bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papel das Tic’s na atuação do supervisor e do gestor nas escolas
Authors: De Lima Adriana Benedita Soares , Setimo Ferreira Glauco D'anderson , Diniz de Castro Maria Aparecida Campos , Siqueira Pinto Helimara Vinhas
Published: August 2016

Esta pesquisa investigou a atuação do Supervisor de Ensino e do Gestor Escolar na Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba, a fim de identificar as disfunções nos processos administrativos e pedagógicos que inviabilizam a efetiva aprendizagem dos alunos. Nesse estudo de caso, foram efetuados levantamentos diagnósticos de processos escolares, apoiando-se em ferramentas administrativas e das tecnologias da informação e comunicação. Foram propostas e executadas, com os pesquisados, ferramentas que possibilitam mais eficácia na atuação desses profissionais na gestão das escolas com a elaboração de um planejamento estratégico e a execução de Projetos de Melhorias, utilizando as tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC). A metodologia apoiou-se em uma abordagem qualitativa e contou com a pesquisa bibliográfica. Os cenários da pesquisa foram duas escolas sob jurisdição da Diretoria de Ensino de Taubaté e os sujeitos pesquisados foram os supervisores, os diretores, os professores, os coordenadores e os funcionários dessas escolas. Foram utilizadas as ferramentas administrativas e tecnológicas: Árvore da Realidade Atual, Matrizes dos Projetos de Melhoria e Planilha (SPM).
Análise da satisfação dos consumidores finais: um estudo em uma empresa do setor de vending machines na cidade de Santa Maria – RS
Authors: Piveta Maíra Nunes , Scherer Flavia Luciane , Dos Santos Maríndia Brachak , Gomes Fabrício Nunes
Published: August 2016

As organizações estão inseridas em um ambiente concorrencial globalizado que sofre transformações e avanços constantemente. Diante desse cenário, a empresa Alpha, que comercializa máquinas automáticas de café e insumos, adotou como estratégia se aproximar dos seus consumidores finais. Desse modo, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi identificar e avaliar o grau de satisfação dos consumidores finais da empresa Alpha no que tange aos produtos e bebidas e marketing digital nas mídias sociais. A pesquisa pode ser classificada como descritiva quanto à natureza com abordagem quantitativa, por intermédio da aplicação de um instrumento de pesquisa junto a uma amostra de cento e vinte consumidores finais da empresa Alpha nos pontos de venda. Os resultados da pesquisa indicaram que, de maneira geral, a satisfação dos consumidores finais quanto aos produtos Alpha é grande, exceto no que se refere aos fatores preço e quantidade de açúcar. Ainda, observou-se que o alcance das ações de marketing digital da Alpha é baixo, sendo evidenciado por meio de baixos graus de satisfação justificados pela falta de conhecimento dos consumidores. Por fim, também foram apresentadas oportunidades e sugestões de melhorias.
Storytelling em Organizações: uma ferramenta de gestão e liderança
Authors: Gimenes Celso Huerta , Marin Débora Cristina Liba , Marin Jeferson Ricardo , Mello Roberto Correa de
Published: August 2016

Um líder bem sucedido é, um bom contador de histórias. Storytelling (contar histórias)sempre foi um recurso fundamental nos grupos humanos: neles, as histórias são usadas parasocializar, comunicar, liderar, planejar, pensar, ensinar, motivar, enganar, entender, advertir etantos outros fins. Uma história marcante, contada e repetida pelos dirigentes de umaorganização é, normalmente, mais motivadora para seus colaboradores do que manuais,normas e procedimentos escritos. No âmbito das organizações, os líderes geralmente se valemdas competências em contar histórias (metáforas, parábolas, casos, chavões, piadas) paradivulgar suas políticas, seus planos e modos de agir. Com base na literatura disponível, estetrabalho apresenta um panorama sobre o tema, a fim de colaborar com a disseminação, para asorganizações brasileiras, sobre a utilização de storytelling. Conclui-se que o storytelling setornou mais uma ferramenta a ser utilizada pelos líderes, cujos resultados de sua aplicaçãoainda não foram divulgados de forma ampla, devido ao ineditismo do tema, tendo-se apenasalguns relatos de sua utilização.
Inovação, organização e aprendizagem organizacional
Authors: Kenski Victor Wolowski
Published: August 2016

A inovação pode ser caracterizada de várias formas e atingir os diversos setores daorganização de forma diferenciada. Porém, o traço comum do processo da inovação é que ele não é autossustentado, ou seja, não tem dentro de si a propensão natural para o seu desenvolvimento. Ao contrário, ele precisa ser descoberto, priorizado, estimulado egerenciado durante todo o tempo para que possa ser eficaz para a organização. Para que uma empresa seja inovadora, cada nível hierárquico tem um papel a desempenhar e umaimportância e participação nesse processo e precisa deter o conhecimento necessário para lidar com o problema nos diversos escalões da empresa e nas suas mais variadas formas. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar algumas caracterizações de inovação, mostrar a postura desejada de cada nível da empresa e sugerir abordagens para a aprendizagem organizacional para que a empresa, como um todo, seja capaz de gerar, assimilar e ter uma postura de inovação permanente como modo de estabelecer e manter uma vantagem competitiva sustentável. A inovação não é um processo espontâneo, é baseada no conhecimento e é onde todos os níveis e setores da organização deverão estar envolvidos.
E-learning como meio de realizar aprendizagem organizacional e gestão do conhecimento nas organizações
Authors: Clementino Adriana , Barbosa Ana Cristina L. S.
Published: August 2016

