bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acámbaro (Guanajuato, Mexique) : stratégies territoriales au Postclassique récent et au début de la colonisation espagnole (XVe – XVIe siècles)
Authors: Lefebvre Karine
Published: December 2016

In the early 15th century, the cazonci (sovereign) Tariacuri initiated expansion of the Tarascan kingdom by starting wars of conquest. This expansion was continued by his successors. The Acámbaro region (Guanajuato, Mexico) was thus conquered in the middle of 15th century by the Tarascan kingdom. Due to the obsidian quarries of Ucareo-Zinapécuaro and salt-working on the shores of the Cuitzeo lagoon, the region became a strategic zone. These raw materials attracted the envy of the neighbouring Mexica, a people living just east of the Tarascan kingdom. As a result of this continuous threat from the Mexica, Acámbaro became a border post. Approximately a century later, Mexico fell under Spanish domination. The province of Acámbaro, a fertile valley, was very quickly exploited, in particular to supply the food necessary for the silver mines in the north and the great urban centres. Different economic principles emerge in this context, redefining settlement and territorial strategies. The preliminary results of this research suggest much exploitation of the various resources of the area in the Early Postclassic and the beginning of colonial times, resources which were vital for the development of the Tarascan kingdom and then the Spanish empire.
Effect of Zn and Cu Content on Microstructure, Hardness and Tribological Properties of Cast Al-Zn-Cu Alloys
Authors: Ilangovan Soundiah , Arul Sanjivi , Shanmugasundaram A.
Published: December 2016

Microstructure, micro-hardness and wear properties of Aluminium-Zinc-Copper (Al-Zn-Cu) alloys of various chemical compositions are investigated. Stir casting process is used to prepare the various alloy compositions with permanent metallic mould. Six different alloy compositions were developed by varying Zn and Cu content in aluminium matrix. The wear and frictional properties were studied using Pin-on-Disc wear tester in dry sliding condition under normal atmosphere. The developed Al-Zn-Cu alloy has inter-metallic stable θ (CuAl2) phase in the inter-dendrite region and is due to the addition of Cu from 1 to 5 wt. % in 60Al-(40-x) Zn alloy. When the Cu composition increases up to 2 wt %, the corresponding hardness increases significantly and is due to the formation of Cu-rich θ phase and also due to the solid solution hardening of Cu in Al-Zn alloy matrix. But after 2 wt % Cu addition it is observed that the hardness increase is marginal. Wear rate (WR) and specific wear rate (SWR) were increases with increase of load and sliding velocity and decreases with Cu addition. Coefficient of friction (COF) remains constant for entire load and velocity for each alloy. However, when the alloys were tested at elevated temperatures, it was found that initially WR, SWR and COF decreases with temperature and then increases rapidly.
The Overall Synthesis of Mechanical Configuration, Dimension and Performance Design Based on State Space Method
Authors: Qian Feng , Wang De Lun , Dong Hui Min
Published: December 2016

In order to study the qualitative and quantitative relationship of the configuration characteristics of motion / force transformation (transmission), the dimension and the performance of motion and force, this paper extends the configuration synthesis of mechanical system to the state space method for the integration synthesis of mechanism configuration, scale and performance. By defining the basic function / performance transformation mechanism, extracting the dual state vector of the input and output performance of mechanism unit, discussing the state space property of mechanism combination (system) including mechanism configuration subspace, mechanism dimension subspace, and performance transformation subspace of mechanism motion / force, and investigating the spatial measurement of mechanism motion / force transformation, the measurement model of mechanical system is established. The motion design of mechanical system is transformed into the problem of finding a connected path (or path planning problem) between two given vectors: input and output dual vector. Finally, an actual example is given to show the details.
Corrosion Behavior of As-Plated and Annealed Cr-C-Deposited Steels
Authors: Huang C.A. , Chen Jhih You , Leu Ui Wei
Published: December 2016

The corrosion behavior of Cr-C-deposited steel specimens, which were prepared from the Cr3+-based bath, was investigated in the 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. After electroplating, the deposited specimens were annealed at 300, 450, 600 and 700°C for 1 h. Based on the results of corrosion test, the corrosion resistance of as-plated and annealed Cr-C deposits has strongly related to the surface cracks. However, the corrosion resistance of 450°C-annealed Cr-C deposit could be obviously improved when the deposit was pre-polarized in the passive potential region. Annealed at 700°C, the corrosion resistance of Cr-C deposit is markedly raised owing to formation of Cr oxides on the crack surface during annealing.
Environmental impact assessment of three packages for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
Authors: Guiso Antonio , Parenti Alessandro , Masella Piernicola , Guerrini Lorenzo , Baldi Fabio , Spugnoli Paolo
Published: December 2016

