bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanilla planifolia, the first Mesoamerican orchid illustrated, and notes on the de la Cruz-Badiano Codex
Authors: Gómez Luis Diego
Published: March 2015

The Codex Barberini lat. 241 or Codex Badianus is a manuscript by Martín de la Cruz, entitled Libellus Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis and the first New World herbal, written in 1552. It includes 249 medicinal plants of which only 184 are illustrated. Among the plants depicted is tlilxochitl which is the Nahuatl name, even to this day, for Vanilla planifolia Andrews. Thus, the illustration of that plant in the Codex constitutes the first illustration of a Mesoamerican orchid done for European readers and antedates the publication of the genus and its species by two centuries. Some new historical aspects of the Codex are presented.
A new Phragmipedium from Colombia
Authors: Higgins Wesley , Viveros Paula
Published: March 2015

Se describe una nueva especie de Phragmipedium sección Micropetalum para Colombia: Phragmipedium manzurii.
Listado de especies de la familia Orchidaceae para el estado Sucre, Venezuela
Authors: Leopardi Carlos , Cumana Luis
Published: March 2015

La familia Orchidaceae es uno de los grupos de Magnoliophyta de mayor distribución a nivel mundial, ocupan una amplia gama de nichos, desde el medio terrestre hasta las copas de los árboles (epífitas). Históricamente esta familia ha recibido mucha atención dada la belleza de las flores de algunos de sus miembros, lo que ha llevado con el tiempo a buscar el conocimiento, entre otras cosas, sobre su distribución; por lo que han aparecido listas de especies para varios lugares de América y el mundo. En Venezuela, exceptuando los tratamientos que a nivel general se ha dado a la familia, son escasos los estudios a nivel local y en particular en la cordillera de la costa; razón por la que en este trabajo se presenta una lista actualizada de las especies de Orchidaceae conocidas hasta el presente en la flora del estado Sucre. Para ello se revisaron entre los años 2006- 2007 los herbarios VEN e IRBR, las bases de datos en línea de los herbarios K, MO, AMES, NY y F; aunado a ello, se realizaron exploraciones en 14 localidades del estado Sucre, distribuidas entre el extremo occidental de la Península de Araya hasta el extremo oriental de la Península de Paria, los alrededores de Cumaná, el Parque Nacional Mochima y parte del Macizo del Turimiquire. De lo anterior deriva una lista de 121 especies distribuidas en 63 géneros, los más importantes son: Epidendrum L. (16 spp.), Habenaria Willd. (8 spp.), Pleurothallis R. Br. s. l. (7 spp.), Maxillaria Ruiz & Pav. s. str. (4 spp.) y Scaphyglottis Poepp. & Endl. (4 spp.). Adicional a éstas, existen 12 especies, señaladas en la literatura, de las que seis cuentan con respaldo de colector y número de colección. Del total de las especies referidas para el estado Sucre, 15 son mencionadas en el Libro Rojo de la Flora Venezolana; de éstas, dos están en peligro crítico (Cattleya gaskelliana Rchb. f. y Psychopsis papilio (Lindl.) H.G. Jones), una en peligro, dos vulnerables y las restantes en la categoría menor riesgo.
Giant Self-Polarization in FeRAM Element Based on Sol-Gel PZT Films
Authors: Delimova L. A. , Guschina E. V. , Yuferev V. S. , Grekhov I. V. , Zaiceva N. V. , Sharenkova N. V. , Seregin D. S. , Vorotilov K. A. , Sigov A. S.
Published: March 2015

Integrated ferroelectric capacitors Pt/PZT/Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si with sol-gel deposited PZT films are studied. The (111) textured polycrystalline films are shown to have nonconductive PZT grain boundaries. The short-circuited photocurrents measured under illumination of the films by light with the quantum energy of 2.7 eV indicate the polarization inside the film directed from the top to the bottom electrode. Using the modified method of depolarization hysteresis loops, we found a non-switchable part of polarization which was measured to be -16 μC/cm2 and directed from the top to the bottom electrode. We consider this result to be a giant self-polarization and explain it in terms of flexoelectricity caused by lattice mismatch between the PZT and bottom Pt layers. The strain gradient across the PZT film thickness is estimated from the in-plane lattice constants measured in Pt and PZT films to be ∼103cm-1, which can produce the downward flexoelectric polarization of ∼14 μC/cm2, coinciding well with the measured one. Nonsymmetrical depolarization loops are found in the films when the polarization switching itself becomes more difficult under the negative or positive driving voltage. We show experimentally how depolarization with compensating bias or film illumination can affect the film polarization switching.
Aplicação do diagrama de Mudge e QFD utilizando como exemplo a hierarquização dos requisitos para um carro voador
Authors: Schuster Cristiano Henrique , Schuster Jean Jonathan , Oliveira Alexandre Silva de
Published: March 2015

