bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-renal delivery of mesenchymal stem cells attenuates myocardial injury after reversal of hypertension in porcine renovascular disease
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Ferguson Christopher M , Riester Scott M , van Wijnen Andre J , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) fails to fully improve cardiac injury and dysfunction in patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) restore renal function, but their potential for attenuating cardiac injury after reversal of RVH has not been explored. We hypothesized that replenishment of MSCs during PTRA would improve cardiac function and oxygenation, and decrease myocardial injury in porcine RVH.

Methods

Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of RVH, RVH treated 4 weeks earlier with PTRA with or without adjunct intra-renal delivery of MSC (10^6 cells), and controls. Cardiac structure, function (fast-computed tomography (CT)), and myocardial oxygenation (Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent- magnetic resonance imaging) were assessed in-vivo. Myocardial microvascular density (micro-CT) and myocardial injury were evaluated ex-vivo. Kidney venous and systemic blood levels of inflammatory markers were measured and their renal release calculated.

Results

PTRA normalized blood pressure, yet stenotic-kidney glomerular filtration rate, similarly blunted in RVH and RVH + PTRA, normalized only in PTRA + MSC-treated pigs. PTRA attenuated left ventricular remodeling, whereas myocardial oxygenation, subendocardial microvascular density, and diastolic function remained decreased in RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC. Circulating isoprostane levels and renal release of inflammatory cytokines increased in RVH and RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC, as did myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen deposition, and fibrosis.

Conclusions

Intra-renal MSC delivery during PTRA preserved stenotic-kidney function, reduced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, and thereby improved cardiac function, oxygenation, and myocardial injury four weeks after revascularization, suggesting a therapeutic potential for adjunctive MSC delivery to preserve cardiac function and structure after reversal of experimental RVH.
Direct Activation of Amidohydrolase Domain-Containing 1 Gene by Thyroid Hormone Implicates a Role in the Formation of Adult Intestinal Stem Cells During Xenopus Metamorphosis
Authors: Okada Morihiro , Miller Thomas C. , Fu Liezhen , Shi Yun-Bo
Published: June 2015

The T3-dependent anuran metamorphosis resembles postembryonic development in mammals, the period around birth when plasma T3 levels peak. In particular, the remodeling of the intestine during metamorphosis mimics neonatal intestinal maturation in mammals when the adult intestinal epithelial self-renewing system is established. We have been using intestinal metamorphosis to investigate how the organ-specific adult stem cells are formed during vertebrate development. Early studies in Xenopus laevis have shown that this process involves complete degeneration of the larval epithelium and de novo formation of adult stem cells. A tissue-specific microarray analysis of intestinal gene expression during Xenopus laevis metamorphosis has identified a number of candidate stem cell genes. Here we have carried out detailed analyses of one such gene, amidohydrolase domain containing 1 (AMDHD1) gene, which encodes an enzyme in the histidine catabolic pathway. We show that AMDHD1 is exclusively expressed in the proliferating adult epithelial stem cells during metamorphosis with little expression in other intestinal tissues. We further provide evidence that T3 activates AMDHD1 gene expression directly at the transcription level through T3 receptor binding to the AMDHD1 gene in the intestine. In addition, we have reported earlier that histidine ammonia-lyase gene, another gene in histidine catabolic pathway, is similarly regulated by T3 in the intestine. These results together suggest that histidine catabolism plays a critical role in the formation and/or proliferation of adult intestinal stem cells during metamorphosis.
Two-Dimensional near Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging of the Hand to Assess Microvascular Abnormalities in Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hartwig Valentina , Marinelli Martina , Gargani Luna , Barskova Tatiana , Trivella Maria Giovanna , Cerinic Marco Matucci , L'Abbate Antonio
Published: June 2015

Patients affected by systemic sclerosis (SSc) develop functional and structural microvascular alterations and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Evaluation of skin microcirculation is an important clinical step in the workup of SSc patients. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a well-established non-invasive technique to assess haemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2) in the illuminated tissue. The recent development of NIR spectroscopic two-dimensional (2D) imaging offers the possibility of visualising StO2 distribution in large tissue areas. This is particularly important in SSc characterised by a very heterogeneous spatial distribution of the microvascular abnormalities. In addition, the short acquisition time of NIR spectroscopic images allows microvascular “dynamic” conditions, such as the vascular response to physical or pharmacological stimuli, to be evaluated. The present study reports the results of the test application of NIR spectroscopic 2D imaging of the palmar whole-hand surface for the evaluation of peripheral microcirculatory dysfunction in one patient with SSc, as compared with a healthy control, both in “static” (resting) and in “dynamic” (ischaemia-reperfusion) conditions. Spatial heterogeneity of microvascular alterations associated with temporal heterogeneity in vascular reactivity to ischaemic challenge make 2D NIR spectroscopic imaging a promising tool in the assessment of SSc, as compared with the current available techniques. A NIR spectroscopic camera by Kent Imaging Inc, Calgary, Canada was used.
Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Artificial Neural Network to Characterise Olive Fruit and Oil Online for Process Optimisation
Authors: Allouche Yosra , López Estrella Funes , Maza Gabriel Beltrán , Márquez Antonio Jiménez
Published: June 2015

