bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Tibetan Women in Carbon Balance in the Alpine Grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. A Review
Authors: Shang Zhanhuan , White Andrew , Degen A. Allan , Long Ruijun
Published: March 2016

Males and females often contribute differently to the ecosystem as a result of their different roles and labour responsibilities. This is especially true in remote areas like the Tibetan alpine grasslands, where women handle most household chores and agricultural labour. Within this framework, women are involved physically in carbon balance to a much greater extent than are men. The collection and use of livestock dung for fuel (dung-fuel) and the production of livestock commodities are two female activities that are extremely important in the carbon cycle in grassland ecosystems. More than ninety per cent of fuel in the alpine grassland areas in China comes from livestock dung, which is collected and burnt by women. In addition, animal carbon leaves the grassland ecosystems through the selling of milk products by women. The burning of dung reduces the use of fossil fuels and wood in alpine areas, but causes severe indoor air pollution in homes and greatly increases health risks, mainly among women. Women should receive more education on and made aware of these dangers. Because of their heavy work load and busy time schedule, however, Tibetan women have little time for other activities. Consequently, their education is at an extremely poor level and their health issues are often neglected. Steps should be taken to improve the status of women in the community, involve them more in decision-making, promote their education and health standards, and encourage more gender equality in agricultural labour tasks. These changes for women have been implemented in other pastoral societies and have proven to be successful.
Genetic diversity of maize (Zea mays L.) Inbreds under salinity stress
Authors: Rohman MM , Banik BR , Biswas A , Rahman MS
Published: March 2016

The study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of some maize inbreds under salinity stress condition using Mahalanobiss statistic (D2) and principal component analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant difference for all the characters. Results of multivariate analysis revealed that twenty five inbred lines formed five clusters at 8 dS level of salinity. The highest intra-cluster distance was recorded in cluster III containing eight genotypes and the lowest was in cluster II having one genotype. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between clusters II & V and lowest was between I & III. Cluster II had the highest cluster means for plant height, cob height, above ground dry mass, cob per plant, cob length, and grain yield per plant. Considering cluster distance, inter-genotypic distance and other agronomic performances the genotypes CZ12, CZ19, CZ26, CZ29, CZ31, CZ32, CZ33 & CML470 from cluster III and CZ27, CZ37, CML251 and CML456 from cluster V may be considered as better parents for future hybridization programs to obtain desirable segregate in respect of different yield and yield contributing characters under salinity stress.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(4): 529-536, December 2015
Genotypic variations in growth, yield and yield components of soybean genotypes under drought stress conditions
Authors: Chowdhury JA , Karim MA , Khaliq QA , Solaiman ARM , Ahmed JU
Published: March 2016

A pot experiment was carried out in a venylhouse at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University during 2012 to investigate the growth, yield and yield contributing characters of ten selected soybean genotypes viz. Shohag, BARI Soybean-6, BARI Soybean-5, BD2331, BD2329, BD2336, BD 2340, BGM2093, G00015 and BGM2026 under drought stress and control conditions. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight of all the genotypes were significantly affected by the stress. Among the genotypes Shohag, BARI Soybean-6 and BD2331 were found tolerant in relation to the growth under water stress conditions. The reduction in RGR values was more in the susceptible genotypes at the later stages of growth than in the tolerant genotypes. Seed yield of the genotypes was reduced from 42 to 68% due to drought (water) over non-stress. Susceptible genotypes showed greater reduction in seed yield than the tolerant genotypes.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(4): 537-550, December 2015
Adoption of raised bed technology in some selected locations of Rajshahi District of Bangladesh
Authors: Miah MA Monayem , Moniruzzaman - , Hossain S , Duxbury JM , Lauren JG
Published: March 2016

The study evaluated the adoption and farmers practice of raised bed technology at farm level since the close of the Soil Management Collaborative Research Support Program (SMCRSP) through a follow-up survey conducted at Durgapur Upazila of Rajshahi district. Data for the study were collected from 195 adopters and 65 non-adopters through a pre-tested interview schedule during May, 2011. The survey findings showed that the raised bed technology had a strong demonstration effect and were adopted well (56%) by the respondent farmers. The probability of adopting this technology was significantly influenced by extension contact, societal membership, and the number of male member in the household. Due to lack of machine, most farmers prepared raised bed by hand (82.7%) without maintaining recommended bed size. The most cultivated crops on bed were wheat (cultivated by 97.95% farmers) maize (27.69%) onion (16.41%) and mungbean (12.31%). Respondent farmers mentioned various positive benefits of bed technology and willing to continue this practice in future with increased area of land. This immerging technology increased cop productivity and farmers income to some extent. To popularize the raised bed technology among farmers, bed planter should be available to the farmers and the positive benefits should be broadcasted in the mass mediaBangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(4): 551-566, December 2015
Impact of harvest stage on seed yield quality and storability of french bean
Authors: Shaheb Md Rayhan , Islam Md Nazmul , Nessa Ashratun , Hossain Md Altab , Sarker Ayesha
Published: March 2016

