bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTUDO DOS EFEITOS DA DESOSSA A QUENTE E MATURAÇÃO NA QUALIDADE DA CARNE DE BOVINOS
Authors: Feijó Gelson Luís Dias , Müller Lauro
Published: August 2014

Foram avaliados os efeitos da associação da desossa a quente e maturação sobre a qualidade da carne bovina. Foram utilizados 36 novilhos Polled Hereford, abatidos com 24 meses de idade e peso médio ao abate de 436kg. A desossa a quente constou da retirada do músculo Longissimus dorsi logo após a entrada das carcaças no resfriamento. A maturação foi realizada mantendo-se a carne, embalada a vácuo, à temperatura de 2°C por 14 dias. O tipo de desossa não influenciou as curvas de queda da temperatura (P > 0,05) e pH (P > 0,05), coloração após o resfriamento e quebras ao descongelamento e cocção (P > 0,05). A desossa a quente provocou maior exsudação na embalagem a vácuo (P < 0,05). O tipo de desossa não afetou a suculência, palatabilidade, maciez e força de cisalhamento (P > 0,05), porém houve maior encurtamento do sarcômero (P < 0,05) com a desossa a quente (1,66µ) do que com a normal (1,85µ). A maturação promoveu um escurecimento da carne (P < 0,05), assim como tendeu a aumentar o grau de exsudação. Pode-se concluir que a desossa a quente, apesar de não prejudicar a maciez da carne, aumentou a exsudação e promoveu um encurtamento do sarcômero. A maturação não melhorou a qualidade da carne desossada em pré-rigor.
GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE GLIRICIDIA (GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM (Jacq.) Steud)
Authors: Torres Salvador Barros , Mello Vera Delfina Colvara
Published: August 2014

Estudou-se o efeito da temperatura e do substrato sobre a germinação de sementes de gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud) em condições de laboratório. Testou-se as temperaturas de 25, 30 e 20-30°C em substratos de papel toalha, areia e vermiculita. Os melhores resultados de germinação foram verificados para as temperaturas de 20-30°C e 25°C, em substratos de areia e vermiculita, respectivamente.
AFLATOXINAS - ASPECTOS CLÍNICOS E TOXICOLÓGICOS EM SUÍNOS
Authors: Mallmann Carlos Augusto , Santurio Janio Morais , Wentz Ilmo
Published: August 2014

Aflatoxinas são metabólitos fúngicos produzidos por linhagens de Aspergillus flavus var. parasiticus encontrados ubiquitariamente nos substratos alimentares que compõe a dieta dos suínos. A aflatoxicose dos suínos é uma doença dependente da dose ingerida e do tempo de exposição, caracterizando-se principalmente pela atividade hepatotóxica desta micotoxina. Na suinocultura os maiores problemas são provocados por doses subclínicas onde esta intoxicação se manifesta na forma de prejuízos sobre o desempenho traduzidos principalmente por uma baixa conversão alimentar e por imunodepressão.
Oviposition Site Preference for Natural Breeding Sites in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Populations from Argentina
Authors: Betti María I L , Soto Eduardo M , Hasson Esteban
Published: August 2014

Maternal decisions, like the choice of a site for laying eggs, have important ecological and evolutionary implications. In the current study, we investigated variation both within and between populations in oviposition site preference (OSP) in a collection of isofemale lines derived from three Drosophila melanogaster Meigen natural populations of western Argentina. In the oviposition preference assay, we used two resources that fruit flies use as egg-laying sites in nature. Results revealed 1) the distribution of eggs across the two alternative resources offered to the flies deviated from random when flies were given the chance to choose between grape and orange, 2) OSP varied within and between populations, and 3) a substantial proportion of OSP variation has a genetic basis as suggested by the significant contribution of variation among lines to total trait variance. Our survey represents an initial step in understanding patterns of natural variation in oviposition preferences for natural resources in D. melanogaster.
Cynipidae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea) on Cyclobalanopsis (Fagaceae) in Mainland China, with the First Record of Sexual Generation of Cynipini in Winter
Authors: Abe Yoshihisa , Ide Tatsuya , Odagiri Ken-Ichi
Published: August 2014

Cycloneuroterus wangi Abe, Ide, & Odagiri sp. nov. and Dryocosmus nanlingensis Abe, Ide, & Odagiri sp. nov. are described from Mainland China. Gall wasps associated with Quercus (Cyclobalanopsis) sessilifolia Blume, which is distributed in Japan, Taiwan, and Mainland China, have not yet been recorded. However, this evergreen oak species is considered to be the host plant of C. wangi on the basis of an observation in which eight females of this gall wasp species inserted their ovipositors into the buds of Q. (C.) sessilifolia. This is the first record of the Cynipidae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea) being associated with Cyclobalanopsis from Mainland China. As cynipids associated with Cyclobalanopsis have previously been known from Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, the discovery of C. wangi indicates that oak gall wasps associated with Cyclobalanopsis are widely distributed in Asia, as predicted previously. The collection of an adult male of D. nanlingensis by sweeping Fagaceae trees represents the first observation of a sexual generation of Cynipini in winter. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the life cycle and to identify the host plant of D. nanlingensis. Cynipid species richness in broadleaf forests dominated by Fagaceae is considered to be high in Mainland China because of remarkable diversity of potential host plants, such as oaks and related taxa.
Composite films of natural clay nanotubes with cellulose and chitosan
Authors: Cavallaro Giuseppe , Lazzara Giuseppe , Konnova Svetlana , Fakhrullin Rawil , Lvov Yuri
Published: August 2014

