bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncanonical Wnt Signaling Promotes Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction Independent of Adipose Tissue Expansion
Authors: Fuster José J. , Zuriaga María A. , Ngo Doan Thi-Minh , Farb Melissa G. , Aprahamian Tamar , Yamaguchi Terry P. , Gokce Noyan , Walsh Kenneth
Published: October 2014

Adipose tissue dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development of insulin resistance in obese individuals. Cell culture studies and gain-of-function mouse models suggest that canonical Wnt proteins modulate adipose tissue expansion. However, no genetic evidence supports a role for endogenous Wnt proteins in adipose tissue dysfunction, and the role of noncanonical Wnt signaling remains largely unexplored. Here we provide evidence from human, mouse, and cell culture studies showing that Wnt5a-mediated, noncanonical Wnt signaling contributes to obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction by increasing adipose tissue inflammation. Wnt5a expression is significantly upregulated in human visceral fat compared with subcutaneous fat in obese individuals. In obese mice, Wnt5a ablation ameliorates insulin resistance, in parallel with reductions in adipose tissue inflammation. Conversely, Wnt5a overexpression in myeloid cells augments adipose tissue inflammation and leads to greater impairments in glucose homeostasis. Wnt5a ablation or overexpression did not affect fat mass or adipocyte size. Mechanistically, Wnt5a promotes the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages in a Jun NH2-terminal kinase–dependent manner, leading to defective insulin signaling in adipocytes. Exogenous interleukin-6 administration restores insulin resistance in obese Wnt5a-deficient mice, suggesting a central role for this cytokine in Wnt5a-mediated metabolic dysfunction. Taken together, these results demonstrate that noncanonical Wnt signaling contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance independent of adipose tissue expansion.
Interim estimates of the effectiveness of seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in preventing influenza hospitalisations and primary care visits in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2014
Authors: Turner N , Pierse N , Huang Q S , Radke S , Bissielo A , Thompson M G , Kelly H , on behalf of the SHIVERS investigation team Collective
Published: October 2014

We present preliminary results of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in New Zealand using a case test-negative design for 28 April to 31 August 2014. VE adjusted for age and time of admission among all ages against severe acute respiratory illness hospital presentation due to laboratory-confirmed influenza was 54% (95% CI: 19 to 74) and specifically against A(H1N1)pdm09 was 65% (95% CI:33 to 81). For influenza-confirmed primary care visits, VE was 67% (95% CI: 48 to 79) overall and 73% (95% CI: 50 to 85) against A(H1N1)pdm09.
Being a Black Man: Development of the Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) for Black Men
Authors: Mincey Krista , Alfonso Moya , Hackney Amy , Luque John
Published: October 2014

This article describes how a culturally sensitive masculinity scale was developed for Black men using qualitative data. Data came from in-depth interviews ( N = 13) and focus groups ( n = 4) with 46 undergraduate Black males at two universities (Historically Black College and University and Predominately White Institution) in the Southeastern United States. The resulting Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) items were developed using direct quotes from the data. The scale was completed by 164 participants as one part of a self-administered survey. Factor analysis showed that five subscales of masculinity exist for Black men: Mainstream society, Black masculinity, Primary group, Mainstream society/Black masculinity, and Primary/peer group. Implications for future research in the area of masculinity and Black men are discussed.
Working with Men in Individual Psychotherapy from an Integrity Model Perspective: The Unsung Heroes
Authors: Nahon Danielle , Lander Nedra R.
Published: October 2014

For over four decades, a continuing thread in the literature has emphasized the unique challenges and impasses in psychotherapy with men. Parallel to this, empirical and clinical research for over four decades has documented men's positive response to a values-based Integrity model of psychotherapy across a wide spectrum of issues. Only recently have other researchers begun focusing on the merits of a strengths-based positive perspective on men and masculinities. This paper offers a theoretical and clinical exploration of an Integrity model, values-based therapeutic perspective in working with men in individual psychotherapy from a strengths-based, gender-sensitive, positive psychology framework. Three case examples—Mark, François and Peter—presenting with significant distress including sexual dysfunction, illustrate the viability of this existential perspective in engaging and working with men in individual psychotherapy.
“But He Can't Be Gay”: The Relationship between Masculinity and Homophobia in Father-Son Relationships
Authors: Bucher Jacob
Published: October 2014

In this article I explore how the father-son relationship impacts both the nature and extent of homophobia in men, specifically the difference in homophobic feelings a father has for his gay son compared to the homophobic feelings a son has for his gay father. The effect of masculinity, specifically hegemonic masculinity, on homophobia in men is well-documented and my goal is to continue this further given the role that fathers play in socializing/constructing masculinity for their sons and the role that sons play in constructing/validating masculinity for their fathers. Through surveys and interviews, measures of masculinity and homophobia were investigated among 100 men, ultimately providing insight into masculinity, homophobia, and the relationship between the two.
Occasionally the Unforeseen Happens
Authors: Le Dœuff Michèle
Published: October 2014

