bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Approach of Wear for Slide-Friction Pairs
Authors: Springis Guntis , Rudzitis Janis , Gerins Eriks , Bulaha Natalija
Published: July 2017

A number of different mechanisms and devices in mechatronic systems may involve sliding-friction surfaces. The issues of service life and its prediction for the details of such surfaces have always been of particular importance. Having studied the wear process prediction theories that have been developed in the course of time, which can be classified by dividing them in definite groups based on similar theoretical approach one can state that each of them has different shortcomings, which might affect the result precision, when essential basic parameters have been disregarded, as well as create a need for useless additional practical experiments, as a result of which theoretical calculation becomes unnecessary. [4] The article determines the most suitable wear calculation model that allows considering the set of parameters necessary for calculating slide-friction pair. Wearing usually proceeds in three stages: the running-in stage, the normal wear stage, and the intensive wear stage. The proposed model is provided for normal wear stage calculations. The proposed model for wear calculation is based on the application of theories from several branches of science to the description of 3D surface micro-topography in accordance with random field theory, assessing the material’s physical and mechanical characteristic quantities, substantiating the regularities in creation of material particles separated during the wear process and taking into consideration definite service conditions of fittings. Since the wear process is variable and many-sided, it is influenced by numerous different parameters, for example, surface geometry (roughness, waviness, form deviation, etc.), physical and mechanical conditions of the upper layer, material components, wear regime, wear temperature, etc. Based on the regularities stated in the article one can propose the following wear calculation sequence [4]:1) Initial data should be stated which will be further necessary in calculations: constructive-kinematic characteristic quantities (rated area Aa of wearing component, load P, gliding movement speed v, movement time t), fatigue characteristic of friction component material (friction coefficient f (f≤0,1) and material fatigue destruction parameters (m, σ-1, N0), mechanical characteristic quantities of material (E, μ);2) Parameters should be stated after attachment: surface roughness parameters (Sa, Sm1, Sm2, Sm2a), initial wear Up and corresponding time Tp, tolerated wear Umax.
Employment of Two New Methods for the Research of Interaction of Wheel with a Flat and Rail
Authors: Bogdevicius Marijonas , Zygiene Rasa , Subacius Rimantas
Published: July 2017

Dynamic force that strains on the rail and the wheel occurs. In case of wheel flats, during wheel and rail interaction, exposure time of dynamic forces acting in contact is very short and depends on the railway vehicle speed and the length of flat.Results obtained from a method that uses mathematical model of a system “Railway Vehicle Wheel-Track” and the simplified method to determine a vertical impact force of wheel with flat and rail interaction are presented in this article.The results of the mathematical and physical results of this system are analysed and presented.
Variation in nutrient levels and other water quality parameters in minor irrigational tanks in the Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka, in relation to paddy cultivation: assessing suitability of tanks for aquatic life
Authors: Thenuwara T. T. , Wijesinghe M. R. , De Silva D. N. , Wijesekera R.
Published: July 2017

While providing water for irrigation, the reservoirs have been a source of fresh water for the rural communities, and, more recently, they have become the focus for expanding the inland fishery industry. This paper assessed nutrient enrichment in minor seasonal irrigation tanks in the Kurunegala District in relation to different stages in the paddy cultivation cycle. Findings of the study will be useful to determine their compatibility with safe levels for fisheries, among other uses. The study was extended to cover other selected parameters relating to water quality. Surface water from 50 minor tanks were sampled over pre-cultivation, cultivation and post-cultivation stages of the paddy cultivation cycle in the Yala (n= 27) and Maha (n=23) seasons and analyzed for NO3-N, PO4- P, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity and pH, using standard methods and portable instruments. Results showed considerable spatial variation in nutrients between the 50 tanks and marked temporal variation through the three sampling stages. For NO3-N, there was a shift in the proportion of tanks containing low and high nutrient levels through the pre-cultivation, cultivation, and post cultivation stages. The mean levels were 0.01- 1 mg l-1 during pre-cultivation and post-cultivation and 1.0 - 5.0 mg l-1 during cultivation, with distinct peaks observed in the Yala and Maha seasons. The variation of PO4- P was different, with the majority of the tanks having levels of 1 – 5 mg l-1 PO4- P during all sampling stages, and with no pronounced peaks. Nutrient levels indicate that a majority of the minor tanks become eutrophic during the two cultivation seasons. The other tested parameters also depicted spatial and temporal variation, and water quality indices revealed that the quality of water deteriorates during paddy cultivation. Based on these findings, particularly for nutrients, we conclude that many of the minor tanks become eutrophic during the cultivation season and may not offer optimal conditions for the intended uses, one of them being rearing of fish and shellfish. Mitigation measures must therefore be implemented to reap maximum benefits associated with these minor irrigation tanks.
Editorial
Authors: Abrahams Mark , Etta Florence , Wotela Kambidima
Published: July 2017

No abstract available.
Israelologie: ’n Bybels-teologiese perspektief oor Israel se verlede, hede en toekoms
Authors: Scholtz Jacob J.
Published: July 2017

