bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European shags optimize their flight behavior according to wind conditions
Authors: Kogure Yukihisa , Sato Katsufumi , Watanuki Yutaka , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis
Published: February 2016

Aerodynamics results in two characteristic speeds of flying birds: the minimum power speed and the maximum range speed. The minimum power speed requires the lowest rate of energy expenditure per unit time to stay airborne and the maximum range speed maximizes air distance traveled per unit of energy consumed. Therefore, if birds aim to minimize the cost of transport under a range of wind conditions, they are predicted to fly at the maximum range speed. Furthermore, take-off is predicted to be strongly affected by wind speed and direction. To investigate the effect of wind conditions on take-off and cruising flight behavior, we equipped 14 European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis with a back-mounted GPS logger to measure position and hence ground speed, and a neck-mounted accelerometer to record wing beat frequency and strength. Local wind conditions were recorded during the deployment period. Shags always took off into the wind regardless of their intended destination and take-off duration was correlated negatively with wind speed. We combined ground speed and direction during the cruising phase with wind speed and direction to estimate air speed and direction. Whilst ground speed was highly variable, air speed was comparatively stable, although it increased significantly during strong head winds, because of stronger wing beats. The increased air speeds in head winds suggest that birds fly at the maximum range speed, not at the minimum power speed. Our study demonstrates that European shags actively adjust their flight behavior to utilize wind power to minimize the costs of take-off and cruising flight.
Diet-induced phenotypic plasticity in European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: De Meyer Jens , Christiaens Joachim , Adriaens Dominique
Published: February 2016

Two phenotypes are present within the European eel population: broad-heads and narrow-heads. The expression of these phenotypes has been linked to several factors, such as diet and differential growth. The exact factors causing this dimorphism, however, are still unknown. In this study, we performed a feeding experiment on glass eels from the moment they start to feed. Eels were either fed a hard diet, which required biting and spinning behavior, or a soft diet, which required suction feeding. We found that the hard feeders develop a broader head and a larger adductor mandibulae region than eels that were fed a soft diet, implying that the hard feeders are capable of larger bite forces. Next to this, soft feeders develop a sharper and narrower head, which could reduce hydrodynamic drag, allowing more rapid strikes towards their prey. Both phenotypes were found in a control group, which were given a combination of both diets. These phenotypes were, however, not as extreme as the hard or the soft feeding group, indicating that some specimens are more likely to consume hard prey and others soft prey, but that they do not selectively eat one of both diets. In conclusion, we found that diet is a major factor influencing head shape in European eel and this ability to specialize in feeding on hard or soft prey could decrease intra-specific competition in European eel populations.
Developing a perinatal mental health module: An integrated care approach
Authors: Davies Louise , Page Nadine , Glover Heather , Sudbury Harriet
Published: February 2016

Midwives have a key role in identifying women at risk of perinatal mental health problems, referring to specialist services, planning care where appropriate, and supporting women and their families. Current guidelines and standards do not place an emphasis on perinatal mental health care as central to the training of student midwives in the UK. Research has shown that midwifery students and midwives do not feel skilled in this aspect of their role. At the University of Surrey, a programme-specific perinatal mental health module was developed for student midwives in the second year of their pre-registration programme, which has been well evaluated. Service users and specialist mental health practitioners have been involved in developing and teaching the module, and the content is reviewed annually to reflect national policy drivers.
Pre-registration midwifery education: Clinicians in the classroom
Authors: Power Alison
Published: February 2016

According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC, 2009 ), pre-registration midwifery programmes of study must be made up of no less than 50% practice and no less than 40% theory. The programme must also include a variety of teaching and learning strategies. Programmes of study are enhanced when midwifery teaching is complemented with input from other experts such as service users, midwives and other members of the multidisciplinary team. This is the first of a series of articles discussing teaching by a range of health professionals, each of which will include the featured professional's role and responsibilities, their motivations to teach, the topics they cover and, where appropriate, how this input is evaluated by student midwives.
Part 2: A model for evidence-based decision-making in midwifery care
Authors: Ménage Diane
Published: February 2016

National and local health-care policies, along with professional standards and guidance, call for midwives to play a key role in delivering evidence-based, safe, personalised care in partnership with women. However, the tools to guide this complex process have been missing. This paper introduces, explains and demonstrates the utility of a model of evidence-based decision-making for midwifery. Uniquely, the model uses a very broad definition of evidence, which includes evidence from the woman, the midwife, research and resources, in an environmental context. The model addresses a gap in theory and practice about how partnership decision-making works within increasingly complex maternity services. Testing and evaluating the model in different maternity settings would assist in the development and refinement of this model.
Using the Valsalva technique during the second stage of labour
Authors: Hamilton Cathy
Published: February 2016

