bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors:   SECTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL, Etzel Ruth A. , Wilson Karen M. , Balk Sophie J. , Farber Harold J. , Groner Judith A. , Moore John E.
Published: October 2015

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are rapidly growing in popularity among youth. ENDS are handheld devices that produce an aerosolized mixture from a solution typically containing concentrated nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and propylene glycol to be inhaled by the user. ENDS are marketed under a variety of names, most commonly electronic cigarettes and e-cigarettes. In 2014, more youth reported using ENDS than any other tobacco product. ENDS pose health risks to both users and nonusers. Nicotine, the major psychoactive ingredient in ENDS solutions, is both highly addictive and toxic. In addition to nicotine, other toxicants, carcinogens, and metal particles have been detected in solutions and aerosols of ENDS. Nonusers are involuntarily exposed to the emissions of these devices with secondhand and thirdhand aerosol. The concentrated and often flavored nicotine in ENDS solutions poses a poisoning risk for young children. Reports of acute nicotine toxicity from US poison control centers have been increasing, with at least 1 child death reported from unintentional exposure to a nicotine-containing ENDS solution. With flavors, design, and marketing that appeal to youth, ENDS threaten to renormalize and glamorize nicotine and tobacco product use. There is a critical need for ENDS regulation, legislative action, and counter promotion to protect youth. ENDS have the potential to addict a new generation of youth to nicotine and reverse more than 50 years of progress in tobacco control.
El manejo indígena del mundo global: el caso de los tikuna de Yahuarcaca
Authors: Cassú Camps Enric
Published: October 2015

Los indígenas tikuna de Yahuarcaca (Leticia, Amazonas) se enfrentan a las transformaciones sociales, económicas y culturales características de la globalización, bajo una lógica propia de apropiación y diferenciación. A pesar de los discursos y prácticas sobre el desarrollo sostenible a través del reconocimiento multicultural, las formas de articulación de las comunidades indígenas al Estado y al mercado son objeto de una negociación permanente a través de los muchos proyectos que llegan a estas comunidades. Los proyectos pueden traer el desarrollo deseado por las comunidades, pero también los problemas que vienen asociados a él, como las desigualdades económicas, la dependencia institucional, y en general, la pérdida de autonomía e identidad. Frente a ello, el discurso de la etnicidad se vuelve una herramienta política con la que concertar o negociar el poder de su autonomía y los lazos de su dependencia. Esta negociación no se juega tanto a nivel de discurso político en el sentido occidental, como de prácticas concretas para “guardar lo propio”. La lucha por la autonomía se mueve entonces entre el manejo de lo propio y la apropiación de lo ajeno. Por eso el reto es doble: no solo se hace necesario que los indígenas se adapten creativamente a la coyuntura nacional e internacional actual, sino también que los miembros de las organizaciones nacionales e internacionales se adapten a las lógicas culturales propias de los pueblos indígenas.
Jaɨeni Jitoma iaɨyinoɨ ikakɨ = Historia de los Huérfanos del Sol
Authors: Candre Hipólito
Published: October 2015

Este texto es la transcripción uitoto, dialecto mɨnɨka (con traducción al español), de la historia de los Huéfanos del Sol, Jitoma y Kechatoma, hijos de Monairue Jitoma (Sol del amanecer), según la mitología uitoto, narrada por Hipólito Candre, indígena ocaina-uitoto del río Igaraparaná, en el Amazonas colombiano.

Para escuchar el archivo de audio original, ver Herramientas del artículo / Archivos complementarios en el menú de la izquierda.
Don Azulay Manduca Vásquez de San Martín de Amacayacu comunidad tikuna
Authors: Montes María Emilia
Published: October 2015

Noticia sobre el fallecimiento de sabio indígena.  Perfil biográfico y resumen de sus aportes a diferentes procesos de estudio e investigación. Ilustración de su pensamiento innovador y creativo a través de la interpretación que daba al escudo tikuna, inspirado en el escudo nacional de Colombia.
Study of instantaneous rate of corrosion of aluminum in media with different acidity
Authors: Kylosova O. V. , Ilbuldina A. B. , Yaroslavtseva O. V.
Published: October 2015

Instantaneous rate of aluminum corrosion in media with different acidity has been studied using a method of polarization and the electrical resistance. A resulting time series of instantaneous corrosion rate have been analyzed using the standardized range. As a result, it has been found that in all studied media corrosion process has a stochastic character, and time series of instantaneous rate are anti-persistent.
Investigation of industrial compositions SONKOR as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in neutral media containing hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Melnikova A. V. , Figilyantov F. P. , Shein A. B.
Published: October 2015

Electrochemical and corrosion behavior of mild steel in neutral media containing hydrogen sulfide has been investigated by weight-loss and electrochemical methods and protective effect of industrial compositions SONKOR has been determined. It has been shown that in 3%  NaCl compositions SONKOR have weak protective effect but it increases greatly in presence of hydrogen sulfide in the solution. At concentration of H2S = 0,6 gram per liter maximal protective effect has SONKOR 9801 (85,57%) and SONKOR 9920А (81,97%). Inhibitors SONKOR 9021С (70,82%), 9510А(73,11%) and 9701(67,87%) show less protective effect.
Avaliação do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para Saúde - PET-Saúde/Vigilância em Saúde pelos seus atores
Authors: Flores Liziane Maahs , Trindade Ana Luiza , Loreto Daiane Rodrigues de , Unfer Beatriz , Dall’Agnol Marinel Mór
Published: October 2015