A sensor-software based on an artificial neural network (SS-ANN) was designed for real-time characterisation of olive fruit (pulp/stone ratio, extractability index, moisture and oil contents) and the potential characteristics of the extracted oil (free acidity, peroxide index, K232 and K270, pigments and polyphenols) in olive paste prior to the kneading step. These predictions were achieved by measuring variables related to olive fruit at the crushing stage, including the type of hammer mill (single grid, double grid and Listello), sieve diameter (4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm), hammer rotation speed (from 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm), temperature before crushing and mill room temperature. These were related to the near infrared (NIR) spectra from online scanned freshly milled olive paste in the malaxer with data pretreated by either the moving average or wavelet transform technique. The networks obtained showed good predictive capacity for all the parameters examined. Based on the root mean square error of prediction ( RMSEP), residual predictive deviation ( RPD) and coefficient of determination of validation ( r2), the models that used the wavelet preprocessing procedure were more accurate than those that used the moving average. As examples, for moisture and polyphenols, RMSEP values were 1.79% and 87.80 mg kg−1, and 1.46% and 61.50 mg kg−1, respectively for the moving average and wavelet transform. Similar results were found for the other parameters. In conclusion, these results confirm the feasibility of SS-ANN as a tool for optimising the olive oil elaboration process.
Multi-Focus Image Fusion Method Using Higher Order Singular Value Decomposition and Fuzzy Reasoning
Authors: Zhang Cuiying , Luo Xiaoqing , Zhang Zhancheng , Gao Ruichao , Wu Xiaojun
Published: June 2015

Higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) is an efficient data-driven decomposition technique, and shows the salient ability in the representation of high-dimensional data and feature extraction. In addition, fuzzy reasoning can solve the uncertainties of the source images' contributions to the fused image and is easy to apply. Motivated by the advantages mentioned above, a new HOSVD and fuzzy reasoning-based multi-focus image fusion method is proposed. Firstly, sub-tensor is constructed by two image patches separately from the two multi-focus images and HOSVD is employed to obtain the decomposition coefficients of image patches. Secondly, the weighted average fusion rule based on fuzzy reasoning is proposed for fusing the decomposition coefficients, and fuzzy reasoning rule is designed based on average energy, regional energy and match degree. Finally, the fused image is achieved by the inversing HOSVD. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method performs better than other methods both visually and quantitatively.
A Deterministic Algorithm for Alpha-Numeric Sequence Comparison with Application to Protein Sequence Detection
Authors: Kheniche A. , Brahimi N. , Salhi A.
Published: June 2015

This paper is an extension of a deterministic algorithm, [1, 2], that was initially designed to measure the rate of similarity between DNA sequences, and any sequences made up with symbols of alphabets of cardinality 4. Here, a modified and extended version to handle sequences of symbols from alphabets of cardinality > 4 is presented. This extension opens up its application area. As a test ground, we search for peptides within a protein database. Computational results on real data and a comparison with BLAST will be discussed.
Study of the Dynamics of a Condensing Bubble Using Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Ahmed Shahnawaz , Sreshth Sandeep , Ghosh Suman , Das Arup Kumar
Published: June 2015

Mesoscopic lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used to discretize the governing equations for a steam bubble inside a tube filled with water. The bubbles are kept at higher temperature compared to its boiling point while the liquid is kept subcooled. Heat transfer is allowed to take place between the two phases by virtue of which the bubble will condense. Three separate probability distribution functions are used in LBM to handle continuity, momentum and energy equations separately. The interface is considered to be diffused within a narrow zone and it has been modeled using convective Cahn-Hillard equation. Combined diffused interface-LBM framework is adapted accordingly to handle complex interface separating two phases having high density ratio. Developed model is validated with respect to established correlations for instantaneous equivalent radius of a spherical condensing bubble. Numerical snapshots of the simulation depict that the bubble volume decreases faster for higher degree of superheat. The degrees of superheat are varied over a wide range to note its effect on bubble shape and size. Effect of initial volume of the bubble on the condensation rate is also studied. It has been observed that for a fixed degree of superheat, the condensation rate is not exactly proportional to its volume. Due to the variation in interfacial configuration for different sized bubbles, condensation rate changes drastically. Influence of gravity on the rate of condensation is also studied using the developed methodology.
Two-Fluid Model for 1D Gas-Liquid Slug Flows: Realizable Mean Slug Characteristics
Authors: Gourma M. , Jia N.
Published: June 2015

A two-fluid model is used to predict hydrodynamic characteristics of gas water two phase slug flows in horizontal pipes. Mathematical models are averaged based forms of balance laws with algebraic source terms. Predictions of transient solutions of such systems rely on accurate evaluations of speeds and scales of discontinuities generated by the flow conditions.

Slug flows are characterized through slug frequencies, slug lengths and slug translational velocities. These are the fundamental quantities that one has to estimate in order to assess the validity of the model and the numerical method in use.