Israelology: A Biblical-theological perspective of the past, present and future of Israel. Israelology, the study of Israel, is necessary for any theological system. In the past, God made unconditional covenants and other promises to Abraham and his descendants through Jacob. Not all Jews appropriate these blessings from God in faith. There has always been, however, a faithful remnant in Israel who believed the revelation and promises of God. Despite idolatry and repeated failure, even the unpardonable sin, God is faithful and has not cast away – not even temporarily – his people whom He foreknew. During the Church Age, the Jewish remnant is not only part of the Church but also of the nation of Israel. New Testament revelation does not cancel, change, transcend, spiritualise, or idealise unconditional and still-unfulfilled promises of God to Israel. The term ‘the seed of Abraham’ has multiple senses, and the fact that it can refer to the spiritual descendants of Abraham of non-Jewish descent does not change or cancel the promises that God made to the believing Jewish descendants of Abraham. Because God is faithful, Israel has a future. The present worldwide regathering of Jews to their homeland is happening in preparation for the judgement of the Tribulation Period. Christ will not return to the earth, however, until a future Jewish generation repent and call on the Lord. Then, a second worldwide regathering of faithful Jews to Israel will take place, this time for the blessings of the messianic kingdom. During the Millennium, God will fulfil all outstanding covenant promises and prophecies, and in the same realm where both the first Adam and seventy nations once failed, the Last Adam will successfully rule over Israel and the nations to the glory of God. Israelology, the doctrine of Israel’s past, present and future, is the missing link in Biblical and Systematic Theology.
Percepção acerca da qualidade e utilidade do relatório de avaliação do ENADE: um estudo na área de negócios
Authors: Freitas Sheizi Calheira de , Barbosa Ismael , Galvão Juliana Abadia , Miranda Gilberto José
Published: July 2017

Este artigo teve por objetivo conhecer a percepção que coordenadores dos cursos de Administração e Ciências Contábeis têm sobre a utilidade e qualidade do Relatório de Curso do ENADE e de que forma tais compreensões relacionam-se com o desempenho dos cursos na avaliação. Com uma amostra de 101 cursos, utilizou-se, para análise dos dados, a Análise Fatorial Exploratória e a Análise de Regressão Linear Múltipla. A Análise Fatorial gerou dois fatores: um é resultante da percepção positiva; e outro, resultante da percepção crítica acerca da utilidade e qualidade do Relatório de Curso do ENADE. Por sua vez, os resultados das regressões sugerem que cursos cujos gestores revelaram uma visão positiva acerca da qualidade e utilidade do Relatório de Curso obtiveram notas mais altas na avaliação. Depreende-se que a percepção favorável sobre o relatório de avaliação pode fomentar o seu uso, munindo os gestores de informações que os auxilie na gestão dos cursos.
A implementação do sistema de contabilidade de custos nos municípios portugueses
Authors: Pereira Ana Luísa , Romão Ana Lúcia
Published: July 2017

As fortes restrições orçamentais têm vindo a pressionar os municípios a aumentar os índices de eficiência, de eficácia e de qualidade no serviço prestado e os sistemas de contabilidade de custos (SCC) devem desempenhar um papel preponderante nesta matéria. Neste contexto, o presente estudo tem como objetivos principais avaliar a implementação do SCC nos municípios portugueses, bem como, analisar a utilidade da informação produzida por este sistema. Para tal, elaboramos um questionário (distribuído pelos 308 municípios), o qual foi utilizado como ferramenta na operacionalização da investigação. Os resultados demonstraram que apenas 58% dos inquiridos já implementou o SCC encontrando-se numa fase de implementação intermédia. Quanto aos outputs produzidos pelo sistema, concluímos que, apesar dos mesmos assumirem um papel importante para os inquiridos, têm ainda uma utilização bastante reduzida, não contribuindo de forma efetiva para a gestão municipal e para o controlo e racionalização dos recursos dos municípios.
Influência da governança corporativa e da estrutura de capital no gerenciamento de resultados
Authors: Mazzioni Sady , Prigol Viviane , Moura Geovanne Dias de , Klann Roberto Carlos
Published: July 2017

O estudo analisou a influência da Governança Corporativa e da estrutura de capital no gerenciamento de resultados em companhias abertas listadas na BM&FBovespa. Para tal, realizou-se pesquisa descritiva, com análise documental e abordagem quantitativa dos dados relativos aos anos de 2010 a 2013, utilizando amostra composta por 261 empresas. Os resultados revelaram destaque para os gerenciamentos de baixas proporções nos anos de 2010 e 2011, e aumento significativo dos gerenciamentos de maiores proporções em 2012 e 2013. Quanto à estrutura de capital, os resultados evidenciaram que os níveis de endividamento de curto prazo, longo prazo e de endividamento total, ao longo de todo o período investigado, foram superiores nas empresas não listadas no Índice de Ações com Governança Corporativa Diferenciada (IGCX) da BM&FBovespa. Constatou-se somente influência da Governança Corporativa para a redução do gerenciamento de resultados em 2010.
Avaliação Institucional de Prefeituras para Desenvolvimento de Projetos de Gestão Social com Organizações da Sociedade Civil de Interesse Público
Authors: Silva Harrysson Luiz da , Porto Filho Érico , Nascimento Rosemy da Silva , Coutinho da Silva Amanda Regina
Published: July 2017

