bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modification of PEN treated with ozone and UV photooxidation
Authors: Al Abdulal Entesar , Bailey Alla , Mehan Michael , Gupta Surendra Kumar , Li Xinyun , Toro Marc , Takacs Gerald Alan
Published: November 2015

Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) was treated with ozone in the absence of radiation and the results were compared with ultraviolet (UV) photooxidation using 253·7 and 184·9 nm radiations. The surface modification of the top 2–5 nm was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical changes. Higher saturation levels of oxidation were achieved using UV photooxidation than ozonation. Both treatment methods increased the amounts of C–O–C, C=O and O–C=O bondings while UV photooxidation also increased the concentration of the anhydride/carbonate moieties on the surface. Atomic force microscopy detected smoother surfaces with increasing treatment time for both the treatments. The changes in functional groups and surface roughness with both treatments contributed to an increase in hydrophilicity as determined by advancing water contact angle measurements. A greater increase in hydrophilicity was observed for the UV photooxidized PEN samples. Initial results showed a slight increase in hydrophilicity when acrylic acid was grafted onto ozone-treated PEN surfaces, although, the ester group in the PEN structure made it difficult to detect poly(acrylic acid) by XPS.
Claves de identificación macroscópica de la madera de 110 especies del Caribe Norte de Costa Rica
Authors: Araya-Montero Miguel , Moya-Roque Róger
Published: November 2015

La región Caribe Norte de Costa Rica abastece aproximadamente el 14 % del mercado nacional de la madera, usando alrededor de 165 especies arbóreas. Sin embargo, dicha región carece de instrumentos que contribuyan a identificar las especies maderables; lo cual podría ayudar a que la administración forestal del Estado ejerza un mejor control. Ante tal escenario, el presente trabajo desarrolla un manual para la identificación de la madera en términos macroscópicos de 110 especies  forestales de la región antes citada. Se describen las características generales y anatómicas de cada una de las especies. Dicha información se utilizó para construir dos tipos de claves de identificación: once claves gráficas que describen los criterios de clasificación para los principales caracteres anatómicos y que permiten encausar la identificación de cada especie, y una clave dicotómica basada en un carácter anatómico, el cual es utilizado como criterio de clasificación en dosrespuestas. Estos recursos están dirigidos a facilitar las labores de identificación tanto del personal de campo, como de los técnicos especializados en diversidad biológica y conservación, entre otros.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia L.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol casuarina Casuarina equisetifolia L., información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Cedro (Cedrela salvadorensis Stadl.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol cedro Cedrela salvadorensis Stadl., información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Evaluación del crecimiento, potencial de secuestro y fijación de carbono de dos especies forestales en el Sistema Agroforestal Taungya en Rivas, Nicaragua
Authors: González-Martínez Álvaro José , Rojas-Hernández Joel , Jiménez-Gómez Ronaldo Martin , Chavarría-Ñamendi Francisco José
Published: November 2015

Se estudió el crecimiento, la biomasa, el potencial de carbono fijado y secuestrado en dos especies forestales, Tectona grandis (Linn. F) y Bombacopsis quinata (Jacq. Dugand) de 5 años de edad, en asocio con Musa balbissiana ABB en un Sistema taungya. El marco de siembra fue de 1,5 x 6 m. La medición de las variables se realizó al primer raleo de manera sistemática (50% de plantas a ralear). La biomasa y carbono almacenado se cuantificó a través del método destructivo. Ambas especies presentaron una sobrevivencia superior al 83%. En altura total (10,6 m) y de fuste (3,4 m), T. grandis fue superior en un 30% y 36% respectivamente que B. quinata, sin embargo, esta última fue superior en más del 32% en diámetro de copa (5,7 m). T. grandis presentó el mejor incremento medio anual con 2,1 m de altura total, superando en un 31% a B. quinata. En relación al peso específico, T. grandis presentó el mayor valor (0,57 g/cm3), superando en más del 83% a B. quinata. No se encontró diferencia estadística entre las especies en volumen comercial (0,05 m3). La cantidad
de biomasa (47,77 Kg MS planta-1), contenido de carbono en la vegetación (raíz, fuste y ramas gruesas) y potencial de almacenamiento de carbono por planta (26,98 kg), T. grandis presentó el mejor comportamiento superando en un 44, 1,7 y 47% a B. quinata respectivamente. De acuerdo al potencial de carbono fijado por superficie T. grandis presentó la mejor estimación total (26,7 t ha-1) y tasa anual (5,34 t C ha-1 año-1), superando en un 57% a B. quinata.
Establecimiento in vitro de Terminalia amazonia (Gmel.) Excell
Authors: Méndez-Álvarez Dawa , Abdelnour-Esquivel Ana
Published: November 2015

