bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermotropic, refracting and thermo-optical properties in three homologs of 4-n-alkyl-4’-cyanobiphenyls
Authors: Nesrullajev Arif
Published: April 2015

Investigations of temperature behaviour of the mean refractive index n, ordinary no and extraordinary ne refractive indices, and birefringence Δn have been carried out for three homologues of 4-n-alkyl-4’-cyanobiphenyls (n = 8, 10, 12). The principal polarizabilities α0 and αe, effective geometry parameter αeg and average polarizability αave have been calculated using the isotropic internal field model (Vuks approach). Temperature behaviour of the order parameter in regions of the smectic A–nematic, nematic–isotropic liquid and smectic A–isotropic liquid is discussed. All of the optical and orientational parameters, which have been obtained in this work, are in good agreement with the theoretical approach.
Characterization of silicon nitride layers deposited in three-electrode plasma-enhanced CVD chamber
Authors: Grigaitis Tomas , Naujokaitis Arnas , Tumėnas Saulius , Juška Giedrius , Arlauskas Kęstutis
Published: April 2015

Two series of amorphous silicon nitride films were deposited using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) reactor with two and three electrodes. Nitrogen gas and silane diluted with argon mixture (5% SiH4 + 95% Ar) were used as the working gas. The silicon nitride films were deposited at the same time on CaF2 and aluminium-coated glass substrates at 300 °C. Changing of the injected gas ratios allowed us to shift the band gap of the films in the 1.85–5.15 eV range. From AFM analysis it was found that the samples deposited in a three-electrode chamber demonstrated lower surface roughness. The electrical measurements revealed that the samples deposited in the three-electrode CVD reactor demonstrated lower leakage current and higher breakdown voltage. The composition of layers was investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. Additionally, the composition of the deposited films was evaluated from the refractive indexes, which have been estimated by fitting the spectroscopic ellipsometry data using the Tauc-Lorenz model.
Inferring Population History of Tiger Beetle Species of Sri Lanka using Mitochondrial DNA Sequences
Authors: Dangalle Chandima D. , Pallewatte Nirmalie , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: April 2015

Tiger beetles are an important insect group in Sri Lanka due to their high species richness and endemicity. The present study investigated the distribution of tiger beetle species populations in Sri Lanka and history of species populations. Distribution was studied by conducting extensive field work that recorded the locations, habitat types and habitat preferences of tiger beetle species. DNA sequence data of three mitochondrial genes were used to study the history of species populations. The genetic indices: haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and Tajima’s D statistic were computed using DNA sequence data. The study revealed the distribution of ten tiger beetle species of Sri Lanka and their habitat types. According to genetic indices the tiger beetles of Sri Lanka are single species populations that consist of subpopulations distributed in locations that are not separated by major geographical barriers. There is a high probability that all species are experiencing population expansion after either habitat displacement by other tiger beetle species, expansion of suitable new habitats and natural disasters.Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 47-63, 2014
Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data
Authors: Nanayakkara Ranil P. , Herath H.M.J.C.B. , De Mel Ruvinda K , Kusuminda T.G. Tharaka
Published: April 2015

In the current study we attempt to identify eight baleen whale carcasses that were washed ashore to the Western, Northwestern and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka in 2010, using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Initial physical examination suggested that these carcasses belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial control region from baleen whales confirmed that the samples belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). However, it was impossible to identify the population of blue whales the individuals belonged to, due to the lack of strong population genetic signals in the mitochondrial control region sequences.Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 73-78, 2014
Underwater and Terrestrial Feeding in the Sri Lankan Wart-Frog, Lankanectes corrugatus
Authors: Pethiyagoda Rohan , Manamendra-Arachchi Kelum , Sudasinghe Hiranya
Published: April 2015

The vast majority of the world’s anurans feed terrestrially, with aquatic prey capture having been observed in only a handful of species. We tested the predation behaviour of the strictly aquatic ‘fanged’ frog Lankanectes corrugatus (Nyctibatrachidae) by providing specimens with both aquatic and terrestrial feeding opportunities. The frogs successfully captured prey both underwater and on land adjacent to water. During underwater feeding they located prey purely by tactile stimuli rather than by vision; prey were scooped into the open mouth using both hands. When feeding terrestrially, however, the frogs relied on visual cues alone when attacking prey, capturing prey items by lunging at them, grasping and scooping with the hands. Oral suction and tongue or jaw prehension were not observed in prey capture whether underwater or on land, and the 'fangs' do not appear to play a role in prey capture or ingestion.Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 79-82, 2014
Observation of the Vagrant Emperor (Anax ephippiger, ODONATA: AESHNIDAE) in Sri Lanka after 38 years
Authors: Wijayathilaka Nayana , Abayalath Nirodha , Bandara Champika
Published: April 2015

