bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Physical Properties of Various Coir Dust and Perlite Mixes and Their Capacitance Sensor Volumetric Water Content Calibrations
Authors: Rhie Yong Ha , Kim Jongyun
Published: February 2017

Recently developed capacitance soil moisture sensors are suitable for measuring volumetric water content (VWC, v/v) of soilless substrates in real time, useful for substrate moisture based–automated irrigation systems of horticultural crops. For capacitance sensors, a substrate-specific calibration is required for accurate VWC measurements, but sensor manufacturers typically provide only a general calibration for potting soil. However, the general calibration for potting soil is not indicative of the variety of soilless substrates. We investigated and compared the physical properties of various coir dust and perlite mix ratios (1:0, 8:2, 6:4, 4:6, 2:8, 0:1, v/v), and conducted individual substrate-specific VWC calibrations in the range from 0.1 m3·m−3 to near container capacity. Sensor outputs [in mV and analog-to-digital converter (ADC)] of various VWC levels of the specific substrates were collected with four EC-5 and GS3 sensors (Decagon Devices Inc., Pullman, WA) connected to a data logger with 2.5-V and 12-V excitation, respectively. Substrates with greater relative perlite contents had larger particles, and both the water-holding capacity and electrical conductivity (EC) were lower than the substrate mixes with more coir dust. All tested substrate mixes had linear relationship between EC-5 sensor output and VWC with high R2 (>0.93) except in the case of 100% perlite, and their slopes were significantly different across the substrate mixes (P = 0.03). However, most of the substrate mixes had similar calibrations with estimated VWC differences within 0.06 m3·m−3. The GS3 sensor had the best fit with a logarithmic relationship between sensor output (in ADC) and VWC, and the slopes among the substrate mixes were not significantly different (P = 0.13). Furthermore, the soilless substrate calibration provided by the company differed from the substrate-specific calibration, resulting in considerable error (up to 0.18 m3·m−3 difference), during the measurement of the actual VWCs. Therefore, sensor- and substrate-specific calibration is required for accurate VWC measurements with capacitance sensors.
Trade Openness, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Pal Brajaballav
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the relationship among GDP, foreign direct investment and trade openness for India using time series data from 2001 to 2016. In this study unit root test is used to solve the problem of stationery and to determine the order of integration between the variables. Johnson co-integration test suggests that there is a long run equilibrium relationship among the variables by considering relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Trade Openness (TO). The result indicates that trade openness exerts influence on foreign direct investment. The government and policy makers should take up strategies to attract foreign investment so as to promote economic growth.
A avaliação no âmbito do Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa
Authors: Micarello Hilda Aparecida Linhares da Silva
Published: February 2017

Neste artigo é abordada a avaliação no âmbito do Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa. Na primeira seção do texto são discutidas as orientações sobre a avaliação interna à escola, oferecidas pelos materiais de formação do Pacto, com ênfase na dimensão processual e no necessário envolvimento dos diferentes atores da cena educacional com as práticas avaliativas. Na segunda seção é abordada a avaliação externa à escola, a Avaliação Nacional da Alfabetização – ANA – instituída como parte das ações do Pacto. São apresentados os princípios que fundamentam essa avaliação, os instrumentos utilizados para efetivá-la e seus limites e possibilidades. O conceito de validade dos testes utilizados em avaliações em larga escala é problematizado nessa segunda seção, buscando-se ampliá-lo para se pensar, para além da validade psicométrica, a validade de realiza- ção da própria avaliação, diretamente relacionada aos modos de apropriação de seus resultados.
Jogos no ensino-aprendizagem da geometria no Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa
Authors: Carneiro Reginaldo Fernando
Published: February 2017

A utilização de jogos é uma possibilidade para retomar-se o ensino-aprendizagem da Geometria na escola básica, que até algum tempo atrás foi deixado em segundo plano. Assim, temos como objetivo, neste artigo, discutir algumas possibilidades e limites do jogo no ensino-aprendizagem de Geometria a partir do material de matemática do Pacto Nacional de Alfabetização na Idade Certa – PNAIC. Para tanto, apresentamos algumas reflexões sobre o caderno Jogos na alfabetização matemática que traz cinco jogos para o ensino de Geometria: Na direção certa, Trilha dos sabores, Jogo das figuras, Dominó geométrico e Equilíbrio geométrico. Esses jogos permitem trabalhar diversos direitos de aprendizagem e abordam os conteúdos de localização, deslocamento, lateralidade, conhecimento do espaço, figuras geométricas, sólidos geométricos, suas características, etc. Além disso, na proposta de utilização dos jogos, observamos algumas atividades, como os constantes questionamentos em todos os momentos do jogo, a necessidade de avaliação e a escrita de relatórios que podem levar a perda da ludicidade, da motivação e do interesse da criança pelo jogo.
Corporate governance in the extractive industry – comparing Russian oil and gas companies and South African gold producers
Authors: Gstraunthaler Thomas
Published: February 2017

