bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimativa de consumo de sódio pela população brasileira, 2008-2009
Authors: Sarno Flavio , Claro Rafael Moreira , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Bandoni Daniel Henrique , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: January 2014

OBJETIVO: Atualizar estimativas sobre consumo de sódio no Brasil.MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Realizou-se a conversão em nutrientes dos registros de aquisição de alimentos dos domicílios brasileiros por meio de tabelas de composição de alimentos. Foram calculadas a disponibilidade média de sódio/pessoa/dia e a disponibilidade média ajustada para um consumo energético diário de 2.000 kcal. Calculou-se a contribuição de grupos de alimentos selecionados para o total de sódio disponível para consumo no domicílio e comparou-se com aqueles da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2002-2003.RESULTADOS: A quantidade diária de sódio disponível para consumo nos domicílios brasileiros foi de 4,7 g para ingestão diária de 2.000 kcal, mantendo-se mais de duas vezes superior ao limite recomendado de ingestão desse nutriente. A maior parte do sódio disponível para consumo provém do sal de cozinha e de condimentos à base de sal (74,4%), mas a fração proveniente de alimentos processados com adição de sal aumentou linear e intensamente com o poder aquisitivo domiciliar (12,3% do total de sódio no quinto inferior da distribuição da renda por pessoa e 27,0% no quinto superior). Observou-se redução na contribuição de sal e condimentos à base de sal (76,2% para 74,4%) e dos alimentos in natura ou processados sem adição de sal (6,6% para 4,8%) e aumento dos alimentos processados com adição de sal (15,8% para 18,9%) e dos pratos prontos (1,4% para 1,6%) na comparação com a Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2002-2003.CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de sódio no Brasil mantém-se em níveis acima da recomendação máxima para esse nutriente em todas as macrorregiões e classes de renda brasileiras. Observou-se estabilidade na disponibilidade domiciliar total de sódio e aumento na fração proveniente dos alimentos processados com adição de sal e dos pratos prontos, na comparação de 2008-2009 com 2002-2003.
Effects of irregular-shift work and physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors in truck drivers
Authors: Marqueze Elaine Cristina , Ulhôa Melissa Araújo , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the putative effect of type of shift and its interaction with leisure-time physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors in truck drivers.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 57 male truck drivers working at a transportation company, of whom 31 worked irregular shifts and 26 worked on the day-shift. Participants recorded their physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire along with measurements of blood pressure, body mass index and waist-hip ratio. Participants also provided a fasting blood sample for analysis of lipid-related outcomes. Data were analyzed using a factorial model which was covariate-controlled for age, smoking, work demand, control at work and social support.RESULTS: Most of the irregular-shift and day-shift workers worked more than 8 hours per day (67.7% and 73.1%, respectively). The mean duration of experience working the irregular schedule was 15.7 years. Day-shift workers had never engaged in irregular-shift work and had been working as a truck driver for 10.8 years on average. The irregular-shift drivers had lower work demand but less control compared to day-shift drivers (p < 0.05). Moderately-active irregular-shift workers had higher systolic and diastolic arterial pressures (143.7 and 93.2 mmHg, respectively) than moderately-active day-shift workers (116 and 73.3 mmHg, respectively) (p < 0.05) as well as higher total cholesterol concentrations (232.1 and 145 mg/dl, respectively) (p = 0.01). Irrespective of their physical activity, irregular-shift drivers had higher total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (211.8 and 135.7 mg/dl, respectively) than day-shift workers (161.9 and 96.7 mg/dl, respectively (ANCOVA, p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Truck drivers are exposed to cardiovascular risk factors due to the characteristics of the job, such as high work demand, long working hours and time in this profession, regardless of shift type or leisure-time physical activity.
Effect of eliminating chronic diseases among elderly individuals
Authors: Campolina Alessandro Gonçalves , Adami Fernando , Santos Jair Licio Ferreira , Lebrão Maria Lucia
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the elimination of certain chronic diseases is capable of leading to the compression of morbidity among elderly individuals.METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out with official data for the city of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil in 2000 and data from the SABE (Health, Wellbeing and Ageing) study. Sullivan's method was used to calculate disability-free life expectancy. Cause-deleted life tables were used to calculate the probabilities of death and disabilities with the elimination of health conditions.RESULTS: The largest gains in disability-free life expectancy, with the elimination of chronic illness, occurred in the female gender. Among individuals of a more advanced age, gains in disability-free life expectancy occurred as result of a relative compression of morbidity. Among men aged 75 years, all conditions studied, except heart disease and systemic arterial pressure, led to an absolute expansion of morbidity and, at the same time, to a relative compression of morbidity upon being eliminated.CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of chronic diseases in the elderly could lead to the compression of morbidity in elderly men and women.
Towards a Unified Theory of Health-Disease: I. Health as a complex model-object
Authors: Almeida-Filho Naomar
Published: January 2014