Terminalia amazonia es una especie nativa utilizada para la reforestación por sus características de rápido crecimiento y madera de buena calidad. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue determinar la condiciones necesarias para el establecimiento in vitro de dicha especie, por lo cual se trabajó con plantas provenientes de campo y de invernadero, a estas últimas se les establecieron condiciones sanitarias, posteriormente se evaluó el efecto de dos agentes desinfectantes, hipocloritode sodio (NaClO) y cloruro de mercurio, en diferentes concentraciones y tiempos de exposición. Siendo la doble desinfección con NaClO al 3% por 5 minutos y al 1,5% por 10 minutos, el mejor tratamiento en reducir la contaminación de los explantes y mantenerlos viables. Se utilizaron una serie de antioxidantes, como son ácido cítrico, ácido ascórbico,L-cisteína, PVPP, carbón activado y DTT, además de emplear un tratamiento frío a 4°C con el objetivo de inhibir la fenolización de los explantes. El uso de carbón activado y PVPP dentro del medio de cultivo fueron los mejores tratamientos en cuanto a explantes sobrevivientes y con oxidación leve (53,3% y 66,7% respectivamente). Además, se emplearon reguladores de crecimiento como BAP y KIN para promover la brotación en los explantes. Las condiciones para el establecimiento in vitro dependen directamente de la especie con que se trabaje.
Selección de semillas y capacidad de germinación de Ficus citrifolia Mill.
Authors: López-Tandazo Napoléon , Del Cisne-Quichimbo Lucía
Published: November 2015

Se analizó la selección por método gravitacional y la capacidad de germinación de semillas del higuerón (Ficus citrifolia Mill), especie identificada con la protección de vertientes en los bosques secos de la provincia de Loja. Se evidenció la germinación de semilla sedimentada con 34,5% de promedio con un máximo poder de germinación a los 15 días.
Efecto de extractos de metabolitos de dos aislados nativos Trichoderma sp. sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo de brotes juveniles de melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm.) bajo condiciones de minitúnel
Authors: Solano-Jiménez Luis Fernando , Mata-Granados Xiomara , Murillo-Gamboa Olman
Published: November 2015

El estudio se ejecutó en dos etapas bajo condiciones de minitúnel. En la primera de ellas, se aplicó extractos de metabolitos y biomasa de dos aislados de Trichoderma spp., codificados como MOTrh y LaBioTD37 en forma individual y conjunta con ácido Indolbutírico (hormona enraizante). El análisis de los resultados evidenció que los índices más bajos de mortalidad de los brotes fueron registrados por los tratamientos correspondientes a MOTrh (T2), LaBioTD37 (T3), MOTrh+enraizante (T5), LaBioTD37+enraizante (T6) y MOTrh+LaBioTD37+enraizante (T7). Estos últimos tratamientos (T6 y T7), evidenciaron los porcentajes de enraizamiento más altos (97,5% y 95% respectivamente). La combinación de los aislados con la hormona enraizante (T5, T6, T7) aumentó el número de raíces por brote, mostrando mayor longitud de raíz con respecto al testigo. En la segunda etapa, se determinó que la mezcla de MOTrh+LaBioTD37 aplicado a la base del brote e inoculado al pellet (T6), incrementó significativamente la altura en un 37,1%, mientras que la mezcla MOTrh+LaBioTD37 (T5) inoculado a la base del brote aumento la longitud de la raíz en un 75%. La biomasa aérea fresca se incrementó en un 42,5% y 55% por los tratamientos MOTrh+LaBioTD37 inoculado a la base del brote (T5) y MOTrh+LaBioTD37 aplicado a la base del brote e inoculado al pellet (T6), además de incrementar significativamente la biomasa seca aérea en un 58,9%. En cuanto a la biomasa radical, el peso fresco aumentó en 50% y 67% por los tratamientos MOTrh+LaBioTD37 aplicado a la base del brote e inoculado al pellet (T6) y MOTrh+LaBioTD37 inoculado a la base del brote (T5) respectivamente. En términos de peso seco, éste incrementó el 51% y el 68% en los tratamientos T5 y T6 respectivamente. Se concluye que la mezcla de los extractos de ambos aislados ejercen un efecto positivo sobre el crecimiento y desarrollo radicular de brotes de melina, al ser aplicados tanto al enraizamiento al aire, como al pellet de turba, durante el periodo de aclimatización.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Corcho (Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol corcho (Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake.), incluyendo información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación. (Cav.) S.T. Blake.
Biomasa sobre el suelo y carbono orgánico en el suelo en cuatro estadios de sucesión de bosques en la Península de Osa, Costa Rica
Authors: Aguilar-Arias Heileen , Ortiz-Malavasi Edgar , Vílchez-Alvarado Braulio , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: November 2015