A two fluid 1D model for slug flows along with an AUSMDV* numerical scheme is able to predict correct translational speeds, lengths scales and frequencies of slugs. An adaptive mesh refinement AMR procedure based on Kelvin-Helmholtz stability condition as an indicator for refinement is used to speed up simulations. The marginal Kelvin-Helmholtz stability condition is also introduced to estimate slug body length.
Methodology of Cavitation Modelling in Diffusers
Authors: Jablonská Jana , Kozubková Milada
Published: June 2015

Cavitation is undesirable phenomenon occurring mainly in the flow of water in pumps and turbines, and therefore it is necessary to pay attention to it. The purpose is to explore the possibility of the mathematical modelling of the cavitation using Singhal cavitation model, which solves the multiphase flow of water and vapour. The issue can be solved taking into account the non-condensable gas (air). Singhal cavitation model was selected on the basis of good experience in the modelling of dynamic cavitation changes in the Laval nozzle [2], [10]. This article presents two alternatives. The first variant is testing a mathematical model for flow in a simple geometry of the cone. The second variant resolves the formation of cavitation rope behind vortex generator and the results are compared with experiment.
A Rede Nossa São Paulo e os desafios da mobilização social por cidades mais justas e sustentáveis
Authors: Winkler Ingrid , Pozzebon Marlei
Published: June 2015

Importante organização da sociedade civil de São Paulo enfrenta o desafio de fomentar a participaçao política do maior numero possivel de cidadãos em uma megalópole de 11 milhões de habitantes.
Call center offshore: o caso Out Brazil
Authors: De Arruda Maria Cecilia Coutinho , Notarnicola Filho Onófrio , Almeida Nádia Vernes
Published: June 2015

Quais os desafios para fornecer serviços de call center offshore a partir do Brasil, competindo com países como Índia e Filipinas no atendimento de clientes internacionais?
1-Octen-3-ol – the attractant that repels
Authors: Xu Pingxi , Zhu Fen , Buss Garrison K. , Leal Walter S.
Published: June 2015

Since the discovery in the early 1980s that 1-octen-3-ol, isolated from oxen breath, attracts tsetse fly, there has been growing interest in exploring the use of this semiochemical as a possible generic lure for trapping host-seeking mosquitoes. Intriguingly, traps baited with 1-octen-3-ol captured significantly more females of the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, than control traps, but failed to attract the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that this attractant is detected with enantioselective odorant receptors (ORs) expressed only in maxillary palps. On the basis of indoor behavioral assays it has even been suggested that 1-octen-3-ol might be a repellent to the southern house mosquito. Our approach was two-prong, i.e., to isolate 1-octen-3-ol-sensitive ORs expressed in maxillary palps and antennae of southern house female mosquito, and test the hypothesis that this semiochemical is a repellent. An OR with high transcript levels in maxillary palps, CquiOR118b, showed remarkable selectivity towards (R)-1-octen-3-ol, whereas an OR expressed in antennae, CquiOR114b, showed higher preference for (S)-1-octen-3-ol than its antipode. Repellency by a surface landing and feeding assay showed that not only racemic, but enantiopure (R)- and (S)-1-octen-3-ol are repellents at 1% dose thus suggesting the occurrence of other (S)-1-octen-3-ol-sensitive OR(s). Female mosquitoes with ablated maxillary palps were repelled by 1-octen-3-ol, which implies that in addition to OR(s) in the maxillary palps, antennal OR(s) are essential for repellency activity.
Service as part of the strategy of retail banking businesses
Authors: Черникова Людмила , Chernikova Lyudmila , Фаизова Гузель , Faizova Guzel
Published: June 2015

The article presents the authors´ systematization of strategies for managing retail banking businesses with the disclosure of the methods and forms, and that provides an overview

of the strategies used, the methods and forms of the retail banking business. This systematization allows developing new models of strategies that take into account the interaction of business, society and the public to ensure the balance of risks and effectiveness of activities, including at each stage of the organization of the retail banking business. The success of the forms and methods of retail business is determined, above all, by adequate view of the situation in the market and well-built strategies of banks. An integrated approach is needed to the selection and development strategy of the bank, combining orientation on customer needs and the ability of the developed strategy to form a high-quality and reliable customer base.

Currently, banks create more flexible development strategies for their businesses which are able to adapt, if necessary, to the new market conditions with minimal losses for the bank or compensate for the sharp transition to a different strategy and not to lose customers.

At the same time, on the part of customers, there are many factors that determine their choice of a bank. The analysis allowed us to formulate the factors that make up a system of incentives in the choice /change of the bank in today´s conditions, which vary depending on the regions of the Russian Federation, standards of living of the population, socio-economic and political situation in the country.
Vapnyarskaya, O.I. Individualization of needs as a factor of consumer behavior: a theoretical aspect FORMATION OF SERVICE SPACES
Authors: Вапнярская Ольга , Vapnyarskaya Olga
Published: June 2015

If the problem of identification, study and assessment of needs continues to be the subject of scientific research, the question of needs is traditionally considered subordinate to the law of elevation (increase) of needs. This law defines a causal link between the development of social production and the process of quantitative growth and enrichment of needs of society, it suggests the growth and improvement of the needs of society with the development of productive forces and culture. In other words, with the development of the productive forces of society the increase and modification of needs take place, on the one hand, as well as a qualitative improvement in the structure of demand - on the other. In the process of development of the society disappear some needs, but appear other needs, which are wider and at a higher quality level, which reflects a shift in priorities, the development of interoperability, quality improvement.