O PET-Saúde/VS da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, surgiu para realizar ações de vigilância emergenciais às vítimas do desastre em casa noturna de Santa Maria e a análise situacional em saúde do município. Entendendo que a avaliação é essencial para o planejamento, a implementação e o funcionamento de qualquer programa, elaborou-se um questionário para avaliar o PET-Saúde/VS por sua equipe. As perguntas tratavam da contribuição do programa para a formação acadêmica e/ou serviço, bem como facilidades e dificuldades encontradas pela equipe. Os dados foram avaliados de forma qualitativa, utilizando-se o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. O programa contribuiu para o aperfeiçoamento do ensino, da pesquisa e da extensão, possibilitando vivências, desenvolvimento acadêmico e contatos multiprofissionais. A integração multiprofissional e a comunicação interpessoal foram as facilidades destacadas, enquanto o desnivelamento teórico e a conciliação de horários foram as principais dificuldades.
Poly(L-Lactide)/Poly(∊-Caprolactone) and Collagen/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds for the Treatment of Critical-Sized Rat Alveolar Defects: A Microtomographic, Molecular-Biological, and Histological Study
Authors: Ekin Omer , Calis Mert , Aliyev Ali , Yar Seda Atiye , Korkusuz Petek , Bilgic Elif , Aydin Halil Murat , Celik Hakan Hamdi , Ozgur Figen , Vargel Ibrahim
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine the efficacy of a newly developed scaffold (col/β-TCP) in a preclinical rat model as compared with the gold standard treatment (autograft) and control scaffolds (PLLA/PCL).

Design

Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four experimental groups, and critical-sized alveolar defects (7 × 4 × 3 mm) were created in each animal. Group A was the blank defect group, group B received autograft, group C received col/β-TCP scaffolds, and group D received PLLA/PCL blend scaffolds to fill the bone defects. New bone formation was assessed radiomorphometrically, histomorphometrically, and molecular-biologically at 1 and 4 months following surgery.

Results

Radiomorphometrically, the best new bone volume rate at 1 month (43.7%) and 4 months (45.4%) was observed in the autograft group, and the difference was significantly higher than in the other three groups ( P ≤ .005, P ≤ .001, P ≤ .001 for 1 month and P = .004, P ≤ .001, P ≤ .001 for 4 months). Even though the new bone volume rate in the col/β-TCP group (21.5%) was higher than that of the PLLA/PCL group (18.2%), the difference was not significant ( P = .08). Molecular-genetic analysis revealed significantly higher BSP and ALP gene expression levels in the autograft and col/β-TCP groups than in the blank defect group ( P = .002 and P = .004).

Conclusion

The engineered tissue scaffolds described herein have great potential as an alternative treatment option when cost, donor region morbidity, and duration of hospitalization are considered.
ANÁLISE DA QUALIDADE DE VIDA SEGUNDO O QUESTIONÁRIO SF-36 DE PACIENTES SOROPOSITIVAS E SORONEGATIVAS EM DOIS AMBULATÓRIOS DO MUNICÍPIO DE ARACAJU
Authors: Bezerra Mauro Muniz , Garcia Fernando Henrique Motta , Cruz Mário Augusto Ferreira , Cruz Josilda Ferreira
Published: October 2015

A utilização de terapia antiretroviral eficaz para os pacientes HIV-positivos atrasou o aparecimento da AIDS e aumentou a expectativa de vida e o bem-estar dessas pessoas.  Apesar disso, os pacientes soropositivos ainda experimentam estresse psicológico resultante do medo da AIDS, e ao estigma associado à doença, bem como discriminação, o que acaba afetando as diferentes dimensões da sua saúde e qualidade de vida. Desse modo, o estudo objetivou comparar a qualidade de vida de pacientes soropositivas com a de pacientes soronegativas. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal realizado em dois ambulatórios públicos do município de Aracaju, que contou com 30 pacientes soropositivas e 30 pacientes soronegativas com idade entre 18 e 50 anos. Foi aplicado o questionário SF-36 e questionário sociodemográfico. Análise estatística realizada pelo programa SPSS versão 20.0. Foram avaliadas 60 mulheres, sendo 30 soropositivas e 30 soronegativas. A média de idade das soropositivas foi de 32,87 (DP 8,14) e das soronegativas de 34,87 (DP 9,54). Dos 8 domínios analisados pelo SF-36, o grupo das mulheres soropositivas obteve um escore inferior em 5 deles, sendo os piores escores em estado geral e saúde mental, entretanto, essas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. O escore médio, considerando-se todos os domínios, nas pacientes soropositivas foi de 64,82, e nas soronegativas 69,85, mas não obteve significância estatística (p=0,379). O estudo encontrou uma média geral dos domínios superior a outros estudos e não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a qualidade de vida de mulheres soropositivas e soronegativas.
EDUCAÇÃO NUTRICIONAL: DO JECA TATU À OBESIDADE
Authors: Xavier Santos Hugo José , Santos Bettina Steren , Barros Livia Melo
Published: October 2015

