bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Z delom povezani dejavniki tveganja za samomorilno vedenje, varovalni dejavniki in možnosti preventivnega delovanja
Authors: Podlogar Tina
Published: March 2016

Delo je kot pomemben vidik posameznikovega življenja v odraslosti tesno povezano z zdravjem in duševnim zdravjem. Vidiki poklica, dela in zaposlitve lahko predstavljajo dejavnike tveganja za razvoj samomorilnega vedenja ali varovalne dejavnike, ki zmanjšujejo verjetnost le-tega. Namen prispevka je predstaviti poznane dejavnike tveganja za samomorilno vedenje in varovalne dejavnike, povezane z delom oz. zaposlitvijo, ter možnosti preventivnega delovanja v tem kontekstu. Pomemben dejavnik tveganja za samomorilno vedenje predstavlja brezposelnost. Povezanost med brezposelnostjo in samomorilnostjo je kompleksna in zanjo obstajata dve razlagi: (i) predhodna ranljivost naj bi vodila tako v brezposelnost kot samomorilno vedenje, (ii) hkrati pa naj bi bila povezanost do neke mere tudi vzročne narave. Obravnavana tematika je zelo pomembna v času ekonomske recesije, ko je stopnja brezposelnosti visoka in prihaja do neugodnih sprememb v pogojih dela. S samomorilnim vedenjem so povezani tudi različni psihosocialni in drugi pogoji dela. Učinkovite preventivne dejavnosti vključujejo pristope na več ravneh: aktivno politiko reševanja ekonomske krize in izboljšanja razmer na trgu dela, ustvarjanje in vzdrževanje spodbudnih delovnih pogojev, ozaveščanje in krepitev duševnega zdravja zaposlenih, izobraževanje vratarjev sistema ter preprečevanje dostopa do sredstev za samomor pri poklicih z dostopom do njih. Zaradi kompleksnosti samomorilnega vedenja se na tem področju kažejo potrebe po nadaljnjih raziskavah, ki bi pripomogle k boljšemu razumevanju specifičnih dejavnikov tveganja in zlasti varovalnih dejavnikov v ogroženih skupinah.
A UTILIZAÇÃO DO MODELO DE NEGÓCIOS CONCEITUAL NO GERENCIAMENTO DE PROJETOS DE TECNOLOGIA DA INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Siqueira Luciene Diana , Crispim Sérgio Feliciano , Gaspar Marcos Antonio
Published: March 2016

O modelo de negócios de uma organização é um importante instrumento estratégico para o seu sucesso, devendo ser, portanto, bem compreendido pelos profissionais da área de negócios e também pelos profissionais da área de tecnologia da informação. Mediante este contexto e considerando-se a importância da tecnologia da informação nos modelos de negócios contemporâneos, este artigo teve como objetivo verificar a utilização dos componentes do modelo de negócios no processo de gerenciamento de projetos de tecnologia da informação nas empresas. Para tanto, esta pesquisa exploratória investigou a utilização do conceito Business Model no gerenciamento de projetos de tecnologia da informação por meio de um levantamento junto a 327 profissionais executado de fevereiro a abril de 2012. Observou-se que o conceito modelo de negócios, bem como suas práticas ou seus blocos constituintes, ainda não é explorado em toda sua potencialidade, possivelmente por ser relativamente novo. Um dos benefícios desta ferramenta conceitual é oferecer um entendimento do core business por diferentes áreas, possibilitando assim um maior nivelamento do conhecimento das atividades essenciais da empresa entre profissionais de tecnologia da informação e da área de negócios.
Monitoramento Espacializado da Qualidade da Água de Poços Artesianos no Município de Rio Azul, Paraná
Authors: Barbosa Gabriela Diedrichs , Oliveira Filho Paulo Costa de , De Sousa Vidal Carlos Magno , Cavallini Grasiele Soares
Published: March 2016

Atualmente, novasmetodologias têm sido criadas para melhorar as análises das interações dasociedade com o meio ambiente e qualidade de vida. Portanto, buscam-se tecnologiasque permitam adquirir informações complementares e adicionais a respeito dessasinterações, sendo de grande importância aquelas que possibilitam aespacialização das informações obtidas, tornando mais eficientes as análises eavaliações necessárias. Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de espacializaçãodo monitoramento da qualidade da água de poços artesianos para o Município deRio Azul, Paraná, em ambiente de sistema de informações geográficas, parafacilitar o entendimento quanto a possíveis contaminações, como também apoiar atomada de decisão dos gestores responsáveis pelo controle de qualidade da águautilizada pela população.
CLASSIFICAÇÃO MULTICRITÉRIO DOS FATORES DE COMPROMETIMENTO ORGANIZACIONAL: UMA APLICAÇÃO DO MÉTODO UTADIS
Authors: Rangel Luis Alberto Duncan , Gomes Luiz Flavio Autran Monteiro , Gonçalves Marcos Eduardo Lopes
Published: March 2016