Este artigo foi resultado de uma atividade de aprendizagem realizada por auditores do Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Santa Catarina (TCE/SC), no “Curso de Especialização em Gestão Governamental e Responsabilidade Fiscal”, na disciplina de “Avaliação Institucional de Prefeituras para Desenvolvimento de Projetos de Gestão Social”. O objetivo dessa atividade foi avaliar institucionalmente a Prefeitura Municipal de São José, para verificar a necessidade da realização de “Termo de Parceria” com Organizações da Sociedade Civil de Interesse Público, visando projetos de gestão social. A metodologia adotada partiu da “avaliação institucional” da referida Prefeitura Municipal. Os resultados mostraram que essa Prefeitura estava no nível pré-organizacional e seu objeto da contratação não estava internalizado na sua estrutura organizacional, tornando necessária a celebração de Termo de Parceria com a OSCIP. As conclusões apontaram recomendações que deverão ser observadas pelas Prefeituras para celebração de Termos de Parceria em projetos de gestão social.
Legitimidade: uma análise da evolução do conceito na teoria dos stakeholders
Authors: Barakat Simone Ruchdi , Freitas Livia Paulucci , Boaventura João Maurício Gama , MacLennan Maria Laura Ferranty
Published: July 2017

O presente estudo buscou analisar como o conceito de “legitimidade” tem evoluído na Teoria dos Stakeholders. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória qualitativa baseada em pesquisa bibliográfica. Os resultados mostraram que o conceito de legitimidade é ainda bastante impreciso e pouco debatido na literatura de stakeholders. Poucos autores buscaram formular uma definição para o conceito e a maioria adota a definição mais aceita. Há ainda trabalhos que, apesar de utilizarem o termo “legitimidade”, não oferecem nenhum tipo de definição empregada. Foram encontradas divergências relativas a tipologias, aspectos e objetos da legitimidade. O conceito é comumente adaptado ao contexto e ao objetivo para o qual é utilizado. Um importante fator que contribui para a imprecisão na definição do termo “legitimidade” deriva da própria utilização de um conceito bastante amplo para “stakeholder”. Portanto, o presente estudo contribui com o desenvolvimento do conceito de “legitimidade” na Teoria dos Stakeholders.
Adoção de Métodos Científicos como Componente Metodológica e sua explicação nas Dissertações Publicizadas entre 2010 e 2014 de um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração
Authors: Ribas Ruy Tadeu Mambrini , De Olivo Luis Carlos Cancellier
Published: July 2017

O presente estudo procura ressaltar a importância da adoção de determinadas componentes metodológicas para que uma produção intelectual possa se pretender verdadeiramente científica. Assim sendo, discorre sobre as principais “escolas” de metodologia – a saber, indutiva, dedutiva, hipotético-dedutiva e dialética – para, em seguida, buscar nas dissertações de mestrado de um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração menções – por parte dos autores – da adoção de um dos referidos métodos como paradigma para a condução da exposição acadêmica que realizaram. O estudo não analisa a adequação da escolha metodológica nem a correta aplicação dos pressupostos de cada método, mas sim, a ostensividade das escolhas feitas ou não. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza descritiva, quanto aos fins, e classificada, quanto aos meios, como um estudo de caso.  Analisadas todas as dissertações apresentadas entre os anos de 2010 e 2014 percebeu-se baixa taxa de aderência a uma das metodologias por parte dos autores que, se realizaram opções metodológicas não o explicitaram ao longo de seus textos.
Alcançando a inovação em processos por meio da abordagem analítica
Authors: Cavalcanti Claudia Xavier , Oliveira Marcos Paulo Valadades , Bronzo Marcelo
Published: July 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a intensidade em que a orientação analítica (Business Analytics – BA) das empresas pode impactar nas inovações de processos. A plataforma teórica utilizada se baseia nas discussões acerca do processo decisório e da inteligência competitiva. Na metodologia, foi aplicada a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais para testar as relações estabelecidas no modelo estrutural proposto, em que foram considerados o constructo BA – composto de Habilidades Analíticas, Tecnologia Analítica, Qualidade de Dados, Comprometimento da Liderança, Estratégia analítica, Abordagem Analítica (AB) – e o construto Inovação de Processos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de uma base de dados de Clientes da empresa SAS no Brasil, uma das maiores empresas fornecedoras de soluções analíticas do mundo. O estudo concluiu que a Abordagem Analítica (BA) tem um forte impacto na Inovação de Processos e que o constructo Estratégia possui uma grande relevância preditiva em BA.
As relações entre as dimensões do autoconceito e o comportamento de compra masculino
Authors: Mello Moyano Carlos Alberto , Lengler Jorge Francisco Bertinetti , Angnes Derli Luís
Published: July 2017

