bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise das características para a formação de líderes em uma gestão estratégica
Authors: Nunes Juliana Rampazzo , Mota Edson Pereira da
Published: September 2016

A formação de líderes visa suprir a necessidade de pessoas capacitadas, integradas e fiéis ao planejamento e a visão propostas em uma gestão estratégica. O sucesso das organizações deve-se ao capital humano, o que requer investimentos e atenção nesse quesito. A identificação das características inerentes aos líderes foi realizada por meio de questionário online com 100 pessoas de maneira aleatória. Dividiu-se em perguntas específicas para líderes e liderados a fim de analisar os perfis existentes dos atuais líderes e, desejados pelos liderados. As opiniões separadas por gêneros também foram averiguadas. Evidenciou-se, com os resultados, a importância da formação de líderes internos, visto que é essencial o conhecimento e experiência na área que atuam. O desenvolvimento dos funcionários com potencial para futuros líderes atende a essa demanda, pois possuem a experiência na organização e através do investimento em cursos de aperfeiçoamento, aumentará o conhecimento. Salientou-se a conscientização dos líderes atuais para formarem esses novos líderes, principalmente analisando o perfil, direcionando-os e motivando-os. O fato de o líder ser firme e seguro em suas decisões destacou-se entre os liderados, dado que por meio dessa característica, a integridade, responsabilidade e confiabilidade são geradas, as quais foram as mais elencadas na pesquisa. As maiores diferenças entre gêneros foram as líderes mulheres se declararem mais atenciosas com seus liderados, responsáveis e íntegras, enquanto os líderes homens classificaram-se mais inovadores. As lideradas mulheres consideraram mais o líder responsável e que cuida da equipe enquanto os liderados homens valorizaram mais o fato do líder ser imparcial.
Viabilidade econômica da construção de uma unidade armazenadora em propriedade rural de Lagoa Vermelha (RS)
Authors: Paz Marlon Vidal , Aragão Thiago Ricielli de Paula
Published: September 2016

Os consecutivos recordes de produção agrícola brasileira não foram acompanhados de desenvolvimento na infraestrutura de armazenagem desta produção e, assim, comprometem os resultados da atividade. Desta forma, este trabalho objetiva avaliar a viabilidade econômica da instalação de uma unidade armazenadora de grãos diretamente em uma propriedade rural localizada no município de Lagoa Vermelha (RS). Para a análise foram utilizados os indicadores Valor Presente Líquido – VPL, Taxa Interna de Retorno – TIR e Payback Descontado e, além disso, foi realizada análise de sensibilidade. Com base nos resultados o empreendimento mostrou-se economicamente viável, com VPL de R$ 526.230,23, TIR de 20,86%, superior a taxa de desconto de 4%, e com recuperação do investimento inicial no quinto ano. O investimento é sensível a oscilações nas variáveis de receita.
Conhecimento do consumidor e forma de apresentação da batata no mercado no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Silva Priscilla Nátaly Lima , Fexina Junior Raineldes , Dos Santos Elcio Ferreira
Published: September 2016

A batata é um dos alimentos mais consumidos no mundo e possui alta importância alimentar devido à sua versatilidade e constituição nutricional. Além disso, é um alimento prático e barato, podendo ser consumida de diversas formas, assada, cozida e frita. Apesar de toda essa importância observa-se no Brasil uma grande queda no consumo per capita de batata “in natura”. Essa queda pode estar relacionada ao conhecimento equivocado que o consumidor tem sobre a batata. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o conhecimento do consumidor sobre a batata bem como esse produto é ofertado. Foram entrevistadas 215 pessoas e visitados 15 estabelecimentos e verificou-se que muitos consumidores estão cientes das diferenças entre as aptidões das cultivares. Porém, quando questionado quais cultivares conhecia muitos não souberam informar corretamente. Nos estabelecimentos foi verificado que, na maioria, o modo de ofertar batata “in natura” é ultrapassado, não passa informações sobre nome de cultivares e nem sobre a aptidão, confundindo mais ainda o consumidor.
Viabilidade financeira de instalação de uma unidade de beneficiamento de cascas de coco verde
Authors: Silveira Vinícios , Aragão Thiago Ricielli de Paula
Published: September 2016

