bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of a novel fatigue syndrome of finished feedlot cattle following transportation
Authors: Thomson Daniel U. , Loneragan Guy H. , Henningson Jamie N. , Ensley Steve , Bawa Bhupinder
Published: June 2015

Ensuring appropriate animal welfare is a high priority for the beef industry, and poorly defined abnormalities in the mobility of cattle at abattoirs have gained considerable attention recently. During the summer of 2013, abattoirs throughout the United States reported concerns about nonambulatory or slow and difficult to move cattle and cattle that sloughed hoof walls. This report describes various cattle that developed these mobility problems soon after arrival at an abattoir. Affected cattle had various clinical signs including tachypnea with an abdominal component to breathing, lameness, and reluctance to move. Some cattle sloughed 1 or more hoof walls while in lairage pens and were euthanized. Other cattle recovered after being rested overnight. Affected cattle had serum lactate concentration and creatine kinase activity increased from reference ranges. Histologic findings included diffuse necrosis of the epidermal laminae with degenerate collagen and perivascular infiltration of neutrophils in the underlying deep dermis, and were similar for digits that had and had not sloughed the hoof wall. With the exception of the sloughed hoof walls, the clinical signs and serum biochemical abnormalities observed in affected cattle were similar to those observed in pigs with fatigued pig syndrome, and we propose that fatigued cattle syndrome be used to describe such cattle. Although anecdotal evidence generated concern that cattle fed the β-adrenergic receptor agonist zilpaterol hydrochloride were at greater risk of developing mobility problems, compared with cattle not fed zilpaterol, this condition is likely multifactorial. Strategies to prevent this condition are needed to protect the welfare of cattle.
Special Section Editorial
Authors: MacGregor Robert
Published: June 2015

Special Section Editorial
Isolation and Identification of Oral Bacteria and Characterization for Bacteriocin Production and Antimicrobial Sensitivity
Authors: Rahman Monzilur , Islam Md Nahidul , Islam Muhammad Nurul , Hossain Mohammad Shahnoor
Published: June 2015

Oral bacteria play an important role in body homeostasis and the bacterial genus Streptococcus is the dominant microflora commonly found in oral bacterial community. Their ability to establish biofilm lifestyle in the oral cavity by outcompeting other bacteria has been attributed to the production of bacteriocin along with other strategies. The goal of the present study was to isolate and identify oral bacteria and characterize their ability to produce bacteriocin against other oral bacteria as well as their sensitivity to common antibiotics. We have employed deferred antagonism bacteriocin assay for bacteriocin production and disk diffusion assay for antibiotic susceptibility testing. We identified eight bacterial strains belonging to the genera Streptococcus and Enterococcus based on colony morphology, biochemical assays, 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and species-specific PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility assay indicated that some of the strains are resistant to one or more antibiotics. Our study also revealed that the isolated strains are capable of producing one or more bacteriocins against other oral bacteria. Further molecular and biochemical studies are required to understand the nature of observed bacteriocin.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 14(1): 103-109, 2015 (June)
Effects of Long Term Application of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Soil Organic Carbon and Physical Properties in Maize–Wheat Rotation
Authors: Singh Brar Babbu , Singh Jagdeep , Singh Gurbir , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: June 2015

Balanced and integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers may enhance the accumulation of soil organic matter and improves soil physical properties. A field experiment having randomized complete block design with four replications was conducted for 36 years at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India to assess the effects of inorganic fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil physical properties and crop yields in a maize (Zea mays)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation. Soil fertility management treatments included were non-treated control, 100% N, 50% NPK, 100% NP, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + Zn, 100% NPK + W, 100% NPK (-S) and 100% NPK + FYM. Soil pH, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity, aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and infiltration were measured 36 years after the initiation of experiment. Cumulative infiltration, infiltration rate and aggregate MWD were greater with integrated use of FYM along with 100% NPK compared to non-treated control. No significant differences were obtained among fertilizer treatments for BD and EC. The SOC pool was the lowest in control at 7.3 Mg ha−1 and increased to 11.6 Mg ha−1 with 100%NPK+FYM. Improved soil physical conditions and increase in SOC resulted in higher maize and wheat yields. Infiltration rate, aggregate MWD and crop yields were positively correlated with SOC. Continuous cropping and integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased soil C sequestration and crop yields. Balanced application of NPK fertilizers with FYM was best option for higher crop yields in maize–wheat rotation.
Application of Multiple Wind Retrieval Algorithms in Nowcasting
Authors: Li Nan , Wei Ming , Niu Ben , Pan Jiawen , Zhang Wengang , Guo Wei
Published: June 2015