The influence of local culture on the way business is conducted has been recognized by a whole array of literature (e.g. Hofstede, 2001). Due to the focus on the financial industry throughout the last several years, other vital sectors such as the extractive industry have been neglected by academic research. This is even more surprising given the fact that the extractive industry is a particularly exciting subject of study. Its main capital is mining rights to explore and exploit the natural resources in a specific geographic area. Once a corporation decides to start exploitation, the venture is most likely to employ lots of workers from the communities around the plant. This unavoidably entangles the companies closely with local and national politics.
This paper inquires into the reporting of corporate governance in the extractive industry. For the purpose of this study, four Russian companies in the Oil and Gas sector and four South African gold producers were chosen. Despite obvious differences in the mining process, both sectors are vital to the economies of both nations and both are under strong influence of regulations and politics. Both groups report about their corporate governance on a very high level. The paper concludes that the notion of closed and opaque Russian companies does not hold any longer.
How have the IAS/IFRS adoption affected earnings management in EU? The effect of the absence/divergence of regulation and of legal enforcement
Authors: Mechelli Alessandro , Cimini Riccardo
Published: February 2017

This paper aims to investigate the effect produced by the adoption of IAS/IFRS on earn-ings management in European Union. We calculate four indexes for the periods 2000-2003 and 2006-2009 to identify different reasons that could lead insiders to manipulate earnings and by comparing them we observe that the IAS/IFRS first-time adoption produced different effects on earnings management depending on the countries analysed and the kind of earnings management investigated. Moreover, while we find a positive relation between the reduction of earnings management and the extent to which IAS/IFRS regulates issues not covered by domestic standards, on the contrary we do not find any relation be-tween the such reduction and the existing divergence between domestic standards and IASB stand-ards. Finally, our findings also show a positive and significant relation between the reduction of the earnings management and the level of the legal enforcement of each country.
Finance and firm characteristics in Zimbabwe
Authors: Makoni Patricia Lindelwa , Ngcobo Lindiwe
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of firm-specific characteristics on the accessibility of firm financing in Zimbabwe using 2011 data from World Bank enterprise surveys. The results of the study show that firm characteristics in Zimbabwe determine the type of financing that is used for investment and working capital purposes. Small firms seem to rely more on internal financing as opposed to using bank funds, probably due to their small operations and lack of assets to put up as collateral. The larger firms however find it easier to access bank finance as they are much older in terms of age, have developed good relations with their financial services’ providers and are also able to provide the required collateral to back their lines of credit. Both domestic and foreign-owned firms highlighted financial constraints as a major obstacle to their businesses. However foreign firms seemed to access bank loans easier than domestic firms. Also, gender seems to play a minor role in the financing decisions of the firm. It is therefore recommended that the Government engages the financial market intermediaries to find feasible business financing solutions for all sized firms, especially those owned by locals. This would lead to the much-needed economic growth through investment attraction and employment creation.
2013 review of the implementation status of corporate governance disclosures: Case of Egypt
Authors: Shehata Nermeen F. , Dahawy Khaled M.
Published: February 2017

This report is a case study of corporate governance disclosure in Egypt. The study employs the benchmark of good practices in corporate governance disclosure developed by the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR). This benchmark consists of fifty two disclosure items covering five subject areas and is based on a sample of the top 29 listed companies in Egypt. This study is complimentary to an earlier study conducted in 2007: 2007 Review of the implementation status of corporate governance disclosures: case study Egypt. This report compares the results of the current study to the 2007 study. This study finds the average disclosure level is less than half of the items in the ISAR benchmark. While nine items in the ISAR benchmark were disclosed by more than two-thirds of the companies in the study, forty items were disclosed by less than half. The absolute number of disclosure items found for each company ranged from 5 to 43, indicating a high level of variability between ‘best practice’ companies and companies with minimal disclosure practices. The study concludes that while the sample has relatively high rates of disclosure for few items, and the average disclosures in 2010 almost doubled the 2005 average disclosures in Egypt for several categories, they are still low levels compared to the average emerging markets levels. Policy options discussed include penalizing companies for undisclosed items, and providing education and training for executives and directors to enhance the awareness of the rapidly evolving regulatory environment, as well as the underlying importance of corporate governance disclosure
Total quality management and business process reengineering: A contemporary business focus
Authors: Govender Patsy
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the two approaches of total quality management (TQM) and business process reengineering (BPR). This exploratory study focuses on the core areas, assumptions and scope pertinent to both TQM and BPR. Even though the two approaches focus on performance, organizational effectiveness and efficiency, the practical usage and approaches differ. The key drivers of the two dimensions provide futurists with a guide not to obliterate its salience in today’s competitive business organizations. The article examines each approach and acknowledges the potential benefits in situation-specific circumstances and encounters. Certainly, the practices differ, and with a contingency focus, the study probes into salient features of TQM and BPR, hence enriching the study to speculate about the future in order to create an efficacious effect. Lastly, the study attempts to determine whether one approach has the potential to outshadow the other.
Ownership and board structures to ensuring effective corporate governance through ownership and board control systems
Authors: Castellini Monia , Agyemang Otuo Serebour
Published: February 2017

In order to promote accountability, probity and transparency, corporations must indulge in good corporate governance practices. This paper reviews extant literature on corporate governance; construct a framework that links corporate governance mechanisms to good corporate governance through board and ownership control systems and thereafter, develops a testable proposition. It also indicates ways in which the various variables in the framework can be measured. The principal recommendation is since most of the variables in the framework cannot be measured quantitatively, this paper recommends corporate governance investigators to adhere to qualitative research approach.
The determinants of risk tolerance: A behavioural analysis
Authors: Cavalheiro Everton Anger , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Ceretta Paulo Sérgio
Published: February 2017