Anax ephippiger is a widespread dragonfly species whose range extends from Sri Lanka and India through Africa to the Mediterranean region and Europe. However, the species is previously known only from two sightings in Sri Lanka. Thirty-eight years after the last sighting of the species, the authors photographed a male A. ephippiger on 3rd of November, 2008 around 4.00 pm.Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 83-84, 2014
Need of a Professional Code for Librarians
Authors: Gallaba GMP
Published: April 2015

Ethical issues are common, at all levels of professional activity. Therefore professional associations lay down codes of conduct and ethics for maintaining members' behaviour up to expected levels.Codes of conduct can succeed only if the profession as a whole feels responsible for its implementation. If the professionals as members of their profession fail to be responsible and do not take action against those who do not observe the code, the code becomes ineffective.In accordance of these, Sri Lanka Library Association approved the Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics and published it in 1998. This paper explains the need for such a code and briefs on the code prepared for LIS professionals in the country a decade ago.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Vol.13 (Issue 1). 2009 61-69
NUTRITIONALLY VARIANT STREPTOCOCCI BACTEREMIA IN CANCER PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY, 1999-2014
Authors: Yacoub Abraham Tareq , Krishnan Jayasree , Acevedo Ileana M. , Halliday Joseph , Greene John Norman
Published: April 2015

BackgoundNutritionally variant Streptococci (NVS), Abiotrophia and Granulicatella are implicated in causing endocarditis and blood stream infections more frequently than other sites of infection. Neutropenia and mucositis are the most common predisposing factors for infection with other pathogens in cancer patients. In this study we investigated the clinical characteristics of NVS bacteremia in cancer patients and identified risk factors and outcomes associated with these infections. Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of NVS bacteremia occurring from June 1999 to April 2014 at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. The computerized epidemiology report provided by the microbiology laboratory identified thirteen cancer patients with NVS bacteremia. We collected data regarding baseline demographics and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, underlying malignancy, neutropenic status, duration of neutropenia, treatment, and outcome.ResultsThirteen patients were identified with positive NVS blood stream infection. Ten patients (77%) had hematologic malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (1), multiple myeloma (MM) (1), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (4), and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (4).  The non-hematologic malignancies included esophageal cancer (2) and bladder cancer (1).ConclusionNVS should be considered as a possible agent of bacteremia in cancer patients with neutropenia and a breach in oral, gastrointestinal and genitourinary mucosa (gingivitis/mucositis).
Imaging in rectal cancer with emphasis on local staging with MRI
Authors: Arya Supreeta , Das Deepak , Engineer Reena , Saklani Avanish
Published: April 2015

Imaging in rectal cancer has a vital role in staging disease, and in selecting and optimizing treatment planning. High-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) is the recommended method of first choice for local staging of rectal cancer for both primary staging and for restaging after preoperative chemoradiation (CT-RT). HR-MRI helps decide between upfront surgery and preoperative CT-RT. It provides high accuracy for prediction of circumferential resection margin at surgery, T category, and nodal status in that order. MRI also helps assess resectability after preoperative CT-RT and decide between sphincter saving or more radical surgery. Accurate technique is crucial for obtaining high-resolution images in the appropriate planes for correct staging. The phased array external coil has replaced the endorectal coil that is no longer recommended. Non-fat suppressed 2D T2-weighted (T2W) sequences in orthogonal planes to the tumor are sufficient for primary staging. Contrast-enhanced MRI is considered inappropriate for both primary staging and restaging. Diffusion-weighted sequence may be of value in restaging. Multidetector CT cannot replace MRI in local staging, but has an important role for evaluating distant metastases. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) has a limited role in the initial staging of rectal cancer and is reserved for cases with resectable metastatic disease before contemplating surgery. This article briefly reviews the comprehensive role of imaging in rectal cancer, describes the role of MRI in local staging in detail, discusses the optimal MRI technique, and provides a synoptic report for both primary staging and restaging after CT-RT in routine practice.
Tumefactive intramural gossypiboma of the urinary bladder mimicking an invasive adnexal malignancy
Authors: Jain Shivi , Verma Ashish , Jain Madhu , Trivedi Sameer , Shukla Ram C , Srivastava Arvind
Published: April 2015

A surgical swab retained in the body after surgery is known as ′Gossypiboma′. The purpose of this report is to highlight an intramural vesical gossypiboma mimicking an invasive adnexal malignancy. A 28-year-old multiparous, with open-tubal ligation three years ago, presented with painless hematuria and a nontender mass on vaginal examination. USG suggested ′pelvic endometriosis′ infiltrating into the bladder and cystoscopy showed no intraluminal extension of the mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) misdiagnosed it as invasive malignancy of the fallopian tube. Exploratory laparotomy found it to be an intramural vesical gossypiboma. A pelvic gossypiboma infiltrating into the wall of the urinary bladder may easily be misinterpreted as an invasive pelvic malignancy on imaging and may make one consider unwarranted radical surgery.
Hepatic subcapsular flow: An early marker in diagnosing biliary atresia
Authors: Ramesh RL , Vishnu Murthy GS , Jadhav Vinay , Ravindra S
Published: April 2015