Intensas mudanças caracterizaram as últimas décadas, inovações de todos os tipos estão sendo geradas e difundidas e é primordial contar com uma base de conhecimento  sustentada por um processo de aprendizado contínuo. Este artigo objetiva abordar os conceitos de Conhecimento e Aprendizagem Organizacional sob a ótica da Gestão do Conhecimento. O e-learning como uma tendência atual para a integração de fontes heterogêneas de conhecimento em um meio único de acesso pode melhorar decisões, gerar novos conhecimentos para vantagens competitivas e reduzir custos nas empresas. Entretanto, investir em e-learning pensando única e exclusivamente em reduzir custos de logística, sem considerar seriamente a eficácia da aprendizagem e a mudança cultural necessária para sua implementação, é um caminho fadado a múltiplos desgastes, resistências e ineficiências.
Brasil de 1964 A 1969: entre avanços e retrocessos
Authors: Lins Dulciane Torres
Published: August 2016

Há dois momentos de ruptura essenciais à compreensão do processo político e cultural brasileiro, e a atuação repressora do Estado foi-se intensificando à medida que determinados setores da sociedade lutavam contra as arbitrariedades do regime. Este artigo objetiva apresentar um painel da situação política e social brasileira, compreendendo os principais fatos que antecederam o golpe em 1964 até o ano imediatamente posterior à decretação do Ato Institucional nº 5 (AI-5). Entre 1964 e 1968 o Estado reprime, sobretudo, a atuação política de sindicatos e partidos políticos, entre outros agentes, enquanto a atuação política manifesta por meio da produção cultural floresce consideravelmente no mesmo período.
O perfil da pesquisa contábil sobre IFRS: uma revisão bibliométrica dos artigos internacionais sobre a matéria
Authors: Martins Andressa Iovine , João Belmiro Nascimento , Marion Jose Carlos
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de identificar o que está sendo pesquisado sobre International Financial Rerporting Standards (IFRS) no mundo, quem está produzindo, quais as pesquisas mais impactantes; quais periódicos mais veiculam artigos sobre a matéria e os mais impactantes; os períodos de maior produção sobre a matéria e o local. A metodologia aplicada baseou-se em preceitos da pesquisa bibliométrica, utilizando como base de dados o sistema Web of Science (WoS) do índice de citações Institute for Scientific Information- ISI - Citation Indexes. Foram encontrados 150 artigos para o termo de pesquisa “International Financial Rerporting Standards” e 147 para o termo “IFRS”, nas quatro principais categorias do WoS relacionadas à matéria. O resultado da pesquisa conforme os dois termos utilizados foi bastante divergente. Observou-se que os autores mais produtivos não são necessariamente os mais influentes, o que se repetiu quanto aos periódicos. A grande maioria da produção ocorreu a partir do ano de 2006 e os países que se destacaram, em termos quantitativos, foram Estados Unidos, Alemanha,Austrália e Inglaterra
Implantação do custeio ABC em uma empresa do ramo de prestação de serviços
Authors: Castro Luiz Ricardo Aguena Jacintho Gil de , Santos Fernando de Almeida
Published: August 2016

Este trabalho descreve a implantação do método de custeio baseado em atividades (ABC) em uma empresa limitada de serviços contábeis fiscais e destaca os aspectos considerados positivos e negativos que foram observados na implantação. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na área de apuração dos custos do setor fiscal, sendo que para desenvolver esse trabalho foram utilizados referenciais bibliográficos, documentos internos da empresa, acesso ao sistema e visita in loco. No desenvolvimento das operações descreve-se os custos mensais do setor fiscal e suas principais atividades, sendo que, por meio dessas informações foram elaborados os direcionadores e implantado o método ABC (Custeio Baseado em Atividades). Com a implantação evidenciou-se que o sistema possibilita melhor visualização para tomada de decisões, além de possibilitar aprendizado para a empresa, sendo que o método implantado deverá ser usado por período indeterminado.
A força da intranet nos processos de comunicação em empresas retro portuárias do porto de Santos
Authors: Vieira Fernanda Barazal Duarte , Claro José Alberto Carvalho dos Santos
Published: August 2016

Este trabalho propõe uma análise do processo de Comunicação Interna e da utilização das novas mídias, focando a Intranet como ferramenta de trabalho e desenvolvimento do capital intelectual. Ocorreu revisão teórica e estudo empírico que buscasse vivenciar o processo de comunicação interna. Foram selecionadas, como universo da pesquisa, as empresas retroportuárias alfandegadas do Porto de Santos, sendo entrevistados os responsáveis pela comunicação com o seu público interno. Percebeu-se o potencial da Intranet e das ferramentas colaborativas como aliadas no complexo processo de comunicação e desenvolvimento de pessoas, assim como a conscientização dos benefícios que as novas tecnologias proporcionaram às empresas estudadas.
A importância da educação financeira nas empresas sob o aspecto da produtividade e da redução dos acidentes de trabalho
Authors: Santos Liliane Souza
Published: August 2016