The traditional perspective of financial theory suggests an implicit rationality on decision making. Historically, researches have revolved around demographic, social and economic heuristics, thus neglecting the emotional, cognitive and behavioral suppositions, related to financial decision making. In this sense, this study aims to evaluate which are the determining factors for risk tolerance. So, we carried out a survey on 815 individuals residing in Santa Maria, Julio de Castilhos and Cruz Alta, Brazil. Afterwards, we performed a CFA and, eventually, a regression analysis. Generally and consistently, the suppositions for rationality were refuted, though consistent to the Prospect Theory, validating the numerous studies that demonstrate the violation of the rationality suppositions. The heuristics which are traditionally used in order to determine the level of risk tolerance have not shown to be significant in this research. The cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions of decision making have shown to be significant.
Corporate governance models and their impact on financial performance. Evidence from Italian utility listed companies
Authors: Grossi Giuseppe , Bachiller Patricia
Published: February 2017

This paper analyses the theme of the corporate governance models of Italian utilities companies and explores how the changes of ownership structure after a merger affects financial performance. The objective of this paper is to study whether the mergers of utilities are effective for companies to be more competitive. We compare the financial performance of four Italian utility listed companies listed (A2A, IRIDE, HERA and ENIA) before and after the merger. Specifically we analyse six financial ratios (P/L for period, Profit margin, EBITDA, ROE, ROA and Gearing). Our results show that utility mergers are effective to create a more competitive firm because of the changes in the ownership of the company and consequently in the corporate governance system. Results also indicate that a listed merger company has a higher financial performance those pre-merger companies.
The effect of temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth of pear cultivars
Authors: Radovic Aleksandar , Nikolic Dragan , Milatovic Dragan , Djurovic Dejan
Published: February 2017

The effect of three different temperatures (8, 16 and 24?C) on pollen
germination and length of pollen tube in vitro was investigated in four pear
cultivars (?Butirra Precoce Morettini?, ?Williams?, ?Conference? and ?Abate
Fetel?). The temperature showed a significant effect on in vitro pollen
germination. The highest pollen germination was determined at a temperature
of 24?C (53.25%), somewhat lower at 16?C (44.72%) and the lowest at 8?C
(23.16%). The temperature effect was significantly more pronounced on the
length of pollen tube. Pollen tube length was about three times higher at the
temperatures of 16 and 24?C compared to 8?C. The temperature of 8?C was not
sufficient for pollen germination and pollen tube growth in pear cultivars.
However, temperatures of 16 and 24?C were optimal for pollen germination and
pollen tube growth.
Multimodal treatment of parasagittal meningiomas: a single-center experience
Authors: Gatterbauer Brigitte , Gevsek Sinan , Höftberger Romana , Lütgendorf-Caucig Carola , Ertl Adolf , Mallouhi Ammar , Kitz Klaus , Knosp Engelbert , Frischer Josa M.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of parasagittal meningiomas is still considered a challenge in modern microsurgery. The use of microsurgical resection, radiosurgery, or a microsurgery-radiosurgery combination treatment strategy is often debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of parasagittal meningioma and provide evidence that a multimodal approach reduces complication rates and achieves good tumor control rates.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed long-term follow-up data on 117 patients who had been treated for parasagittal meningiomas at their institution between 1993 and 2013. Treatment included microsurgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The median tumor volume prior to the first microsurgical resection was largest in the microsurgery-radiosurgery combination treatment group. Invasion of the superior sagittal sinus was significantly associated with a Simpson Grade IV resection and subsequent radiosurgery treatment. The Simpson resection grade did not influence time to progression or recurrence in benign meningioma cases. Complete sinus occlusion was followed by microsurgical resection of the occluded sinus, by tumor resection without resection of the sinus, or by GKRS. Histopathology revealed WHO Grade I tumors in most patients. However, a high percentage (33%) of atypical or malignant meningiomas were diagnosed after the last microsurgical resection. The time to recurrence or progression after microsurgery was significantly longer in patients with WHO Grade I meningiomas than in those with Grade II or III meningiomas. At follow-up, tumor control rates after GKRS were 91% for presumed meningioma, 85% for benign meningioma, 71% for atypical meningioma, and 38% for malignant meningioma.