Good quality seeds are one of the least expensive but vital factors influencing yield potential and key to agriculture progress. Studies were conducted both in the field and laboratory with the objective to observe the impact of harvest stage on the seed, quality and storability of French bean. Five harvest stages viz. H1- deep green with light yellow colours of pod, H2-50% green and 50% yellowing of pods, H3-light brown with few yellow colour pods, H4-90% brown colour of pods and H5-100% brown colour and dried pods were considered as treatments for field trial. Harvested seeds were then stored in both cool room and ambient conditions up to 16 months and performed seed quality studies in every 4 months. The treatments combination of laboratory studies were T1: H1 seed storage in cool room (SSCR), T2: H1 seed storage in ambient (SSAB), T3: H2 SSCR, T4: H2 SSAB; T5: H3 SSCR; T6: H3 SSAB; T7: H4 SSCR; T8: H4 SSAB; T9: H5 SSCR and T10: H5 SSAB. Experiments were laid out in a RCBD and CRD in the field and laboratory, respectively. Results revealed that the highest seed yield and quality of French bean was observed in H3. On the contrary, seed harvested in H4 and stored in cool room (with the mean temperature 18-20oC and relative humidity around 60-70%) recorded the highest storability compared to ambient condition. However, seeds harvested in H3 and H5 were also showed better storability in cool room as well as ambient conditions. To sum up, all the seed quality parameters were satisfactorily well up to 12 months of storage then it declined in quality.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(4): 641-656, December 2015
Development of union level digital databases and maps of maize growing areas at pirgonj in Thakurgaon District
Authors: Uddin MA , Rahman KS , Rahman MM , Mohammad N , Islam AFM Tariqul
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted during 2012-13 to build union level digital databases and maps of maize growing areas using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from maize growing areas of the upazilla namely Pirgonj of Thakurgaon district. For summer and winter maize; union, upazila, district and country level digitized maps were used in the study. Geographical Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and Management Information System (MIS) related Information Technology (IT) were also applied. Total cultivable land 28138 ha in Pirgonj upazila and area and production of maize were 5100 ha and 34508.75 t respectively. Sixteen (16) varieties were cultivated in the study areas and maximum area (74.09%) of maize was cultivated by the executive varieties NK40, Pacific 984, 900M Gold, 900M, 3396, and Supergold. Average maize yield of the study areas was 6.77 t/ha during 2012-13. A web site was developed for variety wise area coverage data collection of maize as well as for other crops. This web site can also be used in mobile phone.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(4): 693-702, December 2015
Editorial: cartographies of research on adult education and learning
Authors: Fejes Andreas , Wildemeersch Danny
Published: March 2016

Not Availalble.
Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Properties of NiAl Intermetallic Alloy with Different Copper Contents
Authors: Chen Tao-Hsing , Wu Jian-Hong
Published: March 2016

The deformation behavior and fracture characteristics of NiAl intermetallic alloy containing 5~7 at% Cu are investigated at room temperature under strain rates ranging from 1 × 10−3 to 5 × 103 s−1. It is shown that the copper contents and strain rate both have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of the NiAl alloy. Specifically, the flow stress increases with an increasing copper content and strain rate. Moreover, the ductility also improves as the copper content increases. The change in the mechanical response and fracture behavior of the NiAl alloy given a higher copper content is thought to be the result of the precipitation of β-phase (Ni,Cu)Al and γ'-phase (Ni,Cu)3Al in the NiAl matrix.
The Trypanosome Flagellar Pocket Collar and Its Ring Forming Protein—TbBILBO1
Authors: Perdomo Doranda , Bonhivers Mélanie , Robinson Derrick
Published: March 2016

Sub-species of Trypanosoma brucei are the causal agents of human African sleeping sickness and Nagana in domesticated livestock. These pathogens have developed an organelle-like compartment called the flagellar pocket (FP). The FP carries out endo- and exocytosis and is the only structure this parasite has evolved to do so. The FP is essential for parasite viability, making it an interesting structure to evaluate as a drug target, especially since it has an indispensible cytoskeleton component called the flagellar pocket collar (FPC). The FPC is located at the neck of the FP where the flagellum exits the cell. The FPC has a complex architecture and division cycle, but little is known concerning its organization. Recent work has focused on understanding how the FP and the FPC are formed and as a result of these studies an important calcium-binding, polymer-forming protein named TbBILBO1 was identified. Cellular biology analysis of TbBILBO1 has demonstrated its uniqueness as a FPC component and until recently, it was unknown what structural role it played in forming the FPC. This review summarizes the recent data on the polymer forming properties of TbBILBO1 and how these are correlated to the FP cytoskeleton.
CMIP5 Projected Changes in the Annual Cycle of Indian Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Jena Pravat , Azad Sarita , Rajeevan Madhavan
Published: March 2016