Neste artigo, cujo tema é a aplicação do diagrama de Mudge e QFD utilizando como exemplo a hierarquização dos requisitos para um carro voador, será realizada uma análise do estado da arte sobre carros voadores, buscando-se características importantes no desenvolvimento deste conceito. Como objetivo tem-se mostrar um exemplo de aplicação do diagrama de Mudge e da ferramenta Quality Function Development (QFD) na definição de requisitos de sucesso para um carro voador. Os métodos utilizados foram: revisão bibliográfica, utilização das ferramentas Value-Focused Brainstorming para a obtenção de características desejáveis e posterior aplicação do diagrama de Mudge e QFD para comparação dessas características nestes equipamentos. Os resultados obtidos mostram a valia destas duas últimas ferramentas no desenvolvimento de produtos, auxiliando na tomada de decisões e foco para o projeto. Mostrou-se possível a hierarquização dos requisitos do exemplo através da utilização do diagrama de Mudge, e a comparação desses requisitos por meio da ferramenta QFD. Pode-se concluir assim, que os objetivos foram alcançados, sendo este trabalho de grande valia didática para o meio acadêmico.Palavras-chave: Carro voador. Requisitos. Aplicação QFD. Diagrama de Mudge.
Mutual fund flows: an analysis of the main macroeconomic factors
Authors: Roquete Raphael Moses , Figueiredo Otavio Henrique dos Santos , Wanke Peter Fernandes
Published: March 2015

This paper analyzes whether some macroeconomic factors (country risk, IBrX volatility and Interbank Certificate of Deposit) are related to mutual fund flows for the period between January 2005 and August 2014. In order to investigate whether the flow series behaved differently during this period, the Chow test was conducted for September 2008 (the month in which the Lehman Brothers investment bank collapsed). The regressions were performed and the parameters were estimated through the OLS method for both periods, the first running from January 2005 to August 2008 and the second from September 2008 to August 2014. For the period between January 2005 and August 2008, all the variables, except for the Interbank Certificate of Deposit, proved significant, at a significance level of 10%. For the subsequent period, none of the variables proved significant and the R² was very low, which may merely indicate that investors failed to analyze the main macroeconomic variables for mutual fund allocations or redemptions and simply considered other aspects, such as manager performance.Keywords: Investment Funds. Flow. Macroeconomic Factors.
Incêndio em hospital de grande porte: atuação do supervisor de enfermagem
Authors: Fernandes Walter
Published: March 2015

Relata o acontecimento de um incêndio em um hospital geral e discorre sobre a experiência de um supervisor de enfermagem que trabalha à noite. Aponta dois problemas cruciais: total despreparo de pessoal e de material para dar atendimento neste tipo de situação e ausência, no turno da noite, de apoio e técnico administrativo que concorram para o desempenho da enfermagem.
Fluridone-Resistant Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) Is Still Dominant in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, FL
Authors: Netherland Michael D. , Jones Dean
Published: March 2015

The invasive aquatic plant hydrilla rapidly spread through the 28,500 ha Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL) system in Florida in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Large-scale herbicide treatments with fluridone were initiated in 1993 and resulted in widespread reduction in hydrilla; however, by 2000, sustained use of fluridone resulted in dominance of fluridone-resistant strains of hydrilla throughout these lakes. The last large-scale fluridone applications on the KCOL were conducted in 2004, and in 2012, a sampling effort was initiated to determine the status of fluridone-resistant strains of hydrilla given an 8-yr period with no further selection pressure from fluridone. A total of 260 sites were sampled on the lakes during March, May, September, and December 2012. Plants were returned to the lab and exposed to fluridone at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 μg L−1 and a pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometer was utilized to measure fluorescence yield of new shoot tissue growth following a 14-d exposure period. Results indicate that 80 to 90% of the sites sampled on the four lakes of the Kissimmee Chain remain resistant to fluridone. Three distinct patterns of response to fluridone were noted, suggesting that susceptible, moderately tolerant, and highly tolerant strains of hydrilla currently coexist on these lakes. Although fluridone-susceptible plants were present on the KCOL, this study clearly demonstrates that most of the hydrilla remained resistant despite an 8-yr period with no fluridone selection pressure.
Challenges of Efficacy Assessments in Pseudomyxoma Peritonea
Authors: Overman Michael J. , Eng Cathy , Raghav Kanwal , Matamoros Aurelio , Taggart Melissa , Foo Wai Chin , Fournier Keith
Published: March 2015

Several critical issues need to be considered in interpreting the results of the single-center observational study of the FOLFOX regimen in appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei reported by Pietrantonio et al.
Older Adults’ Perceptions of Using iPads for Improving Fruit and Vegetable Intake: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Watkins Ivan , Xie Bo
Published: March 2015

Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption can improve older adults’ health outcomes, but conventional interventions can be resource demanding and make it difficult to provide just-in-time intervention content. iPad-based interventions may help overcome these limitations, but little is known about how older adults might perceive and use iPads for FV consumption. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a qualitative study to explore older adults’ perceptions and use of iPads for improving FV consumption between February and August of 2012. Five focus group sessions each lasting 120 min were conducted with 22 older adult participants. During each session, participants received guided exposure and instruction on iPad use and then explored three iPad applications targeting FV consumption (MyFood, FiveADay Lite, and Whole Foods Market Recipes). Detailed notes from focus group interviews were analyzed with a grounded theory approach that applied a constant comparative method to enable themes to emerge from the data.