Multiple wind retrieval algorithms are performed to retrieve wind fields, based on which radar reflectivity is extrapolated to implement nowcasting. The frequently used nowcasting algorithm COTREC (continuity of tracking radar echo by correlation), based on the reflectivity and wind retrieval algorithm GVAD (gradient velocity azimuth display), based on radial velocity are used. The wind fields retrieved by the two methods are taken as motion vectors to give a 60-min forecast of radar reflectivity. Comparison analysis on precipitation events shows that GVAD can be used in operational nowcasting as COTREC performs and for stable precipitation duration, COTREC gives better nowcasting results than GVAD, while, for evolving precipitation duration, GVAD gives better nowcasting results than COTREC.
Energy Crop-Based Biogas as Vehicle Fuel—The Impact of Crop Selection on Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Performance
Authors: Börjesson Pål , Prade Thomas , Lantz Mikael , Björnsson Lovisa
Published: June 2015

The production of biogas from six agricultural crops was analysed regarding energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) performance for vehicle fuel from a field-to-tank perspective, with focus on critical parameters and on calculation methods. The energy efficiency varied from 35% to 44%, expressed as primary energy input per energy unit vehicle gas produced. The GHG reduction varied from 70% to 120%, compared with fossil liquid fuels, when the GHG credit of the digestate produced was included through system expansion according to the calculation methodology in the ISO 14044 standard of life cycle assessment. Ley crop-based biogas systems led to the highest GHG reduction, due to the significant soil carbon accumulation, followed by maize, wheat, hemp, triticale and sugar beet. Critical parameters are biogenic nitrous oxide emissions from crop cultivation, for which specific emission factors for digestate are missing today, and methane leakage from biogas production. The GHG benefits were reduced and the interrelation between the crops changed, when the GHG calculations were instead based on the methodology stated in the EU Renewable Energy Directive, where crop contribution to soil carbon accumulation is disregarded. All systems could still reach a 60% GHG reduction, due to the improved agricultural management when digestate replaces mineral fertilisers.
Controlled Delivery of Human Cells by Temperature Responsive Microcapsules
Authors: Mak W.C. , Olesen K. , Sivlér P. , Lee C.J. , Moreno-Jimenez I. , Edin J. , Courtman D. , Skog M. , Griffith M.
Published: June 2015

Cell therapy is one of the most promising areas within regenerative medicine. However, its full potential is limited by the rapid loss of introduced therapeutic cells before their full effects can be exploited, due in part to anoikis, and in part to the adverse environments often found within the pathologic tissues that the cells have been grafted into. Encapsulation of individual cells has been proposed as a means of increasing cell viability. In this study, we developed a facile, high throughput method for creating temperature responsive microcapsules comprising agarose, gelatin and fibrinogen for delivery and subsequent controlled release of cells. We verified the hypothesis that composite capsules combining agarose and gelatin, which possess different phase transition temperatures from solid to liquid, facilitated the destabilization of the capsules for cell release. Cell encapsulation and controlled release was demonstrated using human fibroblasts as model cells, as well as a therapeutically relevant cell line—human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). While such temperature responsive cell microcapsules promise effective, controlled release of potential therapeutic cells at physiological temperatures, further work will be needed to augment the composition of the microcapsules and optimize the numbers of cells per capsule prior to clinical evaluation.
The Exercise of Legal Capacity, Supported Decision-Making and Scotland’s Mental Health and Incapacity Legislation: Working with CRPD Challenges
Authors: Stavert Jill
Published: June 2015

Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly as interpreted in the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities General Comment No. 1, presents a significant challenge to all jurisdictions that equate interventions permitted under their mental health and incapacity laws with mental capacity. This is most notable in terms of the General Comment’s requirement that substitute decision-making regimes must be abolished. Notwithstanding this, it also offers the opportunity to revisit conceptions about the exercise of legal capacity and how this might be better supported and extended through supported decision-making. This article will offer some preliminary observations on this using Scottish mental health and incapacity legislation as an illustration although this may also have relevance to other jurisdictions.
Selected Compounds Structurally Related to Acyclic Sesquiterpenoids and Their Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Bonikowski Radosław , Świtakowska Paulina , Sienkiewicz Monika , Zakłos-Szyda Małgorzata
Published: June 2015

By implementing a common and industrially used method, 30 compounds which are structurally related to geranyl acetone, nerolidol, farnesal, farnesol and farnesyl acetate were obtained. Their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria was investigated. Pharmacophore models were proposed based on the obtained results and 3D QSAR modelling. Cytotoxic effects against mainly human immortalised and normal cell lines of different origin (malignant melanoma MeWo, colorectal adenocarcinoma HT29, promyelocytic leukemia HL60, gingival fibroblasts HFIG, skin keratinocytes HaCaT and rat small intestine epithelium IEC6) were examined. The odour descriptions of newly synthesised compounds are given.
Tryptophan Breakdown in Patients with HCV Infection is Influenced by IL28B Polymorphism
Authors: Zoller Heinz , Jenal Annina , Staettermayer Albert , Schroecksnadel Sebastian , Ferenci Peter , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: June 2015