The Valsalva technique for directed pushing during the second stage of labour is an intervention still used by some health care practitioners in the UK, despite evidence suggesting that this is not the best approach to intrapartum care. Current research in this area is limited, with ambiguous findings. The latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE, 2014 ) guidelines recommend that until further research is forthcoming, women should be guided by their own instinctive urge to push during the second stage and directed pushing should not be used as part of routine intrapartum care. Midwives are encouraged to ensure that women are fully informed of the latest evidence, and use their professional judgement in conjunction with the woman's individual needs and preferences while undertaking care during the second stage of labour.
Cell-free DNA fetal blood group testing for RhD-negative pregnant women: Implications for midwifery
Authors: Ford Jenny , Soothill Peter
Published: February 2016

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) RhD testing of maternal plasma has been implemented in Avon as a clinical service, so that normal rhesus D-negative pregnant women (about 15% of pregnant women) are only given antenatal anti-D if the fetus is RhD positive. As a result, only RhD-negative women carrying a RhD-positive baby are given antenatal anti-D, meaning that about 40% of healthy RhD-negative pregnant women need not be exposed to a blood product that is pooled from many donors. This also means health services can conserve the use of a costly product (requiring deliberate sensitisation of volunteers) that can be in short supply, for those who need it. The cfDNA RhD test is now available in NHS laboratories and this article proposes that maternity services should implement this approach across the country.
HPV immunisation programme: An update
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: February 2016

Dorothy Lepkowska provides an update on the HPV immunisation programme's progress, and looks at the uptake rates and the impact on health so far.
Perceptions of consent in adolescents who display harmful sexual behaviour
Authors: King-Hill Sophie , Barrie Richard
Published: February 2016

This article explores perceptions of consent in adolescents who display harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). It discusses society's constructions of the adolescent in terms of emerging sexuality, and examines definitions of HSB in terms of adolescents and gender. The terminology of consent, and what it means will be examined in depth in relation to the context in which it is referred to. The article also explores interventions aimed at tackling the issue of HSB and perceptions of consent in adolescence.

For clarity, this article discusses HSB directed at 10–19-year-olds only.
Dealing with multi-cat households: management and treatment strategies
Authors: Clark Caroline
Published: February 2016

The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) continues to be one of the most commonly owned companion animals. Owners may be pressured to house more than one cat, or may misguidedly think that cats require feline companionship. However, being forced to co-exist with unrelated individuals in a densely populated home is a potential source of feline stress, and in 2015 Cats Protection ( www.cats.org.uk ) saw an 18% increase in the number of cats entering adoption centres due to cohabiting cats not getting along. When problems occur, it is often the veterinary practice that owners will turn to for advice, although in many cases this happens only once the situation has become critical. The veterinary team therefore has a major role in educating the client, and being able to provide advice on the needs of the cat can assist in reducing problem behaviours. The second part of this two-part article concentrates on strategies to help manage cats living in a multi-cat household. Advice on the integration of cats is provided, looking at their temperament to aid compatibility and prevent problems from developing. Recommendations for alleviating stress are considered and the importance of environmental enrichment is discussed. Practical solutions and treatment options are provided to enable the clinician to develop an effective treatment plan.
Flank or midline ovariohysterectomy in the cat?
Authors: Yates David , Goetz Ursula
Published: February 2016

Both the left flank and the midline approach may be used for ovariohysterectomy in the cat, and either approach may be appropriate in most cases. However, recent research suggests that the midline approach may be less painful, and therefore should be considered more often. Definite advantages of the midline approach include improved exteriorisation of the right ovary and of the gravid uterus, particularly in late pregnancy, but the risks of wound contamination and of dehiscence must be remembered, particularly in feral cats. It also avoids the coat colour changes seen if the flank is shaved in Siamese or Burmese cats. The left flank approach sometimes makes elevation of the right ovary or exteriorisation of the uterine bifurcation problematic. It is less useful in the heavily pregnant animal, in which a large flank incision would be needed and would cause more muscle damage. However, it is preferable in lactating individuals, may be preferred in the management of feline fibroadenomatous mammary hyperplasia, and has some advantages in stray cat spay projects.
Ethylene glycol poisoning
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: February 2016

Ethylene glycol, which is most commonly encountered in antifreeze, causes acidosis and renal failure and is a frequent cause of lethal poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats. Initial signs including neurological effects and vomiting are non-specific and may be overlooked. Signs progress as renal failure develops. The aims of therapy in ethylene glycol poisoning are to prevent metabolism of the parent compound and the production of toxic metabolites, typically through the use of ethanol; reverse electrolyte and acid/base disturbances; and maintain the glomerular filtration rate. Antidotal therapy should be started as soon as possible after ingestion for the best chance of survival, because ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed and metabolised, and once renal failure occurs treatment options are limited. Haemodialysis can be effective but is rarely available. Prognosis is poor in animals with renal failure, seizures or coma.
Geoeconomic and Geopolitical Conflicts: Outcomes of the Geopolitical Economy in a Contemporary World
Authors: Petar Kurecic
Published: February 2016