Three themes were identified from the data regarding participants’ baseline perceptions of iPads. These included (a) limited knowledge on iPad’s functions, (b) iPads were intended for younger users, and (c) iPads were too expensive. Themes identified regarding participants’ perceptions of iPads after guided exposure included (a) the touchscreen was easier to use than a computer mouse, (b) tapping the interface required practice, (c) portability was an asset in conjunction with functionality, (d) portability and functionality supported personal interests, (e) the difficulty of learning an iPad’s functions varied, and (f) practice and instruction helped overcome fear of the iPad. Finally, participants recommended iPad app features that could help them overcome barriers to their FV intake. These included (a) locating inexpensive FV from nearby sources, (b) providing tailored food and recipe suggestions, and (c) tracking and communicating FV intake with a doctor. These findings have important implications for future research on mobile app-based eHealth interventions to improve older adults’ FV intake.
Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of Lozenges Containing Lactobacillus reuteri as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: İnce Gizem , Gürsoy Hare , İpçi Şebnem Dirikan , Cakar Gokser , Emekli‐Alturfan Ebru , Yılmaz Selçuk
Published: March 2015

Background: This study evaluates the effects on clinical and biochemical parameters of Lactobacillus reuteri–containing probiotic supplementation adjunctive to initial periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Thirty patients with CP were included and divided into two groups. Every patient had, in each quadrant, ≥2 teeth each with approximal sites with a probing depth (PD) of 5 to 7 mm and gingival index (GI) of ≥2. The test group received scaling and root planing (SRP) and probiotic‐containing lozenges. The control group received SRP and placebo lozenges. Plaque index (PI), GI, bleeding on probing (BOP), PD, and attachment gain were measured. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was sampled for the analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All evaluations were performed at baseline and on days 21, 90, 180, and 360.

Results: Differences in intergroup comparisons of PI, GI, BOP, and PD were found to be significant (P <0.05) in favor of the test group at all time points. Decreased GCF MMP‐8 levels and increased TIMP‐1 levels were found to be significant up to day 180 (P <0.05). Mean values of attachment gain were significantly higher in the test group compared with the control group on days 90, 180, and 360.

Conclusions: Lozenges containing L. reuteri may be a useful supplement in moderately deep pockets of patients with CP. Low MMP‐8 and high TIMP‐1 levels may indicate the role of the lozenges in reduction of inflammation‐associated markers up to day 180.
Meta‐Analysis of Association Between Interleukin‐1β C‐511T Polymorphism and Chronic Periodontitis Susceptibility
Authors: Zeng Xian‐Tao , Liu Dong‐Yan , Kwong Joey S. W. , Leng Wei‐Dong , Xia Ling‐Yun , Mao Min
Published: March 2015

Background: Many studies have been conducted to explore the association between interleukin (IL)‐1β C‐511T polymorphism and risk of chronic periodontitis (CP) but with different or even contradictory results. A meta‐analysis was performed to further explore their association.

Methods: PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and EMBASE were searched up to September 30, 2014 for relevant case‐control studies. Two authors (D‐YL and L‐YX) independently selected studies and extracted data from included studies. The meta‐analysis was performed using comprehensive meta‐analysis software.

Results: Nineteen case‐control studies involving 2,173 patients with CP and 3,900 healthy controls were included. Using a random‐effects meta‐analysis model, a non‐significant association between IL‐1β C‐511T polymorphism and CP was identified (T versus C: odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85 to 1.25; TT versus CC: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.46; CT versus CC: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.30; CT + TT versus CC: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.34; TT versus CT + CC: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.38), and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. Subgroup analyses also revealed a non‐significant association. No publication bias was detected.

Conclusions: Based on currently available evidence, IL‐1β C‐511T polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing CP. Additional research is warranted to further explore and confirm the association of genetic polymorphism and CP.
Intermediate Effect Biomarkers--Alternatives to Direct Concentration- Response Data for Regulatory Benefits Analyses
Authors: Hattis Dale
Published: March 2015

Perceived needs for extensive chemical-specific toxicological information have impeded efforts to assess risks
and evaluate likely public health protection benefits of possible standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This paper
discusses opportunities to use effects of HAPs on early effect biomarkers, such as birth weights, to predict likely changes
in rare quantal effects of concern that would be relevant for the quantification of likely regulatory benefits from exposure
reductions. In the birth weight example, even modest exposures to common air pollutants can be seen as producing a kind
of tax on the limited resources available to the fetus to grow and develop. In contrast to teratogenic effects, dose response
relationships for fetal growth restriction in animals are often nearly linear, suggesting that the developing fetus may not
generally have untapped ”functional reserve capacity“ that is expected to buffer the effects of modest exposures to
toxicants in the traditional toxicological paradigm. Given this mechanistic perspective, supported in part by parallel dose
response relationships between reported cigarette smoking and both birth weight and infant mortality, restriction on fetal
growth can be associated with changes in quantal end effects of concern that are more difficult to assess directly in
epidemiological studies.
Futurescapes: expectations in Europe for relative effectiveness evidence for drugs in 2020
Authors: Towse Adrian , Garau Martina , Mohr Penny , Messner Donna A
Published: March 2015