O artigo objetiva traçar um panorama sobre a educação nutricional no Brasil desde o seu surgimento até a atualidade, através de pesquisas bibliográficas dos últimos anos, discutida no campo da história, da cultura, da nutrição e da alimentação em nosso país, a fim de destacar as bases das políticas públicas, muito bem salientada por Monteiro Lobato e Josué de Castro em suas obras literárias. Este contexto indica que a finalidade das propostas educativas em alimentação e nutrição é mais subsidiar os indivíduos com informações adequadas, corretas e consistentes sobre alimentos, alimentação e prevenção de problemas nutricionais e menos os auxiliar na tomada de decisões. As mudanças sociais, culturais e econômicas refletem o modo de vida da população. No início do século XX, os males que afligiam a população eram as epidemias causadas por doenças transmissíveis e algumas ainda não foram debeladas, como a dengue. Já no século XXI, ocorreram transformações no perfil epidemiológico e, hoje, disseminam-se as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Atualmente, a importância desta modalidade de educação na vida dos cidadãos e sua comunidade residem na conscientização, através de estratégias de ensino, no respeito e na valorização dos aspectos culturais, econômicos, psicológicos, ambientais e sociais, alicerçados na educação. Mensurar constantemente o impacto que os hábitos de alimentação inadequados podem causar a uma população, é resultante de uma melhora da qualidade de vida do indivíduo e sua comunidade.
ESPAÇO, TEMPO E SOCIABILIDADES NA CIDADE
Authors: Goes Allisson Gomes dos Santos
Published: October 2015

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo principal construir um debate teórico acerca de algumas temáticas que envolvem a cidade dentro dos estudos urbanos na sociologia. Nosso foco está em discutir o espaço, tempo, relações sociais e sociabilidades e processos identitários urbanos. Para construir este texto, utilizamos os trabalhos teóricos e exemplos empíricos encontrados em autores como Simmel (1967), Pais (2002; 2010), Costa (2002) e Leite (2004). Concluímos que o paradigma da modernidade traz importantes questões para pensar a sociologia urbana. Os exemplos empíricos retirados dos trabalhos teóricos são elucidativos e reafirmam que a cidade continua a possuir um importante papel dentro dos estudos feitos na sociologia e nas ciências sociais em geral.
IMPACTO ACADÊMICO DA INICIAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA (IC) NA CONTINUIDADE E NA ANTECIPAÇÃO DE MESTRADOS.
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Natiene Ramos
Published: October 2015

Este artigo analisa o impacto da Iniciação Científica na continuidade e na antecipação de mestrados, a partir do universo de bolsistas de cinco editais de uma universidade pública. As análises estatísticas apontam para uma taxa de continuidade baixa no conjunto dos cursos mas com variações significativas entre eles.  O impacto sobre a antecipação é mais significativo; 33,2% deram continuidade logo no primeiro ano que se seguiu a conclusão da graduação e outros 41,6% deram continuidade até dois anos após o fim da graduação. Ou seja, 74,8% do total de egressos que deram continuidade a formação, o fizeram até dois anos após a conclusão da graduação.
PROVINCIA DA PARAHYBA DO NORTE: ESCOLARIZAÇÃO DA POPULAÇÃO POBRE (1849 – 1874)
Authors: Batista Lays Macena , Ananias Mauricéia
Published: October 2015

Este trabalho apresenta discussões acerca da escolarização da população pobre na Província da Parahyba do Norte entre os anos de 1849 a 1874 como parte do processo de institucionalização da instrução pública primária. O recorte temporal proposto leva em consideração os dois regulamentos da instrução pública, promulgados em 15 e 20 de Janeiro de 1849, que, além de contribuírem para normatização e organização da instrução, criaram o cargo de diretor geral da instrução pública, que dentre tantas atribuições, tinha como meta inspecionar a instrução em toda a Província. E 1874, por ser o último ano de funcionamento do Colégio de Educandos Artífices como espaço de escolarização destinado à população pobre e que teve por objetivo prestar assistência à infância desvalida. As fontes utilizadas para construção da narrativa foram os relatórios dos presidentes da Província, os regulamentos e os Documentos Diversos sobre a instrução pública primária, os jornais que circularam na Província durante o período estudado, bem como a bibliografia disponível referente à história e história da educação da Paraíba. A partir das análises feitas sobre o perfil etnicorracial e econômico da população paraibana e as condições que se encontrava a instrução primária na Província, inferimos que parte da população pobre também teve acesso à instrução primária como instrumento de civilização.

