bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharides for the Delivery of Antitumor Drugs
Authors: Posocco Bianca , Dreussi Eva , De Santa Jacopo , Toffoli Giuseppe , Abrami Michela , Musiani Francesco , Grassi Mario , Farra Rossella , Tonon Federica , Grassi Gabriele , Dapas Barbara
Published: May 2015

Among the several delivery materials available so far, polysaccharides represent very attractive molecules as they can undergo a wide range of chemical modifications, are biocompatible, biodegradable, and have low immunogenic properties. Thus, polysaccharides can contribute to significantly overcome the limitation in the use of many types of drugs, including anti-cancer drugs. The use of conventional anti-cancer drugs is hampered by their high toxicity, mostly depending on the indiscriminate targeting of both cancer and normal cells. Additionally, for nucleic acid based drugs (NABDs), an emerging class of drugs with potential anti-cancer value, the practical use is problematic. This mostly depends on their fast degradation in biological fluids and the difficulties to cross cell membranes. Thus, for both classes of drugs, the development of optimal delivery materials is crucial. Here we discuss the possibility of using different kinds of polysaccharides, such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, and pullulan, as smart drug delivery materials. We first describe the main features of polysaccharides, then a general overview about the aspects ruling drug release mechanisms and the pharmacokinetic are reported. Finally, notable examples of polysaccharide-based delivery of conventional anti-cancer drugs and NABDs are reported. Whereas additional research is required, the promising results obtained so far, fully justify further efforts, both in terms of economic support and investigations in the field of polysaccharides as drug delivery materials.
The Role of the Mittag-Leffler Function in Fractional Modeling
Authors: Rogosin Sergei
Published: May 2015

This is a survey paper illuminating the distinguished role of the Mittag-Leffler function and its generalizations in fractional analysis and fractional modeling. The content of the paper is connected to the recently published monograph by Rudolf Gorenflo, Anatoly Kilbas, Francesco Mainardi and Sergei Rogosin.
A New Member of the TBC1D15 Family from Chiloscyllium plagiosum: Rab GTPase-Activating Protein Based on Rab7 as a Substrate
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wang Weidong , Cheng Dandan , Wang Tao , Lu Conger , Chen Jian , Nie Zuoming , Zhang Wenping , Lv Zhengbing , Wu Wutong , Shu Jianhong
Published: May 2015

APSL (active peptide from shark liver) is a hepatic stimulator cytokine from the liver of Chiloscyllium. It can effectively protect islet cells and improve complications in mice with alloxan-induced diabetes. Here, we demonstrate that the APSL sequence is present in the N-terminus of novel TBC (Tre-2, Bub2 and Cdc16) domain family, member 15 (TBC1D15) from Chiloscyllium plagiosum. This shark TBC1D15 gene, which contains an ORF of 2088 bp, was identified from a cDNA library of regenerating shark liver. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the gene is highly homologous to TBC1D15 genes from other species. Moreover, the N-terminus of shark TBC1D15 contains a motif of unknown function (DUF3548), which encompasses the APSL fragment. Rab-GAP activity analysis showed that shark TBC1D15 is a new member of the TBC1D15 family. These results demonstrated that shark TBC1D15 possesses Rab-GAP activity using Rab7 as a substrate, which is a common property of the TBC1D15 family. The involvement of APSL at the N-terminus of TBC1D15 also demonstrates that this protein might be involved in insulin signaling and may be associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. The current findings pave the way for further functional and clinical studies of these proteins from marine sources.
Nano-Workbench: A Combined Hollow AFM Cantilever and Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Garza Héctor , Ghatkesar Murali , Basak Shibabrata , Löthman Per , Staufer Urs
Published: May 2015

To manipulate liquid matter at the nanometer scale, we have developed a robotic assembly equipped with a hollow atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever that can handle femtolitre volumes of liquid. The assembly consists of four independent robots, each sugar cube sized with four degrees of freedom. All robots are placed on a single platform around the sample forming a nano-workbench (NWB). Each robot can travel the entire platform and has a minimum position resolution of 5 nm both in-plane and out-of-plane. The cantilever chip was glued to the robotic arm. Dispensing was done by the capillarity between the substrate and the cantilever tip, and was monitored visually through a microscope. To evaluate the performance of the NWB, we have performed three experiments: clamping of graphene with epoxy, mixing of femtolitre volume droplets to synthesize gold nanoparticles and accurately dispense electrolyte liquid for a nanobattery.
Recovery of Steroidal Alkaloids from Potato Peels Using Pressurized Liquid Extraction
Authors: Hossain Mohammad , Rawson Ashish , Aguiló-Aguayo Ingrid , Brunton Nigel , Rai Dilip
Published: May 2015

A higher yield of glycoalkaloids was recovered from potato peels using pressurized liquid extraction (1.92 mg/g dried potato peels) compared to conventional solid–liquid extraction (0.981 mg/g dried potato peels). Response surface methodology deduced the optimal temperature and extracting solvent (methanol) for the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of glycoalkaloids as 80 °C in 89% methanol. Using these two optimum PLE conditions, levels of individual steroidal alkaloids obtained were of 597, 873, 374 and 75 µg/g dried potato peel for α-solanine, α-chaconine, solanidine and demissidine respectively. Corresponding values for solid liquid extraction were 59%, 46%, 40% and 52% lower for α-solanine, α-chaconine, solanidine and demissidine respectively.
Impacts of Maternal Nutrition on Vascularity of Nutrient Transferring Tissues during Gestation and Lactation
Authors: Vonnahme Kimberly , Lemley Caleb , Caton Joel , Meyer Allison
Published: May 2015