Para este estudio se cuantificó la biomasa seca acumulada en la capa de mantillo sobre el suelo y en la madera muerta, así como el contenido de carbono orgánico en el suelo (COS), en cuatro estadios de sucesión de bosque: 5 a 15 años, 15 a 30 años, mayores de 30 años y bosque primario. Se estableció un diseño simple aleatorio con sub-muestreo, cuatro tratamientos (estadio sucesional), cinco repeticiones (PPM) y cuatro muestras por PPM. La biomasa acumulada en la capa de mantillo fue mayor en bosques primarios con 9,75 t/ha, seguido por bosques mayores de 30 años con 7,93 t/ha, bosques de 15-30 años con 5,97 t/ha y por último bosques de 5-15 años con 5,60 t/ha. Los valores de biomasa en la madera muerta fueron de 7,80 t/ha en bosques primarios, 3,26 t/ha en bosques mayores de 30 años 5,84 t/ha, en bosques de 15-30 años y de 3,42 en bosques de 5-15 años. El carbono orgánico almacenado en el suelo fue mayor en bosques de más de 30 años (109,24 tC/ha), seguido por bosques primarios (92,29 tC/ha), 15-30 años (88,01 tC/ha) y por último bosques de 5-15 años (78,48 tC/ha-1). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (α = 0,05) en la biomasa de mantillo acumulada en bosques primarios respecto bosques de 5-15 años. Las tendencias mostraron un aumento en la cantidad de biomasa acumulada en la capa de mantillo conforme aumenta el estadio sucesional. La biomasa de madera muerta no mostró diferencias estadísticas respecto a la edad del bosque (α = 0,05). El carbono orgánico en el suelo (COS) mostró diferencias estadísticas (α = 0,05) en bosques de 5-15 años respecto a bosques mayores de 30 años.
La huella de carbono del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Authors: Arguedas-Marín Maureen
Published: November 2015

Este estudio estima las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero (GEI) del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR) según los lineamientos del Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático (IPCC). Se obtuvo que el ITCR durante el período 2007 - 2009 emitió en promedio 2 541 t/año de CO2 equivalente, y que las emisiones podrían llegar a 3 741 t/año CO2 para el período 2011 - 2021. Del promedio de emisiones del período 2007 - 2009, un 85% corresponde a la sede de Santa Clara y un 15% a las Sede Cartago y Centro Académico San José. Las fuentes de emisión evaluadas para toda la institución fueron: fermentación entérica del ganado (40%), gestión del estiércol (36%), flotilla vehicular (11%), viajes aéreos (4%), planta de matanza (4%), factor térmico de la electricidad (4%), combustible institucional (1%) y gas LP institucional (0,1%). Determinó que el área necesaria a reforestar para mitigar dichas emisiones para el período 2011 - 2021 es, a manera de ilustración, de 170 ha, con la especie Gmelina arborea. Para mitigar las emisiones de la sede Central y Centro Académico de San José se requiere de reforestar 32 ha, mientras que para la Sede de Santa Clara se requiere de 138 ha, esto por cuanto la gestión entérica del ganado genera excesivos volúmenes del GEI metano y óxido nitroso. De adoptar este proyecto el ITCR se estaría posicionando como una institución de educación superior Carbono Neutral durante un período de 10 años. Se señala que es importante complementar la mitigación con reforestación y políticas ambientales dirigidas a disminuir las emisiones de cada fuente de emisión.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Caña Fístula (Cassia fistula L.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol caña fístula (Cassia fistula L.), e información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Culturally Adapted Skill Use as a Therapeutic Alliance Catalyst
Authors: Lewicki Todd
Published: November 2015

Purpose:In this article, I explore how the therapeutic alliance, along with culturally competent and adapted skill use can be positively correlated with treatment outcome when using the ecological validity model as the frame. The ecological validity model refers to the degree to which there is consistency between the environment as experienced by the individual of racial minority status who possesses a disability and the properties of the environment the counselor assumes it has.

Method:Based on a comprehensive literature review and theoretical integration, I have provided the readers with a brief review of cultural adaptation, cultural competence, and common factor skills through the structure of the ecological validity model with the purpose of enhancement of interventions to persons of different racial and ethnic backgrounds with disabilities.

Results:There is an emerging opportunity in the field of rehabilitation counseling for research and enhanced clinical practice in use of culturally competent-adapted interventions in enhancing the therapeutic alliance through use of the ecological validity model.

Conclusions:The ecological validity model provides a theoretical framework for understanding research and clinical implications related to the promulgation of interventions via culturally adapted therapeutic alliance skills.
History Matching and Rate Forecasting in Unconventional Oil Reservoirs With an Approximate Analytical Solution to the Double-Porosity Model
Authors: Ogunyomi B. A. , Patzek T. W. , Lake L. W. , Kabir C. S.
Published: November 2015

Production data from most fractured horizontal wells in gas and liquid-rich unconventional reservoirs plot as straight lines with a one-half slope on a log-log plot of rate vs. time. This production signature (half-slope) is identical to that expected from a 1D linear flow from reservoir matrix to the fracture face, when production occurs at constant bottomhole pressure. In addition, microseismic data obtained around these fractured wells suggest that an area of enhanced permeability is developed around the horizontal well, and outside this region is an undisturbed part of the reservoir with low permeability. On the basis of these observations, geoscientists have, in general, adopted the conceptual double-porosity model in modeling production from fractured horizontal wells in unconventional reservoirs. The analytical solution to this mathematical model exists in Laplace space, but it cannot be inverted back to real-time space without use of a numerical inversion algorithm. We present a new approximate analytical solution to the double-porosity model in real-time space and its use in modeling and forecasting production from unconventional oil reservoirs.

The first step in developing the approximate solution was to convert the systems of partial-differential equations (PDEs) for the double-porosity model into a system of ordinary-differential equations (ODEs). After which, we developed a function that gives the relationship between the average pressures in the high- and the low-permeability regions. With this relationship, the system of ODEs was solved and used to obtain a rate/time function that one can use to predict oil production from unconventional reservoirs. The approximate solution was validated with numerical reservoir simulation.