Until recently, the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was a combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α plus ribavirin. Previous studies have proven that several markers predict the outcome of such therapy, e.g., pretreatment plasma levels of interferon inducible protein IP-10, HCV RNA and IL28B-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Altered activity of tryptophan metabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been also shown in patients suffering from HCV infection. In this study, we investigated whether IL28B SNP in patients infected with HCV is related to the tryptophan breakdown rate. Before therapy, serum tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations were determined in 25 patients with established HCV infection and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (KYN/TRP) was calculated as an estimate of the tryptophan breakdown rate. In parallel, neopterin and nitrite concentrations were determined. A significant difference of serum KYN/TRP existed between the three IL28B polymorphism groups: C/C genotype had the highest and T/T genotype had the lowest KYN/TRP (p < 0.05). Likewise, C/C genotype was associated with higher KYN/TRP than non-C/C genotype (p = 0.01). There was a smaller difference between the three groups regarding the absolute kynurenine concentrations, the C/C genotype being associated with higher kynurenine concentrations. None of the other comparisons revealed any statistical significance. In conclusion, patients with C/C genotype presented with the highest tryptophan breakdown rate already before antiretroviral therapy with IFN-α/ribavirin. The differences in tryptophan metabolism might relate to HCV clearance and also to side effects of IFN-α therapy.
Scattering Intensity and Directionality Probed Along Individual Zinc Oxide Nanorods with Precisely Controlled Light Polarization and Nanorod Orientation
Authors: Choi Daniel , Singh Manpreet , Song Sheng , Chang Jae , Kang Yongkoo , Hahm Jong-in
Published: June 2015

We elucidated the light-matter interaction of individual ZnO NRs with a monochromatic beam of linearly polarized light that scatters elastically from the ZnO NRs by performing forward scattering and back-aperture imaging in a dark-field setting. We precisely controlled the electric field vector of the incident light and the NR orientation within the plane of light interaction during both modes of measurement, and spatially resolved the scattering response from different interaction points along the NR long axis. We then discerned, for the first time, the effects of light polarization, analyzer angle, and NR orientation on the intensity and directionality of the optical responses both qualitatively and quantitatively along the length of the single ZnO NRs. We identified distinctive scattering profiles from individual ZnO NRs subject to incident light polarization with controlled NR orientation from the forward dark-field scattering and back-aperture imaging modes. The fundamental light interaction behavior of ZnO NRs is likely to govern their functional outcomes in photonics, optoelectronics, and sensor devices. Hence, our efforts provided much needed insight into unique optical responses from individual 1D ZnO nanomaterials, which could be highly beneficial in developing next-generation optoelectronic systems and optical biodetectors with improved device efficiency and sensitivity.
Environmental Impacts and Embodied Energy of Construction Methods and Materials in Low-Income Tropical Housing
Authors: Hashemi Arman , Cruickshank Heather , Cheshmehzangi Ali
Published: June 2015

This paper evaluates the current conditions of Ugandan low-income tropical housing with a focus on construction methods and materials in order to identify the key areas for improvement. Literature review, site visits and photographic surveys are carried out to collect relevant information on prevailing construction methods/materials and on their environmental impacts in rural areas. Low quality, high waste, and energy intensive production methods, as well as excessive soil extraction and deforestation, are identified as the main environmental damage of the current construction methods and materials. The embodied energy is highlighted as the key area which should be addressed to reduce the CO2 emissions of low-income tropical housing. The results indicate that the embodied energy of fired bricks in Uganda is up to 5.7 times more than general clay bricks. Concrete walling is identified as a much more environmentally friendly construction method compared to brick walling in East African countries. Improving fuel efficiency and moulding systems, increasing access to renewable energy sources, raising public awareness, educating local manufacturers and artisans, and gradual long-term introduction of innovative construction methods and materials which are adapted to local needs and conditions are some of the recommended actions to improve the current conditions.
Moving towards a Competitive Fully Enzymatic Biodiesel Process
Authors: Cesarini Silvia , Pastor F. , Nielsen Per , Diaz Pilar
Published: June 2015

Enzymatic biodiesel synthesis can solve several problems posed by the alkaline-catalyzed transesterification but it has the drawback of being too expensive to be considered competitive. Costs can be reduced by lipase improvement, use of unrefined oils, evaluation of soluble/immobilized lipase preparations, and by combination of phospholipases with a soluble lipase for biodiesel production in a single step. As shown here, convenient natural tools have been developed that allow synthesis of high quality FAMEs (EN14214) from unrefined oils in a completely enzymatic single-step process, making it fully competitive.
Introduction to the Special Issue “Dynamic Decision-Making in Controlled Experiments”
Authors: Größler Andreas , Stouten Hendrik
Published: June 2015

While research so far has mostly focused on static (one-shot) decisions, it is obvious that many (or even most) crucial real-life decisions are dynamic. [...]
L’enclos ecclésial de La Digne d’Aval (Aude) : nouvelles données archéologiques (XIe-XIXe siècles)
Authors: Loppe Frédéric , Baudreu Dominique , Lespes Carole
Published: June 2015

