bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TATOOINE NURSERIES: STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION OF CIRCUMBINARY PROTOPLANETARY DISKS
Authors: Vartanyan David , Garmilla José A. , Rafikov Roman R.
Published: January 2016

Recent discoveries of circumbinary planets by the Kepler mission provide motivation for understanding their birthplaces—protoplanetary disks around stellar binaries with separations

. We explore properties and evolution of such circumbinary disks focusing on modification of their structure caused by tidal coupling to the binary. We develop a set of analytical scaling relations describing viscous evolution of the disk properties, which are verified and calibrated using 1D numerical calculations with realistic inputs. Injection of angular momentum by the central binary suppresses mass accretion onto the binary and causes radial distribution of the viscous angular momentum flux

to be different from that in a standard accretion disk around a single star with no torque at the center. Disks with no mass accretion at the center develop an 

profile that is flat in radius. Radial profiles of temperature and surface density are also quite different from those in disks around single stars. Damping of the density waves driven by the binary and viscous dissipation dominates heating of the inner disk (within 1–2 AU), pushing the ice line beyond 3–5 AU, depending on disk mass and age. Irradiation by the binary governs disk thermodynamics beyond ∼10 AU. However, self-shadowing by the hot inner disk may render central illumination irrelevant out to ∼20 AU. Spectral energy distribution of a circumbinary disk exhibits a distinctive bump around 10 μm, which may facilitate identification of such disks around unresolved binaries. Efficient tidal coupling to the disk drives orbital inspiral of the binary and may cause low-mass and relatively compact binaries to merge into a single star within the disk lifetime. We generally find that circumbinary disks present favorable sites for planet formation (despite their wider zone of volatile depletion), in agreement with the statistics of Kepler circumbinary planets.
OGLE ATLAS OF CLASSICAL NOVAE. II. MAGELLANIC CLOUDS
Authors: Mróz P. , Udalski A. , Poleski R. , Soszyński I. , Szymański M. K. , Pietrzyński G. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Ulaczyk K. , Kozłowski S. , Pietrukowicz P. , Skowron J.
Published: January 2016

The population of classical novae in the Magellanic Clouds was poorly known because of a lack of systematic studies. There were some suggestions that nova rates per unit mass in the Magellanic Clouds were higher than in any other galaxy. Here, we present an analysis of data collected over 16 years by the OGLE survey with the aim of characterizing the nova population in the Clouds. We found 20 eruptions of novae, half of which are new discoveries. We robustly measure nova rates of 2.4 ± 0.8 yr−1 (LMC) and 0.9 ± 0.4 yr−1 (SMC) and confirm that the K-band luminosity-specific nova rates in both Clouds are 2–3 times higher than in other galaxies. This can be explained by the star formation history in the Magellanic Clouds, specifically the re-ignition of the star formation rate a few Gyr ago. We also present the discovery of the intriguing system OGLE-MBR133.25.1160, which mimics recurrent nova eruptions.
Osservazioni sull’architettura templare della Sicilia ellenistica. Per una rilettura dei dati
Authors: Fuduli Leonardo
Published: January 2016

Les données issues de la recherche archéologique de cette dernière décennie sur l’architecture des temples de la Sicile hellénistique poussent à tenter une nouvelle synthèse sur cette question habituellement négligée. Alors qu’on y voit une période de décadence, en réalité la construction n’a pas cessé après le iv e  s. av. J.‑C. et elle a continué sans interruption, sous des formes particulières. Dans ces temples sont attestés des traits remarqués dans tout le monde grec, comme de nouvelles dimensions pour l’ordre dorique et le déclin des temples périptères, ce dernier trait étant peut‑être à mettre en rapport avec les besoins propres à chaque cité, sachant que beaucoup disposaient déjà d’édifices religieux en fonction depuis les siècles précédents. Mais on connaît peu de choses sur le décor architectural des édifices, alors qu’il ne manque pas d’originalité, comme le montre la moulure appelée kyma hiéronien, qui peut être considérée comme une création locale inspirée de modèles antérieurs. L’identification des cultes pratiqués dans chacun des édifices est débattue, dans l’attente de nouvelles trouvailles qui permettent de trancher.
Entre causalisme et positivisme : La réception épistémologique de la mécanique quantique par les théoriciens français de la génération de l’entre-deux-guerres
Authors: Vila Valls Adrien
Published: January 2016

De nombreux auteurs ont soutenu que l’imprégnation chez les physiciens français des philosophies rationalistes et positivistes a constitué un obstacle dans la réception de la mécanique quantique en France. Sans remettre en question cette idée, cette étude tend à la nuancer. En faisant un tour d’horizon de la réception épistémologique de la mécanique quantique chez les principaux théoriciens français de l’entre-deux-guerres, elle vise à montrer que ceux-ci ont, dans leur ensemble, su aménager des postures vis-à-vis de la physique quantique, qui, à de rares exceptions près, s’accordaient bien avec leurs présupposés philosophiques. La plus importante d’entre elles par le nombre de ses adeptes, une interprétation appelée ici « cryptomécaniste », avait notamment, malgré son ambiguïté intrinsèque, la capacité de concilier une forme de rationalisme causaliste et une posture positiviste.
Où mène l’enseignement classique
Authors: Tchekov Anton
Published: January 2016