As the demand for food increases with exponential growth in the world population, it is imperative that we understand how to make livestock production as efficient as possible in the face of decreasing available natural resources. Moreover, it is important that livestock are able to meet their metabolic demands and supply adequate nutrition to developing offspring both during pregnancy and lactation. Specific nutrient supplementation programs that are designed to offset deficiencies, enhance efficiency, and improve nutrient supply during pregnancy can alter tissue vascular responses, fetal growth, and postnatal offspring outcomes. This review outlines how vascularity in nutrient transferring tissues, namely the maternal gastrointestinal tract, the utero-placental tissue, and the mammary gland, respond to differing nutritional planes and other specific nutrient supplementation regimes.
Redox-Active Selenium Compounds—From Toxicity and Cell Death to Cancer Treatment
Authors: Misra Sougat , Boylan Mallory , Selvam Arun , Spallholz Julian , Björnstedt Mikael
Published: May 2015

Selenium is generally known as an antioxidant due to its presence in selenoproteins as selenocysteine, but it is also toxic. The toxic effects of selenium are, however, strictly concentration and chemical species dependent. One class of selenium compounds is a potent inhibitor of cell growth with remarkable tumor specificity. These redox active compounds are pro-oxidative and highly cytotoxic to tumor cells and are promising candidates to be used in chemotherapy against cancer. Herein we elaborate upon the major forms of dietary selenium compounds, their metabolic pathways, and their antioxidant and pro-oxidant potentials with emphasis on cytotoxic mechanisms. Relative cytotoxicity of inorganic selenite and organic selenocystine compounds to different cancer cells are presented as evidence to our perspective. Furthermore, new novel classes of selenium compounds specifically designed to target tumor cells are presented and the potential of selenium in modern oncology is extensively discussed.
Diet Soft Drink Consumption is Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome: A Two Sample Comparison
Authors: Crichton Georgina , Alkerwi Ala'a , Elias Merrrill
Published: May 2015

Comparative analyses of soft drink intakes in samples from the United States and Europe, and assessed intakes in relation to prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components are currently lacking. We used data collected on cardiovascular health and dietary intakes in participants from two cross-sectional studies: the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS), conducted in Central New York, USA in 2001–2006 (n = 803), and the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg Study (ORISCAV-LUX), conducted in 2007–2009 (n = 1323). Odds ratios for MetS were estimated according to type and quantity of soft drink consumption, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors, in both studies. In both studies, individuals who consumed at least one soft drink per day had a higher prevalence of MetS, than non-consumers. This was most evident for consumers of diet soft drinks, consistent across both studies. Diet soft drink intakes were also positively associated with waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose in both studies. Despite quite different consumption patterns of diet versus regular soft drinks in the two studies, findings from both support the notion that diet soft drinks are associated with a higher prevalence of MetS.
Pathogenicity of Isolates of Serratia Marcescens towards Larvae of the Scarab Phyllophaga Blanchardi (Coleoptera)
Authors: Pineda-Castellanos Mónica , Rodríguez-Segura Zitlhally , Villalobos Francisco , Hernández Luciano , Lina Laura , Nuñez-Valdez M.
Published: May 2015

Serratia marcescens is a Gram negative bacterium (Enterobacteriaceae) often associated with infection of insects. In order to find pathogenic bacteria with the potential to control scarab larvae, several bacterial strains were isolated from the hemocoel of diseased Phyllophaga spp (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae) larvae collected from cornfields in Mexico. Five isolates were identified as Serratia marcescens by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and biochemical tests. Oral and injection bioassays using healthy Phyllophaga blanchardi larvae fed with the S. marcescens isolates showed different degrees of antifeeding effect and mortality. No insecticidal activity was observed for Spodoptera frugiperda larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by oral inoculation. S. marcescens (Sm81) cell-free culture supernatant caused significant antifeeding effect and mortality to P. blanchardi larvae by oral bioassay and also mortality by injection bioassay. Heat treated culture broths lost the ability to cause disease symptoms, suggesting the involvement of proteins in the toxic activity. A protein of 50.2 kDa was purified from the cell-free broth and showed insecticidal activity by injection bioassay towards P. blanchardi. Analysis of the insecticidal protein by tandem- mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed similarity to a Serralysin-like protein from S. marcescens spp. This insecticidal protein could have applications in agricultural biotechnology.
Impact of Sowing Date on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Wheat Analyzed through Spatial Modeling and FORMOSAT-2 Images
Authors: Duchemin Benoit , Fieuzal Rémy , Rivera Miguel , Ezzahar Jamal , Jarlan Lionel , Rodriguez Julio , Hagolle Olivier , Watts Christopher
Published: May 2015