Theory building is one of the most crucial challenges faced by basic, clinical and population research, which form the scientific foundations of health practices in contemporary societies. The objective of the study is to propose a Unified Theory of Health-Disease as a conceptual tool for modeling health-disease-care in the light of complexity approaches. With this aim, the epistemological basis of theoretical work in the health field and concepts related to complexity theory as concerned to health problems are discussed. Secondly, the concepts of model-object, multi-planes of occurrence, modes of health and disease-illness-sickness complex are introduced and integrated into a unified theoretical framework. Finally, in the light of recent epistemological developments, the concept of Health-Disease-Care Integrals is updated as a complex reference object fit for modeling health-related processes and phenomena.
Antitumor lipids in biomembranes modeled with the Langmuir monolayer technique
Authors: Dynarowicz-Łątka Patrycja
Published: January 2014

Studies on interactions between physiologically active compounds and cell membrane components in Langmuir monolayers, which provide suitable models of biomembranes, can be considered as one of the crucial factors leading to the understanding of the mode of action of many drugs that act on membrane level. A good example of membrane-targeted drugs are synthetic analogues of lysophosphatidylcholine, generally named as antitumor lipids (ATLs), due to their anticancer properties. They have advantages over traditional cytostatics as they do not target DNA but cellular membrane. Apart from many studies on cell lines, little is known about the transport of ATLs to the cells, and it is still unclear which membrane components target drug molecules to the tumor cell membrane, sparing the normal cells. This review provides examples of the successful application of the Langmuir monolayer technique in getting insight into biological action and selectivity of representative ATL – edelfosine.
Do communities exist? Complex patterns of overlapping marine species distributions
Authors: Leaper Rebecca , Dunstan Piers K. , Foster Scott D. , Barrett Neville S. , Edgar Graham J.
Published: January 2014

Understanding the way in which species are associated in communities is a fundamental question in ecology. Yet there remains a tension between communities as highly structured units or as coincidental collections of individualistic species. We explored these ideas using a new statistical approach that clusters species based on their environmental response: a species archetype, rather than clustering sites based on their species composition. We found groups of species that are consistently highly correlated, but that these groups are not unique to any set of locations and overlap spatially. The species present at a single site are a realization of species from the (multiple) archetype groups that are likely to be present at that location based on their response to the environment.
Response of Switchgrass Yield and Quality to Harvest Season and Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Sadeghpour A. , Gorlitsky L. E. , Hashemi M. , Weis S. A. , Herbert S. J.
Published: January 2014

Attaining high switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) yields with optimum quality for combustion while also maintaining crop health is challenging. A 3‐yr study was conducted at the Crops and Animal Research and Education Farm of the University of Massachusetts in South Deerfield, MA, from 2009 to 2012 to assess the influence of harvesting season and N application rates on biomass yield, mineral content of the grass, non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) reserves in the roots, as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of switchgrass (cultivar Cave‐in‐Rock) grown for combustion. Delaying harvest from summer until spring reduced the biomass yield by 27%. The highest biomass production (7.82 Mg ha–1) was obtained from summer harvest in the first growing season. Averaged over 3 yr, increasing N application rate up to 134 kg ha–1 resulted in the highest biomass production in the summer harvest with 7.41 Mg ha–1. Nutrient concentrations in the grass were dependent on the season of harvest. In general, delaying the harvest reduced N, P, K, and Mg content in the feedstock. Lower N application rate resulted in higher agronomic efficiency (AE) and NUE. Peak NSC concentrations in belowground tissues were measured in fall and were two times higher than those in summer and spring. These data suggest that not more than 67 kg N ha–1 combined with fall harvest maintain switchgrass yield and quality for combustion processes.
Companion Crops for Organic Alfalfa Establishment
Authors: Sheaffer Craig C. , Martinson Krishona M. , Wyse Donald L. , Moncada Kristine M.
Published: January 2014

In organic cropping systems, companion crops are used for establishment of forage legumes, but a comparison of alternative companion crops for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has not been conducted. We determined the yield of spring‐seeded companion crops and their effect on alfalfa forage yield, weed yield, and net return in five environments. Crops were managed using organic practices. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was among the highest yielding small grains, while annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorium Lam.) was among the highest yielding forage companion crops. Companion crop effects on alfalfa yields were inconsistent among environments. In the establishment year, in two environments, alfalfa yields were similar for all establishment treatments. In three environments, rapid cycling brassica (Brassica rapa L.), annual ryegrass, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) companion crop treatments often resulted in alfalfa yields that were greater than those following field pea (Pisum sativum L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), barley, oat (Avena sativa L.), and wheat. In the year following seeding, alfalfa yields in three environments were similar for all treatments, while in two environments, all treatments except field pea had yields equal to a weedy control. Spring‐seeded wheat, barley, and oat companion crops provided greater net returns than the control, field pea, flax, or forage (non‐vernalized winter wheat, annual ryegrass, and rapid‐cycling brassica) companion crop treatments. Small grain companion crops provide high and consistent net returns without adversely affecting alfalfa yields, and should be used for alfalfa establishment in organic crop production systems.
Radiation Use Efficiency and Yield Response of Winter Wheat to Planting Patterns and Irrigation in Northern China
Authors: Han Y. Y. , Wang G. Y. , Zhou X. B. , Chen Y. H. , Liu P.
Published: January 2014

