bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and Structure of Amino Fatty Acid Intercalated Montmorillonite
Authors: Reyes Larry Q.
Published: January 2018

For nanocomposite production, montmorillonite clays are often modified with organic surfactants to favor its intermixing with the polymer matrix. In the present study, Na+-montmorillonite (Na+-MMT) was subjected to organo-modification by cation exchange with protonated 12-aminolauric (ALA). The amount of the amino fatty acid surfactants loaded were 25, 50, 100 and 200% times the CEC of Na+-montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the interlayer spacing of the clay increased from 1.25 to 1.82 nm with increasing ALA content. The amino fatty acid chain were considered to be arranged into a flat monolayer structure at low surfactant loading, while they form a bilayered to a pseudotrilayered structure at high surfactant loading. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the alkylchains adopt a gauche conformation indicating their disordered state. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) revealed that the surfactant in the clay were thermally stable with Td ranging from 353 to 417°. The difference in the melting behavior of the pristine fatty amino fatty acids and confined fatty acids in the interlayer galleries of the clay were evaluated differential scanning calorimerty (DSC). The melting temperatures (Tm) of the amino fatty acid in the clay were intitially higher than the free amino fatty acid but decreased with increasing surfactant loading. The amino fatty acid may be tethered to the clay structure via ionic interaction or ion-dipole attraction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the organo-clays have a disordered and flaky morphology. The present study suggests that 12ALA is a suitable intercalating agent for the production of organophilic clay materials.
Thermodynamics on the Modification of Inclusions by Ca and Mg Treatment in GCr18Mo Bearing Steel
Authors: Qiao Meng Ran , Guo Shu Qiang , Su Xin , Zheng Hong Yan , Qin Li Bin
Published: January 2018

The effect of Mg and Ca treatment on the modification of inclusions in GCr18Mo bearing steel at 1873K was studied by thermodynamic calculations. The stability phase diagrams among Mg, Ca, Al, and O were investigated to understand the fundamentals about the formation of inclusions. The calculated results showed that: (1) Both the alumina and spinel can be modified to MgO by Mg treatment in the case of the dissolved [Mg] = 5.9ppm ~ 40ppm, corresponding the dissolved [Al] ≤ 0.056%, which can control the [O] ≤ 3ppm. (2) The MgO·Al2O3spinel can be modified to 12CaO·7Al2O3liquid inclusion by Ca treatment in the case of the optimal [Al] = 0.07% ~ 0.31% and the dissolved [Mg] ≤ 5.2ppm, the [O] can be controlled at about 3ppm. (3) The alumina can be modified to liquid calcium aluminate inclusions by Ca treatment in the case of the dissolved [Al] = 0.03% ~ 0.29% and the dissolved [Ca] = 13ppm ~ 80ppm, correspondingly the equilibrium [O] is about 3ppm. These results of thermodynamic calculation will provide a detailed thermodynamic reference for GCr18Mo bearing steel smelting.
Elevated Temperature Properties of Cast Irons
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this SAE Information Report is to provide automotive engineers and designers with a concise statement of the basic characteristics of cast iron under elevated temperature conditions. As such, the report concentrates on general statements regarding these properties with limited illustrative data, anticipating that those who may be interested in more detail will want to use the bibliography provided at the conclusion of the report.
Infrared Testing
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: January 2018

The scope of this SAE Information Report is to provide general information relative to the nature and use of infrared techniques for nondestructive testing. The document is not intended to provide detailed technical information, but will serve as an introduction to the theory and capabilities of infrared testing and as a guide to more extensive references.
Atomic and molecular LIBS spectra of Al alloys and composite materials for nanosecond and microsecond excitation
Authors: Ostrowski Roman , Skrzeczanowski Wojciech , Rycyk Antoni , Czyż Krzysztof , Sarzyński Antoni , Strzelec Marek , Jach Karol , Świerczyński Robert
Published: January 2018

