bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel brain tumour model in zebrafish reveals the role of YAP activation in MAPK/PI3K induced malignant growth
Authors: Mayrhofer Marie , Gourain Victor , Reischl Markus , Affaticati Pierre , Jenett Arnim , Joly Jean-Stephane , Benelli Matteo , Demichelis Francesca , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Sieger Dirk , Mione Marina
Published: November 2016

Somatic mutations activating MAPK/PI3K signalling play a pivotal role in both tumours and brain developmental disorders. We developed a zebrafish model of brain tumour based on somatic expression of oncogenes that activate MAPK/PI3K signalling in neural progenitor cells. HRASV12 was the most effective in inducing both heterotopia and invasive tumours. Tumours, but not heterotopias, require persistent activation of phospho‑(p)ERK and express a gene signature similar to the mesenchymal glioblastoma subtype, with a strong YAP component. Application of a 8-gene signature to human brain tumours establishes that YAP activation distinguishes between mesenchymal glioblastoma and low grade glioma in a wide TCGA sample set including gliomas and glioblastomas (GBMs). This suggests that the activation of YAP may be an important event in brain tumour development, promoting malignant versus benign brain lesions. Indeed, co-expression of dominant active YAP (YAPS5A) and HRASV12 abolishes the development of heterotopias and leads to the sole development of aggressive tumours. Thus, we have developed a model proving that neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumours may originate from the same somatic mutations activating oncogenes and established that YAP activation is a hallmark of malignant brain tumours.
Drosophila WASH is required for integrin-mediated cell adhesion, cell motility and lysosomal neutralization
Authors: Nagel Benedikt M. , Bechtold Meike , Rodriguez Luis Garcia , Bogdan Sven
Published: November 2016

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog (WASH; also known as Washout in flies) is a conserved actin-nucleation-promoting factor controlling Arp2/3 complex activity in endosomal sorting and recycling. Previous studies have identified WASH as an essential regulator in Drosophila development. Here, we show that homozygous wash mutant flies are viable and fertile. We demonstrate that Drosophila WASH has conserved functions in integrin receptor recycling and lysosome neutralization. WASH generates actin patches on endosomes and lysosomes, thereby mediating both aforementioned functions. Consistently, loss of WASH function results in cell spreading and cell migration defects of macrophages, and an increased lysosomal acidification that affects efficient phagocytic and autophagic clearance. WASH physically interacts with the vacuolar (V)-ATPase subunit Vha55 that is crucial to establish and maintain lysosome acidification. As a consequence, starved flies that lack WASH function show a dramatic increase in acidic autolysosomes, causing a reduced lifespan. Thus, our data highlight a conserved role for WASH in the endocytic sorting and recycling of membrane proteins, such as integrins and the V-ATPase, that increase the likelihood of survival under nutrient deprivation.
Blood clotting behavior is innately modulated in Ursus Americanus during early and late denning relative to summer months
Authors: Iles Tinen L. , Laske Timothy G. , Garshelis David L. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: November 2016

Remarkably, American black bears (Ursus Americanus) are capable of varying their heart rates to coincide with their breathing, creating pauses of 30 seconds or more, yet they do not appear to suffer from embolic events. We evaluated some features of the clotting cascade of black bears, providing novel insights on the underlying mechanisms they evoke for embolic protection during hibernation.

We measured activated clotting times, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times during early-denning (December), late-denning (March), and summer (August). Activated clotting times during early hibernation were ∼3 times longer than those observed among non-hibernating animals. Clotting times declined later in hibernation, when bears were within ∼1 month of emerging from dens. Prothrombin times were similar for each seasonal time point, whereas activated partial thromboplastin times were highest during early-denning and decreased during late-denning and summer. We also examined D-dimer concentrations to assess whether the bears were likely to have experienced embolic events. None of the non-parturient bears exceeded a D-dimer concentration of 250 ng/mL (considered the clinical threshold for embolism in mammals).

Our findings suggest there is unique expression of the clotting cascade in American black bears during hibernation, in which extrinsic pathways are maintained but intrinsic pathways are suppressed. This was evaluated by a significant difference between the activated clotting times and activated partial thromboplastin times during the denning and non-denning periods. These changes are likely adaptive, to avoid clotting events during states of immobilization and/or periods of asystole. Yet, an intact extrinsic pathway allows for healing of external injuries and/or foreign body responses.
Pigeons use distinct stop phases to control pecking
Authors: Theunissen Leslie M. , Reid Thomas , Troje Nikolaus F.
Published: November 2016

