bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plato on Grief as a Mental Disorder
Authors: Austin Emily A.
Published: March 2016

This paper considers two competing interpretations of Socrates’ discussions of the appropriateness of grief in Plato’s Republic. The commonly accepted ‘Stoic Reading’ maintains that Plato thinks grief can and should be eliminated by the fully virtuous individual. I offer a textual case for the ‘Conflict Reading’, according to which grief is ineliminable, and sometimes appropriate. I focus primarily on three passages: the justification for censoring depictions of grief in Book III (387d–388a), the shared grieving of the collective family in Book V (462a–463e), and the Book X passage about the decent person’s measured grief (603e–604d). I show that these passages offer not only evidence that grief cannotbe eliminated, but also hint at an underlying account of why it resists elimination.
Two Meanings of ‘Attribute’ in Spinoza
Authors: Silverman Alex
Published: March 2016

I argue that there are two meanings of ‘attribute’ for Spinoza. It can refer to 1) an essential feature of substance, or 2) a perception by the infinite intellect of such a feature. I put this forth as a reading of Spinoza’s definition of ‘attribute’ (
Absolute Counterpurposiveness? On Kant’s First Arguments Against Theodicy
Authors: Kravitz Amit
Published: March 2016

This essay discusses the first of Kant’s anti-theodicean arguments as unfolded in his 1791
If Yes, Why Not? Minority Language Use and Accommodation of Minority Language Rights in Slovakia
Authors: Vass Ágnes
Published: March 2016

This article gives an overview of the actual situation of language rights in Slovakia, focusing mainly on the minority language usage. The status of minority languages in Slovakia is still a politicized question and a series of conflicts arose especially between Slovak political elites and the representatives of ethnic Hungarians because of the controversial legislation of minority language rights. Slovakia was subjected in the field of minority protection and heavily criticized during the adoption of the State Language Law. Strict regulations on the use of state language have negative effects on the use of minority languages as well. In spite of the fact that in 1999 the Law on Use of Minority Languages was adopted and Slovakia ratified all of the international agreements in this field, the problem of minority language usage was not solved. This legal vacuum motivated the Hungarian civil sphere to take alternative actions in order to ensure bilingualism and promote the use of minority languages in official communication. Summarizing the legal accommodation of minority language rights, this paper is devoted to examine a recently less-observed civil activism supporting the use of regional languages in Slovakia.
Language Politics and Language Rights on the Territory of Former Yugoslavia the Today’s Serbia/Vojvodina
Authors: Szerbhorváth György
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we will attempt to outline the process of how the nationality/minority rights, especially the minority language rights, were changed in the former Yugoslavia in the next period of times: … and how they have changed in Serbia since 1990, and in Vojvodina. We present the most significant constitutional and legal changes, their impact on the institutional and everyday life, and the language policy tendencies.

Finally, we discuss how the formation of the Serbian National Councils have shaped the linguistic rights of minorities in Vojvodina, in particularly after 2009, through examining the work, experiences, and the strategy of the Hungarian National Council and the Hungarians living there.
Stereoselective synthesis of (1S,2S)-1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol by cell-free extract of Lactobacillus brevis
Authors: Švarc Anera , Valinger Davor , Vasić-Rački Đurđa , Presečki Ana Vrsalović
Published: March 2016

In this study
Iron homeostasis after blood transfusion in stable preterm infants – an observational study
Authors: Herzlich Jacky , Litmanovitz Ita , Regev Rivka , Bauer Sofia , Sirota Gisela , Steiner Zvi , Arnon Shmuel
Published: March 2016

Aim:

To evaluate the short-term effects of blood transfusion on iron status [hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and reticulocyte count], hepcidin, and erythropoietin in stable preterm infants.

Method:

Sixty-three preterm infants treated with red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) were included. Venous blood samples were collected before and within 24 h after each transfusion.

Results:

Hemoglobin concentration increased after RBCT (7.2±1.2 g/dL vs. 13.7±2.3 g/dL, P=0.02), as well as ferritin [131 (63–110.4) ng/mL vs. 211 (125.7–299.2) ng/mL, P=0.05); reticulocyte count decreased. sTfR did not change. Hepcidin serum levels increased from 37.5 (21.3–84.7) ng/mL to 72.6 (31.3–126.2) ng/mL, (P=0.04) and erythropoietin decreased (48±19 pg/mL vs. 29±17 pg/mL, P=0.06) after RBCT. A positive linear correlation was found (R2=0.76, P=0.0001) between hepcidin and ferritin levels of post-minus-pre RBCT. Hepcidin levels increased significantly in preterm infants who received RBCT after 1 month of age compared to those who received RBCT at <1 month (P=0.03). No correlation was found between gestational age, weight appropriate for age, or length of blood storage and hepcidin levels.