Spectral investigations in the UV-VIS range of selected Al alloys and composites, used in the construction of armament components as well as drones, were performed using LIBS technique. Two Nd:YAG lasers were applied: a short pulse 4 ns 60 mJ laser and a long pulse 200/400 (up to 1000) us (~ 2/4 up to 10 J) laser. In experiments with a short laser pulse only atomic spectra were observed while for long pulses, also molecular transitions have been recorded. Electron temperatures of created plasma were found on the base of Boltzmann law. Temperatures are clearly higher for short pulse excitation. Full Text: PDF ReferencesA. Miziolek, V. Palleschi and I. Schechter, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press 2006). CrossRef M. Sabsabi and P. Cielo, "Quantitative Analysis of Aluminum Alloys by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Plasma Characterization", Appl. Spectrosc. 49, 499 (1995). CrossRef D.L. Death, A.P. Cunningham, and L.J. Pollard, "Multi-element analysis of iron ore pellets by Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Principal Components Regression", Spectrochim. Acta B, 63, 763 (2008). CrossRef S. Laville, M. Sabsabi and F. Doucet, "Multi-elemental analysis of solidified mineral melt samples by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy coupled with a linear multivariate calibration", Spectrochim. Acta B, 62, 1557 (2007), CrossRef D.M. Surmick, C.G, Parigger, "Aluminum Monoxide Emission Measurements in a Laser-Induced Plasma", Applied Spectroscopy, 2015, V.68, No.9, P.992-996. CrossRef J.B. Sirven, B. Bousquet, L. Canioni and L. Sarger,"Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Composite Samples: Comparison of Advanced Chemometrics Methods", Anal. Chem. 78, 1462 (2006). CrossRef E.J. Judge, G. Heck, E.B. Cerkez and R. J. Levis, "Discrimination of Composite Graphite Samples Using Remote Filament-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy", Anal. Chem. 81, 2658 (2009). CrossRef L.M. Cabalin and J.J. Laserna, "Experimental determination of laser induced breakdown thresholds of metals under nanosecond Q-switched laser operation", Spectrochim. Acta B, 53, 723 (1998). CrossRef T.A. Labutin, A.M. Popov, V.N. Lednev and N.B. Zorov, "Correlation between properties of a solid sample and laser-induced plasma parameters", Spectrochim. Acta B, 64, 938 (2009). CrossRef J.S. Cowpe, R.D. Moorehead, D. Moser, J.S. Astin, and S. Karthikeyan, "Hardness determination of bio-ceramics using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy", Spectrochim. Acta B, 66, 290 (2011). CrossRef G. Cristoforetti, , S. Legnaioli, V. Palleschi, A. Salvetti, and E. Tognoni, "Effect of target composition on the emission enhancement observed in Double-Pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy", Spectrochim. Acta B, 63, 312 (2008). CrossRef
Imaging with extended depth of field by means of the peacock eye optical element
Authors: Torres Walter , Barrera John F. , Henao Rodrigo , Jaroszewicz Zbigniew , Kakarenko Karol , Mira-Agudelo Alejandro , Petelczyc Krzysztof , Sypek Maciej , Kołodziejczyk Andrzej
Published: January 2018

The paper presents imaging properties of the peacock eye optical element. Its abilities for imaging with extended depth of field is illustrated experimentally in monochromatic as well as polychromatic light. According to the obtained results the element makes possible to maintain the acceptable resolution, contrast and brightness of the output images for a wide range of defocusing. Full Text: PDF ReferencesJ. Ares, R. Flores, S. Bara, and Z. Jaroszewicz, "Presbyopia Compensation with a Quartic Axicon", Optom. Vis. Sci. 82, 107 (2005). CrossRef G.-m. Dai, "Optical surface optimization for the correction of presbyopia", Appl. Opt. 45, 4184 (2006). CrossRef Z. Liu, A. Flores, M. R. Wang, and J. J. Yang, "Diffractive infrared lens with extended depth of focus", Opt. Eng. 46, 018002 (1-9) (2007). CrossRef E. E. Garcia-Guerrero, E. R. Mendez, H. M. Escamilla, T. A. Leskova, and A. A. Maradudin, "Design and fabrication of random phase diffusers for extending the depth of focus", Opt. Express 15, 910 (2007). CrossRef J. Lin, J. Liu, J. Ye, and S. Liu, "Design of microlenses with long focal depth based on the general focal length function", J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 24, 1747 (2007). CrossRef N. Davidson, A. A. Friesem, and E. Hasman, "Holographic axilens: high resolution and long focal depth", Opt. Lett. 16, 523 (1991). CrossRef A. Kołodziejczyk, S. Bara, Z. Jaroszewicz, and M. Sypek, "The Light Sword Optical Element?a New Diffraction Structure with Extended Depth of Focus", J. Mod. Opt. 37, 1283 (1990). CrossRef K. Petelczyc, S. Bará, A. Ciro Lopez, Z. Jaroszewicz, K. Kakarenko, A. Kolodziejczyk, and M. Sypek, "Imaging properties of the light sword optical element used as a contact lens in a presbyopic eye model", Opt. Express 19, 25602 (2011). CrossRef K. Kakarenko, I. Ducin, K. Grabowiecki, Z. Jaroszewicz, A. Kolodziejczyk, A. Mira-Agudelo, K. Petelczyc, A. Składowska, M. Sypek, "Assessment of imaging with extended depth-of-field by means of the light sword lens in terms of visual acuity scale", Biomed Opt Express 6, 1738 (2015). CrossRef Z. Jaroszewicz, A. Kołodziejczyk, D. Mouriz, and J. Sochacki, "Generalized Zone Plates Focusing Light into Arbitrary Line Segments", J. Mod. Opt. 40, 601 (1993). CrossRef L. A. Romero, M. S. Millían, Z. Jaroszewicz, A. Kolodziejczyk, "Double peacock eye optical element for extended focal depth imaging with ophthalmic applications", J. Biomed. Opt. 17 046013 (2012). CrossRef
Theorical analysis of a monolithic all-active three-section semiconductor laser
Authors: Bouchene Mohammed Mehdi , Hamdi Rachid , Zou Qin
Published: January 2018