Palavras-chave: Província da Parahyba do Norte. Escolarização da população pobre. Instrução primária.
Negative effects of wind speed on individual foraging performance and breeding success in little penguins
Authors: Saraux Claire , Chiaradia André , Salton Marcus , Dann Peter , Viblanc Vincent A.
Published: October 2015

Most effects of environmental and climate variability on predator life history traits and population dynamics result from indirect effects mediated through the food chain. There is growing evidence that wind strength might affect seabirds while foraging at sea. Here, we investigated the effect of wind speed on the foraging performance of a flightless marine predator, the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). To this end, we used satellite‐derived wind data collected over 11 breeding seasons during which the daily attendance and body mass changes of more than 200 penguins breeding at Phillip Island (Victoria, Australia) were recorded by an automated penguin monitoring system. Over 17 363 foraging trips, we found that wind speed had important effects on foraging and provisioning parameters in breeding adults. During incubation and chick‐guard, stronger winds were associated with decreased foraging efficiency (lower body mass gain). During chick‐guard, stronger winds were furthermore associated with lower meal sizes provided to the chicks, but parental body reserves appeared unaffected. Under extreme wind conditions (>14 m/s) during the post‐guard phase, adults maintained their body reserves by shifting towards longer foraging trips, while providing chicks with smaller meals. Chick meal size and foraging trip duration during chick rearing had direct effects on breeding success, suggesting that the influence of wind on individual fitness was mediated by changes in foraging performances and success. Furthermore, using a long‐term wind data series spanning 150‐yr from a coastal wind station, we found a slight decline in wind speed and a decrease in wind speed variability in the Bass Strait where little penguins forage. Interestingly, based on this wind data, we found birds to be more directly affected by punctual events of strong winds (e.g. storms or gales), than by an overall change in wind patterns over time. Potential candidate mechanisms mediating the effects of wind speed on foraging efficiency may include swell formation, energy costs of travelling and thermoregulation, and a possible disruption of thermoclines, which may be important for little penguins. Plasticity in foraging strategies allowed parents to partially compensate for negative wind effects.
Brassica Cover Crop Effects on Nitrogen Availability and Oat and Corn Yield
Authors: Gieske Miriam F. , Ackroyd Victoria J. , Baas Dean G. , Mutch Dale R. , Wyse Donald L. , Durgan Beverly R.
Published: October 2015

Cover crops are used to scavenge residual soil nitrate, with the goal of reducing N losses from agricultural fields and increasing subsequent N availability. Two experiments were conducted to determine fall‐planted brassica cover crops’ effect on N availability for rotational crops. The first evaluated five species—brown mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern], hybrid turnip (Brassica rapa L. × B. napus L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.)—in rotation with oat (Avena sativa L.). The second evaluated radish in rotation with corn (Zea mays L.). End of season cover crop biomass averaged 1160 to 6170 kg ha−1 across experiments, locations, and years. Biomass did not differ by species. Nitrogen accumulation was generally greater than 70 kg ha−1 (range 31–136 kg ha−1). In the subsequent spring and summer, brassica cover crops reduced soil nitrate N levels relative to a no‐cover control by 0 to 132 kg ha−1. In Exp. 1, all brassicas reduced oat N accumulation by ≥77 kg ha−1 and oat biomass by ≥1255 kg ha−1 in June 2012, relative to the control. Mustards reduced oat grain yield by 505 kg ha−1 in 2011, while radish increased oat yield by ≥578 kg ha−1 in each year. In Exp. 2, radish did not affect corn V8 biomass N concentration, grain yield, or response to N fertilizer. Nitrogen taken up by brassica cover crops often is not available when the subsequent crop needs it.
Crossing the Border? Exploring the Cross-State Mobility of the Teacher Workforce
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Grout Cyrus , Holden Kristian L. , Brown Nate
Published: October 2015

Due to data limitations, very little is known about patterns of cross-state teacher mobility. It is an important issue because barriers to cross-state mobility create labor market frictions that could lead both current and prospective teachers to opt out of the teaching profession. In this article, we match state-level administrative data sets from Oregon and Washington and present evidence on patterns of in-service teacher mobility between these two states. We find levels of cross-state mobility that are drastically lower than levels of within-state mobility, even when accounting for proximity to the border. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that there are significant penalties to cross-state mobility that may be attributable to state-specific licensure regulations, seniority rules, and pension structures.
A Critical Review of the Model Minority Myth in Selected Literature on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education
Authors: Poon OiYan , Squire Dian , Kodama Corinne , Byrd Ajani , Chan Jason , Manzano Lester , Furr Sara , Bishundat Devita
Published: October 2015

This article presents a critical review of 112 works of research on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in higher education. It focuses on ways previous scholarship framed AAPIs in higher education, and specifically on how those works engaged in a sustained project of countering the model minority myth (MMM). Many publications on AAPIs in higher education mentioned the MMM and neglected to account for the original purpose of the MMM—to maintain anti-Black racism and White supremacy. We identified four key and interconnected limitations implicit in the counter-MMM framework that result from a lack of a critical recognition of the model minority as an instrument to maintain White dominance. Our analysis suggests that the well-established counter-MMM scholarly project is fundamentally flawed in its ability to humanistically reframe and advance research on AAPIs. Therefore, we call for a reframing of research on AAPIs in higher education.
Preparation and characterization of 2–2 piezoelectric composites for damping application
Authors: Huang Shifeng , Guo Xiaojing , Zhai Suhui , Xu Dongyu , Xie Xinchun , Sha Fei
Published: October 2015