Conclusion:

Preterm infants can control iron levels by regulating hepcidin and decreasing erythropoietin. This ability varies with postnatal age.
The role of detoxifying enzymes in the resistance of the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) to thiamethoxam
Authors: Abdallah Ibrahim Saleh , Abou-Yousef Hala Mohamed , Fouad Eman Atef , Kandil Mohammed Abd El-Hady
Published: March 2016

The cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) is considered a serious insect pest attacking several crops. We carried out biochemical studies to elucidate the role of the metabolising enzymes in conferring resistance to thiamethoxam, in two strains (resistant and susceptible) of the cowpea aphid. Bioassay experiments showed that the thiamethoxam selected strain developed a 48 fold resistance after consecutive selection with thiamethoxam for 12 generations. This resistant strain also exhibited cross-resistance to the tested carbamates; pirimicarb and carbosulfan, organophosphorus (malathion, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos-methyl), and the neonicotinoid (acetamiprid). Synergism studies have indicated that S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), a known inhibitor for esterases, increased thiamethoxam toxicity 5.58 times in the resistant strain compared with the susceptible strain. Moreover, the biochemical determination revealed that carboxylestersae activity was 30 times greater in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain. In addition, the enzyme activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and mixed function oxidases (mfo) increased only in the resistant strain 3.7 and 2.7 times, respectively, in relation to the susceptible (the control). Generally, our results suggest that the higher activity of the detoxifying enzymes, particularly carboxylesterase, in the resistant strain of the cowpea aphid, apparently have a significant role in endowing resistance to thiamethoxam, although additional mechanisms may contribute.
Enactable and Enforceable: Kant’s Criteria for Right and Virtue
Authors: O’Neill Onora
Published: March 2016

Kant’s distinction between duties of right and of virtue remains controversial, for a number of reasons. A close look at the distinctions he draws and the claims that he makes suggests that a distinction between the requirements of enforceable duties of right and of unenforceable duties of virtue is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. It is not exclusive because it is possible to fulfil duties of right as a matter of principle, in which case what is done is both right and virtuous. It is not exhaustive because certain duties, among them the duty to enter a civil condition and duties of equity, are not in principle enforceable, yet are duties of right.
Development and Validation of Confirmatory Method for Analysis of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Milk, Honey, Poultry Meat and Fish by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alkan Fatih , Kotan Arzu , Ozdemir Nurullah
Published: March 2016

In this study we have devoloped and validated a confirmatory analysis method for nitrofuran metabolites, which is in accordance with European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC requirements. Nitrofuran metabolites in honey, milk, poultry meat and fish samples were acidic hydrolised followed by derivatisation with nitrobenzaldehyde and liquid-liquid extracted with ethylacetate. The quantitative and confirmative determination of nitrofuran metbolites was performed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. In-house method validation was performed and reported data of validation (specificity, linearity, recovery, CCα and CCβ). The advantage of this method is that it avoids the use of clean-up by Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE). Furthermore, low levels of nitrofuran metabolites are detectable and quantitatively confirmed at a rapid rate in all samples.
The Paradox of Human Equivalent Dose Formula: A Canonical Case Study of Abrus Precatorius Aqueous Leaf Extract in Monogastric Animals
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji , Onyeyili Patrick Azubuike
Published: March 2016

There is abundant literature on the toxicity of A. precatorius seeds. However there is a need to define the toxicity limit of the Abrus precatorius leaf in monogastric animals. Human Equivalent Dose (HED) which is equal to animal dose multiplied by animal km (metabolism constant) divided by human km was used to project the LD50 of fifteen monogastric animals, where human km factor is body weight (kg) divided by body surface area (m2). Human Equivalent No-observable Adverse Effect Doses were determined by multiplying the animal no-observable adverse effect dose by animal weight (Wa) divided by human weight (Wh). The LD50 of the aqueous leaf extract of Abrus precatorius in mice was estimated to be between 2559.5 and 3123.3 mg/kg body weight. The LD50 extrapolated from mouse to rat (1349.3-1646.6 mg/kg), hamster (1855.3-2264.1 mg/kg), guinea pig (1279.5-1561.4 mg/kg), rabbit (618.4-754.7 mg/kg), monkey (593.7-724.5 mg/kg), cat (392.7-479.2 mg/kg), dog and baboon (371.1-452.8 mg/kg), child (297-362 mg/kg) and adult human (197.8-241.5 mg/kg) body weight respectively could be a reality. The therapeutic safe dose range for the animals was 1-12.5 mg/kg body weight for a period of 7 days, but at a dose (≤ 200 mg/kg body weight) the leaf extract showed haematinic effect. However, at a higher dose (> 200 mg/kg), the extract showed haemolytic activity in rats, whereas at a dose (≥25.0 mg/kg), the leaf extract might be organotoxic in hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, monkey, cat, dog, baboon, child and adult human if administered orally for a period of 7 days.
Subspecies differentiation of the house mouse Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 in the center and east of the Iranian plateau and Afghanistan
Authors: Hamid Haddadian Shad , Darvish Jamshid , Rastegar-Pouyani Eskandar , Mahmoudi Ahmad
Published: March 2016