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal treatment approach to parasagittal meningiomas reduces the rate of complications. Thus, microsurgery, radiotherapy, and radiosurgery are complementary treatment options. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is safe and effective in patients with meningiomas invading the superior sagittal sinus. The procedure can be part of a multimodal treatment plan or administered as a single treatment in well-selected patients.
Treadmill Exercise Exerts Neuroprotection and Regulates Microglial Polarization and Oxidative Stress in a Streptozotocin-Induced Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lu Yujiao , Dong Yan , Tucker Donovan , Wang Ruimin , Ahmed Mohammad Ejaz , Brann Darrell , Zhang Quanguang
Published: February 2017

Recent work has suggested that exercise may be beneficial in preventing or ameliorating symptoms of several neurological disorders, although the mechanism is not entirely understood. The current study was designed to examine the potential beneficial effect of treadmill exercise upon cognitive function in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Animals underwent treadmill exercise (30 min/day, 5 days/week) for 4 weeks after bilateral STZ intracerebroventricular injection (2.4 mg/kg). We demonstrated that treadmill exercise significantly attenuated STZ-induced neurodegeneration in the rat hippocampal CA1 region and strongly preserved hippocampal-dependent cognitive functioning. Further mechanistic investigation displayed a marked suppression of STZ-induced amyloid-β accumulation and tau phosphorylation. Intriguingly, treadmill exercise remarkably inhibited reactive gliosis following STZ insult and effectively shifted activated microglia from a pro-inflammatory M1 to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which was correlated with a significantly reduced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and a corresponding enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, treadmill exercise caused a robust suppression of oxidative damage as evidenced by significantly reduced peroxynitrite production, lipid peroxidation, and oxidized DNA damage. Finally, treadmill exercise strongly attenuated STZ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction manifested by a dramatically elevated intra-mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity and ATP synthesis, and markedly inhibited neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. These findings demonstrate that treadmill exercise has a multifactorial effect to attenuate many of the pathological processes that play a key role in AD, and provide further support for the beneficial role of exercise as a potential therapeutic option in AD treatment.
Sex Impact on Tau-Aggregation and Postsynaptic Protein Levels in the P301L Mouse Model of Tauopathy
Authors: Buccarello Lucia , Grignaschi Giuliano , Castaldo Anna Maria , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Domeneghini Cinzia , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo , Borsello Tiziana
Published: February 2017

P301L transgenic (tg) mice well mimic features of human tauopathies and provide a good model for investigating the role of tau in neurodegenerative events. We here analyzed the possible interactions among phosphorylation of tau (p-tau), spine injury, neuronal death, and sex in the P301L mouse model of tauopathy. When compared to control mice (ctr), P301L transgenic mice (tg) presented a lower body weight, reduced survival rate, hyperphosphorylated tau, spine injury, and neuronal loss in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 15 months of age. Importantly, we found that pathological features were more pronounced in female than male tg mice. Recent reports underline that tau may be localized within both pre- and post-synaptic compartments, suggesting that it may possibly induce or contribute to synaptic dysfunction. Therefore, we focused our attention on tau localization at dendritic spines. We detected high levels of both tau and p-tau in dendritic spine of P301L transgenic mice. In addition, p-tau correlated with a significant reduction of post-synaptic markers, such as GluN2A, GluN2B, GluA1, GluA2, Drebrin, and PSD-95, in P301L mice. The p-tau levels are higher in female than in male mice, and the increased p-tau was consistent with a proportional decrease in the post-synaptic marker levels analyzed. The P301L-tg females showed a more severe synaptopathy compared to males. Future investigations on the postsynaptic role of p-tau will be necessary to understand its toxic effects and provide insights into new therapeutic targets for maintaining spine integrity, highlighting the importance of tau toxicity as well as the impact of sex on tau-pathology.
Mortality Risk after Diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease versus Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chang Ki Jung , Hong Chang Hyung , Lee Kang Soo , Kang Dae Ryong , Lee Jeong Dong , Choi Seong Hye , Kim Seong Yoon , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won , Kim Do-Kwan , Lee Yunhwan , Chung Young Ki , Lim Ki Young , Noh Jai Sung , Park Jungsik , Son Sang Joon
Published: February 2017

Background/Objective: We aimed to compare the risk of mortality in patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) versus those with late-onset AD (LOAD) using a large number of study subjects. We applied propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize confounding biases in the comparison between EOAD and LOAD.

Methods: We obtained data from elderly Korean subjects with AD ( n = 3,611) at baseline from the CREDOS cohort study, which was conducted from November 2005 to July 2013. We conducted PSM to reduce the bias due to confounding variables related to survival in patients with AD. The risks of mortality associated with EOAD and LOAD were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard analyses, controlling for relevant covariates.

Results: After propensity score matching, 312 subjects with EOAD and 624 subjects with LOAD were selected for further analysis. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that patients with EOAD are at a greater risk for mortality compared to those with LOAD (Hazard Ratio: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.01–4.00, p-value: 0.04) when controlling for the direct effect of aging on mortality. The results did not change after adjusting for age at diagnosis, general cognitive function, nutritional factor related to body mass index, and physical disability using activities of daily living. The results support the assumption that EOAD takes a more malignant course than LOAD.