Regional analysis of water use efficiency (WUE) is a relevant method for diagnosing the performance of irrigation systems in water-limited environments. In this study, we investigated the potential of FORMOSAT-2 images to provide spatial estimates of WUE over irrigated wheat crops cultivated within the semi-arid Yaqui Valley, in the northwest of Mexico. FORMOSAT-2 provided us with a unique dataset of 36 images at a high resolution (8 m) encompassing the wheat growing season from November 2007 to May 2008. Time series of green leaf area index were derived from these satellite images and used to calibrate a simple crop/water balance model. The method was applied over an 8 × 8 km2 irrigated area on up to 530 wheat fields. It allowed us to accurately reproduce the time courses of Leaf Area Index and dry aboveground biomass, as well as evapotranspiration and soil moisture. In a second step, we analyzed the variations of WUE as the ratio of accumulated dry aboveground biomass to seasonal evapotranspiration. Despite the study area being rather small and homogeneous (soil, climate), we observed a large range in wheat biomass production, from 5 to 15 t·ha−1, which was primarily related to the timing of plant emergence. In contrast, the seasonal evapotranspiration only varied from 350 to 450 mm, with no evident link with sowing practices. A significant gain in crop water productivity was found for the fields sown the earliest (maximal WUE around 3.5 kg·m−3) compared to those sown the latest (minimal WUE around 1.5 kg·m−3). These results demonstrated the value of the FORMOSAT-2 images to provide spatial estimates of crop production and water consumption. The detailed information provided by such high space and time resolution imaging systems is highly valuable to identify agricultural practices that could enlarge crop water productivity.
Image Segmentation Based on Constrained Spectral Variance Difference and Edge Penalty
Authors: Chen Bo , Qiu Fang , Wu Bingfang , Du Hongyue
Published: May 2015

Segmentation, which is usually the first step in object-based image analysis (OBIA), greatly influences the quality of final OBIA results. In many existing multi-scale segmentation algorithms, a common problem is that under-segmentation and over-segmentation always coexist at any scale. To address this issue, we propose a new method that integrates the newly developed constrained spectral variance difference (CSVD) and the edge penalty (EP). First, initial segments are produced by a fast scan. Second, the generated segments are merged via a global mutual best-fitting strategy using the CSVD and EP as merging criteria. Finally, very small objects are merged with their nearest neighbors to eliminate the remaining noise. A series of experiments based on three sets of remote sensing images, each with different spatial resolutions, were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Both visual and quantitative assessments were performed, and the results show that large objects were better preserved as integral entities while small objects were also still effectively delineated. The results were also found to be superior to those from eCongnition’s multi-scale segmentation.
Estimation of Joint Forces and Moments for the In-Run and Take-Off in Ski Jumping Based on Measurements with Wearable Inertial Sensors
Authors: Logar Grega , Munih Marko
Published: May 2015

This study uses inertial sensors to measure ski jumper kinematics and joint dynamics, which was until now only a part of simulation studies. For subsequent calculation of dynamics in the joints, a link-segment model was developed. The model relies on the recursive Newton–Euler inverse dynamics. This approach allowed the calculation of the ground reaction force at take-off. For the model validation, four ski jumpers from the National Nordic center performed a simulated jump in a laboratory environment on a force platform; in total, 20 jumps were recorded. The results fit well to the reference system, presenting small errors in the mean and standard deviation and small root-mean-square errors. The error is under 12% of the reference value. For field tests, six jumpers participated in the study; in total, 28 jumps were recorded. All of the measured forces and moments were within the range of prior simulated studies. The proposed system was able to indirectly provide the values of forces and moments in the joints of the ski-jumpers’ body segments, as well as the ground reaction force during the in-run and take-off phases in comparison to the force platform installed on the table. Kinematics assessment and estimation of dynamics parameters can be applied to jumps from any ski jumping hill.
Restoring Soil Quality to Mitigate Soil Degradation
Authors: Lal Rattan
Published: May 2015

Feeding the world population, 7.3 billion in 2015 and projected to increase to 9.5 billion by 2050, necessitates an increase in agricultural production of ~70% between 2005 and 2050. Soil degradation, characterized by decline in quality and decrease in ecosystem goods and services, is a major constraint to achieving the required increase in agricultural production. Soil is a non-renewable resource on human time scales with its vulnerability to degradation depending on complex interactions between processes, factors and causes occurring at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Among the major soil degradation processes are accelerated erosion, depletion of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and loss in biodiversity, loss of soil fertility and elemental imbalance, acidification and salinization. Soil degradation trends can be reversed by conversion to a restorative land use and adoption of recommended management practices. The strategy is to minimize soil erosion, create positive SOC and N budgets, enhance activity and species diversity of soil biota (micro, meso, and macro), and improve structural stability and pore geometry. Improving soil quality (i.e., increasing SOC pool, improving soil structure, enhancing soil fertility) can reduce risks of soil degradation (physical, chemical, biological and ecological) while improving the environment. Increasing the SOC pool to above the critical level (10 to 15 g/kg) is essential to set-in-motion the restorative trends. Site-specific techniques of restoring soil quality include conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, continuous vegetative cover such as residue mulch and cover cropping, and controlled grazing at appropriate stocking rates. The strategy is to produce “more from less” by reducing losses and increasing soil, water, and nutrient use efficiency.
Information Needs for a Purchase of Fairtrade Coffee
Authors: Schleenbecker Rosa , Hamm Ulrich
Published: May 2015

This research investigates what information German Fairtrade coffee consumers search for during pre-purchase information seeking and to what extent information is retrieved. Furthermore, the sequence of the information search as well as the degree of cognitive involvement is highlighted. The role of labeling, the importance of additional ethical information and its quality in terms of concreteness as well as the importance of product price and organic origin are addressed. A set of information relevant to Fairtrade consumers was tested by means of the Information Display Matrix (IDM) method with 389 Fairtrade consumers. Results show that prior to purchase, information on product packages plays an important role and is retrieved rather extensively, but search strategies that reduce the information processing effort are applied as well. Furthermore, general information is preferred over specific information. Results of two regression analyses indicate that purchase decisions are related to search behavior variables rather than to socio-demographic variables and purchase motives. In order to match product information with consumers’ needs, marketers should offer information that is reduced to the central aspects of Fairtrade.
Effect of Agricultural Feedstock to Energy Conversion Rate on Bioenergy and GHG Emissions
Authors: Kung Chih-Chun , Chang Meng-Shiuh
Published: May 2015