A produção nacional de coco (Cocos nucifera) destinada para o consumo de água in natura e industrializada no ano de 2014 foi de aproximadamente 1,5 bilhão de frutos. Toneladas de cascas foram, em sua maioria, descartadas nos lixões e aterros sanitários das cidades, desprezando, dessa forma, uma matéria prima potencial de alta aplicabilidade e baixo custo. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de apurar a viabilidade financeira a partir do levantamento dos custos de instalação de uma unidade de beneficiamento de cascas de coco verde para produção de pó e fibras brutas. A unidade será implantada no município de São Luís (MA). Os quesitos técnicos utilizados como referência foram desenvolvidos e testados pela Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária [Embrapa] Agroindústria Tropical. Para os cálculos de viabilidade foram utilizados, a partir do fluxo de caixa, os critérios financeiros valor presente líquido [VPL], payback descontado e taxa interna de retorno [TIR], além de análise de sensibilidade de cenários. O maior volume de capital destinou-se às instalações físicas da unidade, consumindo R$ 550.415,00, enquanto as máquinas e equipamentos tiveram dispêndios de R$ 284.650,00. O projeto é financeiramente atrativo, gerando VPL de R$ 361.458,00 e TIR de 16%, frente a uma taxa mínima de atratividade de 7,13%, ao passo que os recursos investidos serão retornados no sexto ano. O projeto é sensível às variações de preço dos produtos vendidos.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NONLINEAR MODELS FOR PREDICTING RESIDUAL OPERATING LIFE AND OPERABILITY OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Authors: Golovina Natal’ya Valer’evna , Shmelev Gennadiy Dmitrievich
Published: September 2016

A number of researchers are working on the creation of a general method for forecasting operability and residual life of engineering constructions of buildings and structures of different purposes using the models of nonlinear physical wear development. The authors analyzed two approaches to forecasting operability and estimating residual operating life of structural elements of residential houses using nonlinear models of the changes in physical wear of building structures basing on forecast logistic model. The description of the differences in the approaches to forecasting and advantages of one method compared to another are given. As a result of the conducted analysis the authors recommend the most accurate model for making predictions and estimation of residual operating life of building structures.
Estratégias de suplementação de vacas de leite mantidas em pastagem de gramínea tropical durante o período das águas
Authors: Silva Joelson Antonio , Cabral Luciano da Silva , Costa Rayanne Viana , Macedo Bruna Gomes , Bianchi Isabela Eloísa , Teobaldo Ronyatta Weich , Neves Camila Garcia , Carvalho Ana Paula da Silva , Plothow Anna Flávia , Costa Júnior Wagner Soares da , Silva Camilla Gabriela Miranda
Published: September 2016

Brazil is the fourth largest milk producer with 15.9% increase in its production in the last five years, showing potential to become the world's largest exporter of milk.However, for it is necessary to produce milk with low cost and high quality. Minas Gerais is the largest milk producer, with 27.3% of national production.Milk production in Brazil is developed mainly in pasture systems, which gives the milk produced, low production cost. However, production of dairy cattle based only on use of tropical pasture systems does not attend the high demand for individual productions or even for medium productions. Studies demonstrate the potential of milk production from intensively managed pastures, allowing increased milk production per area and the association with the use of feed concentrates maximizing milk production per cow. The combination of these twotechniques managements enables increase in milk production significantly.
Perfil hematológico de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania chagasi
Authors: Alves Michel Muálem de Moraes , Mendonça Ivete Lopes de , Batista Joilson Ferreira , Rocha Fernanda Samara Barbosa , Carvalho e Silva Esther Machado de
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological profile of dogs with diagnosis parasitological and serological positive for LVC. 130adult dogs without distinction of sex or race were used; these animal sunder were clinical examinations where there was the presence or absence of symptoms for LVC. The animals were classified as asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic. The final diagnosis was based on serological tests (TR DPP®) and parasitological (directsmear stained with Giemsa and medium culture NNN enriched with Schneider's). Using samples of bone marrow and lymph nodes, and in animals with lesions of the skin, scraping theedge of the lesion which was stretched on slides and stained with Giemsa). Animals with leishmaniasis showed normocytic normochromic anemia presence of erythrocyte eroleaux, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and eosinopenia.
Desempenho de novilhos de origem leiteira na pecuária de corte em diferentes sistemas de criação: Revisão
Authors: Lima Rodrigo da Silva , Gomes José Almir Ferreira , Silva Edmilson Gomes da , Miranda Thiciano Leão , Aquino Rafael Santos de , Silva Almir Ferreira da
Published: September 2016

The dairy cattle in Brazil has grown tremendously in recent years, both in number of animals and in productivity. However, a real difficulty is to give suitable male calves born on these properties, since there is a greater interest in creating and recreating female calves to be future mothers of the herd destination. In recent years these calves have been studied in relation to its potential to be utilized in beef cattle , which would be a possible way to generate income from the exploitation of these animals , and would not rule them slaughtering or donating to other property as is currently done by dairy farms . Several studies have found that these dairy animals but can be availed in beef cattle production systems in both grazing as well as in confinement , however, of course , without waiting to have the same performance than specialized animals for meat production feature . The work carried out show that the feasibility of using these animals of dairy origin for meat production depends on the conditions to achieve early slaughter and a low cost production, these being intrinsic to each system of production factors.
Influência do sistema silvipastoril na puberdade de novilhas
Authors: Caetano Graciele Araújo de Oliveira , Caetano Júnior Messias Batista
Published: September 2016

