bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O olhar responsável e a ética da comunicabilidade na poesia portuguesa pós-modernista
Authors: Frias Joana Matos
Published: July 2015

Reconstituição histórico-crítica dos principais aspectos humanistas e interventivos da poesia e da poética de Ruy Cinatti e dos poetas reunidos em torno dos Cadernos de Poesia. O ensaio pretende identificar e reflectir sobre os processos testemunhais da poesia portuguesa dos anos 40-50 do século XX, a partir da leitura de textos programáticos dos autores mais decisivos da época.

Historical-critical reconstitution of the main aspects humanist and interventional of poetry and the poetic of Ruy Cinatti and others poets gathered around Cadernos de Poesia. The essay intends to identify and reflect about the witness’s process of Portuguese poetry of the decade of 1940-1950 of XX century, from the reading programmatic texts of the most decisive authors of the time.
A utopia da palavra ou a demanda do idiolecto impossível: sobre Servidões, de Herberto Helder
Authors: Soeiro Ricardo Gil
Published: July 2015

O presente artigo visa apresentar uma leitura da obra Servidões (2013), da autoria do poeta português Herberto Helder. Analisa-se o contexto crítico da recepção de Servidões, sublinhando-se a dimensão final e testamentária da obra em apreço, embora se aponte igualmente para o propósito radical da poética herbertiana, a criação de uma língua dentro da língua.

The present article wishes to present a reading of the work Servidões (2013), by the Portuguese poet Herberto Helder. An analysis of the critical context of the reception of Servidões is offered and the emphasis is placed upon the final and testamentary dimension of the work under review, whereas stressing, at the same time, the radical intent of the herbertian poetics, namely the creation of a language within a language.
A stochastic movement simulator improves estimates of landscape connectivity
Authors: Coulon A. , Aben J. , Palmer S. C. F. , Stevens V. M. , Callens T. , Strubbe D. , Lens L. , Matthysen E. , Baguette M. , Travis J. M. J.
Published: July 2015

Conservation actions often focus on restoration or creation of natural areas designed to facilitate the movements of organisms among populations. To be efficient, these actions need to be based on reliable estimates or predictions of landscape connectivity. While circuit theory and least‐cost paths (LCPs) are increasingly being used to estimate connectivity, these methods also have proven limitations. We compared their performance in predicting genetic connectivity with that of an alternative approach based on a simple, individual‐based “stochastic movement simulator” (SMS). SMS predicts dispersal of organisms using the same landscape representation as LCPs and circuit theory‐based estimates (i.e., a cost surface), while relaxing key LCP assumptions, namely individual omniscience of the landscape (by incorporating perceptual range) and the optimality of individual movements (by including stochasticity in simulated movements). The performance of the three estimators was assessed by the degree to which they correlated with genetic estimates of connectivity in two species with contrasting movement abilities (Cabanis's Greenbul, an Afrotropical forest bird species, and natterjack toad, an amphibian restricted to European sandy and heathland areas). For both species, the correlation between dispersal model and genetic data was substantially higher when SMS was used. Importantly, the results also demonstrate that the improvement gained by using SMS is robust both to variation in spatial resolution of the landscape and to uncertainty in the perceptual range model parameter. Integration of this individual‐based approach with other developing methods in the field of connectivity research, such as graph theory, can yield rapid progress towards more robust connectivity indices and more effective recommendations for land management.
Nutrient utilization traits of phytoplankton
Authors: Edwards Kyle F. , Klausmeier Christopher A. , Litchman Elena
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a compilation of nutrient utilization traits of marine and freshwater phytoplankton. The literature was comprehensively searched for culture experiments using nitrate, ammonium, or phosphate as the limiting nutrient. The following traits were extracted: the response of growth to nutrient supply (maximum growth rate under unlimited nutrient supply and the nutrient concentration at which growth is half‐saturated); the response of internal nutrient content to nutrient supply (the minimum subsistence quota at which growth ceases and the maximum nutrient quota under unlimited nutrient supply); and nutrient uptake kinetics for nutrient‐limited cells (maximum uptake rate and the nutrient concentration at which uptake is half‐saturated). The resulting data set includes 1319 measurements on 129 species from 138 publications. Potential uses of these data include studies of community structure and trait evolution, parameterization of ecosystem models, and biofuel development.
The effects of foundation species on community assembly: a global study on alpine cushion plant communities
Authors: Kikvidze Zaal , Brooker Robin W. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Callaway Ragan M. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Cook Bradley J. , Lortie Christopher J. , Michalet Richard , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Xiao Sa , Anthelme Fabien , Björk Robert G. , Cranston Brittany H. , Gavilán Rosario G. , Kanka Róbert , Lingua Emanuele , Maalouf Jean-Paul , Noroozi Jalil , Parajuli Rabindra , Phoenix Gareth K. , Reid Anya , Ridenour Wendy M. , Rixen Christian , Schöb Christian
Published: July 2015