The annual cycle of Indian monsoon rainfall plays a critical role in the agricultural as well as the industrial sector. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the behaviour of the monsoon annual cycle in a warming climate. There are several studies on the variability and uncertainty of the Indian monsoon. This study, examines the impact of climate change on the annual cycle of monsoon rainfall in India from 1871–2100 by applying 20 model simulations designed by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) coupled with the model inter-comparison Project 5 (CMIP5). It is found that the models MPI-ESM-LR, INM-CM4 and MRI-CGCM3 best capture the spatial patterns of the monsoon rainfall peak month (MRPM) of the winter monsoon compared to observations, whereas HadGEM2-AO and MIROC-ESM-CHEM best capture the MRPM of the summer monsoon. The MIROC, MIROC-ESM, and MIROC-ESM-CHEM models best capture the average rainfall intensity as well as the MRPM of all-India rainfall. This paper examines the future spatial distribution of the MRPM for meteorological sub-divisions of India, that can have crucial implications for water resources and management. Although the future projections as per the CMIP5 models indicate no changes in the MRPM of the all-India rainfall, a reduction in average intensity can be expected. The projections indicate a shift in the MRPM in some meteorological sub-divisions, particularly with regard to the summer monsoon but no significant change has been projected for the winter monsoon. For example, the summer monsoon MRPM is projected to move from July to August in northern and central India.
Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Coatings Through Dual-Cure Processes: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Malucelli Giulio
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews the current state of the art related to the synthesis and characterization of hybrid organic-inorganic (O/I) coatings obtained through the exploitation of dual-cure processes, which involve a photo-induced polymerization followed by a thermal treatment: this latter allows the occurrence of sol-gel reactions of suitable alkoxy precursors already embedded in the UV-curable system. After a brief introduction on hybrid organic-inorganic coatings, the first part of the review is focused on the design and feasibility issues provided by the dual-cure method, emphasizing the possibility of tuning the structure of the final hybrid network on the basis of the composition of the starting liquid mixture. Then, some recent examples of hybrid organic-inorganic networks are thoroughly described, showing their potential advances and the application fields to which they can be addressed.
Investigation of the Optimal Omni-Direction-Guide-Vane Design for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Based on Unsteady Flow CFD Simulation
Authors: Shahizare Behzad , Nazri Bin Nik Ghazali Nik , Chong Wen , Tabatabaeikia Seyed , Izadyar Nima
Published: March 2016

With soaring energy demands, the desire to explore alternate and renewable energy resources has become the focal point of various active research fronts. Therefore, the scientific community is revisiting the notion to tap wind resources in more rigorous and novel ways. In this study, a two-dimensional computational investigation of the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with omni-direction-guide-vane (ODGV) is proposed to determine the effects of this guide vane. In addition, the mesh and time step (dt) size dependency test, as well as the effect of the different turbulence models on results accuracy are investigated. Eight different shape ratios (R) of the omni-direction-guide-vane were also examined in this study. Further, the CFD model is validated by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. Validation results show a good agreement in terms of shape and trend in CFD simulation. Based on these results, all the shape ratios, except two ratios including 0.3 and 0.4 at TSR of 1.3 to 3, have a positive effect on the power and torque coefficient improvement. Moreover, results show that the best case has a shape ratio of 0.55, which improves the power coefficient by 48% and the torque coefficient up to 58%.
Buck Converter with Soft-Switching Cells for PV Panel Applications
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Tao , Chen Wang-Min
Published: March 2016

In power conversion of photovoltaic (PV) energy, a hard-switching buck converter always generates some disadvantages. For example, serious electromagnetic interference (EMI), high switching losses, and stresses on an active switch (metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor, MOSFET), and high reverse-recovery losses of a freewheeling diode result in low conversion efficiency. To release these disadvantages, a buck converter with soft-switching cells for PV panel applications is proposed. To create zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) features of the active switches, a simple active soft-switching cell with an inductor, a capacitor, and a MOSFET is incorporated into the proposed buck converter. Therefore, the switching losses and stresses of the active switches and EMI can be reduced significantly. To reduce reverse-recovery losses of a freewheeling diode, a simple passive soft-switching cell with a capacitor and two diodes is implemented. To verify the performance and the feasibility of the proposed buck converter with soft-switching cells for PV panel applications, a prototype soft-switching buck converter is built and implemented by using a maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) method. Simulated and experimental results are presented from a 100 W soft-switching buck converter for PV panel applications.
Data Distribution Service-Based Interoperability Framework for Smart Grid Testbed Infrastructure
Authors: Youssef Tarek , Elsayed Ahmed , Mohammed Osama
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the design and implementation of a communication and control infrastructure for smart grid operation. The proposed infrastructure enhances the reliability of the measurements and control network. The advantages of utilizing the data-centric over message-centric communication approach are discussed in the context of smart grid applications. The data distribution service (DDS) is used to implement a data-centric common data bus for the smart grid. This common data bus improves the communication reliability, enabling distributed control and smart load management. These enhancements are achieved by avoiding a single point of failure while enabling peer-to-peer communication and an automatic discovery feature for dynamic participating nodes. The infrastructure and ideas presented in this paper were implemented and tested on the smart grid testbed. A toolbox and application programing interface for the testbed infrastructure are developed in order to facilitate interoperability and remote access to the testbed. This interface allows control, monitoring, and performing of experiments remotely. Furthermore, it could be used to integrate multidisciplinary testbeds to study complex cyber-physical systems (CPS).
Statistical Analysis of Partial Discharges in SF6 Gas via Optical Detection in Various Spectral Ranges
Authors: Ren Ming , Dong Ming , Liu Jialin
Published: March 2016