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho é a classificação dos itens da pesquisa de ambiência organizacional da PETROBRAS em relação ao seu impacto no comprometimento organizacional, a partir das preferências dos funcionários de uma gerência. O método utilizado para classificação dos itens foi o método de apoio multicritério à decisão UTADIS, utilizando critérios definidos a partir de questionários de medida do comprometimento organizacional. Os resultados obtidos com a participação dos funcionários da gerência foi a classificação de 6 itens, do total de 61, no grupo de alto impacto no comprometimento organizacional. O estudo mostrou a aplicabilidade do método para o problema, abrindo a possibilidade de ser utilizado em outras gerências da mesma empresa.AbstractThe objective of this study is to perform the classification of survey items organizational environment of PETROBRAS in relation to its impact on organizational commitment, from the preferences of employees in a particular management. The method used for sorting of the items was UTADIS, using criterions based on organizational commitment measure questionnaires. The result obtained with the participation of employees was the sorting of six items in 61 at high impact on organizational commitment. The study showed the method's applicability to the problem, opening the possibility of being used in other managements of the same company.
Very late stent thrombosis of bare-metal coronary stent nine years after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Djuric Predrag , Obradovic Slobodan , Stajic Zoran , Spasic Marijan , Matunovic Radomir , Romanovic Radoslav , Djenic Nemanja , Jovic Zoran
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Stent thrombosis (ST) in clinical practice can be classified according to time of onset as early (0?30 days after stent implantation), which is further divided into acute (< 24 hours) and subacute (1?30 days), late (> 30 days) and very late (> 12 months). Myocardial reinfaction due to very late ST in a patient receiving antithrombotic therapy is very rare, and potentially fatal. The procedure alone and related mechanical factors seem to be associated with acute/subacute ST. On the other hand, in-stent neoathero-sclerosis, inflammation, premature cessation of antiplatelet therapy, as well as stent fracture, stent malapposition, un-covered stent struts may play role in late/very late ST. Some findings implicate that the etiology of very late ST of bare-metal stent (BMS) is quite different from those following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Case report. We presented a 56-year old male with acute inferoposterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) related to very late stent thrombosis, 9 years after BMS implantation, despite antithrombotic therapy. Thrombus aspiration was successfully performed followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of DES into the pre-viously implanted two stents to solve the in-stent restenosis. Conclusion. Very late stent thrombosis, although fortu-nately very rare, not completely understood, might cause myocardial reinfaction, but could be successfully treated with thrombus aspiration followed by primary PCI. Very late ST in the presented patient might be connected with neointimal plaque rupture, followed by thrombotic events.
Adriamycin activity's durational governance of different cell death types and zonality in rat liver acinus. Immunohistochemical studies
Authors: Pedrycz Agnieszka , Boratyński Zbigniew , Siermontowski Piotr , Mendocha Jacek , Orłowski Marcin , Van Damme-Ostapowicz Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to develop and examine a model of apoptosis and necrosis of hepatocytes induced by a damaging factor - adriamycin, correlating time after its administration with cell death type, and to investigate the localisation within the liver acinus of hepatocytes dying in these two ways. The results obtained in the present and previous studies were compared in order to make a map of cell death localisation in the liver acinus, showing the effect of time in action and dose of adriamycin. The experiment was performed on 32 female Wistar rats, divided into four groups: I and II - experimental, and III and IV - control. Adriamycin (3 mg/kg b.w.) was administered intraperitoneally to rats in groups I and II, and the rats were decapitated after four (group I) and eight (group II) weeks. Animals in control groups III and IV were given 0.5 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, and decapitated after four and eight weeks respectively. Sections of the liver were examined with a three-stage immunohistochemical method. This method allowed to examine hepatocytes qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence of proteins involved in three types of apoptosis: induced by the mitochondrial pathway (caspase 3, 9), the intrinsic pathway related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (caspase 3, 12), and the extrinsic pathway (caspase 3, 8). One of the inflammatory markers, caspase 1, was also examined. The zonal localisation of all three types of apoptosis was assessed in the liver tissue. More oxidated hepatocytes indicated only signs of the internal mitochondrial pathway, whereas less oxidated hepatocytes induced the internal reticular pathway and the external apoptotic pathway. The period between adriamycin administration and hepatic cell investigation was a main factor of the process. A longer period post insult resulted in a more pronounced effect of the activation of apoptosis. Sections explored eight weeks after treatment with different doses of the drug (3 and 5 mg/kg in the previous study) showed a similar intensity of apoptosis.
Effectiveness of Global Postural Re-education in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pillastrini Paolo , de Lima e Sá Resende Fernanda , Banchelli Federico , Burioli Anna , Di Ciaccio Emanuele , Guccione Andrew A. , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Vanti Carla
Published: March 2016

Background

Global postural re-education (GPR) has shown positive results for patients with musculoskeletal disorders, but no previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) has investigated its effectiveness as the sole procedure for adult patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain (NP).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applying GPR compared with a manual therapy (MT) intervention to patients with chronic nonspecific NP.

Design

An RCT was conducted.