As a result of current concern with the depletion of natural resources, combined with a larger quest for better reproductive rates, the Brazilian cattle industry has been taking measures giving priority to sexual precocity of his flock. In Brazil, a tropical country, which has a production system basically livestock grazing, heat stress factor is becoming a limiting factor in the sustainability of cattle breeding. High temperatures can negatively influence the main reproductive characteristic indicator of sexual precocity in cattle is age puberty. This negative effect of heat (stress) implies physiological adjustments in the animal in search of maintaining homeothermy, among them are alterations in blood flow, behavior, food intake and hormonal factors influencing the onset of puberty. Livestock keepers, high precocity increase production anticipates the recovery of investments, increase the productive life of animals allowing for greater profitability. In search of sustainability and competitiveness of dairy farming, the research has been pointing the silvopastoral systems involving the cultivation of woody perennials, grasses and animals as a good option. This is explained by the formation of a thermally comfortable microclimate, mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress on reproduction, besides improving the soil and pasture.
Tecnologia de produção em kafta de carne de ovelhas suplementadas com grão de linhaça
Authors: Torres Maryane Gluck , Mora Natália Holtz Alves Pedroso , Zunino Talita Estéfani Santana , Possamai Ana Paula Silva , Feihrmann Andresa Carla , Macedo Francisco de Assis Fonseca de
Published: September 2016

Sixteen sheep was used at the end of reproductive life, divided into two groups of eight animals fed for 60 days with complete ration containing zero or 10% linseed. After the slaughter the legs were deboned and used in kafta processing. Chemical and sensory analyzes were conducted to evaluate consumer acceptance. There was no difference (P>0.05) for moisture (70.49%) and mineral matter (1.28%). The crude protein and total lipids had higher averages for kaftas made with meat from sheep supplemented with linseed. The evaluations demonstrated that this product was accepted by 79.6% of the panelists, and 88.9% of men and 81.2% of women who participated in the sensory panel buy the product. Kaftas has a viable production and nutritional quality, and well accepted by consumers of both genders and age. Kaftas from ewe meat, supplemented with linseed had the highest acceptance, showing positive effect on sensory analysis, which suggests the use of grain to differentiate the product.
Sistema de produção de bovinos de corte e ecoturismo: exemplo da fazenda São José no Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Prado Ivanor Nunes do , Souza Kennyson Alves de , Valero Maribel Velandia , Guerrero Ana , Sañudo Carlos
Published: September 2016

The São José farm is located in Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, near the Aquidauana city. This property has activities like eco-tourism and beef cattle. In eco-tourism there is the visit to the wildlife (birds and mammals) and the river Miranda. However, the essential source for resources to keep the farm in activity is the beef cattle. The beef cattle is essentially based on the exploitation of Nellore cattle. The production rates of São José farm are above the system indexes extensive and close to levels more productive properties. This year the farm owner is starting an interesting project with the crossbreeding of some cows with a player of Pantaneira breed. This paper aims to explore the adaptation of breed in eco-system and increase its production with the introduction of Nellore. Another activity developed on the farm is the production of milk with use of crossbred cows adapted to the typical climate of the region. However, the production of milk is below average production system with Girolando cattle.
Características zootécnicas e potenciais do tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) para a piscicultura brasileira
Authors: Barçante Bruna , Sousa Alexandre Benvindo de
Published: September 2016

Aquaculture has been growing fast in Brazil due propitious nature conditions presented to such economic activity. Most of Brazilian production is due to continental aquaculture, especially the fish culture, and is widely focused on exotics species. There are many native species with high breeding potential among them, the tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, which is the most native species cultivated and has been taking a relevant role in Brazil and in others countries, as well. Tambaqui is native from Amazonas and Orinoco river basins and very appreciated because its fast development, captive fitness, easy training food, resistant, and its high commercial and gastronomy meat value.  Nowadays its production represents 14% of Brazilian continental fish culture and several technologies resources has been used to optimize technically   and economically its production.
Compostos bioativos e o controle de carrapatos em bovinos
Authors: João Elzeário Castelo Branco Iapichini  , Rodrigues Carlos Frederico de Carvalho , Chiebao Daniela Pontes , Gabriel Fábio Henrique de Lima
Published: September 2016

Opposite the historic parasite resistance phenomenon, especially the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, the various synthetic active ingredients available in the market, constant investigations in the search for new molecules effective in controlling ectoparasites are driven, preferably by natural bioactive molecules. The traditional and empirical use of different sources of bioactive compounds by farmers and others not qualify it as an alternative for the control of ticks. Thus, scientific evidence of the efficacy of such compounds, and so many natural products has been tested for the control of cattle tick is required. Effective control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus through validation and dissemination of association principles of different strategies (chemical control, biological control, exploration and validation of bioactive compounds, selection and disposal of resistant and susceptible animals) combined with the knowledge of the cycle biological parasite contribute to the mitigation of direct and indirect damage caused by tick infestations in cattle production chain in Brazil, and therefore in many aspects of public health, in particular the final consumer.
Girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) e seus coprodutos na alimentação animal
Authors: Silva Joelson Antonio , Galati Rosemary Lais , Silva Camilla Gabriela Miranda , Duarte Júnior Moacir Ferreira
Published: September 2016