The paper studies the influence of states' dependence on the exploitation and export of non-renewable natural resources on the development of conflicts, the so-called resource conflicts. Various authors describe the term “geopolitical economy” in a number of different ways. A major distinction between their views pertains to the role and the importance that the state has in the international political economy and also at the global level. However, drawing mainly on R. Desai's thesis that the modern world is predominantly characterized by uneven and combined development and that states have the dominant role in it (states dominate the political economy on the domestic level and the geopolitical economy on the international level), different types of conflicts will be compared and put into different “geopolitical economies.” The main research thesis is that resource conflicts can be described as geoeconomic-geopolitical conflicts, and these conflicts evolve as outcomes of the geopolitical economy.
The Uneven and Crisis-Prone Development of Capitalism: A Review of the Tenth Forum of World Association for Political Economy
Authors: Xiaoqin Ding  , Xing Yin
Published: February 2016

The development of capitalism is always uneven and crisis-prone. The gap between developed countries and developing countries has grown wider since the 1980s, while the emerging economies including BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have grown faster than developed countries, occupying a growing share of world GDP especially since the 2008 world economic and financial crisis. But developed countries still take most surplus value in the world through various financial powers and rigged trade deals which favour them over emerging economies and transfer and deepen all kinds of contradictions in ecology, class, race, and gender to developing countries. At this juncture, June 2015, world scholars of Marxism gathered together in Wits University, South Africa, to discuss the uneven and crisis-prone development of capitalism from the perspective of Marxian economics. Topics to be discussed include the current situation of uneven development, its forms and representations, and causes and solutions both theoretically and practically.
A Reason to Live: Can Understanding Close Friendships in College Prevent Suicide?
Authors: Hope Keely J. , Smith-Adcock Sondra
Published: February 2016

Reason for living is a seldom-studied concept that may have important implications for college student affairs. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of attachment style in close friendships and emotional autonomy from parents on college students’ reasons for living. A sample of 441 undergraduate students participated by completing an online survey, including attachment style, emotional autonomy, and reasons to live. Findings suggested gender, attachment avoidance, and dependence on parents are predictors of college students’ reasons for living.
Prescription Stimulant Use by Graduate Students
Authors: Varga Matt , Varga Mary Alice
Published: February 2016

This study assessed illegal prescription stimulant use among graduate students. Prevalence, reasons for use, and poly-substance abuse were specifically examined. Graduate students enrolled in a large southeastern university (N = 1,015) completed a modified version of the Student Life Survey about their experiences. Findings revealed 15.8% of graduate students reported illicit use of prescription stimulants in their lifetime and 5.1% reported past-year illicit use, primarily for academic reasons, and were more likely to use other drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine. Recommendations for future research and practical implication and suggestions for college administrators are provided.
Dating to Hooking Up: The Emotional and Behavioral Health of College Women
Authors: Siebenbruner Jessica
Published: February 2016

The current study explored the association between dating, romantic relationships, and hooking up and the emotional and behavioral health (EBH) of women during college. Participants were 255 female undergraduate students. Results suggest a potential for hooking up, as well as dating and romantic relationships, to be associated with the EBH (especially alcohol use, drug use, and eating pathology) of women. Understanding these interrelations could enhance the relational, emotional, and behavioral health of young women.
Conflictiva secularización: sobre sociología, religión e historia
Authors: De la Cueva Merino Julio
Published: February 2016

En los últimos treinta años, el paradigma de la secularización como modelo explicativo del cambio religioso en la modernidad ha estado sometido a intensa contestación y debate. Mientras que un número no desdeñable de sociólogos sigue manteniendo su validez, una cantidad cada vez mayor de estudiosos critican su inadecuación y proponen modelos alternativos que ayuden a explicar la sostenida presencia de la religión en las sociedades modernas. Este artículo pretende revisar el estado de este debate, que se desarrolla principalmente en el ámbito de la sociología, y contribuir a un mejor conocimiento del mismo entre los historiadores. Asimismo, se propone poner de relieve las posibilidades de reflexión para la historia religiosa y la historia en general que ofrecen las controversias actuales sobre la secularización. Por último, reivindica la utilidad del concepto secularización en el contexto español, siempre que esta se entienda como una «secularización conflictiva», una secularización problematizada en su conceptualización y en su desarrollo historiográfico.
¿Dios cambió de sexo? El debate internacional sobre la feminización de la religión y algunas reflexiones para la españa decimonónica
Authors: Mínguez Blasco Raúl
Published: February 2016

Este artículo pretende ofrecer una aproximación crítica al debate internacional en torno a la feminización de la religión durante el siglo xix y principios del xx. Se recogen las principales aportaciones de los autores que han trabajado sobre esta cuestión, desde los inicios de la tesis de la feminización religiosa a mediados de los setenta hasta los desarrollos más recientes marcados por el giro discursivo y el énfasis sobre la masculinidad y las actividades religiosas de los hombres. También se hace referencia a las contribuciones más destacadas de la historiografía española y se reflexiona sobre futuras vías de investigación. Las relevantes conexiones entre la tesis de la feminización religiosa y la tesis de la secularización además de la relación conflictiva entre la religión y la modernidad están presentes a lo largo del trabajo.
Contra la utopía. El origen del republicanismo conservador en españa (1870-1880)
Authors: Vilches Jorge
Published: February 2016

