bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variations of Soil Moisture under Caragana korshinskii Kom. from Different Precipitation Zones: Field Based Analysis in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Liu Yuanxin , Zhao Wenwu , Wang Lixin , Zhang Xiao , Daryanto Stefani , Fang Xuening
Published: January 2016

Soil moisture scarcity has become the major limiting factor of vegetation restoration in the Loess Plateau of China. The aim of this study is: (i) to compare the spatial distribution of deep (up to 5 m) soil moisture content (SMC) beneath the introduced shrub Caragana korshinskii Kom. under different precipitation zones in the Loess Plateau and (ii) to investigate the impacts of environmental factors on soil moisture variability. Soil samples were taken under C. korshinskii from three precipitation zones (Semiarid-350, Semiarid-410, Semiarid-470). We found that the highest soil moisture value was in the 0–0.1 m layer with a large coefficient of variation. The soil water storage under different precipitation zones increased following the increase of precipitation (i.e., Semiarid-350 < Semiarid-410 < Semiarid-470), although the degree of SMC variation was different for different precipitation zones. The SMC in the Semiarid-350 zone initially increased with soil depth, and then decreased until it reached the depth of 2.8-m. The SMC in the Semiarid-410 zone showed a decreasing trend from the top soil to 4.2-m depth. The SMC in the Semiarid-470 zone firstly decreased with soil depth, increased, and then decreased until it reached 4.6-m depth. All SMC values then became relatively constant after reaching the 2.8-m, 4.2-m, and 4.6-m depths for Semiarid-350, Semiarid-410, and Semiarid-470, respectively. The low but similar SMC values at the stable layers across the precipitation gradient indicate widespread soil desiccation in this region. Our results suggested that water deficit occurred in all of the three precipitation zones with precipitation, latitude, field capacity, and bulk density as the main environmental variables affecting soil moisture. Considering the correlations between precipitation, SMC and vegetation, appropriate planting density and species selection should be taken into account for introduced vegetation management.
Daily Rhythms of Hunger and Satiety in Healthy Men during One Week of Sleep Restriction and Circadian Misalignment
Authors: Sargent Charli , Zhou Xuan , Matthews Raymond , Darwent David , Roach Gregory
Published: January 2016

The impact of sleep restriction on the endogenous circadian rhythms of hunger and satiety were examined in 28 healthy young men. Participants were scheduled to 2 × 24-h days of baseline followed by 8 × 28-h days of forced desynchrony during which sleep was either moderately restricted (equivalent to 6 h in bed/24 h; n = 14) or severely restricted (equivalent to 4 h in bed/24 h; n = 14). Self-reported hunger and satisfaction were assessed every 2.5 h during wake periods using visual analogue scales. Participants were served standardised meals and snacks at regular intervals and were not permitted to eat ad libitum. Core body temperature was continuously recorded with rectal thermistors to determine circadian phase. Both hunger and satiety exhibited a marked endogenous circadian rhythm. Hunger was highest, and satiety was lowest, in the biological evening (i.e., ~17:00–21:00 h) whereas hunger was lowest, and satiety was highest in the biological night (i.e., 01:00–05:00 h). The results are consistent with expectations based on previous reports and may explain in some part the decrease in appetite that is commonly reported by individuals who are required to work at night. Interestingly, the endogenous rhythms of hunger and satiety do not appear to be altered by severe—as compared to moderate—sleep restriction.
Fatigue Risk Management: A Maritime Framework
Authors: Grech Michelle
Published: January 2016

It is evident that despite efforts directed at mitigating the risk of fatigue through the adoption of hours of work and rest regulations and development of codes and guidelines, fatigue still remains a concern in shipping. Lack of fatigue management has been identified as a contributory factor in a number of recent accidents. This is further substantiated through research reports with shortfalls highlighted in current fatigue management approaches. These approaches mainly focus on prescriptive hours of work and rest and include an individualistic approach to managing fatigue. The expectation is that seafarers are responsible to manage and tolerate fatigue as part of their working life at sea. This attitude is an accepted part of a seafarer’s role. Poor compliance is one manifest of this problem with shipboard demands making it hard for seafarers to follow hours of work and rest regulations, forcing them into this “poor compliance” trap. This makes current fatigue management approaches ineffective. This paper proposes a risk based approach and way forward for the implementation of a fatigue risk management framework for shipping, aiming to support the hours of work and rest requirements. This forms part of the work currently underway to review and update the International Maritime Organization, Guidelines on Fatigue.
Plasma Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Level as a Predictor of the Severity of Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Yong Kok-Khun , Chang Jer-Hwa , Chien Ming-Hsien , Tsao Shih-Ming , Yu Ming-Chih , Bai Kuan-Jen , Tsao Thomas , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: January 2016