Patients

Ninety-four patients with chronic nonspecific NP (72 women and 22 men; average age=47.5 years, SD=11.3) were randomly assigned to receive either a GPR intervention or an MT intervention.

Outcome Measures

Pain intensity (visual analog scale), disability (Neck Disability Index), cervical range of motion, and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) were assessed.

Methods

The experimental group received GPR, and the reference group received MT. Both groups received nine 60-minute-long sessions with one-to-one supervision from physical therapists as the care providers. All participants were asked to follow ergonomic advice and to perform home exercises. Measures were assessed before treatment, following treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up.

Results

No important baseline differences were found between groups. The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in pain following treatment and in disability 6 months after the intervention compared with the reference group.

Limitations

Randomization did not lead to completely homogeneous groups. It also was noted that the time spent integrating the movements practiced during the session into daily routines at the end of each session was requested only of participants in the GPR group and may have had an impact on patient adherence that contributed to a better outcome.

Conclusions

The results suggest that GPR was more effective than MT for reducing pain after treatment and for reducing disability at 6-month follow-up in patients with chronic nonspecific NP.
A Post Publication Review of "Enhancing client welfare through better communication of private mental health data between rural service providers"
Authors: Thomas Catherine Jane
Published: March 2016

A short post publication review of a recent AJIS paper.
Novel Nonmetalated Hydrophobic and Metalated Phthalocyanines Bearing Pyridine-2-Thiol and 2,4,6-Trimethylphenylamine Substituents: Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Aggregation and Thermal Properties
Authors: Medyouni Rawdha , Mansour Lamjed , Zaghroub Fethi , Baklouti Lasaad , Hamdi Naceur
Published: March 2016

Novel metal–free and metallo-phthalocyanines, with different substituents at peripheral positions, have been synthesised by cyclotetramerisation of 4-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylamino)phthalonitrile and 4-(pyridine-2-ylsulfanyl)phthalonitrile in the presence of the corresponding divalent metal salts [Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)]. Quaternisation of the metallophthalocyanine functionality produced quaternised cationic Zn, Cu, Ni and Co phthalocyanines, which are soluble in DMF, H2O and DMSO. The aggregation behaviour of these compounds was investigated in different concentrations of DMSO. Their thermal stability and electronic stability are reported.
College News Vol.27(1) 2009
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Feasibility Study of a Scroll Expander for Recycling Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Energy from a Vehicle Gasoline Engine System
Authors: Luo Xing , Wang Jihong , Krupke Christopher , Xu Hongming
Published: March 2016

The growing number of vehicles on the road has led to a rapid increase in fuel consumption and toxic gas emissions, so the challenges in fuel efficiency improvement and reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions have always been on the top agenda of the automotive industry. The paper presents a feasibility study of recovering the low-pressure exhaust gas energy via by-pass connection of a scroll expander to the engine system exhaust. The paper starts with the description of the proposed new exhaust energy recycling scheme and the mathematical modelling of the system. A feasibility study is carried out to investigate whether this new scheme can work with the engine operation conditions specified by the engine test data. The initial study indicated that the scroll expander structure needs to be modified; otherwise, it cannot be used for exhaust energy recovery. The experimental test and simulation results presented in this paper indicate that it is feasible to recover the low-pressure exhaust gas energy using a scroll expander with a modified structure. The proposed energy recovery system has the potential to produce over 400 W power output with over 90% of engine exhaust flow recycling.
Experiment on Bidirectional Single Phase Converter Applying Model Predictive Current Controller
Authors: D’Antona Gabriele , Faranda Roberto , Hafezi Hossein , Bugliesi Marco
Published: March 2016

A bidirectional converter able to manage storage is a basic power electronics device, and it is a major component of renewable energy sources, micro grid and also the smart grid concept. In this paper, single-phase bidirectional converter topology is discussed. The state space model has been derived, and a simple model based predictive current controller has been utilized to control the inverter. Control block diagrams have been designed with MATLAB and simulation results are presented and compared with experimental ones, giving credibility to the derived model and the designed control method.
On the Flows of Fluids Defined through Implicit Constitutive Relations between the Stress and the Symmetric Part of the Velocity Gradient
Authors: Rajagopal Kumbakonam
Published: March 2016

Though implicit constitutive relations have been in place for a long time, wherein the stress, the strain (or the symmetric part of the velocity gradient), and their time derivatives have been used to describe the response of viscoelastic and inelastic bodies, it is only recently purely algebraic relationships between the stress and the displacement gradient (or the velocity gradient) have been introduced to describe the response of non-linear fluids and solids. Such models can describe phenomena that the classical theory, wherein the stress is expressed explicitly in terms of kinematical variables, is incapable of describing, and they also present a sensible way to approach important practical problems, such as the flows of colloids and suspensions and the turbulent flows of fluids, and that of the fracture of solids. In this paper we review this new class of algebraic implicit constitutive relations that can be used to describe the response of fluids.
Exploring an Ecologically Sustainable Scheme for Landscape Restoration of Abandoned Mine Land: Scenario-Based Simulation Integrated Linear Programming and CLUE-S Model
Authors: Zhang Liping , Zhang Shiwen , Huang Yajie , Cao Meng , Huang Yuanfang , Zhang Hongyan
Published: March 2016