El objetivo del artículo es aclarar el surgimiento del republicanismo conservador, o posibilismo republicano, entre 1870 y 1880, como respuesta al vínculo entre el ideal republicano y la utopía federal durante el sexenio democrático. Esa utopía, llamada La Federal, fue la consecuencia de un ideario democrático construido sobre el principio de la descentralización como solución al problema político y a la cuestión social. Ese ideario fue elaborado por escritores públicos con una interpretación filosófica, romántica y milenarista de la Historia y de la política, influida por el obrerismo humanista y el socialismo francés de mediados del XIX. La ineficacia de La Federal para establecer la República sobre un gran acuerdo político y las costumbres públicas liberales, llevó a una parte de los republicanos encabezada por Emilio Castelar a construir el republicanismo conservador separando el ideal republicano de la utopía.
Teachers’ Knowledge of ADHD: Relevance of Training and Individual Perceptions // Conocimiento de los maestros sobre el TDAH: Relevancia de la formación y de las percepciones individuales
Authors: Soroa Marian , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Balluerka Nekane
Published: February 2016

The present study analyzes teachers’ knowledge of ADHD and its relationship with different training and self-perceptive variables. The sample included 1278 teachers from 108 schools. Teachers' knowledge of ADHD ranged from low to moderate. In addition, it was observed that their knowledge of ADHD was related to variables such as having received formal, non-formal, and informal training in ADHD, as well as to their self-perceived knowledge of ADHD and self-perceived efficacy to teach children with ADHD. The results suggest that teachers' knowledge of ADHD should be increased. Improvement in the quality and quantity of the training they receive from different sources could have an impact both on their real knowledge and on their perceived knowledge and, consequently, on their perception of self-efficacy as teachers of children with ADHD
Dr. Fleming HLHI-ko Irakasleen prestakuntza beharren diagnosia eta horri buruzko hausnarketa
Authors: Arostegi Escribano Maritxu
Published: February 2016

Una de las principales características de la sociedad de la actual sociedad de la información es el cambio y la incertidumbre de lo que el futuro nos puede deparar. Es deber de la escuela preparar al alumnado para poder hacer frente a esa situación, y, aunque los intentos han sido varios (reformas educativas, leyes, formación continua...), el resultado no ha sido el esperado. La base para asegurar logros está en tener en cuenta al profesorado y en ofrecerle otro tipo de formación. Ésta debe pasar por tener en cuenta el centro, la experiencia del profesorado, la reflexión y la colegialidad. Pero para ello, la implicación de los docentes es esencial objetivo que esta investigación persigue. Así, con el objetivo de analizar y detectar las necesidades formativas de la escuela Dr. Fleming, hemos desarrollado un proceso basado en el centro, en la reflexión, en la colegialidad y en la colaboración, llegando a completar el primer paso del ciclo que la Investigación-Acción exige.
Literatura eta generoa Haur Hezkuntzan: Bizkaiako Haur Eskola baten azterketa
Authors: Aizpurua Barinagarrementeria Izarra , Lasarte Leonet Gema
Published: February 2016

Esta investigación analiza el tratamiento de género en un pueblo pequeño. Para ello, la escuela de dicho pueblo, y especialmente las aulas de Educación Infantil, representan el contexto de la investigación; se ha analizado la literatura que se utiliza en las mismas, teniendo en cuenta que dicha literatura, siendo la expresión de la creación social y cultural, puede aparecer salpicada de valores excluyentes. Sin embargo, teniendo en cuenta que la literatura es un concepto demasiado amplio y que, por tanto, resulta imposible analizarla en su totalidad, nos hemos centrado en los cuentos infantiles y en el análisis de los valores que estos transmiten. Respecto a los objetivos de la investigación, en primer lugar se ofrece un marco teórico orientado a analizar la presencia e importancia que el género muestra en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje; posteriormente, se ha entrevistado a docentes, se ha analizado la literatura que utilizan y, por último, se ha realizado una observación sistemática de la forma en que dichos docentes narran los cuentos infantiles, prestando especial atención a la gestión del tratamiento de género. Una vez recopilada toda la información, se presentan los resultados obtenidos. Como conclusión general se afirma que tanto la formación del profesorado como la utilización de materiales didácticos adecuados, son imprescindibles para la consecución de una escuela coeducada.
O Papel dos Mecanismos de Aprendizagem Implícitos e Explícitos na Aquisição de uma Segunda Língua: Implicações Pedagógicas
Authors: Castro Catarina
Published: February 2016

O artigo confronta diferentes posições que têm sido sustentadas na área daAquisição de Segundas Línguas em relação ao modo como a instrução podefacilitar a aquisição de um novo idioma e, considerando que, em particular,os estudantes adultos beneficiam tanto com o desenvolvimento de conhecimento implícito como explícito para serem capazes de usar a língua‑alvo em contextos reais de comunicação, sugere, com base em várias investigações desenvolvidas na área, que o Ensino de Línguas Baseado em Tarefas pode ser uma abordagem pedagógica adequada para promover o tipo de processo de aprendizagem que se considera facilitar a aquisição de um novo idioma.
Die neuen Bürgerproteste in Deutschland
Authors: Butzlaff Felix
Published: February 2016

