bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rs9939609 Gene Variant in FTO Modified the Metabolic Response of Weight Loss After a 3-Month Intervention With a Hypocaloric Diet
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Aller Rocío , Conde Rosa , Izaola Olatz , Sagrado Manuel Gonzalez , Castrodeza Sanz Javier
Published: May 2016

Background

Common polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity associated gene ( FTO) have been linked to obesity in some populations. Nevertheless, the role of FTO variants on body weight response after dietary intervention remains equivocal.

Objective

We decided to analyze the effects of the rs9939609 FTO gene polymorphism on body weight changes and metabolic parameters after 3 months of a hypocaloric diet.

Design

Before and after 3 months on a low-fat hypocaloric diet, a white population of 106 subjects with obesity was analyzed.

Results

Of the study subjects, 35 (33%) had the genotype TT and 71 (67%) had the next genotypes; TA (46 study subjects, 43.4%) or AA (25 study subjects, 23.6%). After dietary treatment and in TT group, weight, waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment decreases were less than subjects carrying the A allele [−3.1 (3.6) vs −2.4 (4.1) kg: P < 0.05], waist circumference [−5.4 (6.4) vs −2.6 (4.8) cm; P < 0.05], total cholesterol [−12.3 (35.3) vs −6.4 (4.7) mg/dL; P < 0.05], LDL-cholesterol [−22.3 (30.5) vs −10.7 (30.5) mg/dL; P < 0.05], insulin [−1.89 (5.5) vs +0.94 (8.2) mUI/L; P < 0.05], and homeostasis model assessment [−0.46 (1.11) vs −0.01 (2.4); P < 0.05].

Conclusions

Our study confirmed a higher weight loss in A carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism than in TT genotype study subjects.
FTO First Intron rs1558902 Variant and Platelets Count in White Middle-aged Women: Prague Pre- and Post-Menopausal Females (3PMFs) Study
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Dlouha Dana , Lanska Vera , Stavek Petr , Pagacova Libuse , Kralova-Lesna Ivana , Pitha Jan
Published: May 2016

The polymorphisms within the FTO gene play an important role in the genetic determination of body weight and body mass index and have been associated with cardiovascular disease, but the causal mechanism is still a matter of debate. The possible effect on the platelet count as a marker of hemocoagulation status as a possible cardiovascular risk factor was suggested in Japanese population. We have analyzed both rs1558902 FTO polymorphism (T > A) and platelet counts in the Prague Pre and Post Menopausal Females (3PMFs) study, including those of 669 women (mean age, 55.7 ± 2.7 years). The frequencies of the FTO genotypes were similar to other populations (TT, 30.4%; TA, 48.1%; and AA, 21.5%). We have not detected a significant association between the FTO rs1558902 variant and platelet counts in white women (TT, 242 ± 55 × 109; TA, 246 ± 67 × 109; and AA, 247 ± 55 × 109; F[2.642] = 0.30, P = 0.75). At least in white persons, platelet count seems not to be a link between the FTO variation and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardinal Role of the Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kobori Hiroyuki , Kamiyama Masumi , Harrison-Bernard Lisa M. , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: May 2016

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases and is associated with increased incidence of structural and functional derangements in the kidneys, eventually leading to end-stage renal disease in a significant fraction of afflicted individuals. The renoprotective effects of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade have been established; however, the mechanistic pathways have not been fully elucidated. In this review article, the cardinal role of an activated RAS in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is discussed with a focus on 4 themes: (1) introduction to RAS cascade, (2) intrarenal RAS in diabetes, (3) clinical outcomes of RAS blockade in DN, and (4) potential of urinary angiotensinogen as an early biomarker of intrarenal RAS status in DN. This review article provides a mechanistic rational supporting the hypothesis that an activated intrarenal RAS contributes to the pathogenesis of DN and that urinary angiotensinogen levels provide an index of intrarenal RAS activity.
Serum Pentraxin 3 Levels are Associated with the Complexity and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Karakas Mehmet Fatih , Buyukkaya Eyup , Kurt Mustafa , Motor Sedat , Akcay Adnan Burak , Buyukkaya Şule , Karakas Esra , Bilen Perihan , Sen Nihat
Published: May 2016

Background

Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory process in which inflammatory markers are involved. Although pentraxin 3 (PTX-3), a newly identified inflammatory marker, was associated with adverse outcomes in stable angina pectoris, no association between PTX-3 and the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been reported. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the association between the level of PTX-3 and the complexity and severity of CAD assessed with SYNTAX and Gensini scores in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Methods

The study population consisted of 2 groups: 161 patients with anginal symptoms and evidence of ischemia who underwent coronary angiography and 50 age- and sex- matched control subjects without evidence of ischemia were included. Patients were grouped into 3 groups according to the complexity and severity of coronary lesions assessed by the SYNTAX score (30 patients with a SYNTAX score of 0 were excluded). Serum PTX-3 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured.

