bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Soil Sealing in Guadarrama River Basin, Spain, and Its Potential Impact in Agricultural Areas
Authors: Pérez Eugenia , García Pilar
Published: February 2016

This study analyzes soil sealing and its repercussions in the loss of fertile soils, which are more appropriate for agriculture use. Also, soil sealing increases flood risk. The main objective is to estimate soil loss by sealing in the Guadarrama River Basin (Madrid, Spain) between 1961 and 2011. The combination of digital processing (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), principal components and convolution filters) of satellite imagery with the digital terrain model helps to detect risk areas and allows quick updating of sealed soil mapping. The supervised classifications of the images were used to estimate the actual soil loss by sealing (9% in 2011) in the Guadarrama River Basin and the types and agrologic classes that have been lost. Soil loss occurs to a greater extent in highly permeable soils (sands) and in the most fertile soils. The main sealed soil associations are luvisols (alfisols), regosols (entisols) and cambisols (inceptisols).
Interobserver and Intraobserver Reproducibility with Volume Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (DCE-CT) in Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
Authors: Lundsgaard Hansen Martin , Fallentin Eva , Axelsen Thomas , Lauridsen Carsten , Norling Rikke , Svendsen Lars , Nielsen Michael
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of three different analytic methods to evaluate quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) measures from gastroesophageal junctional cancer. Twenty-five DCE-CT studies with gastroesophageal junction cancer were selected from a previous longitudinal study. Three radiologists independently reviewed all scans, and one repeated the analysis eight months later for intraobserver analysis. Review of the scans consisted of three analysis methods: (I) Four, fixed small sized regions of interest (2-dimensional (2D) fixed ROIs) placed in the tumor periphery, (II) 2-dimensional regions of interest (2D-ROI) along the tumor border in the tumor center, and (III) 3-dimensional volumes of interest (3D-VOI) containing the entire tumor volume. Arterial flow, blood volume and permeability (ktrans) were recorded for each observation. Inter- and intra-observer variability were assessed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman statistics. Interobserver ICC was excellent for arterial flow (0.88), for blood volume (0.89) and for permeability (0.91) with 3D-VOI analysis. The 95% limits of agreement were narrower for 3D analysis compared to 2D analysis. Three-dimensional volume DCE-CT analysis of gastroesophageal junction cancer provides higher inter- and intra-observer reproducibility with narrower limits of agreement between readers compared to 2D analysis.
Field Study on Humidification Performance of a Desiccant Air-Conditioning System Combined with a Heat Pump
Authors: Kawamoto Koichi , Cho Wanghee , Kohno Hitoshi , Koganei Makoto , Ooka Ryozo , Kato Shinsuke
Published: February 2016

A desiccant air-conditioning system was developed as a latent-load-processing air conditioner in a dedicated outdoor air system during the summer. This study investigated the application of this air-conditioning system to humidification during the winter without using make-up water, thereby eliminating the cause of microbial contamination in air-conditioning systems. The experiments were conducted with a system used for summer applications to determine the feasibility of adsorbing vapor from outdoor air and supplying it to an indoor space. The humidification performance, energy efficiency, and operating conditions were examined. Although the conditions were subpar because the experiments were performed with an actual dedicated outdoor air system, the results showed that it is possible to supply air with a minimum humidity ratio of 5.8 g/kg dry air (DA) when the humidity ratio of outdoor air ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 g/kg DA. The minimum humidification performance required for a dedicated outdoor air system was achieved by increasing the airflow rate of the moisture-adsorption side to 2–3 times that of the humidification side. In addition, air leaking from the moisture-adsorption side to the humidification side, improving the mechanical structure, such as by the insulation of the moisture-adsorption side, and an efficient operating method were examined for humidification during the winter.
An Integer Programming Model to Determine Land Use Trajectories for Optimizing Regionally Integrated Ecosystem Services Delivery
Authors: Estrella René , Cattrysse Dirk , Van Orshoven Jos
Published: February 2016

BIOLP is an Integer Programming model based on the Balanced Compromise Programming multi-criteria decision method. The aim of BIOLP is to determine how a set of land use types should be distributed over space and time in order to optimize the multi-dimensional land performance of a region. Trajectories were defined as the succession of specific land use types over 30 years, assuming that land use changes can only occur at fixed intervals of 10 years. A database that represents the Tabacay catchment (Ecuador) as a set of land units with associated performance values was used as the input for BIOLP, which was then executed to determine the trajectories distribution that optimizes regional performance. The sensitivity of BIOLP to uncertainty in the input data, simulated through random variations on the performance values, was also tested. BIOLP showed a relative stability on its results under these conditions of stochastic, restricted changes. Additionally, the behaviour of BIOLP under different settings of its balancing and relative importance parameters was studied. Stronger variations on the outcomes were observed in this case, which indicate the influential role that such parameters play. Finally, the inclusion of performance thresholds in BIOLP was tested through the addition of sample constraints that required some of the criteria at stake to exceed predefined values. The outcome of the optimization exercises makes clear that the phenomenon of trade off between the provisioning service of the land (income) and the regulation and maintenance services (runoff, sediment, SOC) is crucial. BIOLP succeeds in accounting for this complex multi-dimensional phenomenon when determining the optimal spatio-temporal distributions of land use types. Despite this complexity, it is confirmed that the weights attributed to the provisioning or to the regulation and maintenance services are the main determinants for having the land use distributions dominated by either agriculture or forest.
The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Orekhov Alexander
Published: February 2016

Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is a complex process involving several metabolic and signalling pathways. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that endoplasmic reticulum stress and associated apoptosis can be induced in the pathological conditions of atherosclerotic lesions and contribute to the disease progression. Notably, they may play a role in the development of vulnerable plaques that induce thrombosis and are therefore especially dangerous. Endoplasmic reticulum stress response is regulated by several signaling mechanisms that involve protein kinases and transcription factors. Some of these molecules can be regarded as potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment of atherosclerosis. In this review we will discuss the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in atherosclerosis development in different cell types and summarize the current knowledge on potential therapeutic agents targeting molecules regulating these pathways and their possible use for anti-atherosclerotic therapy.
Heterojunctions of p-BiOI Nanosheets/n-TiO2 Nanofibers: Preparation and Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wang Kexin , Shao Changlu , Li Xinghua , Miao Fujun , Lu Na , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2016

p-BiOI nanosheets/n-TiO2 nanofibers (p-BiOI/n-TiO2 NFs) have been facilely prepared via the electrospinning technique combining successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Dense BiOI nanosheets with good crystalline and width about 500 nm were uniformly assembled on TiO2 nanofibers at room temperature. The amount of the heterojunctions and the specific surface area were well controlled by adjusting the SILAR cycles. Due to the synergistic effect of p-n heterojunctions and high specific surface area, the obtained p-BiOI/n-TiO2 NFs exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the p-BiOI/n-TiO2 NFs heterojunctions could be easily recycled without decreasing the photocatalytic activity owing to their one-dimensional nanofibrous structure. Based on the above, the heterojunctions of p-BiOI/n-TiO2 NFs may be promising visible-light-driven photocatalysts for converting solar energy to chemical energy in environment remediation.
A New XYZ Compliant Parallel Mechanism for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation: Design and Analysis
Authors: Li Haiyang , Hao Guangbo , Kavanagh Richard
Published: February 2016

Based on the constraint and position identification (CPI) approach for synthesizing XYZ compliant parallel mechanisms (CPMs) and configuration modifications, this paper proposes a new fully-symmetrical XYZ CPM with desired motion characteristics such as reduced cross-axis coupling, minimized lost motion, and relatively small parasitic motion. The good motion characteristics arise from not only its symmetric configuration, but also the rigid linkages between non-adjacent rigid stages. Comprehensive kinematic analysis is carried out based on a series of finite element simulations over a motion range per axis less than ±5% of the beam length, which reveals that the maximum cross-axis coupling rate is less than 0.86%, the maximum lost motion rate is less than 1.20%, the parasitic rotations of the motion stage (MS) are in the order of 10−5 rad, and the parasitic translations of the three actuated stages (ASs) are in the order of 10−4 of the beam length (less than 0.3% of the motion range), where the beam slenderness ratio is larger than 20. Furthermore, the nonlinear analytical models of the primary translations of the XYZ CPM, including the primary translations of the MS and the ASs, are derived and validated to provide a quick design synthesis. Moreover, two practical design schemes of the proposed XYZ CPM are discussed with consideration of the manufacturability. The practical designs enable the XYZ CPM to be employed in many applications such as micro-/nano-positioning, micro-/nano-manufacturing and micro-/nano-assembly. Finally, a spatial high-precision translational system is presented based on the practical design schemes, taking the actuator and sensor integration into account.
Synthesis of the Fatty Esters of Solketal and Glycerol-Formal: Biobased Specialty Chemicals
Authors: Perosa Alvise , Moraschini Andrea , Selva Maurizio , Noè Marco
Published: February 2016

The caprylic, lauric, palmitic and stearic esters of solketal and glycerol formal were synthesized with high selectivity and in good yields by a solvent-free acid catalyzed procedure. No acetal hydrolysis was observed, notwithstanding the acidic reaction conditions.
Moving from Classical Ru-NHC to Neutral or Charged Rh-NHC Based Catalysts in Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Poater Albert
Published: February 2016

Considering the versatility of oxidation states of rhodium together with the successful background of ruthenium-N-heterocyclic carbene based catalysts in olefin metathesis, it is envisaged the exchange of the ruthenium of the latter catalysts by rhodium, bearing an open-shell neutral rhodium center, or a +1 charged one. In the framework of in silico experiments, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to plot the first catalytic cycle that as a first step includes the release of the phosphine. DFT is, in this case, the tool that allows the discovery of the less endergonic reaction profile from the precatalytic species for the neutral catalyst with respect to the corresponding ruthenium one; increasing the endergonic character when dealing with the charged system.
Manufacturing Techniques and Surface Engineering of Polymer Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer
Authors: Wang Yichao , Li Puwang , Truong-Dinh Tran Thao , Zhang Juan , Kong Lingxue
Published: February 2016