Aim:
Explore key factors influencing future expectations for the production of evidence of relative effectiveness (RE) for drugs in Europe in 2020; construct three plausible future scenarios for RE evidence generation.
Materials & methods:
Semi-structured key informant interviews and three rounds of modified Delphi to gather expert perspectives and develop future scenarios.
Results & conclusion:
Most influential factors were degree of regulator use of postmarketing authorization (postlaunch) efficacy studies and adaptive licensing; degree of pan-European health technology assessment body coordination in reviewing prelaunch evidence and demanding postlaunch studies; the nature of regulator – health technology assessment body interaction. The most likely scenario entailed some change with postlaunch regulatory studies driving the likely nature of RE evidence generated.
Conservative surgical treatment of uterine fibroids
Authors: Sparic Radmila , Nejkovic Lazar , Mutavdzic Dragoslav , Malvasi Antonio , Tinelli Andrea
Published: March 2015

Fibroids are the most common benign tumours of the genital organs in women of
childbearing age, causing significant morbidity and largely disturbing
quality of life. Myomectomy is a option of choice for women who want to
preserve reproductive function. Conventional myomectomy via laparotomy is
commonly used for large subserosal and intramural fibroids and in cases of a
large number of fibroids. Number, size and location of fibroids in most cases
do not represent a limiting factor for conventional myomectomy. Vaginal
myomectomy is possible in cases of nascent submucosal fibroids. Laparoscopic
myomectomy is an option for patients with smaller uterus, as the size of the
uterus could represent a limiting factor for this approach. Hysteroscopic
resection of submucosal fibroids is the method of choice for most patients
with submucous fibroids. There is no consensus yet on the maximum size and
type of fibroids that can be operated with this approach. Myoma pseudocapsule
research during the past decade led to introduction of a surgical technique
called "intracapsular myomectomy", as a method which spares the pseudocapsule
as an important structure for optimal myometrial healing after myomectomy,
positively affecting future reproductive function. The clinical rationale for
intracapsular myomectomy can be applied to all myomectomies, therefore it has
been used both for laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy, as well as for
cesarean myomectomy. Several studies demonstrated that CM is probably safer
procedure than previously believed. CM is justifiable when performed
following proper patient selection by experienced surgeons.
Diagnostic and predictive factors of perioperative comorbidities in the treatment of hydrocephalus
Authors: Samardzic Marko , Repac Nikola , Nikolic Igor , Djoric Igor , Janicijevic Aleksandar , Matic Sinisa , Scepanovic Vuk , Jovanovic Vladimir , Milosevic Aleksandra , Tasic Goran
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the predictive
value and the presence of diagnostic comorbidity and perioperative factors in
the outcome of shunt surgery for hydrocephalus. Methods: We retrospectively
analyzed a series of 32 patients who underwent surgery for NTH on
Neurosurgical Service KBC Zemun in the 2006-2012 period year. Diagnostic
factors were analyzed: clinical signs (gait disturbance, cognitive deficits
and incontinence), Evans' index and lumbar puncture. Perioperative
comorbidity factors analyzed were: arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
and cerebrovascular insult. Results: Of the total of 32 operated patients
had gait disturbance, cognitive deficits 24 and 23 urinary incontinence.
Improving gait disturbance had 20, 13 had cognitive deficits and 11 urinary
incontinence. Improvement of gait disturbance was significantly different
(p<0.05) than the other two improve clinical signs. Of the factors of
perioperative comorbidities, hypertension was the most common 24, with
diabetes mellitus showed a statistically significant predictor of unfavorable
outcome (p = 0.029). Conclusions: gait disturbance proved to be the most
common diagnostic NTH factor and the factor that has the best prognosis in
patients operated for NTH , while DM is the most common factor of
perioperative comorbidities.
Spina bifida occulta-a diagnostic feature of the trisomy 8 syndrome
Authors: Milenkovic Svetlana , Nikolic Tatjana , Cerovac Natasa , Petrovic Bojana , Cuturilo Goran
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Clinical manifestation of the trisomy 8 syndrome are
craniofacial abnormalities, skin manifestations, heart and renal
malformations, skeletal abnormalities and mental retardation. Case report. We
present a case of spina bifida occulta in the child with full trisomy 8. On
physical examination there were signs of dysmorphic features in the girl,
deep creases on palms and soles, camptodactily, corneal opacities, cleft
palate, agenesis of the corpus callosum and spastic quadriplegia. Clinical
examination revealed a subtle protrusion covered by skin in the midline
thoracal region of the back, which was confirmed to be a lipoma with an
intact spinal cord and spina bifida occulta. Meningocela was eliminated and
no surgical intervention was needed. Conclusion. Chromosomal abnormalities
including trisomy 8 syndrome occur in patients with spina bifida. It is
important to detect small subcutaneous lesion which require no specific
treatment, but must be differentiated from small meningocele.
Splenectomy during cesarean section in a patient with severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura	(ITP) refractory to the medical treatment
Authors: Glisic Andreja , Cetkovic Aleksandar , Matic Slavko , Petronijevic Milos , Elezovic Ivo
Published: March 2015