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 increases in the serum of immunocompetent patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, the correlation between the circulating level of MCP-1 and severity of CAP remains unclear. This study investigated differential changes in the plasma MCP-1 levels of patients with CAP before and after an antibiotic treatment and further analyzes the association between the CAP severity and MCP-1 levels. We measured the plasma MCP-1 levels of 137 patients with CAP and 74 healthy controls by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Upon initial hospitalization, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II); confusion, urea level, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age of >64 years (CURB-65); and pneumonia severity index (PSI) scores were determined for assessing the CAP severity in these patients. The antibiotic treatment reduced the number of white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils as well as the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and MCP-1. The plasma MCP-1 level, but not the CRP level or WBC count, correlated with the CAP severity according to the PSI (r = 0.509, p < 0.001), CURB-65 (r = 0.468, p < 0.001), and APACHE II (r = 0.360, p < 0.001) scores. We concluded that MCP-1 levels act in the development of CAP and are involved in the severity of CAP.
Identification of Powdery Mildew Responsive Genes in Hevea brasiliensis through mRNA Differential Display
Authors: Li Xiang , Bi Zhenghong , Di Rong , Liang Peng , He Qiguang , Liu Wenbo , Miao Weiguo , Zheng Fucong
Published: January 2016

Powdery mildew is an important disease of rubber trees caused by Oidium heveae B. A. Steinmann. As far as we know, none of the resistance genes related to powdery mildew have been isolated from the rubber tree. There is little information available at the molecular level regarding how a rubber tree develops defense mechanisms against this pathogen. We have studied rubber tree mRNA transcripts from the resistant RRIC52 cultivar by differential display analysis. Leaves inoculated with the spores of O. heveae were collected from 0 to 120 hpi in order to identify pathogen-regulated genes at different infection stages. We identified 78 rubber tree genes that were differentially expressed during the plant–pathogen interaction. BLAST analysis for these 78 ESTs classified them into seven functional groups: cell wall and membrane pathways, transcription factor and regulatory proteins, transporters, signal transduction, phytoalexin biosynthesis, other metabolism functions, and unknown functions. The gene expression for eight of these genes was validated by qRT-PCR in both RRIC52 and the partially susceptible Reyan 7-33-97 cultivars, revealing the similar or differential changes of gene expressions between these two cultivars. This study has improved our overall understanding of the molecular mechanisms of rubber tree resistance to powdery mildew.
Immune Dysfunction Associated with Abnormal Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stroma Cells in Senescence Accelerated Mice
Authors: Li Ming , Guo Kequan , Adachi Yasushi , Ikehara Susumu
Published: January 2016

Senescence accelerated mice (SAM) are a group of mice that show aging-related diseases, and SAM prone 10 (SAMP10) show spontaneous brain atrophy and defects in learning and memory. Our previous report showed that the thymus and the percentage of T lymphocytes are abnormal in the SAMP10, but it was unclear whether the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stroma cells (BMMSCs) were abnormal, and whether they played an important role in regenerative medicine. We thus compared BMMSCs from SAMP10 and their control, SAM-resistant (SAMR1), in terms of cell cycle, oxidative stress, and the expression of PI3K and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Our cell cycle analysis showed that cell cycle arrest occurred in the G0/G1 phase in the SAMP10. We also found increased reactive oxygen stress and decreased PI3K and MAPK on the BMMSCs. These results suggested the BMMSCs were abnormal in SAMP10, and that this might be related to the immune system dysfunction in these mice.
Glidar: An OpenGL-based, Real-Time, and Open Source 3D Sensor Simulator for Testing Computer Vision Algorithms
Authors: Woods John , Christian John
Published: January 2016

3D sensors such as lidars, stereo cameras, time-of-flight cameras, and the Microsoft Kinect are increasingly found in a wide range of applications, including gaming, personal robotics, and space exploration. In some cases, pattern recognition algorithms for processing depth images can be tested using actual sensors observing real-world objects. In many situations, however, it is common to test new algorithms using computer-generated synthetic images, as such simulations tend to be faster, more flexible, and less expensive than hardware tests. Computer generation of images is especially useful for Monte Carlo-type analyses or for situations where obtaining real sensor data for preliminary testing is difficult (e.g., space applications). We present Glidar, an OpenGL and GL Shading Language-based sensor simulator, capable of imaging nearly any static three-dimensional model. Glidar allows basic object manipulations, or may be connected to a physics simulator for more advanced behaviors. It permits publishing to a tcp socket at high frame-rates or can save to pcd (point cloud data) files. The software is written in C++, and is released under the open source bsd license.
Cu-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by a Sol-Gel Process Using Two Copper Precursors: Gas-Sensing Performance in a Propane Atmosphere
Authors: Gómez-Pozos Heberto , Arredondo Emma , Maldonado Álvarez Arturo , Biswal Rajesh , Kudriavtsev Yuriy , Pérez Jaime , Casallas-Moreno Yenny , Olvera Amador María
Published: January 2016