We then performed a sensitivity analysis on the model parameters to understand how the model behaves. After the model was validated and tested, we applied it to field-production data by partially history matching and forecasting the expected ultimate recovery (EUR). The rate/time function fits production data and also yields realistic estimates of ultimate oil recovery. We also investigated the existence of any correlation between the model-derived parameters and available reservoir and well-completion parameters.
Direct-Simulation Monte Carlo Investigation of a Berea Porous Structure
Authors: Christou Chariton , Dadzie S. Kokou
Published: November 2015

Shale-gas and tight gas reservoirs consist of porous structures with pore diameter in the range of 1 to 200 nm. At these scales, the pore diameter becomes comparable to the gas mean free path. Flows in these structures fail often in the transition and slip flow regimes. Standard continuum fluid methods such as the Navier-Stokes-Fourier (NSF) set of equations fail to describe flows of these regimes. We present a direct-simulation monte carlo (DSMC) study of a 3D porous structure in an unlimited parallel simulation. The 3D geometry was obtained with microcomputed-tomography (micro-CT). The gas considered is CH4 (100%), and the gas intermolecular-collision model for the simulation is the variable hard sphere (VHS). Simulations were carried out for three different Knudsen (Kn) numbers within the transition and slip flow regimes. The results demonstrate some of the significant differences that appear in gas-flow properties depending on the Kn number and the flow regime. In addition, the velocity profile appears to depend on the Kn number. At the inlet of the porous structures, more-uniform velocity profile occurs for the three Kn numbers. At the outlet, the velocity profile varies depending on the Kn number. For Kn ≈ 0.037, a parabolic shape is observed for the velocity profile, whereas a more-uniform shape is observed for Kn ≈ 3.7.
Wild Pepper Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum: Taxonomy, Plant Morphology, Distribution, Genetic Diversity, Genome Sequencing, and Phytochemical Compounds
Authors: Hayano‐Kanashiro Corina , Gámez‐Meza Nohemí , Medina‐Juárez Luis Ángel
Published: November 2015

The fruit of the chiltepin [Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser and Pickersgill] is considered an important genetic resource for pepper crop improvement. The chiltepin is distributed from Colombia, Central America, and Mexico to the southwestern United States. The present review provides a synopsis of the taxonomic classification of the genus Capsicum and the chiltepin and studies were conducted to explore the current genetic diversity of this resource and the urgent necessity for conservation programs. Additionally, brief information regarding the recent sequencing of the chiltepin genome is provided, which contributes important data that could assist in its genetic improvement and conservation. Furthermore, this review discusses the phytochemical compounds of the chiltepin. The revised information shows that the chiltepin is an important genetic resource for pepper crop improvement and a primary source of phytochemical compounds.
Prediction of Field Aging Gradient in Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Luo Xue , Gu Fan , Lytton Robert L.
Published: November 2015

The aging of asphalt pavements is a key factor that influences pavement performance. Aging can be characterized by laboratory tests and prediction models. Common aging prediction models use the change of physical or chemical properties of asphalt binders based on regression techniques or aging reaction kinetics. The objective of this study was to develop a kinetics-based aging prediction model for the mixture modulus gradient in asphalt pavements to study long-term in-service aging. The proposed model was composed of three submodels for baseline modulus, surface modulus, and aging exponent to define the change of the mixture modulus with pavement depth. The model used kinetic parameters (aging activation energy and preexponential factor) of asphalt mixtures and combined the two reaction rate periods (fast-rate and constant-rate). Laboratory-measured modulus gradients of 29 field cores at different ages were used to determine the model parameters. The laboratory testing condition was converted to the field condition at a given age and corresponding temperature by introducing the rheological activation energy to quantify the temperature dependence of field cores at each age. The end of the fast-rate period or the beginning of the constant-rate period was accurately identified to model these two periods and to determine the associated parameters separately. The results showed that the predictions matched well with the measurements and the calculated model parameters were verified. The proposed aging prediction model took into account the major factors that affect field aging speed of an asphalt pavement, such as the binder type, aggregate type, air void content, pavement depth, aging temperature, and aging time.
Prediction of Fatigue Failure at Asphalt Concrete Layer Interface from Monotonic Testing
Authors: Tozzo Cristina , D'Andrea Antonio , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: November 2015

This study investigated the characterization of interface shear behavior in asphalt concrete through the estimation of the stress ratio (SR). This parameter, originally identified as the ratio between predicted interface stress from a finite element model (FEM) and interface shear strength at the corresponding normal stress, was assumed to be dynamic. As part of the experimental plan, monotonic tests on double-layered asphalt specimens were performed. Dynamic evaluations of the number of repetitions to failure under several stress conditions, equal to or higher than stresses computed from an FEM of the pavement structure, were also performed. The failure curves of the two testing modalities show similar patterns on the Mohr plane. The Hoek–Brown shear strength failure criterion and the three-dimensional surface that best fits the dynamic outcomes were considered. In this scenario, the SR referred to the proportion between the applied shear stress conditions in the dynamic modality and the maximum stress from monotonic tests. For the same predicted failure repetitions, SR assumed a constant value. Correlating monotonic and dynamic results could be an important approach both in furthering knowledge of interface shear strength and in predicting information about failure under repetitive loading applications based on simple monotonic tests.
Bacterial Cell Division: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches to the Divisome
Authors: Broughton Claire E. , Roper David I. , Van Den Berg Hugo A. , Rodger Alison
Published: November 2015