Conclusions: Our results provide support for the idea that EOAD takes a clinical course that is distinct from that of LOAD, especially as pertains to the risk of mortality.
DIAGNOSIS OF CAPRINE KETOSIS USING HUMAN HAND HELD KETONE METER
Authors: Yadav S. N. , Kalita D. N. , Phukan A. , Tamuly S. , Dutta T. C. , Mahato G. , Saleque A. , Barman D.
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to use human held ketone meter for the estimation of ?-hydroxybutyrate (ketone body) for the diagnosis of sub-clinical ketosis in goat. A total of 210 samples from pregnant and lactating doe in Guwahati, Assam and nearby area were collected in aseptic condition from the Jugular Vein. Goats having blood ketone level more than 0.4 mmol/l and glucose level less than 30 mg/dl were considered positive for sub-clinical ketosis. Total 24 goats were diagnosed sub-clinical ketotic.
Manufacturing Scheduling Using Colored Petri Nets and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Drakaki Maria , Tzionas Panagiotis
Published: February 2017

Agent-based intelligent manufacturing control systems are capable to efficiently respond and adapt to environmental changes. Manufacturing system adaptation and evolution can be addressed with learning mechanisms that increase the intelligence of agents. In this paper a manufacturing scheduling method is presented based on Timed Colored Petri Nets (CTPNs) and reinforcement learning (RL). CTPNs model the manufacturing system and implement the scheduling. In the search for an optimal solution a scheduling agent uses RL and in particular the Q-learning algorithm. A warehouse order-picking scheduling is presented as a case study to illustrate the method. The proposed scheduling method is compared to existing methods. Simulation and state space results are used to evaluate performance and identify system properties.
The Role of Lipid Biomarkers in Major Depression
Authors: Parekh Amy , Smeeth Demelza , Milner Yasmin , Thuret Sandrine
Published: February 2017

In the UK, the lifetime-documented prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently 10%. Despite its increasing prevalence and devastating impact on quality of life, the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning MDD remain to be fully elucidated. Current theories of neurobiological components remain incomplete and protein-centric, rendering pharmacological treatment options suboptimal. In this review, we highlight the pivotal role of lipids in intra- and inter-neuronal functioning, emphasising the potential use of lipids as biomarkers for MDD. The latter has significant implications for improving our understanding of MDD at the cellular and circuit level. There is particular focus on cholesterol (high and low density lipoprotein), omega-3, and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids due to established evidence in the literature of a link between atherosclerotic disease and major depression. We argue that there is significant potential scope for the use of such peripheral biomarkers in the diagnosis, stratification and treatment of MDD.
Shelf Life of Tropical Canarium Nut Stored under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Walton David , Randall Bruce , Poienou Matthew , Nevenimo Tio , Moxon John , Wallace Helen
Published: February 2017

There is a need to develop alternative crops to improve the food security and prosperity of developing countries. The tropical nut Canarium indicum (canarium nut) is increasingly used as a shade tree for cocoa and has potential for commercialization as a sustainable crop that will improve food security and livelihoods in Melanesia and East Asia. There is no information on canarium nut shelf life characteristics. Canarium kernels may be prone to rancidity, due to a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Kernels at 5.4% moisture content were vacuum-packed with a domestic vacuum-packaging system and stored for six months in Papua New Guinea and for nine months in Southeast Queensland, Australia at both ambient temperatures (22 to 31 °C and 22 to 25 °C, respectively) and under refrigeration. Nuts were analysed for changes in peroxide values and free fatty acids (FFAs) over the storage periods that might indicate development of rancidity. Peroxide values indicated very low levels of oxidation in all treatments. Free fatty acids were at low levels but increased significantly during storage at ambient temperatures. The results suggested that vacuum-packed Canarium nuts can be stored safely under ambient tropical conditions for six months with daytime temperatures around 31 °C, and for nine months at 25 °C. Increasing FFA levels at ambient temperatures indicate caution about longer storage time at ambient temperatures. Storage under refrigeration greatly prolonged shelf life.
Urine and Serum Metabolomics Analyses May Distinguish between Stages of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Falegan Oluyemi , Ball Mark , Shaykhutdinov Rustem , Pieroraio Phillip , Farshidfar Farshad , Vogel Hans , Allaf Mohamad , Hyndman Matthew
Published: February 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous disease that is usually asymptomatic until late in the disease. There is an urgent need for RCC specific biomarkers that may be exploited clinically for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Preoperative fasting urine and serum samples were collected from patients with clinical renal masses and assessed with 1H NMR and GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis. Alterations in levels of glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates were detected in RCC relative to benign masses. Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis plots discriminated between benign vs. pT1 (R2 = 0.46, Q2 = 0.28; AUC = 0.83), benign vs. pT3 (R2 = 0.58, Q2 = 0.37; AUC = 0.87) for 1H NMR-analyzed serum and between benign vs. pT1 (R2 = 0.50, Q2 = 0.37; AUC = 0.83), benign vs. pT3 (R2 = 0.72, Q2 = 0.68, AUC = 0.98) for urine samples. Separation was observed between benign vs. pT3 (R2 = 0.63, Q2 = 0.48; AUC = 0.93), pT1 vs. pT3 (R2 = 0.70, Q2 = 0.54) for GCMS-analyzed serum and between benign vs. pT3 (R2Y = 0.87; Q2 = 0.70; AUC = 0.98) for urine samples. This pilot study suggests that urine and serum metabolomics may be useful in differentiating benign renal tumors from RCC and for staging RCC.
Body Composition, Nutritional Profile and Muscular Fitness Affect Bone Health in a Sample of Schoolchildren from Colombia: The Fuprecol Study
Authors: Forero-Bogotá Mónica , Ojeda-Pardo Mónica , García-Hermoso Antonio , Correa-Bautista Jorge , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt-RíoValle Jacqueline , Navarro-Pérez Carmen , Gracia-Marco Luis , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Martínez-Torres Javier , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: February 2017

