bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Meningococcal Hyperinvasive Clonal Complexes and Their Influence on Vaccines Development
Authors: Waśko Izabela , Hryniewicz Waleria , Skoczyńska Anna
Published: December 2015

Neisseria meningitidis is a commensal of human nasopharynx and humans are the only known reservoir and host of this bacterium. It is also known as a dangerous and devastating pathogen, and infection with N. meningitidis may lead to rapidly progressing septicemia or meningitis. These severe infections, called invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), are one of the major public health threats worldwide. IMD may occur sporadically, but also in outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Most of the IMD cases in the world are caused by isolates of genetically related groups, clonal complexes (CC), including those with special epidemiological significance called hyperinvasive clonal complexes. It is still unknown why some of them may persist for decades, whereas other are quickly replaced and disappear. As a consequence, the epidemiological situation of IMD is variable worldwide and greatly depends on the emergence and widespread of clones belonging to hyperinvasive clonal complexes. Their occurrence has serious implications for health policy, requiring often mass immunization campaigns. Paradoxically, alarming situations caused by hyperinvasive CCs stimulated the development and introduction of new vaccines against meningococci. Despite the unquestionable success of these vaccines, isolates of hyperinvasive clones constitute a permanent public health threat, because they are constantly circulating and able to modify their antigenic profiles to escape the host immune response. Therefore, continuous monitoring of meningococcal isolates including thorough molecular typing is indispensable and fundamental for taking appropriate preventive measures.
Systematic Robustness Testing of a Liquid Chromatographic Method: A Case Study
Authors: Mannemala Sai Sandeep , Kannappan Valliappan
Published: December 2015

Robustness testing of a method plays a crucial role in establishing its reliability. It examines the potential sources of variability in one or more responses of the proposed method. In this study, the robustness testing of a method proposed for simultaneous determination of warfarin and its two process related impurities was evaluated by using two level, fractional factorial design. Factors that are sensitive to a variation during method transfer were selected as independent variables [aqueous content (range: 39–43%, v/v), concentration of acetic acid (range: 0.08–0.12%, v/v), flow rate (range: 0.93–1.33 mL/min), and wavelength (range: 218–222 nm)]. Variables that determine the quality of separation, viz., retention factor of the first peak, resolution between the critical peak pair, tailing factor of warfarin, and total analysis time were selected as responses. Robustness was assessed by graphical (half normal probability and Pareto plots) and statistical (analysis of variance) methods. It was found that, among the studied variables, aqueous content had a significant effect on capacity factor and analysis time. Furthermore, non-significant intervals for significant factors were established by contour profiling. This study demonstrated the significance of experimental design and other statistical tools in understanding the effects of investigating factors of the chromatographic system and in defining their limits.
Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Manufacturing Intermediates and Subsidiary Colors in D&C Red No. 6, D&C Red No. 7, and Their Lakes
Authors: Perez-Gonzalez Marianita , Vu Nga , Harp Bhakti Petigara
Published: December 2015

An ultra-performance LC (UPLC) method was developed to determine the manufacturing intermediates and subsidiary colors in the monosulfo monoazo color additives D&C Red No. 6 and D&C Red No. 7 and their lakes. This method is intended for use in batch certification of the color additives by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that each lot meets published specifications for coloring drugs and cosmetics. The intermediates are 2-amino-5-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (PTMS) and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid (3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid). The subsidiary colors are 3-hydroxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid (unsulfonated subsidiary color) and 1-[(4-methylphenyl) azo]-2-naphthalenol (4-methyl Sudan I). The analytes were identified by comparing their UPLC retention times and UV-Vis absorption spectra with those of standards. Validation studies showed that calibration curves were linear (average R2 = 0.9994), and recoveries were 96–106%. Average LOD was 0.0014–0.0061% and average LOQ was 0.0047–0.020%. Results for RSD at the specification levels ranged from 0.67 to 5.79%. Survey analyses of 42 samples from 14 domestic and foreign manufacturers yielded results by the new UPLC method and a previously reported HPLC method that were consistent within experimental error. The new UPLC method provided increased sensitivity, faster analysis times, and improved separations compared to the HPLC method.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) in Infant Formula and Adult/ Pediatric Nutritional Formula by Ultra-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2012.16
Authors: Martin Frederic , Campos-Giménez Esther ,   Collaborators:, Aoude-Werner A , Bandhari S , Jaudzems G , Malaviole I , Nixon M , Norloos T , Tanderup L T , Tennyson S , Tool C , Torres M , van der Burgh P , Vermeulen M , Weihong C , Wu B , Yap L K
Published: December 2015

