bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field-induced superconductivity in MoS2
Authors: Zhang Y. J. , Ye J. T. , Iwasa Y.
Published: December 2013

We fabricated MoS2 transistor adopting electric double layer (EDL) as gate dielectric. So far, EDL has realized p-type conducting MoS2 in addition to well-known n-type conduction showing ambipolar operation. In our study, field-effect superconducting transition of MoS2 was realized with maximum TC around 10 K. This TC is the highest not only within MoS2 compounds but also among whole TMDs. The highest TC discovered in this study lies in the carrier density region much smaller than chemically investigated region. Such compounds with small doping level have never been successfully synthesized by chemical method. Furthermore, by combining HfO2 (typical high-k material for FETs) gating with EDL gating, continuous control of carrier density, and thus quantum phase, was demonstrated. As a result, we successfully obtained the phase diagram of MoS2. Interestingly, the TC exhibits strong carrier density dependence, showing dome-shaped superconducting phase. Superconducting dome in other materials than cuprates has been reported only a few times in doped 2D semiconductors. Since FET charge accumulation is basically two dimensional, our result implies the existence of common mechanism for superconducting dome in 2D band insulators.
Atomic and Electronic Structure of Multilayer Graphene on a Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Yelgel Celal , Srivastava Gyaneshwar P.
Published: December 2013

The atomic and electronic structures of multilayer graphene on a monolayer boron nitride (MLBN) have been investigated by using the pseudopotential method and the local density approximation (LDA) of the density functional theory (DFT). We show that the LDA energy band gap can be tuned in the range 41-278 meV for a multilayer graphene by using MLBN as a substrate. The dispersion of the π/π* bands slightly away from the K point is linear with the electron speed of 0.9×106 and 0.93×106 for graphene (MLG)/MLBN and ABA trilayer graphene (TLG)/MLBN systems, respectively. This behaviour becomes quadratic with a relative effective mass of 0.0021 for the bilayer graphene (BLG)/MLBN system. The calculated binding energies are in the range of 10-43 meV per C atom.
Graphene and The Advent of Other Layered-2D Materials for Nanoelectronics, Photonics and Related Applications
Authors: Kaul Anupama B.
Published: December 2013

Carbon-based nanostructures have been the center of intense research and development for more than two decades now. Of these materials, graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) layered material system, has had a significant impact on science and technology in recent years after it was experimentally isolated in single layers in 2004. The recent emergence of other classes of 2D layered systems beyond graphene has added yet more exciting and new dimensions for research and exploration given their diverse and rich spectrum of properties. For example, h-BN a layered material closest in structure to graphene, is an insulator, while NbSe, a transition metal dichalcogenide is metallic and monolayers of other transition metal di-chalcogenides such as MoS2 are direct band-gap semiconductors. The rich variety of properties that 2D layered material systems offer can potentially be engineered on-demand, and creates exciting prospects for their device and technological applications ranging from electronics, sensing, photonics, energy harvesting and flexible electronics in the near future.
Electrical transport of zig-zag and folded graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Elias Watheq , Elliott M. , Matthai C. C.
Published: December 2013

In recent years, there has been much interest in modelling graphene nanoribbons as they have great potential for use in molecular electronics. We have employed the NEGF formalism to determine the conductivity of graphene nanoribbons in various configurations. The electronic structure calculations were performed within the framework of the Extended Huckel Approximation. Both zigzag and armchair nanoribbons have been considered. In addition, we have also computed the transmission and conductance using the non-equilibrium Greens function formalism for these structures. We also investigated the effect of defects by considering a zigzag nanoribbon with six carbon atoms removed. Finally, the effect of embedding boron nitride aromatic molecules in the nanoribbon has been considered. The results of our calculations are compared with that obtained from recent work carried out using tight-binding model Hamiltonians.
O processo do cateterismo venoso central em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal e Pediátrica
Authors: Gomes Aline Verônica de Oliveira , Nascimento Maria Aparecida de Luca
Published: December 2013

Estudo descritivo, longitudinal e abordagem quantitativa, que objetivou analisar e discutir o processo do cateterismo venoso central nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva neonatal e pediátrica; descrever as variáveis relacionadas à caracterização da população do estudo (unidade de internação, faixa etária e sexo) e descrever as variáveis relacionadas ao processo do cateterismo venoso central (tipo de cateter, motivo de indicação, número de lumens, sítio de inserção, profissional que realizou o procedimento, terapêutica medicamentosa infundida via cateter, motivo de retirada, tempo de permanência e as complicações mecânicas e infecciosas). A coleta de dados foi realizada em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica, em 82 prontuários. As indicações dos cateteres foram, em sua maioria, para infusão medicamentosa prolongada e Nutrição Parenteral Total. A remoção foi indicada predominantemente por complicações mecânicas e infecciosas. Esse estudo viabilizou rever a prática assistencial para estabelecer o aprimoramento da assistência prestada à clientela neonatal e pediátrica.
Actitud ante el consumo y no consumo de alcohol en estudiantes de preparatoria – México
Authors: López-Cisneros Manuel Antonio , Luis Margarita Antonia Villar , Castillo María Magdalena Alonso , Castillo María Teresa de Jesús Alonso , Aguilar Lucio Rodríguez
Published: December 2013

