek literature presents a variety of speaking animals. These are not, of course, the actual voices of animals but human projections. In a culture that aligns verbal mastery with social standing, verbal animals present a conundrum that speaks to an anxiety about human communication. I argue that the earliest examples of speaking animals, in Homer, Hesiod and Archilochus, show a fundamental connection with Golden Age tales. Later authors, such as Plutarch and Lucian, look back on such cases from a perspective that does not easily accept notions of divine causation that would permit such fanciful modes of communication. I argue that Plutarch uses a talking pig to challenge philosophical categories, and that Lucian transforms a sham-philosopher of a talking-cock to undermine the very pretense of philosophical virtue.
Construction of a Decision Support System Based on GP Services, Using a Warning–Judgment Module as an Example
Authors: Sang Xuejia , Xue Linfu , Leng Xiaopeng , Liu Jiwen , Zhan Liang
Published: June 2017

Decision-making departments need more detailed and timely data in order to meet the needs of emergency response. Sichuan province is an area that frequently suffers natural disasters, and many disasters are caused by rainfall. This study establishes a decision support system (DSS) based on geoprocessing (GP) services, which can locate the region that overran the rainfall threshold and provide the population or property analysis, query, map plot, and path analysis functions. Most of the functions of the system are developed on the basis of geoprocessing services. This paper uses the warning–judgment module as an example to introduce the structure and function of the DSS system. The system satisfies the demands of real-time data acquisition, calculation, analysis, and presentation.
Termite Species Distribution and Flight Periods on Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Tong Reina L. , Grace J. Kenneth , Mason Makena , Krushelnycky Paul D. , Spafford Helen , Aihara-Sasaki Maria
Published: June 2017

Termites are economically-important structural pests, costing residents of Hawaii over $100 million annually. On Oahu, the last published termite swarming survey occurred from 1969 to 1971, and the last termite hand-collection survey occurred from 1998 to 2000. To contribute data on termite occurrences on Oahu, a light-trap survey took place from February 2011 to September 2012, and a hand-collection survey occurred from September to November 2012. Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, swarming was compared over the duration of the study, finding peak swarming in May 2011. C. formosanus alate activity density was regressed with environmental factors, finding a negative correlation with average wind speed and a positive correlation with average rainfall. Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) alates were observed in April, June, and July 2011 and in June 2012. Four species of termites were found in the hand-collection survey of 44 sites: Incisitermes immigrans (Snyder) (n = 8/44), C. formosanus (n = 2/44), Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light (n = 1/44), and Neotermes sp. (n = 1/44). This study contributes to distribution data for termite species on Oahu and records alate activity for two important termite pests.
Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Still a Work in Progress?
Authors: Mosna Federico , Capelli Debora , Gottardi Michele
Published: June 2017

Minimal residual disease evaluation refers to a series of molecular and immunophenotypical techniques aimed at detecting submicroscopic disease after therapy. As such, its application in acute myeloid leukemia has greatly increased our ability to quantify treatment response, and to determine the chemosensitivity of the disease, as the final product of the drug schedule, dose intensity, biodistribution, and the pharmakogenetic profile of the patient. There is now consistent evidence for the prognostic power of minimal residual disease evaluation in acute myeloid leukemia, which is complementary to the baseline prognostic assessment of the disease. The focus for its use is therefore shifting to individualize treatment based on a deeper evaluation of chemosensitivity and residual tumor burden. In this review, we will summarize the results of the major clinical studies evaluating minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia in adults in recent years and address the technical and practical issues still hampering the spread of these techniques outside controlled clinical trials. We will also briefly speculate on future developments and offer our point of view, and a word of caution, on the present use of minimal residual disease measurements in “real-life” practice. Still, as final standardization and diffusion of the methods are sorted out, we believe that minimal residual disease will soon become the new standard for evaluating response in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
Performance of a New Al2O3/Ce–TZP Ceramic Nanocomposite Dental Implant: A Pilot Study in Dogs.
Authors: Lopez-Píriz Roberto , Fernández Adolfo , Goyos-Ball Lidia , Rivera Sergio , Díaz Luis A. , Fernández-Domínguez Manuel , Prado Catuxa , Moya José S. , Torrecillas Ramón
Published: June 2017