The use of co-products of agro-industries in animal feed has already been done for many years. With the encouragement of domestic production of Biodiesel generation of these products had increased significantly, allowing its use in animal feed, by increasing the supply of meals or pies from the extraction of oil from oilseeds. Soybean meal is the main source of protein fed to ruminants and monogastric animals, but with increasing global demand for food high in protein, not competitive with human food, boosts the use of these co-products in animal feed, mainly for ruminants, due to its unique ability to transform non-digestible fibers by the human body, products of high biological value such as meat and milk. Among the crops used to produce Biodiesel, sunflower had a significant increase in production and productivity in recent years, thanks to its adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions. The co-products of sunflower have favorable nutritional characteristics of feed animals of zootechnical interest, minimizing production costs and maximizing production of meat and milk.
Produtividade de pastagens degradadas de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu sobressemeadas com Desmodium ovalifolium CIAT-350
Authors: Costa Newton de Lucena , Townsend Claudio Ramalho , Magalhães João Avelar , Paulino Valdinei Tadeu , Rodrigues Antônio Neri Azevedo
Published: September 2016

The effects of over sowing methods of Desmodium ovalifolium CIAT-350 (mowing, plowing, harrowing, plowing + harrowing and manual seeding) and phosphate (P) fertilization (0 and 50 kg of P2O5/ha), on reclamation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu degraded pastures were evaluated. Legume introduction, irrespective of P fertilization, showed an effective agronomic technique for pasture reclamation. Grass and legume dry matter (DM) yields were improved by P application, while DM of weeds were depressed. In order to obtain greater forage yields and better ratio grass:legumes that ensure the productive stability of the mixture, the manual seeding and mowing plus P application were the most effective methods for oversowing the legume on grass degraded pastures.
Exigência nutricional de fósforo disponível para poedeiras comerciais após 63 semanas de idade
Authors: Lima Rodrigo da Silva , Rabello Carlos Bôa-Viagem , Barros Júlia da Silva , Aquino Rafael Santos de , Silva Edmilson Gomes da , Gomes José Almir Ferreira
Published: September 2016

By presenting itself as the third most expensive nutrient rations, phosphorus addition to its economic importance has become an object not only be related to the growth rate, but also by its involvement in bone development, production and egg quality . Therefore, in order to demonstrate adequate levels of available phosphorus for laying hens with 63 weeks of age, we performed a study evaluating parameters such as egg weight, egg mass, laying percentage, feed conversion, to the gravity specific, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell weight, percentage of yolk, shell percentage and percentage of albumen. As well as percentage of ash, phosphorus and finally, the resistance to breakage of bones.
Histological evaluation of 400 cholecystectomy specimens
Authors: Kumar H , Kini H , Tiwari A
Published: September 2016

Background: A majority of gallbladder specimens show changes associated with chronic cholecystitis; however few harbour a highly lethal carcinoma. This study was conducted to review the significant histopathological findings encountered in gallbladder specimens received in our laboratory.Materials and Methods: Four hundred cholecystectomy specimens were studied over a period of five years (May, 2002 to April, 2007) received at department of pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Results: Gallstones and associated diseases were more common in women in the 4th to 5th decade as compared to men with M: F ratio of 1:1.33. Maximum number of patients (28.25%) being 41 to 50 years old. Histopathologically, the most common diagnosis was chronic cholecystitis (66.75%), followed by chronic active cholecystitis (20.25%), acute cholecystitis (6%), gangrenous cholecystitis (2.25%),xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (0.50%), empyema (1%), mucocele (0.25%), choledochal cyst (0.25%), adenocarcinoma gallbladder (1.25%) and  normal  gallbladders (1%).Conclusion: All lesions were found more frequently in women except chronic active cholecystitis. Gallstones were present in (80.25%) cases, and significantly associated with various lesions (P value 0.009). Pigment stones were most common, followed by cholesterol stones and mixed stones. Adequate  sectioning  is  mandatory  in  all  cases  to  assess  epithelial changes arising from cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis as it has been known to progress to malignancy in some cases.
Distribution of hemoglobinopathies in patients presenting for electrophoresis and comparison of result with High performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jha R
Published: September 2016

Background: Nearly 226 million carriers of thalassemias and abnormal hemoglobin are present worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The laboratory plays an important role in the investigation of the thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis at alkaline pH and diagnosis based mainly on visual impression of thickness of band may miss the thalassemic trait patients. The aim of this study was to find out different hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia presenting in our hospital and to compare electrophoresis results with HPLC.Materials and Methods: This study was performed in the hematopathology section of Department of Pathology of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital on cases sent for electrophoresis during 18 months period from October 2013 to March 2015 and included hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias identified by either electrophoresis or HPLC. 97 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria and thus were included in the study. Electrophoresis at alkaline pH was done in all whereas HPLC was performed in 27 cases.Results: A sharp peak of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias was seen in Tharu community though other communities are also affected. Thalassemia trait was the most common diagnosis (26.8%) followed by sickle cell anemia (21.6%).  Electrophoresis was efficient in detecting some alpha thalassemia variants but missed many cases of beta thalassemia trait.Conclusion: Beta Thalassemia trait and sickle cell anemia both are common in Nepal , along with some other hemoglobinopathies  A sharp peak of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias are seen in Tharu community. These abnormal hemoglobins and thalassemias are mainly seen in Terai region. Electrophoresis fails to quantify hemoglobin percentage and thus is not appropriate test in beta thalassemia screening.
Primary malignant mucosal melanoma of the larynx: A case report and literature review
Authors: Khadka S Shrestha , Lee MC , Karki AB
Published: September 2016