The evolution of polymer based nanoparticles as a drug delivery carrier via pharmaceutical nano/microencapsulation has greatly promoted the development of nano- and micro-medicine in the past few decades. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and chitosan, which are biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, have been approved by both the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicine Agency (EMA), making them ideal biomaterials that can be advanced from laboratory development to clinical oral and parental administrations. PLGA and chitosan encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) have successfully been developed as new oral drug delivery systems with demonstrated high efficacy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fabrication of PLGA and chitosan particulate systems using nano/microencapsulation methods, the current progress and the future outlooks of the nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. Especially, we focus on the formulations and nano/micro-encapsulation techniques using top-down techniques. It also addresses how the different phases including the organic and aqueous ones in the emulsion system interact with each other and subsequently influence the properties of the drug delivery system. Besides, surface modification strategies which can effectively engineer intrinsic physicochemical properties are summarised. Finally, future perspectives and potential directions of PLGA and chitosan nano/microencapsulated drug systems are outlined.
Madagascar’s Mangroves: Quantifying Nation-Wide and Ecosystem Specific Dynamics, and Detailed Contemporary Mapping of Distinct Ecosystems
Authors: Jones Trevor , Glass Leah , Gandhi Samir , Ravaoarinorotsihoarana Lalao , Carro Aude , Benson Lisa , Ratsimba Harifidy , Giri Chandra , Randriamanatena Dannick , Cripps Garth
Published: February 2016

Mangrove ecosystems help mitigate climate change, are highly biodiverse, and provide critical goods and services to coastal communities. Despite their importance, anthropogenic activities are rapidly degrading and deforesting mangroves world-wide. Madagascar contains 2% of the world’s mangroves, many of which have undergone or are starting to exhibit signs of widespread degradation and deforestation. Remotely sensed data can be used to quantify mangrove loss and characterize remaining distributions, providing detailed, accurate, timely and updateable information. We use USGS maps produced from Landsat data to calculate nation-wide dynamics for Madagascar’s mangroves from 1990 to 2010, and examine change more closely by partitioning the national distribution in to primary (i.e., >1000 ha) ecosystems; with focus on four Areas of Interest (AOIs): Ambaro-Ambanja Bays (AAB), Mahajamba Bay (MHJ), Tsiribihina Manombolo Delta (TMD) and Bay des Assassins (BdA). Results indicate a nation–wide net-loss of 21% (i.e., 57,359 ha) from 1990 to 2010, with dynamics varying considerably among primary mangrove ecosystems. Given the limitations of national-level maps for certain localized applications (e.g., carbon stock inventories), building on two previous studies for AAB and MHJ, we employ Landsat data to produce detailed, contemporary mangrove maps for TMD and BdA. These contemporary, AOI-specific maps provide improved detail and accuracy over the USGS national-level maps, and are being applied to conservation and restoration initiatives through the Blue Ventures’ Blue Forests programme and WWF Madagascar West Indian Ocean Programme Office’s work in the region.
A Novel Gas Sensor Based on MgSb2O6 Nanorods to Indicate Variations in Carbon Monoxide and Propane Concentrations
Authors: Guillén-Bonilla Héctor , Flores-Martínez Martín , Rodríguez-Betancourtt Verónica-María , Guillen-Bonilla Alex , Reyes-Gómez Juan , Gildo-Ortiz Lorenzo , De la Luz Olvera Amador María , Santoyo-Salazar Jaime
Published: February 2016

Bystromite (MgSb2O6) nanorods were prepared using a colloidal method in the presence of ethylenediamine, after a calcination step at 800 °C in static air. From X-ray powder diffraction analyses, a trirutile-type structure with lattice parameters a = 4.64 Å and c = 9.25 Å and space group P42/mnm was identified. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microrods with sizes from 0.2 to 1.6 μm were observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed that the nanorods had a length of ~86 nm and a diameter ~23.8 nm. The gas-sensing properties of these nanostructures were tested using pellets elaborated with powders of the MgSb2O6 oxide (calcined at 800 °C) at temperatures 23, 150, 200, 250 and 300 °C. The pellets were exposed to different concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and propane (C3H8) at these temperatures. The results showed that the MgSb2O6 nanorods possess excellent stability and high sensitivity in these atmospheres.
Effect of Urban Green Spaces and Flooded Area Type on Flooding Probability
Authors: Kim Hyomin , Lee Dong-Kun , Sung Sunyong
Published: February 2016