Taiwan is eager to develop renewable energy because it is vulnerable to energy price distortion and ocean level rise. Previous studies show bioenergy technologies can be applied mutually, but pay little attention on feedstocks to energy conversion rate, which has potential influences on policy making in renewable energy and environment. This study employs a price endogenous mathematical programming model to simultaneously simulate the market operations under various feedstocks to energy conversion rates, energy prices, and greenhouse gas (GHG) prices. The result shows pyrolysis-based electricity can reach up to 2.75 billion kWh annually, but it will be driven out at low conversion rate and high GHG price. Pyrolysis plus biochar application will be the optimal option in terms of carbon sequestration. Market valuation on potential threats of extreme weather could have substantial influences on ethanol and renewable electricity generation. To achieve aimed GHG emission reduction and/or bioenergy production, government intervention may be involved to align the market operation with Taiwan’s environmental policy.
Influence of Cellular Trafficking Pathway on Bluetongue Virus Infection in Ovine Cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Bishnupriya , Celma Cristina , Roy Polly
Published: May 2015

Bluetongue virus (BTV), a non-enveloped arbovirus, causes hemorrhagic disease in ruminants. However, the influence of natural host cell proteins on BTV replication process is not defined. In addition to cell lysis, BTV also exits non-ovine cultured cells by non-lytic pathways mediated by nonstructural protein NS3 that interacts with virus capsid and cellular proteins belonging to calpactin and ESCRT family. The PPXY late domain motif known to recruit NEDD4 family of HECT ubiquitin E3 ligases is also highly conserved in NS3. In this study using a mixture of molecular, biochemical and microscopic techniques we have analyzed the importance of ovine cellular proteins and vesicles in BTV infection. Electron microscopic analysis of BTV infected ovine cells demonstrated close association of mature particles with intracellular vesicles. Inhibition of Multi Vesicular Body (MVB) resident lipid phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate resulted in decreased total virus titre suggesting that the vesicles might be MVBs. Proteasome mediated inhibition of ubiquitin or modification of virus lacking the PPXY in NS3 reduced virus growth. Thus, our study demonstrated that cellular components comprising of MVB and exocytic pathways proteins are involved in BTV replication in ovine cells.
Modified CTAB and TRIzol protocols improve RNA extraction from chemically complex Embryophyta
Authors: Jordon‐Thaden Ingrid E. , Chanderbali Andre S. , Gitzendanner Matthew A. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study:

Here we present a series of protocols for RNA extraction across a diverse array of plants; we focus on woody, aromatic, aquatic, and other chemically complex taxa.

Methods and Results:

Ninety‐one taxa were subjected to RNA extraction with three methods presented here: (1) TRIzol/TURBO DNA‐free kits using the manufacturer's protocol with the addition of sarkosyl; (2) a combination method using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and TRIzol/sarkosyl/TURBO DNA‐free; and (3) a combination of CTAB and QIAGEN RNeasy Plant Mini Kit. Bench‐ready protocols are given.

Conclusions:

After an iterative process of working with chemically complex taxa, we conclude that the use of TRIzol supplemented with sarkosyl and the TURBO DNA‐free kit is an effective, efficient, and robust method for obtaining RNA from 100 mg of leaf tissue of land plant species (Embryophyta) examined. Our protocols can be used to provide RNA of suitable stability, quantity, and quality for transcriptome sequencing.
Development of microsatellite primers in the protected species Viola elatior (Violaceae) using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Celik Mélina , Wegnez Jérôme , Griveau Chantal , Lambourdière Josie , Utge Jose , Noël Florence , Abdelkrim Jawad , Machon Nathalie
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study:

Viola elatior (Violaceae) is a Eurasian perennial plant species in which French populations are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Microsatellite primers were developed to investigate its genetic structure and diversity.

Methods and Results:

Eight microsatellite markers were isolated using next‐generation sequencing. Loci were amplified and screened for 138 individuals in 17 populations from France. Two of the eight polymorphic loci presented no variability across populations. The total number of alleles per locus varied from two to four. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.051 to 1.000. All primers amplified successfully in the closely related species V. pumila.

Conclusions:

This set of microsatellites offers a valuable tool for assessing population genetic diversity of the species to improve its conservation and base management efforts. High observed heterozygosity values probably reflect the particular mating system of the species and suggest an important tendency to clonality.
Magnetic properties of iron cluster/chromium matrix nanocomposites
Authors: Fischer Arne , Kruk Robert , Wang Di , Hahn Horst
Published: May 2015

A custom-designed apparatus was used for the fine-tuned co-deposition of preformed Fe clusters into antiferromagnetic Cr matrices. Three series of samples with precisely defined cluster sizes, with accuracy to a few atoms, and controlled concentrations were fabricated, followed by a complete characterization of structure and magnetic performance. Relevant magnetic characteristics, reflecting the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling between Fe clusters and the Cr matrix, i.e., blocking temperature, coercivity field, and exchange bias were measured and their dependence on cluster size and cluster concentration in the matrix was analyzed. It is evident that the blocking temperatures are clearly affected by both the cluster size and their concentration in the Cr matrix. In contrast the coercivity shows hardly any dependence on size or inter-cluster distance. The exchange bias was found to be strongly sensitive to the cluster size but not to the inter-cluster distances. Therefore, it was concluded to be an effect that is purely localized at the interfaces.
Measuring Temporal Resolution (Release of Masking) with a Hughson-Westlake Up-Down Instead of a Békèsy-Tracking Procedure
Authors: Rhebergen Koenraad S. , van Esch Thamar E.M. , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: May 2015