El objetivo del estudio fue identificar diferencias de actitud entre estudiantes de la educación secundaria consumidores y no de alcohol a través de la Teoría de la Conducta Planeada. Estudio descriptivo transversal con abordaje cuantitativo, con una muestra de 131 adolescentes. Se verifi có que 74% ya habían consumido alcohol y 18.3% tienen consumo dañino. Se constató que las creencias conductuales hacia el consumo eran más altas en los consumidores de alcohol (X=29.32, Mdn=27.50) que en los no consumidores, así con la evaluación de las creencias en sentido positivo son más altas en los consumidores de alcohol (X=17.72, Mdn=9.52) que en los no consumidores, haciéndose necesaria la implementación de programas preventivos que fortalezcan las creencias de los adolescentes, así como estimular las estrategias vinculadas con el fortalecimiento de factores protectores y estilos de vida saludables.
Correlação entre indicadores antropométricos e a qualidade do sono de universitários brasileiros
Authors: Vasconcelos Hérica Cristina Alves de , Fragoso Luciana Vládia Carvalhêdo , Marinho Niciane Bandeira Pessoa , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Freitas Roberto Wagner Júnior Freire de , Zanetti Maria Lúcia , Damasceno Marta Maria Coelho
Published: December 2013

Objetivou-se investigar a correlação existente entre indicadores antropométricos e a qualidade do sono de universitários brasileiros por meio do Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh. Estudo transversal, realizado com 702 universitários entre março de 2010 e junho de 2011. A correlação indicou que os casos de obesidade foram maiores entre os estudantes bons dormidores. Por outro lado, o sobrepeso e os valores elevados das circunferências cervical e abdominal predominaram entre os maus dormidores. Assim, além dos prejuízos ocasionados pelos distúrbios do sono isoladamente, ressaltam-se riscos adicionais devido à associação da má qualidade de sono com o sobrepeso, a obesidade central e a elevação do perímetro cervical.
Tradução e adaptação cultural da Management of Aggression And Violence Attitude Scale – MAVAS – em enfermeiros brasileiros
Authors: Soares Marcos Hirata , Vargas Divane de
Published: December 2013

Este estudo objetivou traduzir e adaptar culturalmente a Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale – MAVAS – para uso no Brasil. As etapas metodológicas seguiram as diretrizes internacionais para adaptação cultural de escalas psicométricas: equivalência conceitual, equivalência semântica, equivalência de itens e equivalência operacional. A validade de conteúdo realizada por um grupo de juízes resultou numa escala composta por 23 itens divididos em quatro fatores com Coeficientes de Validade de Conteúdo (CVC) satisfatórios nos parâmetros avaliados: (0,88) para clareza de linguagem, 0,91 pertinência prática e 0,92 para relevância teórica. Os dados foram coletados no ano de 2011, em Londrina, PR, Brasil. Concluiu-se que a MAVAS-BR está traduzida e adaptada culturalmente para uso no Brasil e que o instrumento traduzido e adaptado apresenta validade de conteúdo satisfatória. Estudos futuros relacionados à MAVAS-BR são sugeridos, dentre eles a avaliação de suas qualidades psicométricas, como a validade de construto e a confiabilidade do instrumento.
Insuficiência cardíaca: expressões do conhecimento das pessoas sobre a doença
Authors: Freitas Maria Teresa Silva de , Püschel Vilanice de Araújo Alves
Published: December 2013

Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa que teve como objetivos caracterizar pessoas com Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) segundo perfil sócio-demográfico, de saúde e de tratamento e analisar o conhecimento sobre a doença e tratamento. Foram entrevistados 42 pacientes com IC, em um hospital de cardiologia de São Paulo, foi utilizado questionário semiestruturado e análise de conteúdo dos dados. Predominou sexo masculino, idade maior que 45 anos, classe funcional II, comorbidades associadas e tratamento farmacológico. Da análise de conteúdo emergiram as categorias: conhecimento sobre a doença e conhecimento do tratamento. O conhecimento é ilustrativo, diagnóstico e explicativo, sendo atribuídos muitos significados à doença. A maioria desconhece nome, dose e frequência de uso dos medicamentos. O tratamento não farmacológico está relacionado às orientações dos profissionais de saúde sobre alimentação, sal e ingesta hídrica. Os resultados abrem perspectivas para intervenções educativas sistematizadas que possam contribuir para um melhor enfrentamento e manejo da doença.
Problemas éticos vivenciados no estágio curricular supervisionado em Enfermagem de um currículo integrado
Authors: Burgatti Juliane Cristina , Bracialli Luzmarina Aparecida Doretto , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos
Published: December 2013