Composite films based on cellulose, chitosan and halloysite clay nanotubes were prepared using a solution casting method, which allowed for a uniform distribution of nanotubes within the material and provided control over the morphology of the composite. The mechanical performance of these bio nanocomposites is influenced by humidity and the nanotubes showed a plasticisation effect on the polymeric matrix. The composites of chitosan and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), with modified hydrophobic inner lumens, resulted in a technique for controlled and sustainable surface cleaning. Lignocellulose wood microfibres modified with HNTs were also produced by a layer-by-layer assembly. The obtained material represents a composite well suited for making paper sheets for biomedical applications, where enhanced porosity can be crucial. Toxicity tests carried out on biopolymer–halloysite composites showed that these nanocomposites are safe for cell cultures up to 0·5 mg/mL of free clay nanotubes.
Viscosity and secondary consolidation in one-dimensional loading
Authors: Joseph Paul G.
Published: August 2014

Viscosity and secondary consolidation effects are observed in one-dimensional compression, but it remains unresolved if viscous effects occur during the primary consolidation phase and consequently whether the end of the primary consolidation (EOP) line is unique and the H2 scaling law applies. Dynamical systems soil mechanics suggests that viscosity and secondary consolidation each have a separate physical basis. Viscous behaviour is due to strain rate dependence of the coefficients of friction at interparticle contacts as they slide against each other in simple friction, and occurs during both primary consolidation and secondary consolidation. Secondary consolidation is the continued deformation of the soil structure after excess pore pressure has dissipated, as small numbers of particles move at random shear strains, in a Poisson process, to new final positions. The near constant C(αe)/Cc ratio is due to the form of the equation that expresses this ratio and because very few particles move to new positions during secondary consolidation. Strain rates for typical geotechnical problems being pseudo-static, viscous effects in the field are small, and the current design practice of using the EOP curve and C(αe) to calculate compression settlements appears reasonable. Empirical evidence suggests that adsorbed water layers control strain-rate-related effects.
Pneumomediastinum in the Neonate
Authors: Cagle Kristi J. , Trotter Carol
Published: August 2014

A pneumomediastinum is an air leak in which the free air is concentrated in the mediastinum. Although most neonatal pneumomediastinums do not require intervention, complications such as subsequent air leaks can arise. Proper radiologic identification, as well as an understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology associated with a pneumomediastinum, are necessary for an accurate understanding and diagnosis. This article will review the interpretation of radiologic findings in a neonate with a pneumomediastinum.
Depth Cues Changes Circle Size Judgment Measured by Psychophysical Scaling
Authors: Costa Marcelo Fernandes , Nagy Balázs Vince , Magalhães Adsson
Published: August 2014

The aim of our study was to investigate whether different circle sizes, in conditions of pure size judgment and in a simple contextual judgment with an interfering depth suggesting background, produce different size perceptions. We used the magnitude estimation to obtain the apparent size of circles under two different experimental conditions: with a neutral black background and with a convergent gradient to generate an artificial horizon to evoke depth cues. Twenty-two subjects with normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity (mean age = 21.3 yrs; SD = 1.6) were tested. The procedure consisted of two gray circles at luminance of 40 cd/m2, separated 10 degrees of visual angle apart from each other. On the left side was always present the reference circle (visual angle of 1.1 degree) in which was assigned an arbitrary value of 50 was assigned. The subjects' task was to judge the size of the circles appearing in the right side of the monitor screen assigning a number proportional to the perceived altered size, relative to the reference circle. Seven different sizes (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 degrees) were presented in each condition. Our results have shown a high correlation for circle size and depth conditions (R = 0.987 and R = 0.997) between the logs of the stimuli and the subjective magnitude estimated values. The exponents obtained by the Power Law were 0.79 and 1.09, respectively to each condition. Additionally, a gender effect was observed in which males had showed an expansive perception of size with no dependence on the background. We concluded that in the induced depth condition, the perception of the circle sizes were judged subjectively closer to their respective physical size than in the condition of free visual cues. Our data reinforces the integrative manner of perceptual system when working with the sensory information
Aggression, Pleasure, and Cognitive Dissonance
Authors: Alvarado Jesús M. , Ramirez J. Martin
Published: August 2014

