bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Language of Video Intimacy
Authors: Strafaccia Heather Lee
Published: August 2013

This case provides ideas about using video communication in communication and values it may have in distance relationships and implications for increasing the sense of connection in long distance teaching contexts. This study examines influences of Web camera use for married couples in long distance relationships. A research survey explored martial satisfaction with Web camera communication. To measure the satisfaction of participants, the Satisfaction with Married Life Scale from the Johnson, Zabriskie, and Hill (2006) study, and the relational maintenance strategies from the Stafford and Canary (1991) study are applied. Participants (N = 74) were married, United States citizens, who experienced a geographical separation for more than seven days. Findings suggest that Web camera communication offers a mode in long distance relationships to increase marital satisfaction. Web camera communication may increase the educational satisfaction as a teaching device and assist in linking cultures to expand educational opportunities regardless of geographical location.
Listening Tests
Authors: Aitken Joan E. , Wolvin Andrew D. , Berko Roy M.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the use of technology in providing listening tests for the basic communication course. Because of experience with Pearson publishing’s MySpanishLab, the authors developed a series of 16 listening tests through the Pearson MyCommunicationLab for the textbook Communicating: A social, career, and cultural focus (Berko, Wolvin, Wolvin, & Aitken, 2012). These tests use actors to provide realistic listening scenarios for students. Each scenario is followed by a test with objective and essay questions. This chapter discusses how to use technology for learning communication and assessment of listening skills.
English Language Learners’ Online Science Learning
Authors: Terrazas-Arellanes Fatima E. , Knox Carolyn , Rivas Carmen , Walden Emily
Published: August 2013

English Learners may struggle when learning science if their cultural and linguistic needs are unmet. The Collaborative Online Projects for English Language Learners in Science project was created to assist English learners’ construction of science knowledge, facilitate academic English acquisition, and improve science learning. The project is a freely available, online project-based, bilingual instructional website designed for English learners of Hispanic origin. The project website contains two units: Let’s Help Our Environment and What Your Body Needs. To create these collaborative online projects, two constructivist approaches were combined: The Cognitive-Affective Theory of Learning with Media and Project-Based Learning. These approaches to science education were used as the basis for culturally and linguistically relevant science instruction, which was delivered within a collaborative, online instructional platform. Using a case study design, two teachers demonstrated implementation of the project with fidelity, and students showed statistically significant gains in science content assessments. The Collaborative Online Projects for English Language Learners in Science project provides educators with a strong model for creating instructional materials that support English learners’ science learning by combining culturally-relevant, constructivist, collaborative projects using online, multimedia technology.
Laying the Ground for Online English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) Composition Courses and University Internationalization
Authors: Ene Estela
Published: August 2013

As universities internationalize and U.S. and Chinese universities become partners, there is growing demand for online English language courses for students seeking to improve their English prior to arriving to the U.S. Situated in the context of a partnership between a U.S. Midwest university and its Chinese partner, this chapter provides a methodological model for assessing (1) English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) composition and online learning needs and resources prior to developing courses for a new population; (2) the potential for collaboration between partnering institutions; and (3) the effectiveness of an online English composition course. The chapter illustrates, in a step-by-step fashion, the decision-making process which shaped the needs assessment and the actions based on it. By doing so, it provides a realistic portrayal of the complexity of the Needs Assessment (NA) and curriculum development process.
Integrating Chinese Community into Canadian Society
Authors: Mao Yuping , Guardado Martin , Meyer Kevin R.
Published: August 2013

The use of podcasting technology in language learning presents a unique set of challenges and holds a great deal of promise for digital natives as well as for newcomers to technology. The literature on podcasts in learning mainly focuses on student experiences in formal educational settings, while questions related to nontraditional students in freely-available language programs provided by non-profit organizations remain unexplored. Taking a case study approach, this research examines how podcasting enhances the English learning experiences of students in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course offered by a non-profit organization that provides community services to immigrants in Canada. This chapter discusses instructional and organizational benefits as well as the challenges of applying podcasts in language training. By triangulating the experiences of the students, instructor, and program coordinators, we are able to examine the effectiveness of such a program and offer recommendations for similar programs in the future.
Energy-Efficient Optical Interconnects in Cloud Computing Infrastructures
Authors: Kachris Christoforos , Tomkos Ioannis
Published: August 2013