O objetivo central deste estudo é analisar a relação de multidependência existente entre o autoconceito dos homens e seu comportamento como consumidor. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos por este estudo, foi realizada uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório descritivo. Na fase exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, buscou-se identificar as dimensões do autoconceito do homem (n=30). Na segunda fase, de caráter quantitativo, foram realizadas 403 entrevistas por meio de um instrumento estruturado de coleta de dados. Para se testar as hipóteses de estudo, empregou-se a modelagem de equações estruturais, além do teste de diferenças de médias. Os resultados obtidos apontam que existe uma diferença significativa entre as duas dimensões estudadas do autoconceito: atual e ideal. Diante dos resultados obtidos, pode-se afirmar que o autoconceito exerce influência sobre o comportamento dos homens como consumidores. Os resultados apresentados neste estudo têm implicações diretas sobre a atuação de executivos de empresas de produtos de consumo.
Ambidesteridade Organizacional: um estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Volpp Sierra Júlio Cesar , Carmona Viviane Celina
Published: July 2017

A pesquisa acadêmica sobre ambidesteridade organizacional tem se mostrado em propulsão, com crescente espaço em periódicos internacionais, uma vez que busca identificar como a inovação pode ocorrer nas organizações. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar o perfil e a relevância dos artigos publicados em periódicos científicos internacionais de 1914 a 2015, segundo a base SCOPUS, considerando publicação por ano, rede de palavras, periódico, autores, afiliação de autores, área de pesquisa e citações. Por intermédio de método bibliométrico e sociométrico, o estudo evidenciou que o tema ganhou notoriedade na academia a partir de 2004, sendo que mais de 63% dos 348 artigos publicados são dos últimos cinco anos. Os periódicos mais relevantes que publicam artigos no tema são o Organization Science e o Academy of Management Journal. C. B. Percebeu-se que Gibson e J. Birkinshaw possuem o artigo mais citado, enquanto H. W. Volberda é o autor com maior número de artigos publicados. A maior concentração de artigos está em periódicos de Administração e Negócios norte-americanos, seguidos pelos periódicos britânicos e alemães.
Empreendedorismo religioso: quando Weber se associa a Granovetter
Authors: Corrêa Victor Silva , Vale Glaucia Maria Vasconcellos , Cruz Marina Almeida
Published: July 2017

O fenômeno religioso no Brasil vem atraindo crescente atenção da academia, impulsionado, em grande parte, pela expansão das seitas protestantes no país, sobretudo de vertente pentecostal. Na esteira dessa transformação, um tema, em particular, reveste-se de especial importância. Trata-se do papel dos chamados empreendedores religiosos aqui compreendidos como os novos pastores evangélicos. No entanto, tais atores não vêm sendo muito estudados. O presente trabalho busca preencher essa lacuna. Recorre-se, para isso, às contribuições teóricas clássicas derivadas de Weber, em associação às contribuições contemporâneas originárias de Granovetter, em particular, sobre acoplamento e desacoplamento. Conclui-se o trabalho propondo um novo referencial para a análise de certas dimensões do empreendedorismo religioso.
Pesquisa histórica em administração: a (re)construção identitária da Galeria do Ouvidor em Belo Horizonte (MG)
Authors: Santos José Vitor Palhares dos , Carrieri Alexandre de Pádua , Pereira Verônica Fujise , Martins Talita Soares
Published: July 2017

Recentemente, a história tem ocupado um papel importante na área da Administração, especialmente no campo dos Estudos Organizacionais. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar, por meio da pesquisa histórica, a (re)construção  identitária da Galeria do Ouvidor, que foi um dos primeiros centros comerciais construídos em Belo Horizonte e que, atualmente, ainda se destaca entre as principais galerias da cidade. Por meio da pesquisa documental e da análise do discurso de narrativas temáticas de atores que trabalham atualmente na Galeria do Ouvidor, o presente estudo buscou ampliar a compreensão a respeito das identidades da organização desde a sua construção. Os resultados evidenciam que a história deste espaço se divide em diversas fases comerciais, em distintas identidades. Identidades estas que estão ligadas às mercadorias comercializadas na Galeria, as quais estão vinculadas à história da cidade de Belo Horizonte. Entretanto, embora novos clientes e produtos surjam nas diferentes identidades da galeria, permanecem resquícios de fases anteriores. Desse modo, a Galeria do Ouvidor pode ser compreendida, então, como um espelho da capital mineira.
Radar–rain-gauge rainfall estimation for hydrological applications in small catchments
Authors: Gabriele Salvatore , Chiaravalloti Francesco , Procopio Antonio
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The accurate evaluation of the precipitation's time–spatial structure is a critical step for rainfall–runoff modelling. Particularly for small catchments, the variability of rainfall can lead to mismatched results. Large errors in flow evaluation may occur during convective storms, responsible for most of the flash floods in small catchments in the Mediterranean area. During such events, we may expect large spatial and temporal variability. Therefore, using rain-gauge measurements only can be insufficient in order to adequately depict extreme rainfall events. In this work, a double-level information approach, based on rain gauges and weather radar measurements, is used to improve areal rainfall estimations for hydrological applications. In order to highlight the effect that precipitation fields with different level of spatial details have on hydrological modelling, two kinds of spatial rainfall fields were computed for precipitation data collected during 2015, considering both rain gauges only and their merging with radar information. The differences produced by these two precipitation fields in the computation of the areal mean rainfall accumulation were evaluated considering 999 basins of the region Calabria, southern Italy. Moreover, both of the two precipitation fields were used to carry out rainfall–runoff simulations at catchment scale for main precipitation events that occurred during 2015 and the differences between the scenarios obtained in the two cases were analysed. A representative case study is presented in detail.
Treatment in EGFR-mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: How to Block the Receptor and overcome Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Proto Claudia , Russo Giuseppe Lo , Corrao Giulia , Ganzinelli Monica , Facchinetti Francesco , Minari Roberta , Tiseo Marcello , Garassino Marina Chiara
Published: July 2017