Sans doute apparu à la fin du Xe ou au début du XIe siècle, le village d’origine ecclésiale de la Digne d’Aval se trouve dans la vallée du Cougain, dans la partie sud-est du Bas-Razès (Aude). Fortifié à la fin du XIIe siècle, et peut-être même dès le siècle précédent, ce petit enclos de 34 m de diamètre a été presque intégralement conservé jusqu’à nos jours. Suite à une fouille préventive réalisée en 2009 sur une surface exiguë près du mur nord de l’église Saint-Jacques, plusieurs phases d’occupation comprises entre le XIe siècle et l’époque contemporaine ont été identifiées. Elles sont principalement caractérisées par des vestiges de silos, des niveaux de sol et de recharge, et une calade d’époque moderne. Au total, près de 1200 objets ont été recueillis, dont une grande majorité de céramiques médiévales (XIe-XIIe siècles). L’intérêt de ces observations réside dans le fait que les structures les plus anciennes peuvent être mises en relation avec le processus d’ensagrerament pendant l’époque romane, c’est-à-dire avec le pouvoir attractif de l’église et de son cercle de Paix sur des unités de stockage et/ ou d’habitat, et notamment sur les fosses destinées à la conservation des céréales. Par ailleurs, il apparaît probable que l’enclos ecclésial de La Digne d’Aval, toujours actif au bas Moyen Âge, ait tout naturellement connu à cette époque un fonctionnement de réduit ou de fort villageois, en pérennisant sur place les fonctions d’entrepôt et de refuge originelles.
Des forts villageois autour du castrum de Cordes en Albigeois : défense des campagnes et évolution des paysages du XIVe au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Cassan Élodie
Published: June 2015

Dominant la vallée du Cérou, près de la limite nord-est de l’Albigeois, le castrum de Cordes s’affirme depuis sa fondation comme un appui majeur des pouvoirs dominants à la jonction du Rouergue, du Quercy et de l’Albigeois. L’implantation de cette ville neuve castrale au centre d’une vaste entité seigneuriale et administrative définie dès le début du XIIIe siècle suscite des interactions complexes avec les structures d’habitat plus anciennes et les pôles de pouvoir en place. Ces relations difficiles, qui compliquent la stratégie centralisatrice des autorités, se prolongent bien au-delà de la première phase d’implantation. Elles prennent une tournure importante dès le début de la guerre de Cent Ans, reflétant une évolution des rapports avec les communautés rurales qui s’affirment militairement et socialement autant qu’elles s’affaiblissent économiquement durant cette période. Elles sous-tendent par ailleurs une mutation du paysage fortifié à travers laquelle le fort villageois joue un rôle majeur dans l’émancipation des communautés rurales face à la ville forte de Cordes.
Evolution des structures agraires et érosion des sols en Pays de Caux (Changes in rural environment and soil erosion in the Pays de Caux)
Authors: Lechevalier Claude
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - On étudie les causes de l'érosion des sols en Pays de Caux. Elle est liée d'abord à des héritages morphopédologiques (sols sur loess) et au défrichement de ces sols fragiles. Ses progrès récents découlent des transformations du paysage agraire et des assolements, et des nouvelles pratiques et techniques.
Premier aperçu sur le développement de l'érosion des sols dans le bocage du Calvados (First insight on the development of soil erosion in Calvados bocage)
Authors: Delahaye Daniel
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - An inventory of the erosion events was conducted to show the effects of corn cultivation in Calvados. Corn cultivation causes wide-spread runoff corresponding to parcels degraded by crop workings or to those used for plastic-covered crops. The erosion phenomenon shows exchanges between surfaces emitting runoff and those emitting sediments. These exchanges of transport capabilities require an approach using appropriate scales from plot to watershed. The first results emphasize the strong runoff capacity of plastic-covered crop parcels or parcels compacted after crop workings. These results have allowed anti erosion measures to be tested.
Construction and Application of CAA Model for Intelligent Tourism
Authors: Wei Min
Published: June 2015

Intelligent tourism is a new conception in intelligent city, which can not only promote the systematic integration and development of tourism information and physical resources, but also provide high-quality services for tourists, tourism enterprises, and government with personality
and convenience. Intelligent tourism is becoming a new form of tourism in future-oriented tourism market, which leads the new travel fashion. With the emergence of intelligent urban construction and the perfection of tourism information, objective conditions for intelligent tourism will be
further optimized. This article defines the basic concepts of intelligent tourism, and then analyzes the three elements of intelligent tourism: capacities, attributes, and applications (CAA). It was found that the three elements interacted with and depended on each other, based on which the
CAA model of intelligent tourism could be constructed. According to the analysis of the intelligent tourism CAA model, some policy recommendations of intelligent tourism are proposed at the end of this article.
Kinase Inhibitors or Docetaxel in Second-Line Treatment of EGFR Wild-Type Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Real-World Practice Review at a Single Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Ma K. , Cohen V. , Kasymjanova G. , Small D. , Novac K. , Peterson J. , Levit A. , Agulnik J.
Published: June 2015