O problema das dívidas pessoais está cada vez mais presente na vida das pessoas. O que antes era considerado um problema apenas pessoal se tornou em parte um problema das organizações, pois quando o funcionário está endividado, ele acaba trazendo seus problemas para dentro da empresa. Com isso a educação financeira passou a ser cada vez mais importante para as empresas. Hoje, 5% das grandes empresas no Brasil já inseriram educação financeira para seus funcionários. Essa pesquisa mostra que os problemas recorrentes com as dividas levam os funcionários a perderem o foco em suas atividades, a cometerem mais erros no processo, a faltarem mais no trabalho e, em casos mais extremos, a pedirem demissão, tendo em vista o recebimento do fundo de garantia pelo tempo de trabalho. Com a educação financeira, os colaboradores aprendem a administrar suas finanças, a quitar suas dívidas e não adquirir dívidas que não possam quitar. Com funcionários sem problemas financeiros, a produtividade aumenta e a qualidade do processo também. A vantagem é para a empresa e para o funcionário.
Nominata de Avaliadores Ad Hoc 2013
Authors: Santos Fernando Almeida
Published: August 2016

A Revista CientÃ­fica Hermes tem missÃ£o de incentivar Ã  divulgaÃ§Ã£o de pesquisas com qualidade, portanto, em 2011 implantou o sistema de avaliaÃ§Ã£o de pares, pelo mÃ©todo Double Blind Review. Agradecemos a todos os docentes que, no ano de 2013, colaboraram de forma voluntÃ¡ria na avaliaÃ§Ã£o dos artigos.
Paraprotein–Related Kidney Disease: Kidney Injury from Paraproteins—What Determines the Site of Injury?
Authors: Doshi Mona , Lahoti Amit , Danesh Farhad R. , Batuman Vecihi , Sanders Paul W. ,   on behalf of the American Society of Nephrology Onco-Nephrology Forum
Published: August 2016

Disorders of plasma and B cells leading to paraproteinemias are associated with a variety of renal diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of injury and associated nephropathies provides a framework that aids clinicians in prompt diagnosis and appropriate adjunctive treatment of these disorders. Glomerular diseases that may be associated with paraproteinemias include amyloid deposition, monoclonal Ig deposition disease, proliferative GN with monoclonal Ig deposits, C3 glomerulopathy caused by alterations in the complement pathway, immunotactoid glomerulopathy, fibrillary GN, and cryoglobulinemia. Tubular lesions include the classic Fanconi syndrome, light–chain proximal tubulopathy, interstitial fibrosis, and cast nephropathy. These paraproteinemic renal diseases are distinct in their pathogenesis as well as their urinary and kidney biopsy findings. Renal pathology is usually initiated by deposition and direct involvement of the intact monoclonal Ig or Ig fragments with resident cells of the nephron. Our review summarizes current insights into the underlying molecular pathogenesis of these interesting kidney lesions.
An Overview of Concentrated Insulin Products
Authors: Painter Nathan A. , Sisson Evan
Published: August 2016

IN BRIEF This article provides a summary of the use of available concentrated insulins in the outpatient treatment of patients with diabetes. Concentrated insulins work through the same mechanisms as other insulin products. They vary from each other in concentrations and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics profiles but are each similar to their U-100 concentration counterparts. Patient education is important to minimize errors and the risk of hypoglycemia when using these insulin formulations.
Miscarriage following dengue virus 3 infection in the first six weeks of pregnancy of a dengue virus-naive traveller returning from Bali to Italy, April 2016
Authors: Zavattoni Maurizio , Rovida Francesca , Campanini Giulia , Percivalle Elena , Sarasini Antonella , Cristini Graziella , Tomasoni Lina Rachele , Castelli Francesco , Baldanti Fausto
Published: August 2016

We report miscarriage following dengue virus (DENV)-3 infection in a pregnant woman returning from Bali to Italy in April 2016. On her arrival, the woman had fever, rash, asthenia and headache. DENV RNA was detected in plasma and urine samples collected the following day. Six days after symptom onset, she had a miscarriage. DENV RNA was detected in fetal material, but in utero fetal infection cannot be demonstrated due to possible contamination by maternal blood.
Brucellosis in a refugee who migrated from Syria to Germany and lessons learnt, 2016
Authors: Grunow Roland , Jacob Daniela , Klee Silke , Schlembach Dietmar , Jackowski-Dohrmann Sabine , Loenning-Baucke Vera , Eberspächer Bettina , Swidsinski Sonja
Published: August 2016

A teenage woman migrating from Syria arrived in May 2015 in Germany. She gave birth to a healthy child in early 2016, but became febrile shortly after delivery. Blood cultures revealed Brucella melitensis. In retrospect, she reported contact with sheep in Syria and recurrent pain in the hip joints over about five months before diagnosis of brucellosis. We discuss consequences for adequate treatment of mother and child as well as for clinical and laboratory management.
Practical synthesis of symmetrical thioureas and heterocyclic thiones in water
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Liu Dawei , Chen Yuan , Yin Yue , Wang Zhiming , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2016