Estudo exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, com o objetivo de analisar a repercussão do estágio curricular supervisionado no desenvolvimento da dimensão ética da competência de graduandos em Enfermagem. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com 28 estudantes, docentes e enfermeiros colaboradores de uma instituição de ensino superior pública do estado de São Paulo, no período de outubro de 2010 a março de 2011. O material empírico resultante foi submetido à técnica de análise de discurso e resultou nas categorias empíricas: a preservação da autonomia; a responsabilidade social e o respeito nas relações intersubjetivas na produção do cuidado em saúde e no processo de ensino e aprendizagem; a terapêutica e o cuidado a partir da dimensão ética; a responsabilidade pública e a justiça social. Concluiu-se que o estágio que utiliza a problematização como método de ensino e aprendizagem proporciona a reflexão crítica sobre a prática profissional, os serviços e o sistema de saúde.
Teleamamentação no Programa Nacional de Telessaúde no Brasil: a experiência da Telenfermagem
Authors: Prado Cláudia , Silva Isília Aparecida , Soares Alda Valéria Neves , Aragaki Ilva Marico Mizumoto , Shimoda Gilcéria Tochika , Zaniboni Vanessa Forte , Padula Camila Brolezzi , Muller Fabiana Swain , Salve Jeanine Maria , Daré Junior Sergio , Wen Chao Lung , Peres Heloísa Helena Ciqueto , Leite Maria Madalena Januário
Published: December 2013

O Programa Nacional de Telessaúde é uma ação do Ministério da Saúde, em parceria com o Ministério da Educação (MEC) e o Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), e tem como proposta a qualificação das equipes de saúde da família em todo país. Nessa perspectiva, o Núcleo São Paulo de Telessaúde desenvolveu a Teleamamentação, que tem como meta proporcionar aos profissionais da atenção primária informações sobre diversos aspectos da amamentação por diferentes profissionais da área da saúde. Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar a experiência da Teleenfermagem na Teleamamentação do Programa Nacional de Telessaúde no Brasil no Núcleo São Paulo. Como metodologia de trabalho adotou-se a criação de um grupo multidisciplinar composto por pediatras, enfermeiras, fonoaudiólogas, nutricionistas e dentistas. Foram elaborados materiais didáticos multimídia inseridos na plataforma Cybertutor. Vislumbra-se a Teleamamentação como uma estratégia inovadora e promissora por permitir um impacto relevante na educação permanente de profissionais da saúde.
Human milk for neonatal pain relief during ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Ribeiro Laiane Medeiros , Castral Thaila Correa , Montanholi Liciane Langona , Dare Mariana Firmino , Silva Aline Carolina de Araujo , Antonini Sonir Roberto Rauber , Scochi Carmen Gracinda Silvan
Published: December 2013

Ophthalmoscopy performed for the early diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is painful for preterm infants, thus necessitating interventions for minimizing pain. The present study aimed to establish the effectiveness of human milk, compared with sucrose, for pain relief in premature infants subjected to ophthalmoscopy for the early diagnosis of ROP. This investigation was a pilot, quasi-experimental study conducted with 14 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university hospital. Comparison between the groups did not yield a statistically significant difference relative to the crying time, salivary cortisol, or heart rate (HR). Human milk appears to be as effective as sucrose in relieving acute pain associated with ophthalmoscopy. The study’s limitations included its small sample size and lack of randomization. Experimental investigations with greater sample power should be performed to reinforce the evidence found in the present study.
Nursing diagnoses and outcomes related to the circulatory-system terms (ICNP®) represented in an ontology
Authors: Cubas Marcia Regina , Brondani Arianny Macedo , Malucelli Andreia
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present study was to develop titles of Nursing Diagnoses and Outcomes (ND/NO) through the relationship between the terms of the Focus axis, limited to the Circulatory System Process, and the terms of other ICNP® axes and to integrate these terms into an ontology. Titles were developed linking 17 terms of the focus axis, which were evaluated by expert nurses in five Brazilian cities. Titles whose use concordance was above 0.80 were included in the ontology. In total, 89 titles for ND/NO were supported in the literature, and 19 were not supported; 37 were assessed as eligible for use in healthcare practice and were included in the ontology. The construction of ND/NO titles based on the ICNP® and using a formal representation of knowledge is a task that requires deepening concepts used for nursing and adequate classification revisions. The elaborated titles will facilitate the composition of diagnostics that are more consistent with practice.
Validity and reliability of a questionnaire on knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors for use in Brazil
Authors: Saffi Marco Aurelio Lumertz , Macedo Junior Luis Joeci Jacques de , Trojahn Melina Maria , Polanczyk Carisi Anne , Rabelo-Silva Eneida Rejane
Published: December 2013