This chapter discusses the rise of optical interconnection networks in cloud computing infrastructures as a novel alternative to current networks based on commodity switches. Optical interconnects can significantly reduce the power consumption and meet the future network traffic requirements. Additionally, this chapter presents some of the most recent and promising optical interconnects architectures for high performance data centers that have appeared recently in the research literature. Furthermore, it presents a qualitative categorization of these schemes based on their main features such as performance, connectivity, and scalability, and discusses how these architectures could provide green cloud infrastructures with reduced power consumption. Finally, the chapter presents a case study of an optical interconnection network that is based on high-bandwidth optical OFDM links and shows the reduction of the energy consumption that it can achieve in a typical data center.
Energy Efficient Content Distribution
Authors: El-Gorashi Taisir E.H. , Lawey Ahmed , Dong Xiaowen , Elmirghani Jaafar
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the authors investigate the power consumption associated with content distribution networks. They study, through Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models and simulations, the optimization of data centre locations in a Client/Server (C/S) system over an IP over WDM network so as to minimize the network power consumption. The authors investigate the impact of the IP over WDM routing approach, traffic profile, and number of data centres. They also investigate how to replicate content of different popularity into multiple data centres and develop a novel routing algorithm, Energy-Delay Optimal Routing (EDOR), to minimize the power consumption of the network under replication while maintaining QoS. Furthermore, they investigate the energy efficiency of BitTorrent, the most popular Peer-to-Peer (P2P) content distribution application, and compare it to the C/S system. The authors develop an MILP model to minimize the power consumption of BitTorrent over IP over WDM networks while maintaining its performance. The model results reveal that peers co-location awareness helps reduce BitTorrent cross traffic and consequently reduces the power consumption at the network side. For a real time implementation, they develop a simple heuristic based on the model insights.
The effect of landscape structure and habitat composition on the presence of the threatened parasitic sand-living beetleApalus bimaculatus(Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: Ahlbäck Lina , Berggren Åsa
Published: August 2013

Apalus bimaculatus(Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Meloidae) is a beetle currently managed for conservation in Sweden. The species inhabits at-risk ephemeral and patchily distributed sandy habitats. However, little is known about its ecology and the factors important for its distribution. We censused 158 discrete sand patches within 31 potential sites forA. bimaculatusand examined which environmental variables predicted the probability of finding the beetle.Apalus bimaculatuswas found at 17 sites, its presence at sand-patch scale was positively correlated with sand-patch area, sand temperature, and medium-sized sand grains. Although the beetle is assumed to be a parasite on the solitary bee,Colletes cunicularius(Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Colletidae), presence of the bee was a very weak predictor forA. bimaculatus, while other sand-living Hymenoptera were a strong predictor. At site-level scale, the beetle was positively correlated with total amount of sandy habitat and presence of sand-living Hymenoptera. Our study suggests that management strategies for this species should not consider sandy habitats equally. Rather, management efforts should focus on maintaining sites with larger total sandy areas, creating larger sand patches with medium-grained sand and a high degree of sun exposure. We also highlight that biotic interactions between the beetle and sand-living Hymenoptera are still poorly understood but potentially important for successfulA. bimaculatusmanagement.
The Future of Fiscal Decentralization in Southeast Europe: What is on the Horizon?
Authors: Maksimovska-Veljanovski Aleksandra , Stojkov Aleksandar
Published: August 2013

