bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic and structural behaviour of Tl-Na liquid alloy
Authors: Yadav S. K. , Jha L. N. , Adhikari D.
Published: December 2014

In this work we intend to study the thermodynamic and microscopic structural properties of Tl-Na liquid alloy at 673 K on the basis of regular associated solution model. We have estimated the mole fractions of the complex and the free monomers assuming the complex TlNα as energetically favoured in the initial melt. In thermodynamic properties, we have computed free energy of mixing (GM), enthalpy of mixing (GM), entropy of mixing (SM) and activities of the monomers (αTl and αNα). The compositional contributions of the heat of mixing and the heat of formation of the complex to the net enthalpy change have also been studied. The microscopic structural properties of the alloy have been studied by computing concentration fluctuation in the long wavelength limit (SCC(O)), chemical short range order parameter (α1) and the ratio of mutual to intrinsic diffusion coefficients (DM/Did). Both the theoretical and the experimental values of SCC(O) are found to be less than the ideal values at all compositions which indicates the ordering nature of Tl-Na liquid alloy at 673 K. All the interaction energy parameters are found to be negative and temperature dependent. The liquid system is found to be moderately interacting.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v12i0.11784BIBECHANA 12 (2015) 20-29
Assessing the Person–Job Fit in the European Union Aviation Industries Using a Competency Gap Assessment Framework
Authors: Reis Vasco , Macário Rosário
Published: December 2014

Over the past few decades, the European Union's (EU's) aviation industries have experienced a dwindling of their long-standing capacity to attract and retain the most promising students. A misalignment or gap between the competencies needed at work and those earned at school is just one of the several potential causes already identified. Such a gap may be eroding the person–job fit, namely, the difference between the perceived applicant–job fit and the actual employee–job fit, and thus contributing to making these industries less attractive. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the person–job fit along two dimensions: perceived applicant–job and actual employee–job fit in the EU aviation sector. Competency was the component used to operationalize the measurement of the person–job fit. A competency gap assessment framework estimated the gaps between the competencies for adequately performing the job tasks and those acquired by higher education students. A total of 88 competencies, divided into four domains of activity (airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and manufacturers), were taken into consideration. The methodological approach included two large-scale surveys. The results evidenced a high actual person–job fit but a low perceived person–job fit in the aeronautical or aerospace engineering programs and a low actual person–job fit and perceived person–job fit in the remaining ones. Results suggested that students’ attraction to pursuing a career in aviation might be negatively affected but, if starting out in a manufacturing industry, students were likely to perform above their initial expectations.
Comparison of Mode Cost by Time of Day for Nondriving Airport Trips to and from New York City's Pennsylvania Station
Authors: Yang Ci , Morgul Ender Faruk , Gonzales Eric J. , Ozbay Kaan
Published: December 2014

A novel methodology used taxi global position system data and high-resolution transit schedule information to compare travel times and travel fares of the two main nondriving travel modes for airport ground access: taxi and transit. Five origin–destination pairs between Pennsylvania Station in New York City and three airports in the New York region were used as an example to demonstrate these methods. An analysis of total trip cost considered both travel time and expenditures on fare. A binary logit model was used to model the mode choice of travelers. The results indicate that transit is the more likely choice during most of the day except the midnight period when transit service has longer headways. A sensitivity analysis shows the relationship between the value of time and total trip cost per passenger for different numbers of passengers traveling together and at different times of day. The higher the value of time and the number of passengers in a group, the more likely it is that a taxi is chosen for airport trips. The attractiveness of one mode relative to the other varies spatially and temporally according to the travel time and price. This paper focuses on understanding temporal variation of total cost of each mode and the effect that this variation is likely to have on mode share.
Estimating Approach Path Coverage of Aircraft-Derived Meteorological Data in Advanced Air Traffic Management Applications
Authors: Audenaerd Laurence
Published: December 2014

If appropriately equipped, aircraft traveling throughout the global air space have the unique capability to measure and report high-resolution meteorological data, under all weather conditions. These data can have high economic value for both aviation and nonaviation uses by communicating a dense picture of weather conditions from thousands of ad hoc sensors operating daily in the global air space over areas of an aviation operational interest. However, ensuring that the technology provides adequate levels of service and safety requires a clear understanding of system performance characteristics in conjunction with sensor and data link capabilities, broadcast frequencies, equipage rates, and operational service environment requirements. This paper explores the density of coverage as a measure of performance by presenting the problem as a stochastic area coverage model of a homogeneous dynamic wireless ad hoc sensor network. A model was developed to relate the density needs of various advanced air traffic management applications to the spatial and temporal coverage of aircraft-sensed meteorological data in the airport terminal area. A comprehensive experimental design is presented with varying aircraft equipage rates, message broadcast frequencies, coverage granularities, and traffic demand levels. Infrastructure and sensor limitations are included to capture some realism within the model. Results are determined by solving this variation on a traditional set covering model using Monte Carlo simulation techniques.
Assessing Disability Glare Potential of Reflections from New Construction
Authors: Jakubiec J. Alstan , Reinhart Christoph F.
Published: December 2014