The phylogeography and subspecific situation of the house mouse, Mus musculus in the center and east of the Iranian Plateau has hitherto been neglected due to the hypothesis of commensalism origin of the Iranian house mouse in this region. Meanwhile, geographic barriers in central Iran have an important effect on subspeciation of the house mouse in this region. In this study, a total of 123 specimens of mice from Iran and Afghanistan were included in the molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene, 156 specimens of mice were included in geometric morphometrics of the dorsal view of the skull, and 69 specimens of those in outline analysis of the first lower molar (m1). To further explore the relationship among the clades, we selected 19 individuals from the four clades and ran a phylogenetic analysis on concatenated sequences of both cytb and the D-loop. Molecular results using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) showed that the Iranian Plateau is occupied with four mitochondrial clades: Mus musculus
musculus in northeastern Iran, Mus musculus domesticus in western Iran in the Zagros Mountains up to the Persian Gulf basins, clade A (Mus musculus bactrianus) in the east of Iran and Afghanistan, and a new clade B (Mus musculus isatissus) from the center of Iran, which is the sister clade to clade A. This finding demonstrated that the house mouse of central Iran is different from that in the east of Iran and Afghanistan. Geometric morphometrics analyses and other morphometric methods of skull and m1 discriminate clade A and clade B. Both molecular and geometric morphometrics analyses separate clade A and clade B. The house mouse of central Iran should be considered as a new subspecies, M. m. isatissus spp.nov. Our molecular and geometric morphometrics analyses concluded that clade A belongs to the subspecies M. m. bactrianus, thereby expanding the distribution of the subspecies from its type locality in the south of Afghanistan to the east of Iran.
KH2PO4 crystallisation from potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate
Authors: Jančaitienė Kristina , Šlinkšienė Rasa
Published: March 2016

Seeking to obtain bulk (NPK – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), chlorine-free fertilizers, the influence of interaction between potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in aqueous solutions at temperature of 20, 40, 60 and 80°C has been investigated. Components of the solid phase have been identified by methods of chemical and instrumental analysis: radiography (X – ray), infra – red molecular absorption spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been observed that the largest amount of solid state potassium dihydrogen phosphate was obtained at 60–80°C, when the potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate molar ratio is equal 0.8:0.2. Changing the molar ratio of 0.5:0.5 to 0.8:0.2, and with increasing temperature, various shaped crystals have developed in the remaining aqueous solutions with a morphology shifting from sharp needles to tetragonal prism.
A multiscale methodology for CFD simulation of catalytic distillation bale packings
Authors: Ding Huidian , Xiang Wenyu , Liu Chunjiang
Published: March 2016

A multiscale model for simulating the hydrodynamic behavior of catalytic bale packings has been proposed. This model combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and macroscopic calculation. At small scale calculation, the CFD model includes 3-D volume-of-fluid (VOF) simulation within representative elementary unit (REU) under unsteady-state conditions. The REU constitutes gauze and catalyst domain, and porous media model is applied. At large scale calculation, a new mechanistic model deduced from the unit network model is employed. Based on liquid split proportion from small scale calculation, liquid distribution of the entire bale packing can be predicted. To evaluate different packing design, three common bale arrangements, i.e. one-bale, nine-bales and seven-bales, are compared. The area-weighted Christiansen uniformity coefficient is introduced to assess the distribution performance. A comparison between simulation and experimental results is made to validate the multiscale model. The present methodology is proved to be effective to analysis and design of catalytic distillation columns.
Dynamic-accumulative operation policy of continuous distillation for the purification of anisole
Authors: Wang Zhibo , Li Shuairong , Wang Caijiao , Guo Xianghai , Bai Peng
Published: March 2016

In the B10 isotope enrichment industry, the purification of anisole mixture makes great sense. A dynamic-accumulative operation policy of continuous distillation (DACD) with repeated filling and dumping of the still is proposed for the separation of trace heavy impurities in the recycled anisole. To simulate and optimize the purification process of anisole, a mathematical model of DACD is derived, and the computer codes are developed in the MATLAB environment. Moreover, the experiment is performed in a pilot-scale distillation column. The results show that the experimental date agrees well with simulation results. DACD could solve the difficulty of flow rate control when the bottom flow rate is very small in continuous distillation. The size of the still in this operation mode is also smaller than that in batch distillation. And the yield of anisole is raised to 99.91%. In a word, DACD is especially suitable for separating trace heavy impurities from the recycled anisole.
n
Bu4NI-catalyzed direct amination of benzoxazoles with tertiary amines using TBHP as oxidant under microwave irradiation
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Jin Ming , Yin Qiu-Yue , Mao Pu , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: March 2016

A facile, efficient, and practical method for
n
Bu4NI-catalyzed direct C–H amination of benzoxazoles with tertiary amines has been developed. The system could be performed in the absence of metal catalyst and only requires tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant under microwave irradiation. A variety of substituted benzoxazol-2-amines were synthesized with moderate to good yield.
USP19 modulates autophagy and antiviral immune responses by deubiquitinating Beclin‐1
Authors: Jin Shouheng , Tian Shuo , Chen Yamei , Zhang Chuanxia , Xie Weihong , Xia Xiaojun , Cui Jun , Wang Rong‐Fu
Published: March 2016

