bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La ciudad ausente
Authors: Pereira Maria Antonieta
Published: July 2015

Análise das relações intersemióticas e interculturais relativas ao romance La ciudad ausente e à ópera homônima. Estudo das traduções e apropriações realizadas pela rede narrativa de Ricardo Piglia e Gerardo Gandini, particularmente no que diz respeito ao texto romanesco, ao libreto e ao vídeo da ópera.
O teatro tropismal
Authors: Mello Renato
Published: July 2015

Este texto tem por objetivo o estudo do teatro de Nathalie Sarraute no qual se analisam dois aspec tos singulares de sua escrita: a presença de sujeitos fragmentados, expondoda se numa estrutura dramática, e a busca do re-sentido daquilo que ela nomeou de tropismos.
Questões de ilusão Teatral
Authors: Fachin Lídia
Published: July 2015

A partir de alguns dados histórico-estéticos recorrentes sobretudo -mas não exclusivamente -na França, o presente artigo aborda algumas concepções relativas aos procedimentos produtores da ilusão teatral.
O teatral do mundo
Authors: Oliveira Luiz Cláudio Vieira
Published: July 2015

Este ensaio busca trabalhar o elemento teatral na obra de Guimarães Rosa, entendendo-o como processo de representação do real por meio de sua transformação em texto/discurso, e como processo de carnavalização pela abolição da hierarquia e multiplicação das versões.
O Cinema sem Imagens
Authors: Andrade Paulo
Published: July 2015

A obra cinematográfica de Marguerite Duras, praticamente desconhecida pelo grande público, estabeleça intricadas relações com sua obra literária, ao promover a indiscernibilidade entre os dois campo, sem, contudo, instituir qualquer tipo de subordinação de um ao outro. O processo de criação do filme Lê camion, de 1977, aponta para outras possibilidades de se pensar o cinema e a literatura.
Un destino ejemplar
Authors: Ravetti Graciela
Published: July 2015

Borges y Puig no solo comparten la pasion por el cine como fuerte de inspiración formal para la narración sino también el culto por el director austríaco Josef von Sternberg. El cine de von Sternberg, sin embargo, más que senãlar algún punto de contacto entre ambas literaturas permite definir las diferencias com más nitidez que cualquier consideración de intertextualidad propiamente literária.
Oswald e Eisenstein
Authors: Feitosa Susanna Busato
Published: July 2015

Estudo acerca das relações intersemióticas entre  procedimentos estéticos presentes na poesia de Oswaldo de Andrade e na teoria da montagem de Eisenstein. O mecanismo da montagem promove o pensamento relacional e atua no nível da sintaxe analógica, de modo a causar, pela proximidade e contraste dos elementos, o instrumento necessário á construção da imagem e do pensamento. A poesia de Oswald é operada semiotiamente de modo a deflagrar os efeitos imagísticos decorrentes do mecanismo da montagem estrutural.
Imagens do Escritor e do Poeta
Authors: Fonseca Jair Tadeu
Published: July 2015

Este artigo é um estudo comparado entre Terra em Transe de Galuber Roha, e Memórias do subdesenvolvimento de Gutiérrez Alea. Seu objetivo é discutir os significados das figuras do poeta e do escritor em ambos os filmes considerando seus papéis nas cenas cultural, social e política latino-americana.
A Crítica Cinematográfica de Jorge Luis Borges
Authors: Jozef Bella
Published: July 2015

As múltiplas relações de Jorge Luiz Borges com o cinema. Críticas, resenhas e técnicas cinematográficas incorporadas a sua obra. Adaptação de contos e roteiros originais. Considerações sobre propriedades específicas de cinema e literatura.
Três Versões de Orfeu
Authors: Diniz Thais Flores Nogueira
Published: July 2015

Ao se analisarem três criações intertextuais cujo tema é o mito de Orfeu retratam-se três momentos da história brasileira, levando-se em cona elementos do mito e rubricas da peça que serviu de “origem” para os dois filmes. Conclui-se que não só a música e a arte brasileira são louvadas, mas também, através delas, a identidade nacional é retratada.
Griselda Gambaro e a Problemática das Fronteiras em Es Necesario Entender un Poco
Authors: Santos Alessandra Dutra
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre até que ponto a quebra de fronteiras geográficas se converte, efetivamente, em conquista de espaços sociais, políticos e culturais, tendo como fio condutor o texto dramático Es necesario entender un poco, de Griselda Gambaro.
Analysis of James Joyce Short Stories
Authors: Daneshzadeh Amir
Published: July 2015