A study on the propane gas-sensing properties of Cu-doped ZnO thin films is presented in this work. The films were deposited on glass substrates by sol-gel and dip coating methods, using zinc acetate as a zinc precursor, copper acetate and copper chloride as precursors for doping. For higher sensitivity values, two film thickness values are controlled by the six and eight dippings, whereas for doping, three dippings were used, irrespective of the Cu precursor. The film structure was analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, and the analysis of the surface morphology and film composition was made through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), respectively. The sensing properties of Cu-doped ZnO thin films were then characterized in a propane atmosphere, C3H8, at different concentration levels and different operation temperatures of 100, 200 and 300 °C. Cu-doped ZnO films doped with copper chloride presented the highest sensitivity of approximately 6 × 104, confirming a strong dependence on the dopant precursor type. The results obtained in this work show that the use of Cu as a dopant in ZnO films processed by sol-gel produces excellent catalysts for sensing C3H8 gas.
Effect of Laser Surface Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior of FeCrAl-Coated TZM Alloy
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Ha Tae-Hyung , Park Joon-Sik , Kim Hyun-Gil
Published: January 2016

The current study involves the coating of Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum (TZM) alloy with FeCrAl through plasma thermal spraying which proved effective in improving the oxidation resistance of the substrate. A post-laser surface melting treatment further enhanced the surface protection of the TZM alloy. Oxidation tests conducted at 1100 °C in air indicated that some Mo oxides were formed at the surface but a relatively small amount of weight reduction was observed for FeCrAl-coated TZM alloys up to 60 min of treatment. The post-laser surface treatment following the plasma thermal spray process apparently delayed the severe oxidation process and surface spalling of the alloy. It was suggested that the slow reduction in weight in the post-laser-treated specimen was related to fewer defects in the coating layer. It was also found that a surface reaction layer formed through the diffusion of Fe into the Mo alloy substrate at high temperature. The layer mainly consisted of Fe-saturated Mo and FeMo intermetallic compounds. In order to observe the corrosion behavior of the laser-treated alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution, electrochemical characteristics were also investigated. A proposed equivalent circuit model for the specimen indicated localized corrosion of coated alloy with some permeable defects in the coating layer.
A SILAC-Based Approach Elicits the Proteomic Responses to Vancomycin-Associated Nephrotoxicity in Human Proximal Tubule Epithelial HK-2 Cells
Authors: Li Zhi-Ling , Zhou Shu-Feng
Published: January 2016

Vancomycin, a widely used antibiotic, often induces nephrotoxicity, however, the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms of this side effect remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine molecular interactome and analyze the signaling pathways related to the vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in human proximal tubule epithelial HK-2 cells using the stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) approach. The quantitative proteomic study revealed that there were at least 492 proteins interacting with vancomycin and there were 290 signaling pathways and cellular functions potentially regulated by vancomycin in HK-2 cells. These proteins and pathways played a critical role in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, EMT, and ROS generation. These findings suggest that vancomycin-induced proteomic responses in HK-2 cells involvefunctional proteins and pathways that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and redox homeostasis. This is the first systemic study revealed the networks of signaling pathways and proteomic responses to vancomycin treatment in HK-2 cells, and the data may be used to discriminate the molecular and clinical subtypes and to identify new targets and biomarkers for vancomycin-induced nephrotoxic effect. Further studies are warranted to explore the potential of quantitative proteomic analysis in the identification of new targets and biomarkers for drug-induced renal toxicity.
Resveratrol Supplementation in Schizophrenia Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Serum Glucose and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Zortea Karine , Franco Viviane , Francesconi Lenise , Cereser Keila , Lobato Maria , Belmonte-de-Abreu Paulo
Published: January 2016

Background: Patients with schizophrenia (SZ) are generally overweight or obese and have several metabolic disorders. Additionally, such patients have a lower life expectancy and the main cause of their increased mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of resveratrol supplementation on serum glucose and CVD risk factors in individuals with SZ. Methods and Results: This is a four-week randomized, double-blind controlled trial (registration No.: NCT 02062190) in which 19 men with a diagnosis of SZ, aged 18 to 65, were assigned to either a resveratrol supplement group (200 mg/day) or a placebo group (200 mg/day). In short, we did not observe significant changes after resveratrol supplementation. In the placebo group, we found a significant increase in total cholesterol levels (p = 0.024) and in LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.002), as well as a decrease in body fat percentage (p = 0.038). The placebo group also showed an increase in triglycerides (9.19%) and a reduction in HDL-cholesterol (4.88%). In the resveratrol group, triglycerides decreased (7.64%). Conclusion: In summary, oral resveratrol in reasonably low dosages (200 mg daily) brought no differences to body weight, waist circumference, glucose, and total cholesterol. It was possible to note that the lipid profile in the placebo group worsened and, although no significant differences were found, we can assume that resveratrol might prevent lipid profile damage and that the intervention affected the lipoprotein metabolism at various levels.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Resources in 2015
Authors:   Resources Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Resources would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
What Causes Haze Pollution? An Empirical Study of PM2.5 Concentrations in Chinese Cities
Authors: Wu Jiannan , Zhang Pan , Yi Hongtao , Qin Zhao
Published: January 2016