Partial discharge (PD) detection is essential to the operation of high-voltage systems. In this context, we investigate the basic characteristics of light emission during PDs in SF6 gas from the perspective of insulation diagnosis. A synchronous system is constructed using three optical photoelectric instruments with separate wavelength responses in the ultraviolet (UV, 189–352 nm), visible (VIS, 381–675 nm), and near-infrared (NIR, 737–920 nm) spectral ranges and a wide-band PD current pulse detector with a response of 1 pC. The results indicate that light emission depends upon the type of insulation defect and discharge energy. An increase in PD charge gives rise to more components in the spectral range from UV to VIS, and the presence of an insulator surface in discharges yields a more complex VIS-to-NIR spectrum. The phase-resolved partial discharge pattern (PRPD) of UV light pulses can reasonably reflect the electroluminescence process in the presence of the insulator surface and weak corona at negative voltage points. The PRPD of VIS light describes the features of the actual PD pattern in most cases. In comparison with the other two spectral ranges, light intensity in the VIS range is more sensitive to changes in gas-pressure-normalized voltage (Vrms/p). The linear fitting analysis of the relationships between the light intensity and PD charge shows that UV light detection has a greater sensitivity to the PD charge and that UV detection exhibits a greater degree of linearity. NIR detection is applicable only to severe PDs. We believe that our findings can significantly aid in application of optical PD diagnosis in SF6 gas insulated systems.
Caffeine as a Gelator
Authors: Nonappa  , Kolehmainen Erkki
Published: March 2016

Caffeine (a stimulant) and ethanol (a depressant) may have opposite effects in our body, but under in vitro conditions they can “gel” together. Caffeine, being one of the widely used stimulants, continued to surprise the scientific community with its unprecedented biological, medicinal and physicochemical properties. Here, we disclose the supramolecular self-assembly of anhydrous caffeine in a series of alcoholic and aromatic solvents, rendering a highly entangled microcrystalline network facilitating the encapsulation of the solvents as illustrated using direct imaging, microscopy analysis and NMR studies.
Identification, Functional Study, and Promoter Analysis of HbMFT1, a Homolog of MFT from Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Bi Zhenghong , Li Xiang , Huang Huasun , Hua Yuwei
Published: March 2016

A homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT) was isolated from Hevea brasiliensis and its biological function was investigated. Protein multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that HbMFT1 conserved critical amino acid residues to distinguish MFT, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1)-like proteins and showed a closer genetic relationship to the MFT-like group. The accumulation of HbMFT1 was generally detected in various tissues except pericarps, with the highest expression in embryos and relatively higher expression in roots and stems of seedlings, flowering inflorescences, and male and female flowers. HbMFT1 putative promoter analysis showed that tissue-specific, environmental change responsive and hormone-signaling responsive elements were generally present. HbMFT1 was strongly induced under a short-day condition at 28 °C, with the highest expression after the onset of a day. Overexpression of HbMFT1 inhibited seed germination, seedling growth, and flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis. The qRT-PCR further confirmed that APETALA1 (AP1) and FRUITFULL (FUL) were drastically down-regulated in 35S::HbMFT1 plants. A histochemical β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay showed that HbMFT1::GUS activity was mainly detected in stamens and mature seeds coinciding with its original expression and notably induced in rosette leaves and seedlings of transgenic Arabidopsis by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) due to the presence of ABA cis-elements in HbMFT1 promoter. These results suggested that HbMFT1 was mainly involved in maintenance of seed maturation and stamen development, but negatively controlled germination, growth and development of seedlings and flowering. In addition, the HbMFT1 promoter can be utilized in controlling transgene expression in stamens and seeds of rubber tree or other plant species.
Invariance as a Tool for Ontology of Information
Authors: Schroeder Marcin
Published: March 2016

Attempts to answer questions regarding the ontological status of information are frequently based on the assumption that information should be placed within an already existing framework of concepts of established ontological statuses related to science, in particular to physics. However, many concepts of physics have undetermined or questionable ontological foundations. We can look for a solution in the recognition of the fundamental role of invariance with respect to a change of reference frame and to other transformations as a criterion for objective existence. The importance of invariance (symmetry) as a criterion for a primary ontological status can be identified in the methodology of physics from its beginnings in the work of Galileo, to modern classifications of elementary particles. Thus, the study of the invariance of the theoretical description of information is proposed as the first step towards ontology of information. With the exception of only a few works among publications which set the paradigm of information studies, the issues of invariance were neglected. Orthodox analysis of information lacks conceptual framework for the study of invariance. The present paper shows how invariance can be formalized for the definition of information and, accompanying it, mathematical formalism proposed by the author in his earlier publications.
Factors Affecting Hypertension among the Malaysian Elderly
Authors: Eshkoor Sima , Hamid Tengku , Shahar Suzana , Ng Chee , Mun Chan
Published: March 2016