Background Treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in patients with wild-type EGFR, remains limited. Recently, erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting EGFR mutation, was approved as second-line treatment in EGFR wild-type NSCLC. Despite evidence of better overall survival (OS) with chemotherapy than with TKI in second-line treatment, data on the use of TKI in the real-life clinical setting remain limited. The present practice review of TKI use for second- and third-line treatment in EGFR wild-type NSCLC also compares clinical outcomes for TKI and single-agent docetaxel as second-line treatment. Methods Our retrospective cohort study included patients with EGFR wild-type NSCLC treated at the Jewish General Hospital (Montreal, QC) between 2003 and 2013. Patients received a TKI (erlotinib or gefitinib) in the second and third line or docetaxel in the second line. For each group, we determined OS, disease control rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and event-free survival (EFS). Results The TKI group included 145 patients, with 92 receiving second-line treatment. In the control group, 53 patients received docetaxel as second-line therapy. In the TKI group, OS was 6.0 months; PFS, 2.7 months; and EFS, 3.0 months. Comparing second-line treatments, OS was 5.3 and 5.0 months respectively (p = 0.88), PFS was 2.5 and 1.8 months respectively (p = 0.041), and EFS was 3.0 and 1.7 months respectively (p = 0.009). Conclusions In our study cohort, second-line therapy for EGFR wild-type NSCLC with TKI (compared with docetaxel) was associated with statistically better PFS and EFS and noninferior OS. Those findings raise the question of whether EFS should also be considered when choosing second-line treatment in this patient population.
Ondansetron Rapidly Dissolving Film for the Prophylactic Treatment of Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting—A Pilot Study
Authors: Wong E. , Pulenzas N. , Bedard G. , DeAngelis C. , Zhang L. , Tsao M. , Danjoux C. , Thavarajah N. , Lechner B. , McDonald R. , Cheon P.M. , Chow E.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of an ondansetron rapidly dissolving film (RDF) in the prophylaxis of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). Rapidly dissolving film formulations facilitate drug delivery in circumstances in which swallowing the medication might be difficult for the patient. Methods: Patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy at risk for RINV were prescribed ondansetron RDF 8 mg twice daily while on treatment and were asked to complete a nausea and vomiting–specific daily diary, the Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–C15 Palliative (QLQ-C15-PAL). Patients were categorized as receiving primary or secondary prophylaxis based on whether they had already experienced emetic episodes. “Overall control” was defined as a maximum increase of 2 episodes of nausea or vomiting from baseline. “Acute phase” was defined as the days during radiation until the first day after radiation; “delayed phase” was defined as days 2–10 after radiation. Results: The study accrued 30 patients. Rates of overall control for nausea and for vomiting during the acute phase in the primary prophylaxis group were 88% and 93% respectively; during the delayed phase, they were 73% and 75%. Rates of overall control for nausea and for vomiting during the acute phase in the secondary prophylaxis group were both 100%; during the delayed phase, they were 50%. The number of nausea and vomiting episodes was found to be significantly correlated with the flie and QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaires. Conclusions: Ondansetron rdf is effective for the prophylaxis of RINV.
Third-Party Online Surveys—Science, Selling, or Sugging?
Authors: Mazzarello S. , Clemons M. , Graham I.D. , Joy A.A. , Smith S. , Jacobs C.
Published: June 2015

Physicians receive many online survey requests from both academic and pharmaceutical sources [...]
Counterpoint Re: “Mammography Screening—Sticking to the Science”
Authors: Narod S.A.
Published: June 2015

In the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, the hazard ratio for breast cancer–specific death was 1.47 for women with cancers detected in the prevalence screening round, 0.9 for women with cancers detected in the subsequent four screening rounds, and 1.05 for women with cancers detected in all screening rounds [...]
Cómo la bioseguridad redefine la vigilancia de los animales
Authors: Fortané Nicolas , Keck Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Un gran numero de trabajos ha analizado cómo el nuevo imperativo de bioseguridad transformó las políticas de salud pública. Si bien es cierto que las nuevas formas de preparación frente a una crisis humanitaria han sido estudiadas desde la perspectiva de la salud pública, existen pocos trabajos que les hayan cuestionado en la óptica de la gestión de las enfermedades animales. Éste número propone ante ello una inflexión triple. La primera es de orden temático y se focaliza en el instrumento central de las políticas de bioseguridad frente a la amenaza zoonótica: la vigilancia de enfermedades animales. La segunda orientación es metodológica: se necesita estudiar «desde abajo» las prácticas de vigilancia. La tercera se enfoca en las nuevas formas de conocimiento de las enfermedades animales y en la producción y/o mantenimiento de la ignorancia.
Earth Long-Wave Infrared Emission, New Ways to Harvest Energy
Authors: Mescia Luciano , Bia Pietro , Losito Onofrio
Published: June 2015