Résumé Anton Tchekhov est né à Taganrog, près du lac d’Azov, dans un milieu pauvre ; son père tient une petite épicerie mais il fera faillite, ce qui obligera la famille à émigrer à Moscou ; c’est un homme violent et tyrannique, qui bat ses enfants mais qui tient à leur donner une bonne éducation. Aussi le jeune garçon suit-il les cours du collège, réussit à terminer ses études et obtient une bourse pour entrer à l’université de médecine. C’est pendant cette période que pour gagner un peu d’argent il écrit et propose aux journaux de petits récits, tirés de son observation humoristique et sarcastique de la vie quotidienne. Le récit qui suit est au nombre de ces toutes premières nouvelles : sa mise en scène de l’examen de grec n’a rien perdu de son actualité.
Design Optimization of the Rear Wing of a Sports Car
Authors: Trotea Mario , Bolcu Alexandru , Neagoe Dumitru , Simniceanu Loreta
Published: January 2016

In this paper it is presented the design optimization of the rear wing of a sports car. The wing profile was parameterized with three variables, the angle of attack was the fourth variable and the objective function was to minimize the lift over drag ratio. Three virtual models were considered: a model without rear wing, a model with a rear wing with initial profile and position and a model with optimized rear wing. For these three models the drag and lift coefficients were calculated for comparison along with drag and lift forces.
Adaptive Control for Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System
Authors: Mejia-Ruda Edilberto , Medina José Ferney , Mauledoux Mauricio , Aviles Sanchez Oscar , Dutra Max Suell
Published: January 2016

This paper describes the behavior of adaptive control using the MIT rule for a polar aligned single axis tracking system, it´s for increase the efficiency of solar energy capturing compared to a polar fixed system, where the response of system is analyzed by simulation in Simulink – MATLAB® software. The data input for estimate the energy in the photovoltaic panels is the radiation data, that is obtained by weather station of the CAR (regional autonomous corporation) situated in the zone of study. The objective of the integration between the photovoltaic panel and the mechanics tracking system is to keep the perpendicular sunlight during the day. The MIT adaptive control tries to reduce possible errors, such a sun position data deviations, friction and environmental changes in the conventional solar tracking. This control was designed according to a typical polar aligned single axis tracker.
Prediction of Solar Radiation through the Anfis Algorithm
Authors: Ruiz Luis Carlos , Amaya Dario , Ramos Olga Lucia
Published: January 2016

The constant evolution of the energy industry, has introduced the need for ongoing research studies about climate change due to its direct action on the production of alternative energies. Thus, they have focused on developing predictive algorithms in order to resolve, in an early way, the climate action on each point of energy production. In the development of this work, the ANFIS algorithm and information from the NASA Langley research center virtual database were implemented. They being oriented to the analysis and prediction of solar radiation over the geographic area of the Nueva Granada Military University campus, Cajicá, Colombia, with the purpose of making appropriate use of the power generating system located in the zone. The development of such systems, would allow the early identification of solar radiation that can be present in different geographical areas of Colombia, in order to provide the necessary power to cover the electricity demand required in each region, achieving as results an approximation error less than 1%.
Linear Control for Full Bridge Phase PWM Rectifier
Authors: Mauledoux Mauricio , Linares Ospina Nicolás , Valencia Castañeda Angie Julieth , Aviles Sanchez Oscar
Published: January 2016

Rectifiers are widely use in areas of industry and commerce to implement equipment which require to be powered by alternating current (AC) source, so that uncontrolled rectification requires an operational requirement study because they only properly works if the rectifier calculated boundary conditions are ideal and invariant. Therefore the implementation of control strategies should be take into account to generate the desired signal performance in the rectifier. This document shows the implementation of different control techniques on the behavior the sinusoidal current in a single-phase rectifier width modulated pulse and resistive load. Consequently, in this work the development of several control strategies are presented, for behavior analysis of signals in a rectifier with width pulse modulation and resistive load. Additionally, a comparison between the developed controllers is performed in order to get the best behavior available for this applications.
Centrifugal Compressor Behavior in Upstream Business
Authors: Al Ghafri Yazeed Sulaiman , Azizi Aydin
Published: January 2016

Centrifugal compressors are critical rotating equipments in industrial processes, especially for natural gas applications. Compressible gas exhibit complex flow behavior that requires a thorough understanding to ensure extended, safe and stabilized compressor performance. Without, Centrifugal compressors can undergo surge which restricts compressor operational range and jeopardize the safety of its components. Dynamic simulation then becomes necessary to evaluate performance and to implement integrated control schemes. This paper will investigate how centrifugal compressor responds to changes at inlet conditions i.e. increase in pressure, temperature and molecular weight. The effect of these changes on compressor performance will be simulated using Unisim Design dynamic compressor model. Results show that compressor operation is easily influenced by changes in inlet condition and that integrated control schemes are effective in safeguarding compressor from surge.
The Crack Length Growth – A Fracture Parameter in a Stainless Steel Influenced by the Loading Test
Authors: Roşca Valcu , Miriţoiu Cosmin Mihai
Published: January 2016