Results

The PTX-3 levels demonstrated an increase from low to high SYNTAX groups ( r = 0.72, P < 0.001). Whereas the low SYNTAX group had statistically significantly higher PTX-3 levels when compared with the control group (0.50 ± 0.01 vs 0.24 ± 0.01 ng/mL, P < 0.001), the hs-CRP levels were not different (0.81 ± 0.42 vs 0.86 ± 0.53 mg/dL, P = 0.96). However, the intermediate SYNTAX group had higher hs-CRP levels compared with the low SYNTAX group (1.3 ± 0.66 vs 0.86 ± 0.53 mg/dL, P = 0.002). Serum PTX-3 levels and hs-CRP levels were correlated with the SYNTAX scores and Gensini scores (for SYNTAX: r = 0.87 [ P < 0.001] and r = 0.36 [ P = 0.01]; for Gensini: r = 0.75 [ P < 0.001] and r = 0.27 [ P = 0.002], respectively), and according to the results of univariate and multivariate analyses, for “intermediate and high” SYNTAX scores, age, diabetes mellitus, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hs-CRP, and PTX-3 were found to be independent predictors, whereas for the presence of “high” SYNTAX score only PTX-3 was found to be an independent predictor. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further revealed that the PTX-3 level was a strong indicator of high SYNTAX score with an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.96).

Conclusions

Pentraxin 3, a novel inflammatory marker, was more tightly associated with the complexity and severity of CAD than hs-CRP and was found to be an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score.
Hydrogen storage kinetics of nanocrystalline and amorphous NdMg12-type alloy–Ni composites synthesized by mechanical milling
Authors: Zhang Yanghuan , Cui Songsong , Song Xiping , Zhang Peilong , Zhu Yongguo , Cai Ying
Published: May 2016

Nanocrystalline and amorphous NdMg11Ni + x wt.% Ni (x = 100, 200) composites were synthesized by mechanical milling, and their gaseous and electrochemical hydrogen storage kinetic performances were systematically investigated. Hydrogen absorption and desorption properties were investigated by means of a Sievert apparatus and a differential scanning calorimeter connected with an H2 detector. Electrochemical hydrogen storage kinetics of the as-milled alloys were tested by an automatic galvanostatic system. Results show that increasing Ni content significantly improves gaseous and electrochemical hydrogen storage kinetics. The improved gaseous hydrogen storage kinetics of the alloys are ascribed to the decrease in hydrogen desorption activation energy caused by increasing Ni content and milling time.
Uniform vs. Nonuniform Membership for Mildly Context-Sensitive Languages: A Brief Survey
Authors: Björklund Henrik , Berglund Martin , Ericson Petter
Published: May 2016

Parsing for mildly context-sensitive language formalisms is an important area within natural language processing. While the complexity of the parsing problem for some such formalisms is known to be polynomial, this is not the case for all of them. This article presents a series of results regarding the complexity of parsing for linear context-free rewriting systems and deterministic tree-walking transducers. We discuss the difference between uniform and nonuniform complexity measures and how parameterized complexity theory can be used to investigate how different aspects of the formalisms influence how hard the parsing problem is. The main results we survey are all hardness results and indicate that parsing is hard even for relatively small values of parameters such as rank and fan-out in a rewriting system.
Design and Application of Antimicrobial Peptide Conjugates
Authors: Reinhardt Andre , Neundorf Ines
Published: May 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an interesting class of antibiotics characterized by their unique antibiotic activity and lower propensity for developing resistance compared to common antibiotics. They belong to the class of membrane-active peptides and usually act selectively against bacteria, fungi and protozoans. AMPs, but also peptide conjugates containing AMPs, have come more and more into the focus of research during the last few years. Within this article, recent work on AMP conjugates is reviewed. Different aspects will be highlighted as a combination of AMPs with antibiotics or organometallic compounds aiming to increase antibacterial activity or target selectivity, conjugation with photosensitizers for improving photodynamic therapy (PDT) or the attachment to particles, to name only a few. Owing to the enormous resonance of antimicrobial conjugates in the literature so far, this research topic seems to be very attractive to different scientific fields, like medicine, biology, biochemistry or chemistry.
Mitochondria in Ageing and Diseases: The Super Trouper of the Cell
Authors: Coppotelli Giuseppe , Ross Jaime
Published: May 2016

The past decade has witnessed an explosion of knowledge regarding how mitochondrial dysfunction may translate into ageing and disease phenotypes, as well as how it is modulated by genetic and lifestyle factors.[...]
Managing Status Epilepticus in the Older Adult
Authors: Legriel Stephane , Brophy Gretchen
Published: May 2016