Life cycle assessments of food packaging technologies have shown that they contribute considerably to the environmental impact of products. This study analyses the life cycle impact of three packaging solutions for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Two of them are widely used solutions, namely tin plated cans and dimmed glass bottles. The third one is a stainless steel bottle, which has been proposed recently. The analysis was performed with a cradle to grave approach and it takes into account raw materials extraction and processing, packaging production processes and several end-of-life scenarios. Impacts due to distribution were considered separately to assess uncertainties due to distribution distances. The results show that, for same sizes, dimmed glass bottles have the lowest overall impact value for all the six indicators selected except for ozone layer depletion, whereas stainless steel bottles have the highest impact values for all the other indicators. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine how impact varies in function of distance and packaging weight. It shows that it is possible to set a breakeven point over which the impact of glass overcomes the one of the other packaging systems. Packaging shows a significant contribution to impact of bottled oil. For small packaging, such as a 0.100 L stainless steel bottle, this contribution can be as relevant as 60% of the overall global warming potential.
Noxious gases in rabbit housing systems: effects of cross and longitudinal ventilation
Authors: Da Borso Francesco , Chiumenti Alessandro , Mezzadri Marco , Teri Francesco
Published: December 2016

Animal welfare is a matter of increasing interest due to ethical and economical worries regarding animal rights and the sustainability of meat production. Ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane can be produced in the livestock buildings and, if not adequately controlled by ventilation, can be dangerous for animals and farmers. The aim of the present paper is to study the effects of different ventilation systems in rabbit buildings based on the temporal patterns and the spatial distribution of these noxious gases. The experimental measurements were conducted in two rabbit farms with genetically homogeneous animals subjected to the same diet. Two buildings with different forced ventilation layouts (cross ventilation - building A and longitudinal ventilation - building B) were subjected to the monitoring of indoor environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane) over a whole year. In both the buildings, ventilation was adjusted automatically by means of electronic control units, which were controlled by temperature sensors, located at the centre of the buildings. Gas concentrations inside the buildings followed clearly defined sinusoidal patterns on a daily basis with the highest values reached in winter during the morning hours for ammonia and during the night hours for carbon dioxide and methane. In particular, ammonia revealed a maximum concentration of 30.7 mg m–3 in building A (cross ventilation) and 12.9 mg m–3 in building B (longitudinal ventilation), whereas the minimum values were 6.0 and 4.2 mg m–3, in building A and B, respectively. As a consequence, daily mean concentrations of noxious gases, solely could not be considered representative of the actual conditions of air quality in the buildings. The airflow direction clearly influenced the spatial concentration of ammonia, which showed different patterns in the two buildings. In building A, the highest ammonia concentration was in a diffuse central area, whereas in building B, it was determined to be less extended and located in the proximity of the wall equipped with extraction fans. The results of this study provide important indications for the planning and management of housing systems for rabbits including: the correct positioning of gas sensors for regulating ventilation systems must be central in case of cross ventilation, but close to the suction fans in case of longitudinal ventilation; the cross ventilation can lead to ammonia concentration higher than longitudinal ventilation, which is caused by the close and prolonged contact of airflow with manure surface in the channels; fans for longitudinal ventilation must be positioned in the same side of the building where scrapers discharge manure; furthermore, manure scraping has to be performed daily in winter during the hours of the day when ventilation rate is at its maximum.
Effects of urea on the olfactory reception in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Gallus Lorenzo , Marchesotti Emiliano , Scarfì Sonia , Amaroli Andrea , Franceschini Valeria , Bettini Simone , Abbas Ghulam , Gambardella Chiara , Ferrando Sara
Published: December 2016

The effects of uremia on human olfactory functions have been clinically evaluated in various studies, even if to date it is not completely clarified which uremic toxins mediate these processes. Surprisingly, the role of the main molecule involved in uremia, urea indeed, has not been adequately investigated as other possible molecules may also be involved in uremic anosmia. The effects of urea on the olfaction have been evaluated in some clinical studies, but this is the first attempt to determine a direct action of urea on the olfactory epithelium of a vertebrate. Danio rerio adults were exposed to urea in different experiments to assess the effects on olfactory sensitivity and signal transduction. The analysis of the swimming speed has been used to evaluate the response to hypoxanthine 3-N-oxide (H3NO), a molecule that is known to elicit an olfactory-mediated alarm reaction in D. rerio. The presence and distribution of the G protein alpha subunit coupled to the olfactory receptors (Gαolf) has been immunohistochemically investigated in the olfactory epithelium of control and urea-exposed D. rerio. Our findings showed that urea alters the response to H3NO of D. rerio with a quite rapid and reversible effect that appears to be independent from a mere interference of urea on the receptor-ligand binding. The Gαolf protein resulted increases after urea treatment, suggesting an effect of urea on its expression or degradation.
Liver regeneration and aging: a review
Authors: Nucci R. , Teodoro A. , Gama E.
Published: December 2016