Disability glare, or visual impairment due to extreme brightness or contrast, can be caused by intense reflections from new constructions onto existing transportation or building infrastructure located nearby. A case study analyzed a disability glare hazard at an airport created by the installation of a large array of photovoltaic panels between an air traffic control tower and the aircraft taxiway. The panels reflected blinding quantities of daylight into the control tower, produced temporary afterimages, and dangerously obscured taxiing aircraft. The existing FAA guidelines for installation of solar technologies are discussed relative to their shortcomings in identifying the glare hazard. High dynamic range photography was used to analyze the glaring situation at the airport. The authors proposed a maximum brightness threshold of 30,000 cd/m2 based on the physiology of human vision and the brightness of tasks necessary for air traffic controllers at the case study airport. Detailed reflectivity and three-dimensional models of the photovoltaic panels and the airport were created and validated against measured data. These models were used to perform an annual analysis of the glare hazard. This analysis is displayed temporally by graphs and spatially by images that indicate where the glaring reflections originate. Such information is useful in identifying potential for disability glare before new constructions are built. Finally, the authors used the new method to analyze designs for remediation of the glare hazard.
The Experience of Being a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser Volunteer: A Longitudinal Qualitative Collective Case Study
Authors: Chur-Hansen Anna , Werner Lucy-Kate , McGuiness Clare , Hazel Susan
Published: December 2014

There are no published studies that consider the experiences of guide dog puppy raisers. As these people are volunteers, their continued willingness to participate in the training of dogs for assisting the vision impaired and blind is essential for the viability of guide dog schools around the world. Using a qualitative, longitudinal methodology, data were collected from nine guide dog puppy raisers at four time points: before receiving the puppy, one week, then three months after the puppy arrived, and 13 months after the puppy arrived (at which time all puppies had left the raisers). Participants reported more challenges than benefits in raising the puppies. Volunteering to be a guide dog puppy raiser may not be the pleasant experience that is anticipated when community members first offer their services. Understanding what it is like to be a puppy raiser and working towards ways in which to address problems is essential, given that, without volunteers to train and care for puppies, vision impaired and blind people would not have access to guide dogs.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Cardiac Patients: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Considerations for Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Tulloch Heather , Greenman Paul , Tassé Vanessa
Published: December 2014

There is increasing awareness of the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on physical health, particularly cardiovascular disease. We review the literature on the role of trauma in the development of cardiovascular risk factors and disease, aftermath of a cardiac event, and risk for recurrence in cardiac patients. We explore possible mechanisms to explain these relationships, as well as appropriate assessment and treatment strategies for this population. Our main conclusion is that screening and referral for appropriate treatments are important given the high prevalence rates of PTSD in cardiac populations and the associated impact on morbidity and mortality.
Regulation of the Tumor-Suppressor Function of the Class III Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Complex by Ubiquitin and SUMO
Authors: Reidick Christina , El Magraoui Fouzi , Meyer Helmut , Stenmark Harald , Platta Harald
Published: December 2014

The occurrence of cancer is often associated with a dysfunction in one of the three central membrane-involution processes—autophagy, endocytosis or cytokinesis. Interestingly, all three pathways are controlled by the same central signaling module: the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K-III) complex and its catalytic product, the phosphorylated lipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). The activity of the catalytic subunit of the PI3K-III complex, the lipid-kinase VPS34, requires the presence of the membrane-targeting factor VPS15 as well as the adaptor protein Beclin 1. Furthermore, a growing list of regulatory proteins associates with VPS34 via Beclin 1. These accessory factors define distinct subunit compositions and thereby guide the PI3K-III complex to its different cellular and physiological roles. Here we discuss the regulation of the PI3K-III complex components by ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Especially Beclin 1 has emerged as a highly regulated protein, which can be modified with Lys11-, Lys48- or Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains catalyzed by distinct E3 ligases from the RING-, HECT-, RBR- or Cullin-type. We also point out other cross-links of these ligases with autophagy in order to discuss how these data might be merged into a general concept.
Green Polymers in Personal Care Products: Rheological Properties of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide
Authors: Semenzato Alessandra , Costantini Alessia , Baratto Giovanni
Published: December 2014

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) is a xyloglucan of vegetable origin, recently proposed for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical market as a “green” alternative to hyaluronic acid. In this study, TSP water dispersions, at different concentrations, were characterized by means of rheological measurements, both in continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The results were compared with those of hyaluronic acid of two different molecular weights. The results pointed out the close rheological behaviors between TSP and hyaluronic acid with comparable molecular weight. Afterwards, the structural features of binary and ternary polysaccharide associations prepared with TSP, hyaluronic acid (very high MW) and dehydropolysaccharide gum, a modified xanthan gum, with high stabilizing properties, were investigated. The rheological properties were significantly affected by the polysaccharide ratios in the mixture, suggesting that the combination of TSP with other polymers can lead to a modulation of the texture and functional properties of cosmetics.
NNK, a Tobacco-Specific Carcinogen, Inhibits the Expression of Lysyl Oxidase, a Tumor Suppressor
Authors: Cheng Guang , Li Jianmin , Zheng Maoguen , Zhao Yinzhi , Zhou Jing , Li Wande
Published: December 2014