Malignant mucosal melanoma is very rare entity. It comprises about 1% of all malignant melanoma and exhibit more aggressive behaviour than that of skin melanomas. Mucosal melanoma arises mainly from the mucous membranes of head and neck, the female genital organs or the anorectal and the urinary tracts.  Laryngeal malignant melanoma constitutes 3.8% to 7.4% of all cases of malignant mucosal melanoma of head and neck. In this article we report a case of primary malignant mucosal melanoma of larynx in 27 years old male who was treated with radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in BPKM Cancer Hospital, Chitwan.
Papillary carcinoma thyroid - A 11 year epidemiological study with histopathological correlation in a tertiary care centre in South Malabar Region in Kerala, India
Authors: Ponniah A , Ilias LM , Vijayan P , Mohammed BA , Deeshma T , Nalakath AS , Saleem S , Umasankar P , Hamza HK , Ramakrishnan J
Published: September 2016

Background: Thyroid cancer is the commonest endocrine malignancy. Based on recent data, thyroid cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. To our knowledge the  present study  is the first of its kind, correlating epidemiological and histomorphological data so as to assess the  major cause hypothesis for thyroid cancers, focusing more on  papillary  carcinoma and its variants, comparing it with each other and with other  thyroid carcinomas and also correlating with gender, life style and religion.Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India, from January 2004 to June 2015.Two thousand and fifty thyroidectomy cases were studied.Results: Out of the total 2050  cases, thyroid cancers constituted  295 (14.39%);  of which 10.1% (208 cases) were Papillary carcinoma thyroid (PCT) and its variants; 165 cases were seen in females (79.33%) and  the incidence in males were only 20.68% (43 cases).The commonest variant encountered was classical papillary carcinoma (113 cases, 54.32%).Conclusion: Our study of papillary thyroid carcino
Modelling East Asian Calendars in an Open Source Authority Database
Authors: Bingenheimer Marcus , Hung Jen-Jou , Wiles Simon , Boyong Zhang
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses issues concerning the creation of conversion tables for East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and European calendars and describes the development of an open source calendar database as part of the history of converting East Asian calendars. East Asian calendars encode both astronomical and political cycles. As a result, date conversion must in practice rely on complex look-up tables and cannot be done merely algorithmically. We provide a detailed overview of the history of such conversion tables and find that the modelling of these tables into the digital follows a trend of increasingly detailed computation of chronological time. The Buddhist Studies Time Authority Database was designed to allow computational conversion of the Chinese, the Japanese and the Korean Calendar, between each other, as well as with the Gregorian, proleptic Gregorian and Julian calendar. It relies on the Julian Day Number (JDN) as common referent for all conversions.
Smallholding Travel in the Agrarian Revolution: Using a Farmer Diary to Map Spatio-temporal Patterns in Late Nineteenth Century Sweden
Authors: Gärdebo Johan , Löwenborg Daniel
Published: September 2016

This article is an exploratory study using a smallholding diary and GIS to project the spatio-temporal pattern of a smallholding's travel in late nineteenth century Sweden. Through time-series of smallholding's daily diary notes, we develop an understanding for how smallholders adjusted to and participated in Swedish government policy, which resulted in the process termed ‘agrarian revolution’. Between 1872–1892, Tomtas Smallholding altered its spatio-temporal patterns from seasonal travels to production according to market demands and along new lines of transportation like railways. While the smallholding also used railways to visit distant places, it was primarily their produce that travelled further unto international markets. This also influenced the smallholding demography, from an extended household towards a nuclear family. As market demands shifted from subsistence to dairy products, the smallholding contracted primarily female farm servants due to their specialisation in milking.
A 133-Year Record of Climate Change and Variability from Sheffield, England
Authors: Cropper Thomas , Cropper Paul
Published: September 2016