In order to determine repeatability and reproducibility of AOAC First Action Method 2012.16 [Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) in Infant Formula and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula by Ultra-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry], a collaborative study was organized. The study was divided in two parts: method setup and qualification of participants (part 1) and collaborative study participation (part 2). For part 1, each participating laboratory was asked to analyze two practice samples using the aforementioned method. Laboratories that provided results within a range of expected levels were qualified for part 2, during which each laboratory received 10 samples in blind duplicates. Results have been compared to the Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2012.009 established for pantothenic acid. Precision results (repeatability and reproducibility) were within the limits stated in the SMPR. Repeatability ranged from 1.3 to 3.3%, and reproducibility ranged from 4.1 to 7.0%. Horwitz ratio (HorRat) values were all <1, ranging from 0.33 to 0.69. The AOAC Expert Review Panel on Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals Nutrient Methods determined that the data presented met the SMPR and recommended the method for Final Action status, which was then granted by the AOAC Official Methods Board.
A Real-Time PCR Method Targeting Camel Ingredient for Food Authentication
Authors: Wu Yajun , Yang Yange , Wang Bin , Liu Mingchang , Han Jianxun , Chen Ying
Published: December 2015

The special nutritious value of camel showed high potential for market exploitation. In this paper, a real-time PCR method targeting camel ingredient in camel meat and milk is reported as an approach to fight against adulteration. To understand the impact of processing procedures on the amplifiability of cytb gene, four kinds of processed camel meat were investigated, and the rate of DNA breakage was explored. The method was able to detect 5 fg/μL camel DNA and highly processed food containing 0.01% camel meat with a high confidence level.
GlutenTox® Pro Test for the Detection of Gluten in Select Foods and Surfaces
Authors: Síglez Miguel A , Nocea Bárbara , del Mar Pérez María , Mª García Eva , León Laura , Galera Carlos
Published: December 2015

The GlutenTox® Pro Test is an immunochromatographic test for the detection of gluten in foods and on surfaces with varying compositions and levels of processing, from raw foods/ingredients to final product testing. The Method Developer evaluation for the validation of the GlutenTox Pro Test Kit (Biomedal Diagnostics, Sevilla, Spain) for the detection of gluten in foods and on surfaces was conducted at Biomedal, S. L., Camas, Sevilla, Spain. The GlutenTox Pro test method was evaluated by testing the following: cross-reactivity, interference, specificity and sensitivity, robustness, stability, lot-to-lot variation, food matrix, and environmental surface. To evaluate the performance of the GlutenToxPro test for the detection of gluten, 10 matrixes were selected: rice flour, bread/biscuit, rolled oat, pâté, and yogurt (and a second bread matrix for incurred sampled testing) for the food matrix study and food-grade painted wood, plastic, rubber, sealed ceramic, and stainless steel for the environmental surface matrix study. For the food matrix study, 30 replicates were evaluated at six spiked levels of gluten (0, 3, 8, 15, 25, and 45 ppm) against four detection thresholds (5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm) for each food matrix. Additionally, 10 replicates were evaluated at a concentration of 10 000 ppm using all four detection thresholds only for rice flour matrix. Three replicates of each concentration level of gluten were analyzed using paired samples by the AOAC OMA 2012.01 reference method for each food matrix. For the environmental surface study, 30 replicates were evaluated at a low spike level of gluten (16 ng/16 cm2), five replicates at a high spike level of gluten (400 ng/16 cm2), and five replicates at an unspiked control level (0 ng/16 cm2) for each surface matrix. Upon completion of testing, the probability of detection values and confidence intervals were calculated and plotted versus the concentration level as determined by the reference method when applicable. An independent laboratory evaluation of the GlutenTox Pro Test Kit with rice flour and stainless steel environmental surface was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc. (Cincinnati, OH). The GlutenTox Pro Test Kit demonstrated reliability as an effective rapid method for the detection of gluten in food matrixes (LOD 5 ppm gluten; threshold limits 5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm gluten) and on environmental surfaces (amount of detection 16 ng/16 cm2).
A Multi-Parameter Model for Effective Configuration of Supply Chains
Authors: Lambiase Alfredo , Lambiase Alessandro , Iannone Raffaele , Miranda Salvatore , Pham Duc T.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a mathematical model for the strategic planning and design of supply chains in the globalization context is proposed. A multi-objective function is used to address decisions about capacity sizing, sourcing, and facility location, with the scope of maximizing supply chain profits. The model is dynamic and is applied to a multi-echelon, multi-facility and multi-product supply chain in hypotheses of delocalization. The model is characterized by the specific attention given to cost, revenue and financial factor modelling, which has been obtained by means of an activity-based approach and the inclusion of two drivers that are usually neglected in the literature: energy and labour. The model's applicability and flexibility have been proved via a scenario analysis in which 12 different scenarios were implemented to reproduce the behaviour of major industries.
A System Supporting the Analysis of Motorway Traffic Accidents
Authors: Anghinolfi Davide , Binasco Alberto , Capogrosso Alberto , Dean Sara , Paolucci Massimo
Published: December 2015