Der »Wutbürger«, 2010 zum Wort des Jahres gekürt, hat die Krise demokratischer Repräsentation in Deutschland auf einen Begriff gebracht: Immer mehr Bürger äußern Misstrauen gegenüber der etablierten Politik. Bei einer Betrachtung dieser Krise und ihrer Ursachen sind die Vorstellungen der Bürger von einer guten und gerechten Organisation von Politik, Wirtschaft und Staat zentral. Die Studie beschäftigt sich mit den Protagonisten der neuen Bürgerproteste - jenen Akteuren also, die ihren Glauben an die Funktionsfähigkeit unserer Demokratie eingebüßt haben: Wer sind sie, was fordern sie und welche Demokratie schwebt ihnen vor?
Zwischen Wüste und Welt: die Konstruktion des Raumes in den byzantinischen erbaulichen Erzählungen
Authors: Kulhánková Markéta
Published: February 2016

This paper focuses on the construction of space in five collections of Byzantine edifying stories (Historia monachorum in Aegypto, Daniel Sketiotes’ Dossier, Ioannes Moschos’ Pratum spirituale, both collections of Anastasios Sinaites, and the tales by Paulos of Monembasia). While in the earlier collections the opposition between monastic and secular environments (the “desert” and the “city” or “village”) is the determining element for the construction of space, other dimensions are important in the later collections: the setting of the story as a space full of wonders in the stories of Anastasios Sinaites and the combination of the everyday and the adventurous in the collection by Paul of Monembasia. Finally, I discuss the symbolic function of space as a “heterotopia” on the example of the function of the grave and the ship in selected stories.
The Historia Ekklesiastike kai Mystike Theoria: a symbolic understanding of the Byzantine church building
Authors: Marinis Vasileios
Published: February 2016

This paper offers a close reading of the passages in the Historia Ekklesiastike kai Mystike Theoria, a liturgical commentary attributed to Germanos I, patriarch of Constantinople (d. 730), that pertain to the church building. The Historia’s interpretation is highly symbolic, steeped in scripture and dependent on earlier and contemporary theological thought. On occasion, the text sheds light on actual architectural developments, as in the case of the skeuophylakion. On the whole, however, the discussion of architecture is rather vague. I argue that the Historia is part of a long exegetical tradition on the liturgy that disregards the functional aspects of church buildings, a disconnect enabled by the adaptability of Byzantine liturgical rites.
The pleasure of mudslinging: an invective dialogue in verse from 10th century Byzantium
Authors: Opstall Emilie van
Published: February 2016

This article discusses an invective dialogue in verse between two 10th century intellectuals: the poet John Geometres and a certain Stylianos. Their lampoons offer a unique instance of internal reader response and invite us to reflect on their contemporary performance and circulation. They illustrate the intense social envy of the time, leading to the debunking of the intellectual abilities of others and to boastful self-representation. The article proposes a new edition of the text, followed by a translation (section I), notes on language and style (section II) and observations on the form and dynamics of the dialogue (section III).
La ‹monnaie› présumée et perdue de l’impératrice Théophano (959–969)
Authors: Ginnasi Andrea Torno
Published: February 2016

This article deals with the alleged and lost ʻcoinʼ of the Empress Theophano (959-969), attested by one eighteenth-century engraving and other two of the nineteenth-century. Since several lead seals with similar portrait and inscriptions survive, many scholars have evaluated the graphic documents deriving from a real copper coin or from a seal of the existing type. A careful iconographic and stylistic analysis would suggest the restitution of two distinct objects; this idea was never presented before because of the little consideration of the eighteenth-century engraving. The comparison with other middle Byzantine numismatic and sphragistic examples suggests for the first engraving the reproduction of an unknown and misunderstood lead seal and, for the second and third one, the image of a forgery realised in the wake of the more ancient illustration.
Kinetic investigation of a complex curing of the guaiacol bio-based benzoxazine system
Authors: Ručigaj Aleš , Gradišar Špela , Krajnc Matjaž
Published: February 2016

Curing kinetics of guaiacol based benzoxazine synthesized from guaiacol, furfurylamine and formaldehyde forming bio-based polybenzoxazine was investigated. The curing process showed complex polymerization behavior, as the exothermal signal consisted of several overlapped peaks. Differentiation and fitting of overlapped peaks was performed by Pearson VII distribution obtaining two separate exothermal signals further associated to stage 1 and stage 2. The apparent activation energies of both stages were determined to be 113.8 kJ mol-1and 117.5 kJ mol-1, respectively, according to Kissinger. The first could be explained by benzoxazine ring-opening and electrophilic substitution, whereas the second stage corresponds to the rearrangement and diffusion-controlled step. Kinetics of each stage was studied separately. As a result, the first stage was described by Šesták-Berggren autocatalytic model, whereas the second stage appeared to follownthorder kinetics proved by the Friedman method. Application of both kinetic models demonstrated that the predicted curves fit well with the non-isothermal DSC thermograms and as such sufficiently describes the complex curing behavior of guaiacol based benzoxazine.
Preventive effect of curcumin on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in high-fat fed obese rats
Authors: Maithilikarpagaselvi Nachimuthu , Sridhar Magadi Gopalakrishna , Swaminathan Rathinam Palamalai , Sripradha Ramalingam
Published: February 2016

Background: The present study investigated the beneficial effects of curcumin on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in high-fat fed male Wistar rats.