A 133-year length (1883–2015) daily climate record from Sheffield, England (53.38°N, 1.49°W) is analysed. Across the entire length of the record, there are significant warming trends annually and for all seasons, whereas precipitation shows a significant annual increase but the seasonal trends, whilst all positive, are not significant. Trends in extreme indices mirror the mean long-term warming and wetting signal. Record hot and cold daily temperatures and precipitation amounts are associated with summer anticyclonic conditions, an anomalous easterly winter jet stream and summer cyclonic activity, respectively. Whilst there are large uncertainties surrounding the calculation of return periods for the daily maximum, minimum and precipitation records from a single record, our best estimates suggest that in the current climate (2015), the existing records have return periods of 38, 529 and 252 years, respectively. The influence of several climate indices on mean and extreme indices are considered on seasonal scales, with the North Atlantic Oscillation displaying the strongest relationship. Future mean maximum temperature and precipitation alongside extreme indices representing the warmest and wettest day of the year are analysed from two downscaled climate model output archives under analysis periods of a 1.5 and 2 degree warmer world and the 2080–2099 end of 21st century period. For this mid-latitude location, there is minimal difference in model projections between a 1.5 and 2 degree world, but a significant difference between the 1.5/2 degree world and the end of century 2080–2099 period under the most severe climate warming scenarios.
Enhanced Energy Distribution for Quantum Information Heat Engines
Authors: Diaz de la Cruz Jose , Martin-Delgado Miguel
Published: September 2016

A new scenario for energy distribution, security and shareability is presented that assumes the availability of quantum information heat engines and a thermal bath. It is based on the convertibility between entropy and work in the presence of a thermal reservoir. Our approach to the informational content of physical systems that are distributed between users is complementary to the conventional perspective of quantum communication. The latter places the value on the unpredictable content of the transmitted quantum states, while our interest focuses on their certainty. Some well-known results in quantum communication are reused in this context. Particularly, we describe a way to securely distribute quantum states to be used for unlocking energy from thermal sources. We also consider some multi-partite entangled and classically correlated states for a collaborative multi-user sharing of work extraction possibilities. In addition, the relation between the communication and work extraction capabilities is analyzed and written as an equation.
Energy Opportunities from Lignocellulosic Biomass for a Biorefinery Case Study
Authors: Cotana Franco , Cavalaglio Gianluca , Coccia Valentina , Petrozzi Alessandro
Published: September 2016

This work presents some energy considerations concerning a biorefinery case study that has been carried out by the CRB/CIRIAF of the University of Perugia. The biorefinery is the case study of the BIT3G project, a national funded research project, and it uses the lignocellulosic biomass that is available in the territory as input materials for biochemical purposes, such as cardoon and carthamus. The whole plant is composed of several sections: the cardoon and carthamus seed milling, the oil refinement facilities, and the production section of some high quality biochemicals, i.e., bio-oils and fatty acids. The main goal of the research is to demonstrate energy autonomy of the latter section of the biorefinery, while only recovering energy from the residues resulting from the collection of the biomass. To this aim, this work presents the quantification of the energy requirements to be supplied to the considered biorefinery section, the mass flow, and the energy and chemical characterization of the biomass. Afterwards, some sustainability strategies have been qualitatively investigated in order to identify the best one to be used in this case study; the combined heat and power (CHP) technology. Two scenarios have been defined and presented: the first with 6 MWt thermal input and 1.2 MWe electrical power as an output and the second with 9 MWt thermal input and 1.8 MWe electrical power as an output. The first scenario showed that 11,000 tons of residual biomass could ensure the annual production of about 34,000 MWht, equal to about the 72% of the requirements, and about 9600 MWhe, equal to approximately 60% of the electricity demand. The second scenario showed that 18,000 tons of the residual biomass could ensure the total annual production of about 56,000 MWht, corresponding to more than 100% of the requirements, and about 14,400 MWhe, equal to approximately 90% of the electricity demand. In addition, the CO2 emissions from the energy valorization section have been quantified and the possibility of re-using the CO2 flow in order to produce methane is described.
Problems with Biogas Implementation in Developing Countries from the Perspective of Labor Requirements
Authors: Tucho Gudina , Moll Henri , Schoot Uiterkamp Anton , Nonhebel Sanderine
Published: September 2016

Most households in rural developing countries depend on firewood from public forests or agricultural bio-wastes for cooking. Public forests, though, are declining due to an increasing population and inefficient use of wood. Use of agricultural wastes on the other hand involves loss of soil nutrients since these resources are used as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers. Biogas energy can be an alternative in providing clean energy for cooking as well as improving soil fertility with the slurry. However, the labor spent on producing biogas can limit its use as a source of energy and fertilizers. Therefore, this study aims to determine the labor requirement of different mono and co-digestion biogas energy systems. The assessment is made by using simple models involving different schemes of resources collection and transportation based on reported relevant literature. The analysis shows that biogas production can be labor intensive when transportation of feedstock, water, and slurry is involved. Transporting these resources over a one kilometer (km) distance requires about ten times the amount of time spent on firewood collection and transportation. The largest part of the time for biogas production activities is spent on water collection and transportation. Low labor biogas production is possible only if all the resources are available nearby (not transported). One of the advantages of the biogas energy system is to use the slurry for soil enrichment. However, this can only be realized when the slurry is converted to compost or directly applied on nearby lands. In general, biogas production involving resources (feedstock, water and slurry) transportation is not a viable alternative to save the time spent on the traditional use of firewood. However, a community biogas system involving resource system integration is an option to provide clean energy with acceptable labor requirements of production.
A New Methodology Based on Imbalanced Classification for Predicting Outliers in Electricity Demand Time Series
Authors: Duque-Pintor Francisco , Fernández-Gómez Manuel , Troncoso Alicia , Martínez-Álvarez Francisco
Published: September 2016