With the advance of age, a clinically significant change is a marked decline in the rate of hepatic regeneration. Many studies described the mechanisms involved in the hepatic regenerative process with experimental procedures such as partial hepatectomy. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration due to partial hepatectomy and the effects of aging on these mechanisms. We used PubMed, MEDLINE and Scholar Google databases investigating the following keywords without restrictions: liver, regeneration, aging. We included research studies (animal and humans) and reviews published in English language that were related to the liver regeneration and the process of aging. The regeneration on liver involves multiple cellular processes and a complex interaction with cytokines and growth factors. The aging process affects liver causing a delay on its regeneration. In a clinical setting, the decline of hepatic regenerative capacity could be considered an important concern, because most of the elderly use different medications which could provide a liver injury, as well as, one of the methods used to remove neoplastic cells is the partial hepatectomy which depends of the individual regenerative capacity.
Constitucionalismo latino-americano: direitos sociais e a “sala de máquinas” da Constituição
Authors: Pádua Thiago Aguiar
Published: December 2016

Roberto Gargarella examina o panorama do Constitucionalismo Latino-Americano no período de 1810 à 2010, com ênfase particular no esforço realizado para assegurar a proteção ao multiculturalismo e aos direitos humanos no final do século XIX e início do século XXI. Gargarella inicia examinando o período fundacional do constitucionalismo Latino-Americano, um período marcado por compromissos entre liberais e conservadores. Ele prossegue discutindo o incremento da incorporação dos direitos sociais - primeiramente direitos econômicos e laborais - durante o início do século XX. Gargarela então discute a onda final de reformas, as quais introduziram um aumento da proteção dos direitos humanos na última metade do século XX e no início do século XXI. Gargarella conclui que as últimas ondas de reformas não foram longe o suficiente no avanço dos direitos humanos porque as reformas falharam em alcançar aquilo que Gargarella chama de “a sala de máquinas da Constituição”. A sala de máquinas consiste no poder de garantir provisões da constituição que determina a relativa autoridade dos atores governamentais. Gargarella argumenta que o empoderamento de inúmeros direitos adicionais nas Constituições da América- Latina é minado pela falha em reorganizar as estruturas de poder, assim como assegurar que esses novos direitos sejam implementados.
Comparison of key absorption and optical properties between pure and transported anthropogenic dust over East and Central Asia
Authors: Bi Jianrong , Huang Jianping , Holben Brent , Zhang Guolong
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Asian dust particulate is one of the primary aerosol constituents in the Earth–atmosphere system that exerts profound influences on environmental quality, human health, the marine biogeochemical cycle, and Earth's climate. To date, the absorptive capacity of dust aerosol generated from the Asian desert region is still an open question. In this article, we compile columnar key absorption and optical properties of mineral dust over East and Central Asian areas by utilizing the multiyear quality-assured datasets observed at 13 sites of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). We identify two types of Asian dust according to threshold criteria from previously published literature. (1) The particles with high aerosol optical depth at 440 nm (AOD440 ≥  0.4) and a low Ångström wavelength exponent at 440–870 nm (α < 0.2) are defined as Pure Dust (PDU), which decreases disturbance of other non-dust aerosols and keeps high accuracy of pure Asian dust. (2) The particles with AOD440 ≥  0.4 and 0.2 < α < 0.6 are designated as Transported Anthropogenic Dust (TDU), which is mainly dominated by dust aerosol and might mix with other anthropogenic aerosol types. Our results reveal that the primary components of high AOD days are predominantly dust over East and Central Asian regions, even if their variations rely on different sources, distance from the source, emission mechanisms, and meteorological characteristics. The overall mean and standard deviation of single-scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, real part and imaginary part of complex refractive index at 550 nm for Asian PDU are 0.935 ± 0.014, 0.742 ± 0.008, 1.526 ± 0.029, and 0.00226 ± 0.00056, respectively, while corresponding values are 0.921 ± 0.021, 0.723 ± 0.009, 1.521 ± 0.025, and 0.00364 ± 0.0014 for Asian TDU. Aerosol shortwave direct radiative effects at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), at the surface (SFC), and in the atmospheric layer (ATM) for Asian PDU (α < 0.2) and TDU (0.2 < α < 0.6) computed in this study, are a factor of 2 smaller than the results of Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds (OPAC) mineral-accumulated (mineral-acc.) and mineral-transported (mineral-tran.) modes. Therefore, we are convinced that our results hold promise for updating and improving accuracies of Asian dust characteristics in present-day remote sensing applications and regional or global climate models.
Late Holocene temperature variability in Tasmania inferred from borehole
temperature data
Authors: Suman Asadusjjaman , Dyer Fiona , White Duanne
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Thirty six borehole temperature depth profiles were analysed to reconstruct the Ground Surface Temperature History (GSTH) from eastern Tasmania for the past five centuries. We used the Singular Value Decomposition method to invert borehole temperatures to produce temperature histories. The quality of borehole data was classified as high or low based on model misfit. The quality of the borehole data was not dependent on topography, or land use. Analysis reveals that 3–5 high quality borehole temperature depth profiles were adequate to reconstruct robust paleotemperature records from any area. Temperature changes were greatest around the north east coast and decreases towards midland of Tasmania. Warm East Australian Current (EAC) flow towards north east coast of Tasmania during summer was considered a prime driver of warmer temperatures observed for the north east coast. Average, GSTH reconstructed from Tasmanian boreholes shows temperature increases about 1.2 ± 0.2 °C during the past five centuries. Some boreholes show temperature cooling in the beginning of 20th Century that may be an indication of late LIA response in Tasmania. Reconstructed temperatures were consistent with meteorological records and other proxy records from Tasmania during their period of overlap.
Sensitivity Experiments on the Response of Vb Cyclones to Ocean Temperature and Soil Moisture Changes
Authors: Messmer Martina , Gómez-Navarro Juan José , Raible Christoph C.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Extra-tropical cyclones of type Vb, which develop over the western Mediterranean and move northeastward, are major natural hazards being responsible for heavy precipitation over Central Europe. To gain further understanding in the governing processes of these Vb cyclones the stu-dy explores the role of soil moisture and sea surface temperature (SST) and their contribution to the atmospheric moisture content. Thereby, recent Vb events identified in the ERA-Interim reanalysis are dynamically downscaled with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). Results indicate that a mean Vb event is mostly sensitive to an increase in the Mediterranean SSTs, e.g., an increase of +5 K leads to an average increase of 24 % in precipitation over Central Europe. This increase in precipitation is mainly induced by larger mean upward moisture flux over the Mediterranean with increasing Mediterranean SSTs. This further invokes an increase in latent energy release, which leads to an increase in atmospheric instability, i.e., in convective available potential energy. Both, the increased availability of atmospheric moisture and the increased instability of the atmosphere, which is able to remove extra moisture from the atmosphere due to convective processes, are responsible for the strong increase in precipitation over the entire region influenced by Vb events. Precipitation patterns further indicate that a strong increase in precipitation is found at the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea for increased Mediterranean SSTs. This premature loss in atmospheric moisture leads to a significant decrease in atmospheric moisture transport to Central Europe and the northeastern flanks of the Alpine mountain chain. This leads to a reduction in precipitation in this high-impact region of the Vb event for an increase in Mediterranean SSTs of +5 K. Furthermore, the intensity of the Vb cyclones, measured as a gradient in the 850-hPa geopotential height field around the cyclone centre, indicates that an upper bound for intensity might be reached for the most intense Vb event. This fact indicates that strong cyclones are more strongly steered by the present atmospheric conditions.
Brief Communication: The global signature of post-1900 land ice wastage on vertical land motion
Authors: Riva Riccardo E. M. , Frederikse Thomas , King Matt A. , Marzeion Ben , van den Broeke Michiel
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Melting glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets have made an important contribution to sea-level rise through the last century. Self-attraction and loading effects driven by shrinking ice masses cause a spatially-varying redistribution of ocean waters that affects reconstructions of past sea level from sparse observations. We model the solid earth response to ice mass changes and find significant vertical deformation signals over large continental areas. We show how deformation rates have been strongly varying through the last century, which implies that they should be properly modelled before interpreting and extrapolating recent observations of vertical land motion and sea level change.
Developing a Federal Research Agenda for Positive Youth Development: Identifying Gaps in the Field and an Effective Consensus Building Approach
Authors: Dymnicki Allison B. , Le Menestrel Suzanne , Boyd Michelle J. , Lauxman Lisa , Oberlander Sarah E. , Osher David M.
Published: December 2016