A tobacco-specific carcinogen, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), is believed to contribute to the cancer burden in cigarette smokers. To evaluate NNK effects on the expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX), a tumor suppressor, we examined this enzyme at various levels in NNK-treated rat fetal lung fibroblasts (RFL6). Exposure of cells to NNK reduced levels of steady-states LOX mRNA and new transcript synthesis. NNK inhibited all LOX protein species in a dose-dependent manner. Although 300 µM NNK markedly decreased the level in the 46 kDa preproenzyme, under same conditions, there was no detectable amounts of the 50 kDa proenzyme and the 32 kDa mature enzyme suggesting NNK perturbing the LOX protein processing to its mature form. Moreover, NNK also suppressed LOX activities in conditioned media of treated cells. At the promoter level, NNK enhanced methylation of CpG, but decreased acetylation of histone H3 at the core promoter region of the LOX gene. These results indicated that transcriptional and translational processes of LOX are major targets for NNK. Thus, inactivation of tumor suppressor gene LOX may play a critical role in NNK carcinogenesis.
Moving beyond Green: Exploring the Relationship of Environment Type and Indicators of Perceived Environmental Quality on Emotional Well-Being following Group Walks
Authors: Marselle Melissa , Irvine Katherine , Lorenzo-Arribas Altea , Warber Sara
Published: December 2014

Against the backdrop of increasing interest in the relationship between Nature and health, this study examined the effect of perceived environment type and indicators of perceived environmental quality on short-term emotional well-being following outdoor group walks. Participants (n = 127) of a national group walk program completed pre- and post-walk questionnaires for each walk attended (n = 1009) within a 13-week study period. Multilevel linear modelling was used to examine the main and moderation effects. To isolate the environmental from the physical activity elements, analyses controlled for walk duration and perceived intensity. Analyses revealed that perceived restorativeness and perceived walk intensity predicted greater positive affect and happiness following an outdoor group walk. Perceived restorativeness and perceived bird biodiversity predicted post-walk negative affect. Perceived restorativeness moderated the relationship between perceived naturalness and positive affect. Results suggest that restorative quality of an environment may be an important element for enhancing well-being, and that perceived restorativeness and naturalness of an environment may interact to amplify positive affect. These findings highlight the importance of further research on the contribution of environment type and quality on well-being, and the need to control for effects of physical activity in green exercise research.
Childhood Obesity: A Role for Gut Microbiota?
Authors: Sanchez Marina , Panahi Shirin , Tremblay Angelo
Published: December 2014

Obesity is a serious public health issue affecting both children and adults. Prevention and management of obesity is proposed to begin in childhood when environmental factors exert a long-term effect on the risk for obesity in adulthood. Thus, identifying modifiable factors may help to reduce this risk. Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota is involved in the control of body weight, energy homeostasis and inflammation and thus, plays a role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Prebiotics and probiotics are of interest because they have been shown to alter the composition of gut microbiota and to affect food intake and appetite, body weight and composition and metabolic functions through gastrointestinal pathways and modulation of the gut bacterial community. As shown in this review, prebiotics and probiotics have physiologic functions that contribute to changes in the composition of gut microbiota, maintenance of a healthy body weight and control of factors associated with childhood obesity through their effects on mechanisms controlling food intake, fat storage and alterations in gut microbiota.
Developing a Heatwave Early Warning System for Sweden: Evaluating Sensitivity of Different Epidemiological Modelling Approaches to Forecast Temperatures
Authors: Åström Christofer , Ebi Kristie , Langner Joakim , Forsberg Bertil
Published: December 2014