Methods: Five-month-old male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into two groups (10 rats in each group). Among the two groups, one group received 30 % high-fat diet (HFD) and another group received 30 % HFD with curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight). Food intake, body weight and biochemical parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. After 10 weeks, oxidative stress parameters in skeletal muscle and hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) content were estimated. Histological examinations of the liver samples were performed at the end of the experiment.

Results: High-fat feeding caused increase in body weight, liver and adipose tissue mass. Rats fed with HFD showed increased levels of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), TAG, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). There was also increase in the plasma inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP)] and skeletal muscle oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS)] in these rats. In addition, high-fat feeding increased liver TAG content and caused fat accumulation in the liver. Treatment with curcumin significantly reduced body weight, relative organ weights (liver, adipose tissue), glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR. Curcumin supplementation decreased plasma levels of TC, TAG, VLDL-c, TNF-α and increased HDL-c. Administration of curcumin also reduced MDA, TOS in skeletal muscle, hepatic TAG content and liver fat deposition.

Conclusions: Curcumin supplementation improved HFD-induced dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance.
Governing Sovereign Debt Restructuring Through Regulatory Standards
Authors: Brooks Skylar , Lombardi Domenico
Published: February 2016

In recent years, a number of costly and destabilizing sovereign debt crises – from Argentina and Greece to Ukraine – have served as a forceful reminder that the international community lacks an agreed-upon framework for resolving debt crises and, when necessary, restructuring sovereign debt in a timely, orderly, and equitable manner. To help address this apparent governance gap, the paper argues that there is an important but underutilized role for the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in governing sovereign debt restructuring. More specifically, in a governance domain that is relatively fragmented between uncoordinated, even sometimes competing, rules and rule-makers, the FSB could serve as the focal institution responsible for overseeing the coordination and further development of soft law regulatory standards for sovereign debt restructuring. The reasons for FSB governance in this domain are simple and compelling, relating to both the nature of the debt restructuring regime and its evolution to date, as well as the specific institutional features of the FSB and the core tasks it performs. Although there remains room for treaty-based organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and United Nations (UN) to develop a hard law approach to sovereign debt restructuring, the FSB, we argue, is best positioned to strengthen and oversee the existing soft law approach, which currently prevails as the modus operandi of the present debt restructuring framework.
Increased species diversity of brush-tailed mice, genus Calomyscus (Calomyscidae, Rodentia), in the Zagros Mountains, western Iran
Authors: Akbarirad Safie , Darvish Jamshid , Aliabadian Mansour
Published: February 2016

Two species of the brush-tailed mice (family Calomyscidae) have been identified in western Iran:
Plasmon spectroscopy: Theoretical and numerical calculations, and optimization techniques
Authors: Rodríguez-Oliveros Rogelio , Paniagua-Domínguez Ramón , Sánchez-Gil José A. , Macías Demetrio
Published: February 2016

We present an overview of recent advances
in plasmonics, mainly concerning theoretical and numerical
tools required for the rigorous determination of
the spectral properties of complex-shape nanoparticles
exhibiting strong localized surface plasmon resonances
(LSPRs). Both quasistatic approaches and full electrodynamic
methods are described, providing a thorough
comparison of their numerical implementations. Special
attention is paid to surface integral equation formulations,
giving examples of their performance in complicated
nanoparticle shapes of interest for their LSPR spectra.
In this regard, complex (single) nanoparticle configurations
(nanocrosses and nanorods) yield a hierarchy of
multiple-order LSPR s with evidence of a rich symmetric
or asymmetric (Fano-like) LSPR line shapes. In addition,
means to address the design of complex geometries to retrieve
LSPR spectra are commented on, with special interest
in biologically inspired algorithms. Thewealth of LSPRbased
applications are discussed in two choice examples,
single-nanoparticle surface-enhanced Raman scattering
(SERS) and optical heating, and multifrequency nanoantennas
for fluorescence and nonlinear optics.
Catalytic performance of a Keplerate-type, giant-ball nanoporous isopolyoxomolybdate as a highly efficient recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of biscoumarins
Authors: Davoodnia Abolghasem , Nakhaei Ahmad , Tavakoli-Hoseini Niloofar
Published: February 2016

In continuation of our previous works on the application of (NH4)42[MoVI72MoV60O372(CH3COO)30(H2O)72], a Keplerate-type giant-ball nanoporous isopolyoxomolybdate, as a catalyst for a series of organic transformations, in this paper, we discovered that this new attractive catalyst has high catalytic activity in the synthesis of biscoumarins prepared by the reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin and aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes in refluxing ethanol. The catalyst was prepared according to a previously published literature procedure using inexpensive and readily available starting materials. Furthermore, the catalyst could be recovered conveniently and reused efficiently such that a considerable catalytic activity still could be achieved after fifth run. Other beneficial features of this new synthetic approach include short reaction time, high yields, clean reaction profiles, and a simple work-up procedure.
Addenda Orchidaceis Quepoanis
Authors: Pupulin Franco
Published: February 2016