The field of positive youth development (PYD) is at an important crossroads in terms of defining its scope and directions for future research. This paper describes an effective consensus-building process that representatives from 16 federal agencies engaged in to develop a research agenda focused on PYD and the product that resulted from using this approach. During this process, the representatives identified and refined three research domains (conceptual issues related to PYD, data sources and indicators, and program implementation and effectiveness) and key research questions that could benefit from future research. We share lessons learned from our experience to emphasize the importance of organizational systems change efforts and interagency collaborations. A major contribution of this paper is to provide specific areas for future research in PYD from the federal perspective and to describe future implications for PYD policy and interagency collaborations.
Self-efficacy and Perceived Organizational Support by Workers in a Youth Development Setting
Authors: Rockow Sara , Kowalski Christopher L. , Chen Kong , Smothers Anthony
Published: December 2016

The efficacy levels of workers in the youth development field can significantly impact the work done with youth.  These levels may be impacted by workers’ perceptions of administrative occupational support at their organization.  To date, limited research exists that examines youth work efficacy levels, and no research studies exist analyzing the relationship between youth workers’ efficacy levels and perceived organizational support.  The current study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and the perceived organizational support felt by workers in a youth development setting.  A total of 198 surveys were completed; results indicated that youth work efficacy was significantly related to perceived organizational support.  This study is important to enhancing the body of knowledge regarding self-efficacy levels of workers in a youth development setting, as well as understanding motivation and self-confidence of youth development professionals.
Bassani e l’omosessualità
Authors: Puccetti Valter Leonardo
Published: December 2016