Background:A temporal resolution test in addition to the pure-tone audiogram may be of great clinical interest because of its relevance in speech perception and expected relevance in hearing aid fitting. Larsby and Arlinger developed an appropriate clinical test, but this test
uses a Békèsy-tracking procedure for estimating masked thresholds in stationary and interrupted noise to assess release of masking (RoM) for temporal resolution. Generally the Hughson-Westlake up-down procedure is used in the clinic to measure the pure-tone thresholds in quiet.
A uniform approach will facilitate clinical application and might be appropriate for RoM measurements as well. Because there is no golden standard for measuring the RoM in the clinic, we examine in the present study the Hughson-Westlake up-down procedure to measure the RoM and compare the
results with the Békèsy-tracking procedure.Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to examine the differences between a Békèsy-tracking procedure and the Hughson-Westlake up-down procedure for estimating masked thresholds in stationary and interrupted
noise to assess RoM.Research Design:RoM is assessed in eight normal-hearing (NH) and ten hearing-impaired (HI) listeners through both methods. Results from both methods are compared with each other and with predicted thresholds from a model.Data Analysis:Wilcoxon signed-rank
tests, paired t tests.Results:Some differences between the two methods were found. We used a model to quantify the results of the two measurement procedures. The results of the Hughson-Westlake procedure were clearly better in agreement with the model than the results of the
Békèsy-tracking procedure. Furthermore, the Békèsy-tracking procedure showed more spread in the results of the NH listeners than the Hughson-Westlake procedure.Conclusions:The Hughson-Westlake procedure seems to be an applicable alternative for measuring
RoM for temporal resolution in the clinical audiological practice.
INFLUENCE OF BROWNFIELD CONVERSION ON EVALUATING REAL ESTATE AND IMPLEMETING THE POSSIBILITES OF URBAN BROWNFIELDS IN LITHUANIAN CITIES / APLEISTŲ TERITORIJŲ KONVERSIJOS ĮGYVENDINIMO GALIMYBĖS LIETUVOS MIESTUOSE
Authors: Bielinskas Vytautas , Burinskienė Marija
Published: May 2015

The article deals with the problems of brownfield in Lithuania. The paper overviews Lithuanian and foreign experience of integrating the introduced areas into the urban framework based on social, economic, ecological and cultural contextuality. The main problem, on Lithuanian scale, is the absence of an official definition of urban brownfield. The legal framework in Lithuania does not contain any provisions to be processed. The article is aimed at identifying potential threats to the areas in respect of criteria for urban brownfields, and, according to this review, at revealing possible uses of this land. One of the most effective ways of urban sustainable development is the conversion of former military, industrial and other land accepted as the legacy of the Soviet regime. The authors have established a causal relationship resulting in the emergence of the urban areas of wilderness and developed guidance on using them. The authors have analysed and evaluated the existing real estate developers and current trends towards opportunities for private and public partnership (PPP) in Lithuania. Although PPP is widespread in most of European countries, it is a rare phenomenon in Lithuania, and has no deep-rooted tradition of this kind of investment in urban infrastructure; however, evaluation is one of the most potential ways to revitalize abandoned urban territories. Based on practices of foreign countries, the authors have identified PPP as a priority. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama apleistų teritorijų Lietuvoje problematika, apžvelgiama tokių teritorijų integravimo į miestų urbanistinį karkasą, atsižvelgiant į socialinį, ekonominį, ekologinį ir kultūrinį kontekstualumą, Lietuvos ir užsienio patirtis. Pagrindinė vyraujanti problema yra informacijos, kaip vertinti apleistas teritorijas, stoka. Lietuvos teisinėje bazėje nėra jokių jų tvarkymo nuostatų. Šio straipsnio tikslas – įvertinus Europos šalių patirtį apibrėžti tokių teritorijų keliamas grėsmes ir atskleisti panaudojimo galimybes Lietuvos miestuose. Buvusių karinių, pramoninių ir kitų teritorijų, susiformavusių mieste sovietinio režimo metais, konversija – tai vienas efektyviausių tvariosios plėtros būdų. Autoriai identifikavo priežastinį ryšį, lėmusį miesto dykrų atsiradimą, ir parengė jų panaudojimo metodines rekomendacijas. Atlikdami analizę autoriai įvertino esamą bendrąją Lietuvos miestų urbanistinę situaciją bei privataus ir viešojo sektorių partnerystės (angl. Public Private Partnership – PPP) taikymo galimybes. Lietuvoje toks investavimo į miesto infrastruktūrą būdas, priešingai nei Europos šalyse, yra retas, neturi gilių tradicijų, tačiau vertinamas kaip potencialus. Atlikę užsienyje taikomų modelių apžvalgą autoriai šį partnerystės būdą išskyrė kaip prioritetinį.
THE CONCEPT OF URBAN FORM AND ITS POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN LITHUANIA / MIESTO URBANISTINĖS FORMOS SAMPRATA IR JOS TAIKYMO GALIMYBĖS LIETUVOJE
Authors: Ivanauskaitė Agnė
Published: May 2015