Although the current post-decentralization decade offers much more tranquility for practitioners of the fiscal decentralization, decentralization scholars should not fall asleep. Some of the awakening questions are: where is the decentralizing limit? What is the likelihood of fiscal decentralization reconstructing the intergovernmental relations in a way that leads to federalization of unitary countries in Southeast Europe? Even though we focus on the Macedonian experience, the main findings largely hold for the entire region. The study aims to provide new, interdisciplinary understanding of the implications and perspectives of decentralization, overcoming the limitations when adopting a purely legal, economic or political perspective.
Pitfalls with the use of enhancement ratios or normalized excess mixing ratios measured in plumes to characterize pollution sources and aging
Authors: Yokelson R. J. , Andreae M. O. , Akagi S. K.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Normalized excess mixing ratios (NEMRs), also known as enhancement ratios, are a common way to characterize plumes of pollution in atmospheric research. As single-source pollutant plumes disperse in the atmosphere, they are diluted by mixing with the adjacent background air. Changes in the composition of this background air can cause large changes to the NEMR that is subsequently measured by remote-sensing, airborne, or ground-based instruments. This scenario is common when boundary layer plumes enter the free troposphere and could also impact long-range transport or plumes near the top of the troposphere. We provide a context for these issues and an example showing that neglect of this effect could lead to serious errors in data interpretation.
A novel gridding algorithm to create regional trace gas maps from satellite observations
Authors: Kuhlmann G. , Hartl A. , Cheung H. M. , Lam Y. F. , Wenig M. O.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Recent increase of spatial resolution for satellite instruments has it made feasible to study distributions of trace gas column densities on a regional scale. For this application a new gridding algorithm was developed to map measurements from the instrument's frame of reference (Level 2) onto a longitude-latitude grid (Level 3). The algorithm is designed for the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and can be employed easily to similar instruments, for example, the upcoming TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI). Trace gas distributions are reconstructed by a continuous parabolic spline surface. The algorithm explicitly considers the spatially varying sensitivity of the sensor resulting from the instrument function. At the swath edge, the inverse problem of computing the spline coefficients is very sensitive to measurement errors and is regularised by a second-order difference matrix. Since this regularisation corresponds to the penalty term for smoothing splines, it similarly attenuates the effect of measurement noise over the entire swath width. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to study the performance of the algorithm for different distributions of trace gas column densities. The optimal weight of the penalty term is found to be proportional to the measurement uncertainty and the width of the instrument function. A comparison with an established gridding algorithm shows improved performance for small to moderate measurement errors due to better parametrization of the distribution. The resulting maps are smoother and extreme values are more accurately reconstructed. The performance improvement is further illustrated with high-resolution distributions obtained from a regional chemistry model. The new algorithm is applied to tropospheric NO2 column densities measured by OMI. Examples of regional NO2 maps are shown for densely populated areas in China, Europe and the United States of America. This work demonstrates that the newly developed gridding algorithm improves regional trace gas maps; its application could be very helpful for the study of satellite-derived trace gas distributions.
Characterization of In Band Stray Light in SBUV/2 Instruments
Authors: Huang L.-K. , DeLand M. T. , Taylor S. L. , Flynn L. E.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Significant In-Band Stray Light (IBSL) error at solar zenith angle (SZA) values larger than 77° near sunset in 4 SBUV/2 instruments has been characterized. The IBSL error is caused by large surface reflection and scattering of the air-gapped depolarizer in front of the instrument's monochromator aperture. The source of the IBSL error is direct solar illumination of instrument components near the aperture rather than from earth shine. We have analyzed SBUV/2 albedo measurements on both dayside and night side to develop an empirical model for the IBSL error. This error has been corrected in the V8.6 SBUV/2 ozone retrieval.
Scatterometer hurricane wind speed retrievals using cross polarization
Authors: van Zadelhoff G.-J. , Stoffelen A. , Vachon P. W. , Wolfe J. , Horstmann J. , Belmonte Rivas M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Hurricane-force wind speeds can have a large societal impact and in this paper microwave C-band cross-polarized (VH) signals are investigated to assess if they can be used to derive extreme wind speed conditions. European satellite scatterometers have excellent hurricane penetration capability at C-band, but the vertically (VV) polarized signals become insensitive above 25 m s−1. VV and VH polarized backscatter signals from RADARSAT-2 SAR imagery acquired during severe hurricane events were compared to collocated SFMR wind measurements acquired by NOAA's hurricane-hunter aircraft. From this data set a Geophysical Model Function (GMF) at strong-to-extreme/severe wind speeds (i.e. 20 m s−1 < U10 < 45 m s−1) is derived. Within this wind speed regime, cross-polarized data showed no distinguishable loss of sensitivity and as such, cross-polarized data can be considered a good candidate for the retrieval of strong-to-severe wind speeds from satellite instruments. The upper limit of 45 m s−1 is defined by the currently available collocated data. The validity of the derived relationship between wind speed and VH has been evaluated by comparing the cross polarized signals to two independent wind speed datasets, i.e. short-range ECMWF Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model forecast winds and the NOAA best estimate one-minute maximum sustained winds. Analysis of the three comparison data sets confirm that cross-polarized signals from satellites will enable the retrieval of strong-to-severe wind speeds where VV or horizontal (HH) polarization data has saturated. The VH backscatter increases exponentially with respect to wind speed (linear against VH [dB]) and a near real time assessment of maximum sustained wind speed is possible using VH measurements. VH measurements thus would be an extremely valuable complement on next-generation scatterometers for Hurricane forecast warnings and hurricane model initialization.