Collection of short stories of James Joyce in a book under the title of “Dubliners” (1914) is a collection composing of 15 short stories, which topic of all of them is living in Dublin (stories about death, love, live in school, etc.). Short story of “sisters” narrates feelings of a boy about death of a priest. The first woman, who is afraid of love, a mother in law speaks about ambition and destroys her daughter. It ispainful narrative of a single man, who leaves the woman he loves and the woman finds in the time of her death that he has been in his loneliness all his life. Accordingly, it could be mentioned that the author has selected in his short stories a style that Flober has been its establisher. Hence, stories in the collection of Dubliners have been strongly image-based and have been less relied on storied actions. (Stein et al, 2008)The present study has analyzed two short stories of the mentioned collection under the titles of “The Dead Persons” and “The sisters\s”. In this analysis, the author has considered internal modes and feelings of characters of the story. Process of analyzing the two works has been firstly related to analysis of every story separately and then has been related to goals and destinies of creator of the work and totally his collection of short stories. Finally, the study has considered investigation and analysis of short stories of James Joyce, which analysts and critics of his works have presented it and it is that Dubliners should be considered as an origin and generality. Considering stories of this artist separately can’t be a competent work, since as it is obvious in this collection, the author has been tended to achieve a specific goal through considering a certain order for these stories.
General Qualitative Survey on Learning Strategies Employed by Deaf EFL Learners
Authors: Niloofari Poopak , Behfrouz Behnam
Published: July 2015

This paper, through using relevant literature, covers issues which are effective in planning a strategy by deaf EFL learners who are using learning strategies like cognitive, meta-cognitive and socio-affective strategies.
Analysis on Corporate Social - Financial Performance Link
Authors: Khan Nabila , Iqbal Nadeem , Haider Najeeb
Published: July 2015

Study explore and investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility in multi level facets for performance outcome and corporate social behavior . Using corresponding and coordinated sample of different financial institutions. Data is collected by banks annual reports issuing during 2008-2012. To examine and verify the relationship between CSR and CFP , Regression model is used. Findings from data is revealed that positive correlation among corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance. If financial institutions more invest for CSR practices then they will get higher performance and net profit for long lasting period.
Degradation of Higher Education in Kazakhstan as an Example of Post-Transitional Crisis
Authors: Suleimenov I. , Guichard Jean Paul , Baikenov A. , Obukhova P. , Suleimenova K.
Published: July 2015

It is shown, that objectives of degradation of Higher Education in most part of post-soviet countries are connected with the specific factors appeared at the economical situation appeared at the end of transitional period (transition from planned economy to market one). Decreasing of quality of higher education in such countries as Kazakhstan may be interpreted in frameworks of Baudrillard’s concept of evolution of connection between “The Sign” and “The Reality”; such interpretation directly shows that overcoming of negative trends in post-soviet countries education cannot be realized by traditional administrative instruments. The problem may be solved by taking into account concepts of institutional economy.
The Impact of Parents Education, Parents Income, Teacher Education and Locality of School on Students Relinquish School during Primary Level in DG Khan District
Authors: Ahsan Sunila , Iqbal Nadeem , Farooq Nosheen
Published: July 2015

In this study, reasearcher examined the impact of parent's education, parents income, teacher education and locality of school on students relinquish school during primary level .The study data was collected from different urban and rural areas of D.G.Khan schools.The study used the multiple regressions to analyze the effect of parent's education, parent'sincome, teacher education and locality of school on students relinquished school during primary level of education. This research findings show that parent's education, parents income and teacher education were significant and locality of school was insignificant . It is concluded that parent's education, parents income, teacher education are affected to students relinquished school during primary level in the districtand locality of school has no affect on students relinquish school during primary.
The Role of Electronic Management of Human Resources in Psychological Empowerment of Human Resources in Shiraz Gas Company
Authors: Ganjali Asadallah , Farhadi Raha , Ahmadipanah Mahdi
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of this research is investigation of the role of human resources electronic management in psychological empowerment of gas company employees in Shiraz. The present study is the descriptive research which was conducted by survey. The population of this research is the staff of Gas Company located in Shiraz. The considered population consisted 347 employees that 180 0f them were selected and studied as a sample based on Morgan table. The instrument for gathering data in this research is questionnaires. For determining the validity of questionnaires, the content validity has been used. In addition, the masters’ corrective comments have been applied. In this study, for investigating the reliability of instrument the Cronbach's alpha coefficients was used. The coefficient reliability of e-HR management questionnaires is 0/95 and the coefficient reliability of psychological HR questionnaires is 0/9 which shows desirable reliability of this questionnaire. Results and findings of the research: the obtained results indicate that there is positive and direct relation between the two variables of electronic system for appointment and career path management and psychological empowerment of staff located in Shiraz Gas Company. And there is positive and direct relation between two variables of electronic system of payment based on performance and psychological empowerment of staff in Gas Company located in Shiraz. And the results show that between two variables of electronic system of education management and psychological empowerment of staff in Gas Company in Gas Company in Shiraz, there is a positive and direct relationship. There is a positive and direct relationship between two variables of electronic system of recruitment and election and psychological empowerment of staff in Shiraz Gas Company. Also, between two variables of electronic system of management performance and psychological empowerment of staff in Shiraz Gas Company there is a positive and direct relationship. Regarding the conducted survey, it is indicated that between demographic features (gender, age, education level, working experience and psychological empowerment) there is a significant differences.
How to Influence the Job Rotation of the Employee on Intelectual Risk in the Service Industry
Authors: Ibrar Muhammad
Published: July 2015