We report an interesting sign in the sonological evaluation of neonatal cholestasis, which is hepatic subcapsular flow. Hepatic subcapsular flow is an early and useful marker in diagnosing biliary atresia.
Improvised tie backs for the preadjusted appliance
Authors: Revankar Ameet V. , Mascarenhas Rohan , Bai Pavithra M
Published: April 2015

The paper describes modified tiebacks for space closure with the MBT prescription preadjusted appliance. This modification solves the problems associated with the original design.
From “Directed Differentiation” to “Neuronal Induction”: Modeling Neuropsychiatric Disease
Authors: Ho Seok-Man , Topol Aaron , Brennand Kristen J.
Published: April 2015

Aberrant behavior and function of neurons are believed to be the primary causes of most neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. Human postmortem samples have limited availability and, while they provide clues to the state of the brain after a prolonged illness, they offer limited insight into the factors contributing to disease onset. Conversely, animal models cannot recapitulate the polygenic origins of neuropsychiatric disease. Novel methods, such as somatic cell reprogramming, deliver nearly limitless numbers of pathogenic human neurons for the study of the mechanism of neuropsychiatric disease initiation and progression. First, this article reviews the advent of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology and introduces two major methods, “directed differentiation” and “neuronal induction,” by which it is now possible to generate neurons for modeling neuropsychiatric disease. Second, it discusses the recent applications, and the limitations, of these technologies to in vitro studies of psychiatric disorders.
Next Generation Distributed Computing for Cancer Research
Authors: Agarwal Pankaj , Owzar Kouros
Published: April 2015

Advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) and mass spectrometry (MS) technologies have provided many new opportunities and angles for extending the scope of translational cancer research while creating tremendous challenges in data management and analysis. The resulting informatics challenge is invariably not amenable to the use of traditional computing models. Recent advances in scalable computing and associated infrastructure, particularly distributed computing for Big Data, can provide solutions for addressing these challenges. In this review, the next generation of distributed computing technologies that can address these informatics problems is described from the perspective of three key components of a computational platform, namely computing, data storage and management, and networking. A broad overview of scalable computing is provided to set the context for a detailed description of Hadoop, a technology that is being rapidly adopted for large-scale distributed computing. A proof-of-concept Hadoop cluster, set up for performance benchmarking of NGS read alignment, is described as an example of how to work with Hadoop. Finally, Hadoop is compared with a number of other current technologies for distributed computing.
Implications of Gender Difference in Coronary Calcification as Assessed by CT Coronary Angiography
Authors: Makaryus Amgad N. , Sison Cristina , Kohansieh Michelle , Makaryus John N.
Published: April 2015

Background

Arterial calcium as measured by 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (64-CT) is a reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Lipid-rich plaques with lower degrees of calcification may pose greater risk for adverse coronary events than more stabilized calcified plaques as a result of the increased risk of plaque rupture, migration, and subsequent acute coronary syndrome. We sought to examine coronary artery calcium scores as measured via 64-CT to assess the extent of calcification and plaque distribution in women compared to men.

Methods

A total of 138 patients referred for 64-CT were evaluated. Computerized tomographic angiography was performed using the GE LightSpeed VCT. Subgroup analysis comparing male and female data (including demographic data) was performed. All major coronary arteries were analyzed for coronary stenosis/plaque characterization as well as total vessel calcium (Agatston) score quantification. Patient demographics and coronary risk factors were recorded.

Results

A total of 552 coronary arteries were evaluated in 138 patients (85 men, 53 women). The average age for females was 64.4 ± 10.8 years and for males 60.0 ± 12.8 years. The only demographic/cardiovascular risk factor in which the difference between men and women was significant was smoking history, where 23.5% of men had a history of smoking while only 9.6% of females endorsed having a smoking history ( P < 0.044). On comparison of all total vessel calcium scores, males had a higher total mean calcium score than females in each individual vessel. The results were as follows for males versus females, respectively: left main total vessel calcium score 46.49 versus 16.71 ( P = 0.167); left anterior descending 265.21 versus 109.6 ( P < 0.003); left circumflex 130.5 versus 39.7 ( P < 0.004); and right coronary 213.5 versus 73.8 ( P < 0.01). The odds of having a total calcium score >100 (versus not) was 3.62 times greater in males relative to females, given that all the other cardiovascular risk factors are adjusted for (95% confidence interval: 1.37-9.54). On average, men had an average of 2.1 ± 1.5 epicardial vessels with a calcium score ≥11 compared to 1.3 ± 1.4 for women ( P < 0.005).