The aim of this systematic review was to describe particularities in epidemiology, outcome, and management modalities in the older adult population with status epilepticus. There is a higher incidence of status epilepticus in the older adult population, and it commonly has a nonconvulsive presentation. Diagnosis in this population may be difficult and requires an unrestricted use of EEG. Short and long term associated-mortality are high, and age over 60 years is an independent factor associated with poor outcome. Stroke (acute or remote symptomatic), miscellaneous metabolic causes, dementia, infections hypoxemia, and brain injury are among the main causes of status epilepticus occurrence in this age category. The use of anticonvulsive agents can be problematic as well. Thus, it is important to take into account the specific aspects related to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older critically-ill adults. Beyond these precautions, the management may be identical to that of the younger adult, including prompt initiation of symptomatic and anticonvulsant therapies, and a broad and thorough etiological investigation. Such management strategies may improve the vital and functional prognosis of these patients, while maintaining a high overall quality of care.
Retention Load Values of Telescopic Crowns Made of Y-TZP and CoCr with Y-TZP Secondary Crowns: Impact of Different Taper Angles
Authors: Merk Susanne , Wagner Christina , Stock Veronika , Schmidlin Patrick , Roos Malgorzata , Eichberger Marlis , Stawarczyk Bogna
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to examine and compare the retention load values (RL) of different telescopic crown assemblies (Y-TZP and CoCr primary crowns with electroformed and Y-TZP secondary crowns each) with three different taper angles (0°, 1° and 2°). Thirty Y-TZP primary crowns with electroformed gold copings (Z/G group) and Y-TZP secondary crowns (Z/Z group) and 30 CoCr primary crowns with electroformed gold copings (C/G group) and Y-TZP secondary crowns (C/Z group), each with taper angles of 0°, 1° and 2°, were fabricated, respectively. With the exception of the electroformed gold copings, all specimens were Computer-Aided-Design/Computer-Aided-Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-milled, then sintered and afterwards manually adapted. In order to stabilize the gold copings, they were fixed in a tertiary structure. The secondary crowns were constructed with a hook, which ensured self-alignment with an upper chain. Afterwards, 20 pull-off test cycles were performed in a universal testing machine under artificial saliva and after weighing the secondary crowns with a 5 kg object for 20 s. Data were analyzed by one-way and two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). C/Z with 1° showed higher (p = 0.009) RL than 0° and 2° tapers. C/G at 1° also showed higher (p = 0.001) RL than at tapers of 0° and 2°. Z/G and C/G at 0° showed lower RL than Z/Z and C/Z (p < 0.001). Primary crowns had no impact on the 0° group. Z/G showed lower RL as compared to C/Z within the 1° group (p = 0.007) and Z/Z in the 2° group (p = 0.006). The primary crown material had no influence on RL. Electroformed copings showed lower RL. Further investigations for 1° as well as for the long-term performance after thermomechanical aging are necessary.
Effects of Reflow Time on the Interfacial Microstructure and Shear Behavior of the SAC/FeNi-Cu Joint
Authors: Chen Yunxia , Wu Xulei , Wang Xiaojing , Huang Hai
Published: May 2016

Effects of reflow time on the interfacial microstructure and shear strength of the SAC/FeNi-Cu connections were investigated. It was found that the amount of Cu6Sn5 within the solder did not have a noticeable increase after a long time period of reflowing, indicating that the electro-deposited FeNi layer blocked the Cu atoms effectively into the solder area during a long period under liquid-conditions. The ball shear test results showed that the SAC/FeNi-Cu joint had a comparable strength to the SAC/Cu joint after reflowing, and the strength drop after reflowing for 210 s was less than that of the SAC/Cu joint.
Identification and Synthesis of (Z,Z)-8,11-Heptadecadienyl Formate and (Z)-8-Heptadecenyl Formate: Unsaturated Aliphatic Formates Found in the Unidentified Astigmatid Mite, Sancassania sp. Sasagawa (Acari: Acaridae)
Authors: Shimizu Nobuhiro , Sakata Daisuke , Miyazaki Honami , Shimura Yasuhiro , Kuwahara Yasumasa
Published: May 2016

We identified two aliphatic formates, (Z,Z)-8,11-heptadecadienyl formate and (Z)-8-heptadecenyl formate in the opisthonotal gland secretions of an unidentified acarid species, namely Sancassania sp. Sasagawa. Both compounds were isolated using silica gel column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by 1H-NMR and GC/FT-IR. Further information on the double bond positions was obtained by GC-MS analysis of the corresponding dimethyl disulfide derivatives. Based on the estimated structures of the two formates and using linoleic and oleic acids as the respective starting materials, a simple four-step synthesis was achieved via Barton decarboxylation as the key step. The aliphatic formates identified in acarids thus far are neryl formate ((Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl formate) and lardolure (1,3,5,7-tetramethyldecyl formate), and both have been reported to have pheromone functions. The biological function of the two formates isolated in this study is currently being investigated. Although we can speculate that the two compounds were biosynthesized from linoleic and oleic acid, there is a possibility that the synthetic processes featured a novel chain shortening and formic acid esterification mechanism.
Cascade Type-I Quantum Well GaSb-Based Diode Lasers
Authors: Shterengas Leon , Kipshidze Gela , Hosoda Takashi , Wang Meng , Feng Tao , Belenky Gregory
Published: May 2016