We propose a novel semiconductor laser structure. It is composed of three cascaded active sections: a Fabry-Pérot laser section sandwiched between two gain-coupled distributed feedback (DFB) laser sections. We have modeled this multi-section structure. The simulation results show that compared with index- and gain-coupled DFB lasers, a significant reduction in the longitudinal spatial-hole burning can be obtained with the proposed device, and that this leads to a stable single longitudinal mode operation at relatively high optical power with a SMSR exceeding 56dB. Full Text: PDF ReferencesL.A. Coldren, "Monolithic tunable diode lasers", IEEE J. Select. Topics Quant. Electron. 6, 988 (2000) CrossRef O. Kjebon, R. Schatz, S. Lourdudoss, S. Nilsson, B. Stalnacke, L. Backbom, "30 GHz direct modulation bandwidth in detuned loaded InGaAsP DBR lasers at 1.55 [micro sign]m wavelength", Electron. Lett. 33(6), 488 (1997). CrossRef N. Kim, J. Shin, E. Sim, C.W. Lee, D.-S. Yee, M.Y. Jeon, Y. Jang, K.H. Park, "Monolithic dual-mode distributed feedback semiconductor laser for tunable continuous-wave terahertz generation", Opt. Expr. 17(16), 13851 (2009). CrossRef M.J. Wallace, R. ORreilly Meehan, R.R Enright, F. Bello, D. Mccloskey, B. Barabadi, E.N. Wang, J.F. Donegan, "Athermal operation of multi-section slotted tunable lasers", Opt. Expr. 25(13), 14426 (2017). CrossRef J.E. Carroll, J.E.A. Whiteaway, R.G.S. Plumb, "Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Lasers", Distributed feedback semiconductor lasers (IEE and SPIE, 1998). CrossRef H. Ghafour-Shiraz, Distributed Feedback Laser Diodes and Optical Tunable Filters (Wiley, 2003). CrossRef D.D. Marcenac, Ph.D dissertation (University of Cambridge, 1993). DirectLink L.M. Zhang, J.E. Carroll, C. Tsang, "Dynamic response of the gain-coupled DFB laser", IEEE J. Quant. Electr. 29, 1722 (1993). CrossRef W. Li, W.-P. Huang, X. Li, J. Hong, "Multiwavelength gain-coupled DFB laser cascade: design modeling and simulation", IEEE J. Quant. Electro. 36(10), 1110 (2000). CrossRef B.M. Mehdi, H. Rachid, in Proc. 3rd Intern. Conf. on Embedded Systems in Telecomm. and Instrument., Annaba, Algeria (2016). DirectLinkC. Henry, "Theory of the linewidth of semiconductor lasers", IEEE J.Quant. Electr. QE-18, 259 (1982). CrossRef K. Takaki, T. Kise, K. Maruyama, N. Yamanaka, M. Funabashi, A. Kasukawa, "Reduced linewidth re-broadening by suppressing longitudinal spatial hole burning in high-power 1.55-/spl mu/m continuous-wave distributed-feedback (CW-DFB) laser diodes", IEEE J. Quant. Electr. 39, 1060 (2003) CrossRef
A Multisite Survey Study of EMR Review Habits, Information Needs, and Display Preferences among Medical ICU Clinicians Evaluating New Patients
Authors: Nolan Matthew , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Moreno-Franco Pablo , Pickering Brian , Herasevich Vitaly
Published: January 2018

Objective The electronic chart review habits of intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians admitting new patients are largely unknown but necessary to inform the design of existing and future critical care information systems.

Methods We conducted a survey study to assess the electronic chart review practices, information needs, workflow, and data display preferences among medical ICU clinicians admitting new patients. We surveyed rotating residents, critical care fellows, advanced practice providers, and attending physicians at three Mayo Clinic sites (Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona) via email with a single follow-up reminder message.

Results Of 234 clinicians invited, 156 completed the full survey (67% response rate). Ninety-two percent of medical ICU clinicians performed electronic chart review for the majority of new patients. Clinicians estimated spending a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of 15 (10–20) minutes for a typical case, and 25 (15–40) minutes for complex cases, with no difference across training levels. Chart review spans 3 or more years for two-thirds of clinicians, with the most relevant categories being imaging, laboratory studies, diagnostic studies, microbiology reports, and clinical notes, although most time is spent reviewing notes. Most clinicians (77%) worry about overlooking important information due to the volume of data (74%) and inadequate display/organization (63%). Potential solutions are chronologic ordering of disparate data types, color coding, and explicit data filtering techniques. The ability to dynamically customize information display for different users and varying clinical scenarios is paramount.

Conclusion Electronic chart review of historical data is an important, prevalent, and potentially time-consuming activity among medical ICU clinicians who would benefit from improved information display systems.
Segmentación de mallas 3d de edificios históricos para levantamiento arquitectónico
Authors: Herráez Borja Javier , Vendrell Eduardo
Published: January 2018

Advances in three-dimensional (3D) acquisition systems have introduced this technology to more fields of study, such as archaeology or architecture. In the architectural field, scanning a building is one of the first possible steps from which a 3D model can be obtained and can be later used for visualisation and/or feature analysis, thanks to computer-based pattern recognition tools. The automation of these tools allows for temporal savings and has become a strong aid for professionals, so that more and more methods are developed with this objective. In this article, a method for 3D mesh segmentation focused  on  the representation  of  historic  buildings  is  proposed.  This  type  of  buildings is characterised  by  having singularities  and features in  façades, such  as  doors  or  windows. The  main  objective  is  to  recognise  these  features, understanding them as those parts of the model that differ from the main structure of the building. The idea is to use a recognition algorithm for planar faces that allows users to create a graph showing the connectivity between them, therefore allowing the reflection of the shape of the 3Dmodel. At a later step, this graph is matched against some pre-defined graphs that  represent  the  patterns  to  look  for. Each  coincidence  between  both  graphs  indicate  the  position  of  one  of  the characteristics sought. The developed method has proved to be effective for feature detection and suitable for inclusion in architectural surveying applications.
Shaping Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Experienced Agriculture Teachers in the Plant Sciences: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Rice Amber H. , Kitchel Tracy
Published: January 2018