In questo saggio l’autore analizza la presenza dell’omosessualità, nonché dei suoi equivalenti simbolici della virilità lesa o diminuita, nella narrativa di Giorgio Bassani. In tale direzione, i testi bassaniani più significativi vengono considerati Gli occhiali d’oro (in cui il tragico protagonista è un omosessuale), Dietro la porta e L’airone, ma anche la figura di Alberto (e, in parte, dello stesso protagonista) nel Giardino dei Finzi-Contini e quella di Barilari in Una notte del ’43 sono oggetto di interpretazione tematica. L’autore del saggio cerca di mostrare che l’identità omosessuale non è da Bassani indagata in sé e legittimata ontologicamente, ma assume un puro valore di metafora dell’esclusione, anche violenta, quella che parallelamente colpì l’identità ebraica dopo l’emanazione delle leggi razziali in Italia. Secondo questa angolazione di lettura, il dubbio sulla “conformità” della propria sessualità, il timore di un’omologazione di essa agli stereotipi della propaganda di regime o (in Dietro la Porta) la proiezione liberatoria di questi ultimi su un personaggio antagonistico / alteregoico, sembrano abitare i protagonisti dei romanzi e dei racconti succitati e produrre, coi loro interrogativi deviati o elusi, i tormenti della falsa coscienza.
Memoria ed echi di emigrazione nella narrativa popolare italiana
Authors: Sanfilippo Marina
Published: December 2016

In questo articolo si analizzano le tracce che l’emigrazione dall’Italia tra Otto e Novecento ha lasciato nei racconti popolari presenti in varie raccolte folkloriche e letterarie, mostrando come la distinzione in uso tra i diversi generi dell’oralità (fiaba, aneddoto, storia di vita, ecc.) non permetta a volte di percepire la creatività di narratori e narratrici orali, che nelle loro storie intessono i fili della realtà, del ricordo e del desiderio nella trama di tipi narrativi del patrimonio tradizionale e folklorico, facendo fronte in molti casi a situazioni traumatiche o dolorose per il singolo e/o per la comunità.
Movilidad y estabilidad de las poblaciones en el mundo romano: una reflexión metodológica e historiográfica
Authors: Woolf Greg
Published: December 2016

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo hacer una reflexión sobre las posibilidades de estudio de la movilidad en el mundo antiguo y en concreto en el Imperio romano. Para ello parte de un análisis de la obra The Corrupting Sea de N. Purcell y P. Horden y de estudios sobre la movilidad según la han estudiado los arqueólogos para época prehistórica y los demógrafos modernos para tiempos más recientes. Como conclusión se argumenta que, a pesar de las limitaciones de la documentación antigua para conocer en detalle el fenómeno, es posible sostener la existencia de una movilidad limitada cuantitativamente, pero que suponía un importante grado de conectividad en el mundo romano.
Estudiar la economía romana y la gestión imperial del abastecimiento de trigo. Marco conceptual y contexto histórico para el estudio de las iniciativas económicas imperiales durante los siglos I y II d.C.
Authors: Scapini Marianna
Published: December 2016

Este artículo tiene como objeto la delineación del marco conceptual y del contexto histórico para desarrollar nuevas investigaciones sobre las iniciativas imperiales en el ámbito económico durante los dos primeros siglos del Imperio romano. Me centraré, sobre todo, en el problema del abastecimiento de trigo a las ciudades del Imperio, porque el tema ocupaba un lugar central en las preocupaciones económicas imperiales y tuvo una cierta incidencia en la misma evolución de los canales económicos del Imperio. Sugeriré que el “evergetismo” frumentario fue una estrategia efectiva para contribuir al abastecimiento de trigo en las provincias, donde el control imperial era estructuralmente limitado. Por la misma razón, creo que los beneficia imperiales de trigo en las ciudades provinciales fueron un intento de fortalecer el control imperial sobre la gestión frumentaria.
RESUMOS DO CONBRAVET 2015
Authors: Da Silva Antonio Waldir Cunha
Published: December 2016

CURITIBA - PR
Orthopaedic Infection: Prevention and Diagnosis
Authors: Perry Kevin I. , Hanssen Arlen D.
Published: December 2016

Host optimization, reduction of bacteria, and establishing proper wound environment in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods are the traditional cornerstones of infection prevention. Most institutions have standardized a systems approach to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections. Typically, these systems-based approaches promote protocols for hand and environmental hygiene, patients risk assessment and screening, surgical delays for identifiable and modifiable risk factors, infection surveillance, antibiotic stewardship programs, communication/coordination of care, physician 360° reporting, and unit-based safety programs. Despite the institution of these prevention efforts, there remains controversy about the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a number of these approaches.
Sustainable City: Assessing the Community Happiness of Residents in Putrajaya Municipality Malaysia
Authors: Musa Haruna D. , Yacob Mohd R. , Abdullah Ahmad M. , Ishak Mohd Y.
Published: December 2016