A simple and practical protocol for the synthesis of symmetric thioureas and heterocyclic thiones has been developed. It involves the reaction of amines with phenyl chlorothionoformate in water to afford the symmetrical thioureas or heterocyclic thiones in good to excellent yields. Various amines including aromatic, aliphatic and chiral amines survived the reaction conditions. Mild conditions, simple work-up and high yields as well as using water as solvent are the major advantages of this protocol.
BBS News Vol.7(1)
Authors: Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: August 2016

BBS signed a MOU in January 2015 with AUSN, Arizona, USA for sending its members with scholarships for one year Master of Bioethics & Global Public Health (MBGPH) and Master of Public Health (MPH). Out of 15 students, eleven students have graduated for the session of 2014-2015.
Estimation of Total Transport CO2 Emissions Generated by Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs) in a Sector of Korea
Authors: Seo Jigu , Park Junhong , Oh Yunjung , Park Sungwook
Published: August 2016

In order to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, policy action that addresses vehicle emissions is essential. While many previous studies have focused on light-duty vehicles (LDV), little is known about medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDV). This study lays the groundwork for future MHDV investigations in the Republic of Korea by developing an MHDV CO2 emissions inventory. The bottom-up approach was used to calculate national CO2 emissions. Simulation methods that calculated the CO2 emissions of each vehicle and statistical data, such as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and the number of registered vehicles were used to predict CO2 emissions. The validity of this simulation model was examined by comparing it with the chassis dynamometer test results. The results of this study showed that the CO2 emissions of MHDV in 2015 were 24.47 million tons, which was 25.5% of the total road transportation CO2 emissions, despite only comprising 4.2% of the total vehicles. Trucks emitted 69.6% and buses emitted 30.4% of the total MHDV CO2 emissions. Using the results between 2012 and 2015, the level of business-as-usual (BAU) CO2 emissions will be 25.37 million tons in 2020.
Age-Related Changes in Segmental Body Composition by Ethnicity and History of Weight Change across the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Tian Simiao , Morio Béatrice , Denis Jean-Baptiste , Mioche Laurence
Published: August 2016

This study assessed age-related changes in body composition (specifically in trunk fat and appendicular lean masses), with consideration of body mass index (BMI) at age 20 years (BMI reference age, “BMIref”), ethnicity and lifetime weight change history. A cross-sectional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based dataset was extracted from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004. Only European-American and African-American subjects were used (2705 men, 2527 women). For each gender and ethnicity, 6 analytic cases were considered, based on three BMIref categories (normal, overweight and obese, being 22, 27 and 30 kg/m2, respectively) and two weight contexts (stable weight or weight gain across the lifespan). A nonparametric model was developed to investigate age-related changes in body composition. Then, parametric modelling was developed for assessing BMIref- and ethnicity-specific effects during aging. In the stable weight, both genders’ and ethnicities’ trunk fat (TF) increased gradually; body fat (BF) remained stable until 40 years and increased thereafter; trunk lean (TL) remained stable, but appendicular lean (APL) and body lean (BL) declined from 20 years. In the weight gain context, TF and BF increased at a constant rate, while APL, TL and BL increased until 40–50 years, and then declined slightly. Compared with European-American subjects of both genders, African-American subjects had lower TF and BF masses. Ethnic differences in body composition were quantified and found to remain constant across the lifespan.
Capital Regulation and Bank Risk-Taking Behavior: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Badar , Arshad Sidra , Hu Yuancheng
Published: August 2016

In response to the global financial crisis of 2007–2009, risk-based capital requirements have been reinforced in the new Basel III Accord to counter excessive bank risk-taking behavior. However, prior theoretical as well as empirical literature that studies the impact of risk-based capital requirements on bank risk-taking behavior is inconclusive. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of risk-based capital requirements on bank risk-taking behavior, using a panel dataset of 21 listed commercial banks of Pakistan over the period 2005–2012. Purely regulatory measures of bank capital, capital adequacy ratio, and bank assets portfolio risk, risk-weighted assets to total assets ratio, are used for the main analysis. Recently developed small N panel methods (bias corrected least squares dummy variable (LSDVC) method and system GMM method with instruments collapse option) are used to control for panel fixed effects, dynamic dependent variables, and endogenous independent variables. Overall, the results suggest that commercial banks have reduced assets portfolio risk in response to stringent risk-based capital requirements. Results also confirm that all banks having risk-based capital ratios either lower or higher than the regulatory required limits, have decreased portfolio risk in response to stringent risk-based capital requirements. The results are robust to alternative proxies of bank risk-taking, alternative estimation methods, and alternative samples.
Methodology for Evaluating the Quality of Ecosystem Maps: A Case Study in the Andes
Authors: Armenteras Dolors , González Tania , Luque Francisco , López Denis , Rodríguez Nelly
Published: August 2016