This article addresses the relations between philosophy and other disciplines from a historical and personal point of view, focusing on the post-war French university system. Historically, interdisciplinarity involving philosophy was practised in the French university long before it was named and promoted as such. The relationship was in the first instance one of recognition of outside achievement, followed by critique of certain unspoken and hitherto unchallenged presuppositions. The critique of the ideological foundations of science was sometimes a misplaced form of ‘philosophism’, asserting a position of greater knowledge from which to ‘set someone to rights’, but the interrogation of assumptions concerning biology and gender constituted a necessary and progressive development in an ongoing dialogue. It is such a dialogue-based approach to philosophy, open to cooperation those from outside the field, that allows for an ethical development of the discipline in which the unforeseen may occur.
Development of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Agmatine Biosensor
Authors: Gilbertsen Adam , Williams Bryan
Published: October 2014

Agmatine, decarboxylated arginine, is an important intermediary in polyamine production for many prokaryotes, but serves higher functions in eukaryotes such as nitric oxide inhibition and roles in neurotransmission. Pseudomonas aeruginosa relies on the arginine decarboxylase and agmatine deiminase pathways to convert arginine into putrescine. One of the two known agmatine deiminase operons, aguBA, contains an agmatine sensitive TetR promoter controlled by AguR. We have discovered that this promoter element can produce a titratable induction of its gene products in response to agmatine, and utilized this discovery to make a luminescent agmatine biosensor in P. aeruginosa. The genome of the P. aeruginosa lab strain UCBPP-PA14 was altered to remove both its ability to synthesize or destroy agmatine, and insertion of the luminescent reporter construct allows it to produce light in proportion to the amount of exogenous agmatine applied from ~100 nM to 1mM. Furthermore it does not respond to related compounds including arginine or putrescine. To demonstrate potential applications the biosensor was used to detect agmatine in spent supernatants, to monitor the development of arginine decarboxylase over time, and to detect agmatine in the spinal cords of live mice.
A Review of Methodological Approaches for the Design and Optimization of Wind Farms
Authors: Herbert-Acero José , Probst Oliver , Réthoré Pierre-Elouan , Larsen Gunner , Castillo-Villar Krystel
Published: October 2014

This article presents a review of the state of the art of the Wind Farm Design and Optimization (WFDO) problem. The WFDO problem refers to a set of advanced planning actions needed to extremize the performance of wind farms, which may be composed of a few individual Wind Turbines (WTs) up to thousands of WTs. The WFDO problem has been investigated in different scenarios, with substantial differences in main objectives, modelling assumptions, constraints, and numerical solution methods. The aim of this paper is: (1) to present an exhaustive survey of the literature covering the full span of the subject, an analysis of the state-of-the-art models describing the performance of wind farms as well as its extensions, and the numerical approaches used to solve the problem; (2) to provide an overview of the available knowledge and recent progress in the application of such strategies to real onshore and offshore wind farms; and (3) to propose a comprehensive agenda for future research.
Characterization of CaHsp70-1, a Pepper Heat-Shock Protein Gene in Response to Heat Stress and Some Regulation Exogenous Substances in Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Guo Meng , Zhai Yu-Fei , Lu Jin-Ping , Chai Lin , Chai Wei-Guo , Gong Zhen-Hui , Lu Ming-Hui
Published: October 2014

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is sensitive to heat stress (HS). Heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70s) play a crucial role in protecting plant cells against HS and control varies characters in different plants. However, CaHsp70-1 gene was not well characterized in pepper. In this study, CaHsp70-1 was cloned from the pepper thermotolerant line R9, which encoded a protein of 652 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 71.54 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.20. CaHsp70-1 belongs to the cytosolic Hsp70 subgroup, and best matched with tomato SlHsp70. CaHsp70-1 was highly induced in root, stem, leaf and flower in R9 with HS treatment (40 °C for 2 h). In both thermosensitive line B6 and thermotolerant line R9, CaHsp70-1 significantly increased after 0.5 h of HS (40 °C), and maintained in a higher level after 4 h HS. The expression of CaHsp70-1 induced by CaCl2, H2O2 and putrescine (Put) under HS were difference between B6 and R9 lines. The different expression patterns may be related to the differences in promoters of CaHsp70-1 from the two lines. These results suggest that CaHsp70-1 as a member of cytosolic Hsp70 subgroup, may be involved in HS defense response via a signal transduction pathway contained Ca2+, H2O2 and Put.
Recently Discovered Adipokines and Cardio-Metabolic Comorbidities in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Barraco Gloria , Luciano Rosa , Semeraro Michela , Prieto-Hontoria Pedro , Manco Melania
Published: October 2014