The relationship between aggression, pleasure and decision-making is analyzed applying a mediation model of structural equation modeling (SEM). The study explored it in two samples of similar age: young offenders and university students. A close relationship between aggression and pleasure was found in both populations. But, whereas in the case of university students, this congruence leads to a normal or adjusted behavior, in the case of young offenders, however, a mismatched evaluation of conflict and provocation leads them to make unacceptable violence decisions.
Serum Myostatin Levels are Elevated in Overweight Patients
Authors: Zhu Hui J. , Yang Hong B. , Wang Xiang Q. , Pan Hui , Zhang Dian X. , Li Nai S. , Wang Lin J. , Gong Feng Y.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

Myostatin has recently been proposed as an important factor that not only regulates skeletal muscle
mass, but also body fat mass. The aim of our study is to explore serum myostatin levels in overweight patients and its
association with metabolic-related characteristics.

Methods:

40 overweight patients and 40 normal weight controls were recruited, and serum myostatin were measured by
ELISA methods and the relationships between myostatin and metabolic-related parameters were investigated.

Results:

Serum myostatin concentrations were significantly increased in overweight patients compared with normal
weight controls (10.99±1.99 vs. 9.75±0.96 ng/ml, P=0.001) and positively correlated with body weight (r = 0.272,
P=0.015), BMI (r = 0.263, P=0.018), waist circumference (r = 0.291, P=0.009), hip circumference (r = 0.336, P=0.002)
and TNF-α (r = 0.611, P<0.001) in all subjects. Contrarily, serum adiponectin levels were negatively associated with body
weight (r = -0.270, P=0.018), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = -0.253, P=0.027), TG (r = -0.235, P=0.040), ALT (r = -0.268,
P=0.019), uric acid (UA) (r = -0.262, P=0.021) and positively correlated with HDL (r = 0.454, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Serum myostatin levels in overweight patients are notably increased and positively correlated with BMI,
body weight, waist and hip circumference, TNF-α, suggesting myostatin is a metabolic regulatory factor.
The Economic Consequences of Disclosure Quality under SFAS No. 131
Authors: Chen Tsung-Kang , Liao Yi-Ping
Published: August 2014

SYNOPSIS

We investigate the economic consequences of SFAS No. 131 by evaluating whether improved segment-disclosure quality is associated with the reduction of cost of debt (as measured by bond yield spread). Based on firms' compliance with the disclosure guidance by SFAS No. 131, we construct a score that measures segment-reporting quality. The results indicate that: (1) the level of a firm's compliance with SFAS No. 131 significantly and negatively relates to bond yield spreads, and (2) the time-series variation in the level of a firm's compliance with SFAS No. 131 associates significantly and positively with bond yield spreads. More specifically, the yield spreads decrease 17.065 bps per standard deviation increase in segment-reporting quality. Overall, our findings offer direct motivation for management to commit to high-quality segment reporting.
Characteristics and Treatment of Hairy Cell Leukaemia
Authors: Greksák R.
Published: August 2014

Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare chronic indolent lymphoproliferative disease of B-lymphocytes. It always infiltrates the spleen, bone marrow or other organs and is also present in the peripheral blood in more than 95% of cases. The disease takes its name from its characteristic wrinkled surface with hair-like projections. The prognosis of this infaust diagnosis has dramatically changed since the 1980s through more precise diagnosis and efective treatment with purine analogues (1984, 2-deoxycoformy-cine (2-dCF); 1990, 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA)). In our group of 38 patients, we confrmed the diagnostic possibilities and their accuracy; in addition to morphological examination, these include fow cytometric detection of typical surface CD antigens and immunohistochemical recognition of hairy cells in the trephine biopsy. The treatment percentage in the number of response rates (RRs) (100%), complete remissions (CRs) (79%) and overall survival of patients is comparable with previously known data. Overall survival rate without symptoms of disease for more than 10 years after treatment is 87% (33/38). The presence and quantity of minimal residual disease (MRD) after frst-line treatment in bone marrow determine subsequent progression or relapse of the disease, sometimes even occurring many years after the treatment. Probably some new pharmacotherapeutical possibilities (monoclonal antibodies, immunotoxins, tyrosine kinase inhibitors or inhibitors of B-Raf enzyme) could demonstrate the ability to eliminate MRD and cure it in relapsed patients or patients refractory to purine analogues. HCL has become an oncological disease with a relatively good prognosis and long-term survival after standard treatment with purine analogues despite the persistence of indolent MRD in the bone marrow at varying degree of residual infiltration intensity.
Complex Multidisciplinary Follow-Up Of Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Bolčeková A. , Hlavatá A. , Zat'ková A. , Némethová M. , Holobradá M. , Sýkora P. , Gerinec A. , Husáková K. , Ilenčíková D. , Kovács L
Published: August 2014