Cascade pumping of type-I quantum well gain sections was utilized to increase output power and efficiency of GaSb-based diode lasers operating in a spectral region from 1.9 to 3.3 μm. Carrier recycling between quantum well gain stages was realized using band-to-band tunneling in GaSb/AlSb/InAs heterostructure complemented with optimized electron and hole injector regions. Coated devices with an ~100-μm-wide aperture and a 3-mm-long cavity demonstrated continuous wave (CW) output power of 1.96 W near 2 μm, 980 mW near 3 μm, 500 mW near 3.18 μm, and 360 mW near 3.25 μm at 17–20 °C—a nearly or more than twofold increase compared to previous state-of-the-art diode lasers. The utilization of the different quantum wells in the cascade laser heterostructure was demonstrated to yield wide gain lasers, as often desired for tunable laser spectroscopy. Double-step etching was utilized to minimize both the internal optical loss and the lateral current spreading penalties in narrow-ridge lasers. Narrow-ridge cascade diode lasers operate in a CW regime with ~100 mW of output power near and above 3 μm and above 150 mW near 2 μm.
Using NDVI and EVI to Map Spatiotemporal Variation in the Biomass and Quality of Forage for Migratory Elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Garroutte Erica , Hansen Andrew , Lawrence Rick
Published: May 2016

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) have gained considerable attention in ecological research and management as proxies for landscape-scale vegetation quantity and quality. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), these indices are especially important for mapping spatiotemporal variation in the forage available to migratory elk (Cervus elaphus). Here, we examined how the accuracy of using MODIS-derived NDVI and EVI as proxies for forage biomass and quality differed across elevation-related phenology and land use gradients, determined if polynomial NDVI/EVI, site, and season effects improved these models, and then mapped spatiotemporal variation in the abundance of high quality forage available to elk across the Upper Yellowstone River Basin (UYRB) of the GYE. Models with a polynomial NDVI effect explained 19%–55% more variation in biomass than the linear NDVI and EVI models. Models with linear season effect explained 14%–20% more variation in chlorophyll, 37%–69% more variation in crude protein, and 26%–50% more variation in in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) than the linear NDVI and EVI models. Linear NDVI models explained more variation in biomass and quality across the UYRB than the linear EVI models. The accuracy of these models was lowest in grasslands with late onset of growth, in irrigated agriculture, and after the peak in biomass. Forage biomass and quality varied across the elevation-related phenology and land use gradients in the UYRB throughout the season. At their seasonal peak, the abundance of high quality forage for elk was 50% greater in grasslands with late onset of growth and 200% greater in irrigated agriculture than in all other grasslands, suggesting that these grasslands play an especially important role in the movement and fitness of migratory elk. These results provide novel information on the utility of NDVI and EVI for mapping spatiotemporal patterns of forage biomass and quality.
Detection and Segmentation of Small Trees in the Forest-Tundra Ecotone Using Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Hauglin Marius , Næsset Erik
Published: May 2016

Due to expected climate change and increased focus on forests as a potential carbon sink, it is of interest to map and monitor even marginal forests where trees exist close to their tolerance limits, such as small pioneer trees in the forest-tundra ecotone. Such small trees might indicate tree line migrations and expansion of the forests into treeless areas. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) has been suggested and tested as a tool for this purpose and in the present study a novel procedure for identification and segmentation of small trees is proposed. The study was carried out in the Rollag municipality in southeastern Norway, where ALS data and field measurements of individual trees were acquired. The point density of the ALS data was eight points per m2, and the field tree heights ranged from 0.04 to 6.3 m, with a mean of 1.4 m. The proposed method is based on an allometric model relating field-measured tree height to crown diameter, and another model relating field-measured tree height to ALS-derived height. These models are calibrated with local field data. Using these simple models, every positive above-ground height derived from the ALS data can be related to a crown diameter, and by assuming a circular crown shape, this crown diameter can be extended to a crown segment. Applying this model to all ALS echoes with a positive above-ground height value yields an initial map of possible circular crown segments. The final crown segments were then derived by applying a set of simple rules to this initial “map” of segments. The resulting segments were validated by comparison with field-measured crown segments. Overall, 46% of the field-measured trees were successfully detected. The detection rate increased with tree size. For trees with height >3 m the detection rate was 80%. The relatively large detection errors were partly due to the inherent limitations in the ALS data; a substantial fraction of the smaller trees was hit by no or just a few laser pulses. This prevents reliable detection of changes at an individual tree level, but monitoring changes on an area level could be a possible application of the method. The results further showed that some variation must be expected when the method is used for repeated measurements, but no significant differences in the mean number of segmented trees were found over an intensively measured test area of 11.4 ha.
Image Quality Analysis and Optical Performance Requirement for Micromirror-Based Lissajous Scanning Displays
Authors: Du Weiqi , Zhang Gaofei , Ye Liangchen
Published: May 2016

Micromirror-based scanning displays have been the focus of a variety of applications. Lissajous scanning displays have advantages in terms of power consumption; however, the image quality is not good enough. The main reason for this is the varying size and the contrast ratio of pixels at different positions of the image. In this paper, the Lissajous scanning trajectory is analyzed and a new method based on the diamond pixel is introduced to Lissajous displays. The optical performance of micromirrors is discussed. A display system demonstrator is built, and tests of resolution and contrast ratio are conducted. The test results show that the new Lissajous scanning method can be used in displays by using diamond pixels and image quality remains stable at different positions.
Towards a Model of Sustainable Competitiveness of Health Organizations
Authors: Stefan Simona , Popa Ion , Dobrin Cosmin
Published: May 2016