Formation and maintenance of high-nitrate, low pH layers in the eastern Indian Ocean and the role of nitrogen fixation
Authors: Waite A. M. , Rossi V. , Roughan M. , Tilbrook B. , Thompson P. A. , Feng M. , Wyatt A. S. J. , Raes E. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We investigated the biogeochemistry of low dissolved oxygen high-nitrate (LDOHN) layers forming against the backdrop of several interleaving regional water masses in the eastern Indian Ocean, off northwest Australia adjacent to Ningaloo Reef. These water masses, including the forming Leeuwin Current, have been shown directly to impact the ecological function of Ningaloo Reef and other iconic coastal habitats downstream. Our results indicate that LDOHN layers are formed from multiple subduction events of the Eastern Gyral Current beneath the Leeuwin Current (LC); the LC originates from both the Indonesian Throughflow and tropical Indian Ocean. Density differences of up to 0.025 kg m−3 between the Eastern Gyral Current and the Leeuwin Current produce sharp gradients that can trap high concentrations of particles (measured as low transmission) along the density interfaces. The oxidation of the trapped particulate matter results in local depletion of dissolved oxygen and regeneration of dissolved nitrate (nitrification). We document an associated increase in total dissolved carbon dioxide, which lowers the seawater pH by 0.04 units. Based on isotopic measurements (δ15N and δ18O) of dissolved nitrate, we determine that ~ 40–100% of the nitrate found in LDOHN layers is likely to originate from nitrogen fixation, and that, regionally, the importance of N-fixation in contributing to LDOHN layers is likely to be highest at the surface and offshore.
River flooding as a driver of polygon dynamics: modern vegetation data and a millennial peat record from the Anabar River lowlands (Arctic Siberia)
Authors: Zibulski R. , Herzschuh U. , Pestryakova L. A. , Wolter J. , Müller S. , Schilling N. , Wetterich S. , Schirrmeister L. , Tian F.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The spatial and temporal variability of a low-centred polygon on the eastern floodplain area of the lower Anabar River (72.070° N, 113.921° E; northern Yakutia, Siberia) has been investigated using a multi-method approach. The present-day vegetation in each square metre was analysed, revealing a community of Larix, shrubby Betula, and Salix on the polygon rim, a dominance of Carex and Andromeda polifolia in the rim-to-pond transition zone, and a predominantly monospecific Scorpidium scorpioides coverage within the pond. The total organic carbon (TOC) content, TOC / TN (total nitrogen) ratio, grain size, vascular plant macrofossils, moss remains, diatoms, and pollen were analysed for two vertical sections and a sediment core from a transect across the polygon. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the formation of the polygon started at least 1500 yr ago; the general positions of the pond and rim have not changed since that time. Two types of pond vegetation were identified, indicating two contrasting development stages of the polygon. The first was a well-established moss association, dominated by submerged or floating Scorpidium scorpioides and/or Drepanocladus spp. and overgrown by epiphytic diatoms such as Tabellaria flocculosa and Eunotia taxa. This stage coincides temporally with a period in which the polygon was only drained by lateral subsurface water flow, as indicated by mixed grain sizes. A different moss association occurred during times of repeated river flooding (indicated by homogeneous medium-grained sand that probably accumulated during the annual spring snowmelt), characterized by an abundance of Meesia triquetra and a dominance of benthic diatoms (e.g. Navicula vulpina), indicative of a relatively high pH and a high tolerance of disturbance. A comparison of the local polygon vegetation (inferred from moss and macrofossil spectra) with the regional vegetation (inferred from pollen spectra) indicated that the moss association with Scorpidium scorpioides became established during relatively favourable climatic conditions, while the association dominated by Meesia triquetra occurred during periods of harsh climatic conditions. Our study revealed a strong riverine influence (in addition to climatic influences) on polygon development and the type of peat accumulated.
Reexamining the barrier effect of Tibetan Plateau on the South Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Chen G.-S. , Liu Z. , Kutzbach J. E.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau has been conventionally treated as an elevated heat source driving the Asian monsoon system, especially for the South Asian monsoon. Numerous model simulations with general circulation models (GCMs) support this hypothesis with the finding that the Asian monsoon system is weak or absent with all elevated topographies removed. A recent model simulation shows that the South Asian summer monsoon circulation is little affected with only the Himalayas (no Tibetan Plateau) kept as a barrier, leading to a hypothesis of the barrier "blocking" mechanism of the Tibetan Plateau. In this paper, a new series of experiments are designed to reexamine this barrier effect. We find that with the barrier, the large-scale summer monsoon circulation over South Asia is simulated in general agreement with the full Tibetan Plateau, which is consistent with the previous finding. However there remains significant differences in both wind field and precipitation field elsewhere, suggesting a role of the full Tibetan Plateau as well. Moreover, the proposed barrier "blocking" mechanism is not found in our experiments. The energy of the low-level air and the convection is lower/weaker over the Indian subcontinent in the full Tibetan Plateau experiment than that in the no-Tibetan Plateau experiment or the barrier only experiment, which is opposite to the barrier "blocking" hypothesis. Instead, there is a similar candle-like latent heating in the middle troposphere along the south edge of the Tibetan Plateau in both the full Tibetan Plateau and the barrier experiments, whereas this "candle heating" disappears in the no-Tibetan Plateau experiment. We propose that this candle heating is the key to understand the mechanisms of the Tibetan Plateau on the South Asian monsoon. Future studies are needed to check the source of the "candle heating" and its effect on the Asian monsoon.
Explicative Factors for Entrepreneurial Intention in Women: Gender Differentials Amongst the University Population
Authors:   Departamento de Economía y Administración de Empresas, Área de Organización de Empresas, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales Campus El Ejido nº 6, 29071 Málaga. rventura@uma.es, Ventura Fernández Rafael , Quero Gervilla María José ,   Departamento de Economía y Administración de Empresas, Área de Organización de Empresas, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales Campus El Ejido nº 6, 29071 Málaga. mqg@uma.es
Published: August 2013