This grounded theory study explored the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of experienced agriculture teachers in the plant sciences. The most emergent phenomenon to surface from the data was the influence of beliefs on participants’ PCK. This central phenomenon became the cornerstone for the model of what was shaping experienced agriculture teachers’ PCK in the plant sciences. The three major components that shaped the participants’ PCK were: integrated belief systems, experiences prior to and during inservice, and the influence of the school and community context. A substantive level theory was developed that illustrated relationships between these three main components and their impact on participants’ PCK. Recommendations from this study include conceptualization of experienced agriculture teachers’ PCK for a variety of agriculture topic areas and exploration into the development of PCK in preservice and beginning teachers.
A doxa política das finanças: o discurso dos banqueiros diante da nova matriz econômica do governo Dilma Rousseff (2011-14)
Authors: Perez Reginaldo Teixeira , Vaccari Gabriel Da Silva
Published: January 2018

Este artigo busca identificar e examinar as razões que levaram os banqueiros a assumir um posicionamento crítico em relação à política econômica do primeiro mandato presidencial de Dilma Rousseff, entre 2011 e 2014. Tendo-se como hipótese forte o fator cálculo empresarial, e assumindo como orientação metodológica a conciliação da reconstrução da conjuntura política do período com análise de linguagem dos atores em foco, concluiu-se que a Nova Matriz Econômica, ao flexibilizar fundamentos macroeconômicos ortodoxos que os governos Lula haviam respeitado, confrontou interesses do setor financeiro. Este, em face de motivações pragmáticas, denegou o governo e passou a criticá-lo, demandando o retorno da condução econômica em moldes mais rígidos.
Preferential Trade Agreements under Declining American Hegemony
Authors: Ishiguro Kaoru
Published: January 2018

We examine the international determinants of the formation of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) according to the theory of hegemonic stability. The main conclusions are as follows. First, as the theory of hegemonic stability argues, the lack of a stable hegemon fosters the formation of PTAs. When hegemony is measured by trade share and investment share in the global economy, the erosion of hegemony fosters PTAs. Second, hegemony measured by GDP share has a positive effect on PTA formation; however, this measure is not consistent with the theory’s prediction. Third, improvement in the level of democracy worldwide is unrelated to the formation of PTAs.
Sobre o que falamos quando falamos em gênero na ciência da informação?
Authors: Siciliano Mell , Souza Cleiton Da Mota de , Meth Clara De Mello e Souza
Published: January 2018

Introdução: Atualmente diversos campos conduzem pesquisas sobre o domínio “gênero”. Este estudo investiga sob quais perspectivas este domínio é abordado pela Ciência da Informação (CI). Objetivo: O objetivo é identificar como o campo se apropria e/ou contribui para os estudos sobre gênero; tendo como norteadora a acepção de que gênero é um termo relacionado aos papéis sociais e expectativas de comportamento atribuídas as pessoas em função do seu sexo. Metodologia: Foi realizada coleta e análise das palavras-chave de 588 artigos indexados na Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), entre 1980 e 2016. Considerando o grande número de palavras-chave recuperadas, foi gerada uma nuvem de tags; permitindo a identificação dos termos mais utilizados por década. Resultados: Os resultados indicam que o domínio “gênero” foi abordado pela CI sob diferentes perspectivas ao longo dos anos, mas mantendo, de maneira geral, o foco principal em questões relacionadas a estudos sobre mulheres e diferenças de gênero. Observa-se também que o domínio é tratado pela CI principalmente dentro de tópicos tradicionais da área, como Recuperação da Informação e Comunicação Científica. Conclusões: Ressalta-se que o panorama resultante deste estudo abre novas possibilidades de investigação sobre como a CI aborda o domínio “gênero” em suas pesquisas científicas.
Competência em Informação: perspectiva didática pedagógica
Authors: Farias Gabriela Belmont de , Belluzzo Regina Célia Baptista
Published: January 2018

Apresenta reflexão sobre as ações de ensino aprendizagem que podem influenciar positivamente na formação dos discentes do curso de Biblioteconomia no contexto brasileiro, ao apropriar-se da “Modelagem Pedagógica de Desenvolvimento da Competência em Informação”, colocando-a em prática por meio de intervenções pedagógicas. O objetivo foi elaborar o modelo supracitado tendo como base a normativa da The Association of College and Research Libraries que consideram que a competência em informação é comum a todas as disciplinas, a todos os contextos de aprendizagem e a todos os níveis de ensino.  A pesquisa configura-se por uma abordagem qualitativa de natureza bibliográfica e exploratória. Trata-se de uma contribuição de aspecto inovador e social aos interessados na adoção de novas posturas nesta ambiência de ensino-aprendizagem, além de auxiliar na compreensão das questões fundamentais relacionadas à competência em informação, possibilitando a sua apropriação junto aos cursos de Biblioteconomia e promovendo o aprofundamento das reflexões ora apontadas e a necessidade de implementá-la como parte da formação básica do bibliotecário.
THE BUYER’S GENDER AND THE EFFECT OF PROMOTION ACTIVITIES
ON THE PROCESS OF SELECTION OF FOOD PRODUCTS
Authors: Angowski Marek
Published: January 2018