Pecking at small targets requires accurate spatial coordination of the head. Goodale (1983a) suggested that planning of the peck happens during two distinct stop phases, but although this idea has now been around for a long time, the specific functional roles of these stop phases remain unsolved. Here, we investigated the characteristics of the two stop phases using high-speed motion capture and examined their functions with two experiments. In Experiment 1, we tested the hypothesis that the second stop phase is used to pre-program the final approach to a target and analyzed head movements while pigeons (Columba livia) pecked at targets of different size. Our results show that the duration of both stop phases significantly increased as stimulus size decreased. We also found significant positive correlations between stimulus size and the distances of the beaks to the stimulus during both stop phases. In Experiment 2, we used a two-alternative forced choice task with different levels of difficulty to test the hypothesis that the first stop phase is used to decide between targets. The results indicate that the characteristics of the stop phases do not change with an increasing difficulty between the two choices. Therefore, we conclude that the first stop phase is not exclusively used to decide upon a target to peck at, but also contributes to the function of the second stop phase, which is improving pecking accuracy and planning the final approach to the target.
Evidence for partial overlap of male olfactory cues in lampreys
Authors: Buchinger Tyler J. , Li Ke , Huertas Mar , Baker Cindy F. , Jia Liang , Hayes Michael C. , Li Weiming , Johnson Nicholas S.
Published: November 2016

Animals rely on a mosaic of complex information to find and evaluate mates. Pheromones, often comprised of multiple components, are considered to be particularly important for species-recognition in many species. While the evolution of species-specific pheromone blends is well-described in many insects, very few vertebrate pheromones have been studied in a macro-evolutionary context. Here, we report a phylogenetic comparison of multi-component male odours that guide reproduction in lampreys. Chemical profiling of sexually mature males from eleven species of lamprey, representing six of ten genera and two of three families, indicated the chemical profiles of sexually mature male odours are partially shared among species. Behavioural assays conducted with four species sympatric in the Laurentian Great Lakes indicated asymmetric female responses to heterospecific odours, where Petromyzon marinus were attracted to male odour collected from all species tested but other species generally preferred only the odour of conspecifics. Electro-olfactogram recordings from P. marinus indicated that although P. marinus exhibited behavioural responses to odours from males of all species, at least some of the compounds that elicited olfactory responses were different in conspecific male odours compared to heterospecific male odours. We conclude that some of the compounds released by sexually mature males are shared among species and elicit olfactory and behavioural responses in P. marinus, and suggest that our results provide evidence for partial overlap of male olfactory cues among lampreys. Further characterization of the chemical identities of odour components is needed to confirm shared pheromones among species.
Aedes aegypti Rhesus glycoproteins contribute to ammonia excretion by larval anal papillae
Authors: Durant Andrea C. , Chasiotis Helen , Misyura Lidiya , Donini Andrew
Published: November 2016

In larval Aedes aegypti, transcripts of the Rhesus-like glycoproteins AeRh50-1 and AeRh50-2 have been detected in the anal papillae, sites of ammonia (NH3/NH4+) excretion; however, these putative ammonia transporters have not been previously localised or functionally characterized. In this study we show that the AeRh50s co-immunolocalise with apical V-type H+ ATPase as well as with basal Na+/K+ ATPase in the epithelium of anal papillae. The double-stranded RNA mediated knockdown of AeRh50-1 and AeRh50-2 resulted in a significant reduction in AeRh50 protein abundance in the anal papillae and this was coupled to decreased ammonia excretion. The knockdown of AeRh50-1 resulted in decreased hemolymph [NH4+] and pH whereas knockdown of AeRh50-2 had no effect on these parameters. We conclude that the AeRh50s are important contributors to ammonia excretion at the anal papillae of larval Aedes aegypti which may be the basis for their ability to inhabit areas with high ammonia levels.
A systematic review of outcomes following stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in the treatment of early-stage primary lung cancer
Authors: Murray Patrick , Franks Kevin , Hanna Gerard G
Published: November 2016

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) describes a radiotherapy (RT) technique where high doses of radiation are precisely delivered to an extracranial target within the body, using either a single fraction of RT or using multiple small numbers of fractions. SABR has now become the standard of care treatment for patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom surgery is not appropriate. This systematic review considers the evidence supporting the use of SABR in early-stage NSCLC, reported toxicity rates, the use of SABR in centrally located NSCLC, the use of SABR as salvage therapy following surgery or RT, and future potential drug combinations with SABR.
Gossypibomas, a surgeon's nightmare—patient demographics, risk factors, imaging and how we can prevent it
Authors: Mathew Rishi P , Thomas Binston , Basti Ram S , Suresh Hadihally B
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Gossypibomas are a cottonoid matrix left behind following surgery. Owing to the legal issues associated with it, very few literature studies are available online, most of them being case reports. The purpose of our study was to identify the patient demographics, risk factors and imaging features.

Methods:

Six surgically identified and histopathologically confirmed cases of gossypibomas recorded over a period of 5 years from a single tertiary institution were retrospectively evaluated for patient demographics [sex, age, body mass index (BMI)], type of surgery and duration from time of surgery to onset of symptoms. Ultrasound and CT images obtained from our hospital database were evaluated for their characteristic pattern. Statistics used included percentage and frequency.

Results:

Females formed the bulk of our patients and the mean BMI of our patients was 24.25. The interval between surgery and symptom presentation ranged from 2 months to 7 years. The most common imaging patterns observed on ultrasound and CT were a thick-walled hypoechoic lesion with a strong posterior acoustic shadowing and a “spongiform pattern”, respectively.

Conclusion:

A detailed patient history, taking into account radiologist—surgeon interaction, along with familiarization of the various risk factors and imaging patterns can bring about an accurate diagnosis of a gossypiboma.