The defects or micro-cracks that exist in a product mass from the elaboration phase, can extend controlled or not, because of a variable solicitation applied to a product or a sample. The Fracture Mechanics parameter that highlight the crack propagation in time is its rate growth marked as da/dN and represents the crack advancement length during a solicitation cycle. This can be studied based on some mathematical models obtained from some propose models, experimentally determined. In this paper, a propagation process analysis is made of a fracture crack by an axial-eccentric fatigue loading for a 10TiNiCr175 stainless steel. CT type flat samples were loaded with an asymmetry coefficient R= 0.3, for the solicitation temperatures: T= 293K (20°C), T= 253K (-20°C), respectively T= 213 K (-60°C). The crack growth increase was studied by three most used mathematical models: the polynomial method standardized according to ASTM E647, method proposed by Paris and method proposed by Walker.
Adapted Bouc-Wen Analytical Model for Romanian SERB-C Seismic Dampers Used in Buildings Protection System
Authors: Ionescu Adriana , Burada Cristian , Negru Mihai
Published: January 2016

In this paper is presented a new mathematical model which is intended to simulate the hysteretic phenomenon of SERB-C Romanian friction device for damping and dissipation of earthquake energy used for buildings. These devices have unusual shape of force-displacement loop which can be simulated with our new model which represents a specific adaptation of the well known Bouc-Wen hysteretic model. The purpose of this analytical simulation is to determine a relation for the hysteretic loop which was obtained by experimental tests performed by the authors. The mathematical model presented in this paper can be used in computational simulation of a building protected with these types of devices, in order to determine the anti-seismic performances of a Romanian friction building protection system.
Proteins as Functional Units of Biocalcification – An Overview
Authors: Ramos-Silva Paula , Marin Frédéric
Published: January 2016

High-throughput approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics have led to the discovery of a larger set of biomineralization genes than previously foreseen. These gene lists are often difficult to decode in light of the current models of calcification. Here we overview the proteins available in UniProt (Universal Protein Resource), that were identified directly in metazoan calcium carbonate mineralized structures or known to have direct key-functions in calcification processes. Functional annotation of the protein datasets using Gene Ontology reveals that functions like carbohydrate binding, structural and catalytic activities (e.g. hydrolase) are commonly represented across the organic matrices.
Synthetic Biomimetic HA Composite Scaffolds for the Bone Regenerative Medicine Using CAD-CAM Technology
Authors: Lesci Isidoro Giorgio , Ciocca Leonardo , Mezini Odila , Roveri Norberto
Published: January 2016

The study of nanocrystalline calcium phosphate physical-chemical characteristics and, thereafter, the possibility to imitate bone mineral for the development of new advanced biomaterials is constantly growing. The availability to use synthetic biomimetic hydroxylapatites (HA), since they are the most important inorganic constituents of hard tissues in vertebrates, represents a great turning point in bone tissue engineering because of their chemical similarity to the biological mineral component. The ability to control the architecture and strength of a bone tissue engineering scaffold is critical to achieve a harmony between the scaffold and the host tissue. The scaffold attempts to mimic the function of the natural extracellular matrix, providing a temporary template for the growth of target tissues. Scaffolds should have suitable architecture and strength to serve their intended function. Rapid prototyping (RP) technique is applied to tissue engineering to satisfy this need and to create a scaffold with fully interconnected pore structure directly from the scanned and digitized image of the defect site. In this study, we developed a biomimetic mineralized collagen/Polycaprolactone composite by self-assembling process of collagen fibers and nucleation of a nanostructured HA mimicking the natural bone. This new solution provides a hybrid material, based on natural components of bone (collagen and HA) and the support of the widely-tested PCL (polycaprolactone) giving the scaffolds ideal characteristics such as resorption, biocompatibility and 3-D printability. CAD design of the microstructure and bioprinting fulfills the need to finely control the scaffold’s shape to best fit the anatomical defect, the possibility of customization and the ability to perfectly control spatial distribution of pores and their morphology. The results allowed the conclusion that these scaffolds are biocompatible and allow the colonization and proliferation of MSC (mesenchymal stem cell). The in vivo results confirm the scaffold’s biocompatibility and its composition and structure create the basis for bone tissue regeneration.
Single Nanogranules Preserve Intracrystalline Amorphicity in Biominerals
Authors: Wolf Stephan E. , Böhm Corinna , Harris Joe , Hajir Myriam , Mondeshki Mihail , Marin Frédéric
Published: January 2016