This work presents a business intelligence tool for monitoring traffic accidents on motorways and supporting decisions relevant to road safety. The system manages information on road characteristics, traffic accidents and traffic volumes and produces reports for monitoring the evolution of key performance indicators for road safety supporting decisions on actions for risk mitigation and safety improvements for road users. The paper illustrates the different types of analyses performed by the system. Pattern based analysis is used to evaluate safety performance indicators for the road sections matching defined patterns. Two different road segmentation algorithms, used to identify the most critical road sections according to various severity indicators, are presented and discussed. Differential analysis compares the value of selected severity indicators before and after the implementation of an intervention on a road. Finally, a graphical user interface allows the accident locations to be visualized and accidents with specific characteristics to be highlighted. The system was evaluated on the data collected between 2009 and 2011 for the A15 motorway in Italy, connecting Parma to La Spezia.
Le maestranze italiche nei pavimenti musivi di Caralis e Turris Libisonis
Authors: Quattrocchi Luigi
Published: December 2015

This article aims to give an idea of the Italic mosaic production in Sardinia, determining which mosaics are actually made by Italic artists, or by them inspired. Although the mosaic heritage of Sardinia is large, there are only five cases in which we can assert that we are in front of an Italic skill, and only in two towns: Cagliari and Porto Torres. Unfortunately there are no stratigraphic data for these mosaics, since they were recovered by accident or following excavations made improperly, they can be dated only thanks to stylistic comparisons.
Monedas de Guerra y Triunfo de Octaviano. Las series CAESAR DIVI F e IMP CAESAR (RIC I2 250 - 274)
Authors: Marqués González Néstor F.
Published: December 2015

En 2014 hemos celebrado el bimilenario de la muerte de Augusto, uno de los personajes más destacados del mundo antiguo. Su política y su moral supusieron un importante cambio para el Estado Romano, gracias en parte a su magistral uso de la propaganda política. Octaviano, desde que su tío-abuelo le convirtiera en su heredero, hizo buen uso de la manipulación pública para conseguir sus fines durante el triunvirato y el conflicto posterior. Presentamos una recopilación de su propaganda política y militar en este último momento de la República en que Roma pasó del triunvirato a la guerra civil y a la ulterior proclamación del joven Octaviano como Augusto. Observaremos las monedas de guerra que fueron acuñadas entre las batallas de Naulochus y Actium y las representaciones de triunfo posteriores que posibilitaron la ascensión final de un joven con ínfulas de poder que llegó a dominar el mundo.
El vuelo Ruiz de Alda (1929-30): un excepcional documento cartográfico. De nuevo sobre Ilici
Authors: Moratalla Jávega Jesús
Published: December 2015

Se presenta en este artículo una primera valoración de las posibilidades que para la arqueología, y más concretamente para la estratigrafía del paisaje, encierra un soberbio documento como es la serie fotográfica conocida como Vuelo Ruiz de Alda (1929-30), una vez que los fotogramas han sido ampliamente puestos al alcance de la investigación. Para ello se ponen a prueba las imágenes aplicándolas a dos establecimientos de época ibérica antigua (El Oral y El Molar). Igualmente, se ha retomado una línea de investigación a propósito de la red caminera que afecta al enclave de La Alcudia-Ilici, lo que lleva implícitamente a tratar sobre su catastro romano y la trama parcelaria de todo su entorno inmediato
Noves inscripcions romanes d’Alzira (València)
Authors: Arasa Gil Ferran , Ferrer Clarí Agustín
Published: December 2015

Es donen a conèixer dues noves inscripcions romanes trobades a la població d’Alzira (la Ribera Baixa).
Radiographic Investigation of the Absolute and Relative First Metatarsal Lengths in the Asymptomatic Foot
Authors: Grady John , Trotter Kathleen , Ruff Jake , Miller Sarah
Published: December 2015

Background

We investigated distortion of measured lengths of the first and second metatarsals between two radiographic views and ultrasound-guided measurements.

Methods

In a case series performed between June 29, 2012, and February 6, 2013, two standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of each foot were obtained from 27 asymptomatic participants. Three raters performed blinded radiographic measurements of the first and second metatarsal lengths on each view and compared results. Actual first and second metatarsal lengths were measured using diagnostic ultrasound and were compared with the radiographic measurements. The relative distances between the first and second metatarsals were obtained on the anteroposterior and lateral views and were compared.

Results

Absolute first metatarsal length measurements were significantly affected by view (mean difference, 5.3 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.88–5.78 mm; P < .001), with no significant difference between raters (P = .039). Absolute second metatarsal length measurements were significantly affected by view (mean difference, 2.84 mm; 95% CI, 2.8–3.6 mm) and by rater (P = .024). First and second metatarsal anteroposterior values were 13.9% and 15.3% longer, respectively, than the actual length as measured by ultrasound (P < .001). Relative first metatarsal length was significantly shorter on lateral views (mean difference, 3.85 mm; 95% CI, 2.7–5 mm; P < .001). First metatarsal length was best approximated by the lateral view.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effect of radiographic distortion on the measurement of metatarsal length. The lateral view is more accurate than the anteroposterior view for measuring the first metatarsal. Owing to variance of relative metatarsal length on the two views, conclusions regarding a relatively short or long first metatarsal compared with the second metatarsal cannot be drawn.
A Rare Presentation of Transformed, CD30+ High-Grade Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma of the Hallux
Authors: McCartan Brant L. , Tang Bang , Berglund Allyson , Giurini John , Pihan German
Published: December 2015