2–2 piezoelectric composites were fabricated using PZT-51 as the functional filler and epoxy resin as the matrix using the cutting–filling technique. The influences of PZT-51 volume fraction and the ceramic plate thickness on the damping performance, piezoelectric and dielectric properties were studied. The results showed that the piezoelectric constant and dielectric constant of the composite increased nonlinearly with the increase of PZT-51 volume fraction when the ceramic plate thickness was constant. The maximum loss factor tan δ
max increased initially and then decreased with the increase of PZT-51 volume fraction, which reached a maximum value of 0.71 when PZT-51 volume fraction was 50 %. When the PZT-51 content was constant, the ceramic plate thickness had little influence on the piezoelectric strain constant d̅33. The maximum loss factor tan δ
max reached 0.73 when the ceramic plate thickness was 0.4 mm, which was 0.30 higher than that of the pure epoxy.
Effect of short milling time and microwave heating on phase evolution, microstructure and mechanical properties of alumina–mullite–zirconia composites
Authors: Majidian Hudsa , Nikzad Leila , Eslami-Shahed Hossein , Ebadzadeh Touradj
Published: October 2015

Alumina–mullite–zirconia composites were prepared using alumina and zircon powders pressed uniaxially at 250 MPa and sintered in a microwave furnace held at 1 550 °C for 90 min. The effects of short milling and sintering time on the density, phase evaluation and mechanical strength of the sintered composites were analyzed and compared with composites sintered in a conventional furnace. The goal was to decrease sintering time and temperature over that for conventional heating. The results showed that, although the densities were similar for both methods, the hardness, mechanical strength and fraction of the tetragonal zirconia phase of the microwave-sintered composites were much higher. The milling time yielded better densification and higher mechanical properties. It was found that the shorter sintering time in a microwave furnace requires longer milling time of the powders to obtain the same composite properties.
Rheological study of semi-solid TiAl3/ZL101 composites prepared by ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Wan Jun , Yan Hong , Xu Dong
Published: October 2015

Semi-solid TiAl3/ZL101 aluminum matrix composite slurry was prepared by ultrasonic vibration. A rotational viscosimeter was used to determine the rheological behavior of the slurry at a constant shear rate. The effects of ultrasonic power, solid fraction and TiAl3 fraction (vol.%) on the apparent viscosity of the slurry were investigated. Results showed that the apparent viscosity of the slurry increased as the TiAl3 fraction or solid fraction increased, and decreased with increasing ultrasonic power. Based on the experimental data, this study established a rheological model of semi-solid TiAl3/ZL101 composites prepared by ultrasonic vibration.
Fluorine-substituted HA reinforced with zircon as a novel nano-biocomposite ceramic: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Karamian Ebrahim , Abdellahi Majid , Gheisari Hassan
Published: October 2015

This work began with preparing hydroxyapatite from bovine bones and continued with doping fluorine into hydroxyapatite matrix to produce fluorine-doped hydroxyapatite in optimum conditions. At the end a fluorine hydroxyapatite–zircon nanocomposite ceramic with good bioactivity and good chemical stability was synthesized through a mechano-chemical route and subsequent two step sintering process. The ability of apatite formation on the produced nanocomposite samples, as a yardstick for evaluation of the bioactivity, was estimated by using simulated body fluid. According to the results obtained, after soaking the nanocomposite samples in the fluid solution, the pH value was increased during the first week of experiments. Furthermore, the concentration of the Ca ions at the end of the second week in the fluid solution was dependent on the Si – OH nucleation sites on the surface of nanocomposite.
Effect of treating method on the physicochemical properties of amine-functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pełech Iwona , Pełech Robert , Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Jędrzejewska Anna , Moszyński Dariusz
Published: October 2015

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized using a sequence of treatments which included grafting of carboxyl groups, converting them to acyl chloride groups with thionyl chloride followed by reactions with amine or ammonia. Another treatment procedure consisted of chlorination in the gas phase followed by reaction with ethylenediamine or ammonia. In both cases, the samples were heated conventionally or using a microwave oven. The influence of treatment method on the carbon nanotube properties is presented. Amine-functionalized carbon nanotubes were examined for their application as a nanofiller in epoxy resins and the electrical conductivity of the obtained polymer composites was investigated.
Bladder Cancer Patient Advocacy: A Global Perspective
Authors: Quale Diane Zipursky , Bangs Rick , Smith Monica , Guttman David , Northam Tammy , Winterbottom Andrew , Necchi Andrea , Fiorini Edoardo , Demkiw Stephanie
Published: October 2015

Over the past 20 years, cancer patient advocacy groups have demonstrated that patient engagement in cancer care is essential to improving patient quality of life and outcomes. Bladder cancer patient advocacy only began 10 years ago in the United States, but is now expanding around the globe with non-profit organizations established in Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy, and efforts underway in Australia. These organizations, at different levels of maturity, are raising awareness of bladder cancer and providing essential information and resources to bladder cancer patients and their families. The patient advocacy organizations are also helping to advance research efforts by funding research proposals and facilitating research collaborations. Strong partnerships between these patient advocates and the bladder cancer medical community are essential to ensuringsustainability for these advocacy organizations, increasing funding to support advances in bladder cancer treatment, and improving patient outcomes.
Id Proteins Contribute to Tumor Development and Metastatic Colonization in a Model of Bladder Carcinogenesis
Authors: Garcia-Cao Marta , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Chin Yvette , Bochner Bernard H. , Benezra Robert
Published: October 2015

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant genitourinary diseases worldwide. Despite advances in surgical technique, medical oncology and radiation therapy, cure of invasive tumors remains elusive for patients with late stage disease. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to improve the response rates with regard to recurrence, invasion and metastasis.