We revisit the ultrastructural features of different calcareous biominerals and identify remarkable similarities: taxonomically very distant species show a common nanogranular structure, even if different extracellular secretion patterns are employed or calcium carbonate polymorphs formed. By these analyses, we elucidate the locus of the small fraction of intracrystalline organic matrix revealing its intergranular character and localize the intracrystalline amorphous calcium carbonate moiety commonly found in mesocrystalline biominerals and provide a first explanation for the pathway by which it is preserved.
Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cholera preparedness and prevention in Ga-Mampuru village, Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Ncube Alice , Jordaan Andries J. , Mabela Beverly M.
Published: January 2016

The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of cholera prevention and preparedness in Ga-Mampuru village (Limpopo, South Africa). Interviewers collected data using a two-pronged method, namely a household questionnaire (open- and closed-ended questions) to assess knowledge and attitudes about cholera and observations to assess practices in the prevention and management of the disease. Additionally, interviewers took pictures with the respondents’ permission. Ninety-six respondents were interviewed. Most respondents (86%) indicated they knew how cholera was contracted with 84% indicating contaminated water as a source. Ninety percent of the respondents indicated they knew how to prevent contracting cholera. All respondents generally knew that cholera could be treated with medicine received at a health-care facility or worker. Fewer respondents (58%) had specific knowledge such as the use of rehydration solutions. The respondents’ high level of prevention practices could be biased. Interviewers observed that many practices were not adhered to, like not washing hands, not using toilet paper and throwing waste in respondents’ yards. Therefore, the community of Ga-Mampuru had not reached a stage of adequate cholera prevention and preparedness in spite of the fact that they were aware of cholera risks and risk-reduction measures.
The impact of and responses to flooding in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Musyoki Agnes , Thifhulufhelwi Reuben , Murungweni Florence M.
Published: January 2016

The frequency of climate-related disasters such as floods is growing due to environmental and human factors. This paper examines the impact of flooding and communities’ perceptions towards responses to flooding in the cases of Maniini and Tshilungwi Villages in the Thulamela Municipality in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 60 household respondents in the two selected villages and then analysed. Key-informant interviews with community leaders and municipality officials established the key impact of and responses to the flooding. Secondary data on flooding provided useful historical trends in the region. Field observations assisted in corroborating information provided in interviews. The findings indicate that communities are vulnerable to flood disasters, and these disasters had a significant impact on infrastructure and the livelihood of the selected communities. An increase in household income and levels of education as well as access to grants decreased households’ vulnerability in cases of flooding. The responses to flooding by the municipality were viewed negatively by the community who did not support permanent relocation. Hence, the article points out the need to strengthen coping mechanisms by local governments and communities themselves in order to cope with the impact of flooding.
The changing climate and human vulnerability in north-central Namibia
Authors: Angula Margaret N. , Kaundjua Maria B.
Published: January 2016

North-central Namibia is more vulnerable to effects of climate change and variability. Combined effects of environmental degradation, social vulnerability to poverty and a changing climate will compromise subsistence farming in north-central Namibia (NCN). This will make subsistence and small-scale farmers in the region more vulnerable to projected changes in the climate system. Thus, the aim of this article was to examine factors contributing to subsistence farmers’ vulnerability to impacts of climate change. The article further discusses different aspects of human vulnerability and existing adaptation strategies in response to impacts of climate related disasters experienced over the past three to four decades in NCN. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methodology were employed to obtain information from subsistence farmers in north-central Namibia. The sociodemographic characteristics of Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati Region reveals high levels of unemployment, high adult and elderly population and high dependency on agricultural livelihood system. These indicators help understand levels of household vulnerability. The study concludes that households interviewed revealed low levels of adaptive capacity due to exposure to climate risks and combined effects of social, political and cultural factors. This article provided an understanding that is required to inform the adaptation pathways relevant for NCN.
Drivers, scales and contexts of disaster risk: An editorial introduction
Authors: Peek Lori
Published: January 2016

No abstract available.
Urinary Vitamin D-Binding Protein as a Biomarker of Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Bennett Michael R. , Pordal Angad , Haffner Christopher , Pleasant LaTawnya , Ma Qing , Devarajan Prasad
Published: January 2016

Background

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common glomerular disorders of childhood and is associated with increased urinary vitamin D-binding protein (uVDBP) excretion. We tested the hypothesis that uVDBP represents a biomarker to differentiate steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) from the more benign forms of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included children with SRNS ( n = 24), SSNS ( n = 28), and normal controls ( n = 5). Urine and clinical data were collected from patients. Measurements of uVDBP were performed with a commercially available ELISA kit and normalized to urine creatinine.