Conclusion

There are clear differences between males and females regarding total vessel calcium scores and therefore risk of future adverse coronary events. Males tended to have higher average calcium scores in each coronary artery than females with a greater tendency to have multiple vessel involvement. Using this information, more large-scale, randomized controlled studies should be performed to correlate differences in the extent of coronary calcification with the observed variance in clinical presentation during coronary events between males and females as a means to potentially establish gender-specific therapeutic regimens.
Substrate Modification is a Better Predictor of Catheter Ablation Success in Atrial Fibrillation than Pulmonary Vein Isolation: An LGE-MRI Study
Authors: Akoum Nazem , Morris Alan , Perry Daniel , Cates Josh , Burgon Nathan , Kholmovski Eugene , Macleod Rob , Marrouche Nassir
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) vary widely. We used late-gadolinium enhancement MRI (LGE-MRI) to examine the relationship of ablation-induced scarring in the pulmonary vein (PV) region and overall atrium to evaluate the role of PV encirclement and substrate modification in predicting outcome of catheter ablation in AF.

Methods and Results

LGE-MRI was performed to quantify baseline atrial fibrosis, which was classified into four stages (stage I with fibrosis <10%, stage II with fibrosis 10-20%, stage III with fibrosis 20-30%, and stage IV with fibrosis >30%). Patients then underwent ablation and repeat LGE-MRI at three months to assess for ablation-induced scarring. PVs were studied to evaluate for complete encirclement with scar. Image processing was used to overlay the scar onto baseline fibrosis to assess the overlap and calculate residual fibrosis. A total of 172 patients were included with an average baseline fibrosis of 14.6 ± 8.4%. The average number of PVs encircled with scar at three months was 1.2 ± 1.3 with only 9% of patients having all four PVs completely encircled. The average residual fibrosis was 11.9 ± 7.3%. High residual fibrosis was defined as >10%. Recurrent AF was found in 60 patients (34.9%) over a follow-up of 346 ± 82 days. Baseline and high residual fibrosis were significant predictors of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] of 2.2; P < 0.01 and HR of 3.2; P < 0.01, respectively). The number of PV encircled was not a significant predictor of recurrence.

Conclusion

LGE-MRI of ablation-induced scarring demonstrates that chronic PV encirclement is rarely achieved. Procedural outcomes are better predicted by baseline atrial fibrosis and ablation-induced substrate modification.
Functions of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) in Gynecologic Disorders
Authors: Ren Ping , Zhang Yuquan , Huang Yan , Yang Yingli , Jiang Ming
Published: April 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of a class of nuclear hormone receptors intimately involved in the regulation of expression of myriad genes that regulate energy metabolism, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Although originally discovered as a pivotal regulator of adipocyte differentiation, the roles that PPARγ plays in gynecological disorders are still unknown. There are a number of studies on the functions of PPARγ and its agonists in gynecological disorders. In this mini-review, we provide a brief summary of the advances in recent years.
Animal Models of IBD-Associated CRC and Colorectal Cancer Tumorigenesis
Authors: Fu Shuyi K. , Lawrance Ian C.
Published: April 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent disease, and despite advances in medical research, much remains unknown about CRC. As such, it is important to improve our current understanding of CRC. Several animal models for CRC exist, and they provide an excellent tool for studying CRC tumorigenesis. These models, however, have limitations, and a good understanding of the pathophysiology of these models is required in order to fully understand how closely they mimic human sporadic and colitis-associated CRC.
Aerosol Optical Depth as a Measure of Particulate Exposure Using Imputed Censored Data, and Relationship with Childhood Asthma Hospital Admissions for 2004 in Athens, Greece
Authors: Higgs Gary , Sterling David A. , Aryal Subhash , Vemulapalli Abhilash , Priftis Kostas N. , Sifakis Nicolas I.
Published: April 2015

An understanding of human health implications from atmosphere exposure is a priority in both the geographic and the public health domains. The unique properties of geographic tools for remote sensing of the atmosphere offer a distinct ability to characterize and model aerosols in the urban atmosphere for evaluation of impacts on health. Asthma, as a manifestation of upper respiratory disease prevalence, is a good example of the potential interface of geographic and public health interests. The current study focused on Athens, Greece during the year of 2004 and (1) demonstrates a systemized process for aligning data obtained from satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) with geographic location and time, (2) evaluates the ability to apply imputation methods to censored data, and (3) explores whether AOD data can be used satisfactorily to investigate the association between AOD and health impacts using an example of hospital admission for childhood asthma. This work demonstrates the ability to apply remote sensing data in the evaluation of health outcomes, that the alignment process for remote sensing data is readily feasible, and that missing data can be imputed with a sufficient degree of reliability to develop complete datasets. Individual variables demonstrated small but significant effect levels on hospital admission of children for AOD, nitrogen oxides (NOx), relative humidity (rH), temperature, smoke, and inversely for ozone. However, when applying a multivari-able model, an association with asthma hospital admissions and air quality could not be demonstrated. This work is promising and will be expanded to include additional years.
The number of vertices of a tropical curve is bounded by its area
Authors: Yu Tony Yue
Published: April 2015