Lithuanian urban design and urban planning face the problem of undeveloped terminology. This problem could be solved with the help of the definition of urban form, which could help to form terminology into a hierarchical system. Although the concept of urban form is not widely used in Lithuania, it is the subject of urban design in foreign countries. In order to solve urban problems on the architectural level, we must use the concept of urban form and its elements in cities every time we implement tasks of urban design and urban planning. This will help us to develop terminology following the hierarchical system. This article aims to reveal the definition of urban form, its elements and potential application. Lietuvos urbanistikos moksle ir praktikoje susiduriama su terminijos problema. Vienas iš jos pavyzdžių – miesto urbanistinės formos sąvoka, kuri galbūt galėtų būti šios problemos sprendimo išeitis, padėti konstruoti urbanistikos mokslo terminiją hierarchine sistema. Miesto urbanistinės formos sąvoka Lietuvoje nėra plačiai vartojama, tačiau užsienyje ji reiškia urbanistinio projektavimo objektą. Norint spręsti miesto problemas architektūrinėje urbanistinėje plotmėje, miesto urbanistinės formos, jos elementų samprata turi būti taikoma urbanistinio planavimo, projektavimo uždaviniuose. Straipsnyje siekiama atskleisti miesto urbanistinės formos sąvoką, jos elementus bei taikymo galimybes.
TACTICS FOR TEMPORARY USES OF BUILDINGS AND SPACES IN ARCHITECTURE. TYPOLOGY AND SOCIOCULTURAL VALUE / LAIKINOJO PASTATŲ IR ERDVIŲ NAUDOJIMO TAKTIKA ARCHITEKTŪROJE. TIPOLOGIZACIJA IR SOCIOKULTŪRINĖ VERTĖ
Authors: Mankus Martynas
Published: May 2015

The article is aimed at discussing preconditions for the appearance, scope and spread of adapting temporary functions and uses in buildings and spaces and at disclosing the essential features of the phenomenon. The paper considers that the applied tactics of temporary uses provide broader experimentation and more rapid technological innovation possibilities as well as help with understanding the needs of local communities and avoiding some bureaucratic approval procedures for urban planners, architects and activists. By stressing temporariness in contrast to the conventional durability of architecture, attempts on typologizing different tactics of temporary uses and disclosing their experimental, social and sociocultural role and value are made.
Straipsnio tikslas – aptarti laikinųjų funkcijų ir panaudų pritaikymo pastatams ir erdvėms atsiradimo priežastis, mastą, paplitimą bei aptarti esminius šio reiškinio bruožus. Pabrėžiama, kad taikoma laikinojo naudojimo taktika urbanistams, architektams, aktyvistams suteikia platesnių galimybių eksperimentuoti ir greičiau išbandyti naujas technologijas, prisitaikyti prie bendruomenių poreikių, išvengti dalies biurokratinių derinimo procedūrų. Pabrėžiant laikinumą kaip kontrastą įprastiniam architektūros ilgaamžiškumui, siekiama įvairią laikinojo naudojimo taktiką tipologizuoti, atskleisti eksperimentinį, visuomeninį ir sociokultūrinį vaidmenį bei vertę.
AESTHETIC POTENTIAL OF LANDSCAPE: THE LEGAL POLICY / KRAŠTOVAIZDŽIO ESTETINIS POTENCIALAS: TEISINĖ POLITIKA
Authors: Kalkė Dovilė
Published: May 2015

This article overviews and identifies major international and Lithuanian legal documents regulating landscape protection, management and planning, as well as contributing to preservation and development of aesthetic values. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami ir išskiriami pagrindiniai tarptautiniai bei Lietuvos teisiniai dokumentai, reglamentuojantys kraštovaizdžio apsaugą, tvarkymą ir planavimą – plėtojantys estetinių vertybių išsaugojimo ir gausinimo principus. Teisiniai dokumentai apžvelgiami pabrėžiant esminius jų išskirtinumus, siekiant papildyti ankstesnį straipsnį (Kalkė 2014) ir dar išsamiau, visapusiškiau įvertinti kraštovaizdžio estetinio potencialo aspektą.
HISTORICAL CONCEPT OF THE REPRESENTATIVENESS OF LITHUANIAN CITY SQUARES / LIETUVOS MIESTŲ AIKŠČIŲ REPREZENTATYVUMO ISTORINĖ SAMPRATA
Authors: Tiškus Gintautas
Published: May 2015

The article gives an overview of the historical development of the town squares from antiquity to the present day: patterns, location in the city plan structure, functions and the change in its architectural environmental. It examines the spatial structure of Lithuanian historic cities, shape of squares, dimensions and architectural environment. Finally, the change in functions and artistic expression of Lithuanian squares is discussed as well as attributes that determine representativeness.
Straipsnyje apžvelgiami miesto aikščių istorinės raidos dėsningumai nuo antikos iki mūsų dienų – aikštės vieta miesto plano struktūroje, aikštės funkcijos ir jos architektūrinės aplinkos kaita. Nagrinėjama Lietuvos istorinių miestų planinė struktūra, aikščių forma, matmenys ir architektūrinė aplinka. Aptariama Lietuvos miestų aikščių funkcijų ir meninės raiškos kaita, reprezentatyvumą lemiančios savybės.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS OF AWARDS IN ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES OF LATVIA / KIEKYBINIAI IR KOKYBINIAI ARCHITEKTŪRINIŲ IR STATYBOS PRAMONĖJE SKIRIAMŲ APDOVANOJIMŲ KRITERIJAI LATVIJOJE
Authors: Mikelsone Ilze , Treija Sandra
Published: May 2015