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of planting patterns and irrigation on radiation use efficiency and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) in northern China from 2008 to 2009 and 2009 to 2010. A factorial experiment consisting of three planting patterns: 25 cm uniform row planting pattern (U), “20 + 40” wide‐narrow row planting pattern (wide row spacing [RS] of 40 cm and narrow RS of 20 cm, WN), and “20 + 40” furrow planting pattern (double lines in the furrow with 20 cm spacing, and 40 cm between furrows, ridge high 15 cm, F). Three irrigation treatments were 90, 135, and 180 mm. The leaf area index (LAI) of F planting was higher than that of U and WN under the same irrigation amount. The planting pattern of WN and F, especially the latter, significantly improved the photosynthetic active radiation capture ratio at 0 to 40 cm above the ground surface. Under the same irrigation amount, grain yields of F were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than those of U and WN planting patterns. With the increasing irrigation amount, grain yield of winter wheat was not significantly increased between 135 and 180 mm irrigation from 2009 to 2010 (P< 0.05). In conclusion, considering the water shortage, the F and 135 mm irrigation should be a good agronomic measure to increase grain yield.
Remediation/Restoration of Degraded Soil: I. Impact on Soil Chemical Properties
Authors: Mikha Maysoon M. , Benjamin Joseph G. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Geier Patrick W.
Published: January 2014

Nutrient dynamics in the calcareous eroded soils of the western United States may react differently than the acid soils in the eastern United States. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of tillage practices and N treatments on changes in soil nutrient constituents. The eroded study was initiated in 2006 at the Agriculture Research Center, Hays, KS, on an Armo silt loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Entic Haplustolls). Tillage practices were no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Beef manure (M) and urea, as commercial fertilizer (F) at low (L) and high (H) rates were applied as N sources. The control (C) treatment, with no N added, was included under both tillage practices. Annually (2006–2011) spring soil samples were taken at 0‐ to 15‐cm and 15‐ to 30‐cm depths. Soil chemical properties were influenced by N treatments and sampling depths, but not by tillage. Soil acidity (pH) was reduced in 2011 compared with 2006. Relative to control, more reduction in soil pH was observed with HM (21%) compared with HF treatment. Soil EC with HM and HF was approximately 2.2 times greater than LM and LF. Soil extractable P with HM substantially increased, 45.9 mg kg–1, compared with LM, 18.3 mg kg–1, at the surface 0 to 15 cm. The change in soil organic carbon (ΔSOC) associated with M was 36‐fold higher than F treatments. In general, the use of M as N source improved soil nutrient dynamics in this eroded site compared with F.
Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management Options for Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Africa
Authors: Kadyampakeni Davie M.
Published: January 2014

Climate change and food insecurity are the two major challenges for humanity in developing countries. Drawing lessons from numerous research studies from southern Africa and regions on other continents, this review discusses possible interventions for climate and ecological change adaptation using improved water management, soil fertility amelioration, and intensive crop management options. This review and the proposed framework should provide useful information for improving agricultural policy in southern Africa to help poor farmers contend with erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, and fragile economies while ensuring long‐term ecosystem sustainability, increased crop yields, improved farm incomes, and sustained social livelihoods.
Performance of a Double Cropping System under a Continuous Minimum Irrigation Strategy
Authors: Sun Hongyong , Zhang Xiying , Chen Suying , Shao Liwei
Published: January 2014

Conservation of groundwater resources is very important for the grain production in the North China Plain (NCP). Previous studies showed that under minimum irrigation strategy (MI), the popular double‐cropping system of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in NCP might achieve sustainable groundwater use with a moderate yield penalty. Field experiments were continuously conducted from 2005 to 2012 to evaluate the long‐term effects of MI on the crops performance. The experiment compared the yield and crop water use under MI and full water supply conditions (full irrigation, FI). Results showed that yield reduction rate (YRR) under MI for wheat increased substantially and for maize decreased slightly. The diminishing rainfall during the rapid vegetative growing stages of wheat was partly responsible for this result. Soil moisture stored before sowing of wheat contributed around 61% of the seasonal crop water use under MI, and strongly affected the final grain production of this crop. The depleted soil moisture during wheat season was partly replenished during the maize season. Soil drying trend in deep soil layers under MI was not observed. This result indicated that the MI strategy was sustainable. The average annual crop water use over the 7 yr was 625 and 956 mm under MI and FI. With a 18.3% yield penalty, annual crop water use was reduced by 34.6% from FI to MI. Seasonal atmospheric evaporation demand affected the grain production of both crops under MI and FI.
Effects of Seeding Rate and Nitrogen Application on Tall Fescue Seed Production
Authors: Han Yunhua , Hu Tianming , Wang Xianguo , Hannaway David B. , Li Jun , Mao Peisheng , Cui Zhiming , Zhu Zhenlei , Wang Zhengwei
Published: January 2014