Autophagy, mediated by a number of autophagy‐related (ATG) proteins, plays an important role in the bulk degradation of cellular constituents. Beclin‐1 (also known as Atg6 in yeast) is a core protein essential for autophagic initiation and other biological processes. The activity of Beclin‐1 is tightly regulated by multiple post‐translational modifications, including ubiquitination, yet the molecular mechanism underpinning its reversible deubiquitination remains poorly defined. Here, we identified ubiquitin‐specific protease 19 (USP19) as a positive regulator of autophagy, but a negative regulator of type I interferon (IFN) signaling. USP19 stabilizes Beclin‐1 by removing the K11‐linked ubiquitin chains of Beclin‐1 at lysine 437. Moreover, we found that USP19 negatively regulates type I IFN signaling pathway, by blocking RIG‐I‐MAVS interaction in a Beclin‐1‐dependent manner. Depletion of either USP19 or Beclin‐1 inhibits autophagic flux and promotes type I IFN signaling as well as cellular antiviral immunity. Our findings reveal novel dual functions of the USP19‐Beclin‐1 axis by balancing autophagy and the production of type I IFNs.
Transformations of Titanium(IV) Butoxide on Magnetite Surface in the Presence of Pluronic P-123
Authors: Semko L. S. , Storozhuk L. P. , Khutornyi S. V. , Gorbyk P. P.
Published: March 2016

The technique of producing magnetically operated nanocomposites Fe3O4/TiO2 with high specific surface area (to 320 m2/g) was developed. A copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (Pluronic-123) was used as a template. The processes of converting n-butylortotytanatu (BOT) in TiO2 on the surface of magnetite in the presence of PL when heated, and the structure, magnetic and adsorption properties of nanocomposites Fe3O4/TiO2 were investigated. It is shown that the maximum temperature of the heat treatment of nanocomposites is 500 ºC. It was established that the specific saturation magnetization (σs) of nanocomposites Fe3O4/TiO2 by varying the content of PL ranges from 3.75 to 3.96 μT·m3/kg, while coercive force Hc – 1.47-1.61 kA/m. Adsorption complexes such as Fe3O4/TiO2/DNA were obtained.
Effect of Solid-Phase Transformations on Plasticity Steels
Authors: Petryk I. Ya.
Published: March 2016

Plasticity steels as dependence on concentration  alloying element is researched. By example of researching ultimate strength (σ0,2) iron-carbon and iron-chrome steels is shown, that plasticity of metals depend on the solid-phase transformations.
On the Role of Mesoentropy in Thermodynamics of First Order Phase Transformations in Alloys
Authors: Shirinyan A.
Published: March 2016

A thermodynamics of a new phase formation in a binary alloy, taking into account the chemical depletion and the size distribution of new phase nuclei giving the energy input at high temperatures, is considered. It is shown the principal possibility of obtaining of the size distribution function for nuclei in the framework of a general variation procedure for the Gibbs free energy functional. The ‘chemical depletion’ related to the difference of compositions of the new phase embryo and the solution of the solid metastable alloy is discussed. The role of the ‘mesoentropy’ for the determination of whole energy of first order phase transformation is manifested.
Pushing of Interstitial Elements in the Transition Zone under the Growing Diffusion Layers
Authors: Nesterenko A. I. , Nesterenko N. G.
Published: March 2016

The kinetics of diffusion of interstitial elements on the example of diffusion saturation with boron and silicon iron- carbon matrix (- iron) was considered . The layers of intermetallic Fe - B - Si are formed and grow in diffusion saturation , and carbon is pushed deep into the matrix. Linear , parabolic and logarithmic laws of motion of the interface boundary between the intermetallic layers and  steel  matrix was considered and solved the problem of the diffusion redistribution of carbon in the transition zone. Found that in all these cases is due to pushing of carbon  its concentration are increased at the interphase boundary . In case: a) the linear moving  of the interphase boundary carbon concentration at the interphase boundary is proportional to the thickness of protective coatings; b) the parabolic moving  of the interphase boundary carbon concentration at the boundary remains constant; c) the logarithmic moving  of the interphase boundary carbon concentration at the interphase boundary decreases with time.
The Lithium Power Sources Based on Porous Carbon Material
Authors: Mandzyuk V. I. , Khomenko V. G. , Sachko V. M. , Myronyuk I. F. , Barsukov V. Z.
Published: March 2016

The paper describes the use of porous carbon material (PCM), obtained from plant raw materials as anode of lithium power source (LPS). It is established that the electrochemical parameters of LPS at current density of C/20 are stable over long cycling (over 90 charge/discharge cycles) – discharge capacity remained at 150 mA∙h/g, and Coulomb efficiency exceeds 95%.
Theory of Dynamic Conductivity of Three-Barrier Resonance-Tullel Structure with Two-Photon Laser Transitions
Authors: Seti Ju. O. , Boyko I. V. , Pan’kiv M. V.
Published: March 2016

Within the approximation of effective mass and rectangular potential barriers for the electron and using the obtained solutions of complete Schrodinger equation, the theory of dynamic conductivity for three-barrier resonant tunneling structure (InGaAs/InAlAs) with different depths of potential wells driven by weak electromagnetic field is developed in one- and two-photon approach.