Sixteen orchid species are first reported for the area of Quepos in addition to those recorded for Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Generic descriptions are provided for the genera not previously recorded for the area, and each species is described and illustrated. Data on distribution and phenology are provided, together with keys to the genera including more than one species in the area. A new species, Epidendrum montis-narae Pupulin & L.Sánchez, is decribed and illustrated. Two previously recorded species, Epidendrum isomerum and Oncidium polycladium, are illistrated from material collected within the study area.
Dora Emilia Mora de Retana, 1940-2001
Authors: Morales Carlos O.
Published: February 2016

El 12 de julio de 2001 murió Dora E. Mora de Retana, quien desde 1979 hasta febrero de 2000 fue directora del Jardín Botánico Lankester, de la Universidad de Costa Rica (U.C.R.). Ella dedicó la mayor parte de su energía vital a estudiar las orquídeas y a promover la conservación de la flora tropical; esto último desde su nombramiento como autoridad científica en el Comité de Flora de la Convención Internacional sobre Comercio de Especies Amenazadas (CITES). Después de Rafael Lucas Rodríguez (1915-1981), ella fue durante mucho tiempo la única orquideóloga costarricense con formación académica y científica en el campo de la botánica. 
Myoxanthus vittatus (Orchidaceae), a new species from Costa Rica
Authors: Pupulin Franco , Blanco Mario A.
Published: February 2016

S e d i s c u t e l a p o s i c i ó n t a x o n ó m i c a d e Myoxanthus P o e p p . & E n d l . ( O r c h i d a c e a e : Pleurothallidinae) y se mantiene a Silenia Luer como subgénero de Myoxanthus. Se describe y se ilustra una nueva especie de Myoxanthus. Myoxanthus vittatus Pupulin & M.A. Blanco es aparente- mente endémico de los bosques tropicales de bajura en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica, donde ha sido recolectado en dos diferentes localidades. Difiere de las especies afines por el tamaño pequeño de las plantas, por sus flores blanquecinas con estrías longitudinales púrpura, por el ovario densa- mente pubescente y por el labelo ligulado y obtuso. Se propone la nueva combinación Myoxanthus tomentosus (Luer) Pupulin & M.A. Blanco. 
Endophytes of Serapias parviflora Parl. and Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. (Orchidaceae): description of endophytes of S. parviflora, and in vitro symbiosis development in S. parviflora and Spiranthes spiralis
Authors: Pacetti Pier Luigi , Riess Sabine
Published: February 2016

Hongos endófitos fueron aislados de raíces de Serapias parviflora (Orchidaceae). Fueron descritos y clasificados parcialmente bajo el microscopio de luz luego de ser cultivados en PDA. Dos de ellos presentaron características de simbiontes: la Cepa-A-1, un ascomicete, y la Cepa-B-1, u n b a s i d i o m i c e t e . A l m i s m o t i e m p o m u c h a s p l a n t a s d e S . p a r v i f l o r a y S p i r a n t h e s s p i r a l i s f u er o n obtenidas asimbióticamente por esterilización de semillas y cultivo en un medio Frosch modificado. Luego de transplantarlas a un medio simbiótico (Oats modificado), las plantas fueron inoculadas con los hongos aislados. Serapias parviflora fue utilizada como control y S. spiralis lo fue para estable- cer especificidad entre hospederos y endófitos. Los dos hongos fueron capaces de inducir simbiosis in vitro en raíces de S. parviflora, mientras que sólo la Cepa-B-1 indujo simbiosis in vitro en raíces de S. spiralis. Concluimos que la especificidad in vitro entre estos hongos y las dos especies de orquídeas estudiadas es diferente, posiblemente apoyando la hipótesis de una especificidad ecológi- ca potencial. 
Una especie nueva de Plinia l. (Myrtaceae) del Caribe sur de Costa Rica
Authors: Gómez-Laurito Jorge , Valverde Oscar
Published: February 2016

Una nueva especie de Plinia L. (Myrtaceae) con hojas conspicuamente cuspidadas, flores pequeñas y frutos oblados, asimétricos, lisos y fuertemente comprimidos, se describe de la región Caribe sur de Costa Rica
Catálogo revisado y anotado de las Orchidaceae de Costa Rica
Authors: Pupulin Franco
Published: February 2016

Se presenta una compilación actualizada de todas las especies de orquídeas (Orchidaceae) conocidas en Costa Rica y documentadas por un testigo citado en el texto. Las especies se presentan en orden alfabético. Para cada especie se incluyen los sinónimos aceptados, los nombres usados en tratamientos anteriores y sus re- ferencias bibliográficas. Para algunos táxones se proporcionan también breves observaciones taxonómicas. La sinopsis incluye 1360 especies en 180 géneros; 287 especies son informes nuevos con respecto a listas ante- riores. Las especies endémicas de Costa Rica representan el 26% del total de las especies comunicadas. Se pro- ponen la nueva combinación Echinella vittata y el nuevo nombre Stelis megachlamys. 
Ecce homo, scientia clarus: Luis Fournier Origgi (1935-2002)
Authors: Morales Carlos O.
Published: February 2016