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease of women of
reproductive age and accounts for 5% of pregnancy associated
thrombocytopenia. We reported the case of 21-year-old primigravida with ITP
who was admitted to our hospital at the 28th weeks of gestation with platelet
count of 22x109/l. Despite medicament treatment (prednisone, intravenous
immunoglobulin /IgG/) there were falls in the platelet count, last at the
33rd week of gestation when platelet count was 15x109/l. In consultation with
hematologist and surgeon we decided to deliver the patient by cesarean sec-
tion during which splenectomy will be done. Patient received 60g of
intravenous IgG two days before operations which were performed at the 34th
week of gestation. Healthy female infant was born with normal platelet count
and maternal platelet count at the discharge from hospital was 346x109/l.
The Effects of Professional Role, Decision Context, and Gender on the Ethical Decision Making of Public Accounting Professionals
Authors: Bobek Donna D. , Hageman Amy M. , Radtke Robin R.
Published: March 2015

This study investigates the degree to which professional role (auditor or tax professional), decision context (an audit or tax environment), and gender influence the ethical decision making of public accounting professionals. The primary analysis, including all 134 accounting professionals who participated in our experiment, indicates that these participants are both less likely to indicate they would concede to a client in a contentious situation and less likely to recommend conceding when they are in an audit as opposed to tax context. Furthermore, work experience in auditing (as opposed to tax) is associated with a decreased likelihood of conceding to the client in both contexts. However, when data for males and females are analyzed separately, professional role, context, and moral intensity are significantly related to males' decision making, but are not significant with respect to females' decisions. This suggests that males and females may use different decision-making processes. Possible theoretical explanations for these findings are discussed.
Challenges in Sustainability and Integrated Reporting
Authors: Bouten Lies , Hoozée Sophie
Published: March 2015

Students are introduced to the concepts of sustainability reporting and the latest trend, integrated reporting, by playing the role of an active jury member on the judging panel for the Best Belgian Sustainability Report Award. Through the reporting practices of Telenet, a Belgian telecommunication company, the case demonstrates the pivotal role of materiality and completeness in assessing the quality of sustainability reporting. Moreover, by revealing that an integrated strategy is crucial in the development of an integrated report and by demonstrating the importance of connecting financial and sustainability-related performance indicators, the case exposes students to the challenges that companies may face in developing their integrated reporting. The case also encourages students to critically reflect on the motivations behind sustainability reporting. In addition, through the active process of analyzing the disclosed information, students learn to formulate hands-on recommendations for improvement. This master's-level case is appropriate for either general financial reporting courses that incorporate contemporary reporting trends or more specific accounting courses on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, accountability, or ethics.
Irreparable Global Spread of Pathogens and International Trade – Infection Monitoring
Authors: Kouba Václav
Published: March 2015

There is no systematic monitoring of global spreading of pathogens through international trade carried out by any organisation regulating world-wide trade in animals and their products. A critical evaluation of the impact of international trade provisions on global pathogen spread is missing as well. Data related to this kind of analysis are no more internationally collected. However, information on animal infection occurrence is of paramount importance for decision-making on animal health import conditions based on pathogen introduction risk assessment considering first of all the epizootiological situation in exporting countries. Actual international animal health information system covers just a small part of known animal infections and provides much less information on their occurrence and epizootiological characteristics than before (except for a few selected emergency infections). It provides the importing countries zero or insufficient data for objective risk assessment to avoid pathogen introduction through international trade. Illegal export/import is not recorded in any information system. The globalisation era trade requires much more efficient information system, including monitoring of global spread of pathogenic microflora through trade, as the basis for more effective international preventive and control anti-epizootic measures. There is an urgent need to re-establish animal health information system within the United Nations Organization as its inseparable component for follow-up execution of animal health technical assistance and global anti-epizootic programmes.
Strategic Planning in the Framework of Metropolitan Areas in Romania: Going beyond the Requirements of the Law and Transforming it into an Effective Planning Tool
Authors: Hințea Călin E. , Neamțu Bogdana
Published: March 2015

This paper strives to discuss the role played by the newly created metropolitan areas around the seven growth poles from the perspective of the cooperation between the urban centers on the one hand and the neighboring rural communities on the other. It looks at the governance mechanisms in place at the level of the metropolitan areas and tries to assess if the cities and the neighboring communities are equal partners in these cooperation schemes. The paper also looks at one of the most important functions of these metropolitan areas - strategic planning in the form of drafting the integrated plans for urban development (IPUDs). We look at this function also from the perspective of the relations between the cities and their hinterlands. The paper has the following structure: section two briefly examines the concept of growth poles and their creation in Romania; section three looks at strategic planning as a tool for the implementation of the growth pole policy; section four presents the methodology of the study; section five details the main findings of the research, while section six briefly presents the recommendations and the conclusions. The empirical research for the study consisted in interviews with public servants working for the communities that are part of the metropolitan areas formed around the growth poles. As for the conclusions, the authors wish to emphasize that metropolitan areas should be understood in the broader context of the territorial reform.
Safety Performance Study of Shared Pedestrian and Vehicle Space in New Zealand
Authors: Karndacharuk Auttapone (Aut) , Wilson Douglas J. , Dunn Roger C. M.
Published: March 2015