Over the last decades, around the world, the concept of competitiveness was long debated by economists (and others), widely used and even sometimes overused. Although at the theoretical level, a number of determinant factors of health care organizations’ competitiveness have been proposed, their diversity and the little empirical data available argues for the need to create and validate a model of competitiveness of health organizations. The purpose of this paper is (considering the theoretical approach) to shape a model of sustainable competitiveness of health organizations. In this respect, a 51 item questionnaire was designed and applied on a sample of 291 respondents from 12 Romanian health organizations. The exploratory factor analysis undertaken recovered more than 69% of the common variability of the initial 51 variables and revealed four factors/dimensions of sustainable competitiveness of health organizations (Economic Dimension, Quality Dimension, Social Dimension, and Strategic Dimension). Among the results of the exploratory factor analysis is also the empirical evidence on the contribution of leadership and managerial processes to enhance the influence of all other factors/dimensions in increasing the sustainable competitiveness of health organizations, thus bringing into focus the concept of sustainable management and leadership. Being just in the exploratory phase of our research, the proposed model can, and should, be improved, thus opening up further research directions.
Sustainable Wearables: Wearable Technology for Enhancing the Quality of Human Life
Authors: Lee Jaewoon , Kim Dongho , Ryoo Han-Young , Shin Byeong-Seok
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to elicit insights about sustainable wearables by investigating recent advancements in wearable technology and their applications. Wearable technology has advanced considerably from a technical perspective, but it has stagnated due to barriers without penetrating wider society despite early positive expectations. This situation is the motivation behind the focus on studies by many research groups in recent years into wearable applications that can provide the best value from a human-oriented perspective. The expectation is that a new means to resolve the issue can be found from a viewpoint of sustainability; this is the main point of this paper. This paper first focuses on the trend of wearable technology like bodily status monitoring, multi-wearable device control, and smart networking between wearable sensors. Second, the development intention of such technology is investigated. Finally, this paper discusses about the applications of current wearable technology from the sustainable perspective, rather than detailed description of the component technologies employed in wearables. In this paper, the definition of sustainable wearables is discussed in the context of improving the quality of individual life, social impact, and social public interest; those wearable applications include the areas of wellness, healthcare, assistance for the visually impaired, disaster relief, and public safety. In the future, wearables will not be simple data trackers or fun accessories but will gain extended objectives and meanings that play a valuable role for individuals and societies. Successful and sustainable wearables will lead to positive changes for both individuals and societies overall.
A site for sori: Ecophysiology of fertile–sterile leaf dimorphy in ferns
Authors: Watkins James E. , Churchill Amber C. , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Reproduction often requires significant investment and can move resources away from growth and maintenance; maintaining a balance between reproduction and growth can involve trade‐offs. Extreme functional specialization has separated reproduction and photosynthesis in most seed plants, yet ferns use the laminar surface of their fronds for both reproduction and photosynthesis. This dual function selects for a variety of frond morphologies that range from no specialization (monomorphy) to extreme dimorphy between fertile and sterile fronds (holodimorphy). Here we examined the ecological and physiological consequences of variation in frond dimorphy in ferns, evaluated reproductive trade‐offs across a dimorphy gradient, and speculate on factors controlling the occurrence of holodimorphy.

METHODS:

Ecophysiological measurements of photosynthetic rate, water potential, hydraulic conductivity, and gross morphological comparisons of frond area and angle were used to evaluate differences between fertile and sterile fronds. We examined three temperate and three tropical fern species that vary in degree of fertile–sterile dimorphy.

KEY RESULTS:

Holodimorphic species produced fewer fertile fronds, which had significantly higher respiratory rates than in sterile fronds on the same plant or in any frond produced on monomorphic species; hemidimorphic species were frequently intermediate. We found no differences in vulnerability to cavitation between fertile and sterile fronds. In dimorphic species, fertile fronds had higher (less negative) water potential and lower stipe hydraulic conductivity relative than in sterile fronds.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fertile–sterile dimorphy in ferns appears to come at considerable carbon cost in holodimorohic species. It is possible that the relative costs of this reproductive system are offset by increased spore dispersal, yet such trade‐offs require further exploration.
Controlling the cost of risk management by utilising a phase portrait methodology
Authors: Eaton David , Dikmen Seyyit Umit , Akbiyikli Rıfat
Published: May 2016

The methodology developed in this study presents an approach to the concurrent evaluation of Risk Management (RM) effectiveness during project execution. The method proposed is an adaptation of an approach developed and advocated by Khlebopros et al. (2007) for the mathematical modelling of complex systems, namely the analysis and effects of natural catastrophes. Hence, the method utilizes a phase portrait approach to identify the Prime Cost (PC) of RM of a project. Furthermore, the method provides an approach for comparing the individual identified risks with this PC, and subsequently highlighting a way of classifying and prioritising risks into a rank order for RM attention. The MERA (Multiple Estimating Risk Analysis) approach was utilized for the quantification of risk impact and ultimately the creation of the phase portrait. Besides being accurate and intuitively understandable, the methodology is relatively simple to implement and provides a rapid visualisation of the overall risk extent of a project.
Modalités de coordination de projets collaboratifs pour l'innovation : entre interactions en face-à-face et interactions à distance
Authors: Bernela Bastien , Levy Rachel
Published: May 2016