Advances in knowledge:

Our study showed that the female sex, especially those undergoing gynaecology-related surgery such as hysterectomy and patients with a high BMI were at risk of gossypibomas. The combination of a hypoechoic lesion with strong posterior shadowing on ultrasound along with a spongiform pattern on CT was highly characteristic for gossypiboma on imaging.
Optimal threshold estimation for binary classifiers using game theory
Authors: Sanchez Ignacio Enrique
Published: November 2016

Many bioinformatics algorithms can be understood as binary classifiers. They are usually trained by maximizing the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. On the other hand, choosing the best threshold for practical use is a complex task, due to uncertain and context-dependent skews in the abundance of positives in nature and in the yields/costs for correct/incorrect classification. We argue that considering a classifier as a player in a zero-sum game allows us to use the minimax principle from game theory to determine the optimal operating point. The proposed classifier threshold corresponds to the intersection between the ROC curve and the descending diagonal in ROC space and yields a minimax accuracy of 1-FPR. Our proposal can be readily implemented in practice, and reveals that the empirical condition for threshold estimation of “specificity equals sensitivity” maximizes robustness against uncertainties in the abundance of positives in nature and classification costs.
Plant adaptation to cold climates
Authors: Körner Christian
Published: November 2016

In this short review, I will first summarize criteria by which environments can be considered “cold”, with plant stature (size, height above ground) playing a central role for the climate actually experienced. Plants adapted to such environments have to cope with both extremes and with gradual influences of low temperature. The first requires freezing resistance, which is tightly coupled to developmental state (phenology) and prehistory (acclimation). Gradual low temperature constraints affect the growth process (meristems) long before they affect photosynthetic carbon gain. Hence, plants growing in cold climates are commonly not carbon limited.
An end-of-life care nurse service for people with COPD and heart failure: stakeholders' experiences
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Coole Carolyn , Jay Narayanasamy Melanie
Published: November 2016

Background:

End-of-life care (EOLC) has historically been associated with cancer care. However, demographic changes indicate that future provision must also cater for other long term conditions (LTC). An EOLC-LTC service, delivered by palliative care nurses, is currently being piloted in one area in the East Midlands with patients with cardiac and respiratory disease. In order to inform future commissioning, it is important to gain the views and experiences of those involved with the service.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore patients, and their partners, views and experiences of the EOLC-LTC service.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were used as part of a case study design, involving six cases. Each case consisted of the patient, their nominated family member/carer and key healthcare professionals involved in their care as identified by the patient. This paper reports on the findings from the interviews conducted with the six patients and their family member/carers. Data were analysed thematically.

Results:

From the interviews, the following themes were identified: experiences managing a long term cardio-respiratory condition, the nurse service, building a close/therapeutic relationship and fragmentation and integration.

Conclusions:

This study has shown that the EOLC-LTC service is welcomed and highly regarded by patients and their family members/carers. Further studies are required to explore the views and experiences of other key stakeholders and to evaluate how well the pilot operates within the wider care pathway.
End-of-life prognostic indicators in patients with COPD: part 2
Authors: Parry Andy , Higginson Ray , Gleeson Aoife
Published: November 2016

In the UK, chronic respiratory diseases cause 13% of adult disability. The major chronic respiratory disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition involving chronic airway inflammation that causes airflow obstruction and destruction of lung tissue. This leads to a progressive loss of respiratory membrane, which accounts for the clinical manifestation of COPD, which is difficulty maintaining sufficient gas exchange to meet metabolic demands. The primary cause is smoking, with the vast majority of COPD patients having a past or present history of smoking. However, exposure to industrial pollutants is also a contributing factor, as is a rare genetic predisposition to developing COPD.
Research roundup
Authors: Costello John
Published: November 2016

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
The conditions for learning
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: November 2016

There are six key ‘conditions for learning’ that teachers must work to develop in their classrooms and with their students. Matt Bromley explains…
Knowledge translation to advance evidence-based health policy in Thailand
Authors: Ti Lianlian , Hayashi Kanna , Ti Lianping , Kaplan Karyn , Suwannawong Paisan , Kerr Thomas
Published: November 2016

Significant gaps between scientific evidence and policy have resulted in growing interest in the role that knowledge translation (KT) can play in informing evidence-based policy. The Mitsampan Community Research Project, in consultation with the local community of people who inject drugs, developed a comprehensive KT strategy that aimed to translate research into policy related to HIV and illicit drug use in Bangkok, Thailand. Though barriers to KT activities were experienced, findings suggest that KT has the potential to facilitate dialogue and policy change. Further development and evaluation are needed to refine KT approaches and thereby bridge evidence and policy.
A critical examination of the introduction of drug detection dogs for policing of illicit drugs in New South Wales, Australia using Kingdon’s ‘multiple streams’ heuristic
Authors: Lancaster Kari , Ritter Alison , Caitlin Hughes , Hoppe Robert
Published: November 2016