Results

Concentrations of uVDBP were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in patients with SRNS (13,659 ng/mL, interquartile range [IQR] 477–22,979) than in patients with SSNS (94 ng/mL, IQR 53–202) and normal controls (23 ng/mL, IQR 22–99, P = 0.002). Significance did not change when the results were corrected for urine creatinine. uVDBP was significantly negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; R = −0.76, P = 0.03). However, uVDBP was still markedly elevated in patients with SRNS with eGFR >100 mL/minute/1.73 m2. There was a positive correlation between microalbuminuria (MALB/Cr) and uVDBP ( R = 0.67, P < 0.001). However, uVDBP displayed a much higher discriminatory ability for distinguishing SRNS than MALB/Cr (area under the curve = 0.92 vs 0.67, respectively). An uVDBP cutoff of 362 ng/mL yielded the optimal sensitivity (80%) and specificity (83%) to distinguish SRNS from SSNS.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, uVDBP represents a noninvasive biomarker that could distinguish SRNS from the more benign SSNS with high discriminatory power.
Acute Urinary Obstruction in a Tetraplegic Patient from Misplacement of Catheter in Urethra
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Singh Gurpreet , Hughes Peter L. , Soni Bakul M.
Published: January 2016

A male tetraplegic patient attended accident and emergency with a blocked catheter; on removing the catheter, he passed bloody urine. After three unsuccessful attempts were made to insert a catheter by nursing staff, a junior doctor inserted a three-way Foley catheter with a 30-mL balloon but inflated the balloon with 10 mL of water to commence the bladder irrigation. The creatinine level was mostly 19 μmol/L (range: 0–135 μmol/L) but increased to 46 μmol/L on day 7. Computerized tomography urogram revealed that the bilateral hydronephrosis with hydroureter was extended down to urinary bladder, the bladder was distended, prostatic urethra was dilated and filled with urine, and although the balloon of Foley catheter was not seen in the bladder, the tip of the catheter was seen lying in the urethra. Following the re-catheterization, the creatinine level decreased to 21 μmol/L. A follow-up ultrasound scan revealed no evidence of hydronephrosis in both kidneys. Flexible cystoscopy revealed inflamed bladder mucosa, catheter reaction, and tiny stones. There was no bladder tumor. This case report concludes that the cause of bilateral hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and distended bladder was inadequate drainage of urinary bladder as the Foley balloon that was under-filled slipped into the urethra resulting in an obstruction to urine flow. Urethral catheterization in tetraplegic patients should be performed by senior, experienced staff in order to avoid trauma and incorrect positioning. Tetraplegic subjects with decreased muscle mass have low creatinine level. Increase in creatinine level (>1.5 times the basal level) indicates acute kidney injury, although peak creatinine level may still be within laboratory reference range. While scanning the urinary tract of spinal cord injury patients with indwelling urinary catheter, if Foley balloon is not seen within the bladder, urethra should be scanned to locate the Foley balloon.
Integrating Multiscale Modeling with Drug Effects for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Li Xiangfang L. , Oduola Wasiu O. , Qian Lijun , Dougherty Edward R.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we review multiscale modeling for cancer treatment with the incorporation of drug effects from an applied system's pharmacology perspective. Both the classical pharmacology and systems biology are inherently quantitative; however, systems biology focuses more on networks and multifactorial controls over biological processes rather than on drugs and targets in isolation, whereas systems pharmacology has a strong focus on studying drugs with regard to the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) relations accompanying drug interactions with multiscale physiology as well as the prediction of dosage-exposure responses and economic potentials of drugs. Thus, it requires multiscale methods to address the need for integrating models from the molecular levels to the cellular, tissue, and organism levels. It is a common belief that tumorigenesis and tumor growth can be best understood and tackled by employing and integrating a multifaceted approach that includes in vivo and in vitro experiments, in silico models, multiscale tumor modeling, continuous/discrete modeling, agent-based modeling, and multiscale modeling with PK/PD drug effect inputs. We provide an example application of multiscale modeling employing stochastic hybrid system for a colon cancer cell line HCT-116 with the application of Lapatinib drug. It is observed that the simulation results are similar to those observed from the setup of the wet-lab experiments at the Translational Genomics Research Institute.
Small-Scale Trials Suggest Increasing Applications of Natular™ XRT and Natular™ T30 Larvicide Tablets May Not Improve Mosquito Reduction in Some Catch Basins
Authors: Harbison Justin E. , Henry Marlon , Corcoran Peter C. , Zazra Dave , Xamplas Christopher
Published: January 2016

Stormwater catch basins are commonly treated with larvicides by mosquito control agencies to reduce local populations of mosquito species capable of transmitting West Nile virus. Recent evidence suggests that extended-release larvicides formulated to last up to 180 days in catch basins may not be effective in some basins due to chronic flushing, rapid dissolution, or burying of treatment in sump debris. To investigate if increasing the number of applications could improve effectiveness, a small study was performed over 13 weeks in 2015 to evaluate two extended-release larvicides (Natular™ XRT 180-day tablets and Natular™ T30 30-day tablets) and a larvicide oil (CocoBear™). Over the course of 13 weeks, three groups of eight basins were monitored for mosquitoes, each group receiving Natular™ XRT, Natular™ T30, or CocoBear™ larvicides. All basins received a single application at the beginning of the study period. Once mosquitoes in a basin surpassed the treatment threshold during weekly monitoring, an additional application of the associated larvicide was given to that basin. The number of applications during the study period ranged from 1 to 10 for CocoBear™ basins, 1 to 7 for T30 basins, and 2 to 8 for XRT basins. Overall, the average number of applications and the cost of larvicide per basin were 4.4 applications at $0.66 per CocoBear™ basin, 4.4 applications at $6.26 per T30 basin, and 4 applications at $16.56 per XRT basin. Basins treated with XRT and T30 needed reapplications more often than expected, yet were no more effective than CocoBear™, suggesting that increasing the frequency of application of these larvicide formulations may not provide increased mosquito reduction in some basins.
Nahm's Equations, Quiver Varieties and Parabolic Sheaves
Authors: Takayama Yuuya
Published: January 2016

