bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las fotocomposiciones de Enric Miralles
Authors: Lopes Cezar Dra. Arq. Laura
Published: October 2014

Las fotocomposiciones del arquitecto catalán Enric Miralles fueron investigadas en mi tesis doctoral realizada en la Universidad Politécnica da Cataluña como integrantes de su proceso de diseño. Este trabajo inicia con una breve introducción al tema de la fotocomposición a respecto de sus orígenes y evolución en el arte dadaísta y surrealista, presentando una continuidad con el cubismo de Picasso y posteriormente las fotocomposiciones de David Hockney que fueron sin duda una referencia al trabajo de Enric Miralles. Las fotocomposiciones de Enric Miralles se configuran como un medio investigativo y representativo dentro del universo de la arquitectura y de su proceso de diseño. El análisis de sus fotocomposiciones es de fundamental relevancia para el acercamiento de las asignaturas de representación gráfica y de proyectación con la puesta en valor en los procesos creativos.
¿Evidencia versus Forma?
Authors: Moreira Arq. Alejandro Ariel
Published: October 2014

Un significativo desafío de la práctica profesional contemporánea es trabajar en los márgenes disciplinares tradicionalmente intocables, donde las innovaciones tecnológicas pueden producir beneficios de sustantiva importancia. En este marco, la vivienda de interés social producida por el Estado constituye un objeto relevante para explorar y explotar a través de la incorporación de nuevos metodologías facilitadas por las nuevas tecnologías digitales, de la información y de la administración del conocimiento. De esta manera, es posible construir un campo de conocimiento ampliado, examinando cada caso en particular, utilizando un gran número de variables con el fin de ofrecer alternativas socialmente responsables.
El rol de las organizaciones sociales en asentamientos precarios
Authors: Mosso Emilia Carla
Published: October 2014

Las recientes transformaciones evidenciadas en el territorio como resultado de los acelerados cambios han sido el objeto de estudio de abundantes investigaciones. El rol del Estado, del sector privado y de la sociedad civil han debido redefinirse. Las organizaciones sociales de nuevo formato surgen a partir de la década del ‘80 como un nuevo modo de generar intervenciones a escala local y en torno a temáticas especificas, siendo en muchos casos, gestores de la formación y consolidación de barrios, viviendas y el hábitat urbano. Este trabajo busca profundizar sobre la comprensión de la precariedad urbana en asentamientos informales de la ciudad de Santa Fe, e indagar el rol que las organizaciones sociales adquieren, en particular aquellas transformaciones ocurridas entre las últimas décadas del siglo pasado y la primera de este. Se parte de la hipótesis de que las organizaciones sociales, tomando un rol protagónico mediante la ausencia del papel del Estado, se han constituido en generadoras de profundos cambios en relación al hábitat urbano. Si bien son muy valiosas las indagaciones realizadas hasta el momento, es escaso el material referido específicamente a dicha problemática, principalmente en áreas afectadas por un marcado proceso de urbanización como es el caso de Santa Fe.
Indicadores del derecho a una vivienda adecuada, en la interpretación autorizada del Pacto DESC
Authors: Nuñez Dra. Arq. Ana
Published: October 2014

El problema que aborda el artículo refiere a ¿Cuál es la articulación entre los aspectos jurídicos, políticos, económicos y sociales que se efectivizan en las acciones en torno al derecho a una vivienda adecuada? ¿Qué variables e indicadores se respetan en su materialización? ¿Qué indicadores se vulneran y en cuáles se mejoró, respecto de la situación habitacional anterior? El trabajo empírico refiere al proceso de relocalización de los habitantes de un asentamiento precario, y su impacto en sus relaciones sociales y las nuevas condiciones de habitabilidad, analizando los argumentos que los distintos actores ponen en juego, velando el propósito de incrementar la valorización del suelo, y profundizando la segregación socio-espacial. Metodológicamente, trabajamos con distintas fuentes, tanto primarias (entrevistas semi estructuradas a funcionarios y familias, luego procesadas con software Atlas Ti) como secundarias. Los resultados visibilizan una política ineficiente, ineficaz, e insostenible, con consecuencias diametralmente opuestas a las crecientes recomendaciones internacionales y, aun, a los requerimientos especificados en las normas de los distintos niveles territoriales, en la que primó la apropiación privada de las plusvalías, por sobre el derecho al goce de la construcción colectiva de la ciudad.
On improvements of Opial-type inequalities
Authors: Changjian Zhao , Cheung Wing Sum
Published: October 2014

In the present paper, we establish some new Opial-type integral
inequalities in two variables. The results in special cases yield
some of the interrelated results on Godunova–Levin's and
Mitrinović–Pečarić's inequalities. These results
provide new estimates on inequalities of this type.
q-nonuniform difference linear control systems
Authors: Bangerezako Gaspard
Published: October 2014

We introduce q-nonuniform difference systems and propose q-nonuniform versions of some basic
results of complete controllability and observability of linear
systems such as criterions of controllability and observability,
the q-duality theorem. An optimality necessary condition is also given for the case of
the Ramsey model of economic growth.
Mereological Principles in Metaphysics
Authors: Ujvári Márta
Published: October 2014