Countermeasures to urban flooding should consider long-term perspectives, because climate change impacts are unpredictable and complex. Urban green spaces have emerged as a potential option to reduce urban flood risks, and their effectiveness has been highlighted in notable urban water management studies. In this study, flooded areas in Seoul, Korea, were divided into four flooded area types by cluster analysis based on topographic and physical characteristics and verified using discriminant analysis. After division by flooded area type, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine how the flooding probability changes with variations in green space area. Type 1 included regions where flooding occurred in a drainage basin that had a flood risk management infrastructure (FRMI). In Type 2, the slope was steep; the TWI (Topographic Wetness Index) was relatively low; and soil drainage was favorable. Type 3 represented the gentlest sloping areas, and these were associated with the highest TWI values. In addition, these areas had the worst soil drainage. Type 4 had moderate slopes, imperfect soil drainage and lower than average TWI values. We found that green spaces exerted a considerable influence on urban flooding probabilities in Seoul, and flooding probabilities could be reduced by over 50% depending on the green space area and the locations where green spaces were introduced. Increasing the area of green spaces was the most effective method of decreasing flooding probability in Type 3 areas. In Type 2 areas, the maximum hourly precipitation affected the flooding probability significantly, and the flooding probability in these areas was high despite the extensive green space area. These findings can contribute towards establishing guidelines for urban spatial planning to respond to urban flooding.
A LA CARTE URBAN POLICIES. MEGA-EVENTS: FROM EXCEPTIONALITY TO CONSTRUCTION OF ORDINARY PLANNING PRACTICES. A LOOK AT ITALY: CASE STUDY OF THE 2006 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES IN TURIN / A LA CARTE MIESTO POLITIKA. GRANDIOZINIAI ĮVYKIAI: NUO IŠSKIRTINUMO IKI EILINIO PLANAVIMO STATYBŲ PRAKTIKOS. ITALIJA: 2006 METŲ OLIMPINIŲ ŽAIDYNIŲ TURINE ATVEJIS
Authors: Steffani Alexia De
Published: February 2016

Considering the increasing focus on mega-events studies, in parallel to the growing interest demonstrated by local administrators and European cities towards hallmark events, the article aims to analyse this new trend and existing relationship between the regular policies and rise of new forms of urban management. It deals with Italy as a case study: since the 1990s several Italian cities have been systematically participating in competitions for mega-events in order to initiate development projects. More precisely, the article focuses on Turin, which is the first Italian city to have embraced this strategy systematically. The analysis of this case-study allows us to highlight a rise of a profound change within trends of mega-events: mega events have started to lose their main features – such as ephemerality, exceptionality and occasionality – and have turned into something close to the ordinary urban practices.
https://journals.vgtu.lt/index.php/MLA/article/view/5070
Authors: Talamini Gianni
Published: February 2016

The aim of the research is to reconstruct the spatial apparatuses that are being used in Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. What our analysis would like to report, is closely related to the central hypothesis from which our thesis departs: the evidence, in this case, of a symbiotic relationship between the forms of the becoming-urban of these territories (Astana, the new Kazakh capital, is the main case study) and the post-Soviet social dystopia**; the fact that this dystopia is visible and understandable in primis through the lens of urban planning. Urban transformations, living standards, and spatial welfare are the main aspects that have been considered on a small scale. Transformations of territories, infrastructure development and the border apparatuses are, instead, the ones on a bigger scale.
THE OBJECTS IN WESTERN LITHUANIA OF ALTERNATIVE ENERETICS, THEIR IMPACT FOR THE VISUAL ENVIRONMENT AND POSSIBILITIES OF EFFECT OPTIMIZATION / ALTERNATYVIOS ENERGETIKOS OBJEKTAI VAKARŲ LIETUVOJE, JŲ POVEIKIS VIZUALINEI APLINKAI IR POVEIKIO OPTIMIZAVIMO GALIMYBĖS
Authors: Abromas Jonas , Baravykaitė Diana
Published: February 2016

At the moment the most important question is climate change repression and the provision of energy in the world. The rate of the alternative energetic use has strongly increased in the last decade of 20th century.
In 23rd of 2009 the European Parliament and the Council accepted the directive 2009/28/EB for encouragement to use renewing resource energy. According to this directive, Lithuania has to warrant that renewing resource energy part in the final general energy consumption would be not less than 23% in 2020.
The perspective energy resource types for making the electric energy are water and wind energy in Lithuania.
The inventory of the alternative energy somehow affects the environment. Visually the wind, water and the sun energetic objects from all others alternative energetic objects mostly affects the environment.
In this article there are analyzed Western Lithuania present and future alternative energetic objects, their possible visual effect on environment and implements to reduce the negative effect. There were used methods of photo-fixation, visual assessment of objects, measurement, distribution of objects and comparative analysis.
CONTEMPORARY USE AND PRESERVATION CHALLENGES OF PREHISTORIC AND ANCIENT RELIGIOUS COMPLEXES / PRIEŠISTORINIŲ IR SENOVĖS PASAULIO SAKRALINIŲ KOMPLEKSŲ ŠIŲ DIENŲ APSAUGOS IR PANAUDOS IŠŠŪKIAI
Authors: Masilionytė Zina , Gražulevičiūtė-Vileniškė Indrė
Published: February 2016