Cette recherche vise à caractériser les interactions entre partenaires dans le cadre de projets collaboratifs pour l'innovation. Les données mobilisées proviennent d'une enquête en ligne adressée à l'ensemble des partenaires impliqués dans des projets labellisés par un pôle de compétitivité français. Les acteurs ont évalué la fréquence de leurs interactions en face-à-face et à distance avec chacun des autres partenaires impliqués dans le même projet. À partir des 754 liens inter-organisationnels étudiés, on observe une hétérogénéité des interactions en termes d'existence et de fréquence. Si le rôle des coordinateurs des projets et de la connaissance antérieure des partenaires stimule les interactions, nous montrons que la proximité géographique entre les acteurs influence la nature de ces dernières. Enfin, l'analyse croisée des deux types d'interactions met en évidence l'existence à la fois de configurations de complémentarité et de substituabilité, cette dernière n'étant possible que s'il existe un minimum d'interactions en face-à-face.
Politiques régionales et de développement territorial au Brésil. Du macro au micro, quel nouveau rôle pour l'État ?
Authors: Reys Aurélien
Published: May 2016

Cette note de synthèse a pour objectif d'interroger l'évolution de la place de l'État fédéral dans l'élaboration des politiques publiques régionales mises en œuvre depuis plus d'un demi-siècle sur le territoire brésilien. Alors que l'État s'est longtemps imposé comme l'unique interlocuteur et décisionnaire, le virage néo-libéral des années 1980 a ensuite progressivement redistribué les rôles. Il a non seulement favorisé un glissement du centre de gravité de l'action entreprise au niveau de l'échelle nationale vers le local, mais a de plus abouti au transfert d'une partie des compétences qui étaient autrefois du ressort d'administrations publiques à des institutions de droit privé. Ces évolutions n'ont toutefois pas eu pour conséquence la disparition de l'influence des autorités fédérales dans l'action publique mais ont plutôt conduit à une redistribution de ses commandes. D'une action essentiellement coordonnée par l'État, le Brésil est certes passé à un mode de gouvernance piloté par plusieurs acteurs, mais au sein duquel les instances publiques nationales demeurent toujours le principal pilote.
An Empirical Study on Factors Leading to Employee Retention for Manufacturing Industry in India
Authors: Singh Rupali , Sankhi Anil
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of employee's retention in manufacturing organizations. The factors identified for the study are work culture, training, compensation, motivation of employee's for their profession, and employee's personality factors which are mediating through job satisfaction of employees. The study established statistically significant relationship between the factors and employee's retention with mediation effect of job satisfaction. Results revealed the importance of job satisfaction as a mediator in predicting employee's retention in manufacturing industry.
Supply Chain Social Sustainability and Manufacturing
Authors: Mani V  , Agrawal Rajat , Sharma Vinay , Kavitha T.N
Published: May 2016

This chapter gives the overview of social sustainability in the supply chain of manufacturing industry. The author through literature survey identifies various definitions to social sustainability and suggest the approach to social sustainability problem in the supply chain. The readers are exposed with different social sustainability problems and what are the enablers and barriers to address such problem. In addition, the author identifies various social dimensions related to manufacturing supply chain and suggest as to how it can be addressed by various practices. Finally, the author identifies the research gaps in developing countries such as India, and suggests directions for future research. This is a vital contribution to the development of theory related to social sustainability in manufacturing Industries.
Sustainable Non Traditional Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek , Kumar Kaushik , Roy Supriyo
Published: May 2016

Sustainable operations strategy, an important field of research for engineering optimization, is posing an increasing challenge to operations managers. Sustainable operations can become a key to competitive advantage. Consequently, there is a need for research for the complex interfaces between the dimensions of sustainable operations strategy. The companies need to accommodate environmental demands, emphasized by media and government, along with social aspect in day to day operations for formulating strategies. Non-traditional manufacturing processes involves mechanical, thermal, electrical or chemical energy or combinations of these energies but do not use a sharp cutting tools as required for traditional manufacturing processes. In this chapter a non-traditional machining process namely Electro chemical Machining (ECM) has been considered. Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface Roughness (SR) has been optimized using Taguchi, Grey Relation, Artificial Neural Network, Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithm to achieve the best.
Recovery of Aluminum Alloy A380 from Machining Chips
Authors: Xiong Bo Jun , Fang Li , Zhang Xue Zhi , Zhou Jun Xiang , Hu Henry , Liu Chi
Published: May 2016

Die casting aluminum alloy A380 were recoveredfrom high pressure die cast machining chipsunder a series of designed experiments using Taguchi Method, where flux types (FT), chips/flux ratio (CFR), holding times (Ht) and temperatures (HT) were selected as four factors. For each factor, three levels were chosen to create Taguchi orthogonal array. The recovery rate (Rr) was selected as a response to evaluate the effectiveness of the recovery process. An analysis of the mean of noise-to-signal (S/N) ratios indicates that the recovery rate is affected considerably by the levels in the Taguchi orthogonal array. The optimum combination leads to the highest recovery rate of 92.03% by using Al-clean 101 as the refining flux, 10:5 as the chips/flux ratio, 60 minutes and 760°Cas the holding time and holding temperature.
Xylol and Glutaraldehyde Replacement at a University Hospital and a Laboratory of Human Anatomy
Authors: Manfredini Kira Lusa , do Nascimento Filho Irajá
Published: May 2016