The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationships between body composition, nutritional profile, muscular fitness (MF) and bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Participants included 1118 children and adolescents (54.6% girls). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (c-BUA) was obtained as a marker of bone health. Body composition (fat mass and lean mass) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Furthermore height, weight, waist circumference and Tanner stage were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Standing long-jump (SLJ) and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used respectively as indicators of lower and upper body muscular fitness. A muscular index score was also computed by summing up the standardised values of both SLJ and handgrip strength. Dietary intake and degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were assessed by a 7-day recall questionnaire for food frequency and the Kidmed questionnaire. Poor bone health was considered using a z-score cut off of ≤−1.5 standard deviation. Once the results were adjusted for age and Tanner stage, the predisposing factors of having a c-BUA z-score ≤−1.5 standard deviation included being underweight or obese, having an unhealthy lean mass, having an unhealthy fat mass, SLJ performance, handgrip performance, and unhealthy muscular index score. In conclusion, body composition (fat mass and lean body mass) and MF both influenced bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Thus promoting strength adaptation and preservation in Colombian youth will help to improve bone health, an important protective factor against osteoporosis in later life.
Soil Carbon Stock and Particle Size Fractions in the Central Amazon Predicted from Remotely Sensed Relief, Multispectral and Radar Data
Authors: Ceddia Marcos , Gomes Andréa , Vasques Gustavo , Pinheiro Érika
Published: February 2017

Soils from the remote areas of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil are poorly mapped due to the presence of dense forest and lack of access routes. The use of covariates derived from multispectral and radar remote sensors allows mapping large areas and has the potential to improve the accuracy of soil attribute maps. The objectives of this study were to: (a) evaluate the addition of relief, and vegetation covariates derived from multispectral images with distinct spatial and spectral resolutions (Landsat 8 and RapidEye) and L-band radar (ALOS PALSAR) for the prediction of soil organic carbon stock (CS) and particle size fractions; and (b) evaluate the performance of four geostatistical methods to map these soil properties. Overall, the results show that, even under forest coverage, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and ALOS PALSAR backscattering coefficient improved the accuracy of CS and subsurface clay content predictions. The NDVI derived from RapidEye sensor improved the prediction of CS using isotopic cokriging, while the NDVI derived from Landsat 8 and backscattering coefficient were selected to predict clay content at the subsurface using regression kriging (RK). The relative improvement of applying cokriging and RK over ordinary kriging were lower than 10%, indicating that further analyses are necessary to connect soil proxies (vegetation and relief types) with soil attributes.
Nouvelles données sur Lattara romaine
Authors: Piquès Gaël , Martínez Verónica
Published: February 2017

Résumé. L’extension de l’exploration de l’agglomération de Lattara a permis l’acquisition de nouvelles connaissances sur l’époque romaine, qui jusqu’alors faisaient défaut dans cette partie de la ville en raison de l’arasement presque systématique des niveaux récents par les travaux agricoles. Ces informations concernent tout d’abord l’évolution de l’urbanisme intra muros, qui fait l’objet à partir de l’époque augustéenne de profondes transformations. Pour le Haut-Empire, on a pu mettre en évidence plusieurs témoignages d’activités artisanales: four de potier avec une importante production d’amphores gauloises, forge, production de sauce de poisson. Notre vision de l’ instrumentum gallo-romain et de l’évolution du paysage urbain a été renouvelée par les données extraites du comblement de onze puits récemment fouillés, qui éclairent de manière originale le devenir de la ville durant les derniers siècles de son occupation.
Deux dépôts avec armes du VIe s. av. J.-C. en Provence orientale : les Clues de Verdaches à Auzet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) et la Source du Noyer à Roquefort-les-Pins (Alpes-Maritimes)
Authors: Dedet Bernard , Marchand Georges
Published: February 2017

Cet article est la première étude détaillée de deux dépôts d’objets métalliques de la première moitié du vie s. av. J.-C. découverts, l’un, en 1958 aux Clues de Verdaches (Auzet, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) et, l’autre, en 1878 à la Source du Noyer (Roquefort-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes). Ces deux lots sont essentiellement composés d’armes : pointes et talons de lance et de javelot, épées et poignards, sabres, coutelas et couteaux, casque et probables éléments de cuirasse et pièces de harnachement de cheval pour l’un, pointe de javelot, cnémides et bracelet pour l’autre. Leurs cadres topographiques respectifs sont étudiés, montrant, pour les deux cas, des emplacements privilégiés, dans des confins de terroirs naturels qui sont aussi des lieux de passage obligé. La similitude de ces dépôts et la singularité de leur composition conduisent les auteurs à voir dans ces deux ensembles des marqueurs de territoire, et à les replacer dans un contexte historique de structuration des communautés locales et d’accroissement des tensions entre elles, à une époque où les premiers trafiquants et colons étrusques et grecs s’installent sur le littoral.
Une petite ville romaine de moyenne montagne, Javols/Anderitum (Lozère), chef-lieu de cité des Gabales : état des connaissances (1996-2007)
Authors: Ferdière Alain , Marot Emmanuel , Trintignac Alain , Amandry Michel , Bideau Caroline , Cohen Anne-Lise , Courtois Julien , De Rose-Evans Jane , Di Napoli Francesca , Fondrillon Mélanie , Giraud Benoît , Guillemard Thomas , Harfouche-Poupet Romana , Lefeuvre Aurélien , Ode Benoît , Noël Mathilde , Pierobon-Benoît Raffaela , Poitevin Grégory , Poupet Pierre
Published: February 2017