In recent years, many areas of China have suffered from serious haze pollution, which greatly affects human health and daily life. It is of policy importance to understand the factors that influence the spatial concentration of PM2.5. Based on data from 74 cities with PM2.5 monitoring stations in 2013 and 2014, this study presents the overall haze situation in China and explores the determinants of PM2.5 using a random-effects model, as well as a set of OLS regressions. The results indicate that PM2.5 is significantly correlated with the industrial proportion, the number of motor vehicles, and household gas consumption, while public financial expenditure on energy saving and environmental protection does not show statistically significant effects. The analysis implies that China should adjust its economic structure and optimizes environmental governance to effectively respond to haze pollution.
Comparative Study on the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells between Fetal and Postnatal Rat Spinal Cord Niche
Authors: Cao Songying , Wei Xiaowei , Li Hui , Miao Jianing , Zhao Guifeng , Wu Di , Liu Bo , Zhang Yi , Gu Hui , Wang Lili , Fan Yang , An Dong , Yuan Zhengwei
Published: January 2016

In a previous study, we established a prenatal surgical approach and transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the fetal rat spinal column to treat neural tube defects (NTDs). We found that the transplanted MSCs survived and differentiated into neural lineage cells. Various cytokines and extracellular signaling systems in the spinal cord niche play an important role in cell differentiation. In this study, we observed the differentiation of transplanted MSCs in different spinal cord niches and further observed the expression of neurotrophic factors and growth factors in the spinal cord at different developmental stages to explore the mechanism of MSC differentiation in different spinal cord niches. The results showed that transplanted MSCs expressed markers of neural precursor cells (nestin), neurogliocytes (GFAP), and neurons (β-tubulin). The percentages of GFP+/nestin+double-positive cells in transplanted MSCs in E16, P1, and P21 rats were 18.31%, 12.18%, and 5.06%, respectively. The percentages of GFP+/GFAP+double-positive cells in E16, P1, and P21 rats were 32.01%, 15.35%, and 12.56%, respectively. The percentages of GFP+/β-tubulin+double-positive cells in E16, P1, and P21 were 11.76%, 7.62%, and 4.88%, respectively. The differentiation rates of MSCs in embryonic spinal cords were significantly higher than in postnatal spinal cords ( p < 0.05). We found that the transplanted MSCs expressed synapsin-1 at different developmental stages. After MSC transplantation, we observed that neurotrophic factor-3 (NT-3), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), FGF-8, transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) significantly increased in the MSC transplantation group compared with the blank injection group. Furthermore, FGF-2 and VEGF expression were positively correlated with the number of surviving MSCs. In addition, we found that the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT-3, FGF-8, TGF-β, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) decreased with age, and the expression of FGF-2, FGF-10, FGF-20, TGF-α, and PDGF increased with age. Our data suggest that the embryonic spinal cord niche is more conducive to MSC differentiation after transplantation.
Evolutionary potential for increased invasiveness: High‐Performance Polygonum cespitosum genotypes are competitively superior in full sun
Authors: Corliss Caleb T. , Sultan Sonia E.
Published: January 2016

PREMISE OF STUDY:

The presence of genetic variation for traits that contribute to ecological range expansion can provide the potential for introduced taxa to evolve greater invasiveness. Genotypes that contribute to the spread of introduced range populations must have the ability to maintain fitness under changing environmental stress and competitive intensity. Previously, we identified a subset of genotypes in populations of the invasive annual Polygonum cespitosum that express consistently high reproductive fitness in diverse (shaded, dry, and resource‐rich) conditions. Here, we investigated whether these broadly adaptive (High‐Performance) genotypes also show a competitive advantage over conspecifics in full sun and/or shade.

METHODS:

We grew a population‐balanced sample of 13 High‐Performance and 13 ‘Control’ genotypes in intraspecific competitive arrays, comprising all four possible combinations of High‐Performance vs. Control target plants and competitive backgrounds, in both full sun and shaded glasshouse environments.

KEY RESULTS:

In full sun, High‐Performance genotypes (1) better maintained growth and reproductive output despite competition and (2) more strongly suppressed growth and reproduction of target plants. However, genotypes did not differ significantly in shade.

CONCLUSIONS:

Competitive superiority in open conditions may contribute to increasing predominance of these broadly adapted genotypes in introduced‐range Polygonum cespitosum populations, and hence to the evolution of greater invasiveness. This study provides insight into the role of genotypic variation for ecological traits in the range expansion of a contemporary plant invader. It also highlights how such variation can be differently expressed in alternative environments (gene by environment interaction).
ELECTRON-CAPTURE AND β-DECAY RATES FOR sd-SHELL NUCLEI IN STELLAR ENVIRONMENTS RELEVANT TO HIGH-DENSITY O–NE–MG CORES
Authors: Suzuki Toshio , Toki Hiroshi , Nomoto Ken’ichi
Published: January 2016