Road users in a shared space are expected to travel at low operating speeds or very near walking speeds. This expectation is to ensure that an urban street functions as a destination and that the dominance of the vehicular traffic is neutralized. The implementation of a shared space concept on a public road requires a safety evaluation, especially for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. However, the evaluation is difficult because of potential traffic conflicts across the whole road corridor (public right-of-way) except for the designated areas that are free of vehicles. This study explored the results of a safety analysis of a shared zone in Auckland, New Zealand. Along with the recorded crash history, the before (2010) and after (2011 and 2012) data were systematically collected with video surveys and traffic counters. The vehicle speeds, volumes, and road user interactions were processed and analyzed. The outcome of the vehicle speed study highlighted the need for traffic calming to be incorporated into the shared space design to restrain vehicle operating speed, especially for off-peak periods. Further, this study challenged the traditional notion and application of the continuum of traffic events in which potential conflicts (termed inter actions in this study) and uninterrupted passages were the foundation of the number of injury or fatal crashes, specifically in a shared pedestrian and vehicle space environment.
Impacts of Alternative Yield Sign Placement on Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Gedafa Daba S. , Kaemingk Bryan , Mager Brian , Pape Jeffrey , Tupa Mark , Bohan Taryn
Published: March 2015

Although pedestrian crashes account for only 1% of reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States, pedestrian crashes account for 14% of fatal crashes. Pedestrians are at a higher risk of fatalities than are automobile operators when crashes per traveling distance are considered. Because of the high societal costs of pedestrian crashes, measures designed to reduce their frequency and severity should receive high priority. Additional countermeasures such as crosswalks and signs need to be devised to decrease pedestrian–automobile collisions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of yield signs on yielding for pedestrians and on traffic speed and the implication of these effects for pedestrian safety. The city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota campus were used as test sections. Data were collected on yielding for pedestrians and on traffic speed without and with a yield sign. The two-proportion z-test and an independent t-test were used to investigate the effect of the sign on yielding for pedestrians and on traffic speed, respectively. Placing a yield sign at the crosswalk is the most effective way of increasing yielding for pedestrians. The percentage of drivers not yielding for pedestrians and of pedestrian–driver conflicts are significantly lower in the presence of the sign. The presence of the sign results in lower average traffic speed, which implies that the risk to pedestrians will be lower if there is a crash.
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Added Cycling Facilities
Authors: Li Mingxin , Faghri Ardeshir
Published: March 2015

Cycling is well acknowledged as one of the most energy-efficient and healthy modes of transport; walking follows closely. Many approaches and models have been devoted to finding ways to increase the proportion of bicycle trips. However, significant uncertainty exists about the level and effectiveness of added cycling facilities. Few studies have conducted a detailed cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of added cycling facilities. To fill this knowledge gap, a comprehensive method is proposed for estimating the most important benefit components and expenses associated with the installation of bicycle facilities and gaining a better understanding of the strategies used to identify their effect. The general CBA framework that is developed could be used as a traffic planning tool for relieving congestion and improving bicycle networks. The tool can generate preliminary cost estimates quickly at an early planning stage. The focus is primarily on cycling, but the findings may be easily applied to other active modes of transport such as walking and scooter use. A case study in the state of Delaware demonstrates how the proposed approaches can be used to assess the impacts of road investment projects.
Measuring Traffic Reduction from Bicycle Commuting
Authors: Nordback Krista
Published: March 2015

Increased bicycle commuting is said to reduce motor vehicle traffic, but can this reduction be measured? To address one aspect of this question, Bike to Work Day events are used to explore how the volume of motor vehicle traffic changes when the volume of bicycle traffic doubles. In many communities, Bike to Work Day is an annual 1-day event that encourages commuting by bicycle. Because event participation rates were high in Boulder, Colorado, the city was chosen as an example to investigate this issue. Bicycle and motor vehicle traffic volumes measured by continuous counters on Bike to Work Day were compared with volumes from comparable workdays. Bicycle volume on Bike to Work Day was roughly double that on comparable workdays; motor vehicle volume on Bike to Work Day was lower than on comparable Wednesdays in 88% of the 16 cases studied and significantly lower at the 80% confidence level in 31% of the cases. The observed decrease in motor vehicle volume is of the order of magnitude expected for the observed increase in bicycle volume. Results of a one-tailed t-test for paired samples indicate that the decreased traffic counts on Bike to Work Day are significant at the 95% confidence level versus counts on other summer Wednesdays. These results suggest that bicycling can be a practical alternative to commuting by motor vehicle for some people and demonstrate that corresponding decreases in the volume of motor vehicle traffic can be measured.
Striking the Balance: Intervention versus Non-intervention in Britain's Oil Policy, 1957–1970
Authors: Kuiken Jonathan
Published: March 2015