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and the parallel development of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have radically changed the therapeutic management strategies. Currently, erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib are all approved as standard first-line treatment in EGFR-mutated NSCLC. However, despite the proven efficacy, some EGFR-mutated NSCLCs do not respond to EGFR TKIs, while some patients, after a favorable and prolonged response to EGFR TKIs, inevitably progress within about 10-14 months. Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent mechanisms, activation of alternative pathways, or phenotypic transformation can cause the resistance to EGFR TKIs. The exon 20 p.Thr790Met point mutation (T790M) is responsible for about 60% of cases of resistance when progression occurs. A third-generation TKI, osimertinib, improved outcome in patients harboring T790M after first- and second-generation TKI treatment. However, resistance develops even after treatment with third-generation drugs. To date, the Cys797Ser (C797S) mutation in exon 20 of EGFR is the most well-known resistance mutation after osimertinib. Fourth-generation TKIs are already under development. Nevertheless, additional information is needed to better understand and effectively overcome resistance. The aim of this review is to report recent advances and future perspectives in the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, highlighting the resistance mechanisms that underlie disease progression.
Primary Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas with a Good Response to Chemotherapy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Radojkovic Milan , Ilic Dragana , Ilic Ivan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Although pancreatic cancer is a common malignancy, signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a very rare histologic type with only 6 cases reported so far. We present a patient with primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreas and a good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Case report

A 67-year-old woman presented at a regional hospital with a 2-week history of painless progressive jaundice. Abdominal computed tomography showed a tumor in the head of the pancreas, 4.5 cm in largest diameter. Since endoscopic biopsy and biliary stenting were not available, the patient had undergone palliative choledochoduodenostomy and tru-cut needle biopsy of the lesion. Histopathology revealed primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreas. The tumor was considered borderline resectable and 3-month neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine alone was administered due to the low creatinine clearance rates. Follow-up abdominal scan demonstrated very good response to chemotherapy and significant tumor regression to 1.5 cm in largest diameter. Radical cephalic duodenopancreatectomy was performed.

Conclusion

Significant tumor downsizing in our patient clearly demonstrates good response to neoadjuvant gemcitabine monotherapy. The optimal preoperative chemotherapy leading to tumor reduction and disease control in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma is controversial, necessitating further randomized studies including combined chemoradiotherapy and multidrug combination regimens.
Hydrocarbon Source Rock Potential of the Lacustrine Black Shale Unit, Mamfe Basin, Cameroon, West Africa
Authors: Anoh NJOH Olivier , Mesanga NJIE Sarah
Published: July 2017

The potential for conventional and/or unconventional hydrocarbon exploration requires the presence of organic-rich, thermally mature rock units containing oil or gas-prone kerogen. Thick black, organic rich shale intervals are well exposed along roadside cuts and river banks at several localities in the eastern part of the Mamfe Basin. Earlier described as anoxic lake bottom deposits, these fine grained rocks constitute the probable pod of active source rock in this basin and belonging to the middle stratigraphic unit of the three that make up the basin’s sedimentary fill. Samples collected from representative outcrop sections (Etoko mile 21, Bachuo Ntai, and Satom Bridge) in the study area were subjected to geochemical analytic techniques; Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval Pyrolysis and Vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) values were calculated. TOC data obtained range from 1.06% to 16.10% indicating good to excellent hydrocarbon generative potentials, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis data plotted along Kerogen Types I, II and III with oil and gas generative potentials. 4 out of 9 samples fall within the oil window from the calculated %Ro while temperatures corresponding to the peak of kerogen pyrolysis (Tmax) and Production Index (PI) for the 9 samples range from 398oC to 463oC indicating that the organic matter (OM) are immature to post mature.The black shale unit of this part of the basin therefore contains very high amounts of good to excellent quality of thermally matured organic matter which can produce and expel oil and gas respectively.
Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Sand Dunes Formation
Authors: Rabi HASSANE GANDA , Haoua HAMIDOU , Bisso SALEY
Published: July 2017

We are interested this paper in the  modeling and numerical simulation of sand dune formation (on the effect of wind). We propose a simple model which will be approached by a classical numerical method in order to verify validity of our model to describe the phenomena of dune formation. Some numerical solutions of dune evolution and approximation error table are presented to verify that the simplified model is adopted to study the formation of sand dunes.
Portuguese Consumers’ Green Purchase Behavior: An Analysis of its Antecedents and a Proposal of Segmentation
Authors: Cardoso Paulo Ribeiro , Van Schoor Maria
Published: July 2017