Hypertension is a common chronic disease in the elderly. This study aimed to determine the effects of age, ethnicity, gender, education, marital status, nutritional parameters, and blood elements on the risk of high blood pressure in the Malaysian elderly. This research was conducted on a group of 2322 non-institutionalized Malaysian elderly. The hierarchy binary logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk of hypertension in respondents. Approximately, 45.61% of subjects had hypertension. The findings indicated that the female gender (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.54), an increase in body weight (OR = 1.61), and an increase in the blood levels of albumin (OR = 1.51), glucose (OR = 1.92), and triglycerides (OR = 1.27) significantly increased the risk of hypertension in subjects (p < 0.05). Conversely, an increase in both dietary carbohydrates (OR = 0.74), and blood cholesterol level (OR = 0.42) significantly reduced the risk of hypertension in samples (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that ethnicity was a non-relevant factor to increase the risk of hypertension in subjects. It was concluded that female gender, an increase in body weight, and an increase in the blood levels of glucose, triglycerides, and albumin enhanced the risk of high blood pressure in the Malaysian elderly. In addition, an increase in both dietary carbohydrates and blood cholesterol level decreased hypertension in subjects.
Identification of the Uncertainties for the Calibration of the Partial Safety Factors for Load in Tidal Turbines
Authors: Zarraonandia Simeón Gaizka , Bittencourt Ferreira Claudio
Published: March 2016

Tidal energy is nowadays one of the fastest growing types of marine renewable energy. In particular, Horizontal Axis Tidal Turbines (HATTs) are the most advanced designs and the most appropriate for standardization. This paper presents a review of actual design criteria focusing on the identification of the uncertainties that technology developers need to address during the design process. Key environmental parameters like turbine inflow conditions or predictions of extreme values are still grey areas due to the lack of site measurements and the uncertainty in metocean model predictions. A comparison of turbulence intensity characterization using different tools and at different points in time shows the uncertainty in the prediction of this parameter. Numerical models of HATTs are still quite uncertain, often dependent on experience of the people running them. In the reliability-based calibration of partial safety factors, the uncertainties need to be reflected on the limit state formulation. This paper analyses the different types of uncertainties present in the limit state equation. These uncertainties are assessed in terms of stochastic variables in the limit state equation. In some cases, advantage can be taken from the experience from offshore wind and oil and gas industries. Tidal turbines have a mixture of the uncertainties present in both industries with regard to partial safety factor calibration.
Effect of Admixtures on the Yield Stresses of Cement Pastes under High Hydrostatic Pressures
Authors: Yim Hong , Kim Jae , Kwon Seung
Published: March 2016

When cement-based materials are transported at a construction site, they undergo high pressures during the pumping process. The rheological properties of the materials under such high pressures are unknown, and estimating the workability of the materials after pumping is a complex problem. Among various influential factors on the rheology of concrete, this study investigated the effect of mineral and chemical admixtures on the high-pressure rheology. A rheometer was fabricated that could measure the rheological properties while maintaining a high pressure to simulate the pumping process. The effects of superplasticizer, silica fume, nanoclay, fly ash, or ground granulated blast furnace slag were investigated when mixed with two control cement pastes. The water-to-cement ratios were 0.35 and 0.50.
Seismic Performance of Composite Shear Walls Constructed Using Recycled Aggregate Concrete and Different Expandable Polystyrene Configurations
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Cao Wanlin , Zhang Jianwei , Qiao Qiyun , Ma Heng
Published: March 2016

The seismic performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) composite shear walls with different expandable polystyrene (EPS) configurations was investigated. Six concrete shear walls were designed and tested under cyclic loading to evaluate the effect of fine RAC in designing earthquake-resistant structures. Three of the six specimens were used to construct mid-rise walls with a shear-span ratio of 1.5, and the other three specimens were used to construct low-rise walls with a shear-span ratio of 0.8. The mid-rise and low-rise shear walls consisted of an ordinary recycled concrete shear wall, a composite wall with fine aggregate concrete (FAC) protective layer (EPS modules as the external insulation layer), and a composite wall with sandwiched EPS modules as the insulation layer. Several parameters obtained from the experimental results were compared and analyzed, including the load-bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation, and failure characteristics of the specimens. The calculation formula of load-bearing capacity was obtained by considering the effect of FAC on composite shear walls as the protective layer. The damage process of the specimen was simulated using the ABAQUS Software, and the results agreed quite well with those obtained from the experiments. The results show that the seismic resistance behavior of the EPS module composite for shear walls performed better than ordinary recycled concrete for shear walls. Shear walls with sandwiched EPS modules had a better seismic performance than those with EPS modules lying outside. Although the FAC protective layer slightly improved the seismic performance of the structure, it undoubtedly slowed down the speed of crack formation and the stiffness degradation of the walls.
Periodic Density Functional Calculations in Order to Assess the Cooperativity of the Spin Transition in Fe(phen)2(NCS)2
Authors: Paulsen Hauke
Published: March 2016