In this regard, the author hypothesizes that the modern needs are highly individualized and that individualization is a leading driver of change in consumer behavior. The rationale for this hypothesis, of course, must be carried out in two directions: confirmation / denial of the analysis of conceptual positions, as well as on the basis of studies analyzing the dynamics of personal consumption statistics. In this study, the results of the evidence are suggested, which are derived by the author on the basis of scientific studies of the various sciences. The information base of research is represented by works of domestic and foreign scholars in the field of consumer behavior, end-use, motivation theories and needs´ typologies.
The problem of classifying rural tourism
Authors: Трухачев Александр , Trukhachev Aleksandr
Published: June 2015

Rural tourism as a long-known phenomenon in recent years is using the new drivers of development and becoming increasingly popular form of recreation. Abroad and in Russia about a third of the population are interested in this type of holiday. However, while the foreign rural tourism industry is almost formed, the domestic experience indicates an extremely high deficit of tourist facilities and accommodation. Development of rural tourism in Russia is not conducive because of a number of problems, one of the key ones is the lack of conceptual provisions. This is related, first of all, to the very understanding of the phenomenon of rural tourism, its variants and their relationship.

In domestic practice, rural tourism is often identified with many other types of tourism -agritourism, gastronomic, environmental, green, active, sports, etc. In this paper, the author puts forward the hypothesis that rural tourism acts an umbrella term for a number of types of tourism. The author proves this assumption and the proposes a classification of rural tourism.
Home parenteral nutrition: a multi-professional approach
Authors: Sangster Adam
Published: June 2015

This article explores the complexities of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and how it has developed as a home therapy. It examines the various indications and treatment options, discussing access and the associated complications. The relationship between the multiprofessional team is paramount to the success of the therapy. Working in partnership with home-care providers is also discussed. It gives an overview of patients receiving parenteral nutrition at home and the impact it has on their lives.
ANÁLISE DO POTENCIAL E PERFIL EMPREENDEDOR DO ESTUDANTE DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO E O AMBIENTE UNIVERSITÁRIO: REFLEXÕES PARA INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO
Authors: Iizuka Edson Sadao , Moraes Gustavo H. Salati Marcondes de
Published: June 2015

A importância do empreendedorismo no Brasil aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos e os estudos atuais abordam o tema sob diversas perspectivas. O papel do jovem na criação de novos negócios já é uma realidade e a perspectiva é que se amplie nos próximos anos. Os incentivos ao empreendedorismo universitário podem ser observados de diversas formas, tais como: ações governamentais, iniciativas privadas e nas escolas, com número crescente de cursos e atividades relacionadas ao empreendedorismo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o perfil empreendedor do estudante de Administração de uma instituição de ensino privada e a visão discente sobre o ambiente universitário. Buscou-se entender como os alunos, com diferentes perfis e em suas diferentes fases no curso de Administração, avaliam o ambiente universitário no qual se inserem, procurando compreender possíveis implicações para a instituição de ensino. Adotou-se uma abordagem de pesquisa quantitativa, e os resultados foram apresentados por meio da estatística descritiva. Como principal resultado o artigo apresenta uma ferramenta de mensuração do perfil e potencial empreendedor do aluno, bem como de avaliação do ambiente universitário em termos de empreendedorismo e suas implicações para o ensino e aprendizagem nas instituições de ensino superior.
Bacteremia in Preterm Infants Receiving Probiotics; Throbbing Headache Associated with Enoxaparin Use; DRESS Reaction following Isoniazid Treatment; SIADH Associated with Glimepiride; Mania Associated with Bortezomib Administration
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
A Pharmacy Blueprint for Electronic Medical Record Implementation Success
Authors: Bach David S. , Risko Kenneth R. , Zaran Frank K. , Farber Margo S. , Polk Gregory J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

Implementation of an integrated, electronic medical record (EMR) has been promoted as a means of improving patient safety and quality. While there are a few reports of such processes that incorporate computerized prescriber order entry, pharmacy verification, an electronic medication administration record (eMAR), point-of-care barcode scanning, and clinical decision support, there are no published reports on how a pharmacy department can best participate in implementing such a process across a multihospital health care system.

Method

This article relates the experience of the design, build, deployment, and maintenance of an integrated EMR solution from the pharmacy perspective. It describes a 9-month planning and build phase and the subsequent rollout at 8 hospitals over the following 13 months.

Results

Key components to success are identified, as well as a set of guiding principles that proved invaluable in decision making and dispute resolution. Labor/personnel requirements for the various stages of the process are discussed, as are issues involving medication workflow analysis, drug database considerations, the development of clinical order sets, and incorporation of barcode scanning of medications. Recommended implementation and maintenance strategies are presented, and the impact of EMR implementation on the pharmacy practice model and revenue analysis are examined.