Cell division is a key event in the bacterial life cycle. It involves constriction at the midcell, so that one cell can give rise to two daughter cells. This constriction is mediated by a ring composed of fibrous multimers of the protein FtsZ. However, a host of additional factors is involved in the formation and dynamics of this “Z-ring” and this complicated apparatus is collectively known as the “divisome”. We review the literature, with an emphasis on mathematical modelling, and show how such theoretical efforts have helped experimentalists to make sense of the at times bewildering data, and plan further experiments.
Design and Applications of In-Cavity Pulse Shaping by Spectral Sculpturing in Mode-Locked Fibre Lasers
Authors: Boscolo Sonia , Peng Junsong , Finot Christophe
Published: November 2015

We review our recent progress on the realisation of pulse shaping in passively-mode-locked fibre lasers by inclusion of an amplitude and/or phase spectral filter into the laser cavity. We numerically show that depending on the amplitude transfer function of the in-cavity filter, various regimes of advanced waveform generation can be achieved, including ones featuring parabolic-, flat-top- and triangular-profiled pulses. An application of this approach using a flat-top spectral filter is shown to achieve the direct generation of high-quality sinc-shaped optical Nyquist pulses with a widely tunable bandwidth from the laser oscillator. We also present the operation of an ultrafast fibre laser in which conventional soliton, dispersion-managed soliton (stretched-pulse) and dissipative soliton mode-locking regimes can be selectively and reliably targeted by adaptively changing the dispersion profile and bandwidth programmed on an in-cavity programmable filter. The results demonstrate the strong potential of an in-cavity spectral pulse shaper for achieving a high degree of control over the dynamics and output of mode-locked fibre lasers.
Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: How to Screen and Follow up Patients with Liver Cirrhosis According to the GERMAN S3 Guideline?
Authors: Plentz Ruben , Malek Nisar
Published: November 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently detected in pre-existing liver cirrhosis, but can also develop without such pre-conditions. There is an increasing trend of HCC incidence worldwide. In patients with liver cirrhosis, HCC has become the leading cause of death. At diagnosis the tumor has very often reached an advanced stage and curative treatment options are missing. Thus, early diagnosis would help the patient and prevent increasing healthcare costs. In our review we will summarize the recommendations of the German S3 guideline for the early diagnosis of HCC and will discuss the current literature in this context. The reader will learn which diagnostic tools are available and in what order they can be usefully applied. Surveillance should be done with ultrasound by a skilled examiner, additional imaging at best with state-of-the-art dynamic magnetic resonance.
Study on the Performance of a Ground Source Heat Pump System Assisted by Solar Thermal Storage
Authors: Nam Yu , Gao Xin , Yoon Sung , Lee Kwang
Published: November 2015

A ground source heat pump system (GSHPS) utilizes a relatively stable underground temperature to achieve energy-saving for heating and cooling in buildings. However, continuous long-term operation will reduce the soil temperature in winter, resulting in a decline in system performance. In this research, in order to improve the system performance of a GSHPS, a ground heat pump system integrated with solar thermal storage was developed. This solar-assisted ground heat pump system (SAGHPS) can both maintain the balance of the soil temperature effectively and achieve higher system performance than the conventional system. In this paper, in order to examine the characteristics of the system, a dynamic simulation was conducted under various conditions. The results of our case study provide specific operation data such as heat exchange rate, heat source temperature, and heat pump COP. As a result, the heat pump COP of SAGHPS was 4.7%, 9.3% higher than that of the GSHPS.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Mothers of Children with Food Allergy: A Case Series
Authors: Knibb Rebecca
Published: November 2015

Background: Food allergy affects quality of life in patients and parents and mothers report high levels of anxiety and stress. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) may be helpful in reducing the psychological impact of food allergy. The aim of this study was to examine the appropriateness and effectiveness of CBT to improve psychological outcomes in parents of children with food allergy. Methods: Five parents (all mothers) from a local allergy clinic requested to have CBT; six mothers acted as controls and completed questionnaires only. CBT was individual and face-to face and lasted 12 weeks. All participants completed measures of anxiety and depression, worry, stress, general mental health, generic and food allergy specific quality of life at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Anxiety, depression and worry in the CBT group significantly reduced and overall mental health and QoL significantly improved from baseline to 12 weeks (all p < 0.05) in mothers in the CBT group; control group scores remained stable. Conclusions: CBT appears to be appropriate and effective in mothers of children with food allergy and a larger randomised control trial now needs to be conducted. Ways in which aspects of CBT can be incorporated into allergy clinic visits need investigation.
Meteorological Knowledge Useful for the Improvement of Snow Rain Separation in Surface Based Models
Authors: Feiccabrino James , Graff William , Lundberg Angela , Sandström Nils , Gustafsson David
Published: November 2015