Purpose: This study aims to stress on the phenomenon of intellectual capital (IC) risks. More precisely, the perception of such risks in the context of the job rotation process often applied in multinational corporations (MNCs) is to be investigated. Design/methodology: Seven semi-structured interviews are conducted in an exemplary knowledge-intensive MNC operating in the construction industry. Six interviews among top managers and five interviews among participants in the job rotation process are carried out to gain insights from different perspectives. Findings: The study emphasize the influence of time pressure on the perception of the variety of IC-related risks in general and of those related to the job rotation process. As a result, the risks are not tackled even though the managers are aware of some of them. Research limitations/implication: The data were collected in one organization, making inferences about the findings not possible. Future studies should consider multiple organizations. Practical implications: A list of potential IC risks triggered during the job rotation process is presented and suggestions to tackle them are discussed. Furthermore, the findings can contribute to the further development of an overall overview of IC risks. Originality/value: The study condemn fresh insights into the relationship between IC risks and job rotation as perceived by different organization members.
Determinants of Renewable Energy Consumption among ECO Countries; Based on Bayesian Model Averaging and Weighted-Average Least Square
Authors: Mehrara Mohsen , Rezaei Sadeq , Razi Davoud Hamidi
Published: July 2015

Over recent years, renewable energy sources have emerged as an important component of world energy consumption. Increased concern over issues related to energy security and global warming suggests that in the future there will be a greater reliance on renewable energy sources. Given the role of renewable energy in the discussion of a reliable and sustainable energy future, it is important to understand its main determinants and to draw result implications for energy policy. This paper identifies the key determinants of renewable energy consumption among Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries, over the period 1992-2011. There is a large literature on determinants of energy consumption and several studies have included a large number of explanatory variables. Empirical models of energy consumption are plagued by problems of model uncertainty concerning the choice of explanatory variables and model specification. We utilize Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) and Weighted-Average Least Square (WALS) to resolve these model uncertainties. We have used not only conventional explanatory variables that have been used in last studies, but also institutional variables to consider the effect of socio-economic environment. The results of this study indicate that the institutional environment proxies, urban population, and human capital are the most important variables affecting renewable energy consumption in the ECO economies. Also the second and third effective variables are the renewables potential which lead to an increase in renewable energy consumption, and Co2 emission which has revers effect respectively. Therefore improving of institutional circumstances and human capital can be useful to renewable energy growth and reducing of detrimental externalities of fossil energy consumption.
Estádios de maturação e danos mecânicos na goiaba comercializada no Sertão da Paraíba
Authors: Silva Helton Sousa , Moreira Inácia dos Santos , Hérica Railene Hérica , Furtunato Tádria Cristiane , Sousa Francisco Assis
Published: July 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar e caracterizar a goiaba comercializada no Sertão da Paraíba quanto ao estádio de maturação e a ocorrência de danos mecânicos. Os frutos foram adquiridos em embalagens de caixas plásticas com dimensões externas de 31 x 36 x 56cm, em três estabelecimentos comerciais do Sertão Paraibano, Feira Livre e Mercado Público de Pombal – PB e no Ceasa de Patos – PB.  Em cada caixa contabilizou-se o total de frutos e relacionou-se a proporção de frutos em cada estádio de maturação, proporção de frutos com determinado tipo de dano mecânico, proporção de frutos com dano mecânico em cada estádio de maturação e a porcentagem da área do fruto atingida por danos mecânicos. Constatou-se heterogeneidade com relação ao estádio de maturação das goiabas comercializadas, nos três estabelecimentos comerciais. Houve elevada incidência de danos mecânicos nos frutos da Feira Livre e do Mercado Público de Pombal, 97% das goiabas apresentaram algum tipo de dano mecânico. Em 100% das goiabas comercializadas no Ceasa de Patos ocorreu algum tipo de dano mecânico.
Deposição de serapilheira em uma área de caatinga preservada no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Silva Vinícius N. , Souto Lauter  S. , Dutra Filho João de A. , Souza Tarso M. A. de , Borges César H. A.
Published: July 2015

A quantificação da serapilheira depositada é de fundamental importância em estudos de ciclagem de nutrientes em áreas em processo de sucessão ecológica. Com esse fim, objetivou-se quantificar a deposição sazonal de serapilheira em um remanescente de caatinga em estágio avançado de regeneração no município de Cajazeirinhas, PB. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente, durante o período de um ano, de agosto de 2013 a julho de 2014 em quatro transectos. Para isso, foram distribuídas 20 caixas coletoras de 1m x 1m, separando-se o material coletado nas seguintes frações: folhas, galhos, estruturas reprodutivas e miscelânea. A produção de serapilheira na área durante o período de estudo foi de 1630,5 kg ha-1, sendo que na área a fração folhas predominou na serapilheira contribuindo ao solo com 64,9%, seguida da fração galhos (21,2%), estruturas reprodutivas (10,1%) e miscelânea (3,8%). A maior deposição ocorreu no início da estação seca, caracterizando a sazonalidade. Foi observado que depois do longo período de regeneração, a área apresenta padrão de deposição de serrapilheira similar ao registrado em outras áreas de caatinga preservada.
Female butterflies adapt and allocate their progeny to the host‐plant quality of their own larval experience
Authors: Cahenzli Fabian , Wenk Barbara A. , Erhardt Andreas
Published: July 2015