We introduce the notion of tropical area of a tropical curve defined in an open subset of

\mathbb R^n

. We prove that the number of vertices of a tropical curve is bounded by the area of the curve. The approach is totally elementary yet tricky. Our proof employs ideas from intersection theory in algebraic geometry. The result can be interpreted as the fact that the moduli space of tropical curves with bounded area is of finite type.
Sur la théorie d’Ahlfors des surfaces
Authors: Duval Julien
Published: April 2015

On revisite la théorie d’Ahlfors de recouvrement des surfaces à l’aide du théorème de Stokes.
La institucionalización de la participación infantil en un servicio de protección de niños y niñas en riesgo
Authors: Compte Nunes Guillem
Published: April 2015

En el marco de avanzar hacia una comprensión de los mecanismos de transformación social, que supere la retórica de la importancia de la participación infantil y el aislamiento del conocimiento sobre “lo infantil”, se identifican factores facilitadores y barreras para la institucionalización de la participación infantil en un servicio público de protección de niños y niñas en riesgo. Los resultados se interpretan a través del modelo 4I de aprendizaje organizacional. Se pone de relieve la necesidad de capacitar a los grupos de interés para superar la visión adultocéntrica de la participación, desarrollar una estrategia organizacional de participación y ajustar los espacios participativos a la diversidad de las personas y los tiempos necesarios para una institucionalización sólida y realista.
Redes sociales en las bibliotecas escolares
Authors: Giménez Chornet Vicent
Published: April 2015

Las bibliotecas escolares deben ser un medio para acceder al conocimiento, y las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación pueden facilitar que los estudiantes adolescentes se inicien en el uso de estas tecnologías para desarrollar sus capacidades y habilidades en la búsqueda de información. Las redes sociales e Internet preocupan por las situaciones problemáticas que pueden provocar en los niños y adolescentes que no sean conscientes de los peligros de la red, pero ello no debe impedir que conozcan las ventajas que las TIC ofrecen como forma y medio de aprender. En el artículo se analizan diferentes propuestas innovadoras que se han implantado en distintas bibliotecas escolares del mundo. Se concluye que es importante que los estudiantes preuniversitarios conozcan y dominen estas herramientas antes de incorporarse al mundo laboral o a la universidad.
Menores y redes sociales: cuestiones legales
Authors: Ramón Fernández Francisca
Published: April 2015

La participación en una sociedad cada vez más tecnológica hace que se planteen numerosos interrogantes sobre la protección de los sujetos más vulnerables, entre ellos los menores. La influencia de las redes sociales como instrumento de comunicación no está exenta de riesgos por la cantidad de información que se facilita y se comparte.

 La falta de una regulación específica que contemple desde el punto de vista del Derecho cuál es la protección que un menor debe tener, hace que se produzcan situaciones de desamparo de los derechos de los mismos.

 La oportunidad de regulación se ha dejado escapar en la futura ley de protección de la infancia, actualmente en fase de anteproyecto, ya que no hace referencia a las redes sociales como hubiera sido deseable. Las normas actuales en materia de menores, así como las de protección de datos, entre otras, no resultan suficientes para contemplar todas las situaciones de riesgo que pueden darse en dicho ámbito.

 En el presente trabajo nos proponemos reflexionar sobre menores y redes sociales planteando algunas cuestiones legales, e intentando aportar alguna respuesta a la problemática que se plantea en el ámbito jurídico.
Percepción de la relación afectiva con los padres como principal factor que influye sobre el embarazo en adolescentes en Veracruz, México
Authors: Trinidad-Noguera Karina Ivonne , Chávez-Montes de Oca Virginia Griselda , Carrasco-Ponce Berenice , Sánchez-Valdivieso Enrique Alejandro
Published: April 2015

Se realizó un estudio de carácter cualitativo donde, con base a los datos obtenidos en la investigación, analizamos a fondo los factores de riesgo que elevaron de manera exponencial que adolescentes de entre 12 a 19 años queden embarazadas, vistos desde la perspectiva de la propia adolescente y, de esta manera, obtener un panorama más amplio de la situación de cada adolescente y evaluar cómo cada uno de los factores en su entorno fueron influyendo para que se llegara a un embarazo a tan temprana edad, para lo cual aplicamos una entrevista semiestructurada tanto a adolescentes embarazadas como a sus familiares.
Usos sociales de internet entre los adolescentes españoles
Authors: Cloquell Lozano Alexis
Published: April 2015