Disciplines of land management and urbanism devote considerable attention towards the public spaces, such as squares, parks, and streets, towards their use and influence on the urban structure. However, the spaces defined by the religious complexes in landscape and cityscape, their evolution caused by the specific functions and uses and the issues of contemporary uses and preservation do not always attain exceptional attention. This article presents the study of the genesis and development of the religious complexes and the interactions of the contemporary society with their material remains. In order to comprehend the aspects of development, functioning, re-use, preservation, and links with the surrounding environment of the religious complexes, the prehistoric and ancient religious complexes are analyzed. The analysis encompasses the religious complexes of three periods and cultures, i.e. primitive religious sites and their material signs, the monumental religious complexes of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, and the public-religious complexes of the classical world.
THE CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE LANDMARKS: PLACING AN ICONIC BUILDING IN A HIERARCHICAL CLASIFICATION SYSTEM / ŠIUOLAIKINĖS ARCHITEKTŪROS ORIENTYRAI: IKONIŠKI PASTATAI HIERARCHINĖS KLASIFIKACIJOS SISTEMOJE
Authors: Bružas Almantas
Published: February 2016

Cultural, technological, economic and social phenomena are changing the meaning and importance of different cityscape elements. The article focuses on contemporary architecture landmarks and architectural iconicity. It suggests the hierarchical classification of contemporary architectural landmarks, considering the global urban tendencies and capitalist globalization. The contemporary architectural icons are treated as urban landmarks of international importance. The dominants of cities spatial structure are recognized as other important their hierarchical type. The importance of distinguishing buildings and distinguishing urban details is limited in terms of territory, view and time.
INTERACTION BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND ARTS IN THE INTERIOR OF “LIETKOOPSAJUNGA” BUILDING / ARCHITEKTŪROS IR DAILĖS SĄVEIKA „LIETKOOPSĄJUNGOS“ PASTATO INTERJERE
Authors: Gudelytė Indrė
Published: February 2016

The building of “Lietkoopsąjunga” (The Union Of Cooperatives of Lithuania) is an example of modernist architecture in Lithuania. It is valuable by it‘s architecture as well as it‘s works of art, made by famous artists of those days. Lively comments of J. Šeibokas and A. Kmieliauskas endue the genuine value to the paper. The paper reveales correlation between the art objects, the surrounding architectural ambience and the potential “observer”. The works of art are analyzed by their location in the interior space, compositional structure, symbolical meaning, etc. The author identifies wether the art objects integrate or contrast to the architecture. The role of light as an important agent is also emphasized. Conclusively, the graphical scheme of analysis is introduced.
CONNECTING THE DOTS: TRACKING GALAXY EVOLUTION USING CONSTANT CUMULATIVE NUMBER DENSITY AT 3 ≤ z ≤ 7
Authors: Jaacks Jason , Finkelstein Steven L. , Nagamine Kentaro
Published: February 2016

Using the cosmological smoothed particle hydrodynamical code GADGET-3, we make a realistic assessment of the technique of using constant cumulative number density as a tracer of galaxy evolution at high redshift. We find that over a redshift range of 3 ≤ z ≤ 7 one can on average track the growth of the stellar mass of a population of galaxies selected from the same cumulative number density bin to within ∼0.20 dex. Over the stellar mass range that we probe (

at z = 3 and

at z = 7), one can reduce this bias by selecting galaxies based on an evolving cumulative number density. We find that this cumulative number density evolution exhibits a trend toward higher values which can be quantified by simple linear formulations of −0.10Δz for descendants and 0.12Δz for progenitors. Utilizing such an evolving cumulative number density increases the accuracy of descendant/progenitor tracking by a factor of ∼2. This result is in excellent agreement, within 0.10 dex, with abundance matching results over the same redshift range. However, we find that our more physically realistic cosmological hydrodynamic simulations produce a much larger scatter in descendant/progenitor stellar masses than previous studies, particularly when tracking progenitors. This large scatter makes the application of either the constant cumulative number density or evolving cumulative number density technique limited to average stellar masses of populations only, as the diverse mass assembly histories caused by stochastic physical processes such as gas accretion or mergers lead to an even larger scatter in other physical properties such as metallicity and star formation rate.
A DEEPER LOOK AT FAINT Hα EMISSION IN NEARBY DWARF GALAXIES
Authors: Lee Janice C. , Veilleux Sylvain , McDonald Michael , Hilbert Bryan
Published: February 2016

We present deep Hα imaging of three nearby dwarf galaxies, carefully selected to optimize observations with the Maryland-Magellan Tunable Filter (MMTF) on the Magellan 6.5 m telescope. An effective bandpass of ∼13 Å is used, and the images reach 3σ flux limits of ∼8 × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2, which is about an order of magnitude lower than standard narrowband observations obtained by the most recent generation of local Hα galaxy surveys. The observations were originally motivated by the finding that the Hα/FUV flux ratio of galaxies systematically declines as global galactic properties such as the star formation rate (SFR) and stellar mass decrease. The three dwarf galaxies selected for study have SFRs that, when calculated from their Hα luminosities using standard conversion recipes, are ∼50% of those based on the FUV. Follow-up studies of many of the potential causes for the trends in the Hα/FUV flux ratio have been performed, but the possibility that previous observations have missed a non-negligible fraction of faint ionized emission in dwarf galaxies has not been investigated. The MMTF observations reveal both diffuse and structured Hα emission (filaments, shells, possible single-star H ii regions) spanning extents up to 2.5 times larger relative to previous observations. However, only up to an additional ∼5% of Hα flux is captured, which does not account for the trends in the Hα/FUV ratio. Beyond investigation of the Hα/FUV ratio, the impact of the newly detected extended flux on our understanding of star formation, the properties of H ii regions, and the propagation of ionizing photons warrant further investigation.
Birth Outcomes in Women with a History of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ehrmann Feldman Debbie , Vinet Évelyne , Bernatsky Sasha , Duffy Ciarán , Hazel Beth , Meshefedjian Garbis , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Bérard Anick
Published: February 2016

Objective.