Foundation species can change plant community structure by modulating important ecological processes such as community assembly, yet this topic is poorly understood. In alpine systems, cushion plants commonly act as foundation species by ameliorating local conditions. Here, we analyze diversity patterns of species' assembly within cushions and in adjacent surrounding open substrates (83 sites across five continents) calculating floristic dissimilarity between replicate plots, and using linear models to analyze relationships between microhabitats and species diversity. Floristic dissimilarity did not change across biogeographic regions, but was consistently lower in the cushions than in the open microhabitat. Cushion plants appear to enable recruitment of many relatively stress‐intolerant species that otherwise would not establish in these communities, yet the niche space constructed by cushion plants supports a more homogeneous composition of species than the niche space beyond the cushion's influence. As a result, cushion plants support higher α‐diversity and a larger species pool, but harbor assemblies with lower β‐diversity than open microhabitats. We conclude that habitats with and without dominant foundation species can strongly differ in the processes that drive species recruitment, and thus the relationship between local and regional species diversity.
Geospatial observations on tropical forest surface soil chemistry
Authors: Wolf Jeffrey A. , Hubbell Stephen P. , Fricker Geoffrey A. , Turner Benjamin L.
Published: July 2015

At plot scales (<1 km2) used to study tropical forest plant communities the causes of spatial heterogeneity of soils are disputed. We collected, georeferenced, and chemically analyzed a large spatial sample of soil cores (n = 625 sites, 6.25 cm diameter × 10 cm depth cores) on an approximately 28 m regular grid from the Barro Colorado Island (BCI) 50‐ha (0.5 km2) forest dynamics plot (FDP), Republic of Panama (9.15° N, 79.8° W). Here we present these data for general use. We also present differential GPS measurements of the plot corners for the BCI 50‐ha FDP, which aid in geospatial research in one of the most studied tropical forests. Further, we present a free open source command line software program written in Python that allows point data referenced to the plot coordinate system to be converted to a projected coordinate reference system for geospatial research. Together, the data sets allow for testing the drivers of soil heterogeneity in a tropical tree community using a wide variety of geospatial data sources.
The Tao of open science for ecology
Authors: Hampton Stephanie E. , Anderson Sean S. , Bagby Sarah C. , Gries Corinna , Han Xueying , Hart Edmund M. , Jones Matthew B. , Lenhardt W. Christopher , MacDonald Andrew , Michener William K. , Mudge Joe , Pourmokhtarian Afshin , Schildhauer Mark P. , Woo Kara H. , Zimmerman Naupaka
Published: July 2015

The field of ecology is poised to take advantage of emerging technologies that facilitate the gathering, analyzing, and sharing of data, methods, and results. The concept of transparency at all stages of the research process, coupled with free and open access to data, code, and papers, constitutes “open science.” Despite the many benefits of an open approach to science, a number of barriers to entry exist that may prevent researchers from embracing openness in their own work. Here we describe several key shifts in mindset that underpin the transition to more open science. These shifts in mindset include thinking about data stewardship rather than data ownership, embracing transparency throughout the data life‐cycle and project duration, and accepting critique in public. Though foreign and perhaps frightening at first, these changes in thinking stand to benefit the field of ecology by fostering collegiality and broadening access to data and findings. We present an overview of tools and best practices that can enable these shifts in mindset at each stage of the research process, including tools to support data management planning and reproducible analyses, strategies for soliciting constructive feedback throughout the research process, and methods of broadening access to final research products.
The use of farmers' knowledge in coffee agroforestry management: implications for the conservation of tree biodiversity
Authors: Valencia Vivian , West Paige , Sterling Eleanor J. , García-Barrios Luis , Naeem Shahid
Published: July 2015

In agroforestry systems, the survival of shade trees is often the result of farmers' deliberate selection. Therefore, how communities generate knowledge and apply it to resource management practices influence the potential for biodiversity conservation of agroforestry systems. In this study, we investigated the use of knowledge by farmers to manage coffee (Coffea arabica) agroforests and the consequences for the conservation of tree biodiversity and composition of surrounding forests. We interviewed 50 coffee farmers to investigate their shade tree preferences and sources of knowledge of the properties of shade trees and coffee management practices; we also conducted tree inventories in 31 coffee farms and 10 forest sites in La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico. Our results showed that farmers are modifying agroforests according to their knowledge and tree preferences, and that the resulting agroforest is lower in tree diversity and dominated by pioneer and farmers' preferred tree species as compared to forests. The principal sources of knowledge of management practices are external sources, such as governmental and non‐governmental organizations, whereas the primary source of tree specific knowledge is empirical knowledge. We found that the higher proportion of pioneer trees relative to forest is mostly explained by farmers' tree selection decisions (63%) rather than as a byproduct of management practices (37%) that disturb the soil and open the canopy, altering light penetration and microclimate conditions. Based on interviews and tree inventories, we found that farmers gradually replace canopy trees of neutral and disliked species by preferred species, in particular Inga spp. We found that external sources continue to promote the idea that Inga spp. trees bring significant benefits to coffee production in spite of a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim. This indicates that farmers are receptive to incorporate outside knowledge into their knowledge systems and adapt their resource management practices accordingly. Our findings highlight the importance of disseminating sound and clear scientific information to practitioners who work directly with farming communities to ensure that accurate and up‐to‐date information is being contributed to local knowledge systems.
Executive Summary of Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care
Authors: Buckley Sarah J.
Published: July 2015