White adipose tissue (WAT) asset, in terms of cell number, fat storage capacity and endocrine function, is largely determined in early stages of life and is pivotal for shaping the WAT pro-inflammatory behavior. WAT derived adipokines have been shown to play a main role in several cardio-metabolic abnormalities of obesity. This review focuses on the most recently identified adipokines, namely adipocyte-fatty acid-binding protein, chemerin, fibroblast growth factor-21, lipocalin-2, omentin-1 and vaspin; their role in the pathogenesis of obesity and associated cardio-metabolic abnormalities; and on their adaptive response to body weight change. Evidence consistently suggests a pathogenic role for A-FABP, chemerin and FGF-21. Nevertheless, large population studies are needed to verify whether they can be useful to predict the risk of cardio-metabolic abnormalities in adulthood and/or monitor the clinical response to therapeutic interventions.
Correlation vs. Causation: The Effects of Ultrasonic Melt Treatment on Cast Metal Grain Size
Authors: Ferguson J. , Schultz Benjamin , Cho Kyu , Rohatgi Pradeep
Published: October 2014

Interest in ultrasonic treatment of liquid metal has waxed and waned for nearly 80 years. A review of several experiments representative of ultrasonic cavitation treatment of Al and Mg alloys shows that the theoretical mechanisms thought to be responsible for grain refinement are (1) cavitation-induced increase in melting temperature predicted by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and (2) cavitation-induced wetting of otherwise unwetted insoluble particles. Neither of these theoretical mechanisms can be directly confirmed by experiment, and though they remain speculative, the available literature generally assumes that one or the other or both mechanisms are active. However, grain size is known to depend on temperature of the liquid, temperature of the mold, and cooling rate of the entire system. From the reviewed experiments, it is difficult to isolate temperature and cooling rate effects on grain size from the theoretical effects. Ultrasonic treatments of Al-A356 were carried out to isolate such effects, and though it was found that ultrasound produced significant grain refinement, the treatments also significantly chilled the liquid and thereby reduced the pouring temperature. The grain sizes attained closely correlated with pouring temperature suggesting that ultrasonic grain refinement is predominantly a result of heat removal by the horn and ultrasonic stirring.
Correction: Noguerol-Pato, R., et al. Effect on the Aroma Profile of Graciano and Tempranillo Red Wines of the Application of Two Antifungal Treatments onto Vines. Molecules 2014, 19, 12173-12193
Authors: Noguerol-Pato Raquel , Sieiro-Sampedro Thais , González-Barreiro Carmen , Cancho-Grande Beatriz , Simal-Gándara Jesús
Published: October 2014

The authors wish to make the following correction to paper [1], doi:10.3390/molecules190812173, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/19/8/12173.[...]
Simulation and Optimization of Photovoltaic/Diesel Hybrid System for Off-Grid Banking Industry
Authors: Ani Vincent Anayochukwu
Published: October 2014

Power supply is one of the major problems of the banking industry of many emerging economies, such as Nigeria, particularly as the banks strive to modernize and offer quality services, such as electronic banking. This paper proposed a PV/Diesel hybrid power generation system suitable for banking. The study is based on simulation and optimization of hybrid system of a bank located in two different locations [Nsukka (Enugu State – which covers the southern part of the nation) and Kaura (Kaduna State – covering the northern part of the nation)]. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software was used for the design of the proposed stand-alone PV/Diesel power system. A control system for the Hybrid PV-Diesel Energy System with Battery Storage was developed to coordinate when power should be generated by PV panels and when it should be generated by diesel generator. From the simulation results, 46% decrease in each pollutant is noticed in Nsukka for a 46% renewable penetration into the existing diesel only power system; while in Kaura, 55% decrease in each pollutant is noticed for a 55% renewable penetration into the existing diesel only power system. This shows that the more % of renewable penetration into the diesel only system, the more decrease in pollutant emission. The results also show that the two locations (Nsukka and Kaura) have the same excess electricity of 45kWh/yr showing that the system is optimally sized. This excess electricity of power supply is guaranteed in the location simulated in order to give room for future Bank expansion. This may also be applied to other regions of the country.
Artificial Bee Colony Optimization for Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Incorporating FACTS Devices
Authors: Dutta Susanta , Roy Provas Kumar , Nandi Debashis
Published: October 2014