Using a sample of patients with coronary artery disease, this methodological study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a questionnaire on knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors (Q-FARCS), lifestyle changes, and treatment adherence for use in Brazil. The questionnaire has three scales: general knowledge of risk factors (RFs); specific knowledge of these RFs; and lifestyle changes achieved. Cross-cultural adaptation included translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review, and pretesting. Face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity were measured. Cronbach’s alpha for the total sample (n = 240) was 0.75. Assessment of psychometric properties revealed adequate face and content validity, and the construct revealed seven components. It was concluded that the Brazilian version of Q-FARCS had adequate reliability and validity for the assessment of knowledge of cardiovascular RFs.
Impact of the disease: acceptability, ceiling and floor effects and reliability of an instrument on heart failure
Authors: Rodrigues Simey de Lima Lopes , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Sao-Joao Thais Moreira , Pavan Renata Bigatti Bellizzotti , Padilha Katia Melissa , Gallani Maria-Cecilia
Published: December 2013

This study evaluated the acceptability, ceiling/floor effects, and the reliability of the instrument for measuring the Impact of the Disease on the Daily Life of Patients with Valvular Disease (IDCV) when applied to 135 patients with heart failure (HF). Acceptability was evaluated by the percentage of unanswered items and by the proportion of patients who responded to all items; the ceiling/floor effects by the percentage of patients who scored in the top of 10% best and worst results of the scale, respectively. Reliability was estimated by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and stability of the measure (intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC). All patients responded to all items. Ceiling/floor effects evidenced were of moderate magnitude. The Cronbach's alpha was satisfactory for the majority of the domains and ICC> 0.90 in all the domains. The IDCV proved to be an easy to understand questionnaire, with evidence of reliability in patients with HF.
Evaluation of patients with stroke monitored by home care programs
Authors: Oliveira Ana Railka de Souza , Araujo Thelma Leite de , Costa Alice Gabrielle de Sousa , Morais Huana Carolina Candido , Silva Viviane Martins da , Lopes Marcos Venicios de Oliveira
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient with a stroke in home treatment, investigating physical capacity, mental status and anthropometric analysis. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Fortaleza/CE, from January to April of 2010. Sixty-one individuals monitored by a home care program of three tertiary hospitals were investigated, through interviews and the application of scales. The majority of individuals encountered were female (59%), elderly, bedridden, with a low educational level, a history of other stroke, a high degree of dependence for basic (73.8%) and instrumental (80.3 %) activities of daily living, and a low cognitive level (95.1%). Individuals also presented with tracheostomy, gastric feeding and urinary catheter, difficulty hearing, speaking, chewing, swallowing, and those making daily use of various medications. It was concluded that home care by nurses is an alternative for care of those individuals with a stroke.
Work-related stress according to the demand-control model and minor psychic disorders in nursing workers
Authors: Urbanetto Janete de Souza , Magalhaes Maria Cristina Cademartori , Maciel Vanessa Oreda , SantAnna Viviane Massena , Gustavo Andreia da Silva , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo , Magnago Tania Solange Bosi de Souza
Published: December 2013

This was a cross-sectional study that aimed to assess the association between work-related stress according to the Demand-Control Model, and the occurrence of Minor Psychic Disorder (MPD) in nursing workers. The participants were 335 professionals, out of which 245 were nursing technicians, aged predominantly between 20 and 40 years. Data were collected using the Job Stress Scale and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20. The analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The prevalence of suspected MPD was 20.6%. Workers classified in the quadrants active job and high strain of the Demand-Control Model presented higher potential for developing MPD compared with those classified in the quadrant low strain. In conclusion, stress affects the mental health of workers and the aspects related to high psychological demands and high control still require further insight in order to understand their influence on the disease processes of nursing workers.
Edith Magalhaes Fraenkel: The greatest figure of Brazilian Nursing
Authors: Oguisso Taka , Freitas Genival Fernandes de , Takashi Magali Hiromi
Published: December 2013

The present study aimed to describe and analyze the career of Edith Magalhães Fraenkel and her important legacy to Brazilian nursing. The methodology chosen was a documentary analysis of her areas of participation based on documents of the Historical Cultural Center of Iberian-American School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo, USP) and in the Rectory of the same University. The following thematic topics were categorized: preparation for leadership, moving to São Paulo, creation of the School of Nursing of USP, event organization, and unique developments at the end of her career. We conclude that Mrs. Edith Fraenkel is the most important figure of Brazilian nursing, thanks to her immeasurable work as a leader of the profession, nationally and internationally.
Propagule pressure drives establishment of introduced freshwater fish: quantitative evidence from an irrigation network
Authors: Woodford Darragh J. , Hui Cang , Richardson David M. , Weyl Olaf L. F.
Published: December 2013