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common autosomal dominant disorders with mainly mild cutaneous manifestations. Some patients with NF1, however, develop severe complications such as progressive optic pathway glioma, plexiform neurofibroma or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour. Due to potentially progressive and asymptomatic course of the disease, patients with NF1 require a regular multidisciplinary follow-up in coordination with various specialties and early intervention. In this article, we summarise our long-term experience with multidisciplinary follow-up of NF1 patients in the Centre for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients at the Children's University Hospital in Bratislava.
Developing innovative competencies in view of biographies of innovative managers
Authors: Nawrat Dorota
Published: August 2014

The article presents fragments of the author's own research, which was conducted among innovative managers. A thesis is advanced, that competencies and innovative behaviors of managers are also sources of formation of team and organizational spirit that fosters creativity and innovation of employees. The study focused on the factors influencing the innovation competence. The author pays particular attention to the subjective conditioning as well as to the educational and organizational factors, emphasizing their importance. Based on the results of the research, the article also presents a silhouette of an innovative manager. The author also highlights the need to develop innovative competencies, both in the executive and general education.
The use of Social Networking Sites in modern recruitment – empirical study
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz , Chmielecki Michał
Published: August 2014

Current changes in technology and the role of the Internet open up new opportunities for companies both to communicate and to work. The fact that Social Media entered the business landscape, and in particular the recruitment landscape leads to a demand for knowledge about recruitment trends regarding social media. Contemporary social media and recruitment texts have been reviewed in order to identify what impact social media is having on the recruitment industry. It focuses on how companies and recruitment professionals are taking advantage of the social media landscape to recruit talented people. Relevant existing research has been reviewed and primary research conducted (both qualitative and quantitative). The authors have conducted 8 IDIs with recruiter from various industries. The latter consisted of 147 CAWIs with employees from various Polish organizations from several different industries. The article presents interesting results that can be especially useful for recruitment managers, specialists and company owners. It is recommended that in order to gain a fuller picture of the issues underlying the findings, quantitative research on a bigger scale should be undertaken.
The effectiveness of capital management strategies used by the investment funds in Poland
Authors: Trippner Paweł
Published: August 2014

Collective investors play an extremely important role in the financial system of the state and in the economy. They operate in the financial market as institutions that enable households and businesses to convert savings into investments. Investment funds are the most conventional institutions which are dealing with financial intermediation.

The main purpose of the submitted paper is to characterise the essence of investment funds operation in the role as financial intermediaries, to present the investment strategies and to characterise the methodology for measuring the effectiveness of capital management entrusted by the clients.

The author has formulated a research hypothesis, according to which, the strategies of capital location policy used by the investment funds have an impact on the level of their performance, while funds holding higher risk portfolios perform better compared to the funds using passive investment strategies
An assessment of reaction time development in females using polynomial regression analysis
Authors: Jaworski Janusz , Kosiba Grażyna , Madejski Eligiusz
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the level and rate of change of reaction time during the developmental period from early childhood to early adulthood. Polynomial regression analysis was applied to determine the age at which the best reaction time results are achieved.

Methods

The study involved 550 females between the ages of 7 and 20 years. Participants completed a computer test measuring simple reaction times to visual and auditory stimuli and choice reaction time during the ontogenetic developmental period.

Results

Analysis of the results for age group distinguished two sub-periods of reaction time dynamics: a progressive increase throughout the developmental period followed by a plateau phase. This was evident for all reaction time measures (simple and choice) particularly in the case of that data collected empirically.

Conclusions

Best reaction times to visual and auditory stimuli were approximately at the age of 17 years. In turn, quickest choice reaction time was approximately one year earlier in life. The most dynamic increase in the results of both simple reaction times was between the age of 7 and 8 years, whereas for choice reaction time this was between 10 and 11 years of age.
Relationship between tactical behavior and affective decision-making in U-17 youth soccer players
Authors: Santos Rodrigo , Padilha Maickel Bach , Teoldo Israel
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The aim of this article was to analyze the relationship between tactical behavior and affective decision making of U-17 youth soccer players.

Methods

The sample was comprised of 154 participants meeting the study inclusion criteria. Players played 4-min games on four-person teams (including goalkeeper) on a small-sided soccer field. The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used to determine the defensive tactical actions performed by players according to five different tactical principles. A total of 6140 defensive tactical actions were recorded. Their affective decision-making was measured by a computerized card task, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

Results

Significant negative correlation was found between players’ learning curve and the incidence of actions based on the principle of concentration. Less impulsive players presented a lower incidence of actions tied with the principle of concentration in comparison with more impulsive players.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that, in the defensive phase, players who are less impulsive decision makers may benefit from more secure and stable defensive styles.
Real-Time Human in the Loop MBS Simulation in the Fraunhofer Robot-Based Driving Simulator
Authors: Kleer Michael , Gizatullin Andrey , Dreßler Klaus , Müller Steffen
Published: August 2014