Objective: Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins have been proposed as therapeutic targets due to the key regulatory role they exert in multiple steps of cancer. We aimed to explore the role of Id proteins in bladder cancer development and the pattern of expression of Id proteins in bladder carcinomas.

Methods: We used a well-established chemically induced model of bladder carcinogenesis. Wild type and Id-deficient mice were given N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) in the drinking water and urinary bladder lesions were analyzed histopathologically and stained for Id1. We assessed the effects of Id1 inactivation in cultured bladder cancer cells and in a model of metastatic lung colonization. We also performed Id1 staining of human urothelial carcinoma samples and matched lymph node metastases.

Results: Id1 protein was overexpressed in the BBN-induced model of bladder cancer. Id1 deficiency resulted in the development of urinary bladder tumors with areas of extensive hemorrhage and decreased invasiveness when compared to wild type mice. Id1 inactivation led to decreased cell growth in vitro and lung colonization in vivo of human bladder cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry performed on human urothelial carcinoma samples showed Id1 positive staining in both primary tumors and lymph node metastases.

Conclusions: In summary, our studies reveal the physiological relevance of Id1 in bladder cancer progression and suggest that targeting Id1 may be important in the development of novel therapies for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Treatment Decision Making in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Berry Donna L. , Nayak Manan , Halpenny Barbara , Harrington Shannon , Loughlin Kevin R. , Chang Peter , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Kibel Adam S.
Published: October 2015

Background: Each stage of bladder cancer involves varying treatment issues and concerns that are discussed between patients and providers during the pre-treatment consultation. There is no documentation of how patients engage in decision making.

Objective: To describe aspects of treatment decision making perceived by patients with bladder cancer using qualitative analysis of data from individual interviews.

Methods: Patients with any stage bladder cancer were recruited from urology and medical oncology services at a comprehensive cancer center. A qualitative approach to data collection and analysis was applied. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Coding of the transcripts was conducted by research team members, discussed for consensus and major themes derived.

Results: 45 men and 15 women, the majority college educated, were recruited. Where to receive care, including from whom, was the initial and major decision. Challenges of decisions regarding urinary reconstruction were dominant. Personal characteristics, including age and being active, were considered. Participants with early stage tumors ( n = 28) typically perceived only one treatment option and followed the physician’s recommendation. The 18 participants with stage II-III were aware of multiple options. In 14 stage IV participants, balancing quality of life and outcomes between treatments was common to the decision process.

Conclusions: For this educated sample with bladder cancer, recruited at a comprehensive cancer center, the major decision was to seek treatment at a location with the highest level of physician expertise. Personal preferences informed decisions surrounding bladder reconstruction. Further research will be conducted in a diverse sample of patients making decisions in a non-urban, community setting.
Fears of Disaster and (Post-)Human Raciologies in European Popular Culture (2001-2013)
Authors: Giuliani Gaia
Published: October 2015

This article aims at mapping the impact of ‘fears of disasters and crisis’ on European self-representations in terms of racial stereotypes, ‘white fantasies’, gender hierarchies, and heteronormativities. Its methodology is a critical discourse analysis of texts – specifically television series such as the BBC’s Dead Set (2009) and the first season of BBC US and UK, In the Flesh, (2013) and movies such as 28 Days Later (2002), L’Horde (2009), and World War Z (2013) – read through the lens of postcolonial theories, critical race and whiteness studies, the concepts of political philosophy and the theoretical insights of post-human feminism. This composite theoretical framework permits a grasp of gendered, racialised and classed fantasies behind the narratives of catastrophe and the visions of the post-apocalyptic world(s) the catastrophe is supposed to bring to life; it also allows an analysis of the meaning and articulations of catastrophe and post-world spatial constructions, and the latter’s relation to actual and imagined social hierarchies (gender, colour and class of the survivors). These are examined in order to understand whose eyes we are expected to imagine and experience the crisis/catastrophe through; the geographies of catastrophe and of post-world(s) (where in the world, and why); the relation between the undead and the living; life amongst the living before the undead threat; and the way protagonists look at the laws, rule, governmentalities, and use of violence in the past, present and future societies. These are a few of the themes that this article discusses in an attempt to uncover what fantasies of the present are hidden behind present memories of the future.
At the Mercy of Gaia: Deep Ecologial Unrest and America’s fall as Nature’s Nation in Kingdom of the Spiders
Authors: Lillemose Jacob , Wind Meyhoff Karsten
Published: October 2015