¡He allí al hombre, conocido por su sabiduría! Esta frase latina del título resume mi memoria del Dr. Luis Alberto Fournier Origgi, eminente ecólogo, botánico y agrónomo de la Universidad de Costa Rica (U.C.R.) fallecido sorpresivamente el pasado 5 de julio. La gran labor científica y agronómica del Dr. Fournier pasó desapercibida para muchos, porque él nunca buscó imagen o renombre.  
Notes on the natural history of Cyclopogon obliquus (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) in Costa Rica
Authors: Blanco Mario A.
Published: February 2016

S e p r e s e n t a e l p r i m e r i n f o r m e d e l a e x i s t e n c i a d e C y c l o p o g o n o b l i q u u s ( J . J . S m . ) S z l a c h . [= Pelexia obliqua (J. J. Sm.) Garay] en Costa Rica. Se discute su posición taxonómica y se presenta una revisión de su actual distribución geográfica. Se presentan observaciones sobre su hábitat, fenología y repro- ducción. 
Trichopilia x ramonensis (Orchidaceae), un híbrido natural de Costa Rica
Authors: Morales Carlos O.
Published: February 2016

Se describe e ilustra el híbrido natural Trichopilia x ramonensis (T. marginata x T. suavis) de la región de San Ramón, Costa Rica. El nombre de este híbrido se usó por primera vez en 1992; sin embargo, hasta ahora no se ha publicado válidamente. 
A new species of Stellilabium section Taeniorhachis (Orchidaceae) from Costa Rica
Authors: Pupulin Franco , Blanco Mario A.
Published: February 2016

S e d e s c r i b e e i l u s t r a S t e l l i l a b i u m s m a r a g d i n u m d e l o s b o s q u e s m o n t a n o s d e e n c i n o d e l a Cordillera de Talamanca. S. smaragdinum se distingue de otras especies de la sección Taeniorhachis por su inflorescencia con 1 a 3 (4) flores simultáneas, los lóbulos basales del labelo oblongos a ovoides y redondeados en el ápice y la peculiar coloración de la setas en los lóbulos laterales de la columna, marfil con bandas púrpura. 
A new species of Solenidium (Orchidaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: Dalström Stig , Whitten W. Mark
Published: February 2016

S e d e s c r i b e y s e i l u s t r a u n a n u e v a e s p e c i e d e l E c u a d o r , S o l e n i d i u m p o r t i l l a e ( O r c h i d a c e a e : Oncidiinae), comparándola con las otras dos especies aceptadas en el género. Se presenta una breve historia del género y se proporciona una clave de las especies. 
Notas acerca de la colección de Orchidaceae del Herbario del Instituto Superior Pedagógico de Pinar del Río (HPPR), Cuba
Authors: Mújica Benítez Ernesto
Published: February 2016

S e o f r e c e u n a r e v i s i ó n y u n l i s t a d o d e l a f a m i l i a O r c h i d a c e a e d e p o s i t a d a e n e l H e r b a r i o d e l a Facultad de Biología del Instituto Superior Pedagógico de Pinar del Río, Cuba. La colección de orquídeas depositada en este Herbario es casi desconocida para los estudiantes de la orquideoflora cubana y se dis- tingue por el mejor y más extenso número de ejemplares provenientes de la provincia de Pinar del Río, para la cual se comunica alrededor de la tercera parte de todas las orquídeas registradas en Cuba. 
Preferential CO2 Separation over H2 with Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer-Containing Polymeric Membrane
Authors: Taniguchi Ikuo , Fujikawa Shigenori
Published: February 2016

Development of effective CO2 separation technologies is one of the most critical issues for implementation of CO2 Capture & Storage (CCS) because CO2 capturing covers about 60 % of the total CCS cost. CO2 capturing with solution absorption technology has gained current acceptance, and the actual operations have been demonstrated in many countries. However, This technology requires certain amount of energy in recovering CO2 from the CO2-capturing solution, which results in developing alternative CO2 capturing technologies. Because difference in partial pressure of the interest gas between feed and permeate side drives the separation, membrane separation does not need additional energy and can make CO2 separation much more effective. ☐In pre-combustion such as an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant, CO2/H2 gas mixture after water-gas shift reaction has a pressure of 2.4 MPa, which would be preferable for membrane separation. Various membranes for CO2 separation over H2 have been investigated, however, the membrane separation has not been implemented due to lack in CO2 selectivity or permeability. In this paper, poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer is used to enhance affinity to CO2 and incorporated in a polymer matrix. The resulting polymeric membrane expressed excellent CO2 separation properties even under pressure. The CO2 permeance is relatively lower than the requirement value and 1.0 x 10-10 m3(STP)/(m2 s Pa). However, the permeance can be enhanced by reducing membrane thickness.