This paper illustrates, for the first time, the use of artificial bee colony optimization (ABC) technique to study optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) in power system with the use of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS). FACTS controller cannot only increase the power transmission capacity without installing new transmission lines, but they can also enhance voltage profile and reduce transmission loss in power system. Two types of FACTS devices namely, thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) and thyristor-controlled phase shifter (TCPS) are considered in this paper. A standard IEEE 30-bus test system with multiple TCSC and TCPS devices is used for two different objective functions to validate the performance of the proposed method. The simulation results demonstrates the ability of the ABC to produce better optimal solutions compared to particle swarm optimization with inertia weight approach (PSOIWA) and real coded genetic algorithm (RGA).
Neural Networks Predictive Controller Using an Adaptive Control Rate
Authors: Mnasser Ahmed , Bouani Faouzi , Ksouri Mekki
Published: October 2014

A model predictive control design for nonlinear systems based on artificial neural networks is discussed. The Feedforward neural networks are used to describe the unknown nonlinear dynamics of the real system. The backpropagation algorithm is used, offline, to train the neural networks model. The optimal control actions are computed by solving a nonconvex optimization problem with the gradient method. In gradient method, the steepest descent is a sensible factor for convergence. Then, an adaptive variable control rate based on Lyapunov function candidate and asymptotic convergence of the predictive controller are proposed. The stability of the closed loop system based on the neural model is proved. In order to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed predictive controller under set-point and load disturbance, a simulation example is considered. A comparison of the control performance achieved with a Levenberg-Marquardt method is also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Enabling Resource Access Visibility for Automated Enterprise Services
Authors: Dutta Kaushik , VanderMeer Debra
Published: October 2014

Organizations deliver on their mandates by executing a variety of services. Over the past few decades, service automation software systems, such as SAP and PeopleSoft, have enabled the automation of services. While much attention in the literature and in industry has been devoted to the implementation and functional correctness of automated services, little focus has been granted to ensuring responsiveness for services. As service automation platforms host larger and larger numbers of services, and services execute with greater and greater levels of concurrency, fault resolution becomes an important issue in ensuring expected responsiveness levels. In particular, two factors impact fault resolution in service automation platforms. First, each executing service requires access to specific data and system resources to complete its processing. As greater numbers of services execute concurrently, there is increasing contention for these data and system resources, leading to greater numbers of faults and SLA violations in service execution. Second, the black-box nature of service automation platforms provides little visibility into the nature of resource contention that caused a fault or SLA violation. This lack of visibility makes fault resolution difficult, and in many cases impossible, because it is difficult to trace the root cause of the problem. In this paper, the authors address the problem of system-level resource visibility for services through the design and development of a system capable of mapping abstract service workflows to their data and system impacts to enable resource visibility. The authors' system has been tested and demonstrated effective, as we demonstrate in a case study setting.
AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: Tsavdaris Alexandros , Williams John B. , Mitchell Steve
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the behaviour of certain water and sediment quality indicators of a vegetated detention pond system located at Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK. The period of study was 2 years (March 2011-March 2013) with sampling carried out once a month. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab™. The aim of the study was to examine the changes in quality of various constituents with time and possible linear associations between them. Pond sediments and pond water quality were monitored for a range of variables at each monthly visit. Results indicate that the system demonstrates low levels of pollution while not having a direct impact on the oxygen balance of the receiving water-body. Oxygen demanding substances along with suspended matter and certain metals/elements were found to accumulate in the system with time. Significant linear associations were observed for road salts (containing Na, Cl, Mg) and certain pollutants, suggesting that road salts have a major impact on SuDS water/sediment quality. Sorption characteristics of specific metals were also evaluated by means of adsorption isotherm equations. Three widely used sorption isotherms were employed in this study. It was found that the sorption behaviour of metals is highly variable. This study highlights the dynamic nature of vegetated ponds and the importance of understanding the behaviour of different pollutants for SuDS design.
PROFILE SURVEY OF WASTE PICKERS IN BRAZIL: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COLLECTION VEHICLE AND OPTIMIZED ROUTING
Authors: Ramos Naiara Francisca , Castilhos Jr. Armando Borges , Forcellini Fernando Antonio , Graciolli Odacir Dionísio
Published: October 2014

