bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Urban Transport Planning
Authors: Boitor Melania R. , Antov Dago , Iliescu Mihai , Antso Imre , Mäe Roland
Published: February 2015

Environmental protection has become a common issue in every area, but extremely important for the domains which deal with intensive energy consumption as it is the case of the transportation. Achieving the sustainable cities on the other hand, is also focused on the protection of the environment in order to provide a higher quality of life for the population. Therefore it is considered that by improving the urban transportation planning additional benefits could be provided for both the environment and the sustainable development of the cities. One possibility is to supplement the traditionally land-use plans with the transportrelated zones analysis, where the city is divided in public transport, pedestrian and caroriented zones. Analyzing the transport-related zones of a city is important as it provides additional information in the assessment of the development trend. The process of zoning was conducted for the city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. In this paper, the outcome of the zoning was analyzed for a more comprehensive review of the urban transport in order to attain a sustainable-oriented approach of the urban area development.
Steel-Concrete Viaducts in the Orastie-Sibiu Highway: a Eurocode Compliant Project
Authors: Giordano Aldo , Răcănel Ionuţ Radu , Voiro Giovanni
Published: February 2015

This paper is intended to show the design of two composite bridges along the Orastie- Sibiu motorway, from the basic concepts, applied without the need for a clause-by- clause checking of codes and standards, to the construction methods.

The bridges are seismically isolated in the longitudinal direction, while transversally the seismic action is distributed among the piers.

Calculations have been carried out through state of the art procedures, taking into account form effect of the cross section. For this reason, different FE models have been set up to study different aspects of the behavior, with increasing degrees of approximation. For example, “beam” elements have been utilised to investigate global effects both in the linear and non linear range, while more accuate 2D and 3D elements have been used for refined cases such as stress checks and local buckling analyses.

The present paper goes into detail in particular for what concerns some of the most interesting parts of the design process for the specific case. Namely, time dependent properties of the materials have been considered, and extensive “staged construction” analyses have been carried out to ensure safety in each phase of the complex life of the bridges, while at the same time guaranteeing significant cost savings.
The Reflective Cracking in Flexible Pavements
Authors: Pais Jorge
Published: February 2015

Reflective cracking is a major concern for engineers facing the problem of road maintenance and rehabilitation. The problem appears due to the presence of cracks in the old pavement layers that propagate into the pavement overlay layer when traffic load passes over the cracks and due to the temperature variation. The stress concentration in the overlay just above the existing cracks is responsible for the appearance and crack propagation throughout the overlay. The analysis of the reflective cracking phenomenon is usually made by numerical modeling simulating the presence of cracks in the existing pavement and the stress concentration in the crack tip is assessed to predict either the cracking propagation rate or the expected fatigue life of the overlay. Numerical modeling to study reflective cracking is made by simulating one crack in the existing pavement and the loading is usually applied considering the shear mode of crack opening. Sometimes the simulation considers the mode I of crack opening, mainly when temperature effects are predominant.
New And Existing Bridge Constructions - Increase of Fatigue Strength of Welded Joints by High Frequency Mechanical Impact Treatment
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Weidner Philipp , Zinke Tim
Published: February 2015

Numerous studies at KIT prove that high frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment is an efficient method for increasing the fatigue strength of welded steel structures. Within different research projects it was found that HFMI-methods can be used successfully for new and existing structures in order to extend the fatigue life. This paper gives an overview of the current status of existing steel bridges in Germany regarding aspects like bridge age distributions and traffic loads. Based on that overview welded joints susceptible to fatigue failure are identified. Using component-like small scale specimens, HFMI-methods were investigated within the objective of implementing an effective application for new and existing structures. Applying the fatigue test data observed, existing design proposals are evaluated and design recommendations for HFMI-treated joints are given. As a result of the research work, a transfer into practice has been realized and different applications are illustrated using the example of bridge constructions made of steel.
The Influence of Visibility Conditions in Horizontal Road Curves on the Efficiency of Noise Protection Barriers
Authors: Džambas Tamara , Ahac Saša , Dragčević Vesna
Published: February 2015

Ensuring sufficient visibility on planned roads by sight distance testing is an integral part of every project, but problems with visibility can emerge when noise barriers are erected on existing roads. Namely, in order to provide sufficient noise protection, high noise barriers are often placed at minimum distance from the carriageway edge, and additional visibility testing in most cases is not carried out.

Research described in this paper consists of stopping sight distance tests conducted by means of specialized road design software MX Road, and noise barrier optimization conducted by means of specialized noise prediction software LimA using static noise calculation method RLS 90. The aim of this research is to establish whether the required stopping sight distance on road sections where minimum design parameters are applied can be achieved if the noise barrier is placed at minimum distance from the carriageway edge, and to establish whether the optimized dimensions of planned noise protection barrier will change if the barrier is placed on larger distance from the noise source, which is, in this case, the existing road.
On the rigorous ergodic theorem for a class of nonlinear Klein–Gordon wave propagations
Authors: Botelho Luiz C. L.
Published: February 2015

We present a complete study of the ergodic theorem for the problem of nonlinear Klein–Gordon classical wave propagations through cylindrical measures, rigorous mathematical path integrals and the well-known Ruelle–Amrein–Georgescu–Enss (RAGE) theorem on the characterization of the continuous spectrum of self-adjoint operators.
Crystal structure analyses of two TMA silicates with ordered defects: RUB-20, a layered zeolite precursor, and RUB-22, a microporous framework silicate
Authors: Marler Bernd , Gies Hermann
Published: February 2015