The main objective of the present work was to evaluate the degradation levels of the glutaraldehyde and xylol, after use at the General Hospital (GH) of the University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The degradation levels were evaluated by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID). Sixteen samples were collected over an experimental period of 8 months. The degradations of glutaraldehyde and xylol were 9.19 and 1.52, respectively. Besides suggestions to improve management, the present study also suggests possible replacers for the target compounds.
Copper Removal with Biologcal Treatment Aided with Modified Adsorbents
Authors: Mohamed Kutty Shamsul Rahman , Ezechi Ezerie Henry , Umar Salihi Ibrahim , Khaw Seek Guan , Lai Chin Leong , Hasnain Isa Mohamed
Published: May 2016

The performance of a biological system was evaluated for copper removal with and without the addition of an adsorbent to the aeration compartment. Three different reactors were employed in this study. The first reactor consist of biomass alone and was used as a control reactor (CR). The second reactor consist of biomass and microwave incinerated rice husk ash (MIRHA) whereas the third reactor consist of biomass and hybrid adsorbent (HA), which is a mixture of MIRHA and groundwater treatment plant sludge (GWTPS). The reactors were operated at solid retention time (SRT) of 30 days and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 19.8 hours. The experiment was conducted in 8 different phases consisting of various copper concentrations coming from the influent source. The first and second phase were acclimation period during which copper was not added to the influent wastewater. From the third to the eight phase, copper was fed to the reactors at different concentrations. Reactor performance was monitored every two days. Results show that copper toxicity was significant for the control reactor from phase from phase 5 to phase 8 with effluent concentration between 0.34 – 2.62 mg/L. Copper removal was significant for both MIRHA and HA reactor. Effluent copper concentration in the MIRHA reactor was 2.04 mg/L and 1.09 mg/L for HA reactor at phase 8 (copper concentration 15 mg/L). Addition of the adsorbents (MIRHA and HA) enhanced the biomass tolerance towards copper toxicity at high concentration and improved copper removal efficiency. This study, therefore demonstrates that low cost non-conventional adsorbents could be utilized as support materials to enhance biomass tolerance towards heavy metal toxicity.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Fulvic Acid Using N–Doped SnO2/TiO2 Thin Film Coated Glass Fibers under UV and Solar Light Irradiation for Drinking Water Purification
Authors: Kongsong Peerawas , Sikong Lek , Niyomwas Sutham , Rachpech Vishnu
Published: May 2016

The degradation of fulvic acid (FA) using N–doped SnO2/TiO2 composite thin films coated on glass fibers prepared by sol–gel and dip–coating methods was investigated. The effects of nitrogen doping on coating morphology, physical properties, and FA degradation rates were experimentally determined. Nitrogen doping has an effect on shifting the optical absorption wavelength to visible light region, narrowing the band gap energy and reducing crystallite size which lead to the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The optimal FA degradation rates of 40N/SnO2/TiO2 composite thin films under UV and solar irradiation are about 2.4 and 2.0 folds higher than that of TiO2 film, respectively due to its narrowest band gap energy (optical absorption wavelength shifting to visible light region) and small crystallite size influenced by nitrogen doped.
A Study on Indoor Thermal Improvement of Container for Low Income Housing in Jakarta
Authors: Mariana Yosica , Hendarti Religiana , Prastiwi Miladini
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a study of thermal comfort of container for a low income flat in Jakarta. This study was conducted since the population of Jakarta is rapidly growing so that the provision of houses for inhabitants especially for low-income communities is necessary. One solution to resolve this issue is vertical housing that concern the sustainability development process; hence, the use of used container may become a suitable choice. However, the drawback of the container is made of aluminum which has high thermal conductivity and can cause poor indoor thermal comfort. This study, therefore, analysed a used container to investigate its indoor thermal comfort. In order to facilitate that objective, a simulation study was conducted. The simulation study consisted of two steps: (1) to simulate the indoor thermal comfort of the container without insulation and (2) to simulate the container after has been added by insulator materials and air gap between the materials. The results showed that by adding insulator materials and air gap as the second layer, the indoor thermal comfort can be improved up to 26%. This result is in the range of the third level of Standard National Indonesia (SNI) thermal comfort version.
Thermal Performance Comparison between Single and Double Storey Terrace Houses in Melaka, Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Rashid Fahanim , Ressang Aminuddin Asrul Mahjuddin , Ghaffar Norafida Ab.
Published: May 2016