This paper critically analyses the introduction of drug detection dogs as a tool for policing of illicit drugs in New South Wales, Australia. Using Kingdon’s ‘multiple streams’ heuristic as a lens for analysis, we identify how the issue of drugs policing became prominent on the policy agenda, and the conditions under which the alternative of drug detection dogs for illicit drugs policing came to be endorsed by decision makers. By applying Kingdon’s heuristic, we also consider how this approach may be used to illuminate the limitations of the evidence-based policy paradigm in the context of policing policy.
Making or buying evidence: using transaction cost economics to understand decision making in public school districts
Authors: Neal Zachary , Neal Jennifer Watling , Mills Kristen , Lawlor Jennifer
Published: November 2016

We propose transaction cost economics theory as a tool for exploring when school administrators rely on information from two types of sources: internal sources like their own colleagues, and external sources like researchers and government agencies. The theory’s application is illustrated in a comparative case study of two public school districts in Michigan. Consistent with the theory’s predictions, the smaller, homogeneous, high-performing district used more external sources of information, while the larger, diverse, low-performing district used internal sources of information. We conclude by identifying some strengths and limitations of the theory, which can serve as starting points for debate.
Biodiversidade e riscos antrópicos no nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Farias Castro Antonio Alberto Jorge
Published: November 2016

O artigo chama a atenção para a premissa de que a biodiversidade representa uma das mais importantes bases do desenvolvimento cultural, social e econômico da espécie humana e que suas perdas estão também associadas aos riscos naturais (seca) e antrópicos (desmatamento, fogo e desertificação) no Nordeste do Brasil.
Os problemas da cartografia dos riscos naturais. Contributos para a definição da susceptibilidade geomorfológica a partir da observação de vários movimentos de vertente ocorridos no norte de Portugal
Authors: Bateira Carlos , Abreu João
Published: November 2016

A produção de cartografia dos riscos naturais relativos a movimentos de vertente depende, em larga medida, do conhecimentos dos factores permanentes. O Inverno de 2000/2001 constitui uma referência importante na definição desses factores uma vez que em várias áreas do Norte de Portugal ocorreram vários tipos de movimentos de vertente, em condições geográficas muito diversificadas. O estudo desses movimentos permite alargar o conhecimento sobre as suas condições de ocorrência e, dessa forma, contribuir para a definição dos critérios de construção da cartografia da susceptibilidade geomorfológica. Quer optemos pela cartografia directa ou indirecta na zonação dos riscos naturais, consideramos que não é possível fazê-lo sem que os critérios que presidem à sua elaboração sejam definidos a partir do estudo das situações de crise ocorridas. Neste texto são apresentados vários movimentos de vertente no norte de Portugal e são analisados os factores geográficos responsáveis pela sua ocorrência. Na apresentação que é feita dá-se importância aos aspectos que se relacionam com a intervenção humana e questiona-se o papel que a cartografia da susceptibilidade geomorfológica poderá ter no ordenamento e planeamento do território.
Urbanização e riscos ambientais no recôncavo Baiano. Um estudo do baixo e médio curso do rio da Dona
Authors: Dos Santos Miguel Cerqueira , Góis Djalma Villa
Published: November 2016

O presente trabalho analisa os riscos ambientais decorrentes do processo de urbanização do Recôncavo Baiano. Esta área, por um lado, dispõe de potencialidades naturais e culturais importantes, mas, por outro lado, apresenta riscos como devastação, aterros dos manguezais, poluição e desemprego, que demandam a discussão de novas trajectórias de desenvolvimento.
Vulnerabilidad de la región mediterránea peninsular a la hidrofobia de suelos
Authors: Ceballos Barbancho Antonio
Published: November 2016

A repetência à água ou hidrofobia é um processo hidrológico muito favorecido pelas características mediterrâneas de grande parte da Península Ibérica: estacionalidade das precipitações, "deficit" hídrico estiva!, vegetação emissora de substâncias hidrófobas, incêndios florestais, etc. As onclusões do último relatório do IPCC (Intergovernmental Pane! on Climatic Change) sugerem um provável aumento da frequência e intensidade da hidrofobia que agravará a actual fragilidade dos ecossistemas mediterrâneos perante processos de degradação ambiental. Esta situação convida a desenvolver linhas de investigação com o objectivo de avaliar o alcance destes processos.
Os grandes incêndios florestais registados em 1993 na fachada costeira ocidental de Portugal continental
Authors: Lourenço Luciano , Nunes Adélla , Rebelo Fernando
Published: November 2016

A "época de fogos" de 1993 revestiu-se de condições especiais que permitiram o desenvolvimento de grandes incêndios florestais na orla costeira ocidental, onde são pouco frequentes. Os fogos importantes ocorreram numa única sequência climática, a qual levou ao progressivo agravamento do risco do incêndio. Geograficamente, distribuíram-se por áreas situadas na Região Centro e no Algarve.
Prevenção de inundações e reabilitação de edifícios em zonas inundáveis
Authors: Rocha João Soromenho
Published: November 2016