Uncertainty in thematic maps has been tested mainly in maps with discrete or fuzzy classifications based on spectral data. However, many ecosystem maps in tropical countries consist of discrete polygons containing information on various ecosystem properties such as vegetation cover, soil, climate, geomorphology and biodiversity. The combination of these properties into one class leads to error. We propose a probability-based sampling design with two domains, multiple stages, and stratification with selection of primary sampling units (PSUs) proportional to the richness of strata present. Validation is undertaken through field visits and fine resolution remote sensing data. A pilot site in the center of the Colombian Andes was chosen to validate a government official ecosystem map. Twenty primary sampling units (PSUs) of 10 × 15 km were selected, and the final numbers of final sampling units (FSUs) were 76 for the terrestrial domain and 46 for the aquatic domain. Our results showed a confidence level of 95%, with the accuracy in the terrestrial domain varying between 51.8% and 64.3% and in the aquatic domain varying between 75% and 92%. Governments need to account for uncertainty since they rely on the quality of these maps to make decisions and guide policies.
Continuous Road Network Generalization throughout All Scales
Authors: Šuba Radan , Meijers Martijn , Oosterom Peter
Published: August 2016

Until now, road network generalization has mainly been applied to the task of generalizing from one fixed source scale to another fixed target scale. These actions result in large differences in content and representation, e.g., a sudden change of the representation of road segments from areas to lines, which may confuse users. Therefore, we aim at the continuous generalization of a road network for the whole range, from the large scale, where roads are represented as areas, to mid- and small scales, where roads are represented progressively more frequently as lines. As a consequence of this process, there is an intermediate scale range where at the same time some roads will be represented as areas, while others will be represented as lines. We propose a new data model together with a specific data structure where for all map objects, a range of valid map scales is stored. This model is based on the integrated and explicit representation of: (1) a planar area partition; and (2) a linear road network. This enables the generalization process to include the knowledge and understanding of a linear network. This paper further discusses the actual generalization options and algorithms for populating this data structure with high quality vario-scale cartographic content.
Advancing the Direction of Health Information Management in Greek Public Hospitals: Theoretical Directions and Methodological Implications for Sharing Information in order to Obtain Decision-Making
Authors: Lappa Evagelia
Published: August 2016

Although consultants have long placed the use of research information at the centre of their activity, the extent that physicians use this information tends to vary widely. Despite this study and its recommendations, there is still a gap between the functions of a manager and the use of the associated information, while the decision-making procedures vary according to the organization in which they work. The cost of IT remains the largest barrier, while some current IT solutions are not user friendly and out-of-date, particularly for public hospitals in Greece. The knowledge management is concerned not only with the facts and figures of production, but also with the know-how of staff. The information needs protocol should not be referred only to those who comply with formal computer-based information systems, but also to those who take into account other informal information and its flow within the organization. In a field such as medicine, where out-of-date information may be positively dangerous, doctors make heavy use of journals and several texts from the web. The decision-making process is a complex approach, particularly in human diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Therefore, it is very important to set priorities in the sector of health information management and promote education and training on information and communication technology (ICT).
Zirconium-Catalyzed Alkene Hydrophosphination and Dehydrocoupling with an Air-Stable, Fluorescent Primary Phosphine
Authors: Bange Christine , Mucha Neil , Cousins Morgan , Gehsmann Abigail , Singer Anna , Truax Taylor , Higham Lee , Waterman Rory
Published: August 2016

Zirconium-catalyzed alkene hydrophosphination and dehydrocoupling with an air-stable, fluorescent primary phosphine 8-[(4-phosphino)phenyl]-4,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,6-diethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene furnishes fluorescent phosphine products. Hydrophosphination of the fluorescent phosphine produces products with a complete selectivity for the secondary product. A key intermediate in catalysis, a zirconium phosphido compound, was isolated.
Modeling Water Motion near Seismic Waves Propagating across a Graded Seabed, as Generated by Man-Made Impacts
Authors: Hazelwood Richard , Macey Patrick
Published: August 2016

Seismic interface waves generated by seabed impacts are believed to have biological importance. Various wave types are of interest to seismologists, who can minimize the unwanted, but often dominant, ground roll waves with suitable instrumentation. Waves made by dredging and piling have been measured using geophones and found to be of this interface type, which propagate much more slowly than the pressure waves in the water column above. Short interface wavelets of a few cycles were modeled using transient finite element analysis (FEA). Wavelets with low losses have been modeled using graded sediment data from the literature. They do not radiate energy away from the interface because the evanescent acoustic pressures they generate decay rapidly with distance from the seabed. Associated water particle velocities are much greater than would be expected from similar acoustic pressure measurements in a free field. This motion is significant to aquatic life which is dependent on inertial sensors (otoliths, etc.) to respond to the environment. Additional amplification of the horizontal seabed motion of the adjacent water is predicted for a short seismic wavelet modeled in a graded solid seabed. Further recent analysis studied the distribution of the energy flux within the sediment layers.
Generalized Effective Medium Theory for Particulate Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad , Arif Abul
Published: August 2016