This report synthesizes evidence about innate hormonally mediated physiologic processes in women and fetuses/newborns during childbearing, and possible impacts of common maternity care practices and interventions on these processes, focusing on four hormone systems that are consequential for childbearing. Core hormonal physiology principles reveal profound interconnections between mothers and babies, among hormone systems, and from pregnancy through to the postpartum and newborn periods. Overall, consistent and coherent evidence from physiologic understandings and human and animal studies finds that the innate hormonal physiology of childbearing has significant benefits for mothers and babies. Such hormonally-mediated benefits may extend into the future through optimization of breastfeeding and maternal-infant attachment. A growing body of research finds that common maternity care interventions may disturb hormonal processes, reduce their benefits, and create new challenges. Developmental and epigenetic effects are biologically plausible but poorly studied. The perspective of hormonal physiology adds new considerations for benefit-harm assessments in maternity care, and suggests new research priorities, including consistently measuring crucial hormonally mediated outcomes that are frequently overlooked. Current understanding suggests that safely avoiding unneeded maternity care interventions would be wise, as supported by the Precautionary Principle. Promoting, supporting, and protecting physiologic childbearing, as far as safely possible in each situation, is a low-technology health and wellness approach to the care of childbearing women and their fetuses/newborns that is applicable in almost all maternity care settings.
A Childbirth Educator’s Commentary on Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care
Authors: Amis Debby
Published: July 2015

Sarah Buckley’s game-changing report, Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing: Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care, provides the evidence that supporting, promoting, and protecting the normal physiology of childbirth produces the best outcomes for mothers and babies. In this article, a childbirth educator recommends key points from Buckley’s report that should be included in Lamaze childbirth education classes.
Dysregulated Breastfeeding Behaviors in Children Later Diagnosed With Autism
Authors: Lucas Ruth Fitts , Cutler Ann
Published: July 2015

Newborn breastfeeding behaviors have not been characterized in children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a qualitative interview, 16 mothers (28–56 years) of children with ASD described their 19 full-term infants’ (38–42 weeks’ gestational age) breastfeeding behaviors. Nine mothers described their infants as demonstrating a dysregulated breastfeeding pattern of sucking without stopping of their own volition. The infants’ latch, weight gain, and other behaviors were recalled as not problematic. This feature of dysregulated feeding pattern in infancy has not been reported previously for children with ASD. If supported by future research, the pattern of a dysregulated feeding pattern in newborns could be evaluated by clinicians in the general pediatric population and/or at-risk infant siblings of children with ASD.
Australian Fathers’ Study: What Influences Paternal Engagement With Antenatal Care?
Authors: Jeffery Timothy , Luo Ki-Yung , Kueh Brandon , Petersen Rodney W. , Quinlivan Julie A.
Published: July 2015

This mixed-methods study explores factors associated with and levels of engagement of fathers in antenatal care. One hundred expectant fathers were recruited from antenatal clinics and community settings in Western Australia. They completed validated questionnaires. Eighty-three percent of expectant fathers reported a lack of engagement with antenatal care. Factors significantly associated with lack of engagement in multivariate analysis were working more than 40 hours a week and lack of adequate consultation by antenatal care staff. In qualitative analysis, 6 themes emerged in association with a lack of engagement. They were role in decision making, time pressures, the observer effect, lack of knowledge, barriers to attendance, and feeling unprepared or anxious. Care providers should involve fathers in consultations to improve paternal engagement.
Exenatide and Sitagliptin Decrease Interleukin 1β, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, and Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 Gene Expression But Does Not Reduce Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats With Periodontitis
Authors: Moraes Renata M. , Lima Gabriela M. G. , Oliveira Felipe E. , Brito Ana Carolina V. , Pereira Rodrigo C. , Oliveira Luciane D. , Barros Patrícia P. , Franco Gilson C. N. , Anbinder Ana Lia
Published: July 2015

Background: New drugs for the treatment of diabetes, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists and inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) have shown pleiotropic effects on bone metabolism and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of exenatide (GLP‐1 agonist) and sitagliptin (DPP‐4 inhibitor) during periodontitis induction by ligature insertion in rats.

Methods: Forty rats were divided into four groups: 1) animals with induced periodontitis that received exenatide (EG); 2) animals with induced periodontitis that received sitagliptin (SG); 3) animals with induced periodontitis and without drug treatment (LG); and 4) animals without induced periodontitis and without drug treatment (controls). The drugs were administered for 28 days. On the day the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for analysis of glucose and DPP‐4 levels. The gene expressions of prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, Dpp4, nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), interleukin 1β (Il1b), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) in the gingiva; support and alveolar bone loss; connective tissue attachment; and the quantity of gingival collagen were evaluated.