This study presents information collected from waste pickers in the southern, south-eastern and north-eastern regions of Brazil to guide the development of a collection vehicle and a support system for the definition of collecting routes. The study had three objectives: to specify the profile of waste pickers of recyclable materials in the three surveyed regions; to diagnose the working conditions of individuals linked to associations and cooperatives of waste pickers and to identify the physical and operational structure of the waste picker organizations. To reach these objectives questionnaires were issued to waste pickers linked to associations and cooperatives that collect recyclables using human- or animal-powered vehicles and to the waste picker organizations themselves. Based on the results of this study, we are able to provide the requirements for the development of the collection vehicle, to draw a profile of the waste pickers in the three study regions and have better understanding of the working and physical conditions and the organizational structure of waste picker entities. It can be concluded that waste pickers suffer several forms of deprivation, resulting in the marginalization, prejudice and exclusion of individuals who conduct this work, making it essential to promote actions that contribute to the social inclusion of waste pickers in their productive segment.
Evaluation of the marginal fit of full ceramic crowns by the microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) technique
Authors: Demir Necla , Ozturk Atiye Nilgun , Malkoc Meral Arslan
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate the marginal gap (MG) and absolute marginal discrepancy (MD) of full ceramic crowns with two finish line designs, shoulder and chamfer, using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) before and after cementation. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human maxillary premolar teeth were divided into two groups based on the finish line design: Group I: 90° shoulder and Group II: 135° chamfer. The specimens were further grouped based on the type of full ceramic crown they received: Group A: Feldspathic Cerec inLab ceramic system, Group B: Cerec inLab aluminum oxide ceramic system and Group C: Lithium disilicate press ceramic system. Before cementation, five crowns from each group were scanned using micro-CT in two sections, sagittal and coronal, to determine the MG and MD values for four regions of the crown (sagittal buccal, sagittal lingual, coronal mesial and coronal distal). After cementation and thermal cycling, the scanning was repeated. Measurements were obtained from 10 points for each region, 80 points totally, to evaluate the MG and MD values. Files were processed using NRecon and CTAn software. Results were statistically analyzed using one- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (P = 0.05). Results: Full ceramic systems showed clinically acceptable marginal adaptation values. The Feldspathic Cerec inLab ceramic system generally presented the lowest variance, except in the MG values of the coronal mesial region. The MG and MD values of all ceramics increased significantly after cementation, except in the shoulder preparation design (sagittal buccal region) for MG and in the chamfer preparation design (sagittal lingual region) for MD values. Conclusions: Full-ceramic crowns showed clinically acceptable marginal adaptation values. The Feldspathic Cerec inLab ceramic system (Vitablocs Mark II) generally presented the lowest variance when compared with the other ceramics, except for the MG values on the mesial surface of the coronal section.
Geometric analysis of root canals prepared by single twisted file in three different operation modes
Authors: Wu Xing-Chen , Zhu Ya-Qin
Published: October 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of a single twisted file (TF) instrument in three different operation modes on the preparation of curved root canals in human molars and to explore a new possible method in canal shaping in the clinic setting. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 selected root canals with an angle of curvature ranging from 20° to 35° were divided into the following three groups with 35 samples each according to the different operation mode in canal preparation: “continuous rotation-500” (CR, 500 rpm), reciprocating movement-300 (RM-300 rpm) and CR-300 rpm. Root canals were prepared by single file (a size 25/0.06 TF). The pre- and post-instrumented images of the sections were scanned using a cone-beam computed tomography scanner to measure the root transportation and centering ratio. The data were evaluated at 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 6.0 mm positions from the apex. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in root transportation that was only found in cross-sections 3.0 mm from the anatomic apex between group “CR-500” and group “CR-300.” In addition, a significant difference in centering ratio was found between group “RM-300” and group “CR-300.” There was no significant difference in the two indices among the three groups at cross-sections 1.5 mm and 6 mm from the apex. Conclusions: Under the three conditions of this study, the continuous rotation mode has better shaping ability in root canal preparation than the RM mode when used with a TF single file (size 25/0.06).
Airborne observations of IEPOX-derived isoprene SOA in the Amazon during SAMBBA
Authors: Allan J. D. , Morgan W. T. , Darbyshire E. , Flynn M. J. , Williams P. I. , Oram D. E. , Artaxo P. , Brito J. , Lee J. D. , Coe H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Isoprene is a potentially highly significant but currently poorly quantified source of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). This is especially important in the tropics, where large rainforests act as significant sources of isoprene. Methylfuran, produced through thermal decomposition during analysis, has recently been suggested as a marker for isoprene SOA formation through the isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) route, which mostly occurs under low NOx conditions. This is manifested as a peak at m/z=82 in Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) data. Here we present a study of this marker measured during five flights over the Amazon rainforest on board the UK Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement (FAAM) BAe-146 research aircraft during the South American Biomass Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) campaign. Cases where this marker is and is not present are contrasted and linked to the presence of acidic seed particles, lower NOx concentrations and higher humidities. There are also data to suggest a role of organic nitrogen in the particulate composition. Furthermore, an inspection of the vertical trends of the marker indicates that concentrations are highest at the top of the boundary layer (possibly due to semivolatile repartitioning) and that upwards through the free troposphere, the mass spectral profile evolves towards that of low volatility oxygenated aerosol. These observations offer insights into the behaviour of IEPOX-derived SOA formation above the Amazon rainforest and the suitability of methylfuran as a marker for this process.
Estimation of water retention capacity in soil: corrections to the CRA pedotransfer formula
Authors: Domingo Santos J. M. , Fernández de Villarán San Juan R. , Corral Pazos de Provens E. , Rapp Arrarás I.
Published: October 2014