An accurate precipitation phase determination—i.e., solid versus liquid—is of paramount importance in a number of hydrological, ecological, safety and climatic applications. Precipitation phase can be determined by hydrological, meteorological or combined approaches. Meteorological approaches require atmospheric data that is not often utilized in the primarily surface based hydrological or ecological models. Many surface based models assign precipitation phase from surface temperature dependent snow fractions, which assume that atmospheric conditions acting on hydrometeors falling through the lower atmosphere are invariant. This ignores differences in phase change probability caused by air mass boundaries which can introduce a warm air layer over cold air leading to more atmospheric melt energy than expected for a given surface temperature, differences in snow grain-size or precipitation rate which increases the magnitude of latent heat exchange between the hydrometers and atmosphere required to melt the snow resulting in snow at warmer temperatures, or earth surface properties near a surface observation point heating or cooling a shallow layer of air allowing rain at cooler temperatures or snow at warmer temperatures. These and other conditions can be observed or inferred from surface observations, and should therefore be used to improve precipitation phase determination in surface models.
A Multiple Interaction Analysis Reveals ADRB3 as a Potential Candidate for Gallbladder Cancer Predisposition via a Complex Interaction with Other Candidate Gene Variations
Authors: Rai Rajani , Kim Jong , Misra Sanjeev , Kumar Ashok , Mittal Balraj
Published: November 2015

Gallbladder cancer is the most common and a highly aggressive biliary tract malignancy with a dismal outcome. The pathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial, comprising the combined effect of multiple genetic variations of mild consequence along with numerous dietary and environmental risk factors. Previously, we demonstrated the association of several candidate gene variations with GBC risk. In this study, we aimed to identify the combination of gene variants and their possible interactions contributing towards genetic susceptibility of GBC. Here, we performed Multifactor-Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) and Classification and Regression Tree Analysis (CRT) to investigate the gene–gene interactions and the combined effect of 14 SNPs in nine genes (DR4 (rs20576, rs6557634); FAS (rs2234767); FASL (rs763110); DCC (rs2229080, rs4078288, rs7504990, rs714); PSCA (rs2294008, rs2978974); ADRA2A (rs1801253); ADRB1 (rs1800544); ADRB3 (rs4994); CYP17 (rs2486758)) involved in various signaling pathways. Genotyping was accomplished by PCR-RFLP or Taqman allelic discrimination assays. SPSS software version 16.0 and MDR software version 2.0 were used for all the statistical analysis. Single locus investigation demonstrated significant association of DR4 (rs20576, rs6557634), DCC (rs714, rs2229080, rs4078288) and ADRB3 (rs4994) polymorphisms with GBC risk. MDR analysis revealed ADRB3 (rs4994) to be crucial candidate in GBC susceptibility that may act either alone (p < 0.0001, CVC = 10/10) or in combination with DCC (rs714 and rs2229080, p < 0.0001, CVC = 9/10). Our CRT results are in agreement with the above findings. Further, in-silico results of studied SNPs advocated their role in splicing, transcriptional and/or protein coding regulation. Overall, our result suggested complex interactions amongst the studied SNPs and ADRB3 rs4994 as candidate influencing GBC susceptibility.
Transcriptome Profiling of Louisiana iris Root and Identification of Genes Involved in Lead-Stress Response
Authors: Tian Songqing , Gu Chunsun , Liu Liangqin , Zhu Xudong , Zhao Yanhai , Huang Suzhen
Published: November 2015

Louisiana iris is tolerant to and accumulates the heavy metal lead (Pb). However, there is limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind this feature. We describe the transcriptome of Louisiana iris using Illumina sequencing technology. The root transcriptome of Louisiana iris under control and Pb-stress conditions was sequenced. Overall, 525,498 transcripts representing 313,958 unigenes were assembled using the clean raw reads. Among them, 43,015 unigenes were annotated and their functions classified using the euKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) database. They were divided into 25 molecular families. In the Gene Ontology (GO) database, 50,174 unigenes were categorized into three GO trees (molecular function, cellular component and biological process). After analysis of differentially expressed genes, some Pb-stress-related genes were selected, including biosynthesis genes of chelating compounds, metal transporters, transcription factors and antioxidant-related genes. This study not only lays a foundation for further studies on differential genes under Pb stress, but also facilitates the molecular breeding of Louisiana iris.
Can Intelligence Testing Inform Educational Intervention for Children with Reading Disability?
Authors: Elliott Julian , Resing Wilma
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the value of intelligence testing for the purpose of informing us how best to intervene with children with reading disability. While the original function of IQ testing was to ascertain whether a child was capable of profiting from schooling, there are many who now claim that cognitive assessment offers a range of diagnostic and prescriptive functions which can help teachers in delivering effective educational programs. This paper interrogates such assertions in relation to the assessment of IQ, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, executive functions, and the use of dynamic testing/assessment. The paper concludes that current evidence indicates that cognitive measures have limited relevance for instructional planning, and cognitive training programs have yet to show sufficient academic gains. For these reasons, it is recommended that our energies should be directed to the continuing development of powerful forms of academic skills-based instruction operating within a response to intervention framework.
One Shared Region and Two Different Change Patterns: Land Use Change in the Binational Californian Mediterranean Region
Authors: Eaton-Gonzalez Ricardo , Mellink Eric
Published: November 2015