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a neoplasm affecting the lymphatic system. Mycosis fungoides is the most common subset of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and is often treated conservatively. This neoplasm is most common in adults older than 60 years and does not regularly manifest in the toes. A case is reported of a 70-year-old man seen for a nonhealing hallux ulceration leading to amputation. Histopathologic examination revealed a rare transformed CD30+ high-grade cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The morbidity of lymphomas is highly dependent on type and grade. Pharmaceutical precision therapies exist that target specific molecular defects or abnormally expressed genes, such as high expression of CD30. This article focuses on treatment protocol and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, determination of cell type, and proper referral of atypical dermatologic lesions.
Extrapleural Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Foot
Authors: Kean Charles A. , Moore Bridget R. , Nettles Ashley M. , Bui Richard P.
Published: December 2015

Solitary fibrous tumors are uncommon mesenchymal neoplasms that were initially described as pleural tumors, but in recent years, numerous extrapleural sites have been reported. A solitary fibrous tumor is characterized as a circumscribed, painless mass with a patternless growth pattern, positive CD34 spindle-shaped cells, bcl-2, and dense keloidal collagen with areas of hypercellularity and hypocellularity. This case report describes a 55-year-old male veteran who presented with a rare manifestation of an extrapleural solitary fibrous tumor of the medial right hallux. Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with the previously documented characteristics of solitary fibrous tumors. Complete surgical excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice.
Effect of Obesity Level on the Longitudinal Arch in 7- to 12-Year-Old Rural and Urban Children
Authors: Woźniacka Renata , Bac Aneta , Matusik Stanisław
Published: December 2015

Background

We sought to evaluate the influence of obesity level on the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot in 7- to 12-year-old children.

Methods

The study group consisted of 925 children (450 girls and 475 boys). All of the children were subjected to podoscopic foot examination and measurement of weight, height, three skinfolds, fat weight, and fat-free body weight.

Results

The most common type of MLA was high-arched foot, which was observed in the left foot of 523 children (56.5%) and in the right foot in 592 children (64%). In almost all of the age groups, high-arched foot was the most common disorder. High-arched foot was more common in girls than in boys, and boys displayed a higher percentage of flatfoot. Also, sex-related differences were more prominent in urban children. There was a strongly positive correlation between obesity level and MLA in the examined group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the type of foot arch is influenced by parameters such as age, sex, and obesity level. High-arched foot seemed to be the most frequent pathologic abnormality in the examined group, and flatfoot, which was predominant in boys and obese children, diminished with age. High-arched foot was a more common MLA type than flatfoot regardless of obesity level assessed on the basis of body mass index and sum of three skinfolds.
A Retrospective Review of Diagnostic Testing for Onychomycosis of the Foot
Authors: Blake Nell , Zhu Junjia , Hernandez Giselle , Juliano Paul Joseph
Published: December 2015

Background

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or nondermatophyte molds. To diagnose onychomycosis, a clinician must use the patient's history, physical findings, and diagnostic testing, which can include calcofluor white/potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, fungal culture (FC), and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain. Some insurance companies require authorization for antifungal medication and request laboratory results to confirm infection. We sought to compare the reliability of KOH, PAS, and FC diagnostic results for confirmation of fungal disease, to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each test, and to investigate the cost of each test. In addition, we statistically observed the relationship between the test results and demographic variables.

Methods

Toenail clippings were obtained from 108 patients clinically diagnosed as having onychomycosis. Diagnostic tests were then performed on each sample; the results were obtained from medical records.

Results

For PAS, KOH, and FC, 60.2%, 43.5%, and 39.8% of results, respectively, were positive. Agreement for each pair of tests was slightly higher for FC and KOH. Sensitivities for KOH and PAS were 0.64 and 0.79, respectively. Specificity was 0.79 for KOH and 0.54 for PAS. Both PAS and KOH had a higher percentage of positive test results for men than for women.

Conclusions

Of the three tests evaluated, PAS gives the most consistent positive results and has the highest sensitivity. Therefore, PAS should be considered as the best test to verify clinically significant onychomycosis.
Plantar Pressure and Gait Symmetry in Individuals with Fractures versus Tendon Injuries to the Hindfoot
Authors: Albin Stephanie R. , Cornwall Mark W. , McPoil Thomas G. , Van Boerum Drew H. , Morgan James M.
Published: December 2015

Background

The intent of this study was to determine whether differences in function, walking characteristics, and plantar pressures exist in individuals after operative fixation of an intra-articular calcaneal fracture (HFX) compared with individuals with operative repair of an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).

Methods

Twenty patients (ten with HFXs and ten with ATRs) were recruited approximately 3.5 months after operative intervention. All of the participants completed the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and had their foot posture assessed using the Foot Posture Index. Walking velocity was assessed using a pressure mat system, and plantar pressures were measured using an in-shoe sensor. In addition to between-group comparisons, the involved foot was compared with the uninvolved foot for each participant.