This paper looks as the animal horror genre as a way to discuss current notions of ecology in relation to a specific American idea of being “Nature’s Nation”. The central work for the discussion is the movie Kingdom of the Spiders (1977) by John Cardos, which depicts how a small Arizona town is taken over by a “swarm” of tarantulas. Without any obvious explanation the spiders slowly but steadily invade the town and start killing both other animals and humans until they have completely covered the town in their web. The paper connects the movie to a long tradition of fiction describing how nature turns on humans and reverses the power relation between man and nature that is fundamental to modernity. Moreover, the paper connects the movie to Maurice Maeterlincks ideas of swarm communities as mani-fested by ants and termites to argue that these communities are ecologically superior to the the communities of man-made civilisation. Finally, the paper discusses Kingdom of the Spiders and animal horror in general in relation to recent ideas of non-human ecologies and critiques of anthropocentrism and makes the point that these works of fiction serve as both dramatic and philosophical visions of a world without humans.
Keeping Count of the End of the World: A Statistical Analysis of the Historiography, Canonisation, and Historical Fluctuations of Anglophone Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Disaster Narratives
Authors: Määttä Jerry
Published: October 2015

Over the past decade, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic disaster narratives seem to have become more popular than ever before. Since its inception in secular form in the first decades of the nineteenth century, however, the genre has experienced a number of fluctuations in popularity, especially in the twentieth century. Inspired by Franco Moretti’s influential Graphs, Maps, Trees (2005), the aim of this study is to analyse the historiography, canonisation, and historical fluctuations of Anglo-phone apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic disaster narratives in literature and film through an elementary statistical analysis of previous surveys of the field. While the small database on which the study is based essentially consists of a meta-study of historiography and canonisation within the genre, disclosing which works have been considered to be the most important, the data is also used to assess the periods in which the most influential, innovative, and/or popular works were published or released. As an attempt is also made to explain some of the fluctuations in the popularity of the genre - with an eye to historical, cultural, medial, social, and political contexts – perhaps the study might help us understand why it is that we as a society seem to need these stories ever so often.
Political Communication in Disasters: A Question of Relationships
Authors: McLean Hamish , Ewart Jacqui
Published: October 2015

Politicians are both a help and hindrance in the provision of information to the public before, during and after disasters. For example, in Australia, the Premier of the State of Queensland, Anna Bligh, was lauded for her leadership and public communication skills during major floods that occurred late in 2010 and in early 2011 (de Bussy, Martin and Paterson 2012). Similarly, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani was praised for his leadership following 9/11. This is in contrast to the poor performance of political leaders during Hurricane Katrina (Cole and Fellows 2008, Olson and Gawronski 2010). Political actors’ lack of credibility and their poor situational awareness contributed to the problems. The involvement of political leaders in disaster communications is also problematic from the perspective of emergency agencies. For example, politicians who move their communication position from supportive to tactical can take over the role of providing official disaster information, such as evacuation warnings, without sufficient expertise, credibility or situational knowledge. This paper builds on the expanding body of research into the politics of disasters by exploring relationships with political actors from the perspective of emergency managers. Drawing on interviews with emergency agencies in Australia, Germany, Norway and the UK, we firstly examine when and what a politician should communicate during disasters and secondly, offer six principles toward a roadmap of involving political actors in the disaster communication process when life and property is at stake.
Resilience and Complexity: Conjoining the Discourses of Two Contested Concepts
Authors: Dahlberg Rasmus
Published: October 2015

This paper explores two key concepts: resilience and complexity. The first is understood as an emergent property of the latter, and their inter-relatedness is discussed using a three tier approach. First, by exploring the discourse of each concept, next, by analyzing underlying relationships and, finally, by presenting the Cynefin Framework for Sense-Making as a tool of explicatory potential that has already shown its usefulness in several contexts. I further emphasize linking the two concepts into a common and, hopefully, useful concept. Furthermore, I argue that a resilient system is not merely robust. Robustness is a property of simple or complicated systems characterized by predictable behavior, enabling the system to bounce back to its normal state following a perturbation. Resilience, however, is an emergent property of complex adaptive systems. It is suggested that this distinction is important when designing and managing socio-technological and socio-economic systems with the ability to recover from sudden impact.
Dual Search Maximum Power Point (DSMPP) Algorithm Based on Mathematical Analysis under Shaded Conditions
Authors: Hajighorbani Shahrooz , Radzi Mohd , Kadir Mohd , Shafie Suhaidi
Published: October 2015

Photovoltaic (PV) systems represent a clean, renewable source of energy that has non-linear current-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) characteristics. To increase the efficiency, a PV system must operate at the maximum power point (MPP) to produce the maximum available power. Under uniform conditions, there is only a single MPP in the P-V curve of a PV system; however, determining the MPP is more complicated under partially shaded conditions (PSCs) because multiple peak power points exist. In recent years, various studies have been performed to obtain the highest peak power point under PSCs, which is referred to as the global maximum power point (GMPP). In this paper, a novel method based on mathematical analysis that reduces the search zone and simultaneously identifies the possible MPPs in the specified zone is proposed; this proposed method is called the dual search maximum power point (DSMPP) algorithm. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation and hardware implementations are carried out. The results show that the search time of GMPP is significantly reduced and the GMPP is detected in the minimum amount of time with high accuracy and minimum oscillation in the power produced.
Effect of Loads and Other Key Factors on Oil-Transformer Ageing: Sustainability Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Godina Radu , Rodrigues Eduardo , Matias João , Catalão João
Published: October 2015