While evaluating the built environment, predominant agreement on what aspects constitute an achievement or failure in architecture is changing in the course of time. The subject of the research is value set agreements in regional comprehension, followed by the generic tree of award in architecture and construction industries of Latvia. Recently, besides the original task of promoting quality, the judgment typology can be considered a significant evidence of what the contemporary questions, problems and challenges consist of in the regional architecture. Based on the method of analytic comparison, this research paper lists regional awards as established public forms of judgment, reflected in professional editions and mass media during the last two decades. By sorting them by responsible initiatives, aim formulations, establishment data, criterion and target audience, the paper focuses on the general examination of affiliation segments and quantitative and qualitative indicators in the awards assigned since 1990. Conclusions include the data on widespread generalizations in the terms of criteria, segmentation and fragmentation, reputation of subjectivity, commercialization and expansive development in awarding, and at the same time raise the lack of constructive criticism culture in Latvia.
Vertinant sukurtą aplinką, dominuojantis susitarimas dėl architektūros pasiekimų ir nesėkmių laikui bėgant kinta. Tyrimo objektas yra Latvijoje regiono mastu numatyti vertės kriterijai, susisteminti į bendrinį architektūrinių ir statybos pramonėje skiriamų apdovanojimų klasifikacinį medį. Dabar šalia pirminės užduoties – kokybės skatinimo, pagal vertinimo tipologiją svarbiu gali būti laikoma klausimų, problemų ir iššūkių, iškylančių regioninėje architektūroje, sprendimo šiuolaikiškumas. Analitiniu lyginimo metodu nagrinėjami profesiniuose leidiniuose ir visuomenės informavimo priemonėse per pastaruosius du dešimtmečius minėti regioniniai viešai įsteigti apdovanojimai, rūšiuojant juos pagal atsakingas iniciatyvas, tikslų formulavimą, įsteigimo duomenis, kriterijus ir tikslinę auditoriją. Straipsnyje daugiausia dėmesio sutelkiama į bendrus, nuo 1990 m. įteiktų apdovanojimų afiliacijos segmentų ir kiekybinių bei kokybinių indikatorių tyrimus. Išvadose pateikiami plačių apibendrinimų duomenys. Pažymima apdovanojimų skyrimo sistemos Latvijoje ribotumas, o kartu ir vis didėjanti konstruktyvios kritikos kultūros stoka.
La « psychologie » au Collège de France
Authors: Carroy Jacqueline , Ohayon Annick , Plas Régine
Published: May 2015

L’histoire de la dénomination des chaires de « psychologie », ou impliquant cette discipline, au Collège de France apparaît comme un révélateur particulier de l’évolution de celle-ci dans le champ des sciences humaines et sociales.
Biocronología de la Terraza Compleja de Butarque del río Manzanares en el Estanque de Tormentas al sur de Madrid (España)
Authors: Laplana C. , Herráez E. , Yravedra Saínz de los Terreros J. , Bárez S. , Rubio-Jara S. , Panera J. , Rus I. , Pérez-González A.
Published: May 2015

Con motivo de la construcción en 2006 del Estanque de Tormentas en Villaverde (Madrid) se localizaron dos nuevos yacimientos de vertebrados del Pleistoceno, denominados H-02 y H-03, en depósitos de la Terraza Compleja de Butarque (TCB). Las dataciones realizadas por Termoluminiscencia (TL) situaron al primero de los yacimientos H-02 en el Pleistoceno Superior, al final del MIS 5, mientras que para el yacimiento H-03 se obtuvo una edad más antigua, ya dentro del Pleistoceno Medio (Domínguez-Alonso et al., 2009). En este trabajo se evalúa la concordancia de estas dataciones con la estimación de la edad obtenida a partir de la interpretación biocronológica de las asociaciones de mamíferos fósiles recuperadas en cada uno de los yacimientos. Mientras que para el yacimiento H-03 existe congruencia entre la datación por TL y la estimación de su edad a partir de criterios biocronológicos, que combinadas sitúan al yacimiento en la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio, no ocurre lo mismo en el caso de H-02. En este yacimiento, la presencia de Microtus brecciensis señala una edad más antigua que la propuesta por las dataciones de TL, dentro del Pleistoceno Medio. La comparación de algunas características biométricas entre las poblaciones de esta última especie de H-02 y de Áridos 1 permite además precisar que la edad del primero es más reciente que el segundo. Teniendo en cuenta que las dataciones disponibles para Áridos 1 (Panera et al., 2011) sitúan este yacimiento a finales del MIS 11, el yacimiento H-02 tuvo que formarse en el último cuarto del Pleistoceno Medio. Por consiguiente, las dataciones obtenidas por TL para el yacimiento H-02 parecen corresponder con edades mínimas de los sedimentos y no con su edad real.
Geocronología de los yacimientos achelenses de Pinedo y Cien Fanegas (Valle del Tajo) e implicaciones en la evolución fluvial en el entorno de Toledo (España)
Authors: López-Recio M. , Silva P. G. , Roquero E. , Cunha P. P. , Tapias F. , Alcaraz-Castaño M. , Baena J. , Cuartero F. , Morín J. , Torres T. , Ortiz J. E. , Murray A. S. , Buylaert J. P.
Published: May 2015