Propagule pressure is recognized as a fundamental driver of freshwater fish invasions, though few studies have quantified its role. Natural experiments can be used to quantify the role of this factor relative to others in driving establishment success. An irrigation network in South Africa takes water from an inter‐basin water transfer (IBWT) scheme to supply multiple small irrigation ponds. We compared fish community composition upstream, within, and downstream of the irrigation network, to show that this system is a unidirectional dispersal network with a single immigration source. We then assessed the effect of propagule pressure and biological adaptation on the colonization success of nine fish species across 30 recipient ponds of varying age. Establishing species received significantly more propagules at the source than did incidental species, while rates of establishment across the ponds displayed a saturation response to propagule pressure. This shows that propagule pressure is a significant driver of establishment overall. Those species that did not establish were either extremely rare at the immigration source or lacked the reproductive adaptations to breed in the ponds. The ability of all nine species to arrive at some of the ponds illustrates how long‐term continuous propagule pressure from IBWT infrastructure enables range expansion of fishes. The quantitative link between propagule pressure and success and rate of population establishment confirms the driving role of this factor in fish invasion ecology.
Contrasting effects of mass‐flowering crops on bee pollination of hedge plants at different spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Kovács-Hostyánszki Anikó , Haenke Sebastian , Batáry Péter , Jauker Birgit , Báldi András , Tscharntke Teja , Holzschuh Andrea
Published: December 2013

Landscape‐wide mass‐flowering of oilseed rape (canola Brassica napus) can considerably affect wild bee communities and pollination success of wild plants. We aimed to assess the impact of oilseed rape on the pollination of wild plants and bee abundance during and after oilseed‐rape bloom, including effects on crop–noncrop spillover at landscape and adjacent‐field scales. We focused on two shrub species (hawthorn Crataegus spp., dog rose Rosa canina) and adjacent herb flowering in forest edges, connected hedges, and isolated hedges in Lower Saxony, Germany. We selected 35 landscape circles of 1 km radius, differing in the amount of oilseed rape; 18 were adjacent to oilseed rape and 17 to cereal fields, and we quantified bee density via pan traps at all sites. Adjacent oilseed rape positively affected fruit mass and seed number per fruit of simultaneously flowering hawthorn (no effect on dog rose, which flowers after the oilseed rape bloom). At the landscape scale, oilseed rape had a negative effect on bumble bee density in the hedges during flowering due to dilution of pollinators per unit area and the consequently intensified competition between oilseed rape and wild shrubs, but a positive effect after flowering when bees moved to the hedges, which still provided resources. In contrast, positive landscape‐scale effects of oilseed rape were found throughout the season in forest edges, suggesting that edges support nesting activity and enhanced food resources. Our results show that oilseed rape effects on bee abundances and pollination success in seminatural habitats depend on the spatial and temporal scale considered and on the habitat type, the wild plant species, and the time of crop flowering. These scale‐dependent positive and negative effects should be considered in evaluations of landscape‐scale configuration and composition of crops. Food resources provided by mass‐flowering crops should be most beneficial for landscape‐wide enhancement of wild bee populations if seminatural habitats are available, providing (1) nesting resources and (2) continuous flowering resources during the season.
Long‐term changes in liana abundance and forest dynamics in undisturbed Amazonian forests
Authors: Laurance William F. , Andrade Ana S. , Magrach Ainhoa , Camargo José L. C. , Valsko Jefferson J. , Campbell Mason , Fearnside Philip M. , Edwards Will , Lovejoy Thomas E. , Laurance Susan G.
Published: December 2013

Lianas (climbing woody vines) are important structural parasites of tropical trees and may be increasing in abundance in response to global‐change drivers. We assessed long‐term (∼14‐year) changes in liana abundance and forest dynamics within 36 1‐ha permanent plots spanning ∼600 km2 of undisturbed rainforest in central Amazonia. Within each plot, we counted each liana stem (≥2 cm diameter) and measured its diameter at 1.3 m height, and then used these data to estimate liana aboveground biomass. An initial liana survey was completed in 1997–1999 and then repeated in 2012, using identical methods.

Liana abundance in the plots increased by an average of 1.00% ± 0.88% per year, leading to a highly significant (t = 6.58, df = 35, P < 0.00001) increase in liana stem numbers. Liana biomass rose more slowly over time (0.32% ± 1.37% per year) and the mean difference between the two sampling intervals was nonsignificant (t = 1.46, df = 35, P = 0.15; paired t tests). Liana size distributions shifted significantly (χ2 = 191, df = 8, P < 0.0001; Chi‐square test for independence) between censuses, mainly as a result of a nearly 40% increase in the number of smaller (2–3 cm diameter) lianas, suggesting that lianas recruited rapidly during the study.

We used long‐term data on rainfall and forest dynamics from our study site to test hypotheses about potential drivers of change in liana communities. Lianas generally increase with rainfall seasonality, but we found no significant trends over time (1997–2012) in five rainfall parameters (total annual rainfall, dry‐season rainfall, wet‐season rainfall, number of very dry months, CV of monthly rainfall). However, rates of tree mortality and recruitment have increased significantly over time in our plots, and general linear mixed‐effect models suggested that lianas were more abundant at sites with higher tree mortality and flatter topography. Rising concentrations of atmospheric CO2, which may stimulate liana growth, might also have promoted liana increases.