Los cambios y los avances en las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) acontecidos a lo largo de las últimas décadas han generado un creciente interés para la comunidad científica. Precisamente gran parte de la labor investigadora  se ha centrado en analizar el impacto social de Internet en los menores. En este artículo, realizamos una revisión de la literatura especializada relacionada con la temática en cada uno de los campos científicos, con la finalidad de analizar el enfoque y la perspectiva estudiada. Al mismo tiempo que analizamos los hábitos de uso y comportamientos de los adolescentes en torno a Internet en España. Para ello se ha utilizado los datos del estudio “Encuesta sobre hábitos de uso y seguridad de Internet de menores y jóvenes en España” del Ministerio del Interior publicado en junio de 2014.
La sustitución pupilar y cuasipupilar o ejemplar: el patrimonio del menor de 14 años e incapacitados
Authors: Moretón Sanz Mª Fernanda
Published: April 2015

En este estudio se abordará el tratamiento jurisprudencial y doctrinal de alguno de los aspectos más controvertidos de las sustituciones pupilar y cuasi pupilar o ejemplar. Sabido es que el contenido patrimonial de las determinaciones hereditarias tiene distinto alcance en función de la categoría institucional utilizada por el testador. En particular, en las sustituciones hereditarias o de herencia, el objeto dependerá de la modalidad elegida por el causante a la hora de disponer sus bienes. Específicamente, y pese a cierta resistencia doctrinal y jurisprudencial, en la pupilar y ejemplar, el sustituyente (progenitor o titular de la representación legal) dispone de la totalidad de los bienes del sustituido (menor de catorce años o incapacitado), de modo que en principio, ambas sustituciones afectan a la totalidad del caudal relicto de los sustituidos. En suma, la finalidad perseguida en la sustitución pupilar y ejemplar es evitar la apertura de la sucesión abintestato de los menores de catorce años o de las personas incapacitadas judicialmente y afecta a los bienes relictos del patrimonio del que fuesen titulares.
Towards a more sustainable Qatar; retrofitting mindsets, one by one
Authors: Clarke Sarah Frances
Published: April 2015

Historically the peoples of Arabia have had a strong affinity with and respect to nature, recognizing that their life depended on a mutually supportive relationship. These intertwined connections between people and nature included a reverence for the camels that provided a dependable mode of transport across the harsh desert landscape; a deep affection for the majestic falcons that soared high above vast sand dunes in search of prey; and a great pride in the saluki dog breed as a loyal and skillful hunting companion. Through the generations, nomadic and static tribes in the Gulf have learned how to coexist with their hostile desert environment, following nature’s path to water and fertile plains. And, while this bond endures, with the advent of oil wealth, which has brought with it unprecedented rates of development, it is a connection which at best is under strain and at worst on a catastrophic path as much desired rapid development brings with it demands on the environment and incursions into the landscape as never before; dredging destroying sea grass plains and their associated weird and wonderful wildlife; agriculture requiring ever more water, irreparably depleting natural aquifers and necessitating higher levels of energy draining desalination; and skyscraper cities demanding more electricity to light, keep cool and give residents the comforts they need. Add to this an ever growing mound of waste generated by a swelling population and the picture does not look favorable for Arabia and her peoples.What will it take to restore the human-environment balance? What needs to be retrofitted? Is it simply a matter of technical fixes, add-ons or replacements? Or is there a need for a more fundamental change? Do we need to retrofit mindsets, both individual and organizational, with a new set of overarching socially and environmentally driven principles that allow Qatar to continue along its developmental path while enhancing its historical ties with the environment? In short, is it possible to design or retrofit our way towards a sustainable Qatar? It will be argued in this paper that no amount of technological retrofits or prestigious sustainable planned communities, such as those of Lusail, The Pearl and Msheihreb, will in and of themselves solve the problems faced by Qatar unless there is an associated fundamental change in mindsets at all levels and in all communities, underpinned by a deeply held responsibility for our own impacts on the environment around us and a desire to minimize them. Drawing on examples from individual, organizational and community driven initiatives in solid waste management in Qatar, this paper will illustrate the complexity of the task ahead, how retrofitting mindsets might be achieved and the obstacles faced.
How to improve sustainability inside higher educational institutions: A strategic plan for Qatar University
Authors: Azzali Simona , Sabour Eman Abdel
Published: April 2015