The aim of this research project is to shed some light on the reasons why women are less likely to get involved in the processes of setting up businesses. To do this, a structural equations model has been developed, identifying a series of variables that can explain entrepreneurial intention amongst the potentially entrepreneurial population. The model has been validated by carrying out a survey amongst 1,222 students studying 12 different degree courses at the University of Malaga, Spain. In applying the model to both the male and female populations, significant differences have been found in the patterns of behaviour of the two sexes, with women undergoing a more complex process than men, and requiring external support.
Trust as a consequence of perceived commitment: Implications on learning and innovation
Authors:   Departamento de Organización de Empresas y Marketing. Ctra. de Utrera Km. 1, 41013 Sevilla. jgarcru@upo.es, García Cruz Joaquín , Real Fernández Juan Carlos ,   Departamento de Organización de Empresas y Marketing. Ctra. de Utrera Km.1, 41013 Sevilla. jcreafer@upo.es
Published: August 2013

In this paper we try to achieve a double objective. On one hand, we try to figure out how employee's affective commitment perceived by the manager influence on her/his level of trust and also on the organizational learning capability (OLC). In addition, we analyze how manager trust influences on OLC. On the other hand, we study how these variables (affective commitment of employees, manager trust and OLC) determine product innovation. Applying structural equation model (Partial Least Squares -PLS-) on a sample of 92 firms we obtain the next results: employee's affective commitment perceived by manager determine her/his level of trust and well we check that affective commitment and trust explain OLC. Finally, we probe that both variables (affective commitment and trust) are related with product innovation through OLC.
Vocational training, SMEs and innovation in Navarre
Authors:   Departamento de Sociología I, Escuela de Profesorado de San Sebastián UPV/EHU, Plaza Oñati, 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián. mikel.olazaran@ehu.es, Olazaran Mikel , Albizu Eneka ,   Departamento de Economía Financiera II, E.U. de Relaciones Laborales UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa (Bizkaia). eneka.albizu@ehu.es, Lavía Cristina ,   Departamento de Sociología I, Facultad de C.C.Sociales y de la Comunicación UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n 48940 Leioa (Bizkaia). cristina.lavia@ehu.es, Otero Beatriz ,   Departamento de Sociología I, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y de la Comunicación, UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa (Bizkaia). beatriz.otero@ehu.es
Published: August 2013

Recent studies within the innovation systems perspective have not paid enough attention to the role that Vocational Training (VT) centres and technical workers can play in innovation processes. In this paper we review the recent international literature on the issue and present an exploratory case study carried out in the Northern Spanish region of Navarre, which has a high level of both industrial activity and VT education. The study is based on quantitative and qualitative evidence from industrial SMEs and VT agents. The different types of relationships between VT centres and SMEs are analysed: formal education, in-company work training, hiring of graduates, continuous training, and innovation-related services. Results show that firms have a highly positive perception of VT centres' more "traditional" missions (graduate education and employability), but more advanced and innovation- related missions have a limited reach right now.
Sports sponsorship: spectator's involvement and the effects on the identification and loyalty
Authors:   Universitat de València, Facultad de Economía. walesskas@gmail.com, Schlesinger Ma. Walesska , Alvarado Herrera Alejandro ,   Universidad de Quintana Roo, Unidad Académica Cozumel, México. aah@uqroo.mx, Martí Parreño José ,   Universidad Europea de Madrid, España. jose.marti@uem.es
Published: August 2013

Sports sponsorship has increased notably during the last years being used by brands not only as a key tool of their marketing communications but even their market positioning. This research analyzes the influence of sports spectator’s involvement to motorcycling –specifically MotoGP- in identification and loyalty to their favourite pilot. The ability of managers to generate profits from stakeholders such as sponsors and the media is directly related to size and loyal viewers identified an athlete or team, hence the importance in this area of these variables. A cross-sectional empirical research, based on the literature on consumer involvement and its relationship to loyalty and identification, providing a basis for contrast, by using technical analysis of covariance structures, the proposed theoretical model. Study results reveal that consumer involvement with a sport direct influence, both positively and significantly in their identification as their loyalty to their favourite pilot. Managerial implications of the findings and future research areas are also discussed.
Differential characteristics of the spanish companies in the social responsibility index
Authors:   Departamento de Contabilidad y Economía Financiera de la Universidad de Sevilla. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n 41018 Sevilla. mjcharlo@us.es, Charlo Molina María José , Moya Clemente Ismael ,   Departamento de Economía y Ciencias Sociales de la Universitat Politècnica de València. Facultad de Administración y Dirección de Empresas. Camino de Vera s/n 46022 València. imoya@esp.upv.es, Muñoz Rubio Ana María ,   Departamento de Contabilidad y Economía Financiera de la Universidad de Sevilla. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n 41018 Sevilla. amrubio@us.es
Published: August 2013

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) researchers focus on the performance of the firms indexed in their field, and they reach different conclusions. This paper analyses if there are differences in financial performance of companies considered as highly socially responsible (those that compose the Spanish sustainability index FTSE4Good IBEX) as well as other IBEX companies not included in that index. We theoretically examine the relationship between a firm responsible behaviour and its financial performance. We also make an empirical study to analyse this relationship. The results show that the differential aspects between both groups of companies are market risk variables and debts and size variables.
Evaluación de los Estándares de Sustetabilidad en el Sector Hotelero de la la Reserva de la Biósfera de Sumaco en la Región del Amazona del Ecuador
Authors: Aguirre Patricia , Scholz Jacqueline , Morocho Johanna
Published: August 2013