The aim of the considerations and analyzes presented in the publication is to approximate the importance of
gender in shaping the behavior of buyers in the decision-making process. The main research goal was to assess the
impact of promotional activities on the consumer purchasing process on the market for selected food products. The
research part was based on the results of surveys that were conducted in 2016 on a group of 486 food consumers using
the targeted selection method. The research has shown that the importance of particular promotional activities in the
purchasing process of the surveyed consumers was different depending on the gender. Statistical analyzes show that
these differences were not large. Based on the respondents’ answers, it can be noticed that men were much more sensitive
to promotional activities in their decisions related to product selection. The respondents in the group of purchasers of
fruit and vegetables and dairy products were the most diversified in the assessment of the impact of advertising on the
basis of gender, and the least diversified were the purchaser of meat products.
SELECTED PROBLEMS OF SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION
OF AGRICULTURE. A CASE STUDY OF OPOLE PROVINCE
Authors: Bisaga Anna
Published: January 2018

There is a model of agriculture being implemented in regions of the European Union, which comes close
to the global strategy of sustainable intensification of agriculture. The aim of this paper is to identify problems
connected with realization of this strategy in family-run agricultural holdings based in Opole Province. The
primary source material was collected in 2014 by means of a questionnaire survey conducted in 100 agricultural
holdings selected on purpose. Their size exceeds 10 hectares of arable land and they are situated in sub-regions
that are representative of the agriculture in Opole Province. On the basis of the research it was concluded
that the farmers most often choose a trajectory of development, which consists in enlarging the area of land
in their possession. This is realized together with simultaneous provision of additional services for the local
environment. In the opinion of the examined farmers, the intensification of production, which is regulated by
environmental norms, gives rise to the need of constant learning, as well as optimization of technological
potential of specialization. The research confirmed also the farmers’ readiness to participate in institutions
of risk management, chiefly in the fund of mutual insurance, in case of natural calamities occur.
PROSPECTS FOR THE GROWTH OF INNOVATIVENESS OF PODLASKIE COMPANIES FROM THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Authors: Miara Adam
Published: January 2018

Economic development based on traditional competition can no longer be the basis of market success. In the age of globalization of the global economy, to be competitive companies have to offer something more, which will cause them to be noticed. These are the innovations that determine the direction of development. The pace and scope of innovation implementation determines the competitive advantage of companies as they play a key role in introducing new products to the market, ie meeting the needs, requirements and expectations of customers.The guiding objective of this article is to present to the scale of the planned implementation of innovation and their sources of funding for the food industry Podlaskie. The analysis was based on the research literature and original. Analysis of the material contained in the article leads to the conclusion that the growth prospects of agri-food enterprises in Podlaskie Voivodship are very high.
SPATIAL DIVERSITY OF INCOMES FROM FOREST TAX IN RURAL COMMUNES IN POLAND
Authors: Milewska Anna
Published: January 2018

The article presents the results of research on the spatial diversity of incomes from forest tax. The analysis covered the amount of forest tax in the budgets of rural communes and their share in total revenues. Based on the conducted research it was found that the dynamics of changes related to this phenomenon is not significant. This applies to forest tax as income, as well as its amount determined by the occurrence in rural areas, land qualified in the register of lands and buildings as forests – Ls. After Poland’s accession to the EU structures, the number of hectares of land designated for afforestation is characterized by an upward trend. This does not mean, however, that the tax base is increasing. Forest land with trees to 40 years are taxable but are exempt, which means a lack of tax revenues to the budget.
Uso da gestão da informação e do conhecimento na avaliação da política pública de assistência estudantil: algumas questões teóricas e empíricas
Authors: Terenciano Fidel , Pedro Zito , Saliao Antonio
Published: January 2018

Neste artigo tem-se por objetivo apresentar questões sobre as políticas públicas de assistência estudantil, e algumas propostas de pesquisa, a partir do uso da informação e do conhecimento no processo de avaliação da implantação da política pública. Esta política, Pnaes, foi instituída pelo decreto n. 7.234/2010, e visa a possibilitar à permanência e a conclusão dos cursos pelos estudantes em situação de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. O pressuposto é que para avaliar a gestão afetiva da política é necessário entende o conjunto de estratégias e gestão de informação e conhecimento como importante para compreender o mapeamento dos fluxos de informação e possibilitar a coleta e analise das informações. Baseado em North (1990) Tarapanoff (2001), Hoffmann (2009), procura-se relacionar a pratica entre universidade e sociedade. A metodologia adoptada é empírica e exploratória e trabalha-se com a revisão bibliográfica e dados primários sobre a produção e analise na gestão de informação para avaliar as políticas públicas. Os resultados evidenciam que é possível um estudo mais articulado e aprofundado que inclui a gestão de informação e do conhecimento como variável independente na explicação da efetividade e eficácia na implantação da política pública de assistência estudantil.Palavras-chave: gestão da informação e do conhecimento; política pública; assistência estudantil; Pnae.
A new Python library to analyse skeleton images confirms malaria parasite remodelling of the red blood cell membrane skeleton
Authors: Nunez-Iglesias Juan , Blanch Adam J , Looker Oliver , Dixon Matthew W , Tilley Leann
Published: January 2018