Electron-capture and β-decay rates for nuclear pairs in the sd-shell are evaluated at high densities and high temperatures relevant to the final evolution of electron-degenerate O–Ne–Mg cores of stars with initial masses of 8–10 M
⊙. Electron capture induces a rapid contraction of the electron-degenerate O–Ne–Mg core. The outcome of rapid contraction depends on the evolutionary changes in the central density and temperature, which are determined by the competing processes of contraction, cooling, and heating. The fate of the stars is determined by these competitions, whether they end up with electron-capture supernovae or Fe core-collapse supernovae. Since the competing processes are induced by electron capture and β-decay, the accurate weak rates are crucially important. The rates are obtained for pairs with A = 20, 23, 24, 25, and 27 by shell-model calculations in the sd-shell with the USDB Hamiltonian. Effects of Coulomb corrections on the rates are evaluated. The rates for pairs with A = 23 and 25 are important for nuclear Urca processes that determine the cooling rate of the O–Ne–Mg core, while those for pairs with A = 20 and 24 are important for the core contraction and heat generation rates in the core. We provide these nuclear rates at stellar environments in tables with fine enough meshes at various densities and temperatures for studies of astrophysical processes sensitive to the rates. In particular, the accurate rate tables are crucially important for the final fates of not only O–Ne–Mg cores but also a wider range of stars, such as C–O cores of lower-mass stars.
THREE PLANETS ORBITING WOLF 1061
Authors: Wright D. J. , Wittenmyer R. A. , Tinney C. G. , Bentley J. S. , Zhao Jinglin
Published: January 2016

We use archival HARPS spectra to detect three planets orbiting the M3 dwarf Wolf 1061 (GJ 628). We detect a 1.36 M
⊕ minimum-mass planet with an orbital period P = 4.888 days (Wolf 1061b), a 4.25 M
⊕ minimum-mass planet with orbital period P = 17.867 days (Wolf 1061c), and a likely 5.21 M
⊕ minimum-mass planet with orbital period P = 67.274 days (Wolf 1061d). All of the planets are of sufficiently low mass that they may be rocky in nature. The 17.867 day planet falls within the habitable zone for Wolf 1061 and the 67.274 day planet falls just outside the outer boundary of the habitable zone. There are no signs of activity observed in the bisector spans, cross-correlation FWHMs, calcium H & K indices, NaD indices, or Hα indices near the planetary periods. We use custom methods to generate a cross-correlation template tailored to the star. The resulting velocities do not suffer the strong annual variation observed in the HARPS DRS velocities. This differential technique should deliver better exploitation of the archival HARPS data for the detection of planets at extremely low amplitudes.
Leyendo la Tuḥfa de Abdallāh b. Abdallāh al-Tarŷumān (1420) en el Imperio Otomano: Polémica Cristiano-Musulmana e Intertextualidad en la época de la “Confesionalización”
Authors: Krstić Tijana
Published: January 2016

En 1604, un carismático sufí de Túnez encargó la traducción al turco otomano del texto de polémica titulado Tuḥfat al-Adīb fī al-radd ʿalā ahl al-ṣalīb (1420) de Abdallāh b. Abdallāh al-Tarjumān, con la intención de presentárselo al Sultán otomano Ahmed I. Poco después, este texto se convirtió en uno de los textos de polémica anti-Cristiana mejor conocidos y leídos en el mundo islámico y en Europa, a finales del siglo XIX. Este artículo estudia las circunstancias en que se realizó la traducción de la Tuḥfa del árabe al turco otomano, los actores involucrados en esa traducción, la narrativa de su trayectoria desde Túnez hasta Estambul, su recepción por el público letrado otomano y, finalmente, su impacto en el desarrollo del género de polémica otomana en las narrativas de conversión al Islam. En el apéndice de este artículo se incluye una transcripción y traducción de esa narrativa, que parece estar directamente influida por la Tuḥfa. Mediante el estudio de la trayectoria de un único texto perteneciente al género de la polémica religiosa, este artículo evita las discusiones académicas, tradicionalmente desconectadas entre sí porque estudian la historia moderna ibérica, norte africana y otomana de forma separada, demostrando así su íntima conexión en la época de polarización confesional (ss. XVI y XVII).
Reutilización de pares fotogramétricos de elementos arquitectónicos para la obtención de modelos 3D y ortofotografías a partir de técnicas SFM
Authors: Rodríguez Miranda Álvaro , Pérez Vidiella Pablo , Martínez Lázaro Rosa , Valle Melón José Manuel
Published: January 2016

En el presente artículo se analiza la posibilidad de reutilizar pares fotogramétricos obtenidos originalmente con vistas a su restitución vectorial, con el fin de obtener nuevos productos cartográficos como modelos 3D con textura fotográfica y ortofotografías. Para ello se aplican las técnicas de visión por computador denominadas SFM (Structure From Motion, estructura a partir del movimiento). El artículo muestra los resultados de la aplicación en diversos ejemplos de manera que se puede apreciar los factores que condicionan la calidad de los resultados. Finalmente, se incluyen algunas conclusiones respecto a la utilidad de los algoritmos SFM en el ámbito de la Arqueología de la Arquitectura.
La doble medida en la arquitectura del pasado: El Palacio de Onda y su planta antropométrica
Authors: Roldán Medina Francisco Javier
Published: January 2016