Recent studies with diverse taxa have shown that parents can utilize their experience of the environment to adapt their offspring's phenotype to the same environmental conditions. Thus, offspring would then perform best under environmental conditions experienced by their parents due to transgenerational phenotypic plasticity. Such an effect has been dubbed transgenerational acclimatization. However, evidence that parents can subsequently ensure the appropriate environmental conditions in order that offspring benefit from transgenerational acclimatization has never been demonstrated. We rearedPieris rapaelarvae in the parental generation on high‐nitrogen and low‐nitrogen host plants, and reared the offspring (F1) of both treatments again on high‐ and low‐nitrogen plants. Furthermore, we tested if females prefer to oviposit on high‐ or low‐nitrogen host plants in two‐way choice tests. We here show not only that females adapt their offspring's phenotype to the host‐plant quality that they themselves experienced, but that females also mainly oviposit on the host quality to which they adapt their offspring. Moreover, effects of larval host plant on oviposition preference of females increased across two generations in F1‐females acclimatized to low‐nitrogen host plants, showing an adaptive host shift from one generation to the next. These findings may have profound implications for host‐race formation and sympatric speciation.
Hunting alters seedling functional trait composition in a Neotropical forest
Authors: Kurten Erin L. , Wright S. Joseph , Carson Walter P.
Published: July 2015

Defaunation alters trophic interactions between plants and vertebrates, which may disrupt trophic cascades, thereby favoring a subset of plant species and reducing diversity. If particular functional traits characterize the favored plant species, then defaunation may alter community‐wide patterns of functional trait composition. Changes in plant functional traits occurring with defaunation may help identify the species interactions affected by defaunation and the potential for other cascading effects of defaunation. We tested the hypotheses that defaunation would (1) disrupt seed dispersal, thereby favoring species whose dispersal agents are not affected (e.g., small birds, bats, and abiotic agents), (2) reduce seed predation, thereby favoring larger‐seeded species, and (3) reduce herbivory, thereby favoring species with lower leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf toughness, and wood density. We examined how these six traits responded to vertebrate defaunation caused by hunters or by experimental exclosures among more than 30 000 woody seedlings in a lowland tropical moist forest. Exclosures reduced terrestrial frugivores, granivores, and herbivores, while hunters also reduced volant and arboreal frugivores and granivores. The comparison of exclosures and hunting allowed us to parse the impacts of arboreal and volant species (reduced by hunters only) and terrestrial species (reduced by both hunters and exclosures). The loss of terrestrial vertebrates alone had limited effects on plant trait composition. The additional loss of volant and arboreal vertebrates caused significant shifts in plant species composition towards communities with more species dispersed abiotically, including lianas and low wood‐density tree species, and fewer species dispersed by large vertebrates. In contrast to previous studies, community seed mass did not decline significantly in hunted sites. Our exclosure results suggest this is because reducing seed predators disproportionately benefits large‐seeded species, partially compensating for the reduction of seed dispersers at hunted sites. Our results demonstrate that decreased seed dispersal and seed predation are important determinants of seedling community compositional change as a consequence of defaunation. Defaunation may also negatively impact carbon storage in tropical forests, by favoring lianas and low wood density tree species.
The Use of Detailed Reservoir Description And Simulation Studies in Investigating Completion Strategies, Cormorant – UK North Sea
Authors: Stiles J. H. , Valenti N. P.
Published: July 2015

A portion of the Cormorant field in the U.K. North Sea is being developed using a subsea production system. All layers in the stratified reservoir section are being waterflooded concurrently by perforating the entire interval in both producers and injectors. The permeability contrast among the layers is such that there is potential for severe imbalance in the movement of the waterflood fronts, resulting in large volumes of early water production from high permeability layers and incomplete displacement of oil from less permeable layers. With the high cost of expanding platform facilities or performing workovers on subsea wells to re-distribute production and/or injection, there is considerable incentive to optimise the completions in new wells.

This paper describes studies undertaken by Esso Exploration and Production U.K. to evaluate various completion strategies for new subsea wells. These studies were done to complement work done by the operator, Shell U.K. Exploration and Production. The studies included detailed reservoir description work to define the oil-in-place and permeability distribution, followed by simulation of the waterflood for a representative reservoir cross-section. Wellbore, flowline and pipeline hydraulics for the complex production and injection system were included to more accurately model well rates. The results provide general insight into the nature of the displacement when waterflooding a stratified section with a limited number of wells. They also provide specific guidance on: (1) dual vs. single completions, (2) perforating, testing and stimulation sequence and (3) the benefits of partially perforating high permeability sands.
A Case Study Evaluation of Subsea Preferential Weld Haz Corrosion
Authors: Tyson J A G , Bell E R G
Published: July 2015

Annual subsea inspections of Murchison's major welded joints have indicated that a significant proportion of the welds have suffered from preferential corrosion of their heat affected zones..