El turismo juega un rol muy importante en la economía vel global; sin embargo, ocasiona impactos ambientales, sociales y culturales negativos. Este estudio examina los estándares de sustentabilidad en el sector hotelero de la Reserva de la Biosfera del Sumaco (RBS) en la Amazonia Ecuatoriana con el objetivo de generar recomendaciones de buenas prácticas de turismo a partir del estatus quo y minimizar los efectos negativos así como también optimizar las practicas de turismo en el futuro. El estudio muestra: (a) un bajo nivel en los esfuerzos por aplicar buenas prácticas en lo ambiental, social y cultural. (b) Una aplicación parcial en la dimensión social del turismo sustentable con respecto a los estándares de turismo sustentable que fueron evaluados comparativamente, éstos en general no han sido implementados y tampoco están en los planes de los hoteleros hacerlo en el corto plazo. (c) Escasa conciencia de parte del sector hotelero en concordancia con la gran importancia de la RBS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v51i2.1106
Boquillas de Abanico Plano de Amplio Espectro y por Aire Inducido en la Eficacia de Glifosato y Paraquat
Authors: Pitty Abelino , Barrios Elvis Ernesto , Reconco Rommel
Published: August 2013

Se evaluó el control de malezas aplicando glifosato con boquillas de abanico plano de amplio espectro (XR 11003VS) y de aire inducido (AI 11003VS) y se usó paraquat con boquillas abanico plano de amplio espectro (XRC 11003VS) y por aire inducido (AIC 11003VS). Con papel hidrosensible se determinó la distribución y tamaño de las gotas con las boquillas AI 11003VS y XR 11003VS aplicando 250 y 165 L/ha. La boquilla de aire inducido tuvo gotas más grandes que la de amplio espectro; al bajar el volumen de 250 a 165 L/ha disminuyó la cobertura con ambas boquillas. En campo se determinó la efectividad de las boquilla de aire inducido (AI 11003VS) y de amplio espectro (XR 11003VS) con glifosato; y la efectividad de la boquilla de aire inducido (AIC 11003VS) y de amplio espectro (XRC 11003VS) con paraquat. El diseño estadístico fue de bloques completamente al azar con seis réplicas. Con glifosato se utilizó la dosis recomendada de 890 g/ha de ingrediente activo, y al 75% de esa dosis (668 g/ha); para paraquat se usó la dosis de 500 g/ha de ingrediente activo y al 75% de esa dosis (375 g/ha). Se determinó el control sobre las malezas pasto estrella (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) con glifosato, y con paraquat con pangola (Digitaria spp.). Con glifosato no hubo diferencia estadística en la interacción boquilla por dosis, ni tampoco entre las boquillas de amplio espectro y aire inducido. Hubo reducción en el control al reducir el glifosato de 890 g/ha de ingrediente activo a 668 g/ha. Con paraquat no se encontró diferencia estadística en la interacción boquilla por dosis, ni tampoco entre las boquillas por aire inducido y amplio espectro. En la primera evaluación con las dosis de paraquat no se encontró diferencia estadística, pero en la segunda y la tercera hubo menor control al bajar las dosis de 500 g/ha de ingrediente activo a 375 g/ha. No hubo variación entre boquillas en el control de malezas, con ninguna de las dosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v51i2.1107
First Record of the Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus, Vespertilionidae) for Honduras
Authors: Mora José M. , López Lucía I.
Published: August 2013

The distribution of the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) extends from Canada to Chile, and it includes several islands in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific oceans including Hawaii. The species seems to be a rare visitor to Central America where it has been reported from Guatemala and Panama. Here we report the first record for the hoary bat from Honduras which confirms its expected presence in other countries of the region. The specimen was found at a vegetation open area on Cerro de Hula, Santa Ana Municipality; 20 km south of Tegucigalpa, Honduras capital, on July 27, 2012.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v51i2.1188
Ámbito de Hogar y Movimientos del Zorrillo (Mephitis macroura) en la Época Lluviosa en el Campus de Zamorano, Honduras
Authors: Mora José Manuel , Montes de Oca Gerardo , Brenes Baleshka R.
Published: August 2013

El zorrillo (Mephitis macroura) existe en el sudoeste de Estados Unidos, México y Centroamérica pero la información disponible de la especie en esta última región es limitada. Se identificaron aspectos generales de la ecología del zorrillo en el campus de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana (Universidad Zamorano), Honduras. Aunque se rastreó por telemetría a ocho individuos por periodos variables de tiempo, solo se determinaron los ámbitos de hogar de dos machos adultos, un macho joven y una hembra adulta para un período de cuatro meses. El tamaño del ámbito de hogar de estos individuos varió entre 3.4 y 32.4 ha (promedio = 16.8 ha). El tamaño del ámbito de hogar de los tres machos fue mayor que el de la hembra y el ámbito de hogar de los dos machos adultos fue mayor que el del macho joven. No existió intersección entre las áreas de los dos machos adultos pero el ámbito de hogar de la hembra se encontró dentro del de los machos. Las ubicaciones de los zorrillos fueron en áreas verdes (jardines con árboles), edificios, cercas vivas, muros de piedras, escombros, madrigueras subterráneas y basureros. Los muros de piedra y los edificios estudiantiles son refugios para el zorrillo ya que proveen espacios adecuados para su descanso, protección, alimentación y crianza. La hembra rastreada tuvo cuatro crías, las cuales fueron observadas al final del estudio (septiembre 2009).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v51i2.953
Assessment of Sap Production Parameters From Spathes of Four Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Cultivars in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Konan Ysidor N’guessan , Konan Jean Louis Konan , Assa Rebecca Rachel , Konan Brou Roger , Djeya Okoma Joelle Muriel , Allou Kouassi , Biego Henri Marius Godi
Published: August 2013