The thermal conductivity of particulate nanocomposites is strongly dependent on the size, shape, orientation and dispersion uniformity of the inclusions. To correctly estimate the effective thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite, all these factors should be included in the prediction model. In this paper, the formulation of a generalized effective medium theory for the determination of the effective thermal conductivity of particulate nanocomposites with multiple inclusions is presented. The formulated methodology takes into account all the factors mentioned above and can be used to model nanocomposites with multiple inclusions that are randomly oriented or aligned in a particular direction. The effect of inclusion dispersion non-uniformity is modeled using a two-scale approach. The applications of the formulated effective medium theory are demonstrated using previously published experimental and numerical results for several particulate nanocomposites.
Effects of Rapid Thermal Annealing on the Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of Zr-Doped ZnO Thin Films Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Wu Jingjin , Zhao Yinchao , Zhao Ce , Yang Li , Lu Qifeng , Zhang Qian , Smith Jeremy , Zhao Yongming
Published: August 2016

The 4 at. % zirconium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Zr) films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were annealed at various temperatures ranging from 350 to 950 °C. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treated ZnO:Zr films have been evaluated to find out the stability limit. It was found that the grain size increased at 350 °C and decreased between 350 and 850 °C, while creeping up again at 850 °C. UV–vis characterization shows that the optical band gap shifts towards larger wavelengths. The Hall measurement shows that the resistivity almost keeps constant at low annealing temperatures, and increases rapidly after treatment at 750 °C due to the effect of both the carrier concentration and the Hall mobility. The best annealing temperature is found in the range of 350–550 °C. The ZnO:Zr film-coated glass substrates show good optical and electrical performance up to 550 °C during superstrate thin film solar cell deposition.
Role of Measurement Incompatibility and Uncertainty in Determining Nonlocality
Authors: Kar Guruprasad , Ghosh Sibasish , Choudhary Sujit , Banik Manik
Published: August 2016

It has been recently shown that measurement incompatibility and fine grained uncertainty—a particular form of preparation uncertainty relation—are deeply related to the nonlocal feature of quantum mechanics. In particular, the degree of measurement incompatibility in a no-signaling theory determines the bound on the violation of Bell-CHSH inequality, and a similar role is also played by (fine-grained) uncertainty along with steering, a subtle non-local phenomenon. We review these connections, along with comments on the difference in the roles played by measurement incompatibility and uncertainty. We also discuss why the toy model of Spekkens (Phys. Rev. A 75, 032110 (2007)) shows no nonlocal feature even though steering is present in this theory.
Immunoregulatory Effects Triggered by Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides: New Insights into Molecular Interactions with Host Cells
Authors: Laiño Jonathan , Villena Julio , Kanmani Paulraj , Kitazawa Haruki
Published: August 2016

Researchers have demonstrated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with immunomodulatory capabilities (immunobiotics) exert their beneficial effects through several molecules, including cell wall, peptidoglycan, and exopolysaccharides (EPS), that are able to interact with specific host cell receptors. EPS from LAB show a wide heterogeneity in its composition, meaning that biological properties depend on the strain and. therefore, only a part of the mechanism of action has been elucidated for these molecules. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the health-promoting actions of EPS from LAB with special focus on their immunoregulatory actions. In addition, we describe our studies using porcine intestinal epithelial cells (PIE cells) as a model to evaluate the molecular interactions of EPS from two immunobiotic LAB strains and the host cells. Our studies showed that EPS from immunobiotic LAB have anti-inflammatory capacities in PIE cells since they are able to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines in cells challenged with the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4-agonist lipopolysaccharide. The effects of EPS were dependent on TLR2, TLR4, and negative regulators of TLR signaling. We also reported that the radioprotective 105 (RP105)/MD1 complex, a member of the TLR family, is partially involved in the immunoregulatory effects of the EPS from LAB. Our work described, for the first time, that LAB and their EPS reduce inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells in a RP105/MD1-dependent manner. A continuing challenge for the future is to reveal more effector-receptor relationships in immunobiotic-host interactions that contribute to the beneficial effects of these bacteria on mucosal immune homeostasis. A detailed molecular understanding should lead to a more rational use of immunobiotics in general, and their EPS in particular, as efficient prevention and therapies for specific immune-related disorders in humans and animals.
Phytomining for Artisanal Gold Mine Tailings Management
Authors: Krisnayanti Baiq , Anderson Christopher , Sukartono S. , Afandi Yusrin , Suheri Herman , Ekawanti Ardiana
Published: August 2016

Mine tailings are generally disposed of by artisanal and small scale gold miners in poorly constructed containment areas and this leads to environmental risk. Gold phytomining could be a possible option for tailings management at artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) locations where plants accumulate residual gold in their above ground biomass. The value of metal recovered from plants could offset some of the costs of environmental management. Getting gold into plants has been repeatedly demonstrated by many research groups; however, a simple working technology to get gold out of plants is less well described. A field experiment to assess the relevance of the technology to artisanal miners was conducted in Central Lombok, Indonesia between April and June 2015. Tobacco was planted in cyanidation tailings (1 mg/kg gold) and grown for 2.5 months before the entire plot area was irrigated with NaCN to induce metal uptake. Biomass was then harvested (100 kg), air dried, and ashed by miners in equipment currently used to ash activated carbon at the end of a cyanide leach circuit. Borax and silver as a collector metal were added to the tobacco ash and smelted at high temperature to extract metals from the ash. The mass of the final bullion (39 g) was greater than the mass of silver used as a collector (31 g), indicating recovery of metals from the biomass through the smelt process. The gold yield of this trial was low (1.2 mg/kg dry weight biomass concentration), indicating that considerable work must still be done to optimise valuable metal recovery by plants at the field scale. However, the described method to process the biomass was technically feasible, and represents a valid technique that artisanal and small-scale gold miners are willing to adopt if the economic case is good.
Bioactive Thiazine and Benzothiazine Derivatives: Green Synthesis Methods and Their Medicinal Importance
Authors: Badshah Syed , Naeem Abdul
Published: August 2016