The occurrence of outliers in real-world phenomena is quite usual. If these anomalous data are not properly treated, unreliable models can be generated. Many approaches in the literature are focused on a posteriori detection of outliers. However, a new methodology to a priori predict the occurrence of such data is proposed here. Thus, the main goal of this work is to predict the occurrence of outliers in time series, by using, for the first time, imbalanced classification techniques. In this sense, the problem of forecasting outlying data has been transformed into a binary classification problem, in which the positive class represents the occurrence of outliers. Given that the number of outliers is much lower than the number of common values, the resultant classification problem is imbalanced. To create training and test sets, robust statistical methods have been used to detect outliers in both sets. Once the outliers have been detected, the instances of the dataset are labeled accordingly. Namely, if any of the samples composing the next instance are detected as an outlier, the label is set to one. As a study case, the methodology has been tested on electricity demand time series in the Spanish electricity market, in which most of the outliers were properly forecast.
Turtles From an Arkadelphia Formation—Midway Group Lag Deposit (Maastrichtian—Paleocene), Hot Spring County, Arkansas, USA
Authors: Becker Martin , Maisch Harry , Chamberlain John
Published: September 2016

The Arkadelphia Formation—Midway Group (Maastrichtian—Paleocene) contact near Malvern, Arkansas preserves a K-Pg boundary assemblage of turtle species consisting of skull, shell, and non-shell postcranial skeletal elements. The Malvern turtles are preserved within a coquina lag deposit that comprises the basalmost Midway Group and also contains an abundance of other reptiles, as well as chondrichthyans, osteichthyans, and invertebrates. This coquina lag deposit records a complex taphonomic history of exhumation and reburial of vertebrate skeletal elements along a dynamic ancestral shoreline in southwestern Arkansas during the late Cretaceous-early Paleocene. Based on stratigraphic occurrence, the Malvern turtle assemblage indicates that these marine reptiles were living at or near the time of the K-Pg mass extinction and represent some of the latest Cretaceous turtles yet recovered from the Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States.
Analysis of Pollution Hazard Intensity: A Spatial Epidemiology Case Study of Soil Pb Contamination
Authors: Ha Hoehun , Rogerson Peter , Olson James , Han Daikwon , Bian Ling , Shao Wanyun
Published: September 2016

Heavy industrialization has resulted in the contamination of soil by metals from anthropogenic sources in Anniston, Alabama. This situation calls for increased public awareness of the soil contamination issue and better knowledge of the main factors contributing to the potential sources contaminating residential soil. The purpose of this spatial epidemiology research is to describe the effects of physical factors on the concentration of lead (Pb) in soil in Anniston AL, and to determine the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of those residing in areas with higher soil contamination. Spatial regression models are used to account for spatial dependencies using these explanatory variables. After accounting for covariates and multicollinearity, results of the analysis indicate that lead concentration in soils varies markedly in the vicinity of a specific foundry (Foundry A), and that proximity to railroads explained a significant amount of spatial variation in soil lead concentration. Moreover, elevated soil lead levels were identified as a concern in industrial sites, neighborhoods with a high density of old housing, a high percentage of African American population, and a low percent of occupied housing units. The use of spatial modelling allows for better identification of significant factors that are correlated with soil lead concentrations.
The Flexibility of Ectopic Lipids
Authors: Loher Hannah , Kreis Roland , Boesch Chris , Christ Emanuel
Published: September 2016

In addition to the subcutaneous and the visceral fat tissue, lipids can also be stored in non-adipose tissue such as in hepatocytes (intrahepatocellular lipids; IHCL), skeletal (intramyocellular lipids; IMCL) or cardiac muscle cells (intracardiomyocellular lipids; ICCL). Ectopic lipids are flexible fuel stores that can be depleted by physical exercise and repleted by diet. They are related to obesity and insulin resistance. Quantification of IMCL was initially performed invasively, using muscle biopsies with biochemical and/or histological analysis. 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is now a validated method that allows for not only quantifying IMCL non-invasively and repeatedly, but also assessing IHCL and ICCL. This review summarizes the current available knowledge on the flexibility of ectopic lipids. The available evidence suggests a complex interplay between quantitative and qualitative diet, fat availability (fat mass), insulin action, and physical exercise, all important factors that influence the flexibility of ectopic lipids. Furthermore, the time frame of the intervention on these parameters (short-term vs. long-term) appears to be critical. Consequently, standardization of physical activity and diet are critical when assessing ectopic lipids in predefined clinical situations.
Omics-Based Strategies in Precision Medicine: Toward a Paradigm Shift in Inborn Errors of Metabolism Investigations
Authors: Tebani Abdellah , Afonso Carlos , Marret Stéphane , Bekri Soumeya
Published: September 2016