Understanding abandoned mine land (AML) changes during land reclamation is crucial for reusing damaged land resources and formulating sound ecological restoration policies. This study combines the linear programming (LP) model and the CLUE-S model to simulate land-use dynamics in the Mentougou District (Beijing, China) from 2007 to 2020 under three reclamation scenarios, that is, the planning scenario based on the general land-use plan in study area (scenario 1), maximal comprehensive benefits (scenario 2), and maximal ecosystem service value (scenario 3). Nine landscape-scale graph metrics were then selected to describe the landscape characteristics. The results show that the coupled model presented can simulate the dynamics of AML effectively and the spatially explicit transformations of AML were different. New cultivated land dominates in scenario 1, while construction land and forest land account for major percentages in scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Scenario 3 has an advantage in most of the selected indices as the patches combined most closely. To conclude, reclaiming AML by transformation into more forest can reduce the variability and maintain the stability of the landscape ecological system in study area. These findings contribute to better mapping AML dynamics and providing policy support for the management of AML.
Primary Paediatric Bronchial Airway Epithelial Cell in Vitro Responses to Environmental Exposures
Authors: McInnes Neil , Davidson Matthew , Scaife Alison , Miller David , Spiteri Daniella , Engelhardt Tom , Semple Sean , Devereux Graham , Walsh Garry , Turner Steve
Published: March 2016

The bronchial airway epithelial cell (BAEC) is the site for initial encounters between inhaled environmental factors and the lower respiratory system. Our hypothesis was that release of pro inflammatory interleukins (IL)-6 and IL-8 from primary BAEC cultured from children will be increased after in vitro exposure to common environmental factors. Primary BAEC were obtained from children undergoing clinically indicated routine general anaesthetic procedures. Cells were exposed to three different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or house dust mite allergen (HDM) or particulates extracted from side stream cigarette smoke (SSCS). BAEC were obtained from 24 children (mean age 7.0 years) and exposed to stimuli. Compared with the negative control, there was an increase in IL-6 and IL-8 release after exposure to HDM (p ≤ 0.001 for both comparisons). There was reduced IL-6 after higher compared to lower SSCS exposure (p = 0.023). There was no change in BAEC release of IL-6 or IL-8 after LPS exposure. BAEC from children are able to recognise and respond in vitro with enhanced pro inflammatory mediator secretion to some inhaled exposures.
Targeted Disruption of Melanin Biosynthesis Genes in the Human Pathogenic Fungus Lomentospora prolificans and Its Consequences for Pathogen Survival
Authors: Al-Laaeiby Ayat , Kershaw Michael , Penn Tina , Thornton Christopher
Published: March 2016

The dematiaceous (melanised) fungus Lomentospora (Scedosporium) prolificans is a life-threatening opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised humans, resistant to anti-fungal drugs. Melanin has been shown to protect human pathogenic fungi against antifungal drugs, oxidative killing and environmental stresses. To determine the protective role of melanin in L. prolificans to oxidative killing (H2O2), UV radiation and the polyene anti-fungal drug amphotericin B, targeted gene disruption was used to generate mutants of the pathogen lacking the dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthetic enzymes polyketide synthase (PKS1), tetrahydroxynapthalene reductase (4HNR) and scytalone dehydratase (SCD1). Infectious propagules (spores) of the wild-type strain 3.1 were black/brown, whereas spores of the PKS-deficient mutant ΔLppks1::hph were white. Complementation of the albino mutant ΔLppks1::hph restored the black-brown spore pigmentation, while the 4HNR-deficient mutant ΔLp4hnr::hph and SCD-deficient mutant ΔLpscd1::hph both produced orange-yellow spores. The mutants ΔLppks1::hph and ΔLp4hnr::hph showed significant reductions in spore survival following H2O2 treatment, while spores of ΔLpscd1::hph and the ΔLppks1::hph complemented strain ΔLppks1::hph:PKS showed spore survivals similar to strain 3.1. Spores of the mutants ΔLp4hnr::hph and ΔLpscd1::hph and complemented strain ΔLppks1::hph:PKS showed spore survivals similar to 3.1 following exposure to UV radiation, but survival of ΔLppks1::hph spores was significantly reduced compared to the wild-type strain. Strain 3.1 and mutants ΔLp4hnr::hph and ΔLppks1::hph:PKS were resistant to amphotericin B while, paradoxically, the PKS1- and SCD1-deficient mutants showed significant increases in growth in the presence of the antifungal drug. Taken together, these results show that while melanin plays a protective role in the survival of the pathogen to oxidative killing and UV radiation, melanin does not contribute to its resistance to amphotericin B.
Species Identification of Bovine, Ovine and Porcine Type 1 Collagen; Comparing Peptide Mass Fingerprinting and LC-Based Proteomics Methods
Authors: Buckley Mike
Published: March 2016