Results: Exenatide and sitagliptin treatments have led to a lower percentage of weight gain but did not influence glycemia. Sitagliptin reduced the serum concentration of DPP‐4. Interestingly, although the gene expression profile has revealed a downregulation of Mmp9, Nos2, and Il1b in both EG and SG compared to LG, a significant protective effect was not observed on alveolar bone and collagen tissue in this model.

Conclusion: Regardless of the reduction of the expression of Il1b, Nos2, and Mmp9, the drugs were not effective in the stabilization or reduction of alveolar bone loss and collagen degradation in rats.
Complications Associated with FAST-FIX All-Inside Meniscal Repair
Authors: Rauck Ryan C. , Jain Sameer , Flanigan David C.
Published: July 2015

Case:

We describe the cases of two patients with a previously unreported complication associated with the all-inside FAST-FIX meniscal repair system. In both cases, anchors came loose postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Surgeons need to be aware of this potential complication in the event that a patient presents with pain and mechanical symptoms after meniscal repair.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Nitrogen Accumulation, Translocation, and Use Efficiency in Dryland Oilseed Flax
Authors: Xie Yaping , Gan Yantai , Li Yang , Niu Junyi , Gao Yuhong , An Huihui , Li Airong
Published: July 2015

Oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) yields are primarily fertilizer‐limited, especially by N supply in the semiarid regions of North China. This study was conducted to determine whether N accumulation, translocation and N use efficiency (NUE) could be manipulated through N. The effects of N on N translocation, oilseed flax yield, oil content and NUE were studied at Zhangjiakou, China. Plants were grown at 0, 45, 90, and 135 kg N ha−1 (designated as the control, low N, moderate N, and high N, respectively), in 2011 and 2012. We found that N accumulation in leaves and capsule pericarps reached the maximum at anthesis and kernel developmental stage, respectively, then decreased rapidly before maturity. Averaged over 2 yr, N translocation from leaves to the seeds increased by 43, 150, and 150% under low N, moderate N, and high N, respectively, compared to the control; similarly, N translocation in capsule pericarps increased by 43, 243, and 190%, respectively. We discovered that leaves contributed the largest proportion of the seed N (averaging 80% in both years), and secondarily by the capsule pericarp N, which contributed 12% (in 2011) and 9% (in 2012) of the seed N. The highest seed yields were 2270 kg ha−1 (in 2011) and 1903 kg ha−1 (in 2012) which were obtained with the moderate N. Oil content was not affected by N. Nitrogen use efficiency decreased with progressively higher rates of N. The results suggest the moderate‐N supply was adequate for promoting N translocation, and increasing N harvest index, NUE, and the productivity of oilseed flax.
A New Method for In Situ Measurements of Oxygen Isotopologues of Soil Water and Carbon Dioxide with High Time Resolution
Authors: Gangi Laura , Rothfuss Youri , Ogée Jerôme , Wingate Lisa , Vereecken Harry , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: July 2015

The oxygen isotope composition of atmospheric CO2 (δ18Oac) can be used to disentangle ecosystem component CO2 fluxes, such as soil respiration and plant assimilation, because the δ18O composition of different water pools is transferred to CO2 during isotopic equilibration. The oxygen isotope exchange between CO2 and water in soils has been widely studied with theoretical models, but experimental data are scarce, albeit indispensable to characterization of the role of soils in determining δ18Oac. Here, we present a new methodology to monitor the δ18O of soil CO2 (δ18Osc) and of soil water (δ18Osw) in situ at varying soil water content. Infrared laser spectroscopy was combined with gas‐permeable polypropylene (PP) tubing installed at different depths in a sand column. The permeable tubing did not lead to any isotopic fractionation and was suitable for combined δ18Osc and δ18Osw measurements. Soil water became gradually 18O enriched from the top of the sand over several days. Measured and δ18Osc simulated with the model MuSICA indicated incomplete CO2–H2O isotopic equilibrium. Irrigation of the sand column with tapwater resulted in a temporary reset of δ18Osw along the soil column, while δ18Osc was only influenced when the enzyme carbonic anhydrase was added to the irrigation water. Our study demonstrates that δ18Osc and δ18Osw can now be monitored in situ and online with high time resolution with minimum disturbance. With this new tool at hand, research into the oxygen isotope exchange between soil water and CO2 in natural soils has the potential to advance to a new stage and help to constrain the atmospheric CO2 budget.
Public engagement in integrated urban water management in Saudi Arabia: teachers' perceptions in relation to water awareness
Authors: Alsaluli Abdullah , Ahmed Abdullahi , Davies John
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an overview of interpretative analysis of a survey to evaluate the potential for public engagement/ positive public participation in integrated urban water management (IUWM) in Saudi Arabia. The research targeted different stakeholders to investigate the current practices and visions, in order to determine the extent to which IUWM could be enhanced by positive stakeholder participation and public awareness. The paper concentrates on teachers'/schools' perspectives; even though the wider study investigates the views of a number of key public stakeholder groups within Saudi society, all of the selected stakeholder groups have a public interface within the selected section of society. Data collection was through in-person administering of hardcopy questionnaires in Riyadh, Jeddah and Albaha, collecting responses from a wide range of stakeholder groups, including teachers, policy makers, water professionals and managers, environmental managers, technical practitioners and engineers, industrial managers, lecturers and researchers, and from the general public. This paper presents initial findings of questionnaire responses of teachers in 60 schools (one teacher for each school), relating to teachers' perception of students' awareness level of water issues and the potential role of schools in raising levels of awareness and engagement.
Effectiveness of priority PAH removal in a water coagulation process
Authors: Nowacka Anna , Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria
Published: July 2015