The paper encompasses the overview of hardware architecture and the systems characteristics of the Fraunhofer driving simulator. First, the requirements of the real-time model and the real-time calculation hardware are defined and discussed in detail. Aspects like transport delay and the parallel computation of complex real-time models are presented. In addition, the interfacing of the models with the simulator system is shown. Two simulator driving tests, including a fully interactive rough terrain driving with a wheeled excavator and a test drive with a passenger car, are set to demonstrate system characteristics. Furthermore, the simulator characteristics of practical significance, such as simulator response time delay, simulator acceleration signal bandwidth obtained from artificial excitation and from the simulator driving test, will be presented and discussed.
Drop Test Simulation for An Aircraft Landing Gear Via Multi-Body Approach
Authors: Leo Romeo Di , Fenza Angelo De , Barile Marco , Lecce Leonardo
Published: August 2014

This work deals with the effectiveness of a multi-body approach for the study of the dynamic behavior of a fixed landing gear, especially the research project concerns the drop tests of the AP.68 TP-300 aircraft. First, the Digital Mock-up of the of landing gear system in a C.A.D. software has been created, then the experimental structural stiffness of the leaf spring has been validated using the FEM tools MSC. Patran/Nastran. Finally, the entire model has been imported in MSC.ADAMS environment and, according to the certifying regulations, several multi-body simulations have been performed varying the heights of fall and the weights of the system. The results have shown a good correlation between numerical and experimental tests, thus demonstrating the potential of a multi-body approach. Future development of the present activity will probably be an application of the methodology, herein validated, to other cases for a more extensive validation of its predictive power and development of virtual certification procedures.
Use of Portable Seismic Property Analyzer to Assess Colorado's Hanging Lake Tunnel Liner
Authors: Azari Hoda , Nazarian Soheil , Yuan Deren
Published: August 2014

A survey of the condition of the tunnel liner in Hanging Lake Tunnel, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, was performed with a handheld device, the portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA), within the framework of SHRP 2 Project R06G. The PSPA simultaneously applies two stress wave–based nondestructive testing (NDT) methods: the ultrasonic surface wave (USW) and the impact–echo (IE). The USW method can provide the average modulus as an indication of the quality of the concrete. The IE method can provide the thickness of the concrete liner or the depth of any reflector within the liner. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the PSPA to tunnel work and the performance of the IE and USW methods in estimating the thickness and evaluating the quality of the tunnel liner. For this purpose, several sections of the plenum of Hanging Lake Tunnel were tested. The selection of the testing areas was based on a visual inspection, infrared thermography, and the surface dielectric constant measured by other NDT methods. The results from this study demonstrated that the combination of the IE and USW results provided by the PSPA enhanced the effectiveness of the two methods in detecting and locating the defective areas within the tunnel liner. No additional time was needed to collect the data.
Time-Dependent Behavior of Synthetic Fiber–Reinforced Concrete Pipes under Long-Term Sustained Loading
Authors: Park Yeonho , Abolmaali Ali , Attiogbe Emmanuel , Lee Swoo-Heon
Published: August 2014

This study presents the long-term behavior of synthetic fiber–reinforced concrete pipe (SYNFRCP) in actual field conditions. Conventional reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) was tested for comparison purposes. The research program was twofold. First, the short-term relationships between the applied loads and the deflections of SYNFRCP were obtained on the basis of the ASTM C497 three-edge bearing test. Second, the changes in the deformations of the buried RCPs and SYNFRCPs under sustained loading were monitored for up to 4,200 h. Two fiber dosages of 8 lb/yd3 (4.8 kg/m3) and 12 lb/yd3 (7.0 kg/m3) were used during the pipe production. Two 24-in. (600-mm) and two 36-in. (900-mm) pipes were buried in trenches with a sustained load of 1,350 lb/ft/ft (65 kN/m/m). The pipes were initially backfilled with native soil up to 2 ft (600 mm) and 4 ft (1,200 mm) over the top of the pipe and then backfilled with 14 ft of pea gravel above this to simulate the maximum fill height sustained by a Class 3 Wall B precast concrete pipe on the basis of ASTM C76. Two displacement transducers were installed from the crown to the invert at two sections along the length of each pipe. All buried pipes were precracked until the first visible crack was observed. The precracking was done to evaluate the long-term performance of SYNFRCP in which fibers are engaged after cracking. The strength, the crack width, and the change in the vertical deformation of the buried SYNFRCP and RCP are compared and presented in this paper.
Crowdsourcing and Its Application to Transportation Data Collection and Management
Authors: Misra Aditi , Gooze Aaron , Watkins Kari , Asad Mariam , Le Dantec Christopher A.
Published: August 2014