Conclusion

Adherence to the principles and practices outlined in this article can assist pharmacy administrators and clinicians during all medication-related phases of the development, implementation, and maintenance of an EMR solution. Furthermore, review and incorporation of some or all of practices presented may help ease the process and ensure its success.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: June 2015

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at danial.baker@wsu.edu .
Managing Conflict: A Guide for the Pharmacy Manager
Authors: Haumschild Ryan J. , Hertig John B. , Weber Robert J.
Published: June 2015

Managing conflict among a variety of people and groups is a necessary part of creating a high performance pharmacy department. As new pharmacy managers enter the workforce, much of their success depends on how they manage conflict. The goal of this article is to provide a guide for the pharmacy director on conflict in the workplace. By evaluating each type of conflict, we can learn how to respond when it occurs. Resolving conflict requires a unique and individualized approach, and the strategy used may often be based on the situational context and the personality of the employee or manager. The more that pharmacy leaders can engage in conflict resolution with employees and external leaders, the more proactive they can be in achieving positive results. If pharmacy directors understand the source of conflicts and use management strategies to resolve them, they will ensure that conflicts result in a more effective patient-centered pharmacy service.
La evaluación de los recursos territoriales turísticos de carácter básico : el caso de las playas del norte de la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: López Olivares Diego
Published: June 2015

Las playas de arena con calibres granulométricos bajos de las costas valencianas se caracterizan en general por ser recursos básicos ya que han provocado la atracción de la demanda, configurando, al desarrollar los elementos del «sistema turístico», el principal producto de la Comunidad Valenciana, el de «sol y playa». Este sistema participa de dos subsistemas, el físico-natural y el social, actuando generalmente con falta de simbiosis, lo que repercute negativamente tanto en el medio como en la rentabilidad socio-económica. En este sentido intentamos aplicar una metodología de carácter analítico que nos permita evaluar y comparar la situación actual de esa relación entre ambos subsistemas en las playas del norte de la Comunidad Valenciana.
La ordenación territorial en el País Vasco. Debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades de la escala intermedia
Authors: Lozano Valencia Pedro J.
Published: June 2015

La ordenación del territorio encuentra su razón de ser, en el País Vasco, a través de las Directrices de Ordenación y dos tipos diferentes de documentos: los Planes Territoriales Parciales y los Planes Territoriales Sectoriales. Una vez delimitadas las comarcas y los sectores estratégicos, se aplican dichos documentos. Con todo, se logra la coordinación de las Directivas europeas a escala superior, y los Planes y Normas Subsidiarias de Ordenación Urbana a una escala inferior o local. En medio quedan todas esas herramientas de ordenación mencionadas anteriormente, que conforman lo que se ha venido a definir como la escala intermedia. Ésta aparece como un marco muy apropiado para abordar las debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades que, en un horizonte de 16 a 20 años, presenta el territorio vasco.
Análisis y consecuencias de la modificación artificial del perfil playa-duna provocado por el efecto mecánico de su limpieza
Authors: Roig i Munar Francesc Xavier
Published: June 2015

Los métodos tradicionales de limpieza de playas han contribuido considerablemente a la desestructuración de los sistemas playa-duna. Este trabajo presenta los efectos geomorfológicos resultado de diferentes limpiezas mecanizadas sobre una playa. En Menorca se están aplicando criterios geomorfológicos y ambientales en gestión litoral, con el objetivo de reducir el impacto que la limpieza mecánica genera. El resultado obtenido ha sido la recuperación de vegetación de playa, la preservación de foredunes, la reducción de la modificación del perfil de playa y la reducción de los balances sedimentarios negativos.
La funcionalidad de los medios rurales en las sociedades urbanas
Authors: Moltó Mantero Enrique , Hernández Hernández María
Published: June 2015

Los medios rurales en los países desarrollados han experimentado notables cambios en las funciones que desempeñan desde mediados de la década de los cincuenta del siglo veinte. Frente a unos ámbitos donde dominaban las actividades y modos de vida rurales, en las últimas décadas se observa la progresiva aparición de nuevos usos y actividades vinculados a su terciarización. La homogeneización de las pautas de comportamiento y de los modos de vida hace difícil disociar la sociedad urbana de la rural. Este artículo reflexiona sobre los diferentes procesos (éxodo rural, políticas de desarrollo rural, medios de comunicación, etc.) que han intervenido en estas transformaciones y han favorecido los procesos de homogeneización de los medios rurales, sin embargo, es necesario insistir que uno de los rasgos de numerosos medios rurales es su diversidad. Esta heterogeneidad condiciona, no solo su evolución, sino también su grado de adaptación a las nuevas funciones que se les asignan. Este artículo pretende realizar una reflexión acerca de las posibles disfuncionalidades que la aplicación de políticas homogéneas está generando en ámbitos contrastados.
Los temporales de lluvia y viento en Galicia. Propuesta de clasificación y análisis de tendencias (1961-2001)
Authors: Cabalar Fuentes Manuel
Published: June 2015

En el presente artículo se intenta definir una propuesta de clasificación de los episodios de temporal de lluvia y viento en Galicia atendiendo a su intensidad y potencial peligrosidad, en la que se tendrá en cuenta la combinación de tres factores: precipitación media diaria del episodio, valor medio de las rachas máximas de viento y duración del evento. Asimismo, se analiza la evolución cronológica de los episodios de temporal en los últimos 40 años (período 1961-2001).
Análisis probabilístico de la persistencia de los días de lluvia en Villena (Alicante) durante la primavera de 2004
Authors: Azorín Molina César
Published: June 2015