The paper presents results of research on the removal of priority hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) from water in the coagulation and sedimentation process. Coagulants chosen for the analysis were aluminum(VI)sulfate and two pre-hydrolyzed coagulants – FLOKOR 1.2A and FLOKOR 1ASW/B. Water samples subjected to coagulation were collected from selected water treatment plants following the pre-ozonation process. Tested coagulants were dosed at optimal doses (1.2; and 1.8 mg Al3+/L). The process was carried out at optimum parameters: rapid mixing – 3 min at the rotational speed of 200 rpm; slow mixing – 10 min at 30 rpm; sedimentation – 60 min. Summary concentration of six priority hazardous PAHs in water after pre-ozonation amounted to 12.6 ng/L; after volumetric coagulation using selected coagulants it was in the range 6.8–8.3 ng/L. The highest efficiency in the removal of priority hazardous aromatic hydrocarbons was obtained after application of the preparation FLOKOR 1 ASW/B. Decrease in the summary concentration amounted to 46.4%. For the removal of individual priority PAHs, FLOKOR 1ASW/B was also more effective using lower coagulant dose than was aluminum(VI)sulfate (decrease in the range 23.6%–56.1%).
Greenhouse based desalination for brackish water management using bittern evaporative cooling technique
Authors: Nour Mohamed H. , Ghanem Ashraf , Buchholz Martin , Nassar Ahmed
Published: July 2015

The Arab region is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions with very limited renewable water resources. Most of the surface water comes from transboundary streams and most of the groundwater resources are fossil in nature. Water quality degradation and excessive use of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture pose severe environmental and health risks. The underlying research is a joint effort between Cairo University and the Technical University of Berlin to develop technologies and strategies for sustainable pesticide-free agriculture using saline or brackish water. This project builds on a previously implemented project in Spain by the German research partner that introduced the concept of Watergy, which presents an integrated desalination horticulture solar greenhouse. In this current research, the Watergy greenhouse is further developed to meet more arid climate requirements, reduce construction costs, and increase resource utilization efficiency. Several lab-scale experiments and a 100 m2 prototype were built in Egypt to optimize the process and answer research questions. Lessons learned from this project provided guidelines on the development of the most efficient approach of desalination and water management in the system, devised a cost-effective and efficient heat exchanger using low-cost local material, and established the feasibility of the system in the arid climate together with prospects for wider applications. The proposed greenhouse was estimated to be able to save in irrigation water 40% for cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and 50% for bell peppers. Maximum crop yield can be achieved at extended upper salinity levels using the proposed greenhouse as follows: from 1,000 to 1,700 mg/L for cherry tomatoes; from 960 to 2,000 mg/L for bell peppers; and from 1,600 to 2,700 mg/L for cucumbers.
Application of a GIS-based DRASTIC model and groundwater quality index method for evaluation of groundwater vulnerability: a case study, Sefid-Dasht
Authors: Khodabakhshi Nastaran , Asadollahfardi Gholamreza , Heidarzadeh Nima
Published: July 2015

Pollution control and removal of pollutants from groundwater are a challenging and expensive task. The aims of this paper are to determine the aquifer vulnerability of Sefid-Dasht, in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran, using the DRASTIC model. In addition, the groundwater quality index (GQI) technique was applied to assess the groundwater quality and study the spatial variability of major ion concentrations using a geographic information system (GIS). The vulnerability index ranged from 65 to 132, classified into two classes: low and moderate vulnerability. In the southern part of the aquifer, the vulnerability was moderate. Furthermore, the results indicate that the magnitude of the GQI index varies from 92% to 95%. This means the water has a suitable quality. However, from the north to the south and southwest of the aquifer, the water quality has been deteriorating, and the highest concentration of major ions was found in the southwest of the Sefid-Dasht aquifer. A comparison of the vulnerability maps with the GQI index map indicated a poor relation between them. In the DRASTIC method, movement of groundwater is not considered and may be the reason for such inconsistency. However, the movement of groundwater can transport contaminants.
A study of multi-objective dynamic water resources allocation modeling of Huai River
Authors: Peng Jing , Yuan Ximin , Qi Lan , Li Qiliang
Published: July 2015