Periodic density functional calculations combined with the Hubbard model (DFT+U) have been performed for the archetype spin crossover complex Fe(phen) 2 (NCS) 2 with phen = 1,2-phenanthroline. The relative energies of the 16 different configurations of two possible spin states for each of the four molecules in the unit cell have been calculated in order to determine from first principles the phenomenological interaction parameter Γ of the Slichter-Drickamer model. These kind of calculations may help to predict important spin crossover characteristics like the abruptness or hysteresis of the transition.
Achillolide A Protects Astrocytes against Oxidative Stress by Reducing Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species and Interfering with Cell Signaling
Authors: Elmann Anat , Telerman Alona , Erlank Hilla , Ofir Rivka , Kashman Yoel , Beit-Yannai Elie
Published: March 2016

Achillolide A is a natural sesquiterpene lactone that we have previously shown can inhibit microglial activation. In this study we present evidence for its beneficial effects on astrocytes under oxidative stress, a situation relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. Viability of brain astrocytes (primary cultures) was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, intracellular ROS levels were detected using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, in vitro antioxidant activity was measured by differential pulse voltammetry, and protein phosphorylation was determined using specific ELISA kits. We have found that achillolide A prevented the H2O2-induced death of astrocytes, and attenuated the induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These activities could be attributed to the inhibition of the H2O2-induced phosphorylation of MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and to the antioxidant activity of achillolide A, but not to H2O2 scavenging. This is the first study that demonstrates its protective effects on brain astrocytes, and its ability to interfere with MAPK activation. We propose that achillolide A deserves further evaluation for its potential to be developed as a drug for the prevention/treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries where oxidative stress is part of the pathophysiology.
Chemical Evidence for Potent Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Citrus aurantium L. Dried Immature Fruits
Authors: Liu Kun , Wang Wei , Guo Bing-Hua , Gao Hua , Liu Yang , Liu Xiao-Hong , Yao Hui-Li , Cheng Kun
Published: March 2016

Xanthine oxidase is a key enzyme which can catalyze hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid causing hyperuricemia in humans. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of 24 organic extracts of four species belonging to Citrus genus of the family Rutaceae were assayed in vitro. Since the ethyl acetate extract of C. aurantium dried immature fruits showed the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, chemical evidence for the potent inhibitory activity was clarified on the basis of structure identification of the active constituents. Five flavanones and two polymethoxyflavones were isolated and evaluated for inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase in vitro. Of the compounds, hesperetin showed more potent inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 16.48 μM. For the first time, this study provides a rational basis for the use of C. aurantium dried immature fruits against hyperuricemia.
Nanoscale Delivery of Resveratrol towards Enhancement of Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Authors: Neves Ana , Martins Susana , Segundo Marcela , Reis Salette
Published: March 2016

Resveratrol was investigated in terms of its stability, biocompatibility and intestinal permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers in its free form or encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). SLNs and NLCs presented a mean diameter between 160 and 190 nm, high negative zeta potential of −30 mV and resveratrol entrapment efficiency of 80%, suggesting they are suitable for resveratrol oral delivery. Nanoencapsulation effectively protected resveratrol from photodegradation, and MTT assays demonstrated that neither resveratrol nor lipid nanoparticles adversely affected cell viability and integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers. The in vitro intestinal permeability of resveratrol was significantly increased by NLCs, and SLNs did not impair the absorption of resveratrol. Resveratrol oral absorption can be enhanced during meals, since the intestinal permeability was increased in the presence of fed-state intestinal juices. SLNs and NLCs constitute carrier systems for resveratrol oral administration, for further use as supplements or nutraceuticals.
Mosaicking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery in the Absence of Camera Poses
Authors: Xu Yuhua , Ou Jianliang , He Hu , Zhang Xiaohu , Mills Jon
Published: March 2016

The mosaicking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) imagery usually requires information from additional sensors, such as Global Position System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), to facilitate direct orientation, or 3D reconstruction approaches (e.g., structure-from-motion) to recover the camera poses. In this paper, we propose a novel mosaicking method for UAV imagery in which neither direct nor indirect orientation procedures are required. Inspired by the embedded deformation model, a widely used non-rigid mesh deformation model, we present a novel objective function for image mosaicking. Firstly, we construct a feature correspondence energy term that minimizes the sum of the squared distances between matched feature pairs to align the images geometrically. Secondly, we model a regularization term that constrains the image transformation parameters directly by keeping all transformations as rigid as possible to avoid global distortion in the final mosaic. Experimental results presented herein demonstrate that the accuracy of our method is twice as high as an existing (purely image-based) approach, with the associated benefits of significantly faster processing times and improved robustness with respect to reference image selection.
Signal-Conditioning Block of a 1 × 200 CMOS Detector Array for a Terahertz Real-Time Imaging System
Authors: Yang Jong-Ryul , Lee Woo-Jae , Han Seong-Tae
Published: March 2016