Seeding rate and N fertilization are basic managements for tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) seed production. Limited information is available on turf‐ and forage‐type tall fescue responses of seed yield and yield components to seeding rate, N rate, N timing, and their interactions. We evaluated two seeding rates (3 and 9 kg ha–1), four N rates (90, 140, 190, and 240 kg ha–1), and two N timing treatments (one‐third of the annual N applied in autumn+two‐thirds applied the following spring and two‐thirds of the annual N applied in autumn+one‐third applied the following spring) on two tall fescue cultivars: Justice (a turf‐type) and Dovey (a forage‐type) for their effects on seed yield and yield components. Higher seed yields were obtained for turf‐type Justice at the higher seeding rate of 9 kg ha–1 or when more N was applied in autumn than in spring. Of the five seed‐yield components, fertile tillers per square meter of both cultivars were most closely correlated with seed yield. Increasing N application rate or applying more N in autumn resulted in more fertile tillers. These results suggest that 3 kg ha–1 is a sufficient seeding rate for high seed yield of forage‐type tall fescues. Nitrogen rates and timing, however, need to be adjusted to types and cultivars; turf‐type Justice required 190 kg N ha–1 with two‐thirds applied in autumn for highest seed yield whereas cultivar Dovey seed yield was optimized with 140 kg N ha–1, without a significant effect of N timing.
How to Regenerate Rural Community and Ecoservices: Reversing the Tragedy of the Commons
Authors: Francis C. , Van Wart J , Johnson B.
Published: January 2014

Rural areas in the United States are losing people, communities and ecosystem services due to outmigration of population, and loss of small, biodiverse farms. One large driving force is consolidation of farmlands into larger production units and consequent loss of biodiversity in areas within and adjacent to production fields. This century‐long trend has accelerated in the past decade due to high commodity prices and introduction of labor‐saving technologies such as transgenic crops and larger machinery. Federal farm support programs and favorable economic conditions for farm expansion have also contributed to the trend. Research on technologies that are more accessible to large operations and aggressive input marketing practices further stimulate consolidation. In spite of apparent efficiencies and economic power of an industrial agricultural system, all is not positive. There is growing societal concern that current trends are leading to a tragedy of the commons. Issues relating to where and how food is grown, trade‐offs between production of food vs. fuel, and distribution of benefits from agriculture when economic and political power are concentrated are being debated. Growing public interest in food safety, nutrition, food security, and healthy environments adds to discourse about the present structure of agriculture. A growing segment of society envisions national food and farming policies that would help restore small and medium‐sized family farms and rural communities, and to enhance ecosystem services provided by bio‐diverse rural landscapes—in essence, reversing the current tragedy of the commons by pursuing a more equitable and sustainable farming and food system.
Establishment Method Affects Oilseed Rape Yield and the Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Wang Yin , Liu Bo , Ren Tao , Li Xiaokun , Cong Rihuan , Zhang Meng , Yousaf Muhammad , Lu Jianwei
Published: January 2014

Individual plant morphology and crop structure are contrasting between direct sown oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) (DOR) and transplanted oilseed rape (TOR) in China due to altered plant density and growth duration. This study was conducted to compare the yield performance and response to N fertilizer between DOR and TOR. The effects of establishment method (direct sowing or transplanting) and N rate (0 or 180 kg N ha–1) on yield, dry matter, and N uptake were determined through nine on‐farm experiments in China. The DOR produced lower and more inconsistent yields compared with TOR under identical N rates. The yield reduction was 78.7% for DOR and 66.7% for TOR when N fertilizer was omitted, demonstrating that DOR was more sensitive to N deficiency. Furthermore, TOR outperformed DOR in terms of individual growth, dry matter yield, N uptake, harvest index, and N efficiency. Compared with the steady development of TOR, DOR exhibited fluctuating dry matter accumulation and N uptake during plant growth, mainly due to the differences in population dynamics and initial N concentration. The TOR plant density was consistent throughout the growing season, whereas DOR showed 73.3 and 38.5% plant loss in no‐N and N‐fertilized plots, respectively. Nitrogen application increased DOR plants survival based on improved individual growth. Hence, DOR exhibited a relatively greater response to N fertilizer. In conclusion, crop performance, yield level, and responses to N fertilizer were significantly different between DOR and TOR, suggesting that the N fertilizer management strategy should be adjusted depending on the establishment method.
Weather, Disease, and Wheat Breeding Effects on Kansas Wheat Varietal Yields, 1985 to 2011
Authors: Barkley Andrew , Tack Jesse , Nalley Lawton Lanier , Bergtold Jason , Bowden Robert , Fritz Allan
Published: January 2014