Water resources supply and demand has become a serious problem. Water resources allocation is usually a multi-objective problem, and has been of concern for many researchers. In the north of China, the lack of water resources in the Huai River Basin has handicapped the development of the economy, especially badly in the low-flow period. So it is necessary to study water resources allocation in this area. In this paper, a multi-objective dynamic water resources allocation model has been developed. The developed model took the overall satisfaction of water users in a time interval as the objective function, applied an improved simplex method to solve the calculation, considered the overall users' satisfaction variation with time, and followed the principle that the variation of the system satisfaction within adjacent periods of time must be minimal. The established model was then applied to the Huai River, for the present situation (2010), short-term (2020) and long-term (2030) planning timeframes. From the calculation results, the overall satisfaction in late May and mid September in 2030 was 0.65 and 0.70. After using the model allocation optimization, the overall satisfaction was improved, increasing to 0.78 and 0.79, respectively, thus achieving the dynamic balance optimization of water resources allocation in time and space. This model can provide useful decision support in water resources allocation, when it is used to alleviate water shortages occurring in the low-flow period.
Efficacy of vacuum ultraviolet photolysis for bromate and chlorate removal
Authors: Kishimoto Naoyuki , Yamamoto Yumeko , Nishimura Syou
Published: July 2015

We introduce vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis at 172 nm as a more efficient process for bromate and chlorate removal than conventional ultraviolet (UV) photolysis at 254 nm. We discuss the effects of pH and coexisting salts on VUV photolysis. In experiments at various pH levels, the VUV photolysis performance decreased in the alkaline region for pH above 7. Furthermore, nitrate and inorganic carbon compromised the performance, probably owing to the generation of active oxidant species (such as hydroxyl radicals and carbonate radicals) during the photolysis. However, photochemical experiments conducted in pure water revealed that VUV photolysis is 4.1-fold more energy efficient than UV photolysis using a low-pressure mercury lamp. Although the performance of VUV photolysis in tap water was about 40% less efficient than that in pure water, mainly owing to the presence of bicarbonate ions, the performance was still higher than that of UV photolysis in pure water. However, VUV photolysis may not be feasible in tap water with a high concentration of nitrate ions, because nitrate produces a stronger inhibition effect than other salts.
Study of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+adsorption onto activated carbons prepared from glycyrrhiza residue by KOH or H3PO4 activation
Authors: Ma Chunfang , Fan Wei , Zhang Jinbao , Shi Yang , Feng Ningchuan
Published: July 2015

The activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from glycyrrhiza residue by KOH or H3PO4 activation and were used for removing Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ from simulated wastewater. The changes of the physical structure and chemical properties of the glycyrrhiza residue before and after activation were characterized by using a variety of analytical instruments and methods. Kinetics and equilibrium isotherms were obtained and the effects of solution pH value and adsorbent dosage were studied in batch experiments. The results indicated that after activation, the surface structure of glycyrrhiza residue changes and surface area, micropore volume also increase accordingly. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order reaction. The Freundlich model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Langmuir isotherm. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum adsorption capacities of ACs prepared from glycyrrhiza residue by KOH and H3PO4 activation for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ are 2.170 mmol/g, 2.617 mmol/g, 3.741 mmol/g and 2.654 mmol/g, 3.095 mmol/g, 3.076 mmol/g, respectively, which are much higher than ACs prepared from other raw materials.
Occurrence and efficacy of bisphenol A (BPA) treatment in selected municipal wastewater treatment plants, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Pookpoosa Intira , Jindal Ranjna , Morknoy Daisy , Tantrakarnapa Kraichat
Published: July 2015

Investigations were carried out on the occurrence and fate of bisphenol A (BPA) in five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Bangkok, namely, Rattanakosin, Chong Non Si, Din Daeng (DD), Nong Khaem and Thungkru (TK) during three sampling events between October 2013 and February 2014. Based on the results, the influent and effluent BPA concentrations ranged between 128.5 ng/L and 606.0 ng/L; and 38.7 ng/L and 270.5 ng/L, respectively. The effluent BPA concentrations of most of the five WWTPs were lower than the influent levels. TK had the highest removal efficiency in October 2013 (80.4%) and December 2013 (90.7%) and the second highest in February 2014 (69.2%). DD had the highest removal efficiency in February 2014 (91.8%). The treatment processes employed at TK and DD were vertical loop reactor activated sludge process and activated sludge with nutrients removal, respectively. Thus, these processes seem to be good for BPA degradation.
The use of simulated rainfall to study the discharge process and the influence factors of urban surface runoff pollution loads
Authors: Qinqin Li , Qiao Chen , Jiancai Deng , Weiping Hu
Published: July 2015