Only a limited number of joints can economically be inspected each year, and the programme is normally biased towards structurally important welds with relatively low predicted fatigue lives. The presence of corrosion grooves modifies considerably the weld SCFs and thus Impacts the fatigue rankings and choice of welds for inspection.

With only limited inspection data, there was a need to identify the extent of the corrosion problem. This paper discusses the parameters that Conoco studied in an attempt to correlate the spread and severity of the corrosion problem with variances in geometry, metallurgy and cathodic protection. Correlations were found which have enabled the successful prediction of location of further corrosion grooves and have allowed a new optimum inspection programme based on both fatigue prediction and weld corrosion history.

The presence of the corrosion grooves in many cases give spurious crack-like indications with MPI inspection. This paper also discusses how ACPD inspection techniques together with profile moulding techniques were used to eliminate spurious readings and to characterise the grooving shape for detailed fracture mechanics assessment.
Method for Fracture Gradient Prediction for Vertical and Inclined Boreholes
Authors: Aadnoy B. S. , Larsen K.
Published: July 2015

A new method for prediction of fracture gradients in deeper wells has been developed. The method is based on the principles of mechanics, but uses a correlation method in the application of field data. Improvements over existing methods are: *Gives both leak-off and lost circulation pressures.*Works for vertical and inclined boreholes.*Result given as simple equation.*Identifies lithological effects.

The result is given as a simple equation where only well depth, pore pressure and borehole angle are needed to predict the fracture pressure. Since borehole inclination is included, the method can be used during production drilling as well as when drilling vertical wells. The method was applied in a field study offshore Norway. The results show a remarkably good correlation with field observations.
Drag Bit Wear Model
Authors: Sinor L. A. , Warren T. M.
Published: July 2015

A performance model for Polycrystallíne Diamond Compact (PDC) bits has been modified to include the wear prediction of individual cutters. Wear predictions are based on the geometry of each cutter, the rock, type, the forces acting on the cutter, cutter velocity, and cutter temperature. The results of predicted and actual cutter wear for different 8-1/2 in. field worn PDC bit designs are shown. The worn geometry of each cutter was measured and compared to the model's prediction.

Laboratory performance tests were also conducted with similar bit designs to quantify the effect of bit imbalance. Reduced ROP, drilling an overgage hole, and increased cutter wear and breakage can be the result of bit imbalance.
New Test-system Based on the Evaluation of Yeast Cells Resistance to Dehydration-rehydration Stress
Authors: Borovikova Diana , Muiznieks Indrikis , Rapoport Alexander
Published: July 2015

A new test-system was developed for rapid evaluation of the cytoprotective potential of substances which can be included in cosmetics and health care compositions. It was evaluated by changes of the viability of yeast cells after dehydration/rehydration (D/R) treatment. To check the efficiency of proposed test system we studied the effects of water extracts of the natural peloid, which are used in balneotherapy procedures. It was revealed that the resistance to D/R of cells incubated in peloid water extracts (PWE) was significantly increased (by 30-38%) already after their short incubation in the solutions with low concentrations of the PWE. Meanwhile the membrane permeability was significantly decreased after incubation with PWE. The viability of yeast cells which were more sensitive to D/R stress was increased by PWE to larger extent than the viability of the cells that were initially more resistant to this stress. The positive effect PWE upon yeast cell viability after D/R treatment can be linked with the stabilisation of the cells’ plasma membrane. The results obtained in this study indicate that this new test-system can be recommended as fast, simple and cost-efficient assay for the evaluation of various substances effects upon eukaryotic cells including also the ingredients for cosmetic products.
Application of FT-IR Spectroscopy for Investigation of Pink Water Remediation by Pine Bark
Authors: Grube Mara , Chusova Olga , Gavare Marita , Shvirksts Karlis , Nehrenheim Emma , Odlare Monica
Published: July 2015

This study demonstrates the application of FT-IR spectroscopy for investigating the remediation of pink water with the low cost adsorbent pine bark. The removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from pink water by adsorption to pine bark was accompanied by a reduction in intensities of peaks at 1544 and 1347 cm in the spectra of acetonitrile extracts of the pine bark. Hierarchial cluster analysis differentiated samples with high (30-180 mg/L) and low (0-4 mg/L) TNT concentrations, demonstrating the potential of this approach as a quick screening method for the control of the removal of TNT from pink water. The amount of lignin in pine bark was inversely proportional to the size of the pine bark particles, while the concentration of phenolic hydroxyl groups increases with increasing size of pine bark particles. FT-IR spectra showed that as well as TNT, pine bark can also adsorb nitramine explosives such as RDX and HMX.
Nephrology Workforce in India - A Fellow’s Perspective
Authors: Huilgol Sandeep G
Published: July 2015

The interest in nephrology career has been declined in the west as per the recent data available from national residency match program; in contrast Nephrology continues to attract applicants in India. This short paper describes the features of Nephrology that continue to make it an attractive specialty for physician-trainees in India, and how some of these features can be exported to the United States.
Formulation of fast disintegrating domperidone tablets using Plantago ovata mucilage by 32 full factorial design
Authors: Shahidulla S. M. , Khan Mohib , Jayaveera K. N.
Published: July 2015