Our findings clearly support the view that lianas are increasing in abundance in old‐growth tropical forests, possibly in response to accelerating forest dynamics and rising CO2 concentrations. The aboveground biomass of trees was lowest in plots with abundant lianas, suggesting that lianas could reduce forest carbon storage and potentially alter forest dynamics if they continue to proliferate.
On artistic shaping of citizens’ political gatherings
Authors: Dimic Zoran
Published: December 2013

Following the new reading of Kant?s third critique, which was proposed by
Hannah Arendt in her Lectures on Kant?s Political Philosophy, in this paper,
the author deals with the function of art in the establishment, organization
and profiling of political communities. The focus is primarily on the field
of music. The analysis begins with ancient philosophers (Pythagoras, Plato,
Aristotle) and continues with the problems which relate to artistic shaping
of citizens? lives in modern epoch (Rousseau, Kant, Schiller). The goal of
the paper is to show that the philosophy of art and the philosophy of music,
could be taken as a political philosophy, precisely because the analysis of
these phenomena constantly convinces a close intertwining of politics and
aesthetics, i.e. art and power, music and power. As a conclusion, we might
say that a general aesthetic sense can be seen as a kind of human organ for
public aesthetic gathering of citizens. Music, poetry, visual arts, etc.,
have become tools for the political shaping of citizens, i.e. the tools of
their political life.
Dialectic of the aesthetic in Adorno’s critique of Kierkegaard
Authors: Novakovic Marko
Published: December 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to clarify the category of the aesthetic in
context of Adorno?s critique of the philosophy of S?ren Kierkegaard. Adorno?s
principal thesis is that Kierkegaard?s famous doctrine of existence and his
individualism contain an implicit ontology, despite the fact that he intends
to overcome objective ontology of absolute idealism. However, this reversal
is hidden from Kierkegaard, and can only be deciphered in the posthumous
history of his work. Adorno?s method is critique of ideology synthetised with
Benjamin?s rather esoteric theory of allegory. His intent is twofold: not
only to expose the abstract character of Kierkegaard?s doctrine of
?objectless? inwardness, but to decipher an implicit historical truth of his
philosophy, the social relations of bourgeois society. In the course of his
argument, Adorno shows that Kierkegaard?s philosophy comes closest to its
truth not in the realm of religious experience and faith, as Kierkegaard
himself believed, but in the sphere of melancholy and aesthetic semblance.
The category of the aesthetic plays an important role in Adorno?s later
philosophy of art, as well as his critique of knowledge in general.
Kierkegaard as radical Christian thinker
Authors: Mojsic Sofija
Published: December 2013

The main goal of this paper is the reaffirmation and emphasis of the radical,
revolutionary aspect of Kierkegaard?s thought which has been mainly neglected
in the standard literature on the Danish thinker. The author contends that
there were two crises in Kierkegaard?s life: in 1838 and 1848. In 1838
Kierkegaard completely withdrew from the world and people into his ?hidden
inwardness?, which he claimed to be the essence of true Christianity. In 1848
he broke through his isolation and spoke openly of his new conviction. He
stressed the practical and revolutionary character of Christianity, which
demanded revolutionary change of the entire society and inner revolution in
the individual personality in accordance with the authentic early Christian
faith.
Jusnaturalism and idealism
Authors: Milovic Miroslav
Published: December 2013

The paper reconstructs Modernity following two of its most important lines
of philosophy of law: jusnaturalism and idealism.
Feminist epistemology: “Daughters of Quine”
Authors: Mijic Jelena
Published: December 2013

Feminist epistemology implies an approach to the theory of knowledge, which
in its centre sets up feminist issues. The paper analyzes a recent course in
the area dealing with feminist epistemology, namely feminist empiricism.
Unlike other feminists engaged in epistemology, their goal is to keep the
basic concepts of the analytic tradition, but considered in the light of
feminist interests. Starting from Quine?s naturalized epistemology, feminist
empiricists are introducing different concepts of knowledge and the nature of
the knowers, creating a new perspective on the relationship of
sociopolitical values and scientific research. The feminist empiricist?s
advantage over feminist epistemology approaches outside the analytical
framework is precisely in accepting the naturalistic and empiricist approach
to gender biases. The aim is to evaluate how successful they are in achieving
their ideas, and whether such an approach is acceptable.
Diderot’s ontology and Hollywood metaphysics
Authors: Bozovic Miran
Published: December 2013

Diderot?s universe is somewhat weird, often dreamlike and hallucinatory, and
his ontology fluid and elusive. It comprises the existing, the non-existent
and even contradictory entities, the boundaries between which cannot always
be clearly delimited. This universe in which nothing is of the essence of a
particular being and everything is more or less something or other, resembles
the amorphous and oneiric world of Zhuangzi in which nothing is clearly
defined, while essenceless things, floating in uncertainty and indeterminacy,
literally blend into one another. The author examines what the early
Hollywood comedies of Preston Sturges and the Marx brothers can teach us
about the metaphysics and the principles at work in this complex and
intricate world.
A New High-Efficiency Procedure for Aggregate Gradation Determination of the Railway Ballast by Means Image Recognition Method
Authors: Guerrieri M. , Parla G.
Published: December 2013