Depois de se definirem os conceitos fundamentais em jogo e de se apresentarem as causas das inundações, caracterizam-se as zonas inundáveis e os principais tipos de danos causados aos edifícios. Trata-se, finalmente, da reabilitação dos edifícios atingidos, bem como das medidas que minimizem as reabilitações, dando prioridade à prevenção e exemplificando com casos portugueses.
As dunas de Quiaios e o risco de incêndio. Uma breve reflexão
Authors: Almeida António Campar de
Published: November 2016

Relativamente ao sistema dunar de Quiaios, ainda activo no início do século e que, para ser fixo, foi sujeito à sementeira de um pinhal, discute-se agora o modo como obstar à propagação dos incêndios florestais, o seu novo risco. Preconiza-se a plantação de folhosas higrófilas nas depressões interdunares.
O ambiente (urbano): um instrumento de concretização de penas versus um ecossistema cujas vulnerabilidades urge conhecer
Authors: Monteiro Ana
Published: November 2016

O presente artigo debruça-se sobre o estado do ambiente em Portugal e, em particular, sobre as "rotas de colisão" entre sustentabilidade do ambiente natural e expectativas de qualidade de vida dos habitantes dos espaços urbanizados, mostrando como alguns dos problemas existentes se relacionam com certos aspectos da cultura judaico-cristã que nos marca desde há séculos. Propõe-se uma abordagem geográfica dos ecossistemas urbano de modo a encontrar explicações científicas e sugerir soluções para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos cidadãos.
As cheias na área urbana do porto. Risco, percepção e ajustamentos
Authors: Velhas Edite
Published: November 2016

A partir da análise das cheias ocorridas no período de Dezembro de 1995 a Janeiro de 1996 na área urbana do Porto, identificam-se as principais áreas de risco de inundação e os factores influentes. Faz-se uma breve análise dos traços mais marcantes da percepção das populações ribeirinhas relativamente ao risco de cheias e apresentam-se os principais ajustamentos no sentido de mitigar as consequências do risco
O interesse científico e a necessidade de conservação da área do Sampaio (Labruge, Vila do Conde)
Authors: Araújo Maria da Assunção
Published: November 2016

A praia do Sampaio situa-se na freguesia de Labruge, concelho de Vila do Conde, a cerca de 20 km, por estrada, da cidade do Porto. Trata-se de um local onde se encontram aspectos geológicos, geomorfológicos e arqueológicos de grande interesse. A existência de depósitos marinhos do último interglaciar, situados a altitudes diferentes (5 e 9m) sugere fortemente a influência da neotectónica actuando ao longo das fracturas tardi-hercínicas de direcção NNE-SSW que controlam as linhas gerais da morfologia da área. Ligado ao depósito marinho de 9 m de altitude, pode observar-se um belo entalhe basal fóssil (notech, encoche, sapa). A sequência de depósitos de idade würmiana torna-se bastante rara pelo facto de se encontrar um depósito eólico enquadrado por duas unidades solifluxivas.A área em questão possui também um castro e diversos outros vestígios de índole arqueológica. Trata-se duma praia abrigada relativamente aos ventos de norte. Por tudo isso, e ainda pela sua beleza cénica, trata-se de local bastante frequentado pelos turistas. Se não houver um grande esforço das autoridades locais no sentido da preservação e da educação ambiental dos utentes da praia, muitos destes vestígios estarão condenados a uma rápida deterioração ou mesmo desaparecimento.
Processos erosivos actuais na vertente norte da serra da Gardunha
Authors: Bento Manuela
Published: November 2016

A vertente Norte da Serra da Gardunha é essencialmente caracterizada pela alternância de dois tipos de materiais rochosos, o granítico biotítico, bastante alterado e rubefacto e as corneanas e micaxistos. A erosão origina gargantas, mais ou menos apertadas, que acabaram por individualizar os "cabeças" entre si, aproveitando as várias linhas de fragilidade, fracturas, que de uma forma pouco intensa os atravessam, encaminhando as linhas de água. O homem aproveita estas características topográficas contrastadas, seleccionando os locais mais baixos, para a construção das suas residências e os locais mais elevados para a plantação de espécies frutícolas, que na região têm uma grande tradição. E a cultura da cerejeira, em prol da qual, o homem, destrói a vegetação, abre socalcos, remexe o terreno, altera o aspecto original da paisagem. Por isso, temos situações, mais ou menos importantes, de ravinamentos e movimentos em massa, os quais são os responsáveis pela evolução actual das vertentes da área de estudo.
Tsunamis: geração e riscos
Authors: Do Carmo José S. Antunes
Published: November 2016