En este trabajo se aborda un breve análisis acerca del carácter extraordinariamente anómalo que presentó la precipitación en forma de lluvia durante la primavera de 2004. El estudio se centra en el examen detallado del grado de persistencia de este hidrometeoro en Villena (Alicante), en los meses de marzo, abril y mayo. Se emplean sencillos métodos de análisis probabilístico con objeto de verificar el estado de inercia de los días lluviosos, algo muy poco común en los climas de filiación mediterránea.
Frecuencia, estacionalidad y tendencias de las advecciones de aire sahariano en Canarias (1976-2003)
Authors: Dorta Antequera Pedro , Gelado Caballero María Dolores , Hernández Brito José Joaquín , Cardona Castellano Pedro Juan , Collado Sánchez Cayetano , Mendoza Rodríguez Sergio , Rodríguez Mª.J. , Siruela Matos Víctor Fermín , Torres Padrón María Esther
Published: June 2015

Las masas de aire sahariano, acompañadas habitualmente por polvo en suspensión, afectan con asiduidad a las Islas Canarias y sus manifestaciones más extremas suponen un riesgo climático de primer orden. En este trabajo se expone cual es la frecuencia concreta, qué resultados muestran las primeras mediciones de material litogénico y qué tendencias indican los análisis realizados mediante combinación de Climatología Sinóptica y análisis estadístico para una serie de 28 años.
Regímenes natural y artificial del río Júcar
Authors: Gil Olcina Antonio
Published: June 2015

El ritmo natural del Júcar, que, a pesar de las copiosas sangrías de la Acequia Real y otras derivaciones, perduró hasta 1957, ha sido intensamente mediatizado y alterado por los hiperembalses para la regulación de las aguas de cabecera (Alarcón y, en el Cabriel, Contreras) y la segunda presa de Tous, cuya finalidad esencial es la laminación de avenidas. Gran trascendencia revisten asimismo los bombeos masivos en el acuífero de la Mancha Oriental a partir de 1989, con incidencia muy negativa en la regularidad natural del Júcar, su caudal de base y memoria hiperanual.
Las estaciones de esquí en la Cordillera Cantábrica
Authors: Feo Parrondo Francisco
Published: June 2015

El esquí ha adquirido en las últimas décadas gran importancia como atractivo turístico en diversas zonas montañosas españolas. Analizamos en este trabajo su evolución reciente en las cinco estaciones y una miniestación de la Cordillera Cantábrica y los proyectos de creación de otras estaciones de próxima apertura.
La transformación de los asentamientos en el litoral turístico catalán: análisis cartográfico y estadístico del Alt Empordà
Authors: Cuadrado Ciuraneta Sergi , Durà Guimerà Antoni , Estalella Boadella Helena
Published: June 2015

En el presente artículo se presentan parte de los resultados de una investigación que se ha centrado en las transformaciones experimentadas desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX por los asentamientos en las áreas litorales de Cataluña y, más concretamente, en la llanura del Alt Empordà (Girona) como un ejemplo de las dinámicas de urbanización en las áreas litorales mediterráneas. Este es un territorio considerado emblemático porque mantenía un cierto equilibrio entre urbanización y protección ambiental. Así, después de esbozar el contexto teórico conformado por las aportaciones de un buen número de autores, se analiza la evolución experimentada por una serie de variables (superficie urbanizada, viviendas, infraestructura de alojamiento, población y movilidad) que se han considerado especialmente explicativas en relación a los objetivos marcados. Este análisis se ha efectuado para los municipios de la llanura en su conjunto, agregados por líneas de costa, y de forma individual. De esta manera, se ha fijado la atención tanto en las transformaciones más alejadas en el tiempo, muy relacionadas con el turismo, como en las más recientes, que tienen que ver con las nuevas dinámicas socioeconómicas que se extienden por el territorio cada vez más, desembocando en la configuración de un nuevo modelo de urbanización, que comporta también un incremento del suelo ocupado.
Repoblaciones y «protecciones» de los encinares ibéricos hasta el siglo XX: los ejemplos expresivos de Castilla y León
Authors: Calonge Cano Guillermo , Ramos Santos José María
Published: June 2015

Los encinares actuales de Quercus ilex subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. en el ámbito mediterráneo de la Península Ibérica y en el amplio espacio de las llanuras y montañas de la Comunidad autónoma de Castilla y León, son en gran parte resultado de la intervención humana en el paisaje vegetal. Concretamente, se presentan testimonios de varias repoblaciones desde el siglo XVI hasta la primera mitad del siglo XX, pasando por la época de esplendor documental y de actividad real de mediados del siglo XVIII. Además, a lo largo del siglo XX se constata que algunos encinares, como masa forestal «pura», son consecuencia de «protecciones» llevadas a cabo por grupos sociales rurales. Los encinares, por tanto, no constituyen ni el bosque primigenio ni el bosque autóctono por excelencia del paisaje vegetal ibérico.
Lotes y conjuntos residenciales como potenciales generadores de impactos de vecindad
Authors: Lollo José Augusto de , Röhm Sergio Antonio
Published: June 2015