Results

There were no differences in age, height, weight, or number of days since surgery between the two groups. The HFX group had lower Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores, slower walking velocities, and different forefoot loading patterns compared with the ATR group. The involved limb of both groups was less pronated.

Conclusions

The results indicate that individuals with an HFX spend more time on their involved limb and walk slower than those with an ATR. Plantar pressures in the HFX group were higher in the lateral forefoot and lower in the medial forefoot and in the ATR group were symmetrically lower in the forefoot.
Nonhealing Venous Ulcers and Chronic Venous Outflow Obstruction
Authors: Labovitz Jonathan , Gagne Paul , Penera Keith , Wainwright Sandra
Published: December 2015

The etiology of chronic venous insufficiency is typically neglected or misunderstood when treating lower-extremity edema and venous ulcerations. Despite the high prevalence of venous compression syndromes, it is rarely considered when treating venous ulcers and unresolved venous disease. We report a case of bilateral iliac vein outflow obstruction that prohibited venous ulcer healing until properly treated. This case highlights the importance of properly identifying and treating venous compression syndromes to enhance ulcer healing and decrease the risk of venous ulcer recurrence.
Testing sensory evidence against mnemonic templates
Authors: Myers Nicholas E , Rohenkohl Gustavo , Wyart Valentin , Woolrich Mark W , Nobre Anna C , Stokes Mark G
Published: December 2015

Most perceptual decisions require comparisons between current input and an internal template. Classic studies propose that templates are encoded in sustained activity of sensory neurons. However, stimulus encoding is itself dynamic, tracing a complex trajectory through activity space. Which part of this trajectory is pre-activated to reflect the template? Here we recorded magneto- and electroencephalography during a visual target-detection task, and used pattern analyses to decode template, stimulus, and decision-variable representation. Our findings ran counter to the dominant model of sustained pre-activation. Instead, template information emerged transiently around stimulus onset and quickly subsided. Cross-generalization between stimulus and template coding, indicating a shared neural representation, occurred only briefly. Our results are compatible with the proposal that template representation relies on a matched filter, transforming input into task-appropriate output. This proposal was consistent with a signed difference response at the perceptual decision stage, which can be explained by a simple neural model.
The kinetochore prevents centromere-proximal crossover recombination during meiosis
Authors: Vincenten Nadine , Kuhl Lisa-Marie , Lam Isabel , Oke Ashwini , Kerr Alastair RW , Hochwagen Andreas , Fung Jennifer , Keeney Scott , Vader Gerben , Marston Adèle L
Published: December 2015

During meiosis, crossover recombination is essential to link homologous chromosomes and drive faithful chromosome segregation. Crossover recombination is non-random across the genome, and centromere-proximal crossovers are associated with an increased risk of aneuploidy, including Trisomy 21 in humans. Here, we identify the conserved Ctf19/CCAN kinetochore sub-complex as a major factor that minimizes potentially deleterious centromere-proximal crossovers in budding yeast. We uncover multi-layered suppression of pericentromeric recombination by the Ctf19 complex, operating across distinct chromosomal distances. The Ctf19 complex prevents meiotic DNA break formation, the initiating event of recombination, proximal to the centromere. The Ctf19 complex independently drives the enrichment of cohesin throughout the broader pericentromere to suppress crossovers, but not DNA breaks. This non-canonical role of the kinetochore in defining a chromosome domain that is refractory to crossovers adds a new layer of functionality by which the kinetochore prevents the incidence of chromosome segregation errors that generate aneuploid gametes.
Kritisk empiri. Ett historiografiskt perspektiv
Authors: Caldenby Claes
Published: December 2015

The article discusses the possible value of a ”critical empiricism” as the forgotten ”other” of the well-established critical theory. Following Swedish sociologist Johan Asplund, critical empiricism is described as ”seeing what others have not seen”. The ”theoretical turn” in architectural research is questioned with the help of architectural historians Anders Åman and Mari Hvattum. The 1940s discussion of Swedish architecture as “new empiricism” introduces a strong relation between the Nordic welfare societies and their architecture as a characteristic also of Swedish architectural history.

The article presents a recent historiographical project by a network of Swedish architectural historians from universities and schools of architecture. One of the networks’ papers is about Gregor Paulsson’s book Svensk stad [Swedish Town], an “environmental history” with a pronounced sociological perspective and an ambition to influence Swedish post-war planning. Another paper discusses architectural history as the study of building categories, a firmly established tradition in Swedish architectural history, in this case with a fundamentally “functional” perspective. A third paper is a critical study of the 1970s turn from architectural history as a history of monuments to a history of the built environment in its broadest sense.

In conclusion, critical empiricism in architectural history is presented as a vigorous and necessary reminder of how society could be different in a time when humanities as well as planning are questioned by politicians.
Arkitektur og utstillinger som berører. En studie av nyere basisutstillinger i norske kunst- og kunstindustrimuseer
Authors: Sauge Birgitte
Published: December 2015

The intention with this article is to describe current exhibition practices at some Norwegian fine art- and design museums and to relate these practices to the visitors and their experiences, by comparing data concerning the plans and interior designs of gallery rooms and the organization of the displays.