This study analyzes how Knowledge about environmental problems, "Perceived consumer effectiveness, and "Recycling behavior can predict Reported purchase of green products in general, and Reported purchase of specific green products. Another objective of this study is to identify different consumer segments based on antecedents of green purchasing behavior, observing demographic profiles and willingness to buy this type of products. The data was collected in Portugal with the use of an online survey and the instrument was composed of five scales, adapted from previous studies. The results confirm the existence of a positive relationship between the constructs. It is also possible to identify three segments of consumers: Less involved, Moderate, and Ecologists. This study has some practical implications, showing that consumption of green products can be stimulated if consumers are more aware of environmental problems and understand the importance of their individual behavior to prevent them.
Metabolic Profile of and Antimicrobial Activity in the Aerial Part of Leonurus turkestanicus V.I. Krecz. et Kuprian. from Kazakhstan
Authors: Sermukhamedova Olga , Wojtanowski Krzysztof Kamil , Widelski Jarosław , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Elansary Hosam O , Sakipova Zuriyadda , Malm Anna , Głowniak Kazimierz , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna
Published: July 2017

An HPLC quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) MS method was developed for the identification of secondary metabolites in Leonurus turkestanicus V.I. Krecz. et Kuprian. Ethanolic and chloroform extracts from the plant’s aerial parts were tested. A total of 16 compounds (iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds, as well as diterpene acetate derivatives) were identified and tentatively characterized based on (or using) their retention times and UV and Q-TOF-MS data. Previously reported aucubin (1),6-deoxy-8-acetylharpagid(2), and stachydrine(13, 15)and homostachydrine isomers(14, 16)were identified, along with a lavandulifolioside isomer(3),verbascoside(4),rutin(5),3-O-kaempferol rutinoside (6), and an unknown diterpene acetate(8).Compounds3–6were detected for the first time in this plant. Additionally. antimicrobial activity was evaluated. No significant differences were found between ethanolic and chloroform extracts of L. turkestanicus; however, the alcoholic extract showed stronger antifungal activity [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5–5 mg/mL], whereas the chloroform extract showed stronger activity against the tested spore-forming Bacillus species (MIC 1.25–2.5 mg/mL).
Testing Neurotransmitters for Toxicity with a Luminescent Biosensor: Implications for Microbial Endocrinology
Authors: Alexander V. Oleskin  , Elena V. Sorokina  , Alevtina P. Zarubina  , Inna M. Parkhomenko
Published: July 2017

Background: The human organism is a complex superorganism including numerous eukaryotic, eubacterial, and archaean cells. The qualitative and quantitative assessment of the microbiota toxicity of chemical agents, i.e., their inhibitory effects on the microbial inhabitants of the human organism in health and disease, seems to hold much value in this context. In this work, a bacterial luminescence-based express test system for microbiota toxicity is applied to neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine.
Methods: The biosensor was based on a GM Escherichia coli K12 strain (TGI) that contained the lux operon of the luminescent soil bacterium Photorhabdus luminescencens ZMI. The biosensor was exposed to the action of the tested neurotransmitters for 5 to 60 minutes The intensity of bacterial luminescence (counts.sec-1) was monitored in the control and the experimental samples with a Biotoks 6 ms luminometer (Russia); the toxicity index (T) of the neurotransmitters was determined.
Results: A marked toxic effect on bioluminescence was produced by serotonin, histamine, and dopamine at concentrations exceeding 80 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 1 mg/ml, respectively. At lower concentration, these neurotransmitters were “negatively toxic”, i.e. stimulatory in terms of the effect on bacterial luminescence. In contrast, norepinephrine inhibited luminescence at all concentrations tested.
Conclusions: The bacterial luminescence-based testing method is applicable to the assessment of the destructive and stimulatory effects of neurotransmitters; the data obtained are of microbiological and clinical relevance.
CHANGING PARADIGMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: White Joyce
Published: July 2017

Abstract: An argument is presented for Southeast Asian archaeologists to replace the Birds Eye View/Rear View Mirror paradigm prevalent during the mid-twentieth century with a forward-facing, “emergent” paradigm in alignment with current trends in archaeological theory. An earlier version of this text was prepared for a keynote address at the European Association of Southeast Asian Archaeologists (EurASEAA), 14th International Conference that took place at in Dublin, September 18-21 2012.
Presentation. Paths, Detours, and Connections: Consumption and Its Contribution to Latin American History
Authors: Trentmann Frank , Otero-Cleves Ana María
Published: July 2017

Despite the increase and variety of historical literature in the region in the last decades, the history of consumption, as a proper area of study, has received only modest scholarly attention from Latin American historians. With the aim of contributing to the emerging literature on the subject, this essay illustrates the relevance of studies on the history of consumption for a better and novel understanding of Latin America’s social, economic, and cultural past. It does this: 1) by revisiting the lessons learned from the first debates in the historical literature on consumption; 2) by examining recent developments in the history of consumption in Latin America, and; 3) by identifying future challenges for consumption studies.
Alcohol‐antiretroviral interactive toxicity beliefs as a potential barrier to HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men
Authors: Kalichman Seth C , Eaton Lisa
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers as much as 90% protection against HIV transmission. However, the effectiveness of PrEP depends on uptake and adherence to even intermittent dosing. Along with intoxication leading to unintentional non‐adherence, believing that alcohol mixed with pharmaceuticals is harmful (i.e., interactive toxicity beliefs) may lead to poor uptake and intentional non‐adherence.