In Spain, a physical model to estimate the soil water capacity, which is called the CRA parameter, was implemented by Gandullo (1985). This parameter is broadly used in forest management and forest ecology research in relationship with site index and soil quality variables. While running a soil mapping project in the southwest of Spain some problems related to the CRA model were detected, mainly related to the influence of slope on total soil water capacity, as well as the estimation of available water capacity. A simple correction of the model is proposed in this paper, as well as a complementary parameter for available water capacity. The quality of those new parameters is tested by means of correlation analysis against Site Index variable.
Historical, ecological, taxonomic and health characterization of the relict elm stand of Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Madrid)
Authors: Martín J. A. , Solla A. , Burón M. , López-Almansa J. C. , Gil L.
Published: October 2014

A series of studies focused on the characterization of an elm stand located at Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Comunidad de Madrid, Central Spain) are presented, revised and discussed. Since 2000, the elm stand history, its health, taxonomy, dendrochronology, and the reproductive and genetic characteristics of the elms have been analysed. The elm stand could have a partially anthropic origin, as indicated by the coexistence of Ulmus minor s.l. of Iberian origin with Ulmus minor var. vulgaris of Italian origin. The presence of cosexual and functionally-male trees indicates the existence of a gender differentiation. Functionally-male trees are numerically more frequent, but they have less genetic variability than the cosexual trees. A low but progressive decline during the second half of 20th century has been observed, probably as a consequence of Dutch elm disease. In order to help towards the elm stand conservation, some actions are proposed.
Selection of Mediterranean stone pine clones for cone production
Authors: Mutke Regneri S. , Iglesias Sauce S. , Gil Sánchez L.
Published: October 2014

Though stone pine is currently a genuine forest tree of Mediterranean ecosystems, its use as grafted orchards crop for its edible pine nuts is potentially feasible. Therefore, genetic improvement of the species has been undertaken by several Spanish forest administrations, establishing in the Nineties experimental clonal orchards by grafting scions from plus trees, selected for their outstanding cone yield in pine forests of the main Spanish provenance regions. This paper analyses the coming into production of four clonal trials located at the National Forest Breeding Centre «Puerta de Hierro», Madrid. The four different-aged orchards showed a strong, synchronized masting habit. Estimations are given for the degree of genetic determination of cone production and for clonal improvement values. Due to the presence of strong size-yield correlations and spatial autocorrelations, genetic parameters were estimated by an individual tree cone-yield model adjusted for environmental tree size differences and for correlations between nearest neighbours (NN). The degree of genetic determination H2, estimated in less than 20% without adjustments, reached 30-38% adjusting for environmental size variation and 45-73% after spatial adjustment, with parallel increments in clonal improvement values and expected genetic gain. The results allow rogueing the four clone banks, progressing in the domestication of the stone pine as nut crop.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for Jordanian Tourist Police in Their Workplace: Needs and Problems
Authors: Aldohon Hatem
Published: October 2014

The editorial board announced this article has been retracted on May 17, 2022. If you have any further question, please contact us at: ies@ccsenet.org
Sensitivity Analysis of an Axially Vibrating Elastic Rod with Several Lumped Attachments
Authors: Demirtaş S. , Gürgöze M.
Published: October 2014

In a recent study, the eigenvalue sensitivities of a combined system consisting of a linear structure with several lumped attachments were analyzed. An efficient approach was developed for the eigenvalue sensitivities with respect to the parameters of the attachments and their locations by using the implicit function theorem. In the study mentioned above, the theory was applied to a Bernoulli–Euler beam with several attachments. Motivated by this study, the methodology established there will be applied, in the present paper, to an axially vibrating rod with several lumped attachments. Hence, the utility of the methodology is justified through a quite different type of vibrational system. The method is shown as an efficient tool that can be taught in related graduate-level courses for the eigenvalue estimation of complex linear systems with several lumped attachments.
Enhancing the Undergraduate Educational Experience: Development of a Micro-Gas Turbine Laboratory
Authors: Fosheim J. , Gagne A. , Johnson P. , Thomas B.
Published: October 2014

A Capstone C30 MicroTurbine has been installed, instrumented, and utilized in a junior-level laboratory course at Valparaiso University. The C30 MicroTurbine experiment enables Valparaiso University to educate students interested in power generation and turbine technology. The first goal of this experiment is for students to explore a gas turbine generator and witness the discrepancies between idealized models and real thermodynamic systems. Secondly, students measure and analyze data to determine where losses occur in a real gas turbine. The third educational goal is for students to recognize the true costs associated with natural gas use, i.e. the hidden costs of transporting the gas to the consumer. Overall, the gas turbine experiment has garnered positive feedback from students. The twenty-six students who performed the lab in Spring 2014 rated the quality and usefulness of the gas turbine experiment as 4.28 and 4.19, respectively, on a 1–5 Likert scale, where 1 is low and 5 is high.
Entering the Intersection of Identity, Form, and Knowledge: Reflections on Curriculum Transformation
Authors: Rossiter Amy
Published: October 2014