The mechanical characteristics of the railway superstructure are related to the properties of the ballast, and especially to the particle size distribution of its grains. Under the constant stress-strain of carriages, the ballast can deteriorate over time, and consequently it should properly be monitored for safety reasons. The equipment which currently monitors the railway superstructure (like the Italian diagnostic train Archimede) do not make any “quantitative” evaluation of the ballast. The aim of this paper is therefore to propose a new methodology for extracting railway ballast particle size distribution by means of the image processing technique. The procedure has been tested on a regularly operating Italian railway line and the results have been compared with those obtained from laboratory experiments, thus assessing how effective is the methodology which could potentially be implemented also in diagnostic trains in the near future.
Research on a Laboratory Technique for Tire-Pavement Noise Assessment of Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Kowalski K.J. , Dare T. , McDaniel R.S. , Olek J. , Bernhard R.
Published: December 2013

Communication noise is classified as one of the pollutions for the current environment. Experimental techniques to measure tire-pavement noise generation from asphalt pavements in the laboratory have been limited. A series of experiments were conducted on six different asphalt mixtures to determine if Purdue University’s Tire-Pavement Test Apparatus (TPTA) could be used to overcome these limitations. The procedure produced samples with low tire-pavement noise; however, the air void contents of the samples were higher than designed. Despite these difficulties, the sample preparation technique and the TPTA testing protocol were shown to offer an effective approach for quick laboratory assessment of tire-pavement noise characteristics of hot mix asphalt pavements at a substantially reduced cost compared to field testing.
Water quality assessment of mardi river by using water quality index
Authors: Shah Shailendra Kumar
Published: December 2013

The aimed study assesses the water quality of Mardi River applying National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) America developed index called Water Quality Index (WQI). This index is one of effective way to inform about water quality trends to the public and the policy makers for water quality management. As Mardi River is primary source of consumption to Pokhara city and Mardi Watershed entities, the water quality is important for public health and ecological aspects. The study starts with five different sampling stations having total fifteen samples along three (April, May, June) months of the year 2012 were analyzed in water laboratory. After the analysis the weight values and sub index were obtained from the NSFWQI method which results that Mardi River water has Medium degraded water quality ranges in class C and NSFWQI of Mardi river scores as 55.02 and there is high correlation between water quality parameters Nitrogen and Turbidity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.7106 BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 100-107
Some Wild Mushrooms of Rupandehi District, West Nepal
Authors: Aryal HP , Budhathoki U
Published: December 2013

This mycological investigation carried out at natural as well as community managed forest, of Rupandehi district, western terai and siwaliks region of Nepal. Samples were collected in different area ranging between 90 and 1229 masl in tropical deciduous riverine forest, to subtropical deciduous hill forest. This paper highlights on common wild mushrooms Amanita chepangiana, Geastrum fimbriatum, Macrolepiota procera, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Schizophyllum commune, Scleroderma bovista and Sparassis crispa. The collected samples represented seven species of Basidiomycetes belongs to four order and seven families. The specimens were deposited in the Tribhuvan University Central Herbarium, (TUCH), Kathmandu, Nepal. BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 34-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.9309
A Bourdieusian Perspective on Acculturation: Mexican Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Prieto Leonel , Sagafi-nejad Tagi , Janamanchi Balaji
Published: December 2013

This article uses Bourdieu’s theory of practice (BTOP) to understand immigrants’ acculturation. It synthesizes research findings by discussing acculturation as: (1) equalization of immigrants’ and natives’ development (convergence); (2) language and social practices related to economic, cultural, social and symbolic capitals; and (3) relationships among acculturation indicators in the evolving interactions among immigrants’ habituses and their economic, cultural, social, and symbolic capitals. Hypotheses tests use micro, meso and macro-level practices. Results confirm a systemic correspondence between the habitus and different types of capital, suggesting that relationships among components of immigrants’ habituses and their capitals change as acculturation develops.
Rock Art of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Majeed
Published: December 2013

It is not only oil in which Saudi Arabia is rich, but it is also among the four richest rock art regions of the world. Hundreds and thousands of petroglyphs, painted rock art, and ancient Arabian inscriptions sites are located all over the country, representing various cultural phases, from the Neolithic until the recent past. One can see the naturalistic, schematic, abstract, mythical, and mystical images representing ancient ideology, thoughts about the metaphysical world, religious entity, economy, environment, human activities, and variety of animal types, according to particular climatic and environmental conditions. The rock art of Saudi Arabia is the mirror of its rich cultural heritage of so-called Bedouin or desert dwellers that surprises the world with its 4000 archaeological and more than 1500 rock art sites.
The Meaning of the Dots on the Horses of Pech Merle
Authors: Alpert Barbara
Published: December 2013