A signal conditioning block of a 1 × 200 Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) detector array is proposed to be employed with a real-time 0.2 THz imaging system for inspecting large areas. The plasmonic CMOS detector array whose pixel size including an integrated antenna is comparable to the wavelength of the THz wave for the imaging system, inevitably carries wide pixel-to-pixel variation. To make the variant outputs from the array uniform, the proposed signal conditioning block calibrates the responsivity of each pixel by controlling the gate bias of each detector and the voltage gain of the lock-in amplifiers in the block. The gate bias of each detector is modulated to 1 MHz to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the imaging system via the electrical modulation by the conditioning block. In addition, direct current (DC) offsets of the detectors in the array are cancelled by initializing the output voltage level from the block. Real-time imaging using the proposed signal conditioning block is demonstrated by obtaining images at the rate of 19.2 frame-per-sec of an object moving on the conveyor belt with a scan width of 20 cm and a scan speed of 25 cm/s.
Human Aspect as a Critical Factor for Organization Sustainability in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Ulus Mehmet , Hatipoglu Burcin
Published: March 2016

Organizations adopt diverse strategies to govern the technical and managerial aspects of sustainability implementation processes. The need for better leading and managing people-related issues emerges as companies aim for more effective change towards sustainability. The human aspect of the sustainability implementation process is mostly not paid enough attention, but it can significantly affect the success of a change management program by creating hurdles or easing the process. This study considers three human-related factors: resistance to change, internal communication, and employee engagement in sustainability activities of organizations. The aim of the study is to explore how these human factors are managed by tourism companies for organizational sustainability. For this purpose four companies from different sectors of tourism are chosen as case studies and the results are examined using qualitative data analysis techniques. The results indicate that the companies which are in a more advanced stage of sustainability implementation manage human factors using a greater number of channels and employ varied strategies. The results can provide insights into how organizations tackle the challenges of managing human aspect and display the practices that contribute to successful change management programs for achieving organizational sustainability through people.
Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus on Farms with Small Scale Production of Raw Milk Cheeses in Poland
Authors: Rola Jolanta , Czubkowska Anna , Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Osek Jacek
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the results of a 3-year study on the prevalence, enterotoxinogenicity and resistance to antimicrobials of S. aureus isolated on dairy farms with small scale production of raw cow milk cheeses. The samples of raw milk, semi-finished products and the final products as well as swabs were collected between 2011 and 2013 from nine dairy farms in Poland. A total of 244 samples were examined, of which 122 (50.0%) were contaminated with S. aureus including 18 of 26 (69.2%) mature cheese samples with log10 CFU g−1 between <1- and 7.41. In swabs collected from the staff and production environment the highest contamination rate with coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS) was detected on hands of cheese makers (4.34 log10 CFU/swab). None of the cheese samples contaminated with CPS contained staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). However, 55 of 122 (45.1%) S. aureus isolates possessed SEs genes, mainly (26 of 55; 47.3%) a combination of the sed, sej and ser genes. Furthermore, the sep (15 of 55; 27.3%) as well as seg and sei (9 of 55; 16.4%) genes were also identified. The remaining S. aureus isolates possessed the sea gene (one isolate), the combination of sec, seg and sei (three isolates) as well as the sed, sej, sep and ser markers together (one CPS). Resistance to penicillin (62 of 122 isolates; 50.8%) was the most common among the tested isolates. Some CPS were also resistant to chloramphenicol (7; 5.7%) and tetracycline (5; 4.1%). The obtained results indicated that the analyzed cheeses were safe for consumers. To improve the microbiological quality of traditional cheese products more attention should be paid to animal welfare and hygiene practices during the process of cheese manufacturing in some dairy farms.
Production et commerce du sel à l'Age du Fer et à l'époque romaine dans l'Europe du Nord-Ouest.
Authors: Hocquet Jean-Claude
Published: March 2016

Les progrès de l'archéologie navale, les récentes découvertes des abondants vestiges de l'industrie du sel à l'Age du Fer (briquetages) et de ses prolongements jusqu'à la fin de l'époque romaine en Angleterre et sur le continent, l'étude du Quaternaire marin et des transgressions, l'analyse de l'économie du sel des populations celtes à l'époque de Hallstatt aident à définir de nouvelles problématiques sur les échanges commerciaux à travers la Manche et la mer du Nord dans l'Antiquité et offrent une nouvelle lecture des rares documents écrits grecs ou latins. L'Angleterre, pas moins défavorisée que le quadrant nord-ouest du continent, n'avait pas besoin du sel breton, normand, picard ou flamand, la production très éparpillée de sel ignigène couvrait les besoins des populations insulaires. Les barques marines n'étaient pas équipées pour le transport de ce produit soluble. Le continent était dans la nécessité de garder ses récoltes pour en diriger les surplus non consommés par les populations côtières vers l 'arrière-pays. De ce commerce et du transport fluvial témoignent des trouvailles archéologiques et épigraphiques dispersées du delta de l'Escaut à Rimini. La situation créée dans la plus haute Antiquité se prolongea jusqu'au coeur du Moyen Age (à la fin du XIIIe siècle) quand la révolution du transport maritime modifia le marché du sel.
Le développement urbain à Bavay à la lumière des recherches récentes.
Authors: Thollard Patrick
Published: March 2016

De stadsontwikkeling van Bavay in het recent onderzoek.