Although titanium remains as the prevalent material in dental implant manufacturing new zirconia-based materials that overcome the major drawbacks of the standard 3Y–yttria partially-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) are now emerging. In this study, a new ceramic nanocomposite made of alumina and ceria-stabilized TZP (ZCe-A) has been used to produce dental implants with the mechanic and topographic characteristics of a pilot implant design to evaluate bone and soft tissue integration in a dog model (n = 5). Histological cross-section analysis of the implanted ceramic fixations (n = 15) showed not only perfect biocompatibility, but also a high rate of osseous integration (defined as the percentage of bone to implant contact) and soft tissue attachment. This clinical success, in combination with the superior mechanical properties achieved by this Al2O3/Ce-TZP nanocomposite, may place this material as an improved alternative of traditional 3Y-TZP dental implants.
Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites
Authors: Tausif Muhammad , Pliakas Achilles , O’Haire Tom , Goswami Parikshit , Russell Stephen
Published: June 2017

Reinforcement of flexible fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composites with standard textile fibres is a potential low cost solution to less critical loading applications. The mechanical behaviour of FRPs based on mechanically bonded nonwoven preforms composed of either low or high modulus fibres in a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix were compared following compression moulding. Nonwoven preform fibre compositions were selected from lyocell, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA) as well as para-aramid fibres (polyphenylene terephthalamide; PPTA). Reinforcement with standard fibres manifold improved the tensile modulus and strength of the reinforced composites and the relationship between fibre, fabric and composite’s mechanical properties was studied. The linear density of fibres and the punch density, a key process variable used to consolidate the nonwoven preform, were varied to study the influence on resulting FRP mechanical properties. In summary, increasing the strength and degree of consolidation of nonwoven preforms did not translate to an increase in the strength of resulting fibre reinforced TPU-composites. The TPU composite strength was mainly dependent upon constituent fibre stress-strain behaviour and fibre segment orientation distribution.
Cellulose Fibre-Reinforced Biofoam for Structural Applications
Authors: Obradovic Jasmina , Voutilainen Mikko , Virtanen Pasi , Lassila Lippo , Fardim Pedro
Published: June 2017

Traditionally, polymers and macromolecular components used in the foam industry are mostly derived from petroleum. The current transition to a bio-economy creates demand for the use of more renewable feedstocks. Soybean oil is a vegetable oil, composed mainly of triglycerides, that is suitable material for foam production. In this study, acrylated epoxidized soybean oil and variable amounts of cellulose fibres were used in the production of bio-based foam. The developed macroporous bio-based architectures were characterised by several techniques, including porosity measurements, nanoindentation testing, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the introduction of cellulose fibres during the foaming process was necessary to create the three-dimensional polymer foams. Using cellulose fibres has potential as a foam stabiliser because it obstructs the drainage of liquid from the film region in these gas-oil interfaces while simultaneously acting as a reinforcing agent in the polymer foam. The resulting foams possessed a porosity of approximately 56%, and the incorporation of cellulose fibres did not affect thermal behaviour. Scanning electron micrographs showed randomly oriented pores with irregular shapes and non-uniform pore size throughout the samples.
Experimental Modeling of a Formula Student Carbon Composite Nose Cone
Authors: Fellows Neil
Published: June 2017

A numerical impact study is presented on a Formula Student (FS) racing car carbon composite nose cone. The effect of material model and model parameter selection on the numerical deceleration curves is discussed in light of the experimental deceleration data. The models show reasonable correlation in terms of the shape of the deceleration-displacement curves but do not match the peak deceleration values with errors greater that 30%.
Using B4C Nanoparticles to Enhance Thermal and Mechanical Response of Aluminum
Authors: Ubaid Fareeha , Matli Penchal , Shakoor Rana , Parande Gururaj , Manakari Vyasaraj , Mohamed Adel , Gupta Manoj
Published: June 2017

In this work, Al-B4C nanocomposites were produced by microwave sintering and followed by hot extrusion processes. The influence of ceramic reinforcement (B4C) nanoparticles on the physical, microstructural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the extruded Al-B4C nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that the density decreased and porosity increased with an increase in B4C content in aluminum matrix. The porosity of the composites increased whereas density decreased with increasing B4C content. Electron microscopy analysis reveals the uniform distribution of B4C nanoparticles in the Al matrix. Mechanical characterization results revealed that hardness, elastic modulus, compression, and tensile strengths increased whereas ductility decreases with increasing B4C content. Al-1.0 vol. % B4C nanocomposite exhibited best hardness (135.56 Hv), Young’s modulus (88.63 GPa), and compression/tensile strength (524.67/194.41 MPa) among the materials investigated. Further, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites gradually decreased with an increase in B4C content.