To determine whether children born to women who had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) had more adverse birth outcomes than children born to mothers who never had JIA.

Methods.

Our cohort study used data from physician billing and hospitalizations covering the province of Quebec, Canada. We identified all women with JIA with a first-time birth between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 2010, and assembled a control cohort of first-time mothers without JIA from the same administrative data, matching 4:1 for date of first birth, maternal age, and area of residence. We compared outcomes (stillbirth, prematurity, small for gestational age, and major congenital anomalies) in the JIA versus non-JIA groups using logistic regression.

Results.

Mean age at delivery was 24.7 years in the JIA group (n = 1681) and 25.0 years for the non-JIA group (n = 6724). Women who had JIA were at higher risk for a premature baby [adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.42], a baby small for gestational age (adjusted RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.37), and a child with a congenital malformation (adjusted RR 6.51, 95% CI 5.05–8.39). Neural tube defects were higher in the JIA offspring: 1.61% (95% CI 1.11–2.33) versus 0.03% (95% CI 0.01–0.11) in the non-JIA group, as were congenital heart defects: 1.07% (95% CI 0.68–1.69) versus 0.58% (95% CI 0.42–0.79).

Conclusion.

Most women with JIA will deliver a normal baby, even though they are at higher risk for having a child with adverse birth outcomes. Research is needed to understand pathophysiologic mechanisms and to investigate the effects of medications during childhood and youth on future birth outcomes.
Myeloid-related Protein 8/14 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Marker of Disease Activity and Response to Methotrexate
Authors: Patro Pradeepta Sekhar , Singh Ankita , Misra Ramnath , Aggarwal Amita
Published: February 2016

Objective.

Myeloid-related proteins (MRP) 8/14 belong to a family of calcium-binding proteins produced by myeloid cells. Baseline serum levels of MRP8/14 have been shown to predict response to biologicals in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line therapy in RA, we studied whether MRP8/14 levels can predict response to MTX.

Methods.

Patients with active RA disease who were naive to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were enrolled. All patients were treated with MTX only, to a maximum of 25 mg/week or the maximal tolerated dose. At 4 months, the European League Against Rheumatism response was assessed. All patients who needed rescue therapy after 2 months or who did not respond at 4 months were classified as nonresponders.

Results.

Ninety patients were enrolled, of whom 3 discontinued MTX within 4–6 weeks, so 87 patients were analyzed [74 women, median (interquartile range; IQR) for the Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) was 4.43 (4.1–5.1)]. The median (IQR) serum MRP8/14 level at baseline was 19.95 µg/ml (11.49–39.06). The serum MRP8/14 had good correlation with DAS28-C-reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.35, p = 0.001). The MRP8/14 levels fell significantly after 4 months of treatment (10.28 µg/ml, 5.95–16.05, p < 0.001). Among 87 patients, 69 were responders. The median (IQR) baseline level of MRP8/14 was higher among responders compared with nonresponders: 23.99 µg/ml (15.39–42.75) versus 9.58 µg/ml (6.11–24.93, p = 0.00250). The levels declined in the responders, from 23.99 µg/ml (15.39–42.75) to 10.41 µg/ml (5.83–15.61, p < 0.001), but not in the nonresponders, from 9.58 µg/ml (6.11–24.93) to 9.19 µg/ml (7.74–21.96, p = 0.687). Receiver-operation characteristic analysis showed that MRP8/14 was a better predictor of response than CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, especially with early disease onset (< 1-yr duration).

Conclusion.

MRP8/14 is a good marker of disease activity in RA, and higher levels predict response to MTX.
The development of the edible cricket industry in Thailand
Authors: Halloran A. , Roos N. , Flore R. , Hanboonsong Y.
Published: February 2016

Since cricket farming was introduced in Thailand in 1997, domestic, regional and international interest in the edible cricket industry has increased. This study aims to identify emerging themes related the development of the edible cricket industry over the past decades. It also discusses additional themes in the development of the cricket industry in connection to the work of other scholars, as well as future considerations to maintain the positive impacts of the industry on rural economic development, entrepreneurship and employment. Eight types of actors in the cricket industry were considered in this study: cricket farmers; wholesale traders and market vendors; tourism agents; international organisa tions; chefs; private companies; researchers; and governmental representatives. The farming and sale of crickets is still a small-scale activity which is relatively profitable for the farmers and other actors in the value chain. Based on the findings of this study, the constraints to growth and further expansion of the industry appear minimal at present. Nonetheless, speculations regarding the positive and negative impacts that further growth may have demonstrate the potential opportunities and threats to the industry. Considering the edible cricket industry as a part of the rural entrepreneurship and development policy discourse may be beneficial to sustainable development.
Antidepressant Drugs and the Risk of Intracranial Bleeding: Parsing an Observational Study
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: February 2016