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in Kansas have increased due to wheat breeding and improved agronomic practices, but are subject to climate and disease challenges. The objective of this research is to quantify the impact of weather, disease, and genetic improvement on wheat yields of varieties grown in 11 locations in Kansas from 1985 to 2011. Wheat variety yield data from Kansas performance tests were matched with comprehensive location‐specific disease and weather data, including seasonal precipitation, monthly air temperature, air temperature and solar radiation around anthesis, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The results show that wheat breeding programs increased yield by 34 kg ha–1 yr–1. From 1985 through 2011, wheat breeding increased average wheat yields by 917 kg ha–1, or 27% of total yield. Weather was found to have a large impact on wheat yields. Simulations demonstrated that a 1°C increase in projected mean temperature was associated with a decrease in wheat yields of 715 kg ha–1, or 21%. Weather, diseases, and genetics all had significant impacts on wheat yields in 11 locations in Kansas during 1985 to 2011.
Determination of Users’ Knowledge on the Impact of Organic Chemicals in Interior Equipment Elements on Health: Ankara/Turkey Sample
Authors: Yildirim Kemal , Ünlü Feray
Published: January 2014

This study aims to determine the knowledge of users in Ankara according to gender, age and educational
background, regarding the hazardous effects on human health of organic chemicals dispersed into the environment from
interior equipment elements. The study group consisted of 92 randomly-selected people. The survey, developed in line
with the aim of the study, was given to this sample. It was found that participants do not have sufficient knowledge about
the organic chemicals dispersed into the environment from interior equipment elements. It was found that young people
have less knowledge than middle-aged, and secondary-education graduates have less knowledge than higher-education
graduates. It was determined that the user’s knowledge can be increased, the use of hazardous materials in fabrication
manufacturing can be decreased, and that awareness raising activities should be conducted.
Application of plurigaussian simulation to delineate the layout of alteration domains in Sungun copper deposit
Authors: Talebi Hassan , Asghari Omid , Emery Xavier
Published: January 2014

An accurate estimation of mineral grades in ore deposits with heterogeneous spatial variations requires defining geological domains that differentiate the types of mineralogy, alteration and lithology. Deterministic models define the layout of the domains based on the interpretation of the drill holes and do not take into account the uncertainty in areas with fewer data. Plurigaussian simulation (PGS) can be an alternative to generate multiple numerical models of the ore body, with the aim of assessing the uncertainty in the domain boundaries and improving the geological controls in the characterization of quantitative attributes. This study addresses the application of PGS to Sungun porphyry copper deposit (Iran), in order to simulate the layout of four hypogene alteration zones: potassic, phyllic, propylitic and argillic. The aim of this study is to construct numerical models in which the alteration structures reflect the evolution observed in the geology.
Eruptive history of the Barombi Mbo Maar, Cameroon Volcanic Line, Central Africa: Constraints from volcanic facies analysis
Authors: Tchamabé Boris , Youmen Dieudonné , Owona Sébastien , Issa  , Ohba Takeshi , Németh Károly , Ngapna Moussa , Asaah Asobo , Aka Festus , Tanyileke Gregory , Hell Joseph
Published: January 2014

his study presents the first and detail field investigations of exposed deposits at proximal sections of the Barombi Mbo Maar (BMM), NE Mt Cameroon, with the aim of documenting its past activity, providing insight on the stratigraphic distribution, depositional process, and evolution of the eruptive sequences during its formation. Field evidence reveals that the BMM deposit is about 126m thick, of which about 20m is buried lowermost under the lake level and covered by vegetation. Based on variation in pyroclastic facies within the deposit, it can be divided into three main stratigraphic units: U1, U2 and U3. Interpretation of these features indicates that U1 consists of alternating lapilli-ash-lapilli beds series, in which fallout derived individual lapilli-rich beds are demarcated by surges deposits made up of thin, fine-grained and consolidated ash-beds that are well-defined, well-sorted and laterally continuous in outcrop scale. U2, a pyroclastic fall-derived unit, shows crudely lenticular stratified scoriaceous layers, in which many fluidal and spindle bombs-rich lapilli-beds are separated by very thin, coarse-vesiculatedash-beds, overlain by a mantle xenolith- and accidental lithic-rich explosive breccia, and massive lapilli tuff and lapillistone. U3 displays a series of surges and pyroclastic fall layers. Emplacement processes were largely controlled by fallout deposition and turbulent diluted pyroclastic density currents under “dry” and “wet” conditions. The eruptive activity evolved in a series of initial phreatic eruptions, which gradually became phreatomagmatic, followed by a phreato-Strombolian and a violent phreatomagmatic fragmentation. A relatively long-time break, demonstrated by a paleosol between U2 and U3, would have permitted the feeding of the root zone or the prominent crater by the water that sustained the next eruptive episode, dominated by subsequent phreatomagmatic eruptions. These preliminary results require complementary studies, such as geochemistry, for a better understanding of the changes in the eruptive styles, and to develop more constraints on the maar’s polygenetic origin.
Cation exchange capacity of loess and overlying soil in the non-carbonate loess sections, North-Western Croatia
Authors: Tomašić Nenad , Kampić Štefica , Cindrić Iva , Pikelj Kristina , Lučić Mavro , Mavrić Danijela , Vučetić Tajana
Published: January 2014