This investigation is based on data from a survey of 19 permanent exhibitions in 12 fine arts and design museums, conducted in 2011–12; the Norwegian museum architecture and museum displays with its more than 100 year old traditions; and Charlotte Klonk’s book Spaces of Experience: Art Gallery Spaces from 1800–2000.

The survey shows that the purpose built museums to a large extent have kept their original layout and the organization of rooms. The non-purpose built museums tend to imitate the museums from the 1800s, within the limits of their given architecture. Different types of specially designed rooms are found in all buildings, regardless of age and purposes. Regarding the organization of displays, the most frequent principle is a combination of historically chronological types and themes. Almost as frequent are strictly historical chronological displays and thematic displays without any historical narrative.

Hence, the comparisons reveal that there are no fixed patterns regarding the historical types and the conventions concerning the relationship between the museum architecture and organization of the displays, which lead to the conclusion that today there is no general curatorial strategy in Norwegian fine art- and design museums with regard to the visitors’ experiences.
Effect of anode buffer layer on the efficiency of inverted quantum-dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Cho Ye Ram , Kang Pil-Gu , Shin Dong Heon , Kim Ji-Hoon , Maeng Min-Jae , Sakong Jeonghun , Hong Jong-Am , Park Yongsup , Suh Min Chul
Published: December 2015

The impact of anode buffer layers (ABLs) on the performance of CdSe quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLED) with a ZnO nanoparticle (NP) electron-transport layer and 4,4′-cyclohexylidenebis[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)benzenamine] (TAPC) hole-transport layer was studied. Either MoO3or 1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) was used as the ABL. The QLED with a HAT-CN ABL exhibited better luminance performance, while the ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and hole-only devices indicated that MoO3was a superior hole injector. These results suggest that the QLED with a MoO3ABL suffered from a severe charge carrier imbalance. Therefore, electron injection through the ZnO NP layer must be improved to further enhance the QLED performance.
Strong mechanoluminescence of Zn2(Ge0.9Si0.1)O4:Mn with weak persistent luminescence
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Wang Xusheng , Li Jun , Li Yanxia , Yao Xi
Published: December 2015

A novel elastic mechanoluminescence (EML) material Zn2(Ge0.9Si0.1)O4:Mn is reported to exhibit weak persistent luminescence (PL), a dynamic compressive load in the 300–2800 N range, and a nearly perfect linear response. The PL and EML spectra indicate that the EML and PL emissions originate from the 4T1 → 6A1 transition of Mn2+. The thermoluminescence properties reveal the existence of three types of traps. The shallowest trap responsible for a fast decay afterglow may contribute little to the EML. On the other hand, the other two, deeper, trap types, underlie EML.
Electrical characteristics and step coverage of ZrO2 films deposited by atomic layer deposition for through-silicon via and metal–insulator–metal applications
Authors: Choi Kyeong-Keun , Park Chan-Gyung , Kim Deok-kee
Published: December 2015

The electrical characteristics and step coverage of ZrO2 films deposited by atomic layer deposition were investigated for through-silicon via (TSV) and metal–insulator–metal applications at temperatures below 300 °C. ZrO2 films were able to be conformally deposited on the scallops of 50-µm-diameter, 100-µm-deep TSV holes. The mean breakdown field of 30-nm-thick ZrO2 films on 30-nm-thick Ta(N) increased about 41% (from 2.7 to 3.8 MV/cm) upon H2 plasma treatment. With the plasma treatment, the breakdown field of the film increased and the temperature coefficient of capacitance decreased significantly, probably as a result of the decreased carbon concentration in the film.
Application of surface plasmon resonance biosensor for the detection of Candida albicans
Authors: Yodmongkol Sirasa , Thaweboon Sroisiri , Thaweboon Boonyanit , Puttharugsa Chokchai , Sutapun Boonsong , Amarit Ratthasart , Somboonkaew Armote , Srikhirin Toemsak
Published: December 2015

In this study, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPR imaging) was developed for the detection of Candida albicans which is a causal agent of oral infection. The detection was based on the sandwich assay. The capture antibody was covalently immobilized on the mixed self assemble monolayers (SAMs). The ratio of mixed SAMs between 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 3-mercaptopropanol was varied to find the optimal ratio for use as a sensor surface. The results showed that the suitable surface for C. albicans detection was SAM of carboxylic (mixed SAMs

), even though mixed SAMs

had a high detection signal in comparison to mixed SAMs

, but the non-specific signal was higher. The detection limit was 107 cells/ml for direct detection, and was increased to 106 cells/ml with sandwich antibody. The use of polyclonal C. albicans antibody as capture and sandwich antibody showed good selectivity against the relevant oral bacteria including Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutan, Staphylococcus aureus, β-streptococci, and Lactobacillus casei. SPR platform in this study could detect C. albicans from the mixed microbial suspension without requirement of skillful technician. This SPR imaging biosensor could be applied for Candida identification after cultivation.
PRÁTICAS DE GOVERNANÇA CORPORATIVA EM EMPRESA FAMILIAR DE CAPITAL FECHADO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Mizumoto Fabio Matuoka , Machado Filho Claudio Pinheiro
Published: December 2015