Over the last two decades a number of heatwaves have brought the need for heatwave early warning systems (HEWS) to the attention of many European governments. The HEWS in Europe are operating under the assumption that there is a high correlation between observed and forecasted temperatures. We investigated the sensitivity of different temperature mortality relationships when using forecast temperatures. We modelled mortality in Stockholm using observed temperatures and made predictions using forecast temperatures from the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts to assess the sensitivity. We found that the forecast will alter the expected future risk differently for different temperature mortality relationships. The more complex models seemed more sensitive to inaccurate forecasts. Despite the difference between models, there was a high agreement between models when identifying risk-days. We find that considerations of the accuracy in temperature forecasts should be part of the design of a HEWS. Currently operating HEWS do evaluate their predictive performance; this information should also be part of the evaluation of the epidemiological models that are the foundation in the HEWS. The most accurate description of the relationship between high temperature and mortality might not be the most suitable or practical when incorporated into a HEWS.
The Role of Autophagy as a Mechanism of Toxicity Induced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Human Lung Cells
Authors: Tsukahara Tamotsu , Matsuda Yoshikaszu , Haniu Hisao
Published: December 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising nanomaterials having unique physical and chemical properties, with applications in a variety of fields. In this review, we briefly summarize the intrinsic properties of highly purified multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs, HTT2800) and their potential hazardous effects on intracellular and extracellular pathways, which alter cellular signaling and impact major cell functions such as differentiation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and autophagy. A recent study suggested that the induction of autophagy by CNTs causes nanotoxicity. Autophagy was recently recognized as a critical cell death pathway, and autophagosome accumulation has been found to be associated with exposure to CNTs. Although autophagy is considered as a cytoprotective process, it is often observed in association with cell death, and the relationship between autophagy and cell death remains unclear. Our recent study suggests that the levels of autophagy-related genes (LC3B) and autophagosome formation are clearly up-regulated, along with an increase in numbers of autophagosome vacuoles. This review highlights the importance of autophagy as an emerging mechanism of CNT toxicity.
Globalland30 Mapping Capacity of Land Surface Water in Thessaly, Greece
Authors: Manakos Ioannis , Chatzopoulos-Vouzoglanis Konstantinos , Petrou Zisis , Filchev Lachezar , Apostolakis Antonis
Published: December 2014

The National Geomatics Center of China (NGCC) produced Global Land Cover (GlobalLand30) maps with 30 m spatial resolution for the years 2000 and 2009–2010, responding to the need for harmonized, accurate, and high-resolution global land cover data. This study aims to assess the mapping accuracy of the land surface water layer of GlobalLand30 for 2009–2010. A representative Mediterranean region, situated in Greece, is considered as the case study area, with 2009 as the reference year. The assessment is realized through an object-based comparison of the GlobalLand30 water layer with the ground truth and visually interpreted data from the Hellenic Cadastre fine spatial resolution (0.5 m) orthophoto map layer. GlobCover 2009, GlobCorine 2009, and GLCNMO 2008 corresponding thematic layers are utilized to show and quantify the progress brought along with the increment of the spatial resolution, from 500 m to 300 m and finally to 30 m with the newly produced GlobalLand30 maps. GlobalLand30 detected land surface water areas show a 91.9% overlap with the reference data, while the coarser resolution products are restricted to lower accuracies. Validation is extended to the drainage network elements, i.e., rivers and streams, where GlobalLand30 outperforms the other global map products, as well.
Effect of Monomer Dosing Rate in the Preparation of Mesoporous Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Semicontinuous Heterophase Polymerization
Authors: Sosa Dalia , Guillén Lourdes , Saade Hened , Mendizábal Eduardo , Puig Jorge , López Raúl
Published: December 2014

The semicontinuous heterophase polymerization of styrene in the presence of cross-linking and porogen agents was carried out. Latexes with close to 20% solid content, which contained mesoporous nanoparticles with 28 nm in average diameters, up to 0.5 cm3/g in porosity and 6–8 nm in pore diameters were obtained. By varying the monomer dosing rate over the micellar solution, an unexpected direct dependence of instantaneous conversion on the monomer dosing rate was found. This was ascribed to the higher average number of radicals per particle attained in the polymerization at the higher dosing rate, which in turn would arise from the higher gel percentage in the polymer. It is believed that the cross-linked chains prevent encounters between radicals, delaying the bimolecular termination reactions and allowing the existence of more than one radical inside the particles, which in turn increases the propagation rate.
A Spatial Optimization Model for Sustainable Land Use at Regional Level in China: A Case Study for Poyang Lake Region
Authors: Chen Wenbo , Carsjens Gerrit , Zhao Lihong , Li Haifeng
Published: December 2014

Economic growth in China is accompanied by many problems, such as rapid deterioration of the environment and a sharp decline in the area of arable land. China’s current land-use planning system fails to deal with these problems, especially at the regional level. The lack of sustainable spatial allocation at regional level has become a pressing problem. This article aims to: (1) analyze the reason why sustainable land use at the regional level is difficult to achieve under the current Chinese land-use planning system; (2) put forward a regional optimization model for sustainable land use; and (3) explore the usefulness and possibility of the future application of the model in supporting land-use planning. The model has been applied in a case study for the Poyang Lake Region, Jiangxi Province in China. Based on predictions of the demand of land in 2015, three single-objective scenarios were constructed: food production oriented, nature conservation oriented and economic growth oriented. An optimized, multi-objective pattern of sustainable land use was achieved by integrating the three single-objective scenarios. The relevance and applicability of the model were discussed with planning experts and practitioners. The results indicate that the model can contribute to a more sustainable regional land-use planning in China. However, the results also show a need for further research on how to embed wider social and economic aspects in the model.
Impact Analysis of Air Pollutant Emission Policies on Thermal Coal Supply Chain Enterprises in China
Authors: Guo Xiaopeng , Guo Xiaodan , Yuan Jiahai
Published: December 2014