The relevance of mereology for metaphysics is a perennial theme. In particular, the part-whole relation is applied recently to colocated qua-objects of different sortals: say, a statue and its constituting piece of clay. K. Koslicki (2008. The structure of objects. Oxford: Oxford University Press) claims that only the lump is part of the statue; moreover, its proper part, but not vice versa since the statue has an immaterial part not shared by the lump. She backs her claim by appealing to the weak supplementation principle (WSP). M. Donnelly (2011. “Using mereological principles to support metaphysics.” The philosophical quarterly 61:225–46) is critical with the asymmetry argument. I point out that the asymmetry argument trades on the equivocity of the very notion of “part”. In the Aristotelian-scholastic tradition Koslicki’s neo-Aristotelianism appeals to, “part” shows up with various meanings not all of them admitting the mereological reading of “part” her argument hinges on. With her argument, the absurd consequence ensues that the lump can also be shown to have an immaterial part not shared by the statue. I show that the presumed immaterial parts cannot be proper parts of composites, only their improper parts. Thus they fail to fall under (WSP). My ultimate goal is to disentangle the mereological and the metaphysical threads by showing what goes with what without taking sides either with the mereologist or the traditional metaphysician.
Toenail as a biomarker of heavy metal exposure via drinking water: a systematic review
Authors: Ab Razak Nurul Hafiza , Praveena Sarva Mangala , Hashim Zailina
Published: October 2014

Toenail is metabolic end product of the skin, which can provide information about heavy metal accumulation in human cells. Slow growth rates of toenail can represent heavy metal exposure from 2 to 12 months before the clipping. The toenail is a non-invasive biomarker that is easy to collect and store and is stable over time. In this systematic review, the suitability of toenail as a long-term biomarker was reviewed, along with the analysis and validation of toenail and confounders to heavy metal. This systematic review has included 30 articles chosen from a total of 132 articles searched from online electronic databases like Pubmed, Proquest, Science Direct, and SCOPUS. Keywords used in the search included “toenail”, “biomarker”, “heavy metal”, and “drinking water”. Heavy metal in toenail can be accurately analyzed using an ICP-MS instrument. The validation of toenail heavy metal concentration data is very crucial; however, the Certified Reference Material (CRM) for toenail is still unavailable. Usually, CRM for hair is used in toenail studies. Confounders that have major effects on heavy metal accumulation in toenail are dietary intake of food and supplement, smoking habit, and overall health condition. This review has identified the advantages and limitations of using toenail as a biomarker for long-term exposure, which can help future researchers design a study on heavy metal exposure using toenail.
Die Grünen und Gorbatschow
Authors: Wentker Hermann
Published: October 2014

Vorspann

Ende der 1980er Jahre erreichte die „Gorbimanie“ in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ihren Höhepunkt. Der Generalsekretär des Zentralkomitees der Kommunistischen Partei der Sowjetunion galt als Hoffnungsträger für ein Ende des Kalten Kriegs und eine Überwindung der Teilung Europas. Hermann Wentker zeigt auf, warum gerade die Grünen Michail Gorbatschow zurückhaltender begegneten als andere politische Kräfte in der alten Bundesrepublik, er erklärt, weshalb sie in ihrer Einschätzung zwischen Zustimmung und Kritik schwankten, und er fragt danach, welche Rolle die Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den „Realos“ und den „Fundis“ unter den Grünen dabei spielten.
Demokratie und Wirtschaftspolitik in der Weimarer Republik
Authors: Müller Tim B.
Published: October 2014

Vorspann

Weimar, das lange von der Forschungsagenda verschwunden war, erlebt neuerdings eine Art Renaissance. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei nicht mehr das Problem einer „Demokratie ohne Demokraten“, die fast unweigerlich zum Scheitern verurteilt war. Der Fokus richtet sich jetzt auf die gegenläufigen Kräfte - auf die zunehmende Zahl der Demokraten und ihre vielversprechenden Reformkonzepte, die immer mehr Anklang fanden und so oder so ähnlich auch in den USA und anderen europäischen Staaten diskutiert wurden. Weimar, so Tim B. Müller, einer der profiliertesten Verfechter dieser These, war auf einem guten Weg. Dass er nicht zur Konsolidierung führte, lag an der Katastrophe der Weltwirtschaftskrise und daran, dass zur falschen Zeit die falschen Männer an der Regierung waren. Bleibt diese These unwidersprochen?
Progressive Wallerian Degeneration of the Corpus Callosal Splenium in a Patient with Alexia without Agraphia: Advanced MR Findings
Authors: Gandhi Kriti , Gillihan Laura , Wozniak Marcella A. , Zhuo Jiachen , Raghavan Prashant
Published: October 2014