Methods: HIV‐negative sexually active men who have sex with men (N = 272) at a large Gay Pride event in Atlanta, GA, completed anonymous surveys of demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, alcohol use and PrEP‐related alcohol interactive toxicity beliefs.

Results: A total of 118 (43%) men surveyed had two or more male sex partners and condomless anal sex in the previous six months. Alcohol use was reported by over 90% of men and it was common for participants to believe that mixing alcohol and antiretrovirals is toxic; 75% endorsed at least one interactive toxicity belief. Among the 118 men who had engaged in condomless anal sex and had multiple sex partners, one in three stated that they were not interested in PrEP and men not interested in PrEP were significantly more likely to binge drink and hold interactive toxicity beliefs.

Conclusions: These results mirror studies that find interactive toxicity beliefs are a potent predictor of intentional antiretroviral non‐adherence among people living with HIV and suggest interactive toxicity beliefs may impede PrEP uptake and adherence. Messages to increase PrEP awareness and adherence may also take steps to counter erroneous beliefs about mixing alcohol with antiretrovirals in the context of PrEP.
Development rate rather than social environment influences cognitive performance in Australian black field crickets,Teleogryllus commodus
Authors: Anderson Caitlin L. , Kasumovic Michael M.
Published: July 2017

Cognitive functioning is vital for enabling animals of all taxa to optimise their chances of survival and reproductive success. Learning and memory in particular are drivers of many evolutionary processes. In this study, we examine how developmental plasticity can affect cognitive ability by exploring the role the early social environment has on problem solving ability and learning of female black field crickets,Teleogryllus commodus.We used two learning paradigms, an analog of the Morris water maze and a novel linear maze, to examine cognitive differences between individuals reared in two acoustic treatments: silence or calling. Although there was no evidence of learning or memory, individuals that took longer to mature solved the Morris water maze more quickly. Our results suggest that increased investment into cognitive development is likely associated with increased development time during immature stages. Inconsistent individual performance and motivation during the novel linear maze task highlights the difficulties of designing ecologically relevant learning tasks within a lab setting. The role of experimental design in understanding cognitive ability and learning in more natural circumstances is discussed.
Validation of high‐resolution MAIAC aerosol product over South America
Authors: Martins V. S. , Lyapustin A. , de Carvalho L. A. S. , Barbosa C. C. F. , Novo E. M. L. M.
Published: July 2017

Multiangle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) is a new Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) algorithm that combines time series approach and image processing to derive surface reflectance and atmosphere products, such as aerosol optical depth (AOD) and columnar water vapor (CWV). The quality assessment of MAIAC AOD at 1 km resolution is still lacking across South America. In the present study, critical assessment of MAIAC AOD550 was performed using ground‐truth data from 19 Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites over South America. Additionally, we validated the MAIAC CWV retrievals using the same AERONET sites. In general, MAIAC AOD Terra/Aqua retrievals show high agreement with ground‐based measurements, with a correlation coefficient (R) close to unity (RTerra:0.956 and RAqua: 0.949). MAIAC accuracy depends on the surface properties and comparisons revealed high confidence retrievals over cropland, forest, savanna, and grassland covers, where more than 2/3 (~66%) of retrievals are within the expected error (EE = ±(0.05 + 0.05 × AOD)) and R exceeding 0.86. However, AOD retrievals over bright surfaces show lower correlation than those over vegetated areas. Both MAIAC Terra and Aqua retrievals are similarly comparable to AERONET AOD over the MODIS lifetime (small bias offset ~0.006). Additionally, MAIAC CWV presents quantitative information with R ~ 0.97 and more than 70% of retrievals within error (±15%). Nonetheless, the time series validation shows an upward bias trend in CWV Terra retrievals and systematic negative bias for CWV Aqua. These results contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of MAIAC AOD retrievals as a new atmospheric product for future aerosol studies over South America.
Regional distribution of large blowdown patches across Amazonia in 2005 caused by a single convective squall line
Authors: Araujo Raquel Fernandes , Nelson Bruce Walker , Celes Carlos Henrique Souza , Chambers Jeffrey Q.
Published: July 2017

In mid‐January 2005 a convective squall line traversed 4.5 × 106 km2 of Amazonia from southwest to northeast. As seen in Landsat images, this atypical convective storm left blowdown imprints with diffuse geometry, unlike the fan‐shaped wind disturbance of much more frequent east‐to‐west propagating squall lines. Previous work reported 0.2% of the forest area damaged by this one relatively rare event within one Landsat image and assumed similar disturbance across the entire traverse. We mapped convective wind damage impact to the region in 2005 by identifying large‐scale (>4 ha) blowdown imprints in 30 Landsat images. The diffuse‐type imprints associated with this single squall line contributed up to 60–72% of total 2005 wind‐disturbed area detected across the region, but damage was highly concentrated in central Amazonia. Consequently, the distribution of large wind damage patches in 2005 across Amazonia was very different from long‐term average. Regional distribution of wind‐driven tree mortality for smaller patch sizes remains unknown.
Stochastic modeling of interannual variation of hydrologic variables
Authors: Dralle David , Karst Nathaniel , Müller Marc , Vico Giulia , Thompson Sally E.
Published: July 2017