Spurred by the increasingly serious air pollution problem, the Chinese government has launched a series of policies to put forward specific measures of power structure adjustment and the control objectives of air pollution and coal consumption. Other policies pointed out that the coal resources regional blockades will be broken by improving transportation networks and constructing new logistics nodes. Thermal power takes the largest part of China’s total installed power generation capacity, so these policies will undoubtedly impact thermal coal supply chain member enterprises. Based on the actual situation in China, this paper figures out how the member enterprises adjust their business decisions to satisfy the requirements of air pollution prevention and control policies by establishing system dynamic models of policy impact transfer. These dynamic analyses can help coal enterprises and thermal power enterprises do strategic environmental assessments and find directions of sustainable development. Furthermore, the policy simulated results of this paper provide the Chinese government with suggestions for policy-making to make sure that the energy conservation and emission reduction policies and sustainable energy policies can work more efficiently.
When Bioelectrochemical Systems Meet Forward Osmosis: Accomplishing Wastewater Treatment and Reuse through Synergy
Authors: Lu Yaobin , Qin Mohan , Yuan Heyang , Abu-Reesh Ibrahim , He Zhen
Published: December 2014

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) and forward osmosis (FO) are two emerging technologies with great potential for energy-efficient water/wastewater treatment. BES takes advantage of microbial interaction with a solid electron acceptor/donor to accomplish bioenergy recovery from organic compounds, and FO can extract high-quality water driven by an osmotic pressure. The strong synergy between those two technologies may complement each other and collaboratively address water-energy nexus. FO can assist BES with achieving water recovery (for future reuse), enhancing electricity generation, and supplying energy for accomplishing the cathode reactions; while BES may help FO with degrading organic contaminants, providing sustainable draw solute, and stabilizing water flux. This work has reviewed the recent development that focuses on the synergy between BES and FO, analyzed the advantages of each combination, and provided perspectives for future research. The findings encourage further investigation and development for efficient coordination between BES and FO towards an integrated system for wastewater treatment and reuse.
INFLUENCE OF INTERFACIAL TRANSITION ZONE ON ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF THE CONCRETE MANUFACTURED WITH RECYCLED CERAMIC AGGREGATE
Authors: Medina César , Zhu Wenzhong , Howind Torsten , Sánchez de Rojas María Isabel , Frías Moisés
Published: December 2014

The influence of the local micro-properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on macro-properties on the behaviour concretes is studied for recycled concretes made with 20% and 25% recycled ceramic aggregate from sanitary ware waste. This study carried out using nanoindentation and SEM technique aims to explore interface thickness and variations in its elastic modulus. The results show that the minimum and mean values of the elastic modulus and the ITZ thickness impact concrete mechanical and elastic properties to different degrees. Finally, that nanoindentation provides an indispensable tool for studying and assessing the effect of new materials (e.g. recycled aggregates) on the micromechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and its effect on engineering properties (compressive and splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) of these new concretes.
RESEARCH ON THE ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF CHAR RESULTING FROM NATURAL AND TREATED WOOD
Authors: Mačiulaitis Romualdas , Jefimovas Andrejus , Lipinskas Donatas
Published: December 2014

Wood is a material widely used for construction purposes and having quite a number of advantages. However, one of the major drawbacks of wood are its flammability. In case of fire in wooden buildings or constructions made of timber structures, the most noticeable feature of combustion is charring these structures. This property is important for identifying the cause of a fire. Therefore, it is necessary to relate charring timber structures with certain significant effects of fire such as its duration or temperature. It is also particularly important to identify whether timber has been treated with fire retardant solutions before the fire break-out. The values of electrical capacitance and conductivity for the media obtained from char resulting from natural wood and that treated with fire retardant solutions and dispersed in distilled water depending on heating time have been determined. Moreover, it has been stated that the electric conductivity of char resulting from natural wood is 100 times lower, and the electrical capacitance of such char is 1000 lower than those resulting from treated wood. The regression analysis of the obtained data has been performed. The empirical equations have been derived. The results of the conducted research have been summarised. Priority has been given to the application of the method evaluating electrical conductivity.
Systematic Review of Educational Programs and Strategies for Developing Students’ and Nurses’ Writing Skills
Authors: Oermann Marilyn H. , Leonardelli Adrianne K. , Turner Kathleen M. , Hawks Sharon J. , Derouin Anne L. , Hueckel Rémi M.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a systematic review of educational programs and strategies for developing the writing skills of nursing students and nurses. Of 728 screened citations, 80 articles were included in the review. Writing assignments in nursing courses were the most common, followed by strategies for writing across the curriculum and specific courses to improve the writing skills of nursing students. To improve nurses’ writing skills, workshops were used most frequently. Only 28 (35%) of the articles were databased, and most articles described the writing program, strategy, or assignment but did not evaluate its effectiveness. [J Nurs Educ.2015;54(1):28–34.]
Innovative Point Assignment for Clinical Attendance in an Associate Degree Program
Authors: Woodworth Julie A.
Published: December 2014