The participation of a large and varied group of people in the planning process has long been encouraged to increase the effectiveness and acceptability of plans. However, in practice, participation by affected stakeholders has often been limited to small groups, both because of the lack of reach on the part of planners and because of a sense of little or no ownership of the process on the part of citizens. Overcoming these challenges to stakeholder participation is particularly important for any transportation planning process because the success of the system depends primarily on its ability to cater to the requirements and preferences of the people whom the system serves. Crowdsourcing uses the collective wisdom of a crowd to achieve a solution to a problem that affects the crowd. This paper proposes the use of crowdsourcing as a possible mechanism to involve a large group of stakeholders in transportation planning and operations. Multiple case studies show that crowdsourcing was used to collect data from a wide range of stakeholders in transportation projects. Two distinct crowdsourcing usage types are identified: crowdsourcing for collecting normally sparse data on facilities such as bike routes and crowdsourcing for soliciting feedback on transit quality of service and real-time information quality. A final case study exemplifies the use of data quality auditors for ensuring the usability of crowd-sourced data, one of many potential issues in crowdsourcing presented in the paper. These case studies show that crowdsourcing has immense potential to replace or augment traditional ways of collecting data and feedback from a wider group of a transportation system's users without creating an additional financial burden.
Transportation Engineering Careers
Authors: Ivey Stephanie S. , Golias Mihalis M. , Palazolo Paul , Ford Kelsey , Wise Virginia Anne , Thomas Patrice
Published: August 2014

Critical to building an American workforce with 21st century skills is the recruitment and graduation of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. However, a nationwide lack of student interest and preparation in these fields results in a shortage of workforce talent. The transportation field is not immune to this shortage and faces significant issues related to attracting and retaining transportation professionals. Thus, it is crucial to raise awareness of opportunities available through the transportation profession with precollege students. The Transportation Engineering Careers (TREC) program at the University of Memphis is designed to engage students in active challenge-based learning, to showcase the variety of transportation engineering career opportunities through visits from industry professionals, and to provide interaction with peer role models through a structured mentoring component. This paper presents a brief review of relevant literature, a description of the University of Memphis TREC program and its evolution since 2010, the evaluation results from four years of participants, and preliminary results from a longitudinal survey. Lessons learned from the program assessment in attracting students to transportation professions are also discussed.
Assessment of historical changes (1959-2012) and the causes of recent break-ups of the Petersen ice shelf, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: White Adrienne , Copland Luke , Mueller Derek , Van Wychen Wesley
Published: August 2014

Aerial photography and satellite imagery of the Petersen ice shelf, Nunavut, Canada, from 1959 to 2012 show that it was stable until June 2005, after which a series of major calving events in the summers of 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2012 resulted in the loss of ∼61% of the June 2005 ice-shelf area. This recent series of calving events was initiated by the loss of extensive regions of ˃50-year-old multi-year landfast sea ice from the front of the ice shelf in summer 2005. Each subsequent calving event has been preceded by open-water conditions and resulting loss of pack-ice pressure across the front of the ice shelf, and most occurred during record warm summers. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) ice thickness measurements and RADARSAT-2 derived observations of surface motion indicate that tributary glaciers provided total ice input of 1.19-5.65 Mta–1 to the ice shelf from 2011 to 2012, far below the mean surface loss rate of 28.45 Mta–1. With recent losses due to calving and little evidence for current basal freeze-on, this suggests that the Petersen ice shelf will no longer exist by the 2040s, or sooner if further major calving events occur.
Unusual Presentation of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Authors: Uddin MM , Chowdhury MLL , Yasmin A
Published: August 2014

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a multisystem, necrotizing vasculitis of small and medium-sized muscular arteries. Sometimes PAN is detected at cholecystectomy or appendectomy in the absence of other disease manifestations. In such cases, surgical removal of the involved organ may be curative. Here we presented a case of poly arteritis nodosa, the process of diagnosis and explained the pathophysiology of the disorder and currently available treatments DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pulse.v5i1.20188 Pulse Vol.5 January 2011 p.35-38
Pediatric Integrative Medicine Approaches to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Esparham Anna , Evans Randall , Wagner Leigh , Drisko Jeanne
Published: August 2014

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in children and is increasing in prevalence. There has also been a related increase in prescribing stimulant medication despite some controversy whether ADHD medication makes a lasting difference in school performance or achievement. Families who are apprehensive about side effects and with concerns for efficacy of medication pursue integrative medicine as an alternative or adjunct to pharmacologic and cognitive behavioral treatment approaches. Integrative medicine incorporates evidence-based medicine, both conventional and complementary and alternative therapies, to deliver personalized care to the patient, emphasizing diet, nutrients, gut health, and environmental influences as a means to decrease symptoms associated with chronic disorders. Pediatric integrative medicine practitioners are increasing in number throughout the United States because of improvement in patient health outcomes. However, limited funding and poor research design interfere with generalizable treatment approaches utilizing integrative medicine. The use of research designs originally intended for drugs and procedures are not suitable for many integrative medicine approaches. This article serves to highlight integrative medicine approaches in use today for children with ADHD, including dietary therapies, nutritional supplements, environmental hygiene, and neurofeedback.
Effect of Torrefaction on the Properties of Corn Stalk to Enhance Solid Fuel Qualities
Authors: Poudel Jeeban , Oh Sea
Published: August 2014