The present work was carried out to study the disintegrant property of plantago ovata mucilage. The objective of the work was to formulate Fast disintegrating tablets of Domperidon with a view to enhance patient compliances and dissolution rate by direct compression method using 3² full factorial design. Plantago ovata mucilage (2-10% w/w) was used as natural superdisintegrant and microcrystalline cellulose (0-30% w/w) was used as diluent, along with directly compressible mannitol to enhance mouth feel. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content uniformity, in vitro dispersion time, wetting time and water absorption ratio. Based on in vitro dispersion time (approximately 10s); the formulation containing 10% w/w Plantago ovata mucilage and 30%w/w microcrystalline cellulose was found to be promising and tested for in vitro drug release pattern (in 0.1 N HCl), short-term stability (at 40º/75% RH for 3 month) and drug-excipient interaction. Surface response plots are presented to graphically represent the effect of independent variables (concentrations of Plantago ovata mucilage and microcrystalline cellulose) on the in vitro dispersion time. The validity of the generated mathematical model was tested by preparing two extra-design check point formulations. The optimized tablet formulation was compared with conventional commercial tablet formulation for drug release profiles. This formulation showed nearly four-fold faster drug release (t50% 2.85 min) compared to the conventional commercial tablet formulation (t50% 7.85 min). Short-term stability studies on the formulation indicated that there are no significant changes in drug content and in vitro dispersion time (p < 0.05).Shahidulla et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2015, 4(8): 415-419
Minichromosomes: Vectors for Crop Improvement
Authors: Cody Jon , Swyers Nathan , McCaw Morgan , Graham Nathaniel , Zhao Changzeng , Birchler James
Published: July 2015

Minichromosome technology has the potential to offer a number of possibilities for expanding current biofortification strategies. While conventional genome manipulations rely on random integration of one or a few genes, engineered minichromosomes would enable researchers to concatenate several gene aggregates into a single independent chromosome. These engineered minichromosomes can be rapidly transferred as a unit to other lines through the utilization of doubled haploid breeding. If used in conjunction with other biofortification methods, it may be possible to significantly increase the nutritional value of crops.
Pt Monolayer Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Pd-Cu Alloy: First-Principles Investigation
Authors: Peles Amra , Shao Minhua , Protsailo Lesia
Published: July 2015

First principles approach is used to examine geometric and electronic structure of the catalyst concept aimed to improve activity and utilization of precious Pt metal for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. The Pt monolayers on Pd skin and Pd1-xCux inner core for various compositions x were examined by building the appropriate models starting from Pd-Cu solid solution. We provided a detailed description of changes in the descriptors of catalytic behavior, d-band energy and binding energies of reaction intermediates, giving an insight into the underlying mechanism of catalytic activity enhancement based on the first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Structural properties of the Pd-Cu bimetallic were determined for bulk and surfaces, including the segregation profile of Cu under different environment on the surface.
In Silico Comparison of the Hemicelluloses Xyloglucan and Glucuronoarabinoxylan in Protecting Cellulose from Degradation
Authors: Vetharaniam Indrakumar , Upsdell Martin , Kelly William , Attwood Graeme , Moon Christina , Harris Philip
Published: July 2015

We used a previously developed simulation model of a plant cell wall and its enzymatic degradation to compare the abilities of two hemicelluloses, glucuronoarabinoxylan (GAX) and xyloglucan (XG), to protect cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) from attack by cellulose-degrading enzymes. Additionally, we investigated the effect of XG abundance on the degradation rate of CMFs in the presence of the same enzymes. Simulations were run using hypothetical cell-wall compositions in which the numbers and arrangement of CMFs and (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan were kept constant, but the proportions of GAX and XG were altered. Scenarios considered walls with low and equal proportions of either GAX or XG, and also low, medium and high proportions of XG in the absence of GAX. The rate of CMF degradation was much lower in walls with GAX than walls with XG, except for early in the simulation when the reverse held, suggesting that XGs were protecting CMFs by competitive inhibition. Increasing XG content reduced both the degradation rate of CMFs and the percent of XG degraded, indicating that activity of enzymes decreased with XG density despite XG being degradable. Glucose oligosaccharide breakdown products were analysed on the basis of the originating polysaccharide and their degree of polymerisation (DP). The presence of GAX as opposed to equal amounts of XG had some significant effects on the amount and profile of breakdown products from XG and CMFs.
Geometric Interpretation of Surface Tension Equilibrium in Superhydrophobic Systems
Authors: Nosonovsky Michael , Ramachandran Rahul
Published: July 2015