With the recent establishment of linkages between characteristics of the community and subjective well-being of residents by a sociologist, the ability to design and monitor urban development that enables human and environmental well-being becomes necessary. Developing communities sustainably require resilient economic, environmental, social and governance systems. This study assesses community happiness based on perceived satisfaction of sustainable development interventions in urban areas. A sample of 400 residents was selected to complete the self-reported survey on specific items on a 10-point response scale (1 means “very dissatisfied” and 10 means “very satisfied”). The sample comprised of residents between 18 years of age and above who lived and works in the town, outside and identified with the communities in the city. The results show that the environmental well-being (M=7.69, SD=1.59), social well-being (M=6.96, SD=1.73), and urban governance (M=6.69, SD=1.61), and economic well-being (M=6.19, SD=2.01) respectively were positively perceived to contribute to the overall community happiness (M=6.88). The findings suggest that investments unto the dimensions could lead to a more optimistic outlook for sustainable community future. The study contributed to the literature on the connection between subjective well-being and sustainable development, and also the measure of community happiness in local context using subjective approach, particularly in Malaysia.
Počátky jezuitské mise v Číně
Authors: Liščák Vladimír
Published: December 2016

Mezi misionáři v Číně hráli nejvýznamnější roli členové Tovaryšstva Ježíšova, jezuité. Po téměř dvě stě let nejenže měli velkou početní převahu mezi misionáři, ale rovněž vyvinuli metodu akomodace pro evangelizaci Číny a hráli významnou roli na císařském dvoře v Pekingu. U čchingských císařů byli oblíbeni pro svou učenost, jelikož byli vzděláni v různých vědách, jako například v matematice, hudbě, kartografii a geografii. Na pobřeží Číny pronikali již od poloviny 16. století, avšak první misie na čínské pevnině vznikly až po roce 1582.
Nouvelle chronologie de deux sites paléoesquimaux d’Ivujivik (Nunavik)
Authors: Nagy Murielle
Published: December 2016

Cet article présente les résultats de 36 nouvelles datations au radiocarbone obtenues pour déterminer si les sites Pita (KcFr-5) et Ohituk (KcFr-3A) d’Ivujivik font partie de la période dite de transition entre le Prédorsétien et le Dorsétien, tel que conclu lors de recherches antérieures, ou représentent des occupations lors des périodes correspondant à ces deux cultures. En considérant ces datations et celles obtenues auparavant, il apparaît que ces sites furent effectivement occupés entre 800 et 400 av. J.-C. Toutefois, le site Pita a surtout été visité pendant la période prédorsétienne et une de ses datations est la plus ancienne obtenue jusqu’ici pour le Nunavik. Quant au site Ohituk, il fut aussi occupé pendant toute la période dorsétienne. Les datations des deux sites couvrant plus de trois millénaires, force est de constater que les vestiges archéologiques proviennent d’un palimpseste d’occupations et ne représentent pas une période de transition.
Is the information about dengue available on Brazilian websites of quality and reliable?
Authors: Lima Thiago Henrique de , Menezes Ivandilson Pessoa Pinto de , Malafaia Guilherme
Published: December 2016

The objective of the present study was to identify and evaluate the content of information about dengue available on Brazilian websites. Thirty-two websites were selected for the analysis. For the evaluation of the content of information about dengue, a form was prepared with 16 topics grouped in six information blocks: etiology/transmission, vector, control and prevention, disease/diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology. The websites were also evaluated according to the following criteria: authorship, update, language, interactivity, scientific basis and graphic elements. The results showed a predominantly lack of information in relation to the topics analyzed in each information block. Regarding the technical quality of the websites, only 28.1% showed some indication of scientific basis and 34.3% contained the date of publication or of the last update. Such results attested the low reliability of the selected websites. Knowing that the internet is an efficient mechanism for disseminating information on health topics, we concluded that the creation of such mechanisms to disseminate correct and comprehensive information about dengue is necessary in order to apply this useful tool in the prevention and control of the disease in Brazil.
Improvement of charge-pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance and its application to silicon metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Tsuchiya Toshiaki , Ono Yukinori
Published: December 2016

Charge-pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance (CP EDMR), or EDMR in the CP mode, is improved and applied to a silicon metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). Real-time monitoring of the CP process reveals that high-frequency transient currents are an obstacle to signal amplification for EDMR. Therefore, we introduce cutoff circuitry, leading to a detection limit for the number of spins as low as 103 for Si MOS interface defects. With this improved method, we demonstrate that CP EDMR inherits one of the most important features of the CP method: the gate control of the energy window of the detectable interface defects for spectroscopy.
Feasibility of nuclear ribosomal region ITS1 over ITS2 in barcoding taxonomically challenging genera of subtribe Cassiinae (Fabaceae)
Authors: Mishra Priyanka , Kumar Amit , Rodrigues Vereena , Shukla Ashutosh K. , Sundaresan Velusamy
Published: December 2016

Premise of the Study

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region is situated between 18S and 26S in a polycistronic rRNA precursor transcript. It had been proved to be the most commonly sequenced region across plant species to resolve phylogenetic relationships ranging from shallow to deep taxonomic levels. Despite several taxonomical revisions in Cassiinae, a stable phylogeny remains elusive at the molecular level, particularly concerning the delineation of species in the generaCassia, SennaandChamaecrista. This study addresses the comparative potential of ITS datasets (ITS1, ITS2 and concatenated) in resolving the underlying morphological disparity in the highly complex genera, to assess their discriminatory power as potential barcode candidates in Cassiinae.