The Californian Floristic Province, ranging from Northern California, USA, to the northwestern portion of the state of Baja California, Mexico, is a region of great biological richness that has a high risk of loss of species due to the effect of human activities. The main stressor that threatens its biodiversity is the change in land use and vegetation cover, which severely impacts the environmental and socio-economic systems’ functioning, affecting the provision of environmental services including the maintenance of biodiversity. The Tijuana River Watershed (TRW) is located within this floristic province. It has experienced rapid population growth during the last 50 years, demanding development of infrastructure in areas where native vegetation existed. As a binational watershed, it is an ideal area to study the processes involved in fragmentation and connectivity of natural environments, since both countries, while sharing the same environment, contrast greatly in their economic and social systems, which impose different pressures to these shared natural resources. Our research addresses change in vegetation cover and land use in the TRW, analyzing the changes and differences between Mexico and the United States. This analysis will be a basis to propose future management strategies for the conservation of ecological processes and biodiversity, according to the policies and actions for land management and conservation in both countries.
The Hidden Role of Community Pharmacy Technicians in Ensuring Patient Safety with the Use of E-Prescribing
Authors: Odukoya Olufunmilola , Schleiden Loren , Chui Michelle
Published: November 2015

Objectives: It has been reported that supportive personnel, such as pharmacy technicians, are key participants in the use of health information technology. The purpose of this study was to describe how pharmacy technicians use e-prescribing and to explore the characteristics of technicians that support pharmacists in ensuring patient safety. Methods: This was a qualitative study that used observations, interviews, and focus groups to understand the role of pharmacy technicians in e-prescribing. Fourteen pharmacy technicians and 13 pharmacists from five community pharmacies participated. Observations lasted about nine hours in each pharmacy. Follow-up interviews and two separate focus groups were later conducted. Observation field notes and audio recordings were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Results: Pharmacy technicians were primarily responsible for all steps leading up to pharmacist review of the e-prescription and dispensing of medications to the patient. Technician characteristics, including experience, certification status, and knowledge of appropriate medication use, were reported as important factors in supporting a pharmacist’s role in ensuring patient safety with the use of e-prescribing. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that pharmacy technicians have an important role in supporting pharmacists to prevent medication errors. Certain characteristics of pharmacy technicians were identified with the potential to improve the e-prescription medication dispensing process and decrease patient harm through the identification and resolution of errors.
Double-Slot Hybrid Plasmonic Ring Resonator Used for Optical Sensors and Modulators
Authors: Sun Xu , Dai Daoxin , Thylén Lars , Wosinski Lech
Published: November 2015

An ultra-high sensitivity double-slot hybrid plasmonic (DSHP) ring resonator, used for optical sensors and modulators, is developed. Due to high index contrast, as well as plasmonic enhancement, a considerable part of the optical energy is concentrated in the narrow slots between Si and plasmonic materials (silver is used in this paper), which leads to high sensitivity to the infiltrating materials. By partial opening of the outer plasmonic circular sheet of the DSHP ring, a conventional side-coupled silicon on insulator (SOI) bus waveguide can be used. Experimental results demonstrate ultra-high sensitivity (687.5 nm/RIU) of the developed DSHP ring resonator, which is about five-times higher than for the conventional Si ring with the same geometry. Further discussions show that a very low detection limit (5.37 × 10−6 RIU) can be achieved after loaded Q factor modifications. In addition, the plasmonic metal structures offer also the way to process optical and electronic signals along the same hybrid plasmonic circuits with small capacitance (~0.275 fF) and large electric field, which leads to possible applications in compact high-efficiency electro-optic modulators, where no extra electrodes for electronic signals are required.
Metaphyseal osteopathy-like disease in two sibling kittens
Authors: Pantaleo Valeria , D’Ettorre Paolo , Caldin Marco , Vezzoni Aldo
Published: November 2015

This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a growth plate disturbance resembling canine metaphyseal osteopathy in two, two-month-old, sibling, intact, female Domestic Shorthair cats. Clinical signs and radiographic lesions resolved spontaneously after three months. Follow-up examination at six months of age showed complete recovery and no radiographic abnormalities.
Stratégies violentes et non-violentes pour le contrôle de l’espace communautaire républicain de Belfast
Authors: Marotte Guilhem
Published: November 2015

La signature du traité de paix de 1998 marque le début d’une certaine « normalisation » de la situation nord-irlandaise. Dans cette situation de postconflit armé, la violence liée aux affrontements entre groupes paramilitaires et forces de sécurité britanniques a très largement diminué. Cependant, de petits groupes paramilitaires républicains s’opposent toujours au traité de paix et considèrent la lutte armée comme un moyen légitime de parvenir à l’unification irlandaise. La violence qu’ils mettent en œuvre s’inscrit dans une stratégie de contre-normalisation et de contrôle du territoire communautaire visant à renforcer l’efficacité de leur lutte contre les forces britanniques. Toutefois, leur influence reste faible, car elle est en partie limitée par le Sinn Féin, acteur issu du même milieu républicain, mais qui a, quant à lui, choisi d’abandonner la violence. Pour le parti, l’unification l’île s’effectue à travers une prise du pouvoir progressive, en Irlande du Nord et en République d’Irlande, grâce aux succès électoraux construits par l’importante implication des activistes du Sinn Féin dans les communautés locales.
Conflits sans fin à la frontière gréco-albanaise ?
Authors: Sintès Pierre
Published: November 2015