Surface tension and surface energy are closely related, although not identical concepts. Surface tension is a generalized force; unlike a conventional mechanical force, it is not applied to any particular body or point. Using this notion, we suggest a simple geometric interpretation of the Young, Wenzel, Cassie, Antonoff and Girifalco–Good equations for the equilibrium during wetting. This approach extends the traditional concept of Neumann’s triangle. Substances are presented as points, while tensions are vectors connecting the points, and the equations and inequalities of wetting equilibrium obtain simple geometric meaning with the surface roughness effect interpreted as stretching of corresponding vectors; surface heterogeneity is their linear combination, and contact angle hysteresis is rotation. We discuss energy dissipation mechanisms during wetting due to contact angle hysteresis, the superhydrophobicity and the possible entropic nature of the surface tension.
Conception and Implementation of an OGC-Compliant Sensor Observation Service for a Standardized Access to Raster Data
Authors: Sorg Juergen , Kunkel Ralf
Published: July 2015

The target of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is interoperability of geographic information, which means creating opportunities to access geodata in a consistent, standardized way. In the domain of sensor data, the target will be picked up within the OGC Sensor Web Enablement Initiative and especially reached through the Sensor Observation Service (SOS) standard. This one defines a service for a standardized access to time series data and is usually used for in situ sensors (like discharge gauges and climate stations). Although the standard considers raster data, no implementation of the standard for raster data exists presently. In this paper an OGC-compliant Sensor Observation Service for a standardized access to raster data is described. A data model was developed that enables effective storage of the raster data with the corresponding metadata in a database, reading this data in an efficient way, and encoding it with result formats that the SOS-standard provides.
Molecular Characterization, mRNA Expression and Alternative Splicing of Ryanodine Receptor Gene in the Brown Citrus Aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
Authors: Wang Ke-Yi , Jiang Xuan-Zhao , Yuan Guo-Rui , Shang Feng , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: July 2015

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) play a critical role in regulating the release of intracellular calcium, which enables them to be effectively targeted by the two novel classes of insecticides, phthalic acid diamides and anthranilic diamides. However, less information is available about this target site in insects, although the sequence and structure information of target molecules are essential for designing new control agents of high selectivity and efficiency, as well as low non-target toxicity. Here, we provided sufficient information about the coding sequence and molecular structures of RyR in T. citricida (TciRyR), an economically important pest. The full-length TciRyR cDNA was characterized with an open reading frame of 15,306 nucleotides, encoding 5101 amino acid residues. TciRyR was predicted to embrace all the hallmarks of ryanodine receptor, typically as the conserved C-terminal domain with consensus calcium-biding EF-hands (calcium-binding motif) and six transmembrane domains, as well as a large N-terminal domain. qPCR analysis revealed that the highest mRNA expression levels of TciRyR were observed in the adults, especially in the heads. Alternative splicing in TciRyR was evidenced by an alternatively spliced exon, resulting from intron retention, which was different from the case of RyR in Myzus persicae characterized with no alternative splicing events. Diagnostic PCR analysis indicated that the splicing of this exon was not only regulated in a body-specific manner but also in a stage-dependent manner. Taken together, these results provide useful information for new insecticide design and further insights into the molecular basis of insecticide action.
The Self-Organized Critical Behavior in Pd-based Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Wang Zhong , Li Jiaojiao , Zhang Wei , Qiao Junwei , Wang Baocheng
Published: July 2015

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) deform irreversibly through shear banding manifested as serrated-flow behavior during compressive tests. The strain-rate-dependent plasticity under uniaxial compression at the strain rates of 2 × 10−2, 2 × 10−3, and 2 × 10−4·s−1 in a Pd-based BMG is investigated. The serrated flow behavior is not observed in the stress-strain curve at the strain rate of 2 × 10−2·s−1. However, the medial state occurs at the strain rates of 2 × 10−3·s−1, and eventually the self-organized critical (SOC) behavior appears at the strain rate of 2 × 10−4·s−1. The distribution of the elastic energy density shows a power-law distribution with the power-law exponent of −2.76, suggesting that the SOC behavior appears. In addition, the cumulative probability is well approximated by a power-law distribution function with the power-law exponent of 0.22 at the strain rate of 2 × 10−4·s−1. The values of the goodness of fit are 0.95 and 0.99 at the strain rates of 2 × 10−3 and 2 × 10−4·s−1, respectively. The transition of the dynamic serrated flows of BMGs is from non-serrated flow to an intermediate state and finally to the SOC state with decreasing the strain rates.
Inertial Sensing Based Assessment Methods to Quantify the Effectiveness of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Li Hsin-Ta , Huang Jheng-Jie , Pan Chien-Wen , Chi Heng-I. , Pan Min-Chun
Published: July 2015

In clinical settings, traditional stroke rehabilitation evaluation methods are subjectively scored by occupational therapists, and the assessment results vary individually. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a stroke rehabilitation assessment system by using inertial measurement units. The inertial signals from the upper extremities were acquired, from which three quantitative indicators were extracted to reflect rehabilitation performance during stroke patients’ movement examination, i.e., shoulder flexion. Both healthy adults and stroke patients were recruited to correlate the proposed quantitative evaluation indices and traditional rehab assessment scales. Especially, as a unique feature of the study the weight for each of three evaluation indicators was estimated by the least squares method. The quantitative results demonstrate the proposed method accurately reflects patients’ recovery from pre-rehabilitation, and confirm the feasibility of applying inertial signals to evaluate rehab performance through feature extraction. The implemented assessment scheme appears to have the potential to overcome some shortcomings of traditional assessment methods and indicates rehab performance correctly.
Curved Microneedle Array-Based sEMG Electrode for Robust Long-Term Measurements and High Selectivity
Authors: Kim Minjae , Kim Taewan , Kim Dong , Chung Wan
Published: July 2015