It is shown that varying Ga concentration one can obtain such geometric configurations of nanostructure, being an active region of quantum cascade laser, in which the increasing intensity of laser radiation, produced by electron quantum transitions accompanied by radiation of two photons with equal energy, is observed. It is established that the contribution of two-photon transitions into the complete magnitude of dynamic conductivity is not smaller than 37 %.
Mechanisms of Structure and Thermoelectric Properties of Vapor-Phase Condensates Solid Solution PbTe–Bi2Te3 on Ceramics
Authors: Bylina I. S.
Published: March 2016

Based on analysis of AFM-images, presents the results of complex research the mechanisms of nucleation and growth processes, surface topology and thermoelectric properties of vapor-phase condensates PbTe-Bi2Te3, grown on polycrystalline ceramics at constant temperatures evaporation TE = 970 K and deposition TS = 470 K. Deposition time τ = (15-75) s, and the percentage of Bi2Te3 was 1-5 mol.%. The dependence of structural characteristics (average size of nanocrystals, their rate of change in the lateral (Dc, Dc/τ) and normal (hc, hc/τ) directions to the substrate surface) and thermoelectric parameters (electrical conductivity (σ), Hall concentration (n) and mobility media (μ) thermo-EMF (S) and thermoelectric power (S2σ)) condensates PbTe–Bi2Te3 the conditions of their receipt.
Surface Layers and Thermoelectric Properties of Vapor-Phase Condensation LAST Pb18Ag2-xSbxTe20 on Mica
Authors: Freik D. M. , Dzundza B. S. , Kostyuk O. B. , Makovyshyn V. I. , Yavorskiy R. S.
Published: March 2016

The thermoelectric properties of thin films Pb18Ag2-xSbxTe20, obtained by condensation of vapor on the high vacuum on mica substrate are researched. Based on a two-layer model Petrits are founded electrical parameters of surface layers. It is shown that condensates thickness d <1 micron are characterized by improved thermoelectric properties.
Subjects and objects
Authors: Eberhardt Maeve
Published: March 2016

An ongoing debate is the extent to which women’s explicit sexuality transgresses or reinforces the patriarchal status quo that serves to objectify and marginalize women. In this article, I consider this issue through the lens of hip hop. Specifically, I examine the sexually-explicit lyrics of two female rappers, Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliot, in an attempt to explore questions about sexual objectivity and subjectivity, language and agency, and linguistic productions of sexuality in female-produced hip hop. Through a feminist stylistic analysis of the transitivity choices and anatomical fragmentation exhibited in these lyrics, I link the overt sexuality in this music to larger discussions about women’s sexuality and post-feminist discourses.
English mystique?
Authors: Kitamura Aya
Published: March 2016

Bilingualism in Japan is imagined and constructed in close relation to gender. While erotic Occidentalism - namely, Japanese women’s idolization, or akogare, toward English, the West, and Caucasian men - has often been focused on, this critical discourse analysis aims to shed light on the more complex dynamics entailed in this issue. An analysis of popular publications reveals, on the one hand, a shared plot in which both celebrity and non-celebrity Japanese women experience dramatic alteration through learning English. On the other hand, the magazines are multifaceted and filled with mixed, conflicting messages. Some Japanese women featured in the media expose disillusioning realities of the supposedly romantic English world – some mockingly and others inadvertently. By showing that the gendered bilingualism in Japan involves not only Occidentalist/sexist affects but also alternative and subversive voices, this analysis illuminates the multiple subject positions available to female English learners in Japan.
The approach that dares speak its name
Authors: Sicurella Federico Giulio
Published: March 2016

Over the past two decades, queer has grown into an established critical approach to social science. Correspondingly, the term ‘queer’ has emerged as a recognised brand in the language of academia. This paper examines the potential risks that such linguistic institutionalisation poses for queer as a critical and emancipatory endeavour. Building on Billig’s argument (2013) that the bias towards ‘big nouns’ in academic discourse tends to further entrench the power of academic elites, I draw a parallel between queer and CDA (Critical discourse analysis) as two emerging academic brands in order to determine whether queer is one such big noun and how this may affect the very capacity of queer scholars to commit themselves to critique and self-critique. I conclude by outlining a modest proposal to ensure that the term ‘queer’ remains available to be appropriated by whoever shares the premises and the aspirations underlying the queer project.
Labelling black male genitalia and the ‘new racism’
Authors: Makoni Busi
Published: March 2016