Students gain experience and meet learning outcomes through clinical experiences in health care settings. However, increased student absences threatened the completion of these outcomes within the associate degree in nursing program. In response to increased student absences, and faculty maintenance of fair expectations of all students, a pilot project was developed to initiate an innovative clinical point assignment system. Within this pilot project, students earned points for attending clinical experiences as part of the total points earned for the course. Alternative options, challenges, opportunities, and the evaluation of the new clinical point assignment system are revealed. This pilot project greatly reduced absences, eliminated make-up days, and resulted in cost savings to the college. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(1):54–56.]
Evaluation of Embedded Audio Feedback on Writing Assignments
Authors: Graves Janet K. , Goodman Joely T. , Hercinger Maribeth , Minnich Margo , Murcek Christina M. , Parks Jane M. , Shirley Nancy
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this pilot study was to compare embedded audio feedback (EAF), which faculty provided using the iPad
®
application iAnnotate
®
PDF to insert audio comments and written feedback (WF), inserted electronically on student papers in a series of writing assignments. Goals included determining whether EAF provides more useful guidance to students than WF and whether EAF promotes connectedness among students and faculty. An additional goal was to ascertain the efficiency and acceptance of EAF as a grading tool by nursing faculty. The pilot study was a quasi-experimental, cross-over, posttest-only design. The project was completed in an Informatics in Health Care course. Faculty alternated the two feedback methods on four papers written by each student. Results of surveys and focus groups revealed that students and faculty had mixed feelings about this technology. Student preferences were equally divided between EAF and WF, with 35% for each, and 28% were undecided. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(1):41–44.]
AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF PULMONARY NODULES IN MDCT: PERFORMANCE EVALUATION WITH INDEPENDENT DATASETS
Authors: Suárez-Cuenca Jorge Juan , Souto M. , Tahoces P. G. , Carreira J. M. , Remy-Jardin M. , Remy J.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system on the detection of pulmonary nodules in multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) images by using two independent datasets. We collected CT cases of 63 patients with 132 nodules ranging 4–30 mm in diameter from a hospital in Spain (20 patients) and a hospital in France (43 patients). CT examinations were acquired by using a SOMATOM Emotion CT scanner in Spain, and a dual-source SOMATOM Definition CT scanner in France (Siemens Medical System, Forchheim, Germany), with the following parameters: 6 × 1.0 mm collimation, 130 kVp, 70 mA (Emotion 6); or 64 × 0.6 mm collimation, 100–120 kVp, and 100–110 mAs (Definition 64). Nodules were detected independently by three experienced chest radiologists, and their detection results were used as the reference standard. The CAD scheme was developed with an advanced 3D iris filter for improving nodule detection. The performance of the CAD scheme was tested with an independent evaluation method based on the two databases. Free-response receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity and number of false-positive per scan, were employed to evaluate the performance of the CAD scheme. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. At an average false positive (FP) rate of 5 per scan, our CAD scheme achieved sensitivities of 79.5% for all nodules, 80.3% for solid, 60.0% for non-solid, 58.1% for spiculated, and 86.1% for non-spiculated nodules. In conclusion, our CAD scheme could be utilized to help radiologists in the detection of lung nodules in CT. However, in this study we confirmed that significant differences could be found in the performance of the system depending on the testing database.
Molecular Detection of HIV-1 Subtype B, CRF01_AE, CRF33_01B, and Newly Emerging Recombinant Lineages in Malaysia
Authors: Chook Jack Bee , Ong Lai Yee , Takebe Yutaka , Chan Kok Gan , Choo Martin , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Tee Kok Keng
Published: December 2014

A molecular genotyping assay for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) circulating in Southeast Asia is difficult to design because of the high level of genetic diversity. We developed a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect subtype B, CRF01_AE, CRF33_01B, and three newly described circulating recombinant forms, (CRFs) (CRF53_01B, CRF54_01B, and CRF58_01B). A total of 785 reference genomes were used for subtype-specific primers and TaqMan probes design targeting the gag, pol, and env genes. The performance of this assay was compared and evaluated with direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 180 HIV-infected subjects from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were screened and 171 samples were successfully genotyped, in agreement with the phylogenetic data. The HIV-1 genotype distribution was as follows: subtype B (16.7%); CRF01_AE (52.8%); CRF33_01B (24.4%); CRF53_01B (1.1%); CRF54_01B (0.6%); and CRF01_AE/B unique recombinant forms (4.4%). The overall accuracy of the genotyping assay was over 95.0%, in which the sensitivities for subtype B, CRF01_AE, and CRF33_01B detection were 100%, 100%, and 97.7%, respectively. The specificity of genotyping was 100%, inter-subtype specificities were > 95% and the limit of detection of 103 copies/mL for plasma. The newly developed real-time PCR assay offers a rapid and cost-effective alternative for large-scale molecular epidemiological surveillance for HIV-1.
Governança Corporativa e Internacionalização: Uma análise dos efeitos nas empresas brasileiras
Authors: Moizinho Luzélia Calegari Santos , Borsato Rogério Borges , Peixoto Fernanda Maciel , Pereira Vinícius Silva
Published: December 2014