Um tsunami é um trem de ondas, ou uma série de ondas, geradas numa massa de água por uma perturbação que desloca verticalmente a coluna de água. Os tsunamis podem ser gerados por sismos em regiões costeiras e oceânicas, deslizamentos de taludes submersos, erupções vulcânicas, explosões ou ainda por impactos de corpos cósmicos, como meteoritos. Os tsunamis atingem períodos típicos da ordem de uma hora e comprimentos de onda superiores a 200 km. Em consequência do seu grande comprimento de onda, um tsunami comporta-se como uma onda que se propaga em condições de água pouco profunda. Ondas com estas características propagam-se com celeridade proporcional à raiz quadrada do produto da gravidade pela profundidade. Por outro lado, a "perda de energia" destas ondas é inversamente proporcional ao seu comprimento de onda; por conseguinte, os tsunamis não só se propagam a grande velocidade, como podem percorrer distâncias transoceânicas com uma limitada "perda de energia".
As mudanças no uso do solo e o risco de desertificação: o exemplo de Marrocos
Authors: Coelho C.O.A. , Laouina A. , Ferreira A.J.D. , Chaker M. , Naciri R. , Naafa R. , Boulet A.K.
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo analisam-se os processos hidrológicos e erosivos conducentes à degradação do solo e desertificação nas áreas de Ksar El Kebir (Alcácer Quibir) e Ben Slimane no Norte de Marrocos, áreas sujeitas a mudanças no uso do solo e a pressões demográficas significativas.
Le risque en montagne: les avalanches dans les montagnes françaises
Authors: Veyret Yvette
Published: November 2016

Quelques exemples d'avalanches sont présentes. Ensuite, on souligne les situations favorables aux av~lanc~es, la façon dont est f ai te la prévision, les travaux de protectwn et, finalemment, les etudes permettant la preventton.
Inundações e deslizamentos em São Paulo. Riscos da relação inadequada sociedade-natureza
Authors: Sanches Ross Jurandyr Luciano
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo começa-se por apresentar os aspectos físicos da Área Metropolitana de São Paulo (Brasil), mas também do seu crescimento demográfico explosivo e a grande impermeabilização do solo. Inundações e deslizamentos são numerosos e por vezes induzidos pelo homem. Questiona-se sobre a maneira de reduzir os seus efeitos catastróficos.
Los incendios forestales en espana. Panorama actual e interés de los tipos de tiempo para conocimiento de su frecuencia y dei riesgo de grandes incêndios
Authors: Chasco Casildo Ferreras
Published: November 2016

Faz-se uma breve revisão da evolução e situação presente e das linhas de investigação sobre os incêndios florestais em Espanha, com especial atenção aos grandes incêndios (de mais de 500 h a), analisa-se a relação entre os incêndios activos cada dia e os grandes incêndios e as características do tempo. Constata-se uma boa relação entre incêndios activos cada dia e tipos de tempo, no entanto, nos grandes incêndios esta correlação é menos estreita, por apresentar também uma forte dependência de outros factores.
Morfologia dunar e movimentação de areias entre a Lagoa da Ervedeira e o limite sul da mata nacional de Leiria
Authors: André José Nunes , Rebelo Fernando , Cunha Pedro Proença
Published: November 2016

O estudo da morfologia duna r no seu conjunto e a análise pormenorizada de cortes em dunas permitiram concluir sobre a ocorrência de importantes movimentações de areias no litoral centro-oeste português entre a Lagoa da Ervedeira e o limite sul da Mata Nacional de Leiria, desde há séculos. A recolha de areias em postos experimentais permitiu estabelecer ligações com os ventos predominantes e verificar que as dunas ainda se movimentam acarretando dois tipos de riscos eólicos- avanço das areias sobre áreas ocupadas pelo homem e criação de corredores de deflação que facilitam galgamentos marinhos
Considerações sobre riscos naturais num espaço de transição. Exercícios cartográficos numa área a sul de Coimbra
Authors: Cunha Lúcio , Dimuccio Luca
Published: November 2016

Após algumas considerações sobre riscos naturais na área de Coimbra, pretende-se explorar as potencialidades dos Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG' s) para modelizar e cartografar o risco de movimentos de materiais em vertentes numa pequena área a Sul da cidade.
Riscos naturais na região tropical brasileira
Authors: Conti José Bueno
Published: November 2016

O artigo procura caracterizar o ambiente tropical e sua especificidade, apresentando, em seguida, exemplos corridos no território brasileiro relacionados com excesso ou escassez de chuvas. Mostra episódios catastróficos de cheias no Rio de Janeiro, em Salvador em áreas serranas intensamente desmatadas, além de apontar riscos de desertificação na região semi-árida.
Evolução do troço terminal do rio Lis
Authors: André José Nunes , Cordeiro Maria de Fátima Neves
Published: November 2016