This study presents the effects of torrefaction on the basic characteristics of corn stalks. Corn stalks were torrefied in a horizontal tubular reactor at temperatures ranging from 150 °C to 400 °C, for torrefaction periods varying from 0 min to 50 min. The torrefied corn stalk products were characterized in terms of their elemental composition, energy yield, ash content, and volatile fraction. The gaseous products were also analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples was carried out in order to obtain the apparent activation energy for the torrefaction of corn stalks. The weight loss data according to the degradation temperature were analyzed using three different methods. The energy and mass yield were found to decrease with an increase in the temperature, whereas the higher heating value (HHV) increased. From this work, it was found that the compounds with oxygen were emitted at a temperature lower than that for hydrocarbon gases and the temperatures of 290–330 °C were the optimum torrefaction temperatures for corn stalks.
Odor and Noise Intolerance in Persons with Self-Reported Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
Authors: Nordin Steven , Neely Gregory , Olsson David , Sandström Monica
Published: August 2014

Lack of confirmation of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and triggered by EMF exposure has highlighted the role of individual factors. Prior observations indicate intolerance to other types of environmental exposures among persons with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This study assessed differences in odor and noise intolerance between persons with EHS and healthy controls by use of subscales and global measures of the Chemical Sensitivity Scale (CSS) and the Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS). The EHS group scored significantly higher than the controls on all CSS and NSS scales. Correlation coefficients between CSS and NSS scores ranged from 0.60 to 0.65 across measures. The findings suggest an association between EHS and odor and noise intolerance, encouraging further investigation of individual factors for understanding EMF-related symptoms.
Protective Effects of Hericium erinaceus Mycelium and Its Isolated Erinacine A against Ischemia-Injury-Induced Neuronal Cell Death via the Inhibition of iNOS/p38 MAPK and Nitrotyrosine
Authors: Lee Kam-Fai , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Teng Chih-Chuan , Shen Chien-Heng , Hsieh Meng-Chiao , Lu Chien-Chang , Lee Ko-Chao , Lee Li-Ya , Chen Wan-Ping , Chen Chin-Chu , Huang Wen-Shih , Kuo Hsing-Chun
Published: August 2014

Hericium erinaceus, an edible mushroom, has been demonstrated to potentiate the effects of numerous biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate whether H. erinaceus mycelium could act as an anti-inflammatory agent to bring about neuroprotection using a model of global ischemic stroke and the mechanisms involved. Rats were treated with H. erinaceus mycelium and its isolated diterpenoid derivative, erinacine A, after ischemia reperfusion brain injuries caused by the occlusion of the two common carotid arteries. The production of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the infracted volume of the brain were measured. The proteins from the stroke animal model (SAM) were evaluated to determine the effect of H. erinaceus mycelium. H. erinaceus mycelium reduced the total infarcted volumes by 22% and 44% at a concentration of 50 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, compared to the SAM group. The levels of acute inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor á, were all reduced by erinacine A. Levels of nitrotyrosine-containing proteins, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and homologous protein (CHOP) expression were attenuated by erinacine A. Moreover, the modulation of ischemia injury factors present in the SAM model by erinacine A seemed to result in the suppression of reactive nitrogen species and the downregulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), p38 MAPK and CHOP. These findings confirm the nerve-growth properties of Hericium erinaceus mycelium, which include the prevention of ischemic injury to neurons; this protective effect seems to be involved in the in vivo activity of iNOS, p38 MAPK and CHOP.
The Corrosion Behavior of Pure Iron under Solid Na2SO4 Deposit in Wet Oxygen Flow at 500 °C
Authors: Tang Yanbing , Liu Li , Fan Lei , Li Ying , Wang Fuhui
Published: August 2014

The corrosion behavior of pure Fe under a Na2SO4 deposit in an atmosphere of O2 + H2O was investigated at 500 °C by thermo gravimetric, and electrochemical measurements, viz. potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface characterization methods viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS). The results showed that a synergistic effect occurred between Na2SO4 and O2 + H2O, which significantly accelerated the corrosion rate of the pure Fe. Briefly, NaFeO2 was formed in addition to the customary Fe oxides; at the same time, H2SO4 gas was produced by introduction of water vapor. Subsequently, an electrochemical corrosion reaction occurred due to the existence of Na2SO4, NaFeO2, and H2O. When this coupled to the chemical corrosion reaction, the progress of the chemical corrosion reaction was promoted and eventually resulted in the acceleration of the corrosion of the pure Fe.
Biogas Production from Citrus Waste by Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Wikandari Rachma , Millati Ria , Cahyanto Muhammad , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: August 2014