The rise of technologies that simultaneously measure thousands of data points represents the heart of systems biology. These technologies have had a huge impact on the discovery of next-generation diagnostics, biomarkers, and drugs in the precision medicine era. Systems biology aims to achieve systemic exploration of complex interactions in biological systems. Driven by high-throughput omics technologies and the computational surge, it enables multi-scale and insightful overviews of cells, organisms, and populations. Precision medicine capitalizes on these conceptual and technological advancements and stands on two main pillars: data generation and data modeling. High-throughput omics technologies allow the retrieval of comprehensive and holistic biological information, whereas computational capabilities enable high-dimensional data modeling and, therefore, accessible and user-friendly visualization. Furthermore, bioinformatics has enabled comprehensive multi-omics and clinical data integration for insightful interpretation. Despite their promise, the translation of these technologies into clinically actionable tools has been slow. In this review, we present state-of-the-art multi-omics data analysis strategies in a clinical context. The challenges of omics-based biomarker translation are discussed. Perspectives regarding the use of multi-omics approaches for inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are presented by introducing a new paradigm shift in addressing IEM investigations in the post-genomic era.
Processing Techniques and Applications of Silk Hydrogels in Bioengineering
Authors: Floren Michael , Migliaresi Claudio , Motta Antonella
Published: September 2016

Hydrogels are an attractive class of tunable material platforms that, combined with their structural and functional likeness to biological environments, have a diversity of applications in bioengineering. Several polymers, natural and synthetic, can be used, the material selection being based on the required functional characteristics of the prepared hydrogels. Silk fibroin (SF) is an attractive natural polymer for its excellent processability, biocompatibility, controlled degradation, mechanical properties and tunable formats and a good candidate for the fabrication of hydrogels. Tremendous effort has been made to control the structural and functional characteristic of silk hydrogels, integrating novel biological features with advanced processing techniques, to develop the next generation of functional SF hydrogels. Here, we review the several processing methods developed to prepare advanced SF hydrogel formats, emphasizing a bottom-up approach beginning with critical structural characteristics of silk proteins and their behavior under specific gelation environments. Additionally, the preparation of SF hydrogel blends and other advanced formats will also be discussed. We conclude with a brief description of the attractive utility of SF hydrogels in relevant bioengineering applications.
Cost Minimization for a Multi-Product Fabrication-Distribution Problem with Commonality, Postponement, and Quality Assurance
Authors: Chiu Singa , Kuo Jyun-Sian , Chiu Victoria , Chiu Yuan-Shyi
Published: September 2016

To gain more competitive advantages and attract more customers from the turbulent business environment, manufacturing firms today must offer a wide variety of products to marketplaces. The existence of component commonality in multi-product fabrication planning enables managers to reevaluate different production design alternatives to lower overall production relevant costs. Motivated by assisting managers of manufacturing firms in gaining competitive advantages, maximizing machine utilization, and reducing overall quality and fabrication-distribution costs, this study explores a multi-product fabrication-distribution problem with component commonality, postponement, and quality assurance. A two-stage single-machine production scheme with the reworking of repairable nonconforming items is proposed. The first stage fabricates common intermediate components for all products, and the second stage produces and distributes end products under a common cycle time policy. Mathematical modeling and optimization techniques are utilized to derive the optimal fabrication-distribution policy that minimizes the expected total system costs of the problem. Finally, we provide a numerical example with sensitivity analyses to not only show practical uses of the obtained results, but also demonstrate that the proposed production scheme is beneficial in terms of cost savings and cycle time reduction as compared to that in a single-stage production scheme. The research results enable manufacturers to gain more competitive advantages in the turbulent global business environment.
Biphenyl Phytoalexin in Sorbus pohuashanensis Suspension Cell Induced by Yeast Extract
Authors: Zhou Liangyun , Yang Jian , Yang Guang , Kang Chuanzhi , Xiao Wenjuan , Lv Chaogeng , Wang Sheng , Tang Jinfu , Guo Lanping
Published: September 2016

Biphenyls are unique phytoalexins de novo synthesized in plants in response to pathogen attack. These compounds are found in Maloideae, a subfamily of the Rosaceae. The anti-microbial activities of biphenyls have been reported in a number of studies and they appear to represent an important defense strategy against pathogens common in the Maloideae, such as species in Malus, Pyrus, Sorbus, and Chaenomeles. Here, cell suspension cultures of Sorbus pohuashanensis were established to study biphenyl phytoalexins formation after yeast extract (YE) treatment. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS) LC−MS/MS was applied to determine the time course of these biphenyl biomarkers accumulation in YE-treated S. pohuashanensis suspension cells. The results of quantitative analyses show the content of Noraucuparin, 2′-Hydroxyaucuparin, and their glycosides initially increased, then decreased over time. The Noraucuparin content reached its highest (225.76 μg·g−1) at 18 h after treatment, 6 hours earlier than that of Noraucuparin 5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. The content of 2′-Hydroxyaucuparin reached its highest (422.75 μg·g−1) at 30 h after treatment, also earlier than that of its glycoside. The understanding of phytoalexin metabolism in this study may provide a basis for improving Maloideae resistance to pathogens.