This chapter summarizes the physical properties of THz antennas, provides a summary of some of the most important recent developments in the field of energy harvesting of Earth long-wave infrared radiation, discusses the potential applications and identifies the future challenges and opportunities. In particular, a THz antenna is designed in order to transform the thermal energy, provided by the Sun and re-emitted from the Earth, in electricity. The proposed antenna is a square spiral of gold printed on a low cost dielectric substrate. Simulations have been conducted in order to investigate the behavior of the antenna illuminated by a circularly polarized plane wave with an amplitude chosen according to the Stefan-Boltzmann radiation law. Moreover, these THz antennas could be coupled with other components to obtain direct rectification of T radiation. As a consequence, these structures further optimized could be a promising alternative to the conventional photovoltaic solar cells.
Wireless Energy Transfer
Authors: Mabrouki Aya , Latrach Mohamed
Published: June 2015

This chapter proposes an overview of microwave energy harvesting with focuses on the design of high efficiency low power rectifying circuits. A background survey of RF energy harvesting techniques is presented first. Then, the performances of conventional rectifier topologies are analyzed and discussed. A review of the most efficient rectenna designs, from the state of the art, is also presented. Design considerations for low power rectifier operations are detailed and new high efficient rectifying circuits are designed and evaluated in both GSM and ISM bands under low power constraints.
Rainfall Energy Harvester
Authors: Viola Fabio , Romano Pietro , Miceli Rosario
Published: June 2015

This chapter provides a detailed study on the harvest of the energy contained in raindrops by means of piezoelectric transducers. The energy harvester has the role of an electric source, able to recharge storage devices of small electronic components, such wireless sensors, by using the vibrational energy released by the drops hitting the transducer, reducing in such a way the chemical waste of conventional batteries. In technical literature, diverse studies agree on the level of suitable generated voltage on the electrodes of a piezoelectric transducer subjected to rainfall, but a complete characterization on the supplied power is still missing. This work, also to limit optimistic forecasts, takes into account the behavior of the transducers in different scenarios: subjected to real and artificial rainfall, standalone or in parallel configuration, in conventional geometries, due to the commercial format or in customized shape, free to move or with an imposed optimal deflection.
Modeling and Performance Enhancement of Low-Frequency Energy Harvesters
Authors: Abdelkefi Abdessattar
Published: June 2015

There exist numerous low-frequency excitation sources, such as walking, breathing, and ocean waves, capable of providing viable amounts of mechanical energy to power many critical devices, including pacemakers, cell phones, MEMS devices, wireless sensors, and actuators. Harvesting significant energy levels from such sources can only be achieved through the design of devices capable of performing effective energy transfer mechanisms over low frequencies. In this chapter, two concepts of efficient low-frequency piezoelectric energy harvesters are presented, namely, variable-shaped piezoelectric energy harvesters and piezomagnetoelastic energy harvesters. Linear and nonlinear electromechanical models are developed and validated in this chapter. The results show that the quadratic shape can yield up to two times the energy harvested by a rectangular one. It is also demonstrated that depending on the available excitation frequency, an enhanced energy harvester can be tuned and optimized by changing the length of the piezoelectric material or by changing the distance between the two tip magnets.
Energy Harvesting and Energy Conversion Devices Using Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Cernaianu Mihail O. , Gontean Aurel
Published: June 2015

The authors propose in this chapter an original, self-sustainable, power supply system for wireless monitoring applications that is powered from an energy harvesting device based on thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The energy harvesting system's purpose is to gather the waste heat from low temperature sources (<90°C), convert it to electrical energy and store it into rechargeable batteries. The energy harvesting system must be able to power a so-called condition monitoring system (CMS) that is used for the monitoring of heat dissipation equipment. The setup used for measurements (including mechanical details) and the experiments are described along with all the essential results of the research. The electronic system design is emphasized and various options are discussed.
New Transportation Systems for Smart Cities
Authors: Cassandras Christos G.
Published: June 2015

Poor traffic management in urban environments is responsible for congestion, unnecessary fuel consumption and pollution. Based on new wireless sensor networks and the advent of battery-powered vehicles, this chapter describes three new systems that affect transportation in Smart Cities. First, a Smart Parking system which assigns and reserves an optimal parking space based on the driver's cost function, combining proximity to destination and parking cost. Second, a system to optimally allocate electric vehicles to charging stations and reserve spaces for them. Finally, we address the traffic light control problem by viewing the operation of an intersection as a stochastic hybrid system. Using Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA), we derive on-line gradient estimates of a cost metric with respect to the controllable green and red cycle lengths and iteratively adjust light cycle lengths to improve (and possibly optimize) performance, as well as adapt to changing traffic conditions.
Sustainability Strategies and Projects of Turkish Municipalities
Authors: Bostancı Seda H.
Published: June 2015

Municipalities have variety of tools for improving environmental sustainability. The effects of climate change increase the renewable projects developed by municipalities and public private sectors. Turkish municipalities practiced the early steps of sustainability projects, some of which were small-scale projects. In addition, Turkish municipalities have gained experience in LA 21 Process since the late 1990s. Some of the city models for sustainability, such as CittaSlow and healthy city projects developed by Turkish Municipalities. The work in this chapter represents research about variety of issues for environment and sustainability in Turkish Municipalities. Visions, strategies and projects of these municipalities have been analysed to attain this goal. A literature review and SWOT analysis were used for the methodology to determine the Turkish municipalities' potential for sustainability.
Recommendations for Natural Resources Conservation in the Influence Areas of Cities
Authors: Niţă Mihai Răzvan , Niculae Mihăiţă Iulian , Onose Diana Andreea , Pătroescu Maria , Vânău Gabriel Ovidiu , Ciocănea Cristiana Maria
Published: June 2015