The corpus callosal splenium is an uncommon location for Wallerian degeneration (WD), which may be mistaken for new pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We describe the case of a 69-year-old woman with a left posterior cerebral artery infarct in whom progressive WD of the splenium of the corpus callosum seen on MRI was misinterpreted as new infarction or neoplasm. We address how magnetic resonance spectroscopy, perfusion MRI, diffusion tensor MRI, and serial imaging were utilized in establishing the correct diagnosis. Interestingly, the patient also presented with alexia without agraphia, which has never been reported in association with splenial WD. It is conceivable that WD affected critical splenial association fibers resulting in this uncommon dissociation syndrome.
Serum Bilirubin and Bilirubin/Albumin Ratio as Predictors of Bilirubin Encephalopathy
Authors: Iskander Iman , Gamaleldin Rasha , El Houchi Salma , El Shenawy Amira , Seoud Iman , El Gharbawi Nesrin , Abou-Youssef Hazem , Aravkin Aleksandr , Wennberg Richard P.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Bilirubin/albumin ratio (B/A) may provide a better estimate of free bilirubin than total serum bilirubin (TSB), thus improving identification of newborns at risk for bilirubin encephalopathy. The objective of the study was to identify thresholds and compare specificities of TSB and B/A in detecting patients with acute and posttreatment auditory and neurologic impairment.

METHODS:

A total of 193 term/near-term infants, admitted for severe jaundice to Cairo University Children’s Hospital, were evaluated for neurologic status and auditory impairment (automated auditory brainstem response), both at admission and posttreatment by investigators blinded to laboratory results. The relationships of TSB and B/A to advancing stages of neurotoxicity were compared by using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS:

TSB and B/A ranged from 17 to 61 mg/dL and 5.4 to 21.0 mg/g, respectively; 58 (30%) of 193 subjects developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy, leading to kernicterus in 35 infants (13 lethal). Auditory impairment was identified in 86 (49%) of 173 infants at admission and in 22 of 128 at follow-up. In the absence of clinical risk factors, no residual neurologic or hearing impairment occurred unless TSB exceeded 31 mg/dl. However, transient auditory impairment occurred at lower TSB and B/A (22.9 mg/dL and 5.7 mg/g, respectively). Intervention values of TSB and B/A set at high sensitivity to detect different stages of neurotoxicity had nearly the same specificity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both TSB and B/A are strong predictors of neurotoxicity, but B/A does not improve prediction over TSB alone. Threshold values detecting all affected patients (100% sensitivity) increase with advancing severity of neurotoxicity.
Circumcision of Privately Insured Males Aged 0 to 18 Years in the United States
Authors: Hart-Cooper Geoffrey D. , Tao Guoyu , Stock Jeffrey A. , Hoover Karen W.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND:

Male circumcision confers protection against HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and urinary tract infections. Compared with circumcision of postneonates (>28 days), circumcision of neonates is associated with fewer complications and usually performed with local rather than general anesthesia. We assessed circumcision of commercially insured males during the neonatal or postneonatal period.

METHODS:

We analyzed 2010 MarketScan claims data from commercial health plans, using procedural codes to identify circumcisions performed on males aged 0 to 18 years, and diagnostic codes to assess clinical indications for the procedure. Among circumcisions performed in the first year of life, we estimated rates for neonates and postneonates. We estimated the percentage of circumcisions by age among males who had circumcisions in 2010, and the mean payment for neonatal and postneonatal procedures.

RESULTS:

We found that 156 247 circumcisions were performed, with 146 213 (93.6%) in neonates and 10 034 (6.4%) in postneonates. The neonatal circumcision rate was 65.7%, and 6.1% of uncircumcised neonates were circumcised by their first birthday. Among postneonatal circumcisions, 46.6% were performed in males younger than 1 year and 25.1% were for nonmedical indications. The mean payment was $285 for a neonatal and $1885 for a postneonatal circumcision.

CONCLUSIONS:

The large number of nonmedical postneonatal circumcisions suggests that neonatal circumcision might be a missed opportunity for these boys. Delay of nonmedical circumcision results in greater risk for the child, and a more costly procedure. Discussions with parents early in pregnancy might help them make an informed decision about circumcision of their child.
Direct Antiglobulin Titer Strength and Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Kaplan Michael , Hammerman Cathy , Vreman Hendrik J. , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We recently demonstrated that direct antiglobulin titer (DAT) positive, blood group A or B newborns born to group O mothers had a high incidence of hyperbilirubinemia, attributable to increased hemolysis. We reanalyzed our data asking whether increasing DAT strength plays a modulating role in the pathophysiology of the hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia.

METHODS:

Data from previously published DAT-positive, ABO-heterospecific neonates were analyzed for hyperbilirubinemia and hemolysis according to strength of DAT. DAT was measured by using a gel agglutination technique and reported as values ranging from DAT ± to DAT ++++. Hemolysis was evaluated by blood carboxyhemoglobin corrected for inspired, ambient CO (COHbc), and expressed as percent total hemoglobin (tHb). Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as any plasma total bilirubin value >95th percentile on the hour-specific nomogram.