Se describe en este artículo el proceso metodológico para reconstruir el diseño modular del palacio fortificado de Onda (Castellón) a partir de su planta arqueológica, aplicando los principios metrológicos desentrañados en las investigaciones previas del autor en este campo. Módulo, ejes, tamaños y esquema geométrico general quedan identificados sobre la planta base con precisión digital. Se clasifican los diferentes espesores de muros detectados. Se realizan comprobaciones mediante mediciones directas. En esta obra resalta la continua utilización de modulaciones dinámicas, tanto en la rotunda y caracterizadora geometría de su planta general, como en cada una de las partes. Destaca también la variedad de espesores de muro, los desplazamientos de ejes, y el correcto replanteo de la fortaleza. El conocimiento de un sistema común de proporciones en los usos del pasado puede representar un nuevo paradigma en el estudio y conservación de nuestro patrimonio histórico y cultural.
Acceptabilité sociale : partager l’embarras
Authors: Barbier Rémi , Nadaï Alain
Published: January 2016

L’« acceptabilité sociale » est devenue un registre de qualification incontournable pour tout projet technologique. Loin d’être un phénomène provisoire, lié à un déficit conjoncturel d’accompagnement des projets, ce caractère incontournable a une dimension structurelle, liée aux inévitables mises à l’épreuve des dispositifs sociotechniques et de leur assemblage. L’article introduit une distinction entre enjeu et problème d’acceptabilité. Le premier terme désigne une condition inhérente au travail d’assemblage de tout dispositif sociotechnique, bien analysée par la sociologie des sciences et techniques. Le second pointe une configuration dans laquelle cet enjeu prend une dimension et un mode de régulation publics. L’analyse sociologique des processus d’assemblage de dispositifs sociotechniques (l’enjeu d’acceptabilité) nous permet de mettre en perspective le problème d’acceptabilité comme épreuve de réouverture de cet assemblage. Nous décrivons, à partir des analyses empiriques disponibles, les contours et les dynamiques de cette épreuve, ainsi que ses effets potentiels. Il ressort de cet ensemble que les épreuves d’acceptabilité demeurent fondamentalement ambivalentes. Les usages sociaux de l’expression, les cadrages potentiellement très orientés dont elle peut faire l’objet dans la pratique, à l’occasion des problèmes d’acceptabilité, suggèrent une prudence d’engagement du côté des sciences sociales. La description de ces problèmes d’acceptabilité comme épreuves de réouverture des assemblages sociotechniques, nous permet de dériver quelques critères pour un engagement prudent des chercheurs dans l’accompagnement de ces épreuves.
Mettre cartes sur table et parler de son territoire de l’eau : un (en)jeu pour les acteurs ?
Authors: Barataud  Fabienne , Arrighi Aude , Durpoix  Amandine
Published: January 2016

La construction collective de solutions sur des territoires où s’exprime un problème de qualité de la ressource en eau se heurte bien souvent à la difficulté qu’ont les acteurs locaux à partager différents points de vue sur un objet commun. Un nouvel outil a donc été conçu qui permet l’expression des points clés tels que perçus par chaque acteur concernant son territoire de l’eau. Cet outil est composé de cartes (format cartes à jouer) sur lesquelles figurent des pictogrammes illustrant des thématiques multiples liées à la question de la qualité de l’eau. Il a été testé sur cinq Aires d’Alimentation de Captage lors d’entretiens individuels. Ce test a permis de vérifier que l’outil est complet et qu’il permet aux acteurs de structurer leur discours en faisant émerger, de façon satisfaisante pour eux, les éléments qu’ils jugent explicatifs de leur territoire. On a vérifié que ces territoires, bien que contraints par un même cadre réglementaire, sont loin d’être identiques dans leurs éléments structurants et explicatifs, et que les visions portées sur un même territoire par différents acteurs ne sont pas concordantes, mais liées à leurs objectifs propres. Rendre ces différences de perceptions explicites pour les acteurs locaux est important pour la construction de solutions efficaces et acceptables localement. L’originalité et l’intérêt principal de ce nouvel outil résident dans la plasticité (un même visuel « absorbe » des discours variés) et la neutralité des cartes, ce qui éloigne les discours de positions et encourage, au contraire, l’expression de besoins ou l’analyse de la situation.
Favoriser la restauration de la biodiversité en milieu urbain : les facteurs de réussite dans le cadre de quatre projets de restauration
Authors: El Jai Boutaina , Pruneau Diane
Published: January 2016

La biodiversité en ville joue un rôle très important dans l’équilibre de notre planète. La présence d’éléments naturels améliore la qualité écologique, sociale, environnementale et esthétique d’un milieu urbain. Le retour de la biodiversité en ville peut être promu grâce à diverses structures tels les corridors écologiques, les passages fauniques, les toits verts et les plantes grimpantes. L’objectif de l’étude de cas qualitative était d’identifier les facteurs qui favorisent la restauration de la biodiversité en ville. Quatre projets de restauration de la biodiversité ont été étudiés dans les régions de Montréal et de Québec. L’analyse des entrevues menées avec des acteurs des projets a permis de déterminer diverses catégories de facteurs, dont les facteurs sociaux, politiques, techniques et écologiques. Selon les répondants, ce sont principalement les facteurs sociaux qui favorisent la réussite des projets de restauration de la biodiversité. Parmi les facteurs sociaux, on retrouve l’acceptation et l’adhésion citoyenne ; l’éducation et la sensibilisation des citoyens ; la participation des résidents ; le choix des emplacements des sites de restauration ; l’implication des ONG et la couverture médiatique. L’acceptation sociale des mesures de restauration de la biodiversité implantées émerge comme le plus important facteur. La réussite d’un projet de restauration de la biodiversité en ville repose donc en grande partie sur l’adhésion des citoyens.
The role of science fiction within the fluidity of slipstream literature
Authors: Steble Janez
Published: January 2016