As urban development has become an increasing problem, urban planning is required to integrate social and economical needs with the sustainable use of natural resources. Since the urban development is favoured by the amount and diversity of the natural resources (land, mineral resources, green areas, aquatic surfaces) available in the area of influence of the cities and its negative externalities aren't limited inside the urban limits the conservation of those resources became an important issue in the scientific circles. Lately planners have been using GIS techniques and remote sensing, based on international and local databases, in finding the most probable scenarios and the best available solutions in order to promote a sustainable development of urban areas. Four models of natural resources conservation have proved effective in the influence areas of cities: protected areas, yellow-green belts, regional parks and oxygen generating surfaces. The establishment and management of these can be better realised by GIS techniques, because of their efficiency and ease of use, the suitability and general availability of data.
A Regional Energy Planning Approach
Authors: Chen Wei-Ming , Wang Young-Doo , Huh Jong Chul , Park Youn Cheol
Published: June 2015

Augmenting recent coverage of the topic of regional energy planning, this chapter introduces an Integrated Regional Energy Policy and Planning Framework (IREPP), which is conceptually comprehensive and also enhances feasibility of implementation. This framework contains important concepts of sustainable energy planning, including integrated resource planning, soft energy path, distributed generation using decentralized energy technologies, and energy-environment-economy-equity balance (E4). The IREPP also includes implementation feasibility analysis and highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluation. In the second part of this chapter, the IREPP is applied to the case of Jeju. Jeju's “Mid- and Long-Term Roadmap of Renewable Energy Planning” intends to promote renewable energy applications in order to build a carbon free energy system. This chapter evaluates Jeju's overall Roadmap via the lens of IREPP, assesses the rationale and feasibility of achieving its individual renewable target set for 2050, and, additionally, reviews progress made in some individual targets as of 2014.
Development and Progress of the Mining Association of Canada's Towards Sustainable Mining Program
Authors: Jarvie-Eggart Michelle Edith
Published: June 2015

Early efforts to address sustainability within the mining industry (GMI and ICMM) did not create a common set of protocols by which individual operations could be clearly ranked on their performance. Although the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) does provide protocols for the reporting of sustainability indicators for mining operations, GRI-based reports include a letter grade based on report completeness, not performance on the actual indicators. The Mining Association of Canada's Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program provides protocols to address biodiversity, tailings management, crisis management, safety and health, energy/GHGs, and Aboriginal/community engagement. The TSM-based reports grade mining operation performance at implementing programs and systems to address each of these topics. Progress along these indicators tells us how well the industry is doing at addressing sustainability along each concept, and where further progress is still needed.
Managing Project Sustainability
Authors: Tam Gilman C. K.
Published: June 2015

Managing project sustainability is becoming important in the last two decades since the Earth Summit in 1992. An increasing number of projects have built in sustainability considerations into project design and implementation. Recent research findings show that lack of sustainability knowledge for project managers is a key barrier to drive projects and programs contributing towards a sustainable society. Definitions and approaches (pillar-based and principles-based) to sustainability in project management together with project manager competence requirements are discussed. The purpose of this chapter is to devise an assessment tool for project managers incorporating the concept of pillar-based and principles-based sustainability approaches as well as the EIA-driven and objectives-led assessment methodologies. Criteria for selecting assessment scheme appropriate to various project initiatives are developed. Integrating selected assessment methodology into sustainability evaluation framework within the project life cycle forms a complete tool. This chapter contributes to devising a practical assessment tool for project managers in managing project sustainability.
Loss of Cell Surface CD47 Clustering Formation and Binding Avidity to SIRPα Facilitate Apoptotic Cell Clearance by Macrophages
Authors: Lv Zhiyuan , Bian Zhen , Shi Lei , Niu Shuo , Ha Binh , Tremblay Alexandra , Li Liangwei , Zhang Xiugen , Paluszynski John , Liu Ming , Zen Ke , Liu Yuan
Published: June 2015