RESULTS:

Hyperbilirubinemia was more prevalent in those with DAT ++ readings (16 of 20, 80%) than those both DAT ± (37 of 87 [42.5%], relative risk: 1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.35–2.61) and DAT + (32 of 56 [57.1%], relative risk: 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.92). COHbc values were higher for those with DAT ++ (1.45 ± 0.49% tHb [mean ± SD]) than those DAT ± (1.20 ± 0.37% tHb, P = .01) or DAT + (1.22 ± 0.37% tHb, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

DAT ++ readings were associated with a higher incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and higher COHbc values than DAT ± or DAT + counterparts. Increasing DAT strength may be a modulator of hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia in ABO-heterospecific neonates. DAT strength, and not merely DAT presence or absence, should be taken into consideration in the management of ABO-heterospecific newborns.
A Technical and Economic Evaluation of Geosynthetic Rolled Erosion Control Products in Highway Drainage Channels
Authors: Bhatia S.K. , Smith J.L. , Lake D. , Walowsky D.
Published: October 2014

Historically, local village, town, and county highway departments have relied heavily on the use of stone fill and rock riprap to line highway drainage channels. These are often constructed without the benefit of design or the evaluation of alternatives, because they have always been done this way. In September 1999, the Munro Road reconstruction project was completed in Onondaga County, New York. As part of an erosion and sediment control demonstration project, the drainage portion of the project was redesigned using geosynthetic rolled erosion control products (RECPs) in lieu of stone fill and rock riprap on almost 1,130 m of channel. The use of the RECPs saved approximately $95,800 in construction costs and is expected to lower maintenance costs as well as provide long-term protection against erosion. The overall purpose of the project was to demonstrate to highway departments the functional and economical advantages of using RECPs for these applications. This paper summarizes the design, construction, and performance to date of seven of the ten different RECPs installed for the project.
Interaction Between Soils and Geosynthetic Layers in Large-Scale Ramp Tests
Authors: Palmeira E.M. , Lima N.R. , Mello L.G.R.
Published: October 2014

Ramp tests can be used for the evaluation of bond strength between soils and geosynthetics and between different layers of geosynthetics. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study on the use of this type of test to measure soil-geosynthetic interface bond strength. Granular and cohesive soils and a wide range of geosynthetic types were employed in the tests. Tests with one to three geosynthetic layers were carried out with measurements of mobilised tensile loads. The results show the factors that may affect test results, such as apparatus size, soil type, geosynthetic tensile stiffness, and surface characteristics. Mechanisms of interface failure and of load transference between different layers are also identified and discussed.
The Effect of Installation Damage on the Long-Term Design Strength of a Reinforcing Geosynthetic
Authors: Greenwood J.H.
Published: October 2014

Current practice in the design of reinforced soil is to calculate the long-term strength of a reinforcement damaged during installation by multiplying the two partial safety factors RFID and RFCR. This procedure assumes that there is no synergy between them. To test this hypothesis, stepped isothermal method creep-rupture tests were performed on a polyester geosynthetic in its undamaged and damaged states. The geosynthetic chosen and the method of damage were specifically chosen to yield a 30% reduction in strength with the minimum of scatter. From simple tensile testing, the reduction factor for installation damage, RFID, was measured to be 1.42. Stepped isothermal method tests on the undamaged geosynthetic gave a creep-rupture characteristic with RFCR = 1.70 for 106 hours (114 years). Thus, the predicted reduction factor for the long-term strength of the damaged geosynthetic is (RFCR)(RFID) = 2.41. The measured reduction factor was 2.26, 7% less than predicted. It is recommended that the practice of using (RFCR)(RFID) is upheld in the knowledge that the prediction will be slightly conservative.
Shear Strength Parameters of Soil-Geosynthetic Interfaces Under Low Confining Pressure Using a Tilting Table
Authors: Ling H.I. , Burke C. , Mohri Y. , Matsushima K.
Published: October 2014

Tilting table tests are typically used to determine the friction angle between soils and structures. A procedure is presented to determine both the adhesion and frictional properties of soil-geosynthetic interfaces under very low confining pressures using a tilting table test. A simple tilting table device was developed and a series of tests were conducted on three different types of sand in contact with smooth and textured geomembranes under dry and moist conditions. The study showed the relevance of the proposed procedure and device especially when residual state is concerned.
Conversion of Geosynthetic Strain to Load Using Reinforcement Stiffness
Authors: Walters D.L. , Allen T.M. , Bathurst R.J.
Published: October 2014

Measurements indicative of the internal behavior of full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls typically consist of reinforcement strains and overall deformations. The focus of this paper is the development of a methodology that can be used to convert measured reinforcement strains to load using properly selected reinforcement stiffness values. The loading of the geosynthetic in the field can be simulated in the laboratory using creep, relaxation, and constant-rate-of-strain tests. It was found that in-isolation creep stiffness data is sufficiently accurate to estimate reinforcement loads from strain measurements, at least for geogrids and most woven geotextiles. The approach is validated using data from carefully instrumented wall case histories in which reinforcement loads were measured directly and compared to loads estimated from measured reinforcement strain data.
Latitudinal gradients in herbivory onOenothera biennisvary according to herbivore guild and specialization
Authors: Anstett Daniel N. , Naujokaitis-Lewis Ilona , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: October 2014