We construct an isomorphism between moduli spaces of solutions of Nahm's equations over the circle and framed moduli spaces of locally free parabolic sheaves over

\mathbb P^1 \times \mathbb P^1

through chainsaw quiver varieties.
Basepoint-free Theorem of Reid–Fukuda Type for Quasi-log Schemes
Authors: Fujino Osamu
Published: January 2016

We introduce various new operations for quasi-log structures. Then we prove a basepoint-free theorem of Reid–Fukuda type for quasi-log schemes as an application.
Microlocal Lefschetz Classes of Graph Trace Kernels
Authors: Ike Yuichi
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we define the notion of graph trace kernels as a generalization of trace kernels. We associate a microlocal Lefschetz class with a graph trace kernel and prove that this class is functorial with respect to the composition of kernels. We apply graph trace kernels to the microlocal Lefschetz fixed point formula for constructible sheaves.
La información en prensa española sobre casos de violencia en parejas del mismo sexo
Authors: Carratalá Adolfo
Published: January 2016

Los medios de comunicación españoles se han hecho eco de diversos episodios de violencia en parejas del mismo sexo durante los últimos años. Dar cobertura a este fenómeno plantea interrogantes sobre cómo enfocar una realidad que se mantuvo oculta hasta hace muy poco. Metodología. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar un análisis de contenido de la información publicada en diversos diarios españoles entre 2010 y 2015. Resultados. Los resultados indican que, mientras que los periodistas han mejorado el tratamiento de la violencia de género, la información de las agresiones en parejas gays evidencia algunas características similares a las que dominaron las noticias sobre violencia contras las mujeres durante los primeros años. Conclusiones. Así, la cobertura episódica, el sensacionalismo y la descripción de los casos como crímenes pasionales señalan que la violencia intragénero no es abordada, por el momento, como un problema social sino más bien como un asunto privado.
A Numerical Methodology for Enforcing Maximum Principles and the Non-Negative Constraint for Transient Diffusion Equations
Authors: Nakshatrala K. B. , Nagarajan H. , Shabouei M.
Published: January 2016

Transient diffusion equations arise in many branches of engineering and applied sciences (e.g., heat transfer and mass transfer), and are parabolic partial differential equations. It is well-known that these equations satisfy important mathematical properties like maximum principles and the non-negative constraint, which have implications in mathematical modeling. However, existing numerical formulations for these types of equations do not, in general, satisfy maximum principles and the non-negative constraint. In this paper, we present a methodology for enforcing maximum principles and the non-negative constraint for transient anisotropic diffusion equation. The proposed methodology is based on the method of horizontal lines in which the time is discretized first. This results in solving steady anisotropic diffusion equation with decay equation at every discrete time-level. We also present other plausible temporal discretizations, and illustrate their shortcomings in meeting maximum principles and the non-negative constraint. The proposed methodology can handle general computational grids with no additional restrictions on the time-step. We illustrate the performance and accuracy of the proposed methodology using representative numerical examples. We also perform a numerical convergence analysis of the proposed methodology. For comparison, we also present the results from the standard single-field semi-discrete formulation and the results from a popular software package, which all will violate maximum principles and the non-negative constraint.
Evaluation of the Uses of Acids and Bases in Daily Life from an Educational Standpoint
Authors: Demir Kaçan Sibel , Çelikler Dilek
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of science teacher candidates attending a public university in Northern Turkey about the uses of acids and bases in daily life. The study was performed with 43 first-year student volunteers, from the Department of Science Teaching. The students were asked three open-ended questions that required them to write down examples of where acids and bases are used in daily life, and of the ways in which acids and bases may negatively impact daily life. The study results indicated that all students listed lemon as an example of acid in daily life, and soap as an example of base in daily life. However, it was noted that only a few of the students knew the actual acid and base compounds these items contain. In addition, some of the students described bleach as an acid, illustrating that their knowledge on acids and bases was incorrect. Moreover, some of the students participating to the study were not able to describe the uses of bases in daily life or their possible negative impacts, which indicated a significant lack of knowledge on the subject.
Study of Multimedia Delivery over Software Defined Networks
Authors: Jimenez Jose Miguel , Romero Oscar , Rego Albert , Dilendra Avinash , Lloret Jaime
Published: January 2016