This paper analyses corporate governance practices adopted by family-owned business to identify its influence on the management model and on the family and business relationship. The corporate governance mechanisms are originally established to public held companies, but those practices may also minimize agency problems faced by family-owned companies once it establishes rules to relationships among family, ownership and management. It is notable the importance of family owned firms on national private companies. Many challenges faced by family companies are recurrent, but there are no general rules and solutions. Therefore, the empirical analysis was conducted on a case study about the challenges and benefits from practices of corporate governance at Grupo Orsa Company. It was investigated the hole of Board of Directors, Family Council, Management Council, considered integrative structures to the model of family ? ownership ? management sub-systems. Key words: Family business. Corporate governance. Management
MENSURAÇÃO DO PERFIL DO POTENCIAL EMPREENDEDOR E SEU IMPACTO NO DESEMPENHO DAS PEQUENAS EMPRESAS
Authors: Filho Cid Gonçalves , Veit Mara Regina , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2015

The entrepreneurship issue has been widely broadcasted among both academic and business environment by means of publications, practical cases and examples from entrepreneurs who are well succeeded in their business career. Several articles, seminars and conferences have addressed the issue and also have inspired researchers and scholars to identify which characteristics compose the entrepreneur’s profile. Small companies are considered to be one of the main agents of development and economic growth of a country as they contribute in two different ways: they create more job opportunities and technological innovations. In Brazil, for example, small companies represent 98% of the total running companies and 59% of the total workforce. Hence, small companies have a central importance for the social system in a capitalist society. Considering this scenario, the present research aims to build an instrument to identify which are the main factors that compose the entrepreneur’s profile. In order to achieve that objective, 965 questionnaires were collected. According to the results of the research, the EPP- Entrepreneur Potential Profile is composed by eight factors: strategic competence, risk, innovation, formal planning, relationship, analytical thinking, dedication and challenge. Through Structural Equation Modeling, it was verified that EPP (Entrepreneur Potential Profile) could explain 25% of performance of a small business. This study contributes with the development of a scale to measure Entrepreneur Potential Profile, with the proposal of a Entrepreneur Potential Profile Index - EPPI (using structural weights), associated with a typology of EPPI levels (low to high Entrepreneur Potential), that can help entrepreneurs to understand their profile and compare it with the population. Also, this work suggests that Entrepreneurship Profile Potential is an antecedent of business performance, and should be considered in new studies that aim to improve performance of small business firms. Key words: Search Terms. Entrepreneurship. Small business. Performance
AS REDES EMPRESARIAIS DE NEGÓCIOS E O SEU PODER COMPETITIVO: RACIONALIDADE LÓGICA OU ESTRATÉGICA?
Authors: Dutra Ivan De Souza , Zaccarelli Sérgio Baptista , Dos Santos Sílvio Aparecido
Published: December 2015

The main objective was analyze how the companies form a group organizing themselves under the form of an enterprise network business-oriented, called Business Network. This kind of network is formed in cooperation to compete with other group of companies that acts in the same sector or enterprise segment. From one discussion of the concept of Business Network, this study makes a theoretical and empirical analysis of a case of a formed network for the modular consortium of the Volkswagen Trucks and Bus - operations of the South America. Between the main discussions, two sources of rationalization had been evidenced for the theorization on networks: the logic and the strategical one. Characteristics and effects of the Business Networks had been proven from these sources. Also, it had been proven the position and power of negotiation between members of the network. It was observed that as the form to think, the business network is formed to explore businesses on the basis of the logic, or, it is constituted to compete based on the thought or strategical reasoning. The competitive power of the network formed from the strategical reasoning was evident when the competition is between groups that operate in the same branch and sector. The main contributions of the study are to explore the subject and to look for extended discussions.
O IMPACTO DO ENVOLVIMENTO NAS RELAÇÕES ENTRE CONFIANÇA, VALOR PERCEBIDO E LEALDADE: UM ESTUDO EM UMA IES PRIVADA
Authors: Espartel Lélis Balestrin , Sampaio Cláudio Hoffmann , Perin Marcelo Gatterman
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes the test of a theoretical model presenting trust and perceived value as loyalty antecedents, and to verify the moderate effect of student involvement with the course on the relationship among constructs. In order to do so, the model behavior was tested in a sample of 414 cases. The outcomes suggest that the intensity of the model constructs (trust, value and loyalty) is significantly higher in students that demonstrate higher involvement with the course, i.e., these subjects have higher trust on the employees and on the institution, they perceive higher value in the course and they are more loyal to the institution. From the application of multi-group analysis in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the conclusion is that there exists stability of the proposed relationship in the theoretical model, once the outcomes do not indicate significant invariances between higher and lower involvement groups. As a result, the involvement seems not to be a moderate construct, once the models have similar statistic behavior, but an impact construct, as the model constructs presented statistically higher averages for the highest involvement group.
O ENSINO DO EMPREENDEDORISMO NOS CURSOS DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM ADMINISTRAÇÃO NO BRASIL
Authors: Flores Danusa Cunha , Hoeltgebaum Marianne , Silveira Amelia
Published: December 2015