Collagen is one of the most ubiquitous proteins in the animal kingdom and the dominant protein in extracellular tissues such as bone, skin and other connective tissues in which it acts primarily as a supporting scaffold. It has been widely investigated scientifically, not only as a biomedical material for regenerative medicine, but also for its role as a food source for both humans and livestock. Due to the long-term stability of collagen, as well as its abundance in bone, it has been proposed as a source of biomarkers for species identification not only for heat- and pressure-rendered animal feed but also in ancient archaeological and palaeontological specimens, typically carried out by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) as well as in-depth liquid chromatography (LC)-based tandem mass spectrometric methods. Through the analysis of the three most common domesticates species, cow, sheep, and pig, this research investigates the advantages of each approach over the other, investigating sites of sequence variation with known functional properties of the collagen molecule. Results indicate that the previously identified species biomarkers through PMF analysis are not among the most variable type 1 collagen peptides present in these tissues, the latter of which can be detected by LC-based methods. However, it is clear that the highly repetitive sequence motif of collagen throughout the molecule, combined with the variability of the sites and relative abundance levels of hydroxylation, can result in high scoring false positive peptide matches using these LC-based methods. Additionally, the greater alpha 2(I) chain sequence variation, in comparison to the alpha 1(I) chain, did not appear to be specific to any particular functional properties, implying that intra-chain functional constraints on sequence variation are not as great as inter-chain constraints. However, although some of the most variable peptides were only observed in LC-based methods, until the range of publicly available collagen sequences improves, the simplicity of the PMF approach and suitable range of peptide sequence variation observed makes it the ideal method for initial taxonomic identification prior to further analysis by LC-based methods only when required.
The Lifecycle Benefit–Cost Analysis for a Rural Bridge Construction to Support Energy Transportation
Authors: Dharmadhikari Nimish , Lee EunSu , Kayabas Poyraz
Published: March 2016

Rural roads represent an important part of the economy in the Great Plains and Midwest of the United States. As oil exploration in North Dakota increases, the number of vehicles travelling on these roads is also increasing, resulting in significant needs for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, including the construction of new bridges. The lifecycle benefit–cost analysis of bridge construction is the overall objective of this research. This paper investigates the benefits of combining travel demand modeling and lifecycle benefit–cost analysis, and demonstrates traffic forecasting using geographic information systems (GIS) and network flow problem. The paper also shows a comparison of the alternative scenarios. The authors demonstrate a method of integrating geographic information systems, operations research, and data analytics to estimate future traffic by evaluating infrastructure needs. The travel demand modeling is essential for the lifecycle benefit–cost analysis. This study would help government agencies and construction companies evaluate and prioritize new bridge construction projects. The agencies should consider adding the environmental costs.
Synthesis of Monodispersed Ag-Doped Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles via Surface Modification
Authors: Kozon Dominika , Zheng Kai , Boccardi Elena , Liu Yufang , Liverani Liliana , Boccaccini Aldo
Published: March 2016

Monodispersed spherical Ag-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ag-BGNs) were synthesized by a modified Stöber method combined with surface modification. The surface modification was carried out at 25, 60, and 80 °C, respectively, to investigate the influence of processing temperature on particle properties. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results indicated that higher temperatures facilitate the incorporation of Ag. Hydroxyapatite (HA) formation on Ag-BGNs was detected upon immersion of the particles in simulated body fluid for 7 days, which indicated that Ag-BGNs maintained high bioactivity after surface modification. The conducted antibacterial assay confirmed that Ag-BGNs had an antibacterial effect on E. coli. The above results thereby suggest that surface modification is an effective way to incorporate Ag into BGNs and that the modified BGNs can remain monodispersed as well as exhibit bioactivity and antibacterial capability for biomedical applications.
Reduction of Leaching Impacts by Applying Biomass Bottom Ash and Recycled Mixed Aggregates in Structural Layers of Roads
Authors: Cabrera Manuel , Galvin Adela , Agrela Francisco , Beltran Manuel , Ayuso Jesus
Published: March 2016

This research is focused on analyzing the environmental pollution potential of biomass bottom ashes as individual materials, as mixtures manufactured with biomass bottom ashes and granular construction aggregates, and these mixtures treated with cement. For the environmental assessment of all of the samples and materials mentioned, the following leaching procedures have been performed: the compliance batch test of UNE-EN 12457-3:2003 for aggregates and bottom ashes; the column test according to NEN 7343:1994 for the mixtures prepared in the laboratory; and the tank test by EA NEN 7375:2004 for analyzing the behavior of mixtures after their solidification/stabilization with 5% cement. After the discussion of the data, the reduction of the pollution load of the most hazardous biomass bottom ashes after their combination with different aggregates can be confirmed, which implies their possible application in civil infrastructures, such as filler embankments and road construction layers, without negatively impacting the environment. In addition, the positive effect of the stabilization/solidification of the cement-treated mixtures with a reduction of the heavy metals that were released at the highest levels, namely As, Hg Cr, Ni, Cu, Se and Mo, was proven.
Transient Network at Large Deformations: Elastic–Plastic Transition and Necking Instability
Authors: Meng Fanlong , Terentjev Eugene
Published: March 2016