La proposición o instalación de parcelamientos y conjuntos residenciales en Brasil, es objeto de instrumentos de gestión tanto del punto de vista legal como técnico desde hace tiempo. Tales instrumentos prevén restricciones, limitaciones, y reglamentaciones, cuyo interés ha sido proteger los patrimonios natural y cultural y verificar la adecuación de la propuesta a preceptos urbanísticos. En la mayoría de los casos tales leyes son aplicadas solamente a las actuaciones de gran porte. Con la promulgación de Ley 10.257/2001, impactos ambientales, antes desconsiderados pasan a tener importancia, obligando los municipios brasileños a elaborar o revisar sus planes directores hasta Octubre de 2006. Nuevas categorías de impacto deben ser consideradas y las técnicas de identificación y evaluación de tales impactos en áreas urbanas deben ser revisadas, para dar cumplimento a las exigencias actuales y futuras de la legislación municipal. Propuestas de conjuntos habitacionales de menor porte, antes dispensadas de presentar tales estudios, deben ahora ser cuidadosamente evaluadas. Sólo la consideración de todos los aspectos posibles de modificación permitirá evaluaciones apropiadas de tales propuestas de ocupación, y la consecuente reducción de impactos para la población.
Lluvias e inundaciones en los centros turísticos de Gran Canaria: el caso de San Bartolomé de Tirajana
Authors: Máyer Suárez Pablo , Pérez-Chacón Espino Emma , Romero Martín Lidia Esther
Published: June 2015

El sur de Gran Canaria ha sido intensamente transformado por las instalaciones turísticas que, desde 1962, se han realizado. Entre las consecuencias ambientales de este proceso destacan las inundaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si existe relación entre las implantaciones turísticas y el incremento, en las últimas décadas, de los daños producidos por las inundaciones. Para ello se ha realizado un análisis diacrónico entre 1962 y la actualidad, comparando la evolución entre los episodios de lluvia intensa y los problemas generados. Los resultados señalan que el reciente incremento de los perjuicios, derivados de las inundaciones, se explica por la forma en que se han realizado los crecimientos urbanos y las infraestructuras turísticas a ellos asociados.
Proyecto paisajístico para un parque de depuración alternativa
Authors: Luis Salas Jaume , Martínez Taberner Antoni , Riera Piña Maria Isabel
Published: June 2015

El Campus de la UIB, diseñado en su momento como una gran superficie en suelo rústico, tan sólo puede asumirse urbanísticamente con un esfuerzo de integración paisajística con el medio rural y natural de sus alrededores. Por otra parte el alejamiento del casco urbano hace que la ciudad no se beneficie satisfactoriamente de la presencia de la Universidad y que la propia vida universitaria se vea ajena a las actividades culturales de su ciudad. Para paliar esta situación se dispone de una parcela de 6838 m2 que puede actuar de parque periurbano y crear un punto de encuentro entre la vida universitaria y los ciudadanos. La parcela disponible penetra hasta el centro del Campus desde su lateral norte en donde se encuentra una pequeña zona húmeda pendiente de rehabilitación. Dentro de la parcela coinciden por una parte una antigua acequia islámica de extracción y conducción del agua de la llamada Font de la Vila. Esta acequia forma parte del patrimonio cultural del Campus. Paralelamente y en dirección opuesta se ha empezado la ejecución de un sistema de depuración alternativa de aguas residuales que acaba devolviendo el agua extraída del acuífero del campus a su zona húmeda de recarga. La visualización del paisaje proyectado debe facilitar la comprensión de la importancia de cerrar los ciclos biogeoquímicos, en este caso el ciclo del agua; debe ofrecer una visual desde el paisaje exterior del Campus hasta el centro mismo de este y debe ser capaz de integrar armónicamente los paisajes naturales, rurales y urbanos que coexisten en la zona.
Análisis multidimensional de la segregación socioespacial en Tandil (Argentina) aplicando SIG
Authors: Linares Santiago , Lan Diana
Published: June 2015

Las ciudades presentan un territorio con marcadas desigualdades socioespaciales, por lo cual es central conocer y analizar ciertas características constitutivas de estas diferenciaciones. En las ciudades Argentinas a partir del modelo neoliberal profundizado en la década de los noventa, estas desigualdades se ampliaron, como resultado de políticas con características excluyentes, que tendieron a favorecer y responder al mercado, y no a la sociedad como un todo desigual con necesidades diferenciadas. En este trabajo se realiza una contribución metodológica al análisis de la segregación socioespacial urbana tomando como caso la ciudad de Tandil. Se propone realizar un abordaje multidimensional de la segregación socioespacial, mediante los aportes de la cartografía temática y de la geografía cuantitativa, que combinados en un ambiente digital, como ocurre en los Sistemas de Información Geográfica, constituyen herramientas conceptuales y metodológicas fundamentales para captar, representar y analizar las desigualdades socioespaciales en la ciudad. A partir de la generación de información sobre este territorio socialmente diferenciado, se podrán elaborar efectivas estrategias de intervención política sustentadas en la inclusión e integración.
RAMOS LIZANA, M. (2007): El turismo cultural, los museos y su planificación, Gijón, Trea, 468 págs.
Authors: Feo Parrondo Francisco
Published: June 2015