The academy is currently struggling to face the challenge of curriculum transformation—the attempt to deal with systemic inequality as it is manifested in educational process and content. These struggles turn the classroom into a laboratory where students and teachers must grapple without guidelines with the legacy of patriarchy and imperialism. This paper describes the author's process of working on curriculum transformation with respect to issues of race and ethnicity, from the standpoint of a white, female social work teacher. Such work poses radical challenges to the intersections of one's identity, institutional forms, and knowledge itself. These intersections create the opportunity to raise questions about good teaching and good citizenship.
A Rural, Community Action Model for the Treatment of Abusive Men
Authors: Hanson R. Karl , Whitman Robert
Published: October 2014

Considerable controversy surrounds treatment programs for abusive men. Numerous different models of intervention have been proposed and there is little agreement about which approach, if any, is most effective in preventing further abuse. Despite the diversity of programs, the structure of the programs is typically derived from clinical or educational models of service delivery. These models imply certain roles and responsibilities for both those giving and those receiving treatment. The New Leaf program described in this paper presents a different model of service delivery. Rather than adopting structures from traditional mental health or educational perspectives, the New Leaf program bases its structure on those of alternative service organizations, as exemplified by some peace movement and feminist organizations. This community action approach includes providing group treatment to abusive men, but also includes a wide range of activities outside the usual professional roles of therapist or teacher, such as community development, crisis intervention, home visits, and instrumental help to the men and their partners. The strengths and weaknesses of the various models of service delivery are discussed.
The Relationship Between Self-Help Group Participation and Other Health Behaviours Among Older Adults
Authors: Wister Andrew V.
Published: October 2014

This paper provides an exploratory analysis of the relationship between participation in self-help groups and other informal and formal strategies by which individuals cope with stressful life events during later life. A principal research question is the extent to which older adults substitute or supplement self-help group assistance with professional care, self-care, spiritual coping, informal support, and mutual aid. A sub-sample of individuals (N=5,956) were drawn from the 1991 Survey of Ageing and Independence who had been asked about a variety of coping strategies to deal with the stress associated with one or more major life events. Preliminary analyses of the intercorrelations among these health behaviours indicated that all of the methods for coping with stressful life events are positively, but relatively weakly, correlated with one another. A logistic regression of self-help group involvement was also conducted, in which the other health behaviours, and several demographic and social background factors identified in the literature, were used as predictor variables. The most striking finding was that people who used professional assistance of any kind were three times more likely to participate in self-help groups. Mutual aid, self-care, and spiritual coping were also found to be important predictors of self-help group involvement. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for further research into the relationships or interplay among various health behaviours.
Developing A Self-Help Perspective: Conversations With Professionals
Authors: Farquharson Andy
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the way in which 10 of the leading professionals working in the area of mutual aid came to develop their deeply rooted appreciation for the contributions to well-being that are made by self-help groups. The purpose was to find out if these experiences might suggest ways to help future professionals to develop such a self-help perspective. This series of conversations revealed that this group of practitioners had a variety of early life experiences that made it difficult to accept some of the mainstream beliefs and values of their various professions. Instead they had gradually become more convinced of the capacity of lay people to exchange mutual aid in reference to their shared concerns. This may suggest the need to support collaborative problem solving much earlier in the educational journey that precedes professional training and the need to select students for the helping professions who already demonstrate that they value mutual aid.
Impact of a Social Support Intervention on the Transition to University
Authors: Lamothe Daniel , Currie Fiona , Alisat Susan , Sullivan Trevor , Pratt Michael , Pancer S. Mark , Hunsberger Bruce
Published: October 2014

University marks an important transition in many people's lives, from adolescence to young adulthood. University students often move away from home, establish new friendships, and attempt to cope with academic work that may be much more demanding than that which they have previously experienced. Many have difficulty in making this transition, as evidenced by the fact that a high proportion (up to 40%) of students who enter university fail to complete their degrees. The present study assessed the impact of a support group intervention for students entering their first year of university. Students attended six weekly 90-minute sessions led by male and female facilitators. The sessions focused on issues such as forming new social ties, residential concerns, and how to balance academic and social demands. Social support and transition adjustment measures were administered to three nine-member intervention groups (N=27), and to randomly assigned comparison participants (N=28). For two of the three intervention groups, results indicated that those involved in the discussions experienced better adjustment to university and more gains in social support than did those in the non-intervention group. A third group was omitted from the analyses because delivery of the intervention was compromised for various reasons. Results are discussed with an emphasis on factors influencing the intervention's effectiveness.
Addiction Mutual Help in Other Countries: Notes on an International Conference
Authors: Ogborne Alan C.
Published: October 2014