The paper explores the complex and contradictory role of science fiction in slipstream, the type of postmodern non-realistic literature situated between the fantastic genres and the mainstream literary fiction. Because of its unstable status of occupying an interstitial position between multiple literary conventions, the article first deals with an expansive terminology affiliated with slipstream and elucidates upon using a unified term for it. Avantpop, transrealism, and interstitial fiction all help us in understanding the vast postmodern horizon of slipstream. Furthermore, the slipstream's philosophy of cognitive dissonance in comparison to science fiction's is analysed to see the similarities and differences between them. The section is mainly concerned on expanding Darko Suvin's concept of cognition and viewing it as partially compatible with slipstream's estrangement techniques. The final part is focused on the exemplary slipstream novel Vurt by Jeff Noon, a perfect example of science fiction providing material, including latest post-Newtonian paradigms of science, for slipstream to mould it in its own fashion.
Lessons for the SADC from the Indian Case of Novartis AG v Union of India
Authors: Ndlovu L
Published: January 2016

In the pharmaceutical context, many Southern African Development Community (SADC) members grant patents on drugs without substantially reviewing applications first, thus routinely granting patents for new versions of old medicines, thus extending patent life beyond the normal 20-year period. In contrast, Brazil and India, homes to major generic drug manufacturers in the BRICS grouping, examine each application before a patent is granted. It has been argued by health activists and academics that excessive patenting results in too many patents for minor innovations in medical technology and this in turn leads to higher prices of medicines, thus frustrating SADC citizens' right to access affordable essential medicines. This paper highlights how the legislative inclusion of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities around the requirements for patentability can be effectively used to curb incremental patenting and limit the proliferation of evergreen patents. This is achieved through a critical analysis the 2013 Supreme Court of India case of Novartis AG v Union of India before extracting useful lessons for the SADC. The highlighted lessons will in all likelihood inform the current intellectual law reform projects in most SADC members, including South Africa.
Legislation as a Critical Tool in addressing Social Change in South Africa: Lessons from Mayelane v Ngwenyama
Authors: Ozoemena RN
Published: January 2016

Several changes have occurred in South Africa within the customary law system to ensure gender justice, including the enactment of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998. The purpose of the Recognition Act is to recognise customary marriages as valid in law with equal status and capacity within the marriage for the parties to the marriage, and to regulate customary marriages. This has brought about changes to this social institution in an arena that is steeped in tradition and deep-rooted cultural practice. In 2013 the Constitutional Court in the Mayelane case developed the Xitsonga customary law to include the requirement of the consent of the first wife prior to her husband's taking another wife. This case yet again highlighted the difficulties that surround the practicalities of balancing the tripartite scheme of statutory, constitutional and living law. It remains a challenge for the Courts to determine the norms of African people. Hence the need for proper and much more vigorous engagement with the living law of the people.
The Constitutional Mandate for Social Welfare – Systemic Differences and links between Property, Land Rights and Housing Rights
Authors: Van der Walt AJ , Viljoen S
Published: January 2016

Our purpose in this article is to argue that, as far as the constitutional promotion and protection of social welfare is concerned, there are significant theoretical and systemic differences between property, land rights and housing rights. Our argument is shaped by the fact that these three sets of rights are recognised and protected separately in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, but we argue that the theoretical differences go beyond variations between constitutions and bills of rights from different traditions and time periods. In our view, there are sound theoretical, and therefore also systemic, reasons why it is necessary to at least keep the differences between property, land rights and housing rights in mind when analysing, interpreting and applying any of these rights in a specific constitutional text. Above all, we argue that the reduction of housing rights to just another category of property rights might well reduce or even erode the special social, historical and constitutional value and meaning of housing rights. We first consider theoretical arguments concerning the relationship between property, land rights and social welfare. In view of the theoretical analysis we proceed to consider the constitutional nature and status of property, land rights and housing rights in the South African context. We argue that both land rights (in the form of land redistribution and improved tenure security) and housing rights (in the form of the right of access to adequate housing) should be seen as discrete constitutional rights that stand on their own constitutional foundations and that they do not need to be protected as property rights. On the other hand, they are not fundamentally circumscribed or opposed by property rights either. Instead, the Constitution requires a new, typically constitutional methodology that gives full recognition and effect to all three sets of rights, each in its proper place. Seen in this perspective, property is neither the guardian nor the enemy of social welfare. Nevertheless, the purpose of the property clause in general cannot be isolated from social welfare concerns that relate to improved access to land and housing rights, nor from the constitutional imperative to provide stronger land and housing rights. Important connections exist between these divergent constitutional imperatives that should be acknowledged to ensure the efficient realisation of social welfare concerns.
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and Procedural Fairness in Consumer Contracts
Authors: Stoop PN
Published: January 2016