This article explores the discursive construction of sexual racism through names assigned to the black penis by black male college students in Southern Africa. This analysis reveals use of three frequently occurring metaphors: zoomorphs, weapons and heroic historical figures. Collectively, these frequently occurring metaphors associate Southern African black men with notions of (i) wild, animalistic sexuality, (ii) dangerous, violent behaviour, and (iii) large sexual organs, which were prevalent racist ideologies of black male bodies during the colonial period. In addition, perceptions of sociocultural power dynamics attributed to patriarchy are foregrounded through metaphors related to royalty, indicating that names assigned to male genitalia align not only with the colonial construction of sexual racism but also with patriarchal gender relations. The article concludes by suggesting that names assigned to the black penis embody inherent contradictions that are not only characteristic of Southern African masculinities but also significantly complicate the dichotomy between ‘self’ and ‘other’, or ‘us’ and ‘them’, in contemporary Southern Africa.
Stratified Sampling to Define Levels of Petrographic Variation in Coal Beds: Examples from Indonesia and New Zealand
Authors: Moore Tim A.
Published: March 2016

DOI: 10.17014/ijog.3.1.29-51Stratified sampling of coal seams for petrographic analysis using block samples is a viable alternative to standard methods of channel sampling and particulate pellet mounts. Although petrographic analysis of particulate pellets is employed widely, it is both time consuming and does not allow variation within sampling units to be assessed - an important measure in any study whether it be for paleoenvironmental reconstruction or in obtaining estimates of industrial attributes. Also, samples taken as intact blocks provide additional information, such as texture and botanical affinity that cannot be gained using particulate pellets. Stratified sampling can be employed both on ‘fine’ and ‘coarse’ grained coal units. Fine-grained coals are defined as those coal intervals that do not contain vitrain bands greater than approximately 1 mm in thickness (as measured perpendicular to bedding). In fine-grained coal seams, a reasonable sized block sample (with a polished surface area of ~3 cm2) can be taken that encapsulates the macroscopic variability. However, for coarse-grained coals (vitrain bands >1 mm) a different system has to be employed in order to accurately account for the larger particles. Macroscopic point counting of vitrain bands can accurately account for those particles>1 mm within a coal interval. This point counting method is conducted using something as simple as string on a coal face with marked intervals greater than the largest particle expected to be encountered (although new technologies are being developed to capture this type of information digitally). Comparative analyses of particulate pellets and blocks on the same interval show less than 6% variation between the two sample types when blocks are recalculated to include macroscopic counts of vitrain. Therefore even in coarse-grained coals, stratified sampling can be used effectively and representatively.
Dynamic Factor Models, Cointegration, and Error Correction Mechanisms
Authors: Barigozzi Matteo , Lippi Marco , Luciani Matteo
Published: March 2016

The paper studies Non-Stationary Dynamic Factor Models such that: (1) the factors Ft are I(1) and singular, i.e. Ft has dimension r and is driven by a q-dimensional white noise, the common shocks, with q < r, and (2) the idiosyncratic components are I(1). We show that Ft is driven by r -c permanent shocks, where c is the cointegration rank of Ft, and q - (r - c) < c transitory shocks, thus the same result as in the non-singular case for the permanent shocks but not for the transitory shocks. Our main result is obtained by combining the classic Granger Representation Theorem with recent results by Anderson and Deistler on singular stochastic vectors: if (1 - L)Ft is singular and has rational spectral density then, for generic values of the parameters, Ft has an autoregressive representation with a finite-degree matrix polynomial fulfilling the restrictions of a Vector Error Correction Mechanism with c error terms. This result is the basis for consistent estimation of Non-Stationary Dynamic Factor Models. The relationship between cointegration of the factors and cointegration of the observable variables is also discussed.
Evaluación de la toxicidad aguda in vivo del extracto etanólico y acuoso de Calea urticifolia
Authors: Torres-Rodríguez María Lucina , García-Chávez Erika , Soto-Peña Gerson Alonso , Aradillas-García Celia , Cubillas-Tejeda Ana Cristina
Published: March 2016

Calea urticifolia is recognized for its value in the treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory processes; however, despite the scientific corroboration of its traditional effect, there is no evidence of toxicological studies of the species widely used in traditional medicine Xi’iuy of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This study considered to assess the acute toxicity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Calea urticifolia. Both sexes of Wistar rats were used to determine the LD 50 using the alternative oral acute toxic class method. The fixed doses evaluated in this study were 50, 100, 300, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg. We evaluated changes in body weight gain and parameters of renal and liver functionality. The results showed a LD50> 1,000 mg/kg for the ethanolic extract and > 5,000 mg/kg for the aqueous extract, without signs and symptoms of acute toxicity, in addition no alterations in body weight gain were detected. The serum concentration of urea, creatinine and serum transaminase levels showed no significant changes compared with the control group. Based in these results, the species is classified in the category 4 in its ethanolic extract and as category 5 in the aqueous extract, accordint to GHS (Globally Harmonized Classification System).
Análisis palinológico de mieles y cargas de polen de Apis mellifera (Apidae) de la región Centro y Norte del estado de Guerrero, México
Authors: Ramírez Arriaga Elia , Martínez-Bernal Angélica , Ramírez-Maldonado Nadia , Martínez-Hernández Enrique
Published: March 2016