This article focuses on attempts by the British Government to reexamine and recalibrate its oil policy following the Suez Crisis until the election of the Conservative Government of Edward Heath in 1970. It argues that despite a long-term strategy of non-intervention in the affairs of Britain's two domestically-based oil companies, British Petroleum and Shell, repeated Government attempts to increase the effectiveness of its oil policy in meeting its twin goal of security of supply and profitability to the British economy led to a gradual increase in state intervention in oil matters. The unintended consequence of this process was the deterioration of relations with BP and Shell, leading to the breakdown of Britain's traditional approach of allowing the firms to handle oil matters independently.
Competing Visions of Empire in the Colonial Built Environment: Sir Bradford Leslie and the Building of New Delhi
Authors: Johnson David A.
Published: March 2015

In 1911, the Government of India transferred the imperial seat of government from Calcutta to Delhi. The decision initiated an ambitious colonial building project that consumed massive human, material, and financial resources for the next two decades. The new city was meant to be not just a site of government but also a symbol of a new direction in British rule. As such, the transfer and building of a new capital caused tremendous debate in parliament, in the press, and in the worlds of art and finance. This paper examines one of these debates: the precise location of the new capital in the Delhi area. When news reached London that the Government of India planned to build the new capital in a largely rural area with little connection to Delhi's existing European community, Sir Bradford Leslie, an eminent railway engineer with long experience in India, prepared a town plan that placed the capital back within Delhi's European civil lines. His plan, the controversy it created, and its eventual rejection by the Government of India highlighted arguments over the meaning of British rule in India and who should benefit from it.
Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Asia and Africa
Authors: Pretty Jules , Bharucha Zareen
Published: March 2015

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a leading complement and alternative to synthetic pesticides and a form of sustainable intensification with particular importance for tropical smallholders. Global pesticide use has grown over the past 20 years to 3.5 billion kg/year, amounting to a global market worth $45 billion. The external costs of pesticides are $4–$19 (€3–15) per kg of active ingredient applied, suggesting that IPM approaches that result in lower pesticide use will benefit, not only farmers, but also wider environments and human health. Evidence for IPM’s impacts on pesticide use and yields remains patchy. We contribute an evaluation using data from 85 IPM projects from 24 countries of Asia and Africa implemented over the past twenty years. Analysing outcomes on productivity and reliance on pesticides, we find a mean yield increase across projects and crops of 40.9% (SD 72.3), combined with a decline in pesticide use to 30.7% (SD 34.9) compared with baseline. A total of 35 of 115 (30%) crop combinations resulted in a transition to zero pesticide use. We assess successes in four types of IPM projects, and find that at least 50% of pesticide use is not needed in most agroecosystems. Nonetheless, policy support for IPM is relatively rare, counter-interventions from pesticide industry common, and the IPM challenge never done as pests, diseases and weeds evolve and move.
Fe-Doping Effect on Thermoelectric Properties of p-Type Bi0.48Sb1.52Te3
Authors: Mun Hyeona , Lee Kyu , Kim Suk , Kim Jong-Young , Lee Jeong , Lim Jae-Hong , Park Hee , Roh Jong , Kim Sung
Published: March 2015

The substitutional doping approach has been shown to be an effective strategy to improve ZT of Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric raw materials. We herein report the Fe-doping effects on electronic and thermal transport properties of polycrystalline bulks of p-type Bi0.48Sb1.52Te3. After a small amount of Fe-doping on Bi/Sb-sites, the power factor could be enhanced due to the optimization of carrier concentration. Additionally, lattice thermal conductivity was reduced by the intensified point-defect phonon scattering originating from the mass difference between the host atoms (Bi/Sb) and dopants (Fe). An enhanced ZT of 1.09 at 300 K was obtained in 1.0 at% Fe-doped Bi0.48Sb1.52Te3 by these synergetic effects.
L-Dopa and Brain Serotonin System Dysfunction
Authors: Stansley Branden , Yamamoto Bryan
Published: March 2015

L-dopa is used to treat the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by a loss of dopamine neurons. L-dopa is the precursor to dopamine and crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase dopamine neurotransmission. This review will focus on the findings that dopamine produced from L-dopa is mediated in part by serotonin neurons. Direct evidence will be provided that increases in dopamine cause oxidative stress and damage serotonin neurons. Similarly, chronic L-dopa produces deficits in serotonin neurotransmission, including decreases in both serotonin cell bodies within the dorsal raphe and serotonin neurotransmitter concentrations in several forebrain regions. Since serotonin is involved in many important physiological processes including mood and cognition, L-dopa induced serotonin deficits may play a role in the side-effect symptoms observed in Parkinson’s disease patients treated with L-dopa.
Mycotoxin Production in Liquid Culture and on Plants Infected with Alternaria spp. Isolated from Rocket and Cabbage
Authors: Siciliano Ilenia , Ortu Giuseppe , Gilardi Giovanna , Gullino Maria , Garibaldi Angelo
Published: March 2015