The latitudinal herbivory‐defense hypothesis (LHDH) posits that herbivory and plant defenses increase toward lower latitudes. Recent studies provide contradictory evidence and suggest alternative explanations for biogeographic patterns in plant–herbivore interactions. Here we test the LHDH by sampling herbivory from multiple generalist and specialist insect herbivores over the entire latitudinal native range of the plant speciesOenothera biennis L. (Onagraceae). We sampled 79 populations on a 16° north‐south gradient from Ontario and Maine to Alabama and Florida. From each population, we quantified herbivory across feeding guilds by considering leaf herbivory caused by generalist insects, damage by a specialist stem‐boring beetle, and flower/seed herbivory by three Lepidoptera that specialize onOenothera. We also related environmental and population density variables to herbivory. Our results show that latitudinal patterns vary dramatically among herbivore species. While generalist leaf herbivory showed no latitudinal pattern, stem borer damage increased with decreasing latitude. By contrast, the specialist flower/seed herbivores all caused less damage at lower latitudes. Temperature explained slightly more variation in herbivory than latitude, while precipitation and population density were less important. Overall, we show that every pattern of herbivory (positive, negative and no relationship) is possible across a latitudinal gradient, and this variation depends on the insects' degree of specialization and feeding guild.
Sex‐specific variation in the onset of reproduction and reproductive trade‐offs in a boreal small mammal
Authors: Sipari Saana , Haapakoski Marko , Klemme Ines , Sundell Janne , Ylönen Hannu
Published: October 2014

In seasonal environments, the optimal onset of reproduction plays a major role in defining the reproductive success of an individual. Environmental cues, like day length, weather conditions, and food, regulate the initiation and termination of the breeding season. Besides the interspecific variation in response to environmental cues, it has been suggested that due to different selection pressures, females and males can have different responses to environmental stimuli. However, this phenomenon has gained relatively little consideration, and the physiological mechanism behind these differences is not well known. Here, we report how two different environmental cues, variability of temperature and nutritional conditions in spring, affect the onset of breeding in a boreal small rodent, the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. We exposed wild‐trapped individuals to four different treatments manipulating temperature (stable vs. variable) and food quality (high vs. low protein content) over five weeks in the laboratory. We monitored body‐mass development, food consumption, and initiation of breeding. We found sex‐specific responses to temperature variability, as males achieved their breeding condition faster in variable temperature treatments, whereas female maturation was delayed. Food quality had no effect on the onset of breeding. To test for possible reproductive trade‐offs caused by reproductive decisions made in early spring, the experiment was continued in large outdoor enclosures. There seemed to be no significant long‐term effects on reproduction, but early summer survival was affected by climate conditions experienced in spring. Our results show clear sex differences in the response to environmental cues regulating the onset of reproduction in bank voles. Hence, our study suggests that when an organism experiences rapid environmental changes, as are occurring on a global scale, divergent cues may lead to a reproductive mismatch between the sexes. This could noticeably decrease the fitness of many seasonally breeding species.
A compendium of cell and natural unit biovolumes for >1200 freshwater phytoplankton species
Authors: Kremer Colin T. , Gillette Jacob P. , Rudstam Lars G. , Brettum Pål , Ptacnik Robert
Published: October 2014

Cell size determination is a critical part of sampling phytoplankton communities, as size is both a fundamental trait determining species' ecological niches and a quantity necessary for generating unbiased estimates of community composition. The sizes of algal cells span orders of magnitude, driving variation in growth parameters, sinking rates, herbivore defense, and biogeochemical roles. Size variation occurs at both intra‐ and interspecific levels. Many central questions in community and ecosystem ecology require estimating and comparing the relative abundances of species. Cell counts provide insufficient estimates, due to interspecific variation in cell size, as they over‐estimate the importance of abundant, small species. While cell size (or biovolume) estimation has become standard practice in limnology, many older data sets lack this information, limiting their interpretation and utility. To address these challenges, and advance the study of freshwater phytoplankton communities, we have compiled a database of >260 000 algal biovolume estimates, spanning ∼400 genera and ∼1200 species. This represents the most extensive, standardized, and taxonomically diverse data set of its kind, drawing on both publicly and privately held sources. Estimates of the sizes of colonies or filaments are included, where applicable. With these data researchers will be able to account for intra‐ and interspecific variation in cell size, enabling new and improved analyses of classic data sets.
Challenging Oneself Intermittently to Improve Health
Authors: Mattson Mark P.
Published: October 2014