The present work is a contribution to knowledge of polen recovered from six Apis mellifera honey samples and six pollen loads samples, in order to characterize their botanical and geographical origin. Samples were collected from central and northern Guerrero -both regions of beekeeping importance during November-December 2005 and March 2006. Honeybee foraging behavior was also analyzed. Melissopalynological results showed a total of 43 pollen types belonging to 27 families; only 15 taxa of native flora were considered of importance, and their palynological descriptions are included: Cosmos sulphureus, Dyssodia papposa, Taraxacum campylodes, Tithonia tubaeformis, and Vernonia sp. (Asteraceae), Coutoubea sp. (Gentianaceae), Dalea sp. and Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae), Quercus sp. (Fagaceae), Miconia sp. (Melastomataceae), Pisonia sp. (Nyctaginaceae), Dodonaea viscosa and Paullinia sp. (Sapindaceae), Solanum sp. Solanaceae), and Heliocarpus donnellsmithii (Malvaceae) as well as Zea mays (Poaceae), an abundant crop. Two oligofloral and four multifloral honey samples were characterized. Diversity indexes varied from 1.7 to 2.3 in honey samples, while the pollen loads registered 1.6 to 2.1values in diversity, the evenness index in honey samples varied from 0.8 to 0.9, whereas pollen load samples registered a range from 0.6 to 0.9. Apis mellifera showed polylectic behavior; the herbaceous stratum was the most foraged, followed in importance by tree and shrub strata.
Integración del balance hídrico en la modelación de la distribución de especies de árboles mexicanos
Authors: Vaca Raúl A. , Golicher Duncan J.
Published: March 2016

Species distribution models are typically based on relationships between species occurrence and simple climatic variables. An alternative strategy is to use mechanistic or semi-mechanistic models that incorporate variables that are known to have important effects on physiological responses of the organisms. We compared models built using simple climatic variables with models incorporating calculations of monthly soil water balance when predicting the distribution of 258 Mexican tree species associated with five different ecosystems. The species chosen varied in their degree of exposure to periods of drought. Water balance was calculated using a bucket model that integrated the effects of evapotranspiration and rainfall over a year. Models incorporating calculated soil water balance were contrasted with models that used net annual rainfall as a measure of variability in water availability. The effects of mean annual temperature and temperature range were included in both sets of models. More detailed water balance models showed a significantly improved ability to predict the distribution of some, but not all, species. The observed increase in mean AUC when replacing Panual by DH annual was higher for the group of species of xeric scrub (0.15), intermediate for the group of species of deciduous tropical forests (0.09), and significant, but comparatively low for the group of species of tropical moist forests (0.07). Calculated water balance did not improve predictions for species found in montane forests. We conclude that including detailed calculations of soil water balance can improve the species distribution models in areas of both moist and dry warm tropical forests, where temperature remains comparatively constant. However, including variability in soil water balance is less important when species distributions are limited by the effect of elevation on temperature. Model predictions could be further refined through the incorporation of soil parameters and geomorphological variability at a local scale.
Inventario florístico de la comunidad lacandona de Nahá, Chiapas, México
Authors: Durán-Fernández Alejandro , Aguirre-Rivera Juan Rogelio , García-Pérez José , Levy-Tacher Samuel , De Nova-Vazquez José Arturo
Published: March 2016

The Lacandon community Nahá is located at the north of the Lacandon rain forest, at the Municipality of Ocosingo, Chiapas; their vegetation preserves some areas with mature rain forest and the rest is subject to traditional diversified and intensified use. Results indicate that the preliminary vascular flora includes 118 families, 344 genera and 504 species, mainly in the rain forest. Ten species are listed in some risk category in the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010). Trees are the more abundant life forms in the region, followed by herbaceous, epiphytes, and shrubs. Common names for 366 species were recorded, and some use for 239 of them. Twenty-five new records are presented for 22 species not previously reported for Chiapas, and three for México. The species richness and conservation status of the mature vegetation in the studied area highlight the importance for its conservation. Traditional knowledge of Lacandon people has maintained this diversity in spite of the constant developmental pressures by the human establishments surrounding the area.
Calcium oxalate crystals in some species of the Tribe Cardueae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Kartal-Meric Ciler
Published: March 2016

In this study, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in the tissues and organs of 18 species that belong to tribe Cardueae (Asteraceae), Arctium minus, Silybum marianum, Cirsium vulgare, Cirsium creticum, Cirsium arvense, Carduus nutans, Carduus candicans, Carduus pycnocephalus, Tyrimnus leucographus, Jurinea consanguinea, Centaurea diffusa, Centaurea solstitialis, Centaurea iberica, Centaurea salonitana, Centaurea cyanus, Carthamus lanatus, Carthamus dentatus and Xeranthemum annuum , were investigated, and their morphologies and distribution were determined using a light microscope. Two morphological types of crystals, styloids and prismatics, were the most found crystals in the species examined. Raphides were only observed in the stem cortex and pith parenchyma cells of Silybum marianum, while druses were only viewed in the stem pith cells of Carduus pycnocephalus. Styloids were observed (if present) in the leaf, corolla, anther, filament, and style tissues. Prismatic crystals were seen almost in all the ovaries of the species investigated, except for Xeranthemum annuum. Prismatics, styloids, raphides, and druses were present in the stems of the species. It is considered that crystal formation within the cell is under genetic control. Thus the type, and presence or absence of crystals may be represented as a taxonomic character. In conclusion, it is suggested that the shape and location of CaOx crystals in the Cardueae constitute a diagnostic character and they may have taxonomic significance in this tribe.
Effects of shade on germination traits of the endangered cycad Dioon edule (Zamiaceae)
Authors: Yáñez-Espinosa Laura , Flores Joel
Published: March 2016