The adsorption properties in terms of cation exchange capacity and their relation to the soil and sediment constituents (clay minerals, Fe-, Mn-, and Al-oxyhydroxides, organic matter) were investigated in loess, soil-loess transition zone, and soil at four loess-soil sections in North-Western Croatia. Cation exchange capacity of the bulk samples, the samples after oxalate extraction of Fe, Mn and Al, and after removal of organic matter, as well as of the separated clay fraction, was determined using copper ethylenediamine. Cation exchange capacity (pH∼7) of the bulk samples ranges from 5 to 12 cmolc/kg in soil, from 7 to 15 cmolc/kg in the soil-loess transition zone, and from 12 to 20 cmolc/kg in loess. Generally, CEC values increase with depth. Oxalate extraction of Fe, Mn, and Al, and removal of organic matter cause a CEC decrease of 3–38% and 8–55%, respectively, proving a considerable influence of these constituents to the bulk CEC values. In the separated clay fraction (<2 μm) CEC values are up to several times higher relative to those in the bulk samples. The measured CEC values of the bulk samples generally correspond to the clay mineral content identified. Also, a slight increase in muscovite/illite content with depth and the vermiculite occurrence in the loess horizon are concomitant with the CEC increase in deeper horizons, irrespective of the sample pretreatment.
Mollusc-based paleoecological investigations of the Late Copper — Early Bronze Age earth mounds (kurgans) on the Great Hungarian Plain
Authors: Szilágyi Gábor , Sümegi Pál , Molnár Dávid , Sávai Szilvia
Published: January 2014

The malacological material of the mound bodies (kurgans) of the Great Hungarian Plain indicates a mixed vegetation of dry and humid environments, developed on a mosaic of alkaline and chernozem soils in the period of the construction of the kurgan. The malacofauna that evolved in the upper soil horizon of the mound indicates the extremely dry environmental conditions of steppes, charaterized by the dominance of thermoxerophilous species. Dominant species of this kurgan are Chondrula tridens, Helicopsis striata, Granaria frumentum and Cepaea vindobonensis. The species composition shows that there are differences in the malacofauna of the Danube-Tisa Interfluves region compared to that of the lowlands east of River Tisza, indicated by the higher dominance of Granaria frumentum and Helicopsis striata in the former region. Following the construction of the kurgans an island-like, dry habitat developed on their surface, covered by black soil and populated by a steppe fauna, the composition of which is comparable mostly with the mollusc fauna of loess steppes and forest steppe, irrespectively of the floodplain or wind-blown sand character of the original surface.
Oil formation volume factor modeling: Traditional vs. Stochastically optimized neural networks
Authors: Bagheripour Parisa , Asoodeh Mojtaba , Asoodeh Ali
Published: January 2014

Oil formation volume factor (FVF) is considered as relative change in oil volume between reservoir condition and standard surface condition. FVF, always greater than one, is dominated by reservoir temperature, amount of dissolved gas in oil, and specific gravity of oil and dissolved gas. In addition to limitations on reliable sampling, experimental determination of FVF is associated with high costs and time-consumption. Therefore, this study proposes a novel approach based on hybrid genetic algorithm-pattern search (GA-PS) optimized neural network (NN) for fast, accurate, and cheap determination of oil FVF from available measured pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) data. Contrasting to traditional neural network which is in danger of sticking in local minima, GA-PS optimized NN is in charge of escaping from local minima and converging to global minimum. A group of 342 data points were used for model construction and a group of 219 data points were employed for model assessment. Results indicated superiority of GA-PS optimized NN to traditional NN. Oil FVF values, determined by GA-PS optimized NN were in good agreement with reality.
Ambiguous versus non ambiguous characterization of components from pictures of cataclasites
Authors: Kohlmayer Norbert , Grasemann Bernhard
Published: January 2014

The quantitative analysis of shape parameters of components in cataclastic rocks is often complicated by the fact that the individual components are difficult to identify. Frequently, the components have the same mineralogical composition as the matrix and the size distribution of components and the resolution of the images make it difficult to discriminate between the individual fragments. This work investigates the differences of component shape analysis from processing pictures of cataclasites digitized by different persons. The approach undertaken herein assumes that the ambiguity of the forms is expressed in a diversity of component identification, respectively in different selection of the components. The extent of this diversity is quantified and analyzed as to how far statistical parameters reflect this ambiguity. Components in the samples may be more or less unambiguous with respect to the identification of particle shape parameters. The present study demonstrates that two parameters, the Aspect Ratio and the angularity (Elliptical Parisfactor) might be used in order to reflect this ambiguity in the component identification.
High-strength and thermally stable Al – CeO2 composite produced by means of mechanical alloying
Authors: Skrzekut Tomasz , Kula Anna , Blaz Ludwik , Wloch Grzegorz , Sugamata Makoto
Published: January 2014