In September 1994, the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario hosted an international conference on addiction and mutual-help movements. The conference was attended by researchers from 13 countries and several clinicians, theorists, and self-identified members of Alcoholics Anonymous who were also full participants or observers. These notes highlight selected topics and include a short bibliography of publications from a recently completed international collaborative study of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Beyond “Bad Manners”: The Power Relations of “Consumer Participation” in Ontario's Community Mental Health System
Authors: Church Kathryn
Published: October 2014

This article describes the work of the legislation subcommittee of the steering committee responsible for the implementation of the Graham Report, Ontario's current blueprint for community mental health. It describes barriers to psychiatric survivor participation in the subcommittee's 1990 provincial consultation, including professional/bureaucratic characterization of survivor actions during the event as “bad manners.” I argue that this naming is an act of power. Conflicts arose because the two groups operate from different behavioural codes in which the pivotal issue, acted out indirectly in all kinds of interactions, was whether and how deeply to include personal experience and emotions as forms of knowledge. The cultural dimensions of “consumer participation” must be more broadly recognized and more consciously considered if this policy is to remain viable, particularly in a time of major economic restructuring.
Les Figures De L'Aliénation: Un Regard Alternatif Sur L'Appropriation Du Pouvoir
Authors: Corin Ellen , Del Barrio Lourdes Rodriguez , Guay Lorraine
Published: October 2014

Cet article vise è réouvrir un questionnement autour de l'appropriation du pouvoir en santé mentale, en examinant comment des contextes discursifs particuliers en modifient et enrichissent le sens. Il compare d'abord la signification de l'appropriation du pouvoir dans deux associations qui la situent au coeur de leurs programmes mais sont dans des positions contrastées face au système psychiatrique: l'Association québécoise pour la réadaptation psychosociale et le Regroupement des ressources alternatives en santé mentale du Québec (RRASMQ). Nous nous centrons ensuite sur le RRASMQ et comparons la définition et l'opérationnalisation de l'appropriation du pouvoir dans des documents définissant sa philosophie d'action et dans des discussions de groupes avec des intervenants et des usager(ère)s. Enfin, nous discutons les résultats d'une étude conduite avec 60 usager(ère)s et qui reconstruit la signification subjective et les implications des problèmes de santé mentale du point de vue de la trajectoire de vie des usager(ère)s ainsi que leur mode d'utilisation des ressources alternatives dans le contexte plus large de leurs démarches de recherche d'aide. Les résultats conduisent è une notion élargie de l'appropriation du pouvoir et amènent è mettre en cause la tendance actuelle è une homogénéisation des pratiques dans le domaine de la réadaptation psychosociale.
What Makes Us Strong: Urban Aboriginal Perspectives on Wellness and Strength
Authors: Van Uchelen Collin P. , Davidson Sara Florence , Quressette Seanna V. A. , Brasfield Charles R. , Demerais Lou H.
Published: October 2014

The limitations of a needs orientation for aboriginal mental health planning are evaluated in terms of the discrepancy between First Nations and western medical paradigms of health. We propose an alternative approach that focuses on how aboriginal people conceptualize wellness and describe their strengths. This provides a focus for initiatives that promote well-being by enhancing strengths rather than concentrating solely on deficits. We illustrate this approach by highlighting the indigenous knowledge of urban First Nations people in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. We conclude that supporting existing strengths promotes wellness in holistic, culturally appropriate, and empowering ways.
Talking Back: Six First Nations Women's Stories of Recovery From Childhood Sexual Abuse and Addictions
Authors: Herbert Elaine , McCannell Kathryn
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to create a discourse about recovery that embodied and reflected the life experience of six First Nations women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse and addictions. An exploratory, emancipatory, feminist qualitative research design elicited data through interactive audio-taped interview processes. The six stories were translated into four emergent themes with 10 subtexts. Gender and culture were central considerations in the women's stories of recovery.
The Failure to Acknowledge Differences in Developmental Capabilities Leads to Unjust Outcomes for Child Witnesses in Sexual Abuse Cases
Authors: Park Laura , Renner K. Edward
Published: October 2014

Court records of 58 examples of child sexual abuse testimony were examined for the sensitivity of the court in acknowledging the differing developmental capabilities between child and adult witnesses. Children were frequently asked developmentally inappropriate questions. These questions either exceeded the children's cognitive threshold of comprehension, or failed to respect the fact that children are not responsible for their sexuality by definition of being a child. The Canadian legal system fails justice to the extent that it holds the child responsible for providing accurate testimony, but fails to ensure that procedures are used which recognize the developmental capabilities and the nonsexual status of the child witness.