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar os efeitos da internacionalização sobre a qualidade da governança corporativa, bem como o efeito da governança na internacionalização. Como objeto de estudo considerou-se as empresas brasileiras não-financeiras de capital aberto, no período de 2005 a 2010, e para o tratamento dos dados utilizou-se do modelo de regressão com dados em painel. Como variáveis de internacionalização das empresas, utilizou-se a exportação sobre a receita total e a comercialização de ADRs e para a governança corporativa, criou-se um índice pelo método da Análise Fatorial. Como contribuição, os resultados apontaram que empresas com níveis de governança mais elevados apresentam possibilidades de incrementar suas receitas pelas exportações, em contrapartida, empresas com baixos índices de governança tendem a buscar financiamentos no exterior como forma de mitigar os problemas de gestão. Sugerem-se como futuras pesquisas a inclusão de outros indicadores de internacionalização.
Towards an Understanding of Information Technology Strategy Development Based on Knowledge Management
Authors: Bermejo Paulo Henrique de Souza , Tonelli Adriano Olímpio , Zambalde Andre Luiz , Todesco José Leomar
Published: December 2014

The formulation of IT strategies is increasingly seen as a collaborative process, where knowledge management (KM) and learning become central to building a shared view of how information technology (IT) can support and extend business strategies. This article presents three interrelated components that support the application of KM to IT strategy development (actors and types of knowledge, knowledge conversion modes, and technological tools and artifacts). Through a longitudinal, qualitative case study, we illustrate strategies for applying these components. Faced with the importance of knowledge and collaboration to IT strategies, the results provide recommendations so that organizations can apply concepts and practices of KM processes in formulating IT strategies.
Análise do Efeito do Comportamento de Cidadania do Consumidor em Intenção de Recompra
Authors: Grillo Tito , Araujo Clecio , Damacena Cláudio
Published: December 2014

No presente artigo, o comportamento de cidadania do consumidor (CCB) é avaliado como uma manifestação de cocriação de valor na relação consumidor-organização. Considerando a proposição existente na literatura de marketing de que a cocriação de valor, a médio e longo prazo, se traduz em benefícios tangíveis à organização na forma de compra e recompra do consumidor, explicada através da relação entre valor-em-uso e valor-em-troca, o artigo busca analisar o efeito do CCB na intenção de recompra. Para tanto, foi adaptada a escala de CCB de Yi e Gong (2013) para o contexto brasileiro. A avaliação da escala adaptada e da relação proposta entre CCB e intenção de recompra se deu com modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados indicam falta de consistência de uma das dimensões de CCB propostas por Yi e Gong (2013) e demonstram que o CCB representa um determinante de expressivo efeito sobre a intenção de recompra.
Contribuições do Método História de Vida para Estudos sobre Identidade: o exemplo do estudo sobre professoras gerentes
Authors: Miranda Adílio Renê Almeida , Cappelle Mônica Carvalho Alves , Mafra Flávia Luciana Naves
Published: December 2014

Recentemente, o método história de vida tem sido usado na área de Administração como uma importante estratégia metodológica nas pesquisas qualitativas. Com esse método busca-se compreender os grupos ou a coletividade a partir de trajetórias de vida individuais. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é discutir a contribuição do método da história de vida para a compreensão da dinâmica identitária de professoras gerentes de uma universidade pública, por meio de um exemplo proveniente de um estudo empírico. Verificou-se, a partir dos relatos de quatro professoras gerentes, que o resgate de memórias do passado e de valores, fatos, normas e acontecimentos ligados à socialização primária e organizacional das entrevistadas contribui para a compreensão da dinâmica identitária delas. Emergiram algumas categorias de análise que expressam relações entre a história de vida e a identidade como: a descontinuidade, subjetividade e a importância de “dar voz ao sujeito”; o individual e o social e as transformações sócio-históricas: uma interação dinâmica na construção de identidades; e a análise temporal na construção de identidades.
Conceitos Atribuídos à Sustentabilidade em Organizações de Diferentes Setores
Authors: Silva Sabrina Soares da , Reis Ricardo Pereira , Amâncio Robson
Published: December 2014