We present Skan (Skeleton analysis), a Python library for the analysis of the skeleton structures of objects. It was inspired by the “analyse skeletons” plugin for the Fiji image analysis software, but its extensive Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to examine and manipulate any intermediate data structures produced during the analysis. Further, its use of common Python data structures such as SciPy sparse matrices and pandas data frames opens the results to analysis within the extensive ecosystem of scientific libraries available in Python. We demonstrate the validity of Skan’s measurements by comparing its output to the established Analyze Skeletons Fiji plugin, and, with a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based method, we confirm that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum remodels the host red blood cell cytoskeleton, increasing the average distance between spectrin-actin junctions.
Comparison of Diabetic Foot Care with Other Diabetic Preventive Care Services
Authors: Jadali Fayegh , Nemati Hamid , Jadali Piran , Jadali Patrick
Published: January 2018

Background:

Diabetes is a major chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Diabetic preventive care services are essential in the management and outcome of the disease. More than other preventive diabetic care services, preventive care of diabetic retinopathy has been emphasized and recommended by practitioners and insurance companies. We investigated the status of preventive care in the diabetic population.

Methods:

Information was collected from 420 outpatients aged 30 to 80 years. The patients were divided into two groups: those with well-controlled blood sugar levels (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] level ≤7%) and those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels (HbA1c level >7%).

Results:

Data analysis indicated that for both groups, 93% of the participants were seen for diabetic eye care at least once and 78% were getting an annual eye examination regularly. In the controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar groups, 26% and 32% of patients, respectively, had ever seen a nephrologist and 38% and 49%, respectively, had ever seen a cardiologist. In the controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar groups, 32% and 38% of patients, respectively, had visited a podiatric physician. For statistical analysis and comparison of results between the two groups, we applied the χ2 test and calculated 95% confidence intervals. There were some significant differences regarding the complications of diabetes mellitus and preventive care.

Conclusions:

There is a need for greater engagement by podiatric physicians and health-care providers to promote regular visits for the diabetic population to podiatric medical clinics.
A Perforated Gastric Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Baykan Mehmet , Arikan Turkmen Bahadır , Donder Yunus , Sözüer Erdoğan , Akyildiz Hızır Yakup
Published: January 2018

Objective

In this study, we aimed to describe clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients with a perforated gastric carcinoma, and to assess surgical approaches and possible factors affecting mortality and morbidity.

Material and Method

We retrospectively reviewed data of 18 patients who underwent emergent surgery for a perforated gastric carcinoma between January 2002 and December 2012. Data including surgical procedure, pathologic findings, complications, morbidity and mortality rates, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The mean age was 58 years. The most common tumor localization was antrum (55%), and 11 patients (61.1%) had Stage IV disease. Nine patients (50%) had a comorbid disease. Of the patients, primary suture + omentopexy was performed in 11 (61.1%) whereas total gastrectomy with D0 or D1 lymph node dissection in 5 (27.7%), subtotal gastrectomy with D0 lymph node dissection in 2 (11.1%), and 2-stage total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection in 2 (11.1%). The complication rate was 50% with a mortality rate of 50%. Overall survival was 79 ± 97.89 days. Sepsis and the presence of comorbidities were found to increase early mortality (P = 0.00 and P = 0.028)

Conclusion

Our study results show that postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are still high in patients with a perforated gastric carcinoma. In stable patients, 1-step radical gastrectomy should be performed, while palliative surgery or 2-stage radical gastrectomy can be performed in patients with poor overall status and diffuse peritonitis. Early diagnosis and perforation management before the onset of diffuse peritonitis can decrease high mortality and morbidity rates.
Dual inhibition of Wnt and Yes‐associated protein signaling retards the growth of triple‐negative breast cancer in both mesenchymal and epithelial states
Authors: Sulaiman Andrew , McGarry Sarah , Li Li , Jia Deyong , Ooi Sarah , Addison Christina , Dimitroulakos Jim , Arnaout Angel , Nessim Carolyn , Yao Zemin , Ji Guang , Song Haiyan , Gadde Suresh , Li Xuguang , Wang Lisheng
Published: January 2018

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most refractory subtype of breast cancer to current treatments, accounts disproportionately for the majority of breast cancer‐related deaths. This is largely due to cancer plasticity and the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently, distinct yet interconvertible mesenchymal‐like and epithelial‐like states have been revealed in breast CSCs. Thus, strategies capable of simultaneously inhibiting bulk and CSC populations in both mesenchymal and epithelial states have yet to be developed. Wnt/β‐catenin and Hippo/YAP pathways are crucial in tumorigenesis, but importantly also possess tumor suppressor functions in certain contexts. One possibility is that TNBC cells in epithelial or mesenchymal state may differently affect Wnt/β‐catenin and Hippo/YAP signaling and CSC phenotypes. In this report, we found that YAP signaling and CD44high/CD24−/low CSCs were upregulated while Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and ALDH+ CSCs were downregulated in mesenchymal‐like TNBC cells, and vice versa in their epithelial‐like counterparts. Dual knockdown of YAP and Wnt/β‐catenin, but neither alone, was required for effective suppression of both CD44high/CD24−/low and ALDH+ CSC populations in mesenchymal and epithelial TNBC cells. These observations were confirmed with cultured tumor fragments prepared from patients with TNBC after treatment with Wnt inhibitor ICG‐001 and YAP inhibitor simvastatin. In addition, a clinical database showed that decreased gene expression of Wnt and YAP was positively correlated with decreased ALDH and CD44 expression in patients’ samples while increased patient survival. Furthermore, tumor growth of TNBC cells in either epithelial or mesenchymal state was retarded, and both CD44high/CD24−/low and ALDH+ CSC subpopulations were diminished in a human xenograft model after dual administration of ICG‐001 and simvastatin. Tumorigenicity was also hampered after secondary transplantation. These data suggest a new therapeutic strategy for TNBC via dual Wnt and YAP inhibition.
Inhibition of VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis by an optimized antibody targeting CLEC14a
Authors: Kim Taek‐Keun , Park Chang Sik , Jang Jihye , Kim Mi Ra , Na Hee‐Jun , Lee Kangseung , Kim Hyun Jung , Heo Kyun , Yoo Byong Chul , Kim Young‐Myeong , Lee Je‐Wook , Kim Su Jin , Kim Eun Sung , Kim Dae Young , Cha Kiweon , Lee Tae Gyu , Lee Sukmook
Published: January 2018