Methodology

A combination of experimental data and an in-silico approach based on threshold genetic distances, sequence similarity based and hierarchical tree-based methods was performed to decipher the discriminating power of ITS datasets on 18 different species of Cassiinae complex. Lab-generatedsequences were compared against those available in the GenBank using BLAST and were aligned through MUSCLE 3.8.31 and analysed in PAUP 4.0 and BEAST1.8 using parsimony ratchet, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference (BI) methods of gene and species tree reconciliation with bootstrapping. DNA barcoding gap was realized based on the Kimura two-parameter distance model (K2P) in TaxonDNA and MEGA.

Principal Findings

Based on the K2P distance, significant divergences between the inter- and intra-specific genetic distances were observed, while the presence of a DNA barcoding gap was obvious. The ITS1 region efficiently identified 81.63% and 90% of species using TaxonDNA and BI methods, respectively. The PWG-distance method based on simple pairwise matching indicated the significance of ITS1 whereby highest number of variable (210) and informative sites (206) were obtained. The BI tree-based methods outperformed the similarity-based methods producing well-resolved phylogenetic trees with many nodes well supported by bootstrap analyses.

Conclusion

The reticulated phylogenetic hypothesis using the ITS1 region mainly supported the relationship between the species of Cassiinae established by traditional morphological methods. The ITS1 region showed a higher discrimination power and desirable characteristics as compared to ITS2 and ITS1 + 2, thereby concluding to be the locus of choice. Considering the complexity of the group and the underlying biological ambiguities, the results presented here are encouraging for developing DNA barcoding as a useful tool for resolving taxonomical challenges in corroboration with morphological framework.
A retrospective study: cardiac MRI of fulminant myocarditis in children—can we evaluate the short-term outcomes?
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Zhao Bin , Jia Haipeng , Gao Fei , Zhao Junyu , Wang Cuiyan
Published: December 2016

Background

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that results in ventricular systolic dysfunction and causes acute-onset heart failure. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has become the primary noninvasive tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of myocarditis. The aim of our study was to assess the CMR findings at different course of FM and the short-term outcomes of fulminant myocarditis (FM) in children.

Methods

Eight FM children with CMR examinations were included in our study. Initial baseline CMR was performed 10 days (range, 7–20 days) after onset of FM and follow-up CMR after 55 days (range, 33–75 days). Cardiac morphology and function and myocardial tissue characterization at baseline and follow-up CMR were compared using paired T-test and Mann–Whitney U test. The clinical data and initial CMR findings were also compared to predict short-term outcomes.

Results

The median age of eight FM children was 8.5 years old (range, 3–14). The initial CMR findings were most common with early gadolinium enhancement (EGE, 100%), followed by signal increasing on T2WI and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE, 87.5%), increased septal thickness (75.0%) and increased left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF, 50.0%). Only three LGE (37.5%), one signal increasing on T2WI (12.5%) and one increased LVEF (12.5%) were found at follow-up. Statistically significant differences were found between initial and follow-up CMR abnormalities in the septal thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), end-systolic volume (ESV), LVEF, left ventricular mass, T2 ratio and LGE area (P = 0.011, P = 0.042, P = 0.016, P = 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.011, P = 0.020). The children with full recovery performed higher incidence of III° atrioventricular block (AVB, five cases VS 0 case) and smaller LGE area (104.0 ± 14.5 mm2 VS 138.0 ± 25.2 mm2) at baseline CMR.

Discussion

The CMR findings of FM in children were characteristic and useful for early diagnosis. Full recovery of clinical manifestations, immunological features and CMR findings could be found in most FM children. The presence of III° AVB and smaller LGE area at baseline CMR might indicate better short-term outcomes.
Discovery of novel inhibitors disrupting HIF-1α/von Hippel–Lindau interaction through shape-based screening and cascade docking
Authors: Xue Xin , Zhao Ning-Yi , Yu Hai-Tao , Sun Yuan , Kang Chen , Huang Qiong-Bin , Sun Hao-Peng , Wang Xiao-Long , Li Nian-Guang
Published: December 2016

Major research efforts have been devoted to the discovery and development of new chemical entities that could inhibit the protein–protein interaction between HIF-1α and the von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL), which serves as the substrate recognition subunit of an E3 ligase and is regarded as a crucial drug target in cancer, chronic anemia, and ischemia. Currently there is only one class of compounds available to interdict the HIF-1α/pVHL interaction, urging the need to discover chemical inhibitors with more diversified structures. We report here a strategy combining shape-based virtual screening and cascade docking to identify new chemical scaffolds for the designing of novel inhibitors. Based on this strategy, nine active hits have been identified and the most active hit, 9 (ZINC13466751), showed comparable activity to pVHL with an IC50 of 2.0 ± 0.14 µM, showing the great potential of utilizing these compounds for further optimization and serving as drug candidates for the inhibition of HIF-1α/von Hippel–Lindau interaction.
Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos extratos aquosos, hidroalcoólicos e alcoólicos de espécies da família Anacardiaceae
Authors: Sá Junior Paulo Francisco de , Muniz Evanildes Barros , Pereira Nathalia Araújo , Oliveira Maria Auxiliadora Silva
Published: December 2016