In general, the concept "contractual fairness" can be narrowed down, described and analysed with reference to the two interdependent types of fairness – substantive and procedural fairness. Measures aimed at procedural fairness in contracts address conduct during the bargaining process and generally aim at ensuring transparency. One could say that a contract is procedurally fair where its terms are transparent and do not mislead as to aspects of the goods, service, price and terms. Despite the noble aims of legislative measures aimed at procedural fairness there are certain limits to the efficacy of procedural measures and transparency. The special procedural measures which must be considered in terms of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 in order to decide if a contract is fair are analysed in this article, as are other measures contained in the Act, which may also increase procedural fairness, and are discussed so as to allow suppliers to predict whether their contracts will be procedurally fair or not in terms of the Act. The special procedural measures can be categorised under measures requiring disclosure and/or mandatory terms, and measures addressing bargaining position and choice. It is concluded that owing to the nature of all these factors and measures related to procedural fairness, it is clear that openness and transparency are required by the CPA.
International Law and Child Soldiers by Gus Waschefort
Authors: Robinson JA
Published: January 2016

Long gone are the days that the law pertaining to children essentially dealt with the position of children within the parent-child relationship. On the contrary it has become a highly specialised legal discipline in which international and regional conventions progressively establish norms and standards to be adhered to. This book by Waschefort, the 53rd volume in the series Studies in International Law, bears ample testimony to this. It reviews all of the international instruments containing proscriptive norms to prohibit the use and recruitment of child soldiers. It commences with an analysis of the current state of child soldiering internationally, after which relevant international instruments are comprehensively discussed with a clear focus on the question of whether or not the prohibitive norms are optimally enforced – are they capable of better enforcement?
Relative humidity-dependent viscosity of secondary organic material from toluene photo-oxidation and possible implications for organic particulate matter over megacities
Authors: Song M. , Liu P. F. , Hanna S. J. , Zaveri R. A. , Potter K. , You Y. , Martin S. T. , Bertram A. K.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. To improve predictions of air quality, visibility, and climate change, knowledge of the viscosities and diffusion rates within organic particulate matter consisting of secondary organic material (SOM) is required.Most qualitative and quantitative measurements of viscosity and diffusion rates within organic particulate matter have focused on SOM particles generated from biogenic VOCs such as α-pinene and isoprene. In this study, we quantify the relative humidity (RH)-dependent viscosities at 295 ± 1 K of SOM produced by photo-oxidation of toluene, an anthropogenic VOC. The viscosities of toluene-derived SOM were 2 × 10−1 to ∼6 × 106 Pa·s from 30 to 90 % RH, and greater than ~2 × 108 Pa·s (similar to or greater than the viscosity of tar pitch) for RH ≤ 17 %. These viscosities correspond to Stokes-Einstein-equivalent diffusion coefficients for large organic molecules of ~2 × 10−15 cm2·s−1 for 30 % RH, and lower than ~3 × 10−17 cm2·s−1 for RH ≤ 17 %. Based on these estimated diffusion coefficients, the mixing time of large organic molecules within 200 nm toluene-derived SOM particles is 0.1–5 hr for 30 % RH, and higher than ~100 hr for RH ≤ 17 %. These results were used, as a first-order approximation, to estimate if organic particulate matter will be in well-mixed over the world's top 15 most populous megacities. If the organic particulate matter in the megacities is similar to the toluene-derived SOM in this study, in Kolkata, Istanbul, Dhaka, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Mumbai, mixing times in organic particulate matter during extended periods of the year will be very short, and well-mixed particles can be assumed. On the other hand, the mixing times of large organic molecules in organic particulate matter in Delhi, Beijing, Mexico City, Cairo, and Karachi may be long and the particles may not be well-mixed in the afternoon (3:00–5:00 local time) during certain times of the year.
The relationship between climate change and wars waged between nomadic and farming groups from the Western Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty period
Authors: Su Y. , Liu L. , Fang X. Q. , Ma Y. N.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. In ancient China, shifts in regional productivity of agriculture and animal husbandry, caused by climate change, either led to wars or peaceful relations between nomadic and farming groups. During the period spanning the Western Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, 367 wars were waged between these groups. While 69 % of the wars were initiated by nomads, 62.4 % were won by the farming groups. On a centennial timescale, the battlegrounds were mostly in northern areas (at an average latitude of 38.92° N) during warm periods, moving southward (at an average latitude of 34.66° N) during cold periods. On a decadal timescale, warm climates corresponded to a high incidence of wars (a correlation coefficient of 0.293). While farming groups were inclined to initiate wars during dry and cold periods, their chances of achieving victory were reduced at such times. The main reasons for this are, first, that a warm climate provided a solid material foundation for nomadic and farming groups, contributing especially to enhanced productivity among the former. However, the overriding desire of nomadic groups to expand essential subsistence means led to wars. Second, during cold periods, farming groups moved to and settled in the south, while nomadic groups occupied the Central Plain. Thus, the locations of the battlefields also changed. While other factors also influenced these wars, climate change served as a backdrop, playing an indirect role in wars between these groups.