Rapid acidification and inhibition by d-limonene are major challenges of biogas production from citrus waste. As limonene is a hydrophobic chemical, this challenge was encountered using hydrophilic polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) membranes in a biogas reactor. The more sensitive methane-producing archaea were encapsulated in the membranes, while freely suspended digesting bacteria were present in the culture as well. In this membrane bioreactor (MBR), the free digesting bacteria digested the citrus wastes and produced soluble compounds, which could pass through the membrane and converted to biogas by the encapsulated cell. As a control experiment, similar digestions were carried out in bioreactors containing the identical amount of just free cells. The experiments were carried out in thermophilic conditions at 55 °C, and hydraulic retention time of 30 days. The organic loading rate (OLR) was started with 0.3 kg VS/m3/day and gradually increased to 3 kg VS/m3/day. The results show that at the highest OLR, MBR was successful to produce methane at 0.33 Nm3/kg VS, while the traditional free cell reactor reduced its methane production to 0.05 Nm3/kg VS. Approximately 73% of the theoretical methane yield was achieved using the membrane bioreactor.
A Multi-Scale Numerical Method for the Study of Size-Scale Effects in Ductile Fracture
Authors: Corrado Mauro , Paggi Marco , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: August 2014

The use of a stress-strain constitutive relation for the undamaged material and a traction-separation cohesive crack model with softening for cracking has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to predict and explain the size-scale effects on the mechanical response of quasi-brittle materials. In metals, where ductile fracture takes place, the situation is more complex due to the interplay between plasticity and fracture. In the present study, we propose a multi-scale numerical method where the shape of a global constitutive relation used at the macro-scale, the so-called hardening cohesive zone model, can be deduced from meso-scale numerical simulations of polycrystalline metals in tension. The shape of this constitutive relation, characterized by an almost linear initial branch followed by a plastic plateau with hardening and finally by softening, is in fact the result of the interplay between two basic forms of nonlinearities: elasto-plasticity inside the grains and classic cohesive cracking for the grain boundaries.
Automated Spatiotemporal Landslide Mapping over Large Areas Using RapidEye Time Series Data
Authors: Behling Robert , Roessner Sigrid , Kaufmann Hermann , Kleinschmit Birgit
Published: August 2014

In the past, different approaches for automated landslide identification based on multispectral satellite remote sensing were developed to focus on the analysis of the spatial distribution of landslide occurrences related to distinct triggering events. However, many regions, including southern Kyrgyzstan, experience ongoing process activity requiring continual multi-temporal analysis. For this purpose, an automated object-oriented landslide mapping approach has been developed based on RapidEye time series data complemented by relief information. The approach builds on analyzing temporal NDVI-trajectories for the separation between landslide-related surface changes and other land cover changes. To accommodate the variety of landslide phenomena occurring in the 7500 km2 study area, a combination of pixel-based multiple thresholds and object-oriented analysis has been implemented including the discrimination of uncertainty-related landslide likelihood classes. Applying the approach to the whole study area for the time period between 2009 and 2013 has resulted in the multi-temporal identification of 471 landslide objects. A quantitative accuracy assessment for two independent validation sites has revealed overall high mapping accuracy (Quality Percentage: 80%), proving the suitability of the developed approach for efficient spatiotemporal landslide mapping over large areas, representing an important prerequisite for objective landslide hazard and risk assessment at the regional scale.
Temperature Compensation in Determining of Remazol Black B Concentrations Using Plastic Optical Fiber Based Sensor
Authors: Chong Su , Aziz A.R. , Harun Sulaiman , Arof Hamzah
Published: August 2014

In this study, the construction and test of tapered plastic optical fiber (POF) sensors, based on an intensity modulation approach are described. Tapered fiber sensors with different diameters of 0.65 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.35 mm, were used to measure various concentrations of Remazol black B (RBB) dye aqueous solutions at room temperature. The concentrations of the RBB solutions were varied from 0 ppm to 70 ppm. In addition, the effect of varying the temperature of the RBB solution was also investigated. In this case, the output of the sensor was measured at four different temperatures of 27 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C, while its concentration was fixed at 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The experimental results show that the tapered POF with d = 0.45 mm achieves the best performance with a reasonably good sensitivity of 61 × 10−4 and a linearity of more than 99%. It also maintains a sufficient and stable signal when heat was applied to the solution with a linearity of more than 97%. Since the transmitted intensity is dependent on both the concentration and temperature of the analyte, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to combine the two independent variables into a single equation. The resulting equation was then validated experimentally and the best agreement between the calculated and experimental results was achieved by the sensor with d = 0.45 mm, where the minimum discrepancy is less than 5%. The authors conclude that POF-based sensors are suitable for RBB dye concentration sensing and, with refinement in fabrication, better results could be achieved. Their low fabrication cost, simple configuration, accuracy, and high sensitivity would attract many potential applications in chemical and biological sensing.