Designing and implementing sustainable solutions means to take responsibility for the welfare of future generations as well as for our environment and planet. Positive approach towards sustainability should be an essential part of the ethical base of our lifestyle and actions. Moreover, sustainable development is a vital aspect of the educational agenda at all levels. Universities and higher education institutions have a great responsibility in promoting sustainable development, not only through the educational programs they offer, but also through the involvement of students and staff in the sustainability issues, by encouraging interaction with them. Universities should implement sustainable solutions and adopt sustainability in their future plans, and ultimatel they should have an impact on the society and lead the way by offering knowledge, solutions through influential individuals. Indeed, most universities understood the responsibility and the extreme importance of shifting to more sustainable policies and plans, and most of them have started investing in green buildings future that includes, green building, greener practices and green products along with less environmental impact, and ways of engaging its faculty and students.In the last few years the need for sustainable solutions for universities has rapidly increased. Many efforts have been dedicated to this issue, and now many universities have realized and implemented different plans that suit their needs and nature. These plans have achieved sustainable transport, energy, procurement, food services and many other issues.In this research, a review of other universities’ sustainability plans is used to derive a strategy aimed to improve sustainability inside Qatar University by introducing new solutions, evaluating current implemented methods, and assessing or promoting the use of services already in place. The sustainability plan is designed to deliver a strategic blue print to meet the future development at Qatar University campus via converting its operations, education and research activities towards more sustainable practices. The proposed plan is designed based on the collaboration of three university bodies (students, academics and administrative staff), and it is outlined in three main branches: operational; planning and administration; education and research. The plan identifies and maps the required action to build the initiative to achieve sustainable goals at QU, and proposes new ways to face the challenge of sustainability in academic campuses. The plan also helps in offering a benchmark model for peer higher education organizations inside Qatar, and for other institutions outside Qatar with similar conditions.
Towards an innovative design approach: Palm tree biomimicry between form and content
Authors: Gharib Nader Mohamed , Eliskandarani Eiman Mohamed
Published: April 2015

Biomimicry is considered to be a new approach for achieving sustainable architecture, and accordingly smarter futuristic cities. It provides humans with aspiration to view nature as our mentor. Meanwhile, architecture has long drawn from nature as a source of inspiration. The integration between biomimicry and architecture leads to innovative designs inspired by Mother Nature.The palm tree is considered to be one of the most popular native and local plants in the MENA region. It has been studied by architects and planners and applied in the architectural designs in one-way or another. However, a thorough investigation of that valuable plant has to be carried out for a better understanding of its capabilities. This paper explains how biomimicry can enroll have a role in architecture, and its applications gradual levels. This paper also studies the palm tree by means of form, content and mechanism of the palm tree; in order to recognize its most suitable applications on buildings, which affects the architectural aesthetic and functional values. The results should indicate how positively the palm tree whole system could benefits the architectural environment.
Evidence-based sustainable design strategies in the built environments
Authors: Islam M  , Obeidat Saif
Published: April 2015

The evidence-based sustainable design tool is a design tool created to aid participants during the design and decision-making process and implementation phase of sustainable design projects. It guides users in collecting background information, defining problems and objectives, assessing and selecting tools and methods, evaluating alternatives and solutions, recording the process, and monitoring and measuring progress and outcomes. It is also designed to be an information-sharing tool for participants and stakeholders.Problem statementsGrowing demand for sustainable design and a shortage of evidence-based design requires more knowledge and application of sustainable design principles.Research purposesThe purpose of this study is to discuss the benefits of using evidence-based design in process for sustainable interior design.The objectives of the studyThe objective of this study is to involve owners, developers, interior designers in developing evidence-based design strategies for sustainable settings and in evaluation of those settings to improve the physical environment that lead to better outcomes.The significance of the studyThis study seeks to utilize evidence-based sustainable design strategies in the built environments to create healthier, safety, and more productive environments for occupants. This study will assess the potential benefits of using evidence-based design as a tool of the design process in sustainable design. The study strives to present advantages of the evidence-based design through the use of sustainable design. Also, this study will investigate interior designers to understand of how evidence-based design affects knowledge and application of sustainability principles, and assessed whether such understanding influences their making-decision in solving design problems. Therefore, this study will examine how evidence-based design of the person, process, and product (outcome) and the cognitive stages of the design process (i.e., readiness, reception, reflection, revelation, and recreation) will express in an sustainable design to gain an understanding of the creative decision making process.Research QuestionsHow can sustainable design assist interior designer to gain better evidence in applying sustainable principles to design process?MethodologyA review of literature relating to evidence-based design and sustainable design was conducted. Also, a model was developed to quantify the relationships between evidence-based design and the sustainable design based on the prior studies.FindingsEvidence-based sustainable design tool (1) is flexible and applicable to different situations; (2) measured advancement towards sustainability using easily understood criteria (3); is easy to use; (4) provided supporting evidence for presenting proposals to stakeholders; and (5) had a framework for clearly organizing the complex information involved in achieving sustainability
Learning and applying sustainability principles is a challenging educational task
Authors: Obeidat Islam M , Amor Cherif
Published: April 2015