Observational studies have suggested that antidepressant drug use is associated with a small but increased risk of intracranial bleeding. Because of the widespread use of antidepressant drugs and the potential public health significance of this finding, the current article critically evaluates the methodology and findings of a recently published observational study. Observational studies reveal associations, but cannot establish causality. Establishing causality from observed associations requires evidence from different scientific perspectives. Claims arising from observational studies are likely to be wrong, especially for small effects, because of bias and confounding. Statistical testing does not prove the validity of an association, nor does a meta-analysis of multiple observational studies. A valid association may not be clinically meaningful if the magnitude of the effect is small or the outcome is rare. Based on a critical analysis of these observational studies, it is concluded that the risk of intracranial bleeding associated with antidepressant drugs is likely to be a false alarm. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54
(2), 21–24.]
Goldenhar syndrome with contralateral pulmonary aplasia: a rare association
Authors: JUGPAL TEJESHWAR SINGH , KUMAR JYOTI , GUPTA SWATI , GARG ANJU
Published: February 2016

We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with clinical features of Goldenhar syndrome (hemifacial microsomia with malformed ears) and associated contralateral pulmonary aplasia. The patient did not have any associated respiratory symptoms. Pulmonary aplasia is an uncommon association of Goldenhar Syndrome. A case of contralateral pulmonary aplasia has been rarely reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge.
Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis - Clinico-Radiological dissociation - A case report with Radiological review
Authors: Khaladkar Sanjay Mhalasakant , Kondapavuluri Sushen Kumar , Kamal Anubhav , Kalra Raghav , Kuber Rajesh Sudhakar
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare chronic lung disease characterized by deposition of intra alveolar calcium and phosphate in bilateral lung parenchyma with predominance in lower and mid zones. Etiology and pathogenesis is not fully understood. However, mutation in SLC34A2 gene that encodes a sodium phosphate co-transporter in alveolar type-II cells resulting in formation and accumulation of microliths rich in calcium phosphate due to impaired clearance is considered the cause of disease. Patients with PAM are asymptomatic till development of hypoxemia and cor pulmonale. It remains static, while in some it progresses to pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. We report a case of 44 year old male patient presenting with progressive shortness of breath on exertion for one year in duration with dry cough, more since last six months. Chest radiograph showed dense micronodular opacities giving classical sandstorm appearance. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed microcalcification, subpleural cystic changes and calcified pleura. Lung biopsy showed calcospherites within alveolar spaces.
Geometría y traza de escaleras góticas. Las escuadras como ábacos en la construcción de los caracoles de la catedral de Tortosa
Authors: Lluis i Ginovart J.
Published: February 2016

Las escaleras de caracol en el período gótico han sido uno de los mayores exponentes del conocimiento de los magister operis. En él se concentran los saberes aritméticos y geométricos del constructor medieval. Para su construcción se utilizan los gabarits, que necesitan el concurso de la división poligonal de la circunferencia. Los polígonos regulares de 11, 13, 14, 17 y 19 caras no aparecen en los Elementa de Euclides, ni en el Almagesto de Tolomeo, ni en las escasas Practica Geometriae de la época. Estos polígonos pueden ser construidos mediante la utilización de una escuadra de dos brazos, con el apoyo reiterado de los catetos sobre la hipotenusa, creando así una rotación del instrumento. Las escuadras construidas por métodos aritméticos o geométricos pueden ser utilizadas como un ábaco, el cual permite resolver con suficiente exactitud la división de la circunferencia. Las escaleras de San Pedro (1383) y Santa Catalina (1424) de la catedral de Tortosa han sido trazadas mediante estos instrumentos.
Pensar la noción de "tradición" desde una perspectiva wittgensteiniana
Authors: Bargero Mariano
Published: February 2016

El propósito de este artículo es mostrar la capacidad heurística de un enfoque para el análisis de la reproducción del significado de las prácticas –en una palabra, de la “tradición”– que se basa en la noción wittgensteiniana de “seguir una regla”. Con este fin, se desarrollan las ideas de una cantidad de autores que han destacado la relevancia de determinados aspectos de la noción “seguir una regla” para el análisis social. De este desarrollo se deriva una manera tal de concebir la reproducción del sentido que conduce a “repensar” la forma en que entendemos la tradición. La propuesta consiste en abandonar una antigua concepción del conocimiento recibido, en tanto que prejuicios o ideologías que “constriñen” a las personas, para pasar a considerarla como “guía” y “recursos” de la práctica, enfatizando que, aunque no seamos siempre conscientes de los principios que seguimos, depende de nosotros el mantenerlos o cambiarlos –si es que somos capaces– por otros.
Using a Cloud Based Collaboration Technology in a Systems Analysis and Design Course
Authors: Erturk Emre
Published: February 2016