Fungi belonging to the genus Alternaria are common pathogens of fruit and vegetables with some species able to produce secondary metabolites dangerous to human health. Twenty-eight Alternaria isolates from rocket and cabbage were investigated for their mycotoxin production. Five different Alternaria toxins were extracted from synthetic liquid media and from plant material (cabbage, cultivated rocket, cauliflower). A modified Czapek-Dox medium was used for the in vitro assay. Under these conditions, more than 80% of the isolates showed the ability to produce at least one mycotoxin, generally with higher levels for tenuazonic acid. However, the same isolates analyzed in vivo seemed to lose their ability to produce tenuazonic acid. For the other mycotoxins; alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, altenuene and tentoxin a good correlation between in vitro and in vivo production was observed. In vitro assay is a useful tool to predict the possible mycotoxin contamination under field and greenhouse conditions.
La morphologie des côtes au vent de Grande-Terre et de Marie-Galante (Guadeloupe). (Geomorphology of exposed shorelines of Grande-Terre and Marie-Galante - Guadeloupe.)
Authors: Battistini René , Hinschberger F.
Published: March 2015

Abstract - These two calareous islands show a strong morphologic opposition between windward and leeward shorelines. Great cliffs (dead or being rejuvenated), and a low coralline terrace dated by Th/U method, have been shaped during Eemian. Being exposed to great swells, windward coasts have a special present morphology : occurence of a platform with pits within the strand zone ; many beach- rocks in front of everywhere recessing beaches ; proliferation of calcareous alguae which build breakers. Lack of present fringing coral reefs may be explained by recent features of flandrian transgression.
Exemples d'utilisation de datations absolues pour l'étude de reliefs volcaniques. (Absolute ages and volcanic geomorphology)
Authors: Ambert Paul , Cantagrel Jean-Marie , Murcia A. L. , Salinas R. E. , Thouret Jean-Claude , Vatin-Perignon N.
Published: March 2015

Through thermoluminescence of feldspaths, the age of the Chaîne des Puys is traced to be older than il was thought. The K-Ar method determines the structure of the Monts Dore as two successive ca/deras (2,5 to 1,5 MY, and 1 to 0,2 MY). In Languedoc, dates of 1 and 0,6 MY are used as landmarks to follow the evolution of the river drainage. In Columbia, the Ruiz volcano is composed of old volcanic alluviations, basal effusive flows 1,2 to 0,6 MY, new terminal edifice from 0,3 MY to present, becoming more and more explosive through historical times.
Cadre tectonique des séismes de l'Atlas et idées nouvelles sur leur prévision (About the earthquakes in the Atlas and their forecast)
Authors: Perrusset A-C.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. -Atlas neotectonics show a behaviour of transform fault, marked by reverse SW-NE faults and a canarian-type volcanism. Most of the seismic focus are located on active faults pointed out by Landsat A and B satellite records. Geological and meteorological observations in Agadir let hope short-dated forcasting of the catastrophic earthquakes.
Pêche et communautés halieutiques comme approche des systèmes littoraux, de l'estuaire de la Seine à la baie de Somme (Fishing activities and societies, from the Seine to the Somme)
Authors: Rieucau Jean
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - De Honfleur au Crotoy, trois systèmes littoraux se succèdent : l'estuaire de la Seine, axe du trafic maritime et fluvial et complexe industrialo-portuaire ; le littoral cauchois qui importe et produit de l'énergie ; la baie de Somme mise en valeur par l'agriculture et la pêche côtière. Dans les deux premiers, la côte devient un enjeu et un espace de concurrence. En vingt ans, l'activité halieutique est passée d'une organisation du travail industrielle à un mode artisanal. Des communautés halieutiques maintiennent une vie de côte sur 250 km de littoral.
Genomic Selection for Quantitative Adult Plant Stem Rust Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Rutkoski Jessica E. , Poland Jesse A. , Singh Ravi P. , Huerta‐Espino Julio , Bhavani Sridhar , Barbier Hugues , Rouse Matthew N. , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: March 2015

Quantitative adult plant resistance (APR) to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is an important breeding target in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and a potential target for genomic selection (GS). To evaluate the relative importance of known APR loci in applying GS, we characterized a set of CIMMYT germplasm at important APR loci and on a genome‐wide profile using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). Using this germplasm, we describe the genetic architecture and evaluate prediction models for APR using data from the international Ug99 stem rust screening nurseries. Prediction models incorporating markers linked to important APR loci and seedling phenotype scores as fixed effects were evaluated along with the classic prediction models: Multiple linear regression (MLR), Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (G‐BLUP), Bayesian Lasso (BL), and Bayes Cπ (BCπ). We found the Sr2 region to play an important role in APR in this germplasm. A model using Sr2 linked markers as fixed effects in G‐BLUP was more accurate than MLR with Sr2 linked markers (p‐value = 0.12), and ordinary G‐BLUP (p‐value = 0.15). Incorporating seedling phenotype information as fixed effects in G‐BLUP did not consistently increase accuracy. Overall, levels of prediction accuracy found in this study indicate that GS can be effectively applied to improve stem rust APR in this germplasm, and if genotypes at Sr2 linked markers are available, modeling these genotypes as fixed effects could lead to better predictions.