In this global era, sustainability has become a wide-ranging term used in local and global scale and applied to almost every facet of life on earth. In academia, finding the appropriate means to learn and apply sustainability principles is a challenging educational task that leads to what is often called ‘sustainability gap’. In this study, students from architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture are taught sustainability principles in a collaboration studio course. The purpose of this study is: 1) to understand the gap between learning and application of sustainability principles in collaborative pedagogic settings, 2) to examine the association between collaborative pedagogic setting and students' predisposition to environmental responsibility while learning and applying sustainability principles, and 3) to explore whether the symbiosis between sustainability and collaboration might be associated with the students' perception of innovation in design. The objective of this study is to provide data that will help bridge the gap between learning and application of sustainability principles. A review of literature relevant to sustainability and collaboration was conducted. A qualitative (participants observation) and quantitative (survey/questionnaires) approaches were used to collect data in this study. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, open coding, independent T-test, One-way ANOVA, and multiple comparison tests were used to analyze the data. The findings show that collaboration between design and allied disciplines might facilitate learning and application of sustainability principles. Similarly, collaborative settings help students understand the predisposition of being pro-environment, responsive and perceptive of the innovation in design. Finally, collaborative pedagogy has facilitated the identification of conspicuous gaps relevant to learning and application of sustainability principles.
Life cycle cost analysis of utilizing energy saving lamp at engineering faculty buildings, Universitas Indonesia
Authors: F Farizal , Purnamasari L.
Published: April 2015

Lighting as one manifestation of electricity consumption will greatly assist human activity and productivity. In education, lighting plays an important role in the success of the learning process. The Faculty of Engineering, established in 1964, is one of the biggest faculty at Universitas Indonesia. Currently it has eighteen buildings and facilities to serve around five thousands students. Now a days many energy saving lamps are emerging on the market. These lamps consume less electricity than older lamps but they are much more expensive. Two newer lamps, i.e. compact fluorescence lamp (CFL) Tornado 24W and light emitting diode (LED) 9W are assessed to replace existing faculty of engineering lamps. For the purpose, life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was used. The results recommended replacing the existing lamps with LED with the potential of 11% of cost saving and 87% of power saving.
Future vision: Going lean in a green environment
Authors: Elmosalmi Dawlat
Published: April 2015

The improvement of efficiency, quality and profitability has been recently the major goal for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The future of the construction industry requires the combination and integration of the four key functions: process, technology, organization and knowledge. New processes, such as lean construction, bring a solution to the trilogy of problems encountered in the AEC industry: time, cost and quality. The overall aim of this paper is to introduce new process and manage sustainability through lean thinking by studying both concepts and providing an answer to the question “Is lean green?”This paper is divided into three parts; the first part explains the concept of “lean thinking”, its origin, applications, goals, benefits and challenges faced when first implemented in the construction industry. The second part explains the concept of sustainability and green construction through the project lifecycle and how it can enhance the inner and outer environment and optimize costs. The third part is integrating the two concepts together showing the strong bond that links sustainability to Lean thinking adding value to construction projects and eliminating waste from the concept design phase to the operation phase. This paper will take the audience/attendees to a new dimension of thinking for going lean in a green environment achieving customer’s satisfaction by the three part goal of better, cheaper and faster projects. Today is just the right time and place to lean and green it, whereas tomorrow will be zero wastes!
Closing the performance gap
Authors: McLean Don
Published: April 2015

This presentation will examine where the building performance gap comes from and how the industry can minimise it through better understanding of design analysis and learning from buildings in operation.

Over the years the green agenda within building design has become increasingly important. It’s only until very recently that designers, and other construction colleagues, have had the technology and know-how to validate how our buildings are performing in real terms in comparison to what was expected from the design stage. The results prove interesting with a common thread, often the building isn’t performing as predicted. Invariably the divergence in results show the real building performing far worse than expected. Why is this?

The Carbon Trust published a report, ‘Closing the Gap’, in April 2012. One of the key findings is the confusion that compliance models should somehow suffice for design analysis and in some cases mistakenly used as a form of operational energy prediction. The compliance model is simply a benchmark exercise and omits key elements within the building in its calculation. For example, unregulated loads such as plug loads, server rooms, external lighting and so on. This is ultimately why the EPC, currently, won’t align with the DEC, however your design model could, and a growing number within our industry would say should. The Carbon Trust report further concludes that during the design process we should distinguish between these model types and focus on the design model rather than being driven by compliance. In addition the report concludes that we should also develop our understanding of soft landings and post occupancy building monitoring, and increase their application to benefit our design decisions through lessons learnt.

However, understanding our analysis at design stage is only one half of this challenge, the other is understanding how buildings are operating and learning from them. It is all well and good believing that a building is sustainable because it appears to do so at the design stage, but how sustainable is it in reality? How do we know if we are not checking? Soft Landings is keys to this, but we need to correlate building performance against the design. We need to quantify the Performance Gap in the same level of detail which we analyse buildings in simulation software.

This presentation will consider the ways in which we can make better use of the latest technology to calibrate our building models and create strategies that can be implemented across a building’s life to help make smarter decisions and enable strategic energy/carbon reduction planning which meets both environmental and financial targets.
Humongous Numbers/Dow Record High—Or Not?
Authors: Cibes Margaret , Greenwood James
Published: April 2015

Students analyze items from the media to answer related mathematical questions.