In order to effectively prepare the next generation of IT professionals and systems analysts, it is important to incorporate cloud based online collaboration tools into the coursework for developing the students' cooperative skills as well as for storing and sharing content. For these pedagogical and practical reasons, Google Drive has been used at a medium-sized institution of higher education in New Zealand during the Systems Analysis and Design course. Ongoing and successful use of any learning technology requires gathering meaningful feedback from students, and acting as a mentor during their learning journey. This study has been developed and implemented to help students enjoy the collaborative technology and to help increase their satisfaction and commitment. In order to overcome the obstacles that may prevent students from using Google Drive optimally, an initial survey has been conducted to better understand the influential factors and issues. Furthermore, this study aims at promoting various types of collaboration and sharing: seeing and learning from other students' work, receiving direct suggestions from others, and allowing others to edit documents that belong to them. Following the results of the first quantitative survey, numerous teaching strategies were formulated and implemented. A final qualitative survey was done at the end of the course for students to evaluate their project work. The results of this study also provide original practical and theoretical implications that may be of interest to other researchers, course designers, and teachers.
Computational Estimate Visualisation and Evaluation of Agent Classified Rules Learning System
Authors: Ehimwenma Kennedy Efosa , Beer Martin , Crowther Paul
Published: February 2016

Student modelling and agent classified rules learning as applied in the development of the intelligent Pre-assessment System has been presented in [10],[11]. In this paper, we now demystify the theory behind the development of the pre-assessment system followed by some computational experimentation and graph visualisation of the agent classified rules learning algorithm estimation and prediction of classified rules. In addition, we present some preliminary results of the pre-assessment system evaluation. From the results it is gathered that the system has performed according to its design specification.
Application of Virtual Starry Night Teaching Technology in Aesthetics Teaching
Authors: Feng Tian
Published: February 2016

Given the trend of societal informatization, modern education technologies represented by computer technology and network technology have been applied in class practice to enrich teaching content, fully improve students’ learning interest, and achieve teaching reform and innovation. This study proposes the use of virtual Starry Night teaching technology, establishes its connotation and education value, analyzes its supporting technology, and designs and implements a virtual Starry Night teaching environment. Virtual Starry Night teaching technology is a combined multimedia technology that is applied in the practice course Principles of Aesthetics. A teaching control experiment is then conducted. Results show that the virtual starry teaching technology can significantly boost students’ learning motivation and improve teaching effect. This approach is a teaching method that is worthy of promotion and attention.
The Market for CSR Practices
Authors: Daskalopoulou Irene
Published: February 2016

The aim of the paper is to stimulate a discussion about the market for CSR practices. This entails a shift of focus from contemporary approaches of analyzing the phenomenon that largely focus on the way in which CSR actions affect businesses and the markets. In contrast, the present paper proposes an analysis of the market for CSR actions and activities as a more integrative approach to conceptualizing the complex nature of the phenomenon. Three critical dimensions are identified as determinants of CSR market outcomes, namely the content of the demand and supply forces, the origin of the market, and the institutional terrain within which the market is developed. A tentative application of the proposed context is discussed with reference to the food sector.
Consumer Perceptions of 100% Pure Olive Oil
Authors: Stanton John L. , Salnikova Ekaterina
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to understand what American consumers believe is 100% pure olive oil. The study is an extension to previous work done but includes the analysis of the perceptions of pomace olive oil and 100% Pure Olive Oil. This research includes a survey of 200 consumers on a national basis. The results indicate that consumers have little understanding of olive oil in general but they specifically believe that 100% olive oil must be made only from olives by can be made from any parts of the olive fruit. A significant number of consumers believed that olive oil from pomace is 100% sure olive oil.
Client-Side Detection of Clickjacking Attacks
Authors: Shahriar Hossain , Haddad Hisham M.
Published: February 2016

Clickjacking attacks are emerging threat for web application users where click operations performed by victims lead to security breaches such as compromising webcams and posting unintended messages. Effective client-side defense technique could prevent the possible victims. This paper presents a client side approach to detect clickjacking attacks. The authors' approach examines web page requests and responses; the proposed approach is designed to detect advanced attack types such as cursorjacking, double click, and history object-based attacks. They evaluate the proposed approach with a set of legitimate and malicious websites. The results indicate that our approach has low false positive and false negative rates. The overhead imposed by the proposed approach is negligible.
Short Online/Off-line Signature Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Alquraishee Anser Ghazzaal Ali , Kar Jayaprakash , Salim Naomie
Published: February 2016

This article proposes a novel construction of short Online/Off-line signature scheme with provable security in the random oracle model for wireless sensor network (WSN). Security of the proposed scheme relies on k-CAA Problem as well as Computational Diffie-Hellman problem and is resistant against chosen message attack. The scheme is suited for broadcast authentication and integrity of message exchanging between the sensor nodes. The process of generation of the signature is carried out in two phases online and off-line. The heavy computation is performed in off-line phase, i.e the base station. The actual signature will be generated in the sensor nodes. The authors assume that the online phase is more efficient. Here they have evaluated the size of the signature with respect to the size of the user's public key and compare with some current schemes. Also, the authors have evaluated the computational cost and time which shows the scheme is most suited to implement on sensor node.