Transformers are one of the more expensive pieces of equipment found in a distribution network. The transformer’s role has not changed over the last decades. With simple construction and at the same time mechanically robust, they offer long term service that on average can reach half a century. Today, with the ongoing trend to supply a growing number of non-linear loads along with the notion of distributed generation (DG), a new challenge has arisen in terms of transformer sustainability, with one of the possible consequences being accelerated ageing. In this paper we carefully review the existing studies in the literature of the effect of loads and other key factors on oil-transformer ageing. The state-of-the-art is reviewed, each factor is analysed in detail, and in the end a smart transformer protection method is sought in order to monitor and protect it from upcoming challenges.
Recent Progress on the Resilience of Complex Networks
Authors: Gao Jianxi , Liu Xueming , Li Daqing , Havlin Shlomo
Published: October 2015

Many complex systems in the real world can be modeled as complex networks, which has captured in recent years enormous attention from researchers of diverse fields ranging from natural sciences to engineering. The extinction of species in ecosystems and the blackouts of power girds in engineering exhibit the vulnerability of complex networks, investigated by empirical data and analyzed by theoretical models. For studying the resilience of complex networks, three main factors should be focused on: the network structure, the network dynamics and the failure mechanism. In this review, we will introduce recent progress on the resilience of complex networks based on these three aspects. For the network structure, increasing evidence shows that biological and ecological networks are coupled with each other and that diverse critical infrastructures interact with each other, triggering a new research hotspot of “networks of networks” (NON), where a network is formed by interdependent or interconnected networks. The resilience of complex networks is deeply influenced by its interdependence with other networks, which can be analyzed and predicted by percolation theory. This review paper shows that the analytic framework for Energies 2015, 8 12188 NON yields novel percolation laws for n interdependent networks and also shows that the percolation theory of a single network studied extensively in physics and mathematics in the last 60 years is a specific limited case of the more general case of n interacting networks. Due to spatial constraints inherent in critical infrastructures, including the power gird, we also review the progress on the study of spatially-embedded interdependent networks, exhibiting extreme vulnerabilities compared to their non-embedded counterparts, especially in the case of localized attack. For the network dynamics, we illustrate the percolation framework and methods using an example of a real transportation system, where the analysis based on network dynamics is significantly different from the structural static analysis. For the failure mechanism, we here review recent progress on the spontaneous recovery after network collapse. These findings can help us to understand, realize and hopefully mitigate the increasing risk in the resilience of complex networks.
Dynamical Trust and Reputation Computation Model for B2C E-Commerce
Authors: Tian Bo , Liu Kecheng , Chen Yuanzhong
Published: October 2015

Trust is one of the most important factors that influence the successful application of network service environments, such as e-commerce, wireless sensor networks, and online social networks. Computation models associated with trust and reputation have been paid special attention in both computer societies and service science in recent years. In this paper, a dynamical computation model of reputation for B2C e-commerce is proposed. Firstly, conceptions associated with trust and reputation are introduced, and the mathematical formula of trust for B2C e-commerce is given. Then a dynamical computation model of reputation is further proposed based on the conception of trust and the relationship between trust and reputation. In the proposed model, classical varying processes of reputation of B2C e-commerce are discussed. Furthermore, the iterative trust and reputation computation models are formulated via a set of difference equations based on the closed-loop feedback mechanism. Finally, a group of numerical simulation experiments are performed to illustrate the proposed model of trust and reputation. Experimental results show that the proposed model is effective in simulating the dynamical processes of trust and reputation for B2C e-commerce.
Thermal Adaptation Methods of Urban Plaza Users in Asia’s Hot-Humid Regions: A Taiwan Case Study
Authors: Wu Chen-Fa , Hsieh Yen-Fen , Ou Sheng-Jung
Published: October 2015

Thermal adaptation studies provide researchers great insight to help understand how people respond to thermal discomfort. This research aims to assess outdoor urban plaza conditions in hot and humid regions of Asia by conducting an evaluation of thermal adaptation. We also propose that questionnaire items are appropriate for determining thermal adaptation strategies adopted by urban plaza users. A literature review was conducted and first hand data collected by field observations and interviews used to collect information on thermal adaptation strategies. Item analysis—Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)—were applied to refine the questionnaire items and determine the reliability of the questionnaire evaluation procedure. The reliability and validity of items and constructing process were also analyzed. Then, researchers facilitated an evaluation procedure for assessing the thermal adaptation strategies of urban plaza users in hot and humid regions of Asia and formulated a questionnaire survey that was distributed in Taichung’s Municipal Plaza in Taiwan. Results showed that most users responded with behavioral adaptation when experiencing thermal discomfort. However, if the thermal discomfort could not be alleviated, they then adopted psychological strategies. In conclusion, the evaluation procedure for assessing thermal adaptation strategies and the questionnaire developed in this study can be applied to future research on thermal adaptation strategies adopted by urban plaza users in hot and humid regions of Asia.