We theoretically investigate the mechanical response of a transient network, which is characterised by dynamically breaking and re-forming crosslinks, and accounts for the finite chain extensibility (thus permitting the large deformations to be described). We build the general theory that incorporates the widely accepted empirical model of hyper-elasticity at large deformations (the Gent model) and naturally includes the microscopic behavior of transient crosslinks under the local tension applied to them. The full analytical expression for the elastic energy, or equivalently, the constitutive relation for arbitrary deformation is derived, and then the example of uniaxial tensile strain is focused on. In this case, we show that the mechanical response depends on the ratio of the imposed strain rate and the breakage rate of the crosslink: the system flows plastically (over a yield point) when the strain rate is much smaller than the breakage rate, while it remains elastic when the strain rate is much larger than the breakage rate. There is a broad range of this transition when the elastic and plastic regions of the sample coexist, and a resulting necking instability occurs. As a generalisation, we also consider a dual transient network, with two components penetrating each other, each having its own microscopic crosslink dynamics. The two networks add their local forces and share the deformation; we find that the network with a lower breakage rate determines the global deformation of the system.
Operational Drought Monitoring in Kenya Using MODIS NDVI Time Series
Authors: Klisch Anja , Atzberger Clement
Published: March 2016

Reliable drought information is of utmost importance for efficient drought management. This paper presents a fully operational processing chain for mapping drought occurrence, extent and strength based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data at 250 m resolution. Illustrations are provided for the territory of Kenya. The processing chain was developed at BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria) and employs a modified Whittaker smoother providing consistent (de-noised) NDVI “Monday-images” in near real-time (NRT), with time lags between zero and thirteen weeks. At a regular seven-day updating interval, the algorithm constrains modeled NDVI values based on reasonable temporal NDVI paths derived from corresponding (multi-year) NDVI “climatologies”. Contrary to other competing approaches, an uncertainty range is produced for each pixel, time step and time lag. To quantify drought strength, the vegetation condition index (VCI) is calculated at pixel level from the de-noised NDVI data and is spatially aggregated to administrative units. Besides the original weekly temporal resolution, the indicator is also aggregated to one- and three-monthly intervals. During spatial and temporal aggregations, uncertainty information is taken into account to down-weight less reliable observations. Based on the provided VCI, Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has been releasing disaster contingency funds (DCF) to sustain counties in drought conditions since 2014. The paper illustrates the successful application of the drought products within NDMA by providing a retrospective analysis applied to droughts reported by regular food security assessments. We also present comparisons with alternative products of the US Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). We found an overall good agreement (R2 = 0.89) between the two datasets, but observed some persistent (seasonal and spatial) differences that should be assessed against external reference information.
Amperometric Biosensor Based on Diamine Oxidase/Platinum Nanoparticles/Graphene/Chitosan Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode for Histamine Detection
Authors: Apetrei Irina , Apetrei Constantin
Published: March 2016

This work describes the development and optimization studies of a novel biosensor employed in the detection and quantification of histamine in freshwater fish samples. The proposed biosensor is based on a modified carbon screen-printed electrode with diamineoxidase, graphene and platinum nanoparticles, which detects the hydrogen peroxide formed by the chemical process biocatalysed by the enzyme diamine oxidase and immobilized onto the nanostructurated surface of the receptor element. The amperometric measurements with the biosensor have been implemented in buffer solution of pH 7.4, applying an optimal low potential of +0.4 V. The novel biosensor shows high sensitivity (0.0631 μA·μM), low detection limit (2.54 × 10−8 M) and a broad linear domain from 0.1 to 300 μM. The applicability in natural complex samples and the analytical parameters of this enzyme sensor have been performed in the quantification of histamine in freshwater fish. An excellent correlation among results achieved with the developed biosensor and results found with the standard method for all freshwater fish samples has been achieved.
A Novel Tactile Sensor with Electromagnetic Induction and Its Application on Stick-Slip Interaction Detection
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Han Haijun , Liu Tao , Yi Jingang , Li Qingguo , Inoue Yoshio
Published: March 2016

Real-time detection of contact states, such as stick-slip interaction between a robot and an object on its end effector, is crucial for the robot to grasp and manipulate the object steadily. This paper presents a novel tactile sensor based on electromagnetic induction and its application on stick-slip interaction. An equivalent cantilever-beam model of the tactile sensor was built and capable of constructing the relationship between the sensor output and the friction applied on the sensor. With the tactile sensor, a new method to detect stick-slip interaction on the contact surface between the object and the sensor is proposed based on the characteristics of friction change. Furthermore, a prototype was developed for a typical application, stable wafer transferring on a wafer transfer robot, by considering the spatial magnetic field distribution and the sensor size according to the requirements of wafer transfer. The experimental results validate the sensing mechanism of the tactile sensor and verify its feasibility of detecting stick-slip on the contact surface between the wafer and the sensor. The sensing mechanism also provides a new approach to detect the contact state on the soft-rigid surface in other robot-environment interaction systems.
Determinants of the Bovine Leukemia Virus Envelope Glycoproteins Involved in Infectivity, Replication and Pathogenesis
Authors: De Brogniez Alix , Mast Jan , Willems Luc
Published: March 2016