Humans and their predecessors evolved in environments where they were challenged intermittently with: 1) food scarcity; 2) the need for aerobic fitness to catch/kill prey and avoid or repel attackers; and 3) exposure to biological toxins present in foodstuffs. Accordingly, cells and organ systems acquired and retained molecular signaling and metabolic pathways through which the environmental challenges enhanced the functionality and resilience of the cells and organisms. Within the past 60 years there has been a precipitous diminution of such challenges in modern societies because of the development of technologies that provide a continuous supply of energy-dense processed foods and that largely eliminate the need for physical exertion. As a consequence of the modern ‘couch potato’ lifestyle, signaling pathways that mediate beneficial effects of environmental challenges on health and disease resistance are disengaged, thereby rendering people vulnerable to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Reversal of the epidemic of diseases caused by unchallenging lifestyles will require a society-wide effort to re-introduce intermittent fasting, exercise and consumption of plants containing hormetic phytochemicals into daily and weekly routines.
The climate of Montenegro: Modificators and types - part two
Authors: Buric Dragan , Ducic Vladan , Mihajlovic Jovan
Published: October 2014

The main objective of this study is to emphasize the basic climate
modificators and types in Montenegro. Rarely could you find such a small area
with more climate types and several subtypes and varieties as it is the case
here. The most important climate modificators in Montenegro have been
discussed in the Part One of the study, such as: mathematical - geographical
position, relief dissection, atmospheric circulation and the Adriatic Sea.
Atlantic and Mediterranean aquatories and Eurasian landmass play an important
part in climate modification in the area of Montenegro. These vast areas
represent the source of atmospheric action centres and air masses. In the
Part Two of this study, the climate regionalization of Montenegro is given
according to the K?ppen criteria, as it has been proved that it gives a good
basis for solving several practical and scientific problems.
Comparative technical efficiency of insured and uninsured cocoa farm operators in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Falola Abraham , Banjoko Ibrahim , Agboola Babatola
Published: October 2014

This study evaluates the technical efficiency of insured and uninsured cocoa
farm operators in Ondo State, Nigeria. Study data were obtained from 60
insured and 60 uninsured farm operators. Descriptive statistics, stochastic
frontier production function and t-test were used for the data analysis. The
mean technical efficiency of the insured farm and uninsured farm operators
was 76% and 70% respectively. Evidence from the t-test revealed that there
was a significant difference between the technical efficiency of the insured
and uninsured farm operators (t-cal. = 2.513; p = 0.012). The significant
determinants for the output of the insured farm operators were farm size and
the cost of pesticides while only the cost of pesticides was significant in
determining output for the uninsured farm operators. The study therefore
recommends policies aimed at promoting agricultural insurance among cocoa
farmers, reducing the cost of pesticides, increasing farm size as well as
encouraging young and well-educated individuals to insure their farming
activities.
Assessment of hired labour use and food security among rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Omotesho Kemi , Muhammad-Lawal Azeez , Ismaila Damilare
Published: October 2014

This study examined the relationship between hired labour use and food
security among rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. It
determined the food security status of rural farming households and
investigated the determinants of hired labour use. A four-stage random
sampling technique was used to select 135 rural farming households from which
data were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and the Tobit regression model
were the analytical tools used for the study. The study revealed that only
about half of the households (51.1%) were food secure and that there is a
positive correlation between the hired labour use and their food security
status. Dependency ratio, age and educational qualification of the household
head, total household size, and household income significantly influenced
hired labour use (p<0.01). The study recommends the need for agricultural
credit schemes in Nigeria to accord higher priority to older farmers and poor
rural households. In addition, extension education which emphasizes
agriculture as a business rather than a mere way of life should be promoted
among farmers.
Microleakage of class v cavities restored with flowable composite materials
Authors: Jankovic Ognjenka , Arbutina Adrijana , Knezevic Natasa , Arbutina Radmila
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Increasing requirements for durable fillings and marginal
integrity have influenced the development of new materials and restorative
techniques. Contemporary demands for esthetic restorations have encouraged
the development of new composite material ?self-etch flowable composite?. The
aim of this study was to test the marginal seal in small Class V cavities
after restoration with self etch flowable composite material Vertise Flow and
flowable composite Tetric Flow, both polymerised using conventional
light-curing technique. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 40
extracted human teeth (20 intact, 20 carious). Each group included 10
premolars and 10 molars. In all teeth two cavities class V of diameter 3?2?2
mm were prepared (buccal and lingual surface). On the buccal surface the
cavities were filled with self etch flowable composite Vertise Flow (Kerr
Dental Products), and on the lingual surface with flowable composite Tetric
Flow (Ivoclar Vivadent) using appropriate adhesive system. Polymerisation was
performed using LED lamp (Ivoclar Vivadent). Microleakage was tested with
silver nitrate solution. Using stereoloupe with micrometer scale and six
times magnification dye penetration was measured. Results. Mean dye
penetration in intact molars restored with Vertise Flow was 3.41 ?m, while in
intact molars restored with Tetric Flow it was 4.23 ?m. In intact premolars
restored with Vertise Flow, the average dye penetration was 1.14 ?m and in
intact premolars restored with Tetric Flow it was 3.90 ?m. Dye penetration in
carious molars restored with Vertise Flow and polymerised using conventional
polymerization technique was 3.66 ?m, while using Tetric Flow it was 7.94 ?m.
In carious premolars restored with Vertise Flow dye penetration was 3.97 ?m,
while with Tetric Flow it was 7.12 ?m. The total dye penetration was lower in
intact compared to carious teeth. Greater dye penetration was found in molars
compared to premolars. Conclusion. Vertise Flow showed better quality of bond
with hard dental tissue than Tetric Flow when classical polymerization
technique was used.
The role of managers in improving the health care system in Serbia
Authors: Aleksic Jovana , Stevanovic Ivan , Gajic-Stevanovic Milena
Published: October 2014