Se presentan los primeros resultados de los proyectos de investigación dirigidos al análisis cronoestratigráfico de las terrazas del río Tajo en el entorno de Toledo. El estudio se ha centrado en niveles fluviales del Pleistoceno Medio y Superior con yacimientos paleontológicos y achelenses con valoración tecnológica general similar al conjunto lítico de Pinedo (colección Máximo Martín Aguado). En el presente trabajo se incluyen las dataciones por IRSL y AAR de los niveles de terraza de +25−30 m que contienen los yacimientos achelenses de Pinedo y Cien Fanegas. Las edades IRSL obtenidas ( > 280 ka y 292±17 ka) indican que la terraza y los yacimientos que contienen se formaron durante los estadios isotópicos MIS 9 y/o MIS 8, siendo correlacionables con la Unidad Arganda II en el valle del Jarama, aunque Pinedo podría representar parcialmente a la Unidad superior de Arganda I (MIS 11–MIS 9). La datación AAR obtenida para la Unidad superior de Pinedo indica una edad de 226±37 ka. Aunque esta edad ha de tomarse con precauciones debido a la escasa contextualización estratigráfica y los bajos niveles de dentina de las muestras analizadas, podría indicar que el depósito de la terraza estudiada continuó hasta bien entrado el MIS 7, como también parece suceder en el Jarama (Valdocarros). En el tramo del valle analizado los procesos de sobre-sedimentación ligados a los procesos de subsidencia de las evaporitas del Neógeno (aguas arriba) y la existencia del nivel de base local impuesto por el Meandro Encajado de Toledo (aguas abajo), favorecieron los procesos de agradación fluvial sobre los de encajamiento. El método de datación utilizado (post IR–IRSL) ha permitido obtener la edad más antigua hasta la fecha sobre sedimentos fluviales arenosos en la Cuenca del Tajo.
Characterization and Combination of Agronomical Entities in Accordance with Spatial and Quantitative Imprecision
Authors: Zayrit Karima , Desjardin Eric , de Runz Cyril , Akdag Herman
Published: May 2015

One of the objectives of the authors' studies on the monitoring of agricultural practices is to deal with imperfect spatial and quantitative information, and to always associate a quality evaluation with acquired or computed data from each location in the territory being studied. In order to produce quantitative information for each location and to consider the imprecision of data, this paper introduces the notion of fuzzy agronomical entities that consider both fuzzy spatial and quantitative information. Then, it proposes a new approach for propagating spatial imprecision to fuzzy quantitative values using two fuzzy combination operators. This method produces the fuzzy quantity of spatially disseminated chemicals for each location.
Towards The Use of Probabilistic Spatial Relation Databases in Business Process Modeling
Authors: Li Haizhou , Pinet François , Toumani Farouk
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors combine the methods of probabilistic databases, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and business process modelling to evaluate the agricultural activities. The authors provide a technique to evaluate the risk of agricultural activities among the hydrological objects (lakes, rivers, etc.) and agricultural plots. The spatial relation is an important information needed in the evaluation processes. This type of information is usually uncertain and the available data are often not precise. Consequently, probabilistic database is used to capture the uncertainty of the spatial objects in order to estimate the level of possible water and soil contamination (by agricultural inputs). Probabilistic spatial relations provide information on the layout of spatial objects. Probabilities are stored in a probabilistic database. Probabilistic database is a finite number of complete databases that are assigned with a set of probabilities. Probabilistic data-aware business processes integrate the theory of probabilistic database with business processes modeling methods. This new formalism of business processes helps the experts to model the environmental risks in terms of probabilistic spatial relations.
The Effect Degree Analysis of Human Activities on Regional Groundwater Level Based on Variable Fuzzy Optimization Model
Authors: Liu Dong , Liu Wenting , Luo Tianqi
Published: May 2015

Along with the population increasing and social economic developing rapidly, the groundwater resource is affected by human activities seriously. In order to achieve optimal local allocation of water resources and promotion of local economic development, a suitable method for measuring the effect degree of human activities on groundwater resource system is very important. In this paper, regarding Hongxinglong Administration of Heilongjiang Agricultural Reclamation in China as the study area, the comprehensive assessment system to analysis the influence of human activities on groundwater level change with eight evaluated indicators closely related to the amount of groundwater exploitation is established by applying variable fuzzy optimization model. According to relative superiority, the function of effect degree index to evaluate the impact situation is constructed. The results in 2012 show that the human activities on Farm Youyi have the strongest impact on groundwater level variation, while Farm Beixing weakest. Comparing the results from 2003 to 2012, the trend of most effect degree indices reveals decrease by some effective measures. However, there are four farms whose human activities have a stronger influence on groundwater table.
Filtering Structures for Microblogging Content
Authors: Dahimene Ryadh , du Mouza Cedric
Published: May 2015

In the last years, microblogging systems have encountered a large success. After 7 years of existence Twitter claims more than 271 million active accounts leading to 500 million tweets per day. Microblogging systems rely on the all-or-nothing paradigm: a user receives all the posts from an account s/he follows. A consequence for a user is the risk of flooding, i.e., the number of posts received from all the accounts s/he follows implies a time-consuming scan of her/his feed to find relevant updates that match his interests. To avoid user flooding and to significantly diminish the number of posts to be delivered by the system, the authors propose to introduce filtering on top of microblogging systems. Driven by the shape of the data, the authors designed different filtering structures and compared them analytically as well as experimentally on a Twitter dataset which consists of more than 2.1 million users, 15.7 million tweets and 148.5 million publisher-follower relationships.