Recent research in the DNA of prehistoric horses has resulted in a new interpretation of the well-known panel of the Spotted horses of Pech Merle. The conclusion that has been popularized by this research is that the artists accurately depicted the animals as they saw them in their environment. It has long been evident that some artists of the European Ice Age caves were able to realize graphic memesis to a remarkable degree. This new study of the genome of ancient horses appears to confirm the artist’s intention of creating the actual appearance of dappled horses. I will question this conclusion as well as the relevance of this study to the art by examining the Spotted horses in the context of the entire panel and the panel in the context of the whole cave. To further enlarge our view, I will consider the use of similar dots and dappling in the rock art of other paleolithic people. The visual effect of dots will be seen in terms of their psychological impact. Discoveries by neuroscientists regarding the effect of such stimuli on human cognition will be mentioned. I will conclude with another possible interpretation of the meaning of the Spotted horses of Pech Merle.
Decoding the Pluripotency Network: The Emergence of New Transcription Factors
Authors: Lee Kai , Wong Wing , Feng Bo
Published: December 2013

Since the successful isolation of mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in the past decades, massive investigations have been conducted to dissect the pluripotency network that governs the ability of these cells to differentiate into all cell types. Beside the core Oct4-Sox2-Nanog circuitry, accumulating regulators, including transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, microRNA and signaling molecules have also been found to play important roles in preserving pluripotency. Among the various regulations that orchestrate the cellular pluripotency program, transcriptional regulation is situated in the central position and appears to be dominant over other regulatory controls. In this review, we would like to summarize the recent advancements in the accumulating findings of new transcription factors that play a critical role in controlling both pluripotency network and ESC identity.
Environmentally Conscious Architecture: Local–Global, Traditional–Innovative, and Cultural Challenges
Authors: Poerschke Ute , Gampfer Susanne
Published: December 2013

The editorial introduces the articles brought together in this Special Issue of Buildings, particularly their interpretation of the meaning, content, and goals of environmentally conscious architecture. The special issue goes beyond addressing mere energy efficient building by reflecting on the relationship of architecture to context, ethics and aesthetics, and to specific climate, cultural and/or economic conditions. The contributions cover various perspectives, which partially arise from the fact that the authors come from diverse locations and cultures around the world, from Korea, China, Egypt, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. They discuss the topic from different disciplines such as cultural sciences, socio-economics, legislation, professional practice, building technology, and aesthetics. The articles touch on the diverse scales environmentally conscious architecture can have, from detail to urban planning. Some have a global approach, meaning that the conclusions they provide are adaptable to many industrialized countries. Others have a highly local approach, looking for solutions for a specific problem at a particular place, such as the sea-level rising in the Nile-Delta. Finally, theoretical articles can be distinguished from those with a practical approach, elaborating on built work or specific building elements. [...]
Gas Permeation, Mechanical Behavior and Cytocompatibility of Ultrathin Pure and Doped Diamond-Like Carbon and Silicon Oxide Films
Authors: Lackner Juergen , Meindl Claudia , Wolf Christian , Fian Alexander , Kittinger Clemens , Kot Marcin , Major Lukasz , Czibula Caterina , Teichert Christian , Waldhauser Wolfgang , Weinberg Annelie-Martina , Fröhlich Eleonore
Published: December 2013

Protective ultra-thin barrier films gather increasing economic interest for controlling permeation and diffusion from the biological surrounding in implanted sensor and electronic devices in future medicine. Thus, the aim of this work was a benchmarking of the mechanical oxygen permeation barrier, cytocompatibility, and microbiological properties of inorganic ~25 nm thin films, deposited by vacuum deposition techniques on 50 µm thin polyetheretherketone (PEEK) foils. Plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition (direct deposition from an ion source) was applied to deposit pure and nitrogen doped diamond-like carbon films, while physical vapor deposition (magnetron sputtering in pulsed DC mode) was used for the formation of silicon as well as titanium doped diamond-like carbon films. Silicon oxide films were deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The results indicate a strong influence of nanoporosity on the oxygen transmission rate for all coating types, while the low content of microporosity (particulates, etc.) is shown to be of lesser importance. Due to the low thickness of the foil substrates, being easily bent, the toughness as a measure of tendency to film fracture together with the elasticity index of the thin films influence the oxygen barrier. All investigated coatings are non-pyrogenic, cause no cytotoxic effects and do not influence bacterial growth.
Information-Theoretic Data Discarding for Dynamic Trees on Data Streams
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Christoforos , Gramacy Robert
Published: December 2013

Ubiquitous automated data collection at an unprecedented scale is making available streaming, real-time information flows in a wide variety of settings, transforming both science and industry. Learning algorithms deployed in such contexts often rely on single-pass inference, where the data history is never revisited. Learning may also need to be temporally adaptive to remain up-to-date against unforeseen changes in the data generating mechanism. Online Bayesian inference remains challenged by such transient, evolving data streams. Nonparametric modeling techniques can prove particularly ill-suited, as the complexity of the model is allowed to increase with the sample size. In this work, we take steps to overcome these challenges by porting information theoretic heuristics, such as exponential forgetting and active learning, into a fully Bayesian framework. We showcase our methods by augmenting a modern non-parametric modeling framework, dynamic trees, and illustrate its performance on a number of practical examples. The end product is a powerful streaming regression and classification tool, whose performance compares favorably to the state-of-the-art.