Health institutions have the most complex organization and management among
all institutions. Unlike traditional management in organizational systems
characterized by analytical and interdisciplinary approach, health
institution management is characterized by trans-disciplinary approach to
solving business problems. Introduction of quality improvement is a challenge
for health care managers due to their responsibility to create an environment
that will lead to quality improvement and safety of health services. New
Health care Act (2005) has created a legal framework for defining quality
indicators, and setting up various committees and bodies in order to improve
the quality of health care. As the planning, management and quality control
are the most important parameters of the health system development, health
manager must be a leader with exceptional communication skills and able to
apply his knowledge and skills in the management of resources. Top managers,
central type and lower level managers must be the driving force of their
institutions creating the basis for activities related to quality. They
should have a proper education as well. New concept of management emphasizes
people and their specialized knowledge. Past practice in Serbia did not show
significant improvements in the management process through the knowledge and
skills of managers, especially in terms of strategic decision-making in the
operation and development of the health system.
Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 22. Testicular Involvement in Systemic Diseases
Authors: Nistal Manuel , Paniagua Ricardo , González-Peramato Pilar , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: October 2014

Normal testicular physiology requires appropriate function of endocrine glands and other tissues. Testicular lesions have been described in disorders involving the hypothalamus-hypophysis, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. Testicular abnormalities can also associate with chronic anemia, obesity, and neoplasia. Although many of the disorders that affect the abovementioned glands and tissues are congenital, acquired lesions may result in hypogonadism in children and adolescents.
Hyperspectral imaging of polymer/fullerene blends
Authors: Torreggiani Armida , Tinti Francesca , Savoini Alberto , Melchiorre Michele , Po Riccardo , Camaioni Nadia
Published: October 2014

The effectiveness of a hyperspectral imaging system integrated on an enhanced dark-field microscope for probing the microscale morphology of model poly(3- hexylthiopene): [6,6]-phenyl-C61- butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) blends is demonstrated. This non-contact technique provides both spectral and spatial information in one measurement, providing an effective mapping of the presence and location of the component materials in the investigated P3HT:PCBM blends spincoated over different substrates (zinc oxide, poly(3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate). The hyperspectral analysis accounts for the micro-scale morphology of P3HT:PCBM blends, even in case of high film roughness, and the quantitative determination of blend components reveals a preferential accumulation of the lowenergy material (P3HT) at the interface with air, confirming the findings reported with other mapping techniques
Hydropower Development in India
Authors: Varma CVJ , Sharma Tanushree
Published: October 2014

Not Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v14i0.11246HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of water Energy and EnvironmentVolume : 14, 2014, JanuaryPage: 13-15
Importance of Contract Administration for Timely Construction of Hydropower Projects without Disputes
Authors: Kayastha Gyanendra Prasad
Published: October 2014

Most of the large hydropower projects in the region have been behind schedule than agreed in the contracts. Such delays besides project cost overrun cause direct economic loss to the countries in the form of interest costs, loss of energy revenues and loss in industrial production due to shortage of power. With delays, the Contractor finds ways for claim for additional time and cost. Such a situation may be the result of poor contract administration & management skills. Therefore, a fair and just administration of the contract is key to the successful performance of the contract on time, with respect to both budget and quality with minimum dispute events.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v14i0.11265HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVolume: 14, 2014, JanuaryPage: 49-51
Regional Modeling for Estimation of Runoff from Ungauged Catchments: Case Study of the Saptakoshi Basin, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jayandra Prasad , Alfredsen Knut , Timalsina Netra
Published: October 2014

In a mountainous country like Nepal, most of the gauge stations are located at low altitudes, and getting reliable hydrological data at intake sites, most of which are located at high mountains, is difficult. The main objective of the study is to apply the ENKI model system in a regional calibration of the Saptakoshi Basin and to test the reliability of the model in this area and extract the runoff at ungauged sites. ENKI is a modular framework to implement hydrological models, which operates on distributed data within a spatial region. Models can be created by a set of user-defined subroutines to custom design the functionality, and the model can be calibrated in a region making it suitable for prediction in ungauged catchments. Climatic data from 1999 to 2008 are used for the model calibration in the Saptakoshi Basin. While processing data, some errors and inconsistencies in the flow data were found, and this reduced the potential calibration sites in the catchment. The results showed that the modeled discharge of independent and upstream catchments were well in agreement with observed data, while less agreement was found with downstream basins where observed data were inconsistent. Good quality observation data and the availabilityof enough data govern the quality of the simulation with the model, so the importance of data quality cannot bedisregarded. Finally, the obtained regional parameters were applied to extract the runoff data at the intake site of the Tamor hydropower plant. Further improvement of simulation results can be achieved with good quality of data and thus uncertainties in the parameters can be reduced. Even though there are some uncertainties in the results of model, the conclusion of this study is that the regional model, ENKI, could be a very helpful tool to predict the hydrological variables at the ungauged basins in a mountainous country like Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v14i0.11269HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVolume: 14, 2014 JanuaryPage: 61-72
The 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 140 km Transmission Line Eight Years of Indo-Nepal Labor and Still No Fruit
Authors: Pun S B
Published: October 2014