Several palm plants have social and economic roles worldwide by providing drinks from their sap. In Côte d’Ivoire, management of the coconut sap is not yet practiced. In this study, parameters related to production of sap have been assessed from four coconut cultivars namely PB 113+ and PB 121+ hybrids and WAT and MYD varieties. From all the unopened inflorescences (spathes) studied into the coconut crown, whose ranks varied from 7 to 9, that of rank 8 yielded the highest volume of sap. From this spathe, the PB113+ hybrid provided the best yield of sap (61.81 ± 20.41 l). Most important proportion of that sap volume was recorded at the morning harvesting. The sap production duration of a spathe varied from 24 ± 1.87 days (MYD) to 46.78 ± 1.86 days (PB 113+). That duration depended on the length of spathes and regular sap flow allowed by them. Furthermore, the PB 113+ had the highest number of fruits (NBF = 174.33 ± 78.45 fruits). The results showed that volume of sap available is closely related to the length of production (r = 0.78) and the cultivar’s nut yield (r = 0.82). The use of PB 113+ hybrid which provided highest quantity of sap is recommended for promoting the production of coconut sap in Côte d’Ivoire in order to improve the benefits derived from this plant.
Dissection of the Human Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cell Secretome by Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Burrows Gregory G. , van't Hof Wouter , Newell Laura F. , Reddy Ashok , Wilmarth Phillip A. , David Larry L. , Raber Amy , Bogaerts Annelies , Pinxteren Jef , Deans Robert J. , Maziarz Richard T.
Published: August 2013

Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) are adult adherent stromal stem cells currently being assessed in acute graft versus host disease clinical trials with demonstrated immunomodulatory capabilities and the potential to ameliorate detrimental autoimmune and inflammation-related processes. Our previous studies documented that MAPCs secrete factors that play a role in regulating T-cell activity. Here we expand our studies using a proteomics approach to characterize and quantify MAPC secretome components secreted over 72 hours in vitro under steady-state conditions and in the presence of the inflammatory triggers interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide, or a tolerogenic CD74 ligand, RTL1000. MAPCs differentially responded to each of the tested stimuli, secreting molecules that regulate the biological activity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including proteins that make up the ECM itself, proteins that regulate its construction/deconstruction, and proteins that serve to attach and detach growth factors from ECM components for redistribution upon appropriate stimulation. MAPCs secreted a wide array of proteases, some detectable in their zymogen forms. MAPCs also secreted protease inhibitors that would regulate protease activity. MAPCs secreted chemokines and cytokines that could provide molecular guidance cues to various cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells. In addition, MAPCs secreted factors involved in maintenance of a homeostatic environment, regulating such diverse programs as innate immunity, angiogenesis/angiostasis, targeted delivery of growth factors, and the matrix-metalloprotease cascade.
Effect of Gate Electrode Work‐Function on Source Charge Injection in Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Fabiano Simone , Braun Slawomir , Fahlman Mats , Crispin Xavier , Berggren Magnus
Published: August 2013

Systematic investigation of the contact resistance in electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) demonstrates a dependence of source charge injection versus gate electrode work function. This analysis reveals contact‐limitations at the source metal‐semiconductor interface and shows that the contact resistance increases as low work function metals are used as the gate electrode. These findings are attributed to the establishment of a built‐in potential that is high enough to prevent the Fermi‐level pinning at the metal‐organic interface. This results in an unfavorable energetic alignment of the source electrode with the valence band of the organic semiconductor. Since the operating voltage in the electrolyte‐gated devices is on the same order as the variation of the work functions, it is possible to tune the contact resistance over more than one order of magnitude by varying the gate metal.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Cascade Michael/Hemiketalization/Retro‐Aldol Reaction of 2‐[(E)‐2‐Nitrovinyl]phenols with 2,4‐Dioxo‐4‐arylbutanoates: A Convenient Access to Chiral α‐Keto Esters
Authors: Liu Yunting , Wang Youming , Song Haibin , Zhou Zhenghong , Tang Chuchi
Published: August 2013

An unprecedented organocatalytic enantioselective cascade Michael/hemiketalization/retro‐aldol reaction of 2‐[(E)‐2‐nitrovinyl]phenols and 2,4‐dioxo‐4‐arylbutanoates is described. With a bifunctional squaramide catalyst incorporating (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine, the reactions afford products in 75–99% yields with 80–98% ee. This process provides an enantioselective pathway for the synthesis of chiral α‐keto esters, precursors of 3‐arylproline derivatives, δ‐amino α‐keto acids or cyclic α‐keto lactams.