1996 wurde in Javols/ Anderitum (Departement Lozère), dem Hauptort der Gabali, in der Provinz Aquitanien, ein Programm zur Auswertung der archäologischen Interventionen in Angriff genommen. 12 Jahre lang wurden die Altgrabungen neu aufgerollt und vor allem zahlreiche Sondierungen vorgenommen, was es nun ermöglicht eine Schlussbilanz bezüglich dieses bescheidenen Hauptortes und dessen Territoriums zu ziehen. Auch die Kontrolle, die er über die von ihm anhängigen Gebiete ausgeübt hatte, wird nun besser erfasst. Nur die Ortsmitte war seit dem Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts mehrfach Gegenstand von Ausgrabungen gewesen. Heute ist die Geschichte der Ortschaft, von ihren Anfängen in der Spätlatènezeit bis zum heutigen Dorf, und vor allem die römische Zeit besser greifbar : Ausdehnung der antiken Siedlung, Gestaltung ihres Urbanismus, ihres Verkehrsnetzes, ihrer großen öffentlichen Gebäude, die gewöhnlichsten Aspekte des Alltagslebens zur Zeit ihrer größten Ausdehnung im 2. Jh. n. Chr., und schließlich ihr Niedergang, der am Ende desselben Jahrhunderts beginnt und mit dem Verlust ihres Status als Civitas-Hauptort endet.
"In the Hills on my own": 20th Century Scottish Poetry, the Writing of Perception
Authors: Noirard Stéphanie
Published: February 2017

A la combinaison Ecosse, Montagne, Littérature, on associera volontiers le Romantisme britannique, notamment Walter Scott qui, dans Waverley ou Rob Roy exprime les passions amoureuses ou nationalistes de ses protagonistes au travers du paysage des Trosachs. Or, se limiter à cette association, c’est méconnaître le rôle fondamental que joue la montagne dans la culture et la littérature écossaise. Symbole de l’esprit, de l’imagination et de la mémoire pour les Gaëls, source de vie puisqu’elle est à la fois refuge, barrière naturelle contre l’ennemi et réserve de gibier ou de plantes médicinales, mais aussi source de mort qui traîtreusement surprend le voyageur égaré, elle fascine depuis toujours ceux qui la côtoient, depuis Duncan Bàn MacIntyre jusqu’à Sorley MacLean en passant par Robert Burns, Stevenson, Nan Shepherd, pour ne citer que les plus célèbres.A l’heure de la mondialisation, de l’industrialisation, du voyage facile et de la remise en question de la capacité du langage à décrire le monde, que reste-t-il de cette fascination dans la poésie écossaise du XXe siècle ? La montagne a-t-elle conservé le pouvoir de stimuler l’imagination ou est-ce sa capacité à engendrer un questionnement sur le Moi qui a pris le dessus ? Le miroir de l’âme qu’elle était s’est-il brisé ou voilé devant les angoisses et les interrogations suscitées par le monde moderne? Autant de questions qui seront soulevées à travers l’étude de poètes de culture aussi divergente que Norman MacCaig, Iain Crichton Smith, Sorley MacLean ou George Bruce et qui permettront une tentative de définition du rôle que peut jouer la montagne dans la conception d’une nouvelle esthétique poétique de la perception
The Mountains of Tibet in Powell & Pressburger’s Film Black Narcissus (1947)
Authors: Costa de Beauregard Raphaëlle
Published: February 2017

Cette étude souligne le lien entre cinéma en couleur et rêve dans le film : trois rêves d’un Mopu idéal sont présentés : un Mopu qui serait comme une ville anglaise, les rêves secrets des femmes, tel que le rêve amoureux (amour passion, couleurs vives "wildly exotic zerotic"), et aussi rêve sur la montagne bleu/blanc : le saint homme rêve de communiquer avec la création. D’une manière générale la montagne bleue est présentée comme un lieu céleste, inaccessible et envoûtant tout à la fois : il s’agit aussi d’un rêve éveillé pour le metteur en scène puisque le film a été entièrement réalisé en studio, du moins en ce qui concerne les séquences à Mopu, c’est-à-dire au cœur de l’Himalaya
"Snowed Up" : le topos montagnard dans Women in Love de D. H. Lawrence
Authors: Birgy Philippe
Published: February 2017

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the mountain gradually crystallised into an overdetermined topos. From then on, it could not be separated from the complex of perceptive, affective and intellectual prescriptions dictating the modalities of its textualization. Understandably, Modernism was at pains to accommodate this topos in its literary programme. Women in Love, insofar as it can be defined as a modernist text—a whole problem in itself—struggles with the implications of a transcendence and more generally with the whole tradition of metaphysics. This article proposes to consider the influence of this "hypertextual mountain" on the last two chapters of the novel and to observe how it shapes and at the same time undermines the literary discourse of Lawrence
Sacraliser le territoire américain : Mount Shasta, quand les dieux viennent instruire les humains
Authors: Rigal-Cellard Bernadette
Published: February 2017