Software Defined Networks (SDN) have become a new way to make dynamic topologies. They have great potential in both the creation and development of new network protocols and the inclusion of distributed artificial intelligence in the network. There are few emulators, like Mininet, that allow emulating a SDN in a single personal computer, but there is lack of works showing its performance and how it performs compared with real cases. This paper shows a performance comparison between Mininet and a real network when multimedia streams are being delivered. We are going to compare them in terms of consumed bandwidth (throughput), delay and jitter. Our study shows that there are some important differences when these parameters are compared. We hope that this research will be the basis to show the difference with real deployments when Mininet is used.
Identificando a los nuevos influyentes en tiempos de Internet medios sociales y análisis de redes sociales
Authors: Del Fresno García Miguel , Daly Alan J. , Segado Sánchez-Cabezudo Sagrario
Published: January 2016

Los social media influyentes (SMIs) pueden ser definidos como un nuevo tipo de actores sociales independientes, con capacidad de influir en las actitudes de audiencias desde los medios sociales de Internet en competencia y cohabitación con los medios de comunicación profesionales. Poder identificar a los SMIs es crítico independientemente de los contenidos que circulen en el seno un sistema social en red. El Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS) es una potente herramienta para la representación de los modelos de difusión de la información. Los SMIs pueden ser identificados por su posición destacada en una red como los nodos con mayor centralidad. Los resultados permiten identificar la existencia de tres diferentes tipologías de SMIs: diseminadores, relacionales y líderes. La metodología presentada permite la optimización de los recursos en la creación de estrategias de comunicación más eficaces.
Individual Characteristics, Family Factors, and Classroom Experiences as Predictors of Low-Income Kindergarteners’ Social Skills
Authors: Griffith Shayl , Arnold David , Voegler-Lee Mary-Ellen , Kupersmidt Janis
Published: January 2016

There has been increasing awareness of the need for research and theory to take into account the intersection of individual characteristics and environmental contexts when examining predictors of child outcomes. The present longitudinal, multi-informant study examined the cumulative and interacting contributions of child characteristics (language skills, inattention/hyperactivity, and aggression) and preschool and family contextual factors in predicting kindergarten social skills in 389 low-income preschool children. Child characteristics and classroom factors, but not family factors, predicted teacher-rated kindergarten social skills, while child characteristics alone predicted change in teacher-rated social skills from preschool to kindergarten. Child characteristics and family factors, but not classroom factors, predicted parent-rated kindergarten social skills. Family factors alone predicted change in parent-rated social skills from preschool to kindergarten. Individual child characteristics did not interact with family or classroom factors in predicting parent- or teacher-rated social skills, and support was therefore found for an incremental, rather than an interactive, predictive model of social skills. The findings underscore the importance of assessing outcomes in more than one context, and of considering the impact of both individual and environmental contextual factors on children’s developing social skills when designing targeted intervention programs to prepare children for kindergarten.
A New Application Methodology of the Fourier Transform for Rational Approximation of the Complex Error Function
Authors: Abrarov S. M. , Quine B. M.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a new approach in application of the Fourier transform to the complex error function resulting in an efficient rational approximation. Specifically, the computational test shows that with only $17$ summation terms the obtained rational approximation of the complex error function provides accuracy ${10^{ - 15}}$ over the most domain of practical importance $0 \le x \le 40,000$ and ${10^{ - 4}} \le y \le {10^2}$ required for the HITRAN-based spectroscopic applications. Since the rational approximation does not contain trigonometric or exponential functions dependent upon the input parameters $x$ and $y$, it is rapid in computation. Such an example demonstrates that the considered methodology of the Fourier transform may be advantageous in practical applications.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 4, No. 4
Authors: Lee Joan
Published: January 2016

 Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 4, No. 4, 2015
Some Evidences on Effect of Intake Aguamiel (Agave sap)
Authors: Carrillo-López A. , Silos-Espino H. , Flores-Benitez S. , Espinoza-Sánchez E. A. , Ornelas-Tavares J. R. , Flores-Chávez L. , Tovar-Robles C. , Méndez-Gallegos J. , Rossel-Kipping D.
Published: January 2016

Honeywater or aguamiel (Agave sap) has been consumed by Mexican population since pre-columbian times. Although, it has been claimed by folk belief that aguamiel possesses some medicinal properties, scientific studies on its effect on human health have not been well documented. The behavior of blood components in nine volunteers (two young males, three adult females and four adult males) after aguamiel consumption (250 mL every three days during a period of 35 days) was analyzed. It was found that, serum red blood cell count, serum white blood cell count, platelet count, minerals (Zn, Mg and Fe) and iron-related proteins (ferritin and transferrin) levels were not negatively affected because of all of these blood indicators ranged within normal reference values. However, this study showed that aguamiel presented a specific functional effect since hypercholesterolemic adult males showed normal levels of serum total cholesterol after aguamiel consumption, whereas total cholesterol levels were kept in normal ranges after aguamiel consumption for normocholesterolemic subjects. Furthermore, aguamiel consumption did not cause hyperglycemia in any of the tested groups.
Energy and Economic Growth: The Stylized Facts
Authors: Csereklyei Zsuzsanna , Rubio-Varas M. d. Mar , Stern David I.
Published: January 2016