Interaction of viral envelope proteins with host cell membranes has been extensively investigated in a number of systems. However, the biological relevance of these interactions in vivo has been hampered by the absence of adequate animal models. Reverse genetics using the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) genome highlighted important functional domains of the envelope protein involved in the viral life cycle. For example, immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM) of the envelope transmembrane protein (TM) are essential determinants of infection. Although cell fusion directed by the aminoterminal end of TM is postulated to be essential, some proviruses expressing fusion-deficient envelope proteins unexpectedly replicate at wild-type levels. Surprisingly also, a conserved N-linked glycosylation site of the extracellular envelope protein (SU) inhibits cell-to-cell transmission suggesting that infectious potential has been limited during evolution. In this review, we summarize the knowledge pertaining to the BLV envelope protein in the context of viral infection, replication and pathogenesis.
Salts Removal from Synthetic Solution-Potash Brine by Non-Planted Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Chairawiwut Warawut , McMartin Dena , Azam Shahid
Published: March 2016

Four pilot-scale non-planted constructed wetlands (CWs) were employed to study the fate and transport of the two dominant chloride salts contained in brine resulting from solution mining activities in the potash industry. The simulated brine contained a 10:1 ratio of NaCl:KCl based on authentic brine characteristics. The multi-layer soils functioned as a main salt filtering component comprising of Regina Clay, sand and gravels. The CW systems were operated in three batches of 16 days (experiments 1–3). K+ ions were removed by 92% (4.6 mg/L) from the effluent, while Cl− and Na+ were removed in lower proportions of 51% (85.3 mg/L) and 45% (53.2 mg/L), respectively. Over time, the retained quantities of the three target salt ions decreased, indicating that clay sorption capacity may have been reached. This study demonstrated that Regina Clay has substantial sorbent capacity for salt ions contained in simulated potash brine solution.
La place du principe de précaution dans la directive UE du 12 mars 2001 relative à la dissémination volontaire d'organismes génétiquement modifiés dans l'environnement
Authors: Boy Laurence
Published: March 2016

La Commission européenne avait envoyé un message clair à ses partenaires dans une communication du 2 février 2000, message selon lequel le principe de précaution continuait et devait continuer d'inspirer les positions de l'Europe en matière environnementale et sanitaire. Cette communication s'inscrivait largement dans les suites du différend commercial sur le bœuf aux hormones et l'interprétation du principe de précaution, du moins, de l'attitude de précaution qui y fut faite par l'organe d'appel de l'OMC. C'est dans ce contexte conflictuel que l'on se propose d'analyser la directive UE du 12 mars 2001 relative à la dissémination volontaire d'OGM dans l'environnement qui abroge la directive n° 90/220/CEE du Conseil. Il est impossible, bien sûr, de couper l'analyse de cette dernière du contexte dans lequel elle baigne : proposition de règlement UE sur l'étiquetage OGM, dispositifs américains sur la sécurité alimentaire et sanitaire. Cette directive prend sans doute en compte l'opinion ambivalente et très contrastée des Européens sur les différentes utilisations des biotechnologies. Pour comprendre la nouvelle directive, il faut faire ici référence aux encadrements juridiques qui ont été proposés en matière d'OGM et aux inquiétudes croissantes qui se sont manifestées, notamment en matière d'environnement. Ces encadrements ont reposé sur des présupposés radicalement différents liés aux perceptions culturelles des risques.
Active multi-point microrheology of cytoskeletal networks
Authors: Paust Tobias , Neckernuss Tobias , Mertens Lina Katinka , Martin Ines , Beil Michael , Walther Paul , Schimmel Thomas , Marti Othmar
Published: March 2016

Active microrheology is a valuable tool to determine viscoelastic properties of polymer networks. Observing the response of the beads to the excitation of a reference leads to dynamic and morphological information of the material. In this work we present an expansion of the well-known active two-point microrheology. By measuring the response of multiple particles in a viscoelastic medium in response to the excitation of a reference particle, we are able to determine the force propagation in the polymer network. For this purpose a lock-in technique is established that allows for extraction of the periodical motion of embedded beads. To exert a sinusoidal motion onto the reference bead an optical tweezers setup in combination with a microscope is used to investigate the motion of the response beads. From the lock-in data the so called transfer tensor can be calculated, which is a direct measure for the ability of the network to transmit mechanical forces. We also take a closer look at the influence of noise on lock-in measurements and state some simple rules for improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Biosynthesis of α-pyrones
Authors: Schäberle Till F
Published: March 2016