The C‐type lectin‐like domain of CLEC14a (CLEC14a‐C‐type lectin‐like domain [CTLD]) is a key domain that mediates endothelial cell–cell contacts in angiogenesis. However, the role of CLEC14a‐CTLD in pathological angiogenesis has not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, through complementarity‐determining region grafting, consecutive deglycosylation, and functional isolation, we generated a novel anti‐angiogenic human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets CLEC14a‐CTLD and that shows improved stability and homogeneity relative to the parental antibody. We found that this antibody directly inhibits CLEC14a‐CTLD‐mediated endothelial cell–cell contact and simultaneously downregulates expression of CLEC14a on the surface of endothelial cells. Using various in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we demonstrated that this antibody effectively suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis of SNU182 human hepatocellular carcinoma, CFPAC‐1 human pancreatic cancer, and U87 human glioma cells. Furthermore, we also found that this antibody significantly inhibits tumor angiogenesis of HCT116 and bevacizumab‐adapted HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells. These findings suggest that antibody targeting of CLEC14a‐CTLD has the potential to suppress VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis and that CLEC14a‐CTLD may be a novel anti‐angiogenic target for VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis.
Control of ULF Wave Accessibility to the Inner Magnetosphere by the Convection of Plasma Density
Authors: Degeling A. W. , Rae I. J. , Watt C. E. J. , Shi Q. Q. , Rankin R. , Zong Q.‐G.
Published: January 2018

During periods of storm activity and enhanced convection, the plasma density in the afternoon sector of the magnetosphere is highly dynamic due to the development of plasmaspheric drainage plume (PDP) structure. This significantly affects the local Alfvén speed and alters the propagation of ULF waves launched from the magnetopause. Therefore, it can be expected that the accessibility of ULF wave power for radiation belt energization is sensitively dependent on the recent history of magnetospheric convection and the stage of development of the PDP. This is investigated using a 3‐D model for ULF waves within the magnetosphere in which the plasma density distribution is evolved using an advection model for cold plasma, driven by a (VollandStern) convection electrostatic field (resulting in PDP structure). The wave model includes magnetic field day/night asymmetry and extends to a paraboloid dayside magnetopause, from which ULF waves are launched at various stages during the PDP development. We find that the plume structure significantly alters the field line resonance location, and the turning point for MHD fast waves, introducing strong asymmetry in the ULF wave distribution across the noon meridian. Moreover, the density enhancement within the PDP creates a waveguide or local cavity for MHD fast waves, such that eigenmodes formed allow the penetration of ULF wave power to much lower L within the plume than outside, providing an avenue for electron energization.
Image‐Based Upscaling of Permeability in Opalinus Clay
Authors: Keller L. M. , Holzer L.
Published: January 2018

This paper presents an approach for upscaling permeability in Opalinus Clay from pore scale to a coarser scale, where pores cannot be resolved and where the transport properties are controlled by the geometry of the clay matrix considered as a distinct phase. Microstructures reconstructed from multiscale image data are cellular models with different sizes of basic building blocks, the so‐called voxels. Flow simulations were performed on the basis of the grid that is naturally inherent in the coarser‐scale image data that were acquired by synchrotron X‐ray computed tomography. Thereby, the spatial distribution of permeability at this coarser scale was determined from image data at the pore scale acquired by focused ion beam nanotomography. Then, coarse‐scale microstructures with different clay matrix contents were used as input for flow simulations, which allowed predicting the vertical and horizontal bulk permeability at the mesoscale. In agreement with results of other workers, it turned out that vertical (cross‐plane) permeability Kv decreases with increasing clay content, which can be explained in that the presence of coarse nonclayey grains increases permeability of the porous clay matrix when compared to a matrix consisting only of fine‐grained shales. Mesoscale permeability anisotropy Kh/Kv increases from about 1 to 2 if the clay content increases from 0.2 to 0.9. The predicted permeability behavior is discussed and compared to results from experiments and other predictive models.
Impacts of the Mesoscale Ocean‐Atmosphere Coupling on the Peru‐Chile Ocean Dynamics: The Current‐Induced Wind Stress Modulation
Authors: Oerder V. , Colas F. , Echevin V. , Masson S. , Lemarié F.
Published: January 2018