Manuel Ramos señala, en la introducción del libro objeto de esta reseña, la proliferación de estudios sobre turismo cultural a cargo de geógrafos, antropólogos, economistas, gestores culturales, etc., a la par que su inclusión creciente en los estudios universitarios, lo que no implica la existencia de enfoques específi cos como la relación entre turismo cultural y museos, objetivo logrado en la obra aquí reseñada.
Mapa de los conflictos de Asia
Authors: Gil Pérez Javier
Published: June 2015

El autor muestra los principales focos de conflicto y tensión en una región, Asia-Pacífico, que está llamada a liderar políticamente y económicamente el mundo. Este presente siglo es el siglo de Asia y por ello los conflictos mostrados son el principal obstáculo para que Asia ostente el poder hegemónico en el futuro. La situación de inestabilidad en Pakistán y su vecina Afganistán y la evolución económica de China y su relación con sus vecinos regionales determinará la evolución de esta región estratégica.
Nursing studentsâ€™ perceived stress and influences in clinical performance
Authors: Akhu-Zaheya Laila , Shaban Insaf , Khater Wejdan
Published: June 2015

Background: It is known that stress related to clinical training among nursing students could contribute to many physical and mental problems. However, little empirical evidence about the influence of stress in nurse studentsâ€™ clinical performanceObjective: The objective of this study was to assess the association between perceived stresses, stress related factors, and studentsâ€™ clinical performance.Method: Using the perceived stress scale, 539 Jordanian nursing students from 2 public universities in Jordan participated in the study.Results: The results showed that the mean of stress perceived by students was 45.9. Studentsâ€™ assignment were perceived as the main source of stress (M= 10.7, SD= 4.5) followed by stress related to patientsâ€™ care (M= 10.5, SD= 5.5) and stress from teachers and nursing staff (M= 9.6, SD= 5.3). The lowest source of stress is from studentsâ€™ lack of professional knowledge and skills (M= 3.96; SD= 2.8). The mean of studentsâ€™ clinical performance is 73.4%. Studentsâ€™ perceived stress has a significant negative correlation with studentsâ€™ clinical performance (r= -.09; p <.05). The results also showed significant negative correlation between stress related to lack of professional knowledge and skills, and stress related to patient care and studentsâ€™ clinical performance.Conclusion: This study expanded on studentsâ€™ stress in clinical settings, and warrants further research in assessing its impact on their performance. Teachers should be aware of and help students to overcome and cope with said stress related factors in the clinical settings effectively.
Risiken durch Mikroplastik und die Ambivalenz von Plastikkreisläufen: Ein sozial-ökologischer Aufriss
Authors: Betker Frank
Published: June 2015

Plastikmüll in den Weltmeeren, Verschmutzung der Binnengewässer und Straßenränder, unsichtbares Mikroplastik in Kosmetika, Reinigungsmitteln und Trinkwasser: Die Problematik durch Kunststoffabfälle und die noch kaum untersuchte Gefahr von Plastikpartikeln in
unserer Nahrungskette gelangen zunehmend ins Bewusstsein einer breiteren Öffentlichkeit und in den Fokus von Politik und Wissenschaft.
Seeing the Environment through the Humanities: A New Window on Grand Societal Challenges
Authors: Hall Marcus , Forêt Philippe , Kueffer Christoph , Pouliot Alison , Wiedmer Caroline
Published: June 2015

The Environmental Humanities draw from insights of the human and natural sciences for proposing new concepts and solutions to society's pressing environmental problems.
Przedmioty humanistyczno-społeczne na uniwersyteckiej uczelni technicznej – założenia i praktyka
Authors: Dydycz Bożena , Zienkiewicz Dariusz
Published: June 2015

In the article the authors analyze to what extend the participation of the University in the Bologna Process supports teaching humanities and social sciences and what difficulties it might cause. Furthermore, basing on long-term didactic experience at the University of Life Sciences and Technology, they made an initial diagnosis of students’ knowledge and skills gaps (in learning outcomes) which result from insufficient number of humanities and social sciences class hours. According to the authors, aforementioned situation is the result of underestimation and sometimes lack of understanding of the role of those subjects.
Ammonia synthesis fundamentals for a model-based HAZOP study
Authors: Janošovský Ján , Labovský Juraj , Jelemenský Ľudovít
Published: June 2015

Hazard and operability (HAZOP) analysis is a highly disciplined process hazard analysis (PHA) technique based on the exploration of the effects of process variables deviations. Inconveniences of a conventional HAZOP study are its time-consuming character and high cost. The principal objective of this paper is to present a new methodology for hazard identification of a selected chemical production process. Model-based HAZOP study is a very robust tool for predicting a systems response to deviations from design or operation conditions. An approach based on the mathematical modelling of a process can help to identify sources of hazard that could be overlooked by conventional PHA techniques. A case study focused on the multiple steady states phenomenon in an ammonia synthesis reactor is presented. The process simulation was performed using the Aspen HYSYS v8.4 process modelling environment. Nonlinear behaviour of the investigated fixed-bed reactor system was confirmed by an accident in an industrial ammonia synthesis reactor. The analysed system exhibited the feed temperature and pressure dependence of various operation parameters. This fact indicates the presence of multiple steady states. From the safety analysis point of view, switching between steady states can lead to process hazards.