O termo sustentabilidade surgiu nas áreas de Biologia e Ecologia, porém, seu uso indiscriminado e acrítico tem feito com que sua adoção não se aproxime da sua definição original. Esse estudo teve como objetivo discutir os diferentes conceitos atribuídos à sustentabilidade nas organizações, descrevendo os significados a ela atribuídos. Foram adotados, como objeto de estudo, os relatórios de sustentabilidade e os conteúdos dos sítios eletrônicos de oito organizações. Foi observada grande discrepância entre os conceitos atribuídos à sustentabilidade, estando a maior parte das ideias associada à permanência da própria empresa. As preocupações com o ambiente se restringiram à redução do uso de recursos naturais ou do impacto ambiental. Já as preocupações sociais se resumiram a diferentes formas de investimentos, programas e ações sociais. A maior parte das organizações buscou se amparar no termo sustentabilidade para legitimar sua atuação, provocando um esvaziamento desse conceito ao reduzi-lo ao atendimento dos interesses da própria organização.
Characterization of the boundary layer at Dome C (East Antarctica) during the OPALE summer campaign
Authors: Gallée H. , Preunkert S. , Argentini S. , Frey M. M. , Genthon C. , Jourdain B. , Pietroni I. , Casasanta G. , Barral H. , Vignon E. , Legrand M.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The regional climate model MAR was run for the region of Dome C located on the East Antarctic plateau, during Antarctic summer 2011–2012, in order to refine our understanding of meteorological conditions during the OPALE observation campaign. A very high vertical resolution is set up in the lower troposphere, with a grid spacing of roughly 2 m. Comparisons are made with observed temperatures and winds near the surface and from a 45 m high tower as well as sodar and radiation data. MAR is generally in very good agreement with the observations but sometimes underestimates cloud formation, leading to an underestimation of the simulated downward long-wave radiation. Absorbed short-wave radiation may also be slightly overestimated due to an underestimation of the snow albedo and this influences the surface energy budget and atmospheric turbulence. Nevertheless the model provides sufficiently reliable information that represent key parameters when discussing the representativeness of chemical measurements made nearby the ground surface during field campaigns conducted at the Concordia site located at Dome C (3233 m a.s.l.).
Millennial meridional dynamics of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool during the last termination
Authors: Lo L. , Shen C.-C. , Wei K.-Y. , Burr G. S. , Mii H.-S. , Chen M.-T. , Lee S.-Y. , Tsai M.-C.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. To develop an in-depth understanding of the natural dynamics of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) during the last deglaciation, stacked north- (N-) and south-IPWP (S-IPWP) thermal and hydrological records over the past 23–10.5 ka were built using planktonic foraminiferal geochemistry data from a new core, MD05-2925 (9.3° S, 151.5° E water depth 1661 m) in the Solomon Sea and eleven previous sites. Ice-volume-corrected seawater δ18O (δ18OSW-IVC) stacks show that S-IPWP δ18OSW-IVC values are indistinguishable from their northern counterparts through glacial time. The N-IPWP SST (sea surface temperature) stacked record features an increasing trend of 0.5 °C ka−1 since 18 ka. Its S-IPWP counterpart shows an earlier onset of temperature increase at 19 ka and a strong teleconnection to high-latitude climate in the Southern Hemisphere. Meridional SST gradients between the N- and S-IPWP were 1–1.5 °C during the Bølling/Allerød period and 1 °C during both Heinrich event 1 and the Younger Dryas, due to a warmer S-IPWP. A warm S-IPWP during the cold events could weaken the southern hemispheric branch of the Hadley cell and reduce precipitation in the Asian monsoon region.
The Impact of Varying Statutory Arrangements on Spatial Data Sharing and Access in Regional NRM Bodies
Authors: Paudyal D. R. , McDougall K. , Apan A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Spatial information plays an important role in many social, environmental and economic decisions and increasingly acknowledged as a national resource essential for wider societal and environmental benefits. Natural Resource Management is one area where spatial information can be used for improved planning and decision making processes. In Australia, state government organisations are the custodians of spatial information necessary for natural resource management and regional NRM bodies are responsible to regional delivery of NRM activities. The access and sharing of spatial information between government agencies and regional NRM bodies is therefore as an important issue for improving natural resource management outcomes. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current status of spatial information access, sharing and use with varying statutory arrangements and its impacts on spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development in catchment management sector in Australia. Further, it critically examined whether any trends and significant variations exist due to different institutional arrangements (statutory versus non-statutory) or not. A survey method was used to collect primary data from 56 regional natural resource management (NRM) bodies responsible for catchment management in Australia. Descriptive statistics method was used to show the similarities and differences between statutory and non-statutory arrangements. The key factors which influence sharing and access to spatial information are also explored. The results show the current statutory and administrative arrangements and regional focus for natural resource management is reasonable from a spatial information management perspective and provides an opportunity for building SDI at the catchment scale. However, effective institutional arrangements should align catchment SDI development activities with sub-national and national SDI development activities to address catchment management issues. We found minor differences in spatial information access, use and sharing due to varying institutional environment (statutory versus non-statutory). The non-statutory group appears to be more flexible and selfsufficient whilst statutory regional NRM bodies may lack flexibility in their spatial information management practices. We found spatial information access, use and sharing has significant impacts on spatial data infrastructure development in catchment management sector in Australia.