About eight years ago, in mid-2006, the Minister of Water Resources Gyanendra Bahadur Karki took the initiative to develop Indo-Nepal cross-border high voltage transmission lines for mutual benefit. As a result, in January 2007, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) signed an MOU for the construction of four 220 kV cross border transmission lines. The Butwal-Gorakhpur and Duhabi-Purnea interconnections were slotted for immediate construction in the first phase. Nepal’s short term aim was to rid itself from load shedding during the dry season and, in the long term, create an environment to attract national and international investors to develop Nepal’s hydropower. After eight years of Indo-Nepal labor at three Power Exchange Committee (PEC) meetings and four Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) meetings, the Butwal-Gorakhpur and Duhabi-Purnea interconnections were laid aside and a special purpose vehicle was established for a 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur (D-M) transmission line. Contrary to the vision of the January 2007 MOU, the construction of the D-M line came attached with a special condition: that NEA enter into a Power Sale Agreement with the Power Trading Corporation of India for the purchaseof 150 MW of power for a 25-year period. NEA concluded this power sale agreement on 12th December 2011 with the 150 MW power scheduled to be delivered by June 12, 2015, 42 months after signing of agreement. At the 6th JCWR meeting of November 2011, Nepal pointed out that the draft MOU on Interconnections and Cross-border Power Trading had already been sent to MEA (India’s Ministry of External Affairs). But two years later at the 7th JCWR meeting of January 2013, India informed Nepal that ‘the process would take a little more time in spite of continuous follow up because the proposed MOU was a new idea to the concerned agencies of Government of India.’ With only 18 months remaining for the scheduled delivery of 150 MW power, Nepal has recently awarded Tata Projects Ltd. the contract for constructing the 40 km Dhalkebar to Nepal portion of the D-M line. The contract for the 100 km Muzaffarpur/India portion of transmission line is reportedly soon to be awarded. However, India has still not yet given its official concurrence to the MOU on Interconnections and Cross-border Power Trading. This article will chronicle the PEC and JCWR dialogues about the D-M line attempt to analyze the intricacies of Indo-Nepal power trading and suggest a way forward for mutual benefit of the two countries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v14i0.11273HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVolume: 14, 2014, JanuaryPage: 77-82
Accuracy of Networkwide Traffic States Estimated from Mobile Probe Data
Authors: Nagle Andrew S. , Gayah Vikash V.
Published: October 2014

Reproducible relationships between networkwide averages of local traffic metrics can be used to describe network dynamics and to inform large-scale strategies for traffic control. Even though relationships such as the network fundamental diagram or macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD), which relates average vehicle flow and density, have been verified with empirical data, these relationships remain notoriously difficult to estimate in practice. Data from mobile probe vehicles are proposed for use in estimating the relevant networkwide traffic metrics, which include the average flow, density, speed, accumulation, and exit flow of vehicles. The method has low data requirements: only the distances traveled by probes at various times and the probe and nonprobe vehicle counts at fixed locations. This information is becoming increasingly available because of advances in intelligent transportation systems, GPS, and mobile computing. Probe and nonprobe vehicle counts at fixed locations can be estimated by combining probe vehicle data with data from fixed detectors. The uncertainty of these measurements also can be estimated from probe vehicle data. This information then can be used to estimate the MFD and other networkwide relationships directly or to monitor traffic in real time. This method was tested on a microsimulated network and was accurate when mobile probe penetration rates reached about 20%.
Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram for Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Tsubota Takahiro , Bhaskar Ashish , Chung Edward
Published: October 2014

The macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) relates space mean density and flow. The existence with dynamic features was confirmed in a congested urban network in downtown Yokohama, Japan, with a real data set. Because the MFD represents areawide network traffic performance, studies have reported on perimeter control strategies and areawide traffic state estimated with the MFD concept. However, few reports of real-world examples from signalized arterial networks are available. Data are fused from multiple sources (Bluetooth devices, loop detectors, and signal phase timing). A framework is presented for the development of the MFD for Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Existence of the MFD in the Brisbane arterial network is confirmed. MFDs (from the entire network and several subregions) are evaluated to determine the spatial partitioning to represent network performance. The findings confirm the usefulness of appropriate network partitioning for traffic monitoring and incident detection. Future research directions are addressed.