Thiazines are a group of heterocyclic organic compounds that are still largely unexplored for their pharmacological activities. There are different available methods for the synthesis of thiazine derivatives in the literature. In this review, we discuss available methods of thiazine preparation through green synthesis methods. Beside their synthesis, many thiazine derivatives are biologically active and play an important role in the treatment of various diseases and show promising results of varying degrees, where they act as antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antimalarial, antineoplastic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticancer agents and thus they represent an interesting class of heterocyclic medicinal compounds worthy of further exploration.
Efficient Enzyme-Free Biomimetic Sensors for Natural Phenol Detection
Authors: Ferreira Garcia Luane , Ribeiro Souza Aparecido , Sanz Lobón Germán , Dos Santos Wallans , Alecrim Morgana , Fontes Santiago Mariângela , De Sotomayor Rafael , De Souza Gil Eric
Published: August 2016

The development of sensors and biosensors based on copper enzymes and/or copper oxides for phenol sensing is disclosed in this work. The electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry using standard solutions of potassium ferrocyanide, phosphate/acetate buffers and representative natural phenols in a wide pH range (3.0 to 9.0). Among the natural phenols herein investigated, the highest sensitivity was observed for rutin, a powerful antioxidant widespread in functional foods and ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. The calibration curve for rutin performed at optimum pH (7.0) was linear in a broad concentration range, 1 to 120 µM (r = 0.99), showing detection limits of 0.4 µM. The optimized biomimetic sensor was also applied in total phenol determination in natural samples, exhibiting higher stability and sensitivity as well as distinct selectivity for antioxidant compounds.
Influence of Cysteine and Tryptophan Substitution on DNA-Binding Activity on Maize α-Hairpinin Antimicrobial Peptide
Authors: Sousa Daniel , Porto William , Silva Maria , Da Silva Tatiane , Franco Octávio
Published: August 2016

For almost four decades, antimicrobial peptides have been studied, and new classes are being discovered. However, for therapeutic use of these molecules, issues related to the mechanism of action must be answered. In this work, the antimicrobial activity of the hairpinin MBP-1 was studied by the synthesis of two variants, one replacing cysteines and one tryptophan with alanine. Antibacterial activity was abolished in both variants. No membrane disturbance, even in concentrations higher than those required to inhibit the bacteria, was observed in SEM microscopy. The gel retardation assay showed that MBP-1 possesses a higher DNA-binding ability than variants. Finally, molecular modelling showed that the lack of cysteines resulted in structure destabilization and lack of tryptophan resulted in a less flexible peptide, with less solvent assessable surface area, both characteristics that could contribute to absence of activity. In summary, the data here reported add more information about the multiple mechanisms of action of α-hairpinins.
Physicochemical Changes and Resistant-Starch Content of Extruded Cornstarch with and without Storage at Refrigerator Temperatures
Authors: Neder-Suárez David , Amaya-Guerra Carlos , Quintero-Ramos Armando , Pérez-Carrillo Esther , Alanís-Guzmán María , Báez-González Juan , García-Díaz Carlos , Núñez-González María , Lardizábal-Gutiérrez Daniel , Jiménez-Castro Jorge
Published: August 2016