We summarize what we know about energy and economic growth in a set of stylized facts. We combine analysis of a panel data set of 99 countries from 1971 to 2010 with analysis of some longer run historical data. Our key result is that over the last 40 years there has been a stable cross-sectional relationship between per capita energy use and income per capita with an elasticity of energy use with respect to income of less than unity. This implies that energy intensity has tended to decrease in countries that have become richer but not in others. We also find that over the last two centuries there has been convergence in energy intensity towards the current distribution, per capita energy use has tended to rise and energy quality to increase, and, though evidence is limited, the cost share of energy has declined.
Inclusive Quarantine: The Pathology and Performance of Jewish Existence in the Erlangen Opinion on the Aryan Paragraph
Authors: Tafilowski Ryan
Published: January 2016

The Erlangen Opinion on the Aryan Paragraph, co-authored by Lutheran theologians Paul Althaus and Werner Elert, has proven controversial. Scholars have typically interpreted the document’s recommendation regarding the place of Jewish Christians in the church according to an inclusion/exclusion binary model. However, the Erlangen Opinion actually reflects a dialectical theology of Jewish existence that Althaus had developed during the Weimar years. Following this dialectic of pathology and performance, Althaus envisions neither the total inclusion nor total inclusion of Jews in the German state church. Rather, he proposes an inclusive quarantine of Jewish persons, who represent both a mortal danger to and indispensable factor for all communities—both societal and ecclesial. By probing the logic of this important artifact of Protestant theology’s complicated relationship to National Socialist ideology, the article sheds light on the ambivalent nature of Christian anti-Judaism and antisemitism.
Rome et les débuts de Saint-Boniface, 1818-1836
Authors: Codignola Luca
Published: January 2016

Saint-Boniface, en dépit de son isolement relatif par rapport aux régions de l’Est et malgré sa population éparse, s’inscrivait dans un contexte, un réseau international qui incluait la ville de Québec, Londres et Rome. Le Saint-Siège voyait la rivière Rouge comme une porte qui s’ouvrait sur le vaste Ouest nord-américain et estimait que Joseph-Norbert Provencher (1787-1853) avait un rôle essentiel à jouer dans le bien-être spirituel d’une communauté multi-ethnique et composite, comprenant des personnes d’origines européenne, métisse et autochtone. Provencher fut, entre 1818 et jusqu’à sa mort en 1853, le plus éminent représentant de l’Église catholique dans la colonie de la Rivière-Rouge. Si Rome était au coeur de bien des besoins et préoccupations de Provencher, Rome semble également avoir su y répondre et avoir été capable de fournir des solutions. Par exemple, toutes les décisions à l’égard des mariages irréguliers, de la doctrine et de la liturgie émanaient du Saint-Siège, comme c’était le cas d’ailleurs du financement du diocèse et de ses missions, du moins en dernière instance. En 1835-1836, Provencher voyagea jusqu’à Rome, dans l’espoir de résoudre de nombreux problèmes, et il y fut très bien reçu par le pape et les cardinaux responsables des missions. Mais l’influence de Rome sur cette communauté isolée dans l’Ouest s’étend encore bien au delà des échanges administratifs et des relations personnelles qui ponctuaient régulièrement les échanges entre Rome et Saint-Boniface. Les jeunes garçons y étudiaient le latin, étaient éduqués dans des écoles où l’instruction reposait sur les classiques de la Rome antique, par exemple Suétone, Horace, etc., exactement comme c’était le cas dans l’ensemble du diocèse de Québec. Et même si des efforts particuliers ont été déployés pour effectuer des traductions dans les langues autochtones locales (pour les Saulteaux notamment), la liturgie et les cérémonies étaient conformes au canon romain.
Le patrimoine méconnu des bois sacrés de la ville de Koudougou (Burkina Faso) : de la reconnaissance à la sauvegarde
Authors: Yameogo Lassane
Published: January 2016

Pour des raisons diverses, les sociétés rurales africaines ont organisé l’espace en privilégiant des lieux sacrés dotés d’interdits. Ces bois sacrés sont rattrapés par les dynamiques urbaines qui leur disputent l’espace. Le patrimoine que constituent ces jardins sacrés demeure inconnu du fait qu’il ne répond pas aux critères occidentaux du patrimoine culturel. Pour comprendre l’évolution des jardins sacrés et dans la perspective de leur valorisation, des entretiens auprès des responsables coutumiers et des services techniques complétés par une analyse spatiale ont été organisés à Koudougou. Il en ressort que ces jardins séculaires possèdent une grande biodiversité, mais sont fortement menacés par la pression foncière. Leur sauvegarde qui aurait pu provenir des structures modernes semble compromise en raison des mythes qui les entourent. Cependant, les acteurs reconnaissent que cet autre patrimoine culturel représente des lieux de mémoire dont la conservation et la valorisation contribueraient à l’entretien d’un cadre de vie sain.