Surface electromyography is widely used in many fields to infer human intention. However, conventional electrodes are not appropriate for long-term measurements and are easily influenced by the environment, so the range of applications of sEMG is limited. In this paper, we propose a flexible band-integrated, curved microneedle array electrode for robust long-term measurements, high selectivity, and easy applicability. Signal quality, in terms of long-term usability and sensitivity to perspiration, was investigated. Its motion-discriminating performance was also evaluated. The results show that the proposed electrode is robust to perspiration and can maintain a high-quality measuring ability for over 8 h. The proposed electrode also has high selectivity for motion compared with a commercial wet electrode and dry electrode.
La sculpture architecturale du chevet de Saint-Martin-des-Champs critique d’authenticité et marche du chantier
Authors: Valin-Johnson Danielle , Héber-Suffrin François
Published: July 2015

La dernière restauration (1998-1999) de la priorale Saint-Martin-des-Champs a rendu possible l’étude approfondie de son ornementation sculptée que la rénovation des XIXe et XXe siècles avaient rendue suspecte. Une analyse scientifique des matériaux a permis de fonder une critique d’authenticité à la suite de laquelle il est apparu que plus de 180 chapiteaux étaient anciens et qu’il subsistait assez de témoins des autres types de décors (bandeaux, modillons et têtes insérées dans la voûte) pour entreprendre une synthèse à ce sujet. La rapidité avec laquelle fut érigé le nouveau chevet, vers 1130-1135, témoigne de la mutation de la sculpture architecturale durant cette brève période : du répertoire traditionnel des arcatures basses au foisonnement décoratif des chapiteaux recevant les ogives de la chapelle axiale. Cette rapidité d’exécution explique sans doute la qualité inégale des ateliers de sculpteurs et, tout en permettant de suivre assez précisément la chronologie des travaux, témoigne de certaines hésitations ou repentirs des constructeurs dans l’exécution d’un projet complexe. Bien que cette sculpture s’inscrive comme l’architecture dans le processus de naissance du premier art gothique à Paris, les véritables nouveautés n’apparaissent guère que dans l’abside, lors de l’achèvement du chevet. Le répertoire, essentiellement végétal et animalier, reste encore très marqué par l’esthétique romane, sur la base notamment de modèles enluminés. Avec Saint-Pierre de Montmartre et Saint-Denis (avant-nef ), Saint-Martin apparaît comme un des premiers témoins, sinon le plus ancien, de la naissance de la sculpture architecturale gothique en Île-de-France.
II. Le Sud-Ouest de l’Allemagne
Authors: Goer Michael
Published: July 2015

Urban dwellings in Gothic Bavaria, by Konrad Bedal

Most Bavarian cities took on their present form during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. This is also the case of the houses, both the interior and exterior. The main changes include 1) the passage from rambling constructions to larger, more compact buildings ; 2) the replacement of one-room dwellings, either post and beam or masonry structures, by large multi-roomed half-timbered or stonework constructions ; 3) the general adoption of the Stube (a combined living and eating room), with wooden walls and ceiling, as the main room, situated usually on the first floor. If the profile of the old cities is characterised by tightly packed houses with steep roofs, the South-east also has gently pitched shake roofs. From the thirteenth century on, buildings may be oriented either with the gable or the gutter wall facing the street ; the latter predominate in the South, former in the North. Regensburg has a special place in Bavaria, preserving that largest number of residences and private towers north of the Alps. Two major zones are distinguishable in Bavaria as of the fourteenth century. Masonry construction, principally brick, prevails in the South and East (Upper and Lower Bavaria), whereas timber-frame construction spreads through the North and West (Franconia and Swabia) after 1250. The development and characteristics of wood-frame construction in Franconia is well known from the nearly 2000 preserved medieval buildings. The oldest are storied post and beam dwellings measuring 5 x 10 meters to 12 x 30 meters. Short post construction in upper stories is known from 1300, but only becomes common in Franconia between 1400 and 1500, although one finds corbelling on gables and gutter walls, even in the oldest buildings. Softwood is most common, but oak is also used for the exterior facing. The infilling is cob, ashlar or brick, or even plaster. Many city dwellings have a rear gallery, usually on the first floor, that gives access to the latrines, an amenity that finds favour in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Narrow wings are often added at the rear of the houses ; they border a narrow courtyard which is closed at the end by a fourth structure that is used as a barn or complementary dwelling. The ground floor serves as a stable, whereas the upper storey has sleeping rooms and Stuben. The interior courts are characteristic features of the homes of the wealthy in southern Germany. Although the majority of the courts with a regular layout date from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, precursors cans be found in the fifteenth. Galleries are often in wood, but some masonry arcades rest on columns, especially south of the Danube and constitute the highpoint of domestic urban construction in Bavaria.