The ocean dynamical responses to the surface current‐wind stress interaction at the oceanic mesoscale are investigated in the South‐East Pacific using a high‐resolution regional ocean‐atmosphere coupled model. Two simulations are compared: one includes the surface current in the wind stress computation while the other does not. In the coastal region, absolute wind velocities are different between the two simulations but the wind stress remains very similar. As a consequence, the mean regional oceanic circulation is almost unchanged. On the contrary, the mesoscale activity is strongly reduced when taking into account the effect of the surface current on the wind stress. This is caused by a weakening of the eddy kinetic energy generation near the coast by the wind work and to intensified offshore eddy damping. We show that, above coherent eddies, the current‐stress interaction generates eddy damping through Ekman pumping and eddy kinetic energy dissipation through wind work. This alters significantly the coherent eddy vertical structures compared with the control simulation, weakening the temperature and vorticity anomalies and increasing strongly the vertical velocity anomalies associated to eddies.
Consistency Between Convection Allowing Model Output and Passive Microwave Satellite Observations
Authors: Bytheway J. L. , Kummerow C. D.
Published: January 2018

Observations from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite were used along with precipitation forecasts from the High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model to assess and interpret differences between observed and modeled storms. Using a feature‐based approach, precipitating objects were identified in both the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Stage IV multisensor precipitation product and HRRR forecast at lead times of 1, 2, and 3 h at valid times corresponding to GPM overpasses. Precipitating objects were selected for further study if (a) the observed feature occurred entirely within the swath of the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and (b) the HRRR model predicted it at all three forecast lead times. Output from the HRRR model was used to simulate microwave brightness temperatures (Tbs), which were compared to those observed by the GMI. Simulated Tbs were found to have biases at both the warm and cold ends of the distribution, corresponding to the stratiform/anvil and convective areas of the storms, respectively. Several experiments altered both the simulation microphysics and hydrometeor classification in order to evaluate potential shortcomings in the model's representation of precipitating clouds. In general, inconsistencies between observed and simulated brightness temperatures were most improved when transferring snow water content to supercooled liquid hydrometeor classes.
Wintertime Overnight NOx Removal in a Southeastern United States Coal‐fired Power Plant Plume: A Model for Understanding Winter NOx Processing and its Implications
Authors: Fibiger Dorothy L. , McDuffie Erin E. , Dubé William P. , Aikin Kenneth C. , Lopez‐Hilfiker Felipe D. , Lee Ben H. , Green Jaime R. , Fiddler Marc N. , Holloway John S. , Ebben Carlena , Sparks Tamara L. , Wooldridge Paul , Weinheimer Andrew J. , Montzka Denise D. , Apel Eric C. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Hills Alan J. , Blake Nicola J. , DiGangi Josh P. , Wolfe Glenn M. , Bililign Solomon , Cohen Ronald C. , Thornton Joel A. , Brown Steven S.
Published: January 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is emitted in large quantities from coal‐burning power plants. During the day, the plumes from these sources are efficiently mixed into the boundary layer, while at night, they may remain concentrated due to limited vertical mixing during which they undergo horizontal fanning. At night, the degree to which NO is converted to HNO3 and therefore unable to participate in next‐day ozone (O3) formation depends on the mixing rate of the plume, the composition of power plant emissions, and the composition of the background atmosphere. In this study, we use observed plume intercepts from the Wintertime INvestigation of Transport, Emissions and Reactivity campaign to test sensitivity of overnight NOx removal to the N2O5 loss rate constant, plume mixing rate, background O3, and background levels of volatile organic compounds using a 2‐D box model of power plant plume transport and chemistry. The factor that exerted the greatest control over NOx removal was the loss rate constant of N2O5. At the lowest observed N2O5 loss rate constant, no other combination of conditions converts more than 10% of the initial NOx to HNO3. The other factors did not influence NOx removal to the same degree.
Geomorphological Evidence for Shallow Ice in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars
Authors: Viola D. , McEwen A. S.
Published: January 2018

The localized loss of near‐surface excess ice on Mars by sublimation (and perhaps melting) can produce thermokarstic collapse features such as expanded craters and scalloped depressions, which can be indicators of the preservation of shallow ice. We demonstrate this by identifying High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment images containing expanded craters south of Arcadia Planitia (25–40°N) and observe a spatial correlation between regions with thermokarst and the lowest‐latitude ice‐exposing impact craters identified to date. In addition to widespread thermokarst north of ~35°N, we observe localized thermokarst features that we interpret as patchy ice as far south as 25°N. Few ice‐exposing craters have been identified in the southern hemisphere of Mars since they are easier to find in dusty, high‐albedo regions, but the relationship among expanded craters, ice‐exposing impacts, and the predicted ice table boundary in Arcadia Planitia allows us to extend this thermokarst survey into the southern midlatitudes (30–60°S) to infer the presence of ice today. Our observations suggest that the southern hemisphere excess ice boundary lies at ~45°S regionally. At lower latitudes, some isolated terrains (e.g., crater fill and pole‐facing slopes) also contain thermokarst, suggesting local ice preservation. We look for spatial relationships between our results and surface properties (e.g., slope and neutron spectrometer water ice concentration) and ice table models to understand the observed ice distribution. Our results show trends with thermal inertia and dust cover and are broadly consistent with ice deposition during a period with a higher relative humidity than today. Shallow, lower‐latitude ice deposits are of interest for future exploration.