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Synthesis and characterization of diphenyl quinoline and bromine‐activated diphenyl quinoline organic phosphors
Authors: Pimpalshende D. M. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: August 2013

A diphenyl quinoline (DPQ)‐conjugated derivative and bromine‐activated DPQ (Br‐DPQ) were synthesized in an inert gas atmosphere at 140 °C using Friedlander condensation. The compounds showed blue emission under a UV source. The structures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The photoluminescence properties of the compounds were analysed using excitation and emission spectra. The synthesized organic phosphors shows bright emission in the blue region, with peaks at 445 and 453 nm, respectively, for DPQ and Br‐DPQ in the powder form. The physical and photoluminescence properties of these organic compounds reveal promising blue emitters for high‐efficiency organic light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioanalysis of tolvaptan, a novel AVP‐V2 receptor antagonist in human plasma by a novel LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method: a pharmacokinetic application in healthy South Indian male subjects
Authors: Derangula Venkata Ramu , Pilli Nageswara Rao , Bhukya Babu Rao , Pulipati Chalapathi Rao , Adireddy Vinayender , Ponneri Venkateswarlu
Published: August 2013

A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) assay method is proposed for the determination of tolvaptan in human plasma samples using tolvaptan d7 as internal standard (IS). Analyte and the IS were extracted from 100 μL of human plasma via simple liquid–liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using a mixture of methanol and 0.1% formic acid buffer (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The calibration curve obtained was linear (r2 ≥ 0.99) over the concentration range of 0.05–501 ng/mL. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision (coefficient of variation) and accuracy results in three validation batches across five concentration levels were well within the acceptance limits. A run time of 2.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more samples in a short time, thus increasing the productivity. The proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of 15 mg and 60 mg tolvaptan tablet formulation in healthy South Indian male subjects under fasting condition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible Pore Size Control of Elastic Microporous Material by Mechanical Force
Authors: Ito Masashi , Nishihara Hirotomo , Yamamoto Kentaro , Itoi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hideki , Maki Akira , Miyahara Minoru T. , Yang Seung Jae , Park Chong Rae , Kyotani Takashi
Published: August 2013

Nanoporous materials, such as zeolites, activated carbons, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are peculiar platforms in which a variety of guest molecules are stored, reacted, and/or separated. The size of the nanopores is essential to realize advanced functions. In this work, we demonstrate a very simple but innovative method for the control of nanopore size, that is, reversible and continuous control by mechanical force loaded to soft nanoporous materials. The elastic properties of several microporous materials, including zeolites, zeolite‐templated carbon (ZTC), activated carbon, and MOFs (e.g., ZIF‐8), are examined and it is found that ZTC is a material that is suitable for the aforementioned idea thanks to its extraordinary soft properties compared to the others. The original pore size of ZTC (1.2 nm) can be contracted to 0.85 nm by using a relatively weak loading force of 135 MPa, whereas the other microporous materials barely contracted. To demonstrate the change in the physical properties induced by such artificial deformation, in situ gas adsorption measurements were performed on ZTC with and without loading mechanical force, by using CO2, CH4, and H2, as adsorbates. Upon the contraction by loading 69 or 135 MPa, CO2 adsorption amount is increased, due to the deepening of the physisorption potential well inside the micropores, as proved by the increase of the heat of adsorption. Moreover, the adsorption amount is completely restored to the original one after releasing the mechanical force, indicating the fully reversible contraction/recovery of the ZTC framework against mechanical force. The experimental results are theoretically supported by a simulation using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo method. The similar adsorption enhancement is observed also on CH4, whereas H2 is found as an exception due to the weak interaction potential.
Decarboxylative Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Amidines from Aryl Carboxylic Acids: Development and Mechanistic Investigation
Authors: Rydfjord Jonas , Svensson Fredrik , Trejos Alejandro , Sjöberg Per J. R. , Sköld Christian , Sävmarker Jonas , Odell Luke R. , Larhed Mats
Published: August 2013

A fast and convenient synthesis of aryl amidines starting from carboxylic acids and cyanamides is reported. The reaction was achieved by palladium(II)‐catalysis in a one‐step microwave protocol using [Pd(O2CCF3)2], 6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in N‐methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), providing the corresponding aryl amidines in moderate to excellent yields. The protocol is very robust with regards to the cyanamide coupling partner but requires electron‐rich ortho‐substituted aryl carboxylic acids. Mechanistic insight was provided by a DFT investigation and direct ESI‐MS studies of the reaction. The results of the DFT study correlated well with the experimental findings and, together with the ESI‐MS study, support the suggested mechanism. Furthermore, a scale‐out (scale‐up) was performed with a non‐resonant microwave continuous‐flow system, achieving a maximum throughput of 11 mmol h−1 by using a glass reactor with an inner diameter of 3 mm at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1.