CD47, a self recognition marker expressed on tissue cells, interacts with immunoreceptor SIRPα expressed on the surface of macrophages to initiate inhibitory signaling that prevents macrophage phagocytosis of healthy host cells. Previous studies suggested that cells may lose surface CD47 during aging or apoptosis to enable phagocytic clearance. In the current study, we demonstrate that the level of cell surface CD47 is not decreased, but the distribution pattern of CD47 is altered, during apoptosis. On nonapoptotic cells, CD47 molecules are clustered in lipid rafts forming punctates on the surface, whereas on apoptotic cells, CD47 molecules are diffused on the cell surface following the disassembly of lipid rafts. We show that clustering of CD47 in lipid rafts provides a high binding avidity for cell surface CD47 to ligate macrophage SIRPα, which also presents as clusters, and elicits SIRPα-mediated inhibitory signaling that prevents phagocytosis. In contrast, dispersed CD47 on the apoptotic cell surface is associated with a significant reduction in the binding avidity to SIRPα and a failure to trigger SIRPα signal transduction. Disruption of plasma membrane lipid rafts with methyl-β-cyclodextrin diffuses CD47 clusters, leading to a decrease in the cell binding avidity to SIRPα and a concomitant increase in cells being engulfed by macrophages. Taken together, our study reveals that CD47 normally is clustered in lipid rafts on nonapoptotic cells but is diffused in the plasma membrane when apoptosis occurs; this transformation of CD47 greatly reduces the strength of CD47–SIRPα engagement, resulting in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.
TLR8 Senses Staphylococcus aureus RNA in Human Primary Monocytes and Macrophages and Induces IFN-β Production via a TAK1–IKKβ–IRF5 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bergstrøm Bjarte , Aune Marie H. , Awuh Jane A. , Kojen June F. , Blix Kjetil J. , Ryan Liv , Flo Trude H. , Mollnes Tom E. , Espevik Terje , Stenvik Jørgen
Published: June 2015

Staphylococcus aureus may cause serious infections and is one of the most lethal and common causes of sepsis. TLR2 has been described as the main pattern recognition receptor that senses S. aureus and elicits production of proinflammatory cytokines via MyD88–NF-κB signaling. S. aureus can also induce the production of IFN-β, a cytokine that requires IFN regulatory factors (IRFs) for its transcription, but the signaling mechanism for IFN-β induction by S. aureus are unclear. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that activation of TLR2 by lipoproteins does not contribute to IFN-β production but instead can suppress the induction of IFN-β in human primary monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. The production of IFN-β was induced by TLR8-mediated sensing of S. aureus RNA, which triggered IRF5 nuclear accumulation, and this could be antagonized by concomitant TLR2 signaling. The TLR8-mediated activation of IRF5 was dependent on TAK1 and IκB kinase (IKK)β, which thus reveals a physiological role of the recently described IRF5-activating function of IKKβ. TLR8–IRF5 signaling was necessary for induction of IFN-β and IL-12 by S. aureus, and it also contributed to the induction of TNF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a physiological role of TLR8 in the sensing of entire S. aureus in human primary phagocytes, including the induction of IFN-β and IL-12 production via a TAK1–IKKβ–IRF5 pathway that can be inhibited by TLR2 signaling.
Sclerofoam assisted laser therapy for saphenous refluxes: an innovative tumescence-free technique
Authors: Zini Francesco , Tessari Lorenzo , Torre Renato
Published: June 2015

Endovenous laser (EL) and radiofrequency devices have continuously increased their appealing in the last decade. Even if miniinvasive, such procedure still requires multiple high volume injections of tumescent anesthesia: a medical act that is not totally complications- free. Aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the feasibility of a hybrid technique (so called sclerofoam assisted laser therapy, SFALT) combining foam sclerotherapy (FS) and EL in a tumescence free approach. Fourty primary chronic venous disease patients (8 males, 32 females, C2-4EpAsPr) presenting a sapheno-femoral reflux both at the Valsalva and compression/relaxation maneuver underwent a SFALT procedure. Diameters were measured at mid-thigh in supine. It consists in a EL fiber introduction into the great saphenous vein (GSV), shrinking it for a single cm at 200 J/cm. After a shrunk plug is created, keeping the fiber stuck in it, 5 cc of foam sclerotherapy [Tessari method, 1% polidocanol (POL) or 1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS)] are injected through the same 6 Fr EL introducer. The consequent spasm allows a following EL mediated shrinkage by means of a significantly reduced fluence. Clinical and sonographic follow up were performed at one and three weeks. At 3 weeks follow up all the 40 cases presented a shrunk GSV, without recanalization signs. Neither major nor minor complications were reported. At the mid-thigh the standing GSV caliber decreased from a preoperative mean value of 0.6±0.2 cm to a post FS injection 0.3±0.1 cm value (P<0.05), showing no statistical difference among STS and POL. SFALT approach is feasible, safe and with potentially interesting outcomes. More investigations are needed in order to define the proper fluence parameters and the chance of eliminating the even mild sedation. This technique offers the chance of a possible tumescence free GSV treatment, even in case of major calibers vessels.
Ubuntu and the body: A perspective from theological anthropology as embodied sensing
Authors: Meiring Jacob J.S.
Published: June 2015

The author asks whether the notion of ubuntu truly exists within contemporary South African society and how the experiencing of South Africans� embodiment can be connected to ubuntu � especially amongst black people. The notion of ubuntu is briefly explored within law and theology. The author has recently proposed a model for a contemporary theological anthropology as �embodied sensing� which functions within the intimate relationship of the lived body, experiencing in a concrete life-world, language, and the �more than�. It is from this perspective that the notion of ubuntu is explored.