Apresenta-se uma síntese da evolução do sector inferior do rio Lis. Tendo em conta a hipótese de um traçado geral segundo direcção SSE-NNW durante o Plistocénico/Holocénico, passando pela actual praia do Osso da Baleia, a evolução caracterizou-se por uma significativa rotação para Oeste do troço vestibular. Durante os últimos séculos, verificaram-se importantes divagações da embocadura até à sua estabilização artificial, pela construção de diques. O progressivo assoreamento resultou numa drástica redução da navegabilidade. Também se descrevem os principais problemas ambientais.
An Agent-Based Approach for a Smart Transport System
Authors: Peñaranda Cristian , Aguero Jorge , Carrascosa Carlos , Rebollo Miguel , Julián Vicente
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a proposal for a Smart Transport System which is an application that facilitates the interconnection between people (citizens, tourists) and transport providers (Bus, metro, trains, trams), defining the services that everyone can request or offer. The system has been defined as a virtual organization where agents (representing actors of the transport system) can enter or leave into the system consuming or offering services. Due to the fact that modern urban public transport is increasingly an important service used by citizens in current cities, the proposed system will improve the use of resources while also ensuring time flexible mobility solutions for citizens.
Persuasion and Recommendation System Applied to a Cognitive Assistant
Authors: Costa Angelo , Heras Stella , Palanca Javier , Novais Paulo , Julián Vicente
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present a persuasive recommendation module included in the iGenda framework. iGenda is a cognitive assistant that helps care-receivers and caregivers in the management of their activities of daily living, by resolving scheduling conflicts and promoting active aging activities. The proposed new module will allow the system to select and recommend to the users an event that potentially best suits to his/her interests (likes or medical condition). The multi-agent approach followed by the iGenda framework facilitates an easy integration of these new features. The social objective is to promote social activities and engaging the users in physical or psychological activities that improve their medical condition.
Characteristics of pendent heliconia for use in landscape and as cut flower
Authors: Loges Vivian , Castro Carlos Eduardo Ferreira de , Castro Ana Cecília Ribeiro de , Gonçalves Charleston
Published: November 2016

The Heliconia species with pendent inflorescences and colorful bracts is a good option for landscaping in tropical gardens and cut flowers market. In Brazil only a few species of Heliconia are commercially produced eg. H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. chartacea. Aiming to increase the use of outstanding native plants and the knowledge of these products for enthusiasts of tropical flowers, this work was carried out to characterize H. chartacea, H. collinsiana, H. magnifica, H. pendula, H. platystachys, H. pogonantha, H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. vellerigera for use in landscaping and as cut flower. The evaluations were performed on plants belonging to the Germplasm Collection of the Instituto Agronômico (IAC), in Ubatuba Unit of Research and Development, located in Ubatuba, São Paulo State, growing in partial shade conditions. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics related to clump and flower stem aspects were analyzed. A point scoring system was used to determine the species most suitable as landscape plant or as cut flower. The plant height range from 2.3 (H. rostrata) to 7.0 m (H. pogonantha), having inflorescence with vibrant and different colors, varying between yellow, orange, red, pink, green and two color combinations. The inflorescences from most of the species were visible in the clump and remain in good conditions for two (H. platystachys) to five months (H. magnifica, H. rostrata and H. pogonantha) and present six (H. platystachys and H. pendula) to 40 (H. pogonantha) open bracts. White wax in leaves or inflorescences were observed in H. collinsiana, H. chartacea, H. pendula and H. platystachys. On the other hand, H. magnifica, H. rostrata, H. pogonantha and H. vellerigera exhibit a hairy surface, pubescent to lanuginose. The postharvest durability longer than 10 days was observed only in H. platystachys, H. rostrata, H. chartacea, and H. rauliniana. This characterization and scoring system were important to indicate and diversify heliconia use for landscaping and cut flower.
Neue Orte der Utopie
Authors: Bulk Julia
Published: November 2016

Vielfach wurde bereits das Ende des utopischen Zeitalters ausgerufen. Dessen ungeachtet bilden sich seit Mitte der 1990er Jahre wieder vermehrt Künstlergruppen, die den utopischen Diskurs erneuern. Am Beispiel von Gruppen wie Atelier Van Lieshout, N55, Anke Haarmann und dem Institut für Paradiesforschung zeigt Julia Bulk, wie in der zeitgenössischen Kunst gemeinschaftliche Produktionsformen genutzt werden, um Möglichkeitsräume für einen ständigen Transformationsprozess zu schaffen. Anhand zahlreicher historischer Rückblicke wird dargelegt, wie die Entwicklung der Kunst vom Werkhaften zum Performativen neue Möglichkeiten für die einst rein literarische Gattung Utopie eröffnet.
Compliance to standard precautions among nurses working in Qassim hospitals in KSA
Authors: Mersal Fathia , Keshk Lamiaa
Published: November 2016

Background: Compliance with standard precautions has been shown to reduce the risk of exposure to blood and body fluids. Nurses represent the largest percentage of the health care workers hence; their compliance with standard precautions guidelines seems to be more crucial in preventing the disease transmission among patients.Aim: this study aims to evaluate compliance to standard precautions among nurses working in Qassim Hospitals in KSA.Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in 4 multispecialty hospitals of Al-Qassim region, KSA. A purposive sampling approach was adopted whereas sample consisted of 284 male and female nurses working in multispecialty hospitals. Data collected through self-administrative questionnaire which consists of; personal and work characteristics of nurses, nursesâ€™ knowledge and compliance of standard precautions.Results: Nearly half of nurses had poor knowledge regarding standard precautions and the majority of nurses had better compliance to standard precautions. However nearly one third of nurses had good compliance to waste disposal.Conclusions:Compulsive training courses found to be vital for developing awareness among nurses, improving compliance to standard precautions and good clinical practice.Recommendations: Further studies are recommended by using different methods for data collection. Written universal precautions guidelines for infection control should be available.
Centra environmentálního vzdělávání z pohledu učitelů
Authors: Činčera Jan , Havlíček Filip
Published: November 2016