Introdução: As plantas representam uma fonte importante de produtos naturais biologicamente ativos, onde muitos constituem modelos para a síntese de um grande número de fármacos. A importância clínica crescente dada às infecções bacterianas comunitárias e hospitalares por cepas multirresistentes é preocupante, como também pelo surgimento da inefetividade dos antibióticos mais utilizados, incentivando a realização de estudos relacionados à bioatividade dos produtos naturais. O estudo de plantas com potencial medicinal é uma alternativa na busca de novos agentes terapêuticos. Objetivos: verificar o efeito antimicrobiano dos extratos aquosos, hidroalcoólicos e alcoólicos de folhas de plantas da família Anacardiaceae. Metodologia: foi utilizado o método de difusão em ágar com extratos nas concentrações de 200, 100 e 50 mg/mL. Resultados: os extratos alcoólicos de todas as plantas apresentaram melhor atividade antimicrobiana quando comparado ao extrato aquoso e hidroalcoólico. Os maiores halos de inibição ocorreram com os extratos alcoólicos de Anacardium occidentale e Schinus terebinthifolius frente à espécie de Staphylococcus aureus. A maior zona de inibição para os ensaios do extrato hidroalcoólico foi de 10 mm para Anacardium occidentale na concentração de 200 mg/ml e de 12 mm para Schinus terebinthifolius na concentração de 200 mg/ml, porém não desconsiderando que Mangifera indica e Spondias purpurea também apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana com os extratos alcoólicos porém com menor intensidade. Conclusão: os produtos vegetais analisados representam um potencial para síntese de moléculas com atividade antibacteriana em processos infecciosos causados por Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomoas aeruginosa, porém carece de estudos mais aprofundados que confirmem a hipótese.
Expert Systems
Authors: Tolun Mehmet R. , Sahin Seda , Oztoprak Kasim
Published: December 2016

Expert systems have emerged around mid‐1970s under the umbrella of Artificial Intelligence and as soon as convincing success was attained, the field was transformed into an established branch of computer science. The potential of expert systems that emulate human knowledge and skill has also encouraged the development of many applications in various areas.Expert systems contain specialized knowledge elicited from a domain expert. Various expert system building tools or shells exist to greatly facilitate and speed up the development of expert systems. Some of the new generation tools also allow an expert system to be delivered over the Internet.This article introduces expert system and knowledge engineering concepts and discusses issues related to expert system design and development in various areas.
Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Martín Ángel , José Cocero María
Published: December 2016

A supercritical fluid is a gas that is pressurized and heated to a compressed fluid state, which is above both the critical pressure and the temperature. In this state, density and subsequently solvent strength and transport properties are highly adjustable by modest changes in temperature and pressure. Complex phase behavior and interactions with materials occurring in this state can be examined experimentally and described by molecular thermodynamics. Carbon dioxide and water are two substances used frequently as supercritical fluids. Carbon dioxide, which may be used independently or in the presence of various cosolvents, is used because of its environmentally benign nature and low cost. Water is used because of its efficiency in destroying hazardous aqueous pollutants and hydrothermal synthesis.Numerous supercritical fluid processes have been commercialized, including coffee and tea decaffeination, supercritical water oxidation, and supercritical fluid chromatography. Process research and development involving supercritical fluids are progressing in many diverse areas, including extraction, membrane filtration, polymerization, particle formation, cleaning and drying, and applications in microelectronic engineering.
Soil Chemistry
Authors: Arai Yuji
Published: December 2016

Soil chemistry, the study of the chemical processes in soils, is affected by soil composition and biological and physicochemical processes. Although traditionally the field of soil chemistry has dealt with soil fertility, modern soil chemistry covers both agronomic and environmental aspect such as soil–water interfacial reactions of nutrients, metalloids, radionuclides, and emerging contaminants. Using advanced instrumentation, soil chemists now can explore a variety of environmental applications at molecular scale. Such understanding further helps manage agronomic production as well as the development of remediation strategies for hazardous chemical constituents in heterogeneous soils.

In this article, fundamentals of soil chemistry, subjects of soil minerals and organic matter, soil solution chemistry, soil acidity, cation exchange, ion adsorption, redox chemistry, and soil sodicity are discussed.
Diels‐Alder Reaction
Authors: Franzen Johan
Published: December 2016

Since its discovery in 1928, the Diels‐Alder reaction has evolved as one of the most important reactions for accessing complex six‐membered ring derivatives due to high functional group tolerance, high regioselectivity, high distereoselective, and the possibility of asymmetric protocols. Moreover, because of its efficiency, diversity, and green chemistry qualities, the Diels‐Alder reaction has found widespread applications both in academia and industry.