The entrepreneurs’ formation has been growing in term of value in the world because of the important changes affecting mainly the labor relationship, employment and income. The entrepreneurs’ formation becomes an important subject. The aim of the present paper is to characterize the post-graduate programs in Business Administration, in Brazil, that have research lines, specific concentration area in entrepreneurship and offer disciplines in his curriculum structure regarding this issue. The teaching plans of the entrepreneurship disciplines were analyzed as for the menus, load-hourly and bibliographies. The research was exploratory, using a qualitative method. The population was constituted by the 16 programs for masters and doctorates degree recognized by the Coordination of Personal Improvement of Superior Level (CAPES). The results show that the menus and load- hours have a tendency to focus on the growth of entrepreneurship in the programs analyzed. The business plan, innovation, creating new business opportunities and recognition were the most discussed topics. Filion, Birley and Muzyca, and Drucker were the authors; they have been mentioned as references in the most bibliographies of offered disciplines. The conclusion evidenced that the theme of entrepreneurship is winning field in this level of studies in the Brazilian post-graduate in administration, being relevant to the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEI).
JOVENS EMPREENDEDORES ESTÃO PREPARADOS PARA EMPREENDER EM EMPRESAS DE BASE TECNOLÓGICA?
Authors: Bezerra Fonsêca Francisco Ricardo , C. de Mello Sérgio Benício , Coutinho Marçal Maria Christianni , De Souza Correa Maria Iraê
Published: December 2015

Entrepreneurship (theoretical and practically) as a phenomenon is capable of fomenting an infinity of issues regarding the dynamic and complex reality of contemporary businesses. This paper aims at to explore the factors that influence the intention of becoming an entrepreneur by alumini and senior students of a major Brazilian University undertaking high-tech degrees. This qualitative study was accomplished through in-depth interviews. In the analytical scope, a content analysis was undertaken comprehending the process of transcription of the interviewees’ reports, codification of contents and interpretation of their meanings. The category will (i.e., the human act of choosing freely to practice or not certain actions) poised as one of the fundamental factors influencing the intentional act of enterprising. The entrepreneurs’ self-perceived profile, which corroborates with the idea of career anchor (major theory used in this study), was evidenced as a relevant empiric discovery while the anchor of managerial career was revealed more frequently. At the end, suggestions of future researches are presented.
Antarctic ice shelf thickness from CryoSat‐2 radar altimetry
Authors: Chuter S. J. , Bamber J. L.
Published: December 2015

Ice shelf thickness for the whole of Antarctica is derived from 4 years (2011–2014) of CryoSat‐2 (CS2) radar altimetry measurements using the assumption that the shelves are in hydrostatic equilibrium. The satellite orbit and novel synthetic aperture radar interferometric mode of CS2 results in 92.3% data coverage over the ice shelves, with particular improvements around the grounding zone. When compared to ICESat data, surface elevations have a mean bias of less than 1 m and a fourfold reduction in standard deviation compared with the previous data set. Over the Amery Ice Shelf there is a mean thickness difference of 3.3% between radio echo sounding measurements and the CS2‐derived thicknesses, rising to 4.7% within 10 km of the grounding line. Our new data set provides key improvements in accuracy and coverage, especially in the grounding zone, allowing for reduced uncertainties in mass budget calculations, subshelf ocean and ice sheet‐shelf modeling.
Dual‐polarization radar signatures in snowstorms: Role of snowflake aggregation
Authors: Moisseev Dmitri N. , Lautaportti Susanna , Tyynela Jani , Lim S.
Published: December 2015

In this article a potential role of snowflake growth by aggregation on formation of dual‐polarization radar signatures in winter storms is discussed. We advocate that the observed bands of increased values of specific differential phase (Kdp) can be linked to the onset of aggregation. These bands are caused by high number concentrations of oblate relatively dense ice particles and take place in regions where an ice phase “seeder‐feeder” is active. On the other hand, the differential reflectivity (Zdr) bands, in absence of detectable Kdp values, are observed in the areas where crystal growth is the dominating snow growth mechanism and ice particle number concentration is lower. This distinction in underlying processes explains why Kdp and Zdr bands are not always observed at the same time. Furthermore, based on surface observations of snowflakes, it is determined that early aggregates, consisting of a small number of ice crystals, are oblate. These oblate particles could contribute to the reported dual‐polarization radar signatures in snow, especially to the Kdp. This could help to explain why, where observed at the same type, Kdp and Zdr bands do not match and the altitude of the peak value of Kdp is usually lower than the Zdr one. It also means that dual‐polarization radar signatures of snowflakes may depend on a stage of aggregation.