The effect of temperature on both mechanical and structural features of a new Al-based metallic composite reinforced with fine CeO2 particles was the primary objective of the research work. Mechanically alloyed Al – CeO2 composite was manufactured from high purity Al and CeO2 powders. The powders were milled under argon atmosphere and then consolidated using hot pressing, vacuum degassing and hot extrusion methods. Hot compression tests revealed high mechanical properties of the material, which were ascribed to the very fine-grained structure of the composite. Transmission electron microscopy observations were performed on as-extruded material and samples annealed at 773 K. It was found that the composite structure is relatively stable at 773 K in comparison to Al-based composites reinforced with other heavy-metal oxides reported in literature.
Sodium Perborate/Trifluoroacetic Anhydride Oxidation of Ketones Using Poly(Iodostyrene) as the Catalyst: A Direct Route to α-Hydroxy Ketones
Authors: Chen Chengqun , You Minghua , Chen Hong
Published: January 2014

Exposure of ketones to NaBO3.4H2O/(CF3CO)2O in the presence of a catalytic amount of poly(iodostyrene) afforded α-hydroxy ketones in good yield, with potential applications in the construction of α-hydroxy ketone subunit in natural product synthesis.
An Efficient Synthesis of Erismodegib
Authors: Hu Bing , Cai Jin , Chen Junqing , Cao Meng , Wang Peng , Zong Xi , Zhang Rui , Ji Min
Published: January 2014

A highly efficient synthesis of Erismodegib (LDE225) is described. The chlorine of 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine was displaced by 2,6-dimethylmorpholine and the nitro group reduced to give 3-amino-6-(2’,6'-dimethylmorpholino)pyridine. The Suzuki coupling of methyl 3-bromo-2-methylbenzoate with 4-trifluoromethoxy phenylboronic acid gave methyl-4'-(trifluormethoxy) biphenyl-3-carboxylate. These two fragments were coupled through amide bond formation to give Erismodegib. This synthesis procedure which proceeded in high yield did not require special conditions and is suitable for industrial production.
Syntheses, Structures and Luminescence Properties of Two-Dimensional Supramolecular Complexes Containing a Flexible Carboxylate Ligand
Authors: Lu Lu , Tao Wang , Lin-Xin He , Jun Wang , Bin Xie
Published: January 2014

Two new complexes, [Cd(L)2(bipy)0.5(H2O)] and [Zn(L)2(bipy)] (HL=3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and bipy=4,4'-bipyridine) have been synthesised and structurally characterised by single-crystal diffraction analysis. Although both complexes have a one-dimensional network, the resulting supramolecular architectures are different. Their three-dimensional fluorescence spectra are reported.
Sustainability and Sustainable Development: Philosophical Distinctions and Practical Implications
Authors: Hector Donald Charles , Christensen Carleton Bruin , Petrie Jim
Published: January 2014

The terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ have become established in the popular vernacular in the 25 years or so since the publication of the report of the Brundtland Commission. Often, ‘sustainability’ is thought to represent some long-term goal and ‘sustainable development’ a means or process by which to achieve it. Two fundamental and conflicting philosophical positions underlying these terms are identified. In particular, the commonly held notion that sustainable development can be a pathway to sustainability is challenged, and the expedient view that both terms ultimately serve holistic development is questioned. Furthermore, it is argued that perpetuating the unclear and misleading distinction between the two positions will limit the development of efficacious policy, as it will not resonate with the broadest possible gamut of beliefs and value systems.
The Geography of Somewhere: The Farmers’ Market and Sustainability in Brno, Czech Republic
Authors: Vail Benjamin J.
Published: January 2014

Increasing international uncertainty – including factors such as ongoing financial crises, climate change and energy scarcity – raises questions about which policy strategies can best solve environmental problems and promote community development. This article describes the functioning of the farmers’ market in the Czech city of Brno and analyses how it may contribute to local sustainable development. Theoretically, the article engages the debate over the meaning of sustainability and appropriate policies to achieve sustain-ability goals. Field observations, interviews, content analysis of government documents, and a survey of vendors reveal how the market functions, indicate the meaning of the market for customers and vendors alike, shed light on the future use of the space and provide data for comparison of market activities with official sustainability policy. The article concludes that a novel approach toward sustainable development is to work with existing traditions like farmers’ markets rather than focus efforts exclusively on top-down initiatives and high-tech solutions. While such markets are not automatically ecologically friendly, and farmers’ markets alone cannot produce a sustainable society, this research demonstrates the potential of such emergent, bottom-up activities to help transform society–nature relations while improving urban quality of life.
Towards Sustainable Agricultural Stewardship: Evolution and Future Directions of the Permaculture Concept
Authors: Suh Jungho
Published: January 2014

This paper traces the origins of the concept of permaculture and discusses the sustainability of permaculture itself as a form of alternative agriculture. The principles of permaculture are shown to have many views and perspectives in common with Taoism and with Buddhist ecology and economics. The amalgamation of these Oriental traditions can be translated into the Kaya equation and beyond. It is argued that future permaculture movements should focus on revitalising the communitarian spirit of traditional farming villages instead of building intentional communal communities. The paper also calls for more aggressive environmental-policy measures that support permaculture and internalise the non-market value of reduced fossil-fuel energy consumption and waste recycling.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Imprinting and X Chromosome Inactivation
Authors: Autuoro Joseph , Pirnie Stephan , Carmichael Gordon
Published: January 2014