This paper focuses on the origins of the significance of Mount Shasta for the Theosophist movements in America. It first presents the major text of the Atlantis canon, A Dweller on Two Planets, or the Dividing of the Way, by Phylos the Thibetan, alias Frederick S. Oliver, and in particular the second part "Seven Shasta Scenes " which narrates how a wise man led the narrator into the wonderful depths of the Mount to introduce him to a fraternity of higher spirits, the Lothins. Then, we look at a famous book Unveiled Mysteries, by Godfre Ray King, alias Guy Ballard, the founder of the I AM cult, who obviously got his inspiration from the first Shasta novel. Ballard replaces the Lothin fraternity with the Great White Brotherhood, a gathering of perfected humans who have deified themselves and come to Mount Shasta to teach humans how to reach the same level of enlightenment, Saint Germain being Godfre’s guide among those Ascended Masters. Ballard belongs to the old esoteric tradition that Helena Petrovna Blavatsky would popularize at about the same time Oliver’s book was written. We then briefly present one of the scions of I AM, the Summit Lighthouse, or Church Universal and Triumphant, its belief in the Ascended Masters communicating from Mount Shasta and finally from the Teton. In these books and religious movements those mountains are not viewed as metaphorically representing transcendence and spirituality, but they truly are the residence of those higher powers. Mount Shasta in particular is still one of the most popular power spots of New Agers who regularly convene on its slopes to await final liberation
Montagnes de Thoreau : la silhouette et le contact
Authors: Granger Michel
Published: February 2017

Thoreau did not just stay at Walden Pond but climbed many summits in New England between 1839 and 1860. Numerous passages in his Journal and in his essays try to make sense of his fascination for mountains. His attitude evolved from enjoying the view of distant mountains to a direct contact with the wildness of mountains. This article contrasts the simplifying and idealizing look from a distance with an unexpectedly bewildering experience on an inhospitable summit. Over the years, Thoreau adopted a more systematic and controlled approach towards mountains with the close, almost scientific, observation of natural facts
Voir et être vu du sommet : le cas de Needles Lookout dans « Sitting on Top of the World » de T.C. Boyle
Authors: Roussel Caroline
Published: February 2017

Written in 1989, T.C. Boyle’s short story "Sitting on Top of the World"1 is a rewriting of the topos of the solitary mountain, which usually brings to mind a hermit-like style of life dedicated to the exploration of existential crises, and thus implying an ensuing spiritual quest, amidst the hardships of the wilderness. Boyle’s story takes a new stance on the lone mountain since it becomes the place where the vulnerability of mankind is staged rather than the serenity and the superiority of Man over Nature. Visual perception, which lies at the heart of the story, is not merely a euphoric experience where the eye roams over landscape and printed page, but gradually becomes a destabilizing and traumatic phenomenon, thereby revealing the quintessential insecurity of human life, an insecurity most of Boyle’s characters are prone to.
An Intimate Relationship. The City, the River, and their Wor(l)ds. Echoes from New Orleans and Vicinity
Authors: Maffi Mario
Published: February 2017

Cet article s’intéresse à la manière dont la relation entre le fleuve Mississippi et la ville de la Nouvelle Orléans est une source d’inspiration (à la fois matérielle et métaphorique) pour la culture américaine de la fin du dix-neuvième et du début du vingtième siècle, en particulier pour des écrivains tels que Mark Twain et William Faulkner. La structure rigide de la ville (sa localisation ainsi que ses solutions architecturales et immobilières) s’oppose à la nature fluide et informe du fleuve (si imprévisible et si souvent modifiée par les pluies et les inondations) et engendre des réactions socio-culturelles et des approches stylistiques très différentes (en particulier dans la fiction réaliste et moderniste).
Writing Johannesburg: Between the Labyrinth and the Map
Authors: Samin Richard
Published: February 2017

L’imaginaire littéraire généré par Johannesbourg est paradoxal, jouant à la fois de l’attrait et du rejet. Cette ambiguïté fondamentale structure le discours fictif où se combinent et s’opposent la proximité et la distance, le désir de s’intégrer, de faire partie de la vie intense de la cité, ou au contraire la tentation de s’en éloigner, de s’isoler, de voir la ville depuis un point de vue extérieur afin d’essayer de la saisir dans sa globalité et d’en cerner le sens possible. Selon les époques et les circonstances historiques, les âges et les milieux culturels, la fiction sur Johannesbourg offre une large panoplie de styles allant du réalisme à la fantaisie et au réalisme magique. De par ses contradictions, l’imaginaire de Johannesbourg est celui d’un espace en tension dont les transformations se déploient entre ces deux figures emblématiques que sont la carte et le labyrinthe, partant de l’idée que la carte n’est qu’un labyrinthe vu du dessus. C’est dans le cadre de cette configuration que sont abordées, à travers plusieurs auteurs et ouvrages, les modalités des rencontres, des vies banales, des aventures, des dangers et des émerveillements que recèle cette ville mue par une extraordinaire énergie.