Dans son histoire récente, la région de Thesprotie (nord-ouest du territoire grec) a été le théâtre de violences interreligieuses entre communautés chrétienne orthodoxe et musulmane sur fond de contentieux frontalier entre Grèce et Albanie. Ces tensions se sont achevées à la fin des années 1940 avec le départ des musulmans et l’avènement de la guerre froide qui a positionné ces deux pays de part et d’autre du rideau de fer. Un demi-siècle plus tard, à partir de 1990, la nouvelle situation de contact entre les sociétés grecque et albanaise procédant de l’ouverture de la frontière semble avoir conduit localement à une réactualisation de la mémoire de ce contentieux et des violences qu’il a occasionnées il y a plusieurs décennies. Cette nouvelle dynamique prend place dans un ensemble de processus qui touche cette province périphérique du territoire grec et questionne les interprétations que peuvent avoir ses habitants de ce passé comme de leur identité.
Du succès du cessez-le-feu à l’échec de la paix, l’expérience des monts Nouba au Soudan (2002-2005)
Authors: Lavergne Marc
Published: November 2015

L’expérience de la mise en œuvre d’un cessez-le-feu dans les monts Nouba au Soudan en 2002, après quinze ans de guerre, est exemplaire à plus d’un titre : elle a été gérée par une mission militaire internationale, la Joint Military Commission, hors de tout cadre institutionnel préexistant, et elle a associé les deux parties en conflit et une mission internationale d’observateurs venus de différents pays occidentaux. Cette approche originale a été la clef d’un succès inattendu, tant auprès des combattants que de la population. Elle a permis d’initier des projets de reconstruction et de développement, dans la perspective d’un retour durable à la paix. Mais les initiatives locales de ce type sont in fine soumises à des intérêts supérieurs à différentes échelles. La signature d’un accord de paix global en 2005 entre le gouvernement soudanais et le Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (Mouvement de libération du peuple du Soudan), en donnant au Sud-Soudan l’accès à l’indépendance, a entraîné mécaniquement une reprise des combats dans les monts Nouba, qui dure jusqu’à aujourd’hui avec une violence inégalée.
Dynamiques territoriales du postconflit et de la reconstruction au Congo-Brazzaville
Authors: Dorier Elisabeth , Mazurek Hubert
Published: November 2015

Le sud du Congo-Brazzaville fut pendant les années 1990 marqué par les conflits entre armée nationale et milices. Cependant, ce n’est qu’en 2007 que les dernières poches d’instabilité dans le Pool seront supprimées. Depuis, le pays connaît une stabilisation politique et sécuritaire. Les revenus pétroliers permettent à l’État dirigé par Denis Sassou Nguesso d’investir dans les infrastructures et de mettre en œuvre la décentralisation. Mais cela ne concerne que les régions les plus stratégiques (Pointe-Noire, Brazzaville et la région environnante). En revanche, d’autres régions restent très peu investies par l’État. Les institutions internationales essaient de pallier son absence avec des programmes plus ou moins adaptés aux situations locales. Enfin, il y a les zones délaissées – bien qu’ayant été très touchées par les conflits – qui ne connaissent une amélioration que par la volonté et l’ingéniosité des populations. Seule une enquête de terrain conduite sur plusieurs années a pu permettre de présenter cette première synthèse sur les situations postconflit de la République du Congo-Brazzaville.
Innovation Propensity in Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS)
Authors: Pinto Sandra , Carvalho Luísa Cagica , Nunes Sandra
Published: November 2015

This research intends to contribute with some insights towards a better understanding of Portuguese KIBS. And analyze their propensity to innovation when comparing with service sector. The chapter firstly presents a literature review about KIBS and secondly, provides a descriptive analysis and a multivariate analysis using CIS2008 (Community Innovation Survey2008) and CIS2010 applied to Portuguese KIBS.
The Promotion of Entrepreneurship in Low Density Regions
Authors: Rego Maria da Conceição , Lucas Maria Raquel , Vieira Isabel , Vieira Carlos
Published: November 2015

In the 1980s, the renewal of academic interest in entrepreneurship as a factor of development highlighted the role of entrepreneurs in creating jobs and driving innovation. In the new century, fostering entrepreneurship became a public policy priority. In Portugal, the practice of creating business incubators has been gaining momentum and various institutions have developed business incubation activities. This study focuses on ADRAL – Agência de Desenvolvimento Regional do Alentejo, an agency for the regional development of Alentejo – and analyzes one of its instruments for the promotion of entrepreneurship – the creation of business incubators (also designated as enterprises' nests) located in Marvão and Montemor-o-Novo. These chapter focus on these two cases and assess the distinctive aspects of the partnerships between the development agency and the municipalities, and also the characteristics of the entrepreneurial projects and respective entrepreneurs, aiming at identifying the specificities of this approach and its success determinants.