The field of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) research has been rapidly advancing in recent years. Technological advancements and deep-sequencing of the transcriptome have facilitated the identification of numerous new lncRNAs, many with unusual properties, however, the function of most of these molecules is still largely unknown. Some evidence suggests that several of these lncRNAs may regulate their own transcription in cis, and that of nearby genes, by recruiting remodeling factors to local chromatin. Notably, lncRNAs are known to exist at many imprinted gene clusters. Genomic imprinting is a complex and highly regulated process resulting in the monoallelic silencing of certain genes, based on the parent-of-origin of the allele. It is thought that lncRNAs may regulate many imprinted loci, however, the mechanism by which they exert such influence is poorly understood. This review will discuss what is known about the lncRNAs of major imprinted loci, and the roles they play in the regulation of imprinting.
Mathematical Modeling Analysis and Optimization of Key Design Parameters of Proton-Conductive Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Akhtar Zoheb , Li Peiwen , Wang Kai
Published: January 2014

A proton-conductive solid oxide fuel cell (H-SOFC) has the advantage of operating at higher temperatures than a PEM fuel cell, but at lower temperatures than a SOFC. This study proposes a mathematical model for an H-SOFC in order to simulate the performance and optimize the flow channel designs. The model analyzes the average mass transfer and species’ concentrations in flow channels, which allows the determination of an average concentration polarization in anode and cathode gas channels, the proton conductivity of electrolyte membranes, as well as the activation polarization. An electrical circuit for the current and proton conduction is applied to analyze the ohmic losses from an anode current collector to a cathode current collector. The model uses relatively less amount of computational time to find the V-I curve of the fuel cell, and thus it can be applied to compute a large amount of cases with different flow channel dimensions and operating parameters for optimization. The modeling simulation results agreed satisfactorily with the experimental results from literature. Simulation results showed that a relatively small total width of flow channel and rib, together with a small ratio of the rib’s width versus the total width, are preferable for obtaining high power densities and thus high efficiency.
Optimal PID Controller Design Based on PSO-RBFNN for Wind Turbine Systems
Authors: Perng Jau-Woei , Chen Guan-Yan , Hsieh Shan-Chang
Published: January 2014

A strategy was proposed to determine the optimal operating point for the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller of a wind turbine, and identify the stability regions in the parameter space. The proposed approach combined particle swarm optimization (PSO) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) algorithms. These intelligent algorithms are artificial learning mechanisms that can determine the optimal operating points, and were used to generate the function representing the most favorable operating parameters from each parameter of for the stability region of the PID controller. A graphical method was used to determine the 2D or 3D vision boundaries of the PID-type controller space in closed-loop wind turbine systems. The proposed techniques were demonstrated using simulations of a drive train model without time delay and a pitch control model with time delay. Finally, the 3D stability boundaries were determined the proposed graphical approach with and without time delay systems.
Association of Polymorphisms of Exon 2 of the Growth Hormone Gene with Production Performance in Huoyan Goose
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhu Zhen , Xu Qi , Chen Guohong
Published: January 2014

Primers based on the cDNA sequence of the goose growth hormone (GH) gene in GenBank were designed to amplify exon 2 of the GH gene in Huoyan goose. A total of 552 individuals were brooded in one batch and raised in Liaoning and Jiangsu Provinces, China. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of exon 2 in the GH gene were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (single strand conformation polymorphism method). Homozygotes were subsequently cloned, sequenced and analyzed. Two SNP mutations were detected, and 10 genotypes (referred to as AA, BB, CC, DD, AB, AC, AD, BC, BD and CD) were obtained. Allele D was predominant, and the frequencies of the 10 genotypes fit the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the male, female and whole populations according to the chi-square test. Based on SNP types, the 10 genotypes were combined into three main genotypes. Multiple comparisons were carried out between different genotypes and production traits when the geese were 10 weeks old. Some indices of production performance were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the genotype. Particularly, geese with genotype AB or BB were highly productive. Thus, these genotypes may serve as selection markers for production traits in Huoyan geese.
Biochemical and Genetic Engineering of Diatoms for Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Li Hong-Ye , Lu Yang , Zheng Jian-Wei , Yang Wei-Dong , Liu Jie-Sheng
Published: January 2014

The role of diatoms as a source of bioactive compounds has been recently explored. Diatom cells store a high amount of fatty acids, especially certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, many aspects of diatom metabolism and the production of PUFAs remain unclear. This review describes a number of technical strategies, such as modulation of environmental factors (temperature, light, chemical composition of culture medium) and culture methods, to influence the content of PUFAs in diatoms. Genetic engineering, a newly emerging field, also plays an important role in controlling the synthesis of fatty acids in marine microalgae. Several key points in the biosynthetic pathway of PUFAs in diatoms as well as recent progresses are also a critical part and are summarized here.