Over the past decade many studies were conducted to investigate the thermal performance of terraced houses in Malaysia. It was found that this housing typology failed to address the need for thermal comfort and alternatives to the narrow frontage with deep plan have been proposed with simulated good thermal performance. Although this is good progress for new generation of terraced houses, millions of units of terraced houses are still in use and new units with the outdated existing plans continued to get built due to consistently very high demand due to progressive urbanisation and rapid economic developments. Therefore, it is imperative that the thermal comfort issue for existing terraced houses is dealt with and through this paper a comparison between single and double storey terraced houses is made through analysis of indoor environmental monitoring (ambient temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) of two (2) selected case studies in Merlimau, Melaka. Contrary to popular belief, it is found that there is no statistical difference between both sets of indoor temperature and relative humidity between the case studies. This finding is indicative of the consistent and stable temporal temperature highs and lows in a 24 hour cycle despite the difference in indoor volume and distance between the ground floor and the roof cavity. Much of the reason is due to the materiality of the terraced houses construction and unsealed and uninsulated building envelope. Therefore, further research into improving the thermal performance of existing terraced houses of any typology have to be conducted to allow thermal comfort and to reduce reliance on high energy consuming air-conditioning.
The Future of Architecture in Modular Construction
Authors: Mlčochová Martina , Řihák Pavel
Published: May 2016

Modular building is without question a world trend not unknown for the global building. Nowadays the future of architecture is discussed from the viewpoint of modular building. Modular building may have an exclusive role when dealing with current condition of architecture ant its future development. The article deals with the modular construction of the historical development and current trends. Construction speed, efficiency, quality materials. These are the common denominators of modular construction. However, it should be avoided technocratic construction without soul and try to instilling to modular construction aesthetic and quality parameters for building the modular architecture.
Influence of the Type of the Fiber Component of the Stabilizing Additive for Stone Mastic Asphalt Concrete on the Structure of an Organic Binder
Authors: Yadykina Valentina V. , Gridchin Anatoly M. , Trautvain Anna Ivanovna , Tobolenko Sergey Sergeyevich
Published: May 2016

The evaluation of the quality of the fibrous filler, which is part of stabilizing additives for the production of stone mastic asphalt concrete, can be carried out on the basis of researching its structuring role to a binding material, which was studied by the following parameters: the depth of needle penetration, elongation at 25 and at 0°C, the softening point, cohesion, elasticity and plastic strength. It is found that the fiber made of high-density microporous cellulose-paper waste have the highest adsorption activity and structuring capacity to the organic binder. Moreover, the adding fiber in amount of 1% of the initial bitumen weight allows forming the more rigid framework of the "tar - cellulose fiber" system, which corresponds to the introduction of 0.5% of stabilizing additive to the stone mastic asphalt mix (SMAM), that is, the amount close to recommended regulations.
The Effect of Filler Based on Calcium Silicates оn Strength of Lime Composites
Authors: Loganina Valentina Ivanovna , Makarova Ludmila V. , Tarasov Roman V.
Published: May 2016

The article shows the results of studies on the effect of calcium silicates-based fillers on the properties of coatings based on dry building mixes. The authors propose a mathematical model of the influence of water-lime ratio, filler ratio and filler synthesis conditions on the compressive strength of lime composite.
Analysis of the Culvert Foundation Settlement under Different Construction Methods in High Salinity Regions
Authors: Wu Ya Ping , Pan Gao Feng , Hu Hai Dong , Wang Gang , Wang Jun , Xu Zhi Biao
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a key treatment technology of the culvert foundation is presented, which is on the high salt saturated fine sand in a new China local railway from XieTieshan to North Hobsonis. In the procedure，for the two kinds of culvert foundation treatment technology(gravel pile foundation and rubble replacement), the settlement laws of culvert under China-load are explored by comparing with the field observation data and numerical analysis conclusion. The results show that in saline soil area, using rubble fill to reinforce groundwork is a appropriate treatment technology for culvert foundation.
Study on Continuum Damage Mechanics Model for High Cycle Fatigue
Authors: Shi Xin Tong , Xiao Ying Chun , Chen Hong , Huang Bo
Published: May 2016

A continuum damage mechanics model was proposed to predict the high cycle fatigue life. In order to consider mean stress effects, the Walker correction was introduced in proposed model. The model was verified by experimental data on LC4 and LY12CZ aluminum alloy under high cycle fatigue loading. The results showed that the predicted life of proposed model well correlated with experimental data.
Semiautomatic High Frequency Ultrasonic Testing System for Welded Plastic Pipes
Authors: Nitoi Dan , Petriceanu Constantin , Severin Irina , Bogatu Ana Maria , Teodorescu Octav
Published: May 2016

The present paper proves the feasibility of a semi-automatic control system of high frequency ultrasound for welded plastic pipes, by ultrasonic methods. The paper presents the main existing types of plastic materials, the technological joining possibilities, the problems that may occur in welding and control and the reasoning of the chosen examination method. The theoretical size of the reference ultrasonic parameters for the propagation of ultrasounds through the flawless juncture. The samples were welded using electro fusion (EF) under different working conditions. The samples were assessed circumferentially, every 10 degrees, on different working frequencies. A semi-automatic control system was designed and developed. For the optimal working frequency, a set of 10 measurements was done, in similar working conditions, on the automatic control stand, in order to test the systems’ capability and the results’ repeatability. The measured values were compared with the limits considered to be admissible using Shewhart statistic control charts.