Effects of extrusion cooking and low-temperature storage on the physicochemical changes and resistant starch (RS) content in cornstarch were evaluated. The cornstarch was conditioned at 20%–40% moisture contents and extruded in the range 90–130 °C and at screw speeds in the range 200–360 rpm. The extrudates were stored at 4 °C for 120 h and then at room temperature. The water absorption, solubility index, RS content, viscoelastic, thermal, and microstructural properties of the extrudates were evaluated before and after storage. The extrusion temperature and moisture content significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the extrudates before and after storage. The RS content increased with increasing moisture content and extrusion temperature, and the viscoelastic and thermal properties showed related behaviors. Microscopic analysis showed that extrusion cooking damaged the native starch structure, producing gelatinization and retrogradation and forming RS. The starch containing 35% moisture and extruded at 120 °C and 320 rpm produced the most RS (1.13 g/100 g) after to storage at low temperature. Although the RS formation was low, the results suggest that extrusion cooking could be advantageous for RS production and application in the food industry since it is a pollution less, continuous process requiring only a short residence time.
Dietary Intake and Sources of Potassium and the Relationship to Dietary Sodium in a Sample of Australian Pre-School Children
Authors: O’Halloran Siobhan , Grimes Carley , Lacy Kathleen , Campbell Karen , Nowson Caryl
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the intake and food sources of potassium and the molar sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratio in a sample of Australian pre-school children. Mothers provided dietary recalls of their 3.5 years old children (previous participants of Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial). The average daily potassium intake, the contribution of food groups to daily potassium intake, the Na:K ratio, and daily serves of fruit, dairy, and vegetables, were assessed via three unscheduled 24 h dietary recalls. The sample included 251 Australian children (125 male), mean age 3.5 (0.19) (SD) years. Mean potassium intake was 1618 (267) mg/day, the Na:K ratio was 1.47 (0.5) and 54% of children did not meet the Australian recommended adequate intake (AI) of 2000 mg/day for potassium. Main food sources of potassium were milk (27%), fruit (19%), and vegetable (14%) products/dishes. Food groups with the highest Na:K ratio were processed meats (7.8), white bread/rolls (6.0), and savoury sauces and condiments (5.4). Children had a mean intake of 1.4 (0.75) serves of fruit, 1.4 (0.72) dairy, and 0.52 (0.32) serves of vegetables per day. The majority of children had potassium intakes below the recommended AI. The Na:K ratio exceeded the recommended level of 1 and the average intake of vegetables was 2 serves/day below the recommended 2.5 serves/day and only 20% of recommended intake. An increase in vegetable consumption in pre-school children is recommended to increase dietary potassium and has the potential to decrease the Na:K ratio which is likely to have long-term health benefits.
Effect of High Fat Dietary Intake during Maternal Gestation on Offspring Ovarian Health in a Pig Model
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Che Long , Yang Zhenguo , Zhang Pan , Shi Jiankai , Li Jian , Lin Yan , Fang Zhengfeng , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Wu De , Xu Shengyu
Published: August 2016

Excessive fat intake is a global health concern as women of childbearing age increasingly ingest a high fat diet. We therefore determined the association of a maternal high fat diet in pregnancy with offspring ovarian health during the gestation and postnatal female offspring in pig a model. Thirty-two Yorkshire gilts with similar bodyweights mated at the third estrus were randomly assigned to two nutrition levels of either a control (CON, crude fat: 7.27%) or a high fat diet (HFD, crude fat: 11.78%). Ovary samples were collected during the fetal (Day 55 (g55) and Day 90 of gestation (g90)) and offspring (prepuberty Day 160 (d160) and age at puberty) period to detect ovary development, antioxidant status and apoptosis cells. Maternal HFD did not influence notch signaling gene expression, which regulates primordial follicle formation and transformation, and ovarian histological effect at g55 and g90. However, maternal HFD reduced the numbers of large follicles at d160 and small follicle numbers upon puberty compared to CON in offspring. The results also revealed that the antioxidant index of total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), cytoplasmic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and mRNA expression were higher in the CON than the HFD at g90 and d160, whereas, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was decreased in the CON. Maternal HFD increased the inhibitor of the apoptosis-related gene of B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl2) mRNA expression at g90 and d160, whereas, pro-apoptotic-related gene bcl-2 assaciated X protein (bax) was reduced. These data show that the maternal high fat diet does not delay fetal ovarian development, but it changes ovarian health by the induction of oxidative stress and accelerating cell apoptosis in offspring.
A Micromachined Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor with a Shield Layer
Authors: Cao Gang , Wang Xiaoping , Xu Yong , Liu Sheng
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a piezoresistive pressure sensor with a shield layer for improved stability. Compared with the conventional piezoresistive pressure sensors, the new one reported in this paper has an n-type shield layer that covers p-type piezoresistors. This shield layer aims to minimize the impact of electrical field and reduce the temperature sensitivity of piezoresistors. The proposed sensors have been successfully fabricated by bulk-micromachining techniques. A sensitivity of 0.022 mV/V/kPa and a maximum non-linearity of 0.085% FS are obtained in a pressure range of 1 MPa. After numerical simulation, the role of the shield layer has been experimentally investigated. It is demonstrated that the shield layer is able to reduce the drift caused by electrical field and ambient temperature variation.
Low-Cost Soil Moisture Profile Probe Using Thin-Film Capacitors and a Capacitive Touch Sensor
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Shigeta Ryo , Miyamoto Naoya , Shirahama Yasutomo , Nishioka Kazuhiro , Mizoguchi Masaru , Kawahara Yoshihiro
Published: August 2016

Soil moisture is an important property for agriculture, but currently commercialized soil moisture sensors are too expensive for many farmers. The objective of this study is to develop a low-cost soil moisture sensor using capacitors on a film substrate and a capacitive touch integrated circuit. The performance of the sensor was evaluated in two field experiments: a grape field and a mizuna greenhouse field. The developed sensor captured dynamic changes in soil moisture at 10, 20, and 30 cm depth, with a period of 10–14 days required after sensor installation for the contact between capacitors and soil to settle down. The measured soil moisture showed the influence of individual sensor differences, and the influence masked minor differences of less than 0.05 m3·m−3 in the soil moisture at different locations. However, the developed sensor could detect large differences of more than 0.05 m3·m−3, as well as the different magnitude of changes, in soil moisture. The price of the developed sensor was reduced to 300 U.S. dollars and can be reduced even more by further improvements suggested in this study and by mass production. Therefore, the developed sensor will be made more affordable to farmers as it requires low financial investment, and it can be utilized for decision-making in irrigation.