The endangered cycad Dioon edule requires shade provided by filtered sunlight under the canopy of trees or maternal plants during initial growth stages. It is known that germination improves under shade, but there is no report of radiation conditions. In order to understand how photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) affect germination traits, we evaluated some germination indexes. A sample of three mature strobili and 200 viable seeds per strobilus were selected to evaluate seed size (length, width, and fresh weight). Two experimental treatments were established simulating shade under the oak forest canopy with PPFD 81 µmol m?2 s?1 (PPFD81) , and under maternal plant canopy with PPFD 17 µmol m?2 s?1 (PPFD17) , as measured previously in the study site. Means of response variables (germinability, velocity of germination, synchronization, mean germination time and relative frequency of germination) for the two treatments were compared using a t -test and a correlation analysis. No significant correlation between seed size and germination traits was detected. Germinability was higher at PPFD17 (89 %) than PPFD81 (39 %), but mean germination time was similar across treatments. The velocity of germination was greater under PPFD17 but synchronization was the opposite. The low PPFD stimulated D. edule germination, but also the spectral composition must be evaluated.
Floristic survey of flowering plants in a tropical coastal ecosystem in Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Adriano Cristian Adrian , Aguirre-Jaimes Armando , Díaz-Castelazo Cecilia
Published: March 2016

Mexico is a megadiverse country and Veracruz is one of the states with the highest floristic diversity. The reserve of La Mancha in central coastal Veracruz comprises several vegetation types. In this site we conducted for a year, monthly surveys of flowering or fruiting plants in six vegetation types, considering the frequency of occurrence of different species. We found a total of 147 species (131 genera and 63 families). The families most represented were Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Verbenaceae. In addition, we found nine species that had not been reported in previous floristic studies. The highest taxonomic richness was observed in the tropical deciduous flood forest with wetland (59 species), while the highest diversity was found in tropical deciduous forest (ISI = 0.9562). We also found that the most similar vegetation types based on the composition and frequency of species were, coastal dune scrub, tropical deciduous forest and pioneer dune vegetation. The dominant plant biological form in La Mancha were herbs (40.41 %) followed by shrubs (23.97 %), vines-lianas (18.49 %) and trees (17.12 %). This study is the first to consider the frequency-occurrence of flowering and fruiting plants in La Mancha, covering six vegetation types through one year. The more relevant results of this study show the diversity of plants in different environments using the frequency of each species based on reproductive events. This information could be useful in future researches that evaluate plant-animal interactions, like pollination and seed dispersal.
Clitic doubling and pure agreement person features
Authors: Rocha Ricardo Machado , Ramos Jania Martins
Published: March 2016

Abstract: In this paper, we analyze clitic doubling constructions in dialectal non-standard Brazilian Portuguese. Within the Minimalism Framework, we explain very peculiar aspects of the doubled structures in this language, namely the fact that they occur only for 1st and 2nd person pronouns and that they co-vary with single clitic structures and single strong pronoun structures. Our approach assumes that the clitics me and te are hosted by a dedicated functional projection and result from the checking of the sole person feature [speaker:±]. Moreover, we show that, unlikely other cross-linguistic phenomena of pronominal doubling, Brazilian Portuguese Clitic Doubling does neither yield (nor is a result of) any interpretive effect, but rather is an instance of a pure agreement chain. This leads us to advocate, contra the standard Minimalist Program, for the validity of the conceptual postulation of AgrP, as a condition on well-formedness of certain structures.Keywords: Clitic Doubling; Agreement; Person Features; Brazilian Portuguese.Resumo: Neste artigo, analisamos construções de redobro de clítico acusativo no português brasileiro dialetal não padrão. Tomando o quadro teórico do Minimalismo, nós explicamos aspectos bastante peculiares das estruturas redobradas nessa língua, quais sejam: o fato de que elas ocorrem apenas para pronomes de 1.ª e 2.ª pessoa e o fato de que elas covariam com estruturas com apenas o clítico e estruturas com apenas o pronome forte. Nossa proposta assume que os clíticos me e te são hospedados por uma projeção funcional específica e resultam da checagem de um único traço de pessoa [speaker: ±]. Além disso, nós mostramos que, diferentemente de outros fenômenos de redobramento pronominal em outras línguas, o redobro de clítico no português brasileiro não resulta em, nem é consequência de, nenhum efeito interpretativo, mas ao contrário é um caso de cadeia de concordância pura. Isso nos leva a defender tanto a ideia contrária ao Programa Minimalista padrão quanto a validade do conceito teórico AgrP como uma condição de boa formação de certas estruturas.Palavras-chave: redobro de clítico; concordância; traços de pessoa; português brasileiro.