Tradioneel neemt men aan dat de ontwikkeling van Bavay een groei in twee stadia was, met twee verschillende stratenpatronen ; het oudste rond het forum in het westen, het nieuwste als een uitbreiding naar het oosten. Een nieuw onderzoek van de gegevens waarop deze théorie steunde en récente ontdekkingen voeren naar een ander model. Van zijn stichting in de laatste twee decennia voor Chr. af had de stad het regelmatige stratenpatroon waarvan men vroeger dacht dat het het nieuwste was. In het midden van de eerste eeuw na Chr. werd dit plan gedeeltelijk verstoord door de inplanting van het forum. De topografische gegevens lieten niet toe dit monumentale bouwwerk perfekt in het oorspronkelijke plan in te passen ; zo was het nodig nieuwe straten aan te leggen en de wijken naast het forum aan te passen.
Recherches archéologiques à Bavay, XIV-XVII (Basilique civile, 1993-1994).
Authors: Hanoune Roger , Muller Arthur
Published: March 2016

Les campagnes de fouille 1993 et 1994 dans la basilique civile ont été consacrées pour l'essentiel à l'étude de la façade occidentale du monument et de son articulation avec la place dallée du forum. A la suite de ces travaux la basilique est complètement dégagée des constructions postérieures (restes des fondations de la Chapelle du Collège des Oratoriens), à l'exception de l'emprise des rues actuelles.

La fouille en aire ouverte et les sondages ont permis d'étudier les traces d'occupation antérieures à l'édification de la basilique (par exemple l'extension probable d'une couche riche en fragments de moules à flans monétaires), et surtout l'ordonnance de la façade dans les différents états du monument : rectiligne avec sans doute un escalier sur toute la longueur entre les avant-corps dans le premier état ("basilique jaune"), puis articulée en saillants et rentrants avec des accès latéraux dans les derniers états ("basiliques rose et tricolore"). Des compléments de vérification ont porté sur la muraille du Bas-Empire et sur l'aile et la terrasse orientales de la basilique : ces derniers n'ont fait que confirmer les hypothèses émises précédemment sur le dispositif des "boutiques" ouvrant vers l'extérieur du monument dans le premier état et vers l'intérieur dans les états ultérieurs.
Recherches archéologiques à Bavay, XVIII (La céramique des périodes I, II et III de la Basilique civile de Bavay).
Authors: Geoffroy Jean-François
Published: March 2016

Opgravingen in Bavay, XVIII (keramiek van de periode I, II, III van de burgelijke basiliek)

Dit artikel omvat de eerste resultaten van een studie over de tussen 1988 en 1993 aan het licht gebrachte overblijfselen van meubels. Het gaat slechts om een paar fragmenten. De synthese betreft alleen periode I (voor de bouw van de eerste basiliek), periode II (gele basiliek) en III (roze basiliek). Periode I : de fragmenten van italische sigillata, bekers met fijne wanden en gallo-belgische keramiekfragmenten laten een datering toe van de laatste twee decennia van de eerste eeuw voor Chr. tot het derde decennium van de eerste eeuw, zonder verdere bepaling van de terminus post quem. Période II : het lokale karakter overheerst hier, sigillata uit Zuid-Gallië werd ontdekt in de buurt van het noorderterras ontdekt in de aanaarding voor de gele basiliek (Drag. 15/17, Drag. 29 en wat Ritterling met stempel SENICIO FE) ;de terminus post quem kan bepaald worden in het derde kwart van de 1st. eeuw. Periode III :terminus post quem van het laatste decennium van de eerste eeuw tot begin tweede eeuw, maar het lokale karakter, het gebruik van dezelfde aanaardingen, het kleine aantal keramiekfragmenten en de frekwentie van gewoon gedraaid aardewerk maken dat het resultaat van dit onderzoek zeer voorlopig blijft.
Nécropole protohistorique et gallo-romaine à Izel-les- Equerchin.
Authors: Demolon Pierre , Compagnon Eric , Louis Etienne
Published: March 2016

Proto-historical and Gallo-Roman Burying Site in Izel-les-Equerchin.

Thanks to the widening of the Al motorway, close to the Escrebieux valley, the proto-historical and Gallo-Roman occupation discovered under the High Speed Train track could be further spotted during the excavating work. A proto-historical circle, very ill preserved and a few Gallo Roman graves, form the major part of the structures identified. A few ditches structuring the landscape were also unearthead. The bad conditions in which the observation could be carried out limited the scientific conclusions these discoveries could lead to.