The α-pyrone moiety is a structural feature found in a huge variety of biologically active metabolites. In recent times new insights into additional biosynthetic mechanisms, yielding in such six-membered unsaturated ester ring residues have been obtained. The purpose of this mini-review is to give a brief overview of α-pyrones and the mechanisms forming the basis of their natural synthesis. Especially the chain interconnecting enzymes, showing homology to ketosynthases which catalyze Claisen-like condensation reactions, will be presented.
A NEW APPROACH FOR SUBCONTRACTOR SELECTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BASED ON PORTFOLIO THEORY
Authors: ABBASIANJAHROMI Hamidreza , RAJAIE Hossein , SHAKERI Eghbal , KAZEMI Omid
Published: March 2016

Various challenges such as new technologies, growing complexity and competitive environment, require the main contractor to assign some of the project’s tasks to other parties, the so-called subcontractors. Although subcontract­ing is a usual phenomenon in the construction industry, insufficient attention to the subcontractor selection strategy may pose some major threats to a project. Having in mind the significance of such risks, the optimization of subcontractor selection is essential for the success of the project. The importance of risk management in selecting subcontractors and the direct relation between risks and returns in most projects are two main motives for using the concept of portfolio in this paper. The main objective of this paper is to propose a model to allocate the best portion of project’s task to some subcontractors in order to reach the optimized portfolio of subcontractors and main contractor. This is a new approach in the subcontractor management; therefore, after presenting the model, an illustrative example will be presented for better understanding.
GLOBAL SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS IN STABILITY PROBLEMS OF STEEL FRAME STRUCTURES
Authors: KALA Zdeněk
Published: March 2016

Slender steel frame structures are characterised by a number of imperfections which may reduce their load carrying capacity drastically. This article studies the effects of these imperfections on the load carrying capacity of a single storey steel plane frame using global sensitivity analysis and geometrically nonlinear (second-order) elastic finite element analysis. Imperfections are considered as random variables. Statistical load carrying capacities needed for the evaluation of sensitivity analysis are processed using classical statistical methods upon the emulation of Latin Hyper­cube Sampling simulation methods. The main interaction effects of random imperfections on the load carrying capac­ity are identified using global sensitivity analysis. It is illustrated that the effects of imperfections on the load carrying capacity varies dramatically depending on the height of the columns and the boundary conditions of the end conditions of the columns.
RESPONSES OF ABOVE- AND BELOW-GROUND CARBON STOCKS TO ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS IN TIBETAN ALPINE GRASSLANDS
Authors: LIU Hongsheng , MIAO Zewei
Published: March 2016

Paucity in the knowledge of responses of grassland carbon dynamics to environmental variables constrains our ability to predict future ecosystem productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate differential responses of above- and below-ground carbon stocks to environmental drivers in Tibetan alpine Plateau at both regional and local scales. Variance partitioning and non-linear regression between carbon stocks and environmental driving variables suggested that both above- and below-ground carbon stocks showed a significant negative relationship with temperature and a positive relationship with soil moisture. Annual accumulated temperature constrained above-ground carbon at regional scale (r2 = 0.50, P < 0.0001), while soil moisture controlled below-ground carbon at local scale (r2 = 0.48, P < 0.0001). Scale-specific responses of above- and belowground carbon storage to temperature and soil moisture complicated the influences of abiotic environmental variables on ecosystem productivity. Soil carbon had significant unimodal (r2 = 0.11, P = 0.0073) and linear (r2 = 0.37, P < 0.0001) relationships with mean annual temperature and soil moisture, respectively. Since the driving factors of aboveground and soil carbon content are specific to spatial scales, the relationships of grassland carbon storage and environmental factors at small scales are not applicable to a large spatial scale.
AN INTRODUCTION TO PROSPECTIVE MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTE DECISION MAKING (PMADM)
Authors: HASHEMKHANI ZOLFANI Sarfaraz , MAKNOON Reza , ZAVADSKAS Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: March 2016

In recent years futures science has received a great deal of attention and has gained worldwide credibility in the science community as the science of tomorrows. The countless applications of futures studies in various fields have been a major breakthrough for mankind. Undoubtedly, decision making is one of the most significant aspects of shaping the future and an integral part of any credible future research. Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) in general and Multiple Attribute Decision Making in particular (MADM), are among the most remarkable subparts of the decision making process. The most recent model developed using the MADM method is the Dynamic MADM. The model does not specifically concentrate on the future actions and approaches and remains to be fully explored. This research presents a new concept and a new approach in the MADM field which is called the Prospective Multiple Attribute Decision Making (PMADM). The PMADM model can very well cover the DMADM concept but instead chooses to focus on future topics. The study also introduces two new approaches. The first research aims to elaborate the basis of this model and then evolves to deal with the future limiters as they potentially pop up and change the course of future actions. The new model based on future limiters is separated and categorized into two sections; one of which is looked upon without the probabilities rate and the other one with the probabilities rate. This approach is deemed priceless due to its major applicability in the ranking of the MADM methods such as: TOPSIS, VIKOR, COPRAS, ARAS, WASPAS and etc. Finally, a case study with the various applications of PMADM model in WASPAS methodology is put forth and illustrated.