The study presents a survey conducted at the set of teachers (N=165) participating in the network for instructional support in environmental education M.R.K.R.V. and Mrkvička. The survey was focused on the meaning of the centers for the respondents and the reasons for choosing some of the offered services. The results suggest that teachers interpret the role of the environmental education centers as irreplaceable and that they highly appreciate the level of the offered services. They use mainly the short educational programs, they use their services repeatedly in a year, and their choice is based by their previous good experience, its cost, and distance. The study also discusses some of the issues associated with these results.
Moral justifications in the media debate on globalization in Finland, 1995–2014
Authors: Ylä-Anttila Tuomas
Published: November 2016

This article presents a methodological tool, Justifications Analysis, and uses it to analyze the debate on globalization in Finnish mass media between 1995 and 2014. Justifications Analysis focuses on the moral principles evoked to justify arguments, something that tends to be overlooked by most established approaches to media content analysis. Regarding the frequency of coverage, it is found that the debate in Finland deviates from the global issue attention cycle and lasts longer, driven by national key events. Concerning the groups of speakers, the Global Justice Movement is found to have initiated the debate; the elites are divided into two groups, one defending and the other opposing the movement. Moral justifications are used extensively. All parties to the debate justify their arguments by referring to the common good, but disagree over whether it should be defined in terms of market worth, equality and democracy, national values, or some combination of these.
Variation and relationships of morphological traits, shoot yields and essential oil contents of fourAnthemisspecies
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad Ali , Jafari Ali Ashraf
Published: November 2016

AnthemisL. is a genus of aromatic flowering plants in the family Asteraceae and is native to Iran. In this research, 62 accessions of four chamomile species includingAnthemis tinctoria, A. triumfetti, A. haussknechtiiandA. pseudocotulawere evaluated for morphological traits. Four experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Institute of Forest and Rangeland, Tehran, Iran in 2011. Data were collected for the morphological traits for all of the species and essential oil content forA. triumfettiandA. pseudocotula.The results showed that plant height was positively correlated with canopy area for all of the species exceptA. triumfetti(p< 0.01). There were positive correlations between flower number with plant height and canopy area in bothA. tinctoriaandA. haussknechtii(p< 0.01). Fresh and dry weight were positively correlated with canopy area and plant height in all of the species (p< 0.01), exceptA. tinctoriafor canopy area andA. triumfettifor plant height. GDD had a positive correlation with canopy area forA. triumfetti(p< 0.05). There was a positive correlation between essential oil yield and plant height, fresh and dry weight inA. triumfettiandA. pseudocotula(p< 0.05). Using cluster analysis (Ward method), the accessions ofA. triumfetti, A. tinctoria, A. haussknechtiiandA. pseudocotulawere grouped into 3, 2, 4 and 2 clusters, respectively. The results of cluster analysis separated the accession based on shoot yield, morphological traits and maturity. In some items, the accessions within each cluster were coordinated with their geographical provenance.
COST Action FP1105: effect of raw materials and pulping conditions on the characteristics of dissolved kraft lignins
Authors: Svärd Antonia , Sevastyanova Olena , Dobele Galina , Jurkjane Vilhemina , Brännvall Elisabet
Published: November 2016

The composition, molecular weight (MW), and chemical structure of technical lignins as byproducts of pulping influence their application in terms of physical and chemical properties, reactivity, and performance. It is important to know how the analytical data of technical lignins are influenced by the wood species and the parameters of pulping. The present study focuses on kraft pulping and how the wood species (eucalyptus, pine, and spruce) and variable cooking times influence the characteristics of dissolved lignins. The black liquor (BL) was recovered after three different cooking times and the precipitated lignin was characterized by total acid hydrolysis including the determination of the acid insoluble part (Klason lignin, KL) and the sugars in the hydrolysate, elemental analysis, 31P NMR spectroscopy, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that the phenolic OH content, MW and glass transition temperature increased with longer cooking times for the softwood (SW) lignins. These lignins had also a higher MW (Mw 5500–8000 g mol-1), than the eucalyptus lignin (Mw 2200–2400 g mol-1). Eucalyptus lignin had higher sulfur content compared to SW.
Helping Raise the Official Statistics Capability of Government Employees
Authors: Forbes Sharleen , Keegan Alan
Published: November 2016

Both the production and the use of official statistics are important in the business of government. In New Zealand, concern persists about many government advisors’ low level of statistical capability. One programme designed specifically to enhance capability is New Zealand’s National Certificate of Official Statistics, first introduced in 2007 and originally targeted at government policy analysts and advisors. It now includes participants from many agencies, including the National Statistics Office. The competency-based 40-credit certificate comprises four taught units that aim to give students skills in basic official statistics and in critically evaluating statistical, research, policy, or media publications for their quality (of data, survey design, analysis, and conclusions) and appropriateness for some policy issue (e.g., how to reduce problem gambling), together with an ‘umbrella’ workplace-based statistics project. Case studies are used to embed the statistics learning into the real-world context of these students. Several surveys of students and their managers were undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the certificate in terms of enhancing skill levels and meeting organisational needs and also to examine barriers to completion of the certificate. The results were used to both modify the programme and extend its international applicability.