An understanding of the characteristics of pollutants on impervious surfaces is essential to estimate pollution loads and to design methods to minimize the impacts of pollutants on the environment. In this study, simulated rainfall equipment was constructed to investigate the pollutant discharge process and the influence factors of urban surface runoff (USR). The results indicated that concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) appeared to be higher in the early period and then decreased gradually with rainfall duration until finally stabilized. The capacity and particle size of surface dust, rainfall intensity and urban surface slopes affected runoff pollution loads to a variable extent. The loads of TP, TN and COD showed a positive relationship with the surface dust capacity, whereas the maximum TSS load appeared when the surface dust was 0.0317 g·cm−2. Smaller particle sizes (<0.125 mm) of surface dust generated high TN, TP and COD loads. Increases in rainfall intensity and surface slope enhanced the pollution carrying capacity of runoff, leading to higher pollution loads. Knowledge of the influence factors could assist in the management of USR pollution loads.
The signless Laplacian spectral radius of bounded degree graphs on surfaces
Authors: Yu Guihai , Feng Lihua , Ilic Aleksandar , Stevanovic Dragan
Published: July 2015

Let G be an n-vertex (n ? 3) simple graph embeddable on a surface of Euler
genus (the number of crosscaps plus twice the number of handles). In this
paper, we present upper bounds for the signless Laplacian spectral radius of
planar graphs, outerplanar graphs and Halin graphs, respectively, in terms of
order and maximum degree. We also demonstrate that our bounds are sometimes
better than known ones. For outerplanar graphs without internal triangles, we
determine the extremal graphs with the maximum and minimum signless Laplacian
spectral radii.
Antecedents and Consequences of Early Adoption of Emergent Technologies: The IT Revolution
Authors: Reinking Jeffery , Arnold Vicky , Sutton Steve G.
Published: July 2015

Researchers have lamented the lack of productivity gains during the third technological revolution. Initially, these concerns centered on the productivity paradox—the failure of emerging technology implementations to lead to productivity gains. More recently, researchers have suggested that our impatience has fueled such concerns; perhaps a protracted productivity paradox naturally occurs with significant technological revolutions and delays productivity gains for decades. This study focuses on theorizations of a protracted productivity paradox and investigates the antecedents and consequences of early adoption of emerging technology in the third technological revolution. The exploration considers whether characteristics of the third technological revolution follow a pattern consistent with the protracted productivity paradox set forth in the Model of Technology Diffusion in light of arguments that cycle time in the third technological revolution will be shorter given the rapid evolution of technology as reflected in Moore's law—microprocessor capability doubles every 24 months. The results do not support the shortened cycle expected, as firms that adopt technology early do not exhibit productivity gains in either the short term or long term despite experiencing performance gains throughout. However, results do support the theorized nature of early adopters in that both organizational slack and available slack are strong antecedents to a firm's early adoption of technology, and that early adoption leads to increased performance in both the short and long term.
Uncomplicating the Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes: The 2014 Edwin Bierman Award Lecture
Authors: Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: July 2015

The risk of cardiovascular events in humans increases in the presence of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, in large part due to exacerbated atherosclerosis. Genetically engineered mouse models have begun to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for diabetes-exacerbated atherosclerosis. Research on these mouse models has revealed that diabetes independently accelerates initiation and progression of lesions of atherosclerosis and also impairs the regression of lesions following aggressive lipid lowering. Myeloid cell activation in combination with proatherogenic changes allowing for increased monocyte recruitment into arteries of diabetic mice has emerged as an important mediator of the effects of diabetes on the three stages of atherosclerosis. The effects of diabetes on atherosclerosis appear to be dependent on an interplay between glucose and lipids, as well as other factors, and result in increased recruitment of monocytes into both progressing and regressing lesions of atherosclerosis. Importantly, some of the mechanisms revealed by mouse models are now being studied in human subjects. This Perspective highlights new mechanistic findings based on mouse models of diabetes-exacerbated atherosclerosis and discusses the relevance to humans and areas in which more research is urgently needed in order to lessen the burden of macrovascular complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Glycemic Variability and Diabetes Complications: Does It Matter? Simply Put, There Are Better Glycemic Markers!
Authors: Bergenstal Richard M.
Published: July 2015

There is no argument that improving mean levels of glycemic control as judged by assays for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduces the risks of microvascular complications and cardiovascular disease events in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, observations in some trials have suggested that targeting HbA1c to suggested targets may not always result in improved outcomes for people with long-standing type 2 diabetes. The reasons why the glycemic control strategies that primarily use HbA1c in these studies did not have predicted outcomes are not clear. Thus, controversy remains as to whether there are glycemic metrics beyond HbA1c that can be defined as effective measures that can be used in addition to HbA1c to help in assessing the risk of an individual developing diabetes complications. In this regard, the concept of “glycemic variability” (GV) is one metric that has attracted a lot of attention. GV can be simply defined as the degree to which a patient’s blood glucose level fluctuates between high (peaks) and low (nadir) levels. The best and most precise way to assess GV is also one that is still debated. Thus, while there is universal agreement that HbA1c is the current gold standard for the primary clinical target, there is no consensus as to whether other proposed glycemic metrics hold promise to provide additional clinical data or whether there should be additional targets beyond HbA1c. Therefore, given the current controversy, we provide a Point-Counterpoint debate on this issue. In the preceding point narrative, Dr. Hirsch provides his argument that fluctuations in blood glucose as assessed by GV metrics are deleterious and control of GV should be a primary treatment target. In the counterpoint narrative below, Dr. Bergenstal argues that there are better markers to assess the risk of diabetes than GV and provides his consideration of other concepts.