Quantifying the interannual variability of hydrologic variables (such as annual flow volumes, and solute or sediment loads) is a central challenge in hydrologic modeling. Annual or seasonal hydrologic variables are themselves the integral of instantaneous variations and can be well approximated as an aggregate sum of the daily variable. Process‐based, probabilistic techniques are available to describe the stochastic structure of daily flow, yet estimating interannual variations in the corresponding aggregated variable requires consideration of the autocorrelation structure of the flow time series. Here we present a method based on a probabilistic streamflow description to obtain the interannual variability of flow‐derived variables. The results provide insight into the mechanistic genesis of interannual variability of hydrologic processes. Such clarification can assist in the characterization of ecosystem risk and uncertainty in water resources management. We demonstrate two applications, one quantifying seasonal flow variability and the other quantifying net suspended sediment export.
Lysogeny
Authors: Tan Jason A , Christie Gail E
Published: July 2017

Lysogeny is the harbouring of a dormant bacteriophage (phage) genome in a growing bacterial host. The well‐studied coliphage lambda system provided the paradigm for the role of regulatory proteins in determining the fate of the infected cell (lysis vs lysogeny) as well as the role of environmental signals that influence this decision. Studies of lambda also led to the classic models for site‐specific integration of phage DNA into the bacterial chromosome and for prophage induction during the SOS response by RecA‐mediated repressor cleavage. Beyond a common requirement for a phage‐encoded repressor to maintain lysogeny, phages other than lambda exhibit substantial diversity in the mechanisms underlying regulation of the lysis/lysogeny decision, integration, and prophage induction. Lysogeny has profound consequences on bacterial evolution, leading to acquisition of new traits, enhanced bacterial fitness, gene disruption and/or genomic rearrangements. Phages that are capable of lysogeny provide a reservoir of genetic diversity for their hosts.

Key Concepts

Lysogeny is widespread; prophages are present in ∼1/2 of all sequenced bacterial chromosomes, and many strains carry multiple prophages.

Regulation of the phage lysis/lysogeny decision is an example of a bistable gene expression circuit.

DNA looping occurs when protein molecules which bind to noncontiguous DNA sites also bind to each other, bringing together DNA sites that are normally some distance apart.

Some temperate phages can perpetuate their genomes without integration into the chromosome by plasmid formation, where phage genomes replicate autonomously to keep pace with cell division.

Prophage induction is the activation of a prophage to enter the lytic cycle, either spontaneously or by treating lysogenic cells with various agents.

Specialised recombination protein machineries are required to establish phage integration. These can be host or phage encoded and bind to dsDNA sequences to catalyse recombination.

Site‐specific recombination, which entails breakage and joining of DNA at specific sequences, is used by phages and plasmids and facilitates separation of daughter chromosomes in bacterial cell division.

In transposition, some DNA elements, including phage genomes, move from one site to another by action of transposases encoded by the element.

Temperate phages provide a mobile genetic reservoir that allows bacteria to adapt to new environments. Prophage‐encoded accessory genes provide new traits that can enhance bacterial fitness or virulence.

Lysogeny is transient, allowing bacteria plasticity in their responses to environmental challenges.
Molecular Genetics of Polygenic Hypertension
Authors: Deng Alan Y
Published: July 2017

Essential hypertension is one of the most damaging health risk factors; however, its underlying mechanisms of pathogeneses continue to be undeciphered. To assist this endeavour, investigations utilising human populations and rodent models have revealed numerous genetic building blocks known as quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for blood pressure (BP). Although BP is a quantitatively measured trait manifesting in a continuous variation in heterogeneous populations, each QTL governing it appears to functionally behave as an independent and ‘monogenic’ Mendelian determinant. Mechanistically, multiple QTLs are functionally modularised by epistasis that implies a common pathway or cascade among them, whereas others belong to parallel epistatic modules/pathways. These insights suggest that similar genetic mechanisms probably shepherd the genetic architectures in physiological functions for essential hypertension. Translations of gene discovery to therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools will require biology‐based function validations of specific genes constituting BP QTLs in appropriate animal models.

Key Concepts

There is a regulatory hierarchy in the genetic architecture governing the functional biology of BP determination.

When a master control is removed, modularity and epistatic hierarchy, not a cumulation of minuscule effects, determine the functionality of multiple QTLs on BP.

Mechanistically, separate epistatic modules integrating BP QTLs are best explained by independent pathways, each consisting of multiple components that act in sequential cascades in a pathway.

As there are fewer pathways than the components comprising them, a defective protein product
per se
encoded by a mutated QTL, either qualitatively or quantitatively, can lead to a deficient BP‐regulating pathway of pathogenesis and does not have to directly act on BP as a physiological agent.