—William T. Cefalu

Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care
Minimizing Hypoglycemia in Diabetes
Authors:   International Hypoglycaemia Study Group
Published: July 2015

Hypoglycemia caused by treatment with a sulfonylurea, a glinide, or insulin coupled with compromised defenses against the resulting falling plasma glucose concentrations is a problem for many people with diabetes. It is often recurrent, causes significant morbidity and occasional mortality, limits maintenance of euglycemia, and impairs physiological and behavioral defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia. Minimizing hypoglycemia includes acknowledging the problem; considering each risk factor; and applying the principles of intensive glycemic therapy, including drug selection and selective application of diabetes treatment technologies. For diabetes health-care providers treating most people with diabetes who are at risk for or are suffering from iatrogenic hypoglycemia, these principles include selecting appropriate individualized glycemic goals and providing structured patient education to reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia. This is typically combined with short-term scrupulous avoidance of hypoglycemia, which often will reverse impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. Clearly, the risk of hypoglycemia is modifiable.
Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pathways for Programming in Mouse, Monkey, and Man—Where Do We Go Next? The 2014 Norbert Freinkel Award Lecture
Authors: Friedman Jacob E.
Published: July 2015

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus continue to increase worldwide and span the spectrum of age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Alarmingly, 1 in 10 infants and toddlers is obese, and 1 in 5 youths is both obese and at risk for metabolic syndrome prior to puberty. The mechanisms underlying how poor maternal health imparts risk for future metabolic disease in the offspring are beginning to emerge in deeply phenotyped human and nonhuman primate models. Maternal diet and obesity impact fuels, hormones, and inflammation with powerful effects on fetal metabolic systems. These are accompanied by persistent changes in the infant microbiome and epigenome and in offspring behavior. These results suggest that gestational and lactational dietary exposures are driving health risks in the next generation. Whether maternal diet can prevent changes in the womb to alter infant life-course disease risk is still unknown. Controlled, mechanistic studies to identify interventions are sorely needed for a healthier next generation.
Testing for Rewards: A Pilot Study to Improve Type 1 Diabetes Management in Adolescents
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Cengiz Eda , Wagner Julie A. , Weyman Kate , Tichy Eileen , Tamborlane William V.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of monetary reinforcement to increase the frequency of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Ten adolescents with poorly controlled diabetes enrolled in a 12-week program in which they earned monetary reinforcers based on SMBG frequency ($0.10 per test, with bonuses for ≥4 tests per day, and $251.40 maximum).

RESULTS

SMBG increased from 1.8 ± 1.0 to 4.9 ± 1.0 tests per day (P < 0.001) with 90% completing four or more tests per day. Mean A1C fell from 9.3 ± 0.9% to 8.4 ± 1.5% (P = 0.05). Adolescents and parents reported high satisfaction with procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Reinforcing adolescents for SMBG may increase testing and improve A1C.
Advances in the Science, Treatment, and Prevention of the Disease of Obesity: Reflections From a Diabetes Care Editors’ Expert Forum
Authors: Cefalu William T. , Bray George A. , Home Philip D. , Garvey W. Timothy , Klein Samuel , Pi-Sunyer F. Xavier , Hu Frank B. , Raz Itamar , Van Gaal Luc , Wolfe Bruce M. , Ryan Donna H.
Published: July 2015

As obesity rates increase, so too do the risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and numerous other detrimental conditions. The prevalence of obesity in U.S. adults more than doubled between 1980 and 2010, from 15.0 to 36.1%. Although this trend may be leveling off, obesity and its individual, societal, and economic costs remain of grave concern. In June 2014, a Diabetes Care Editors’ Expert Forum convened to review the state of obesity research and discuss the latest prevention initiatives and behavioral, medical, and surgical therapies. This article, an outgrowth of the forum, offers an expansive view of the obesity epidemic, beginning with a discussion of its root causes. Recent insights into the genetic and physiological factors that influence body weight are reviewed, as are the pathophysiology of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and the concept of metabolically healthy obesity. The authors address the crucial question of how much weight loss is necessary to yield meaningful benefits. They describe the challenges of behavioral modification and predictors of its success. The effects of diabetes pharmacotherapies on body weight are reviewed, including potential weight-neutral combination therapies. The authors also summarize the evidence for safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic and surgical obesity treatments. The article concludes with an impassioned call for researchers, clinicians, governmental agencies, health policymakers, and health-related industries to collectively embrace the urgent mandate to improve prevention and treatment and for society at large to acknowledge and manage obesity as a serious disease.