Synthesis experiments in the simple system TMAOH/SiO2/H2O led at 160°C to the crystallization of two new tetramethylammonium (TMA) silicates, RUB-20 and RUB-22. The common feature of the two silicates is the presence of ordered defects within the silicate network, necessary to compensate the charge of the occluded TMA cation. RUB-20, [(CH3)4N]1.7[Si18O35(OH)4], is a layered material with a0 = 10.493(2) Å, b0 = 13.988(2) Å, c0 = 7.411(1) Å, β = 97.80(2)° and space group P21/m. It consists of ferrierite type (fer) silicate layers which possess a significant amount of defects. These defects apply only to one particular Si–O–Si bridge which is hydrolyzed to about 50% to form two additional Si–OH/Si–O- groups which point to the interlayer region of the structure. These silanol groups together with the regular terminal silanol groups of neighbouring fer layers form a system of hydrogen bonds which binds the layers together. In addition, weak ionic bonds exist between the negatively charged silicate layers and the intercalated TMA cations. RUB-22 is a zeolite-like silicate possessing a microporous framework with double-cages, housing the TMA cations. The Rietveld structure analysis revealed a pseudo monoclinic unit cell with a0 = 13.6626(2) Å, b0 = 13.2400(2) Å, c0 = 12.3009(2) Å, α = 90.003(3)°, β = 112.700(1)°, γ = 90.005(3) and space group

C

1
¯

.

$C\bar 1.$

RUB-22, [(CH3)4N]4[Si32O60(OH)12], possesses an interrupted silica framework of the same topology as RUB-10, [(CH3)4N]4[Si32B4O72] (zeolite framework type RUT), however, with the difference that defects replace the [BO4]-tetrahedra. The defects can be regarded as “hydroxyl nests” surrounding a vacancy □(OH-Si)3(-O-Si) instead of B(-O-Si)4 groups. Heating the as made materials at 600°C led in the case of RUB-20 to a highly disordered zeolite of the CDO type and in the case of RUB-22 to a distorted and defective RUT-type material.
A mixed-ligand dihydrobis(2-mercapto-4-methylthiazolyl)borate) bismuth complex: [Bi(btMe)(phen)Cl2]
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Neumann Beate , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: February 2015

[Bi(btMe)(phen)Cl2] (btMe = dihydrobis(2-mercapto-4-methylthiazolyl)borate), a mixed-ligand bismuth complex, was prepared from BiCl3, phenanthroline and Na(btMe) and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It possesses a BiS2N2Cl2 core with distorted octahedral environment constituted by two sulfur atoms of the dipodal boron-centered soft ligand (btMe)–, two nitrogen atoms of the phenanthroline ligand and two chloro ligands.
Influence of Ni–Cu–P Deposits on the Surface Characteristics of Anodized Al, Al2014 and Al7075
Authors: Badawy Waheed A. , Fadl-Allah Sahar A. , Fathi Ahlam M.
Published: February 2015

Nickel-copper-phosphorous layers were electro-less deposited on the
surface of anodized aluminum and aluminum alloys. The electrochemical
behavior of the improved surface was investigated in 0.5 M
Na2SO4. The corrosion resistance of the modified alloy's
surface is ten folds that measured on the anodized materials. The
surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy, SCE,
and the deposit composition was subjected to x-ray energy dispersive
analysis, EDAX. The experimental impedance data were fitted to
theoretical data according to a proposed equivalent circuit model. The
results show that the Ni–Cu–P layer was
deposited homogeneously on the anodized Al surface but on the
anodized-alloy surface the layer had a defective nature.
A Dual-Stream Neuroanatomy of Singing
Authors: Loui Psyche
Published: February 2015

Singing requires effortless and efficient use of auditory and motor systems that center around the perception and production of the human voice. Although perception and production are usually tightly coupled functions, occasional mismatches between the two systems inform us of dissociable pathways in the brain systems that enable singing. Here I review the literature on perception and production in the auditory modality, and propose a dual-stream neuroanatomical model that subserves singing. I will discuss studies surrounding the neural functions of feedforward, feedback, and efference systems that control vocal monitoring, as well as the white matter pathways that connect frontal and temporal regions that are involved in perception and production. I will also consider disruptions of the perception-production network that are evident in tone-deaf individuals and poor pitch singers. Finally, by comparing expert singers against other musicians and nonmusicians, I will evaluate the possibility that singing training might offer rehabilitation from these disruptions through neuroplasticity of the perception-production network. Taken together, the best available evidence supports a model of dorsal and ventral pathways in auditory-motor integration that enables singing and is shared with language, music, speech, and human interactions in the auditory environment.
Symbolic and Motor Contributions to Vocal Imitation in Absolute Pitch
Authors: Hutchins Sean , Hutka Stefanie , Moreno Sylvain
Published: February 2015

The Linked Dual Representation model (Hutchins & Moreno, 2013) was designed to provide an account for the broad pattern of relationships between vocal perception and production, including both correlations and dissociations between the two. This model makes a unique prediction that musicians with absolute pitch (AP) should be biased towards compensating for objectively mistuned notes in a single note imitation task. In this paper, we tested this prediction by asking musicians with and without AP to imitate vocal notes that are either well-tuned or mistuned. We found that AP musicians were more likely to bias their responses to compensate for mistunings, and that this effect was stronger after longer response delays. We also showed evidence for some implicit AP-like abilities among non-AP musicians. Our findings were predicted by the Linked Dual Representation model, but not other models, providing further evidence for this model.
Singing Accuracy Development from K-Adult
Authors: Demorest Steven M. , Pfordresher Peter Q.
Published: February 2015

The development of singing accuracy, and the relative role of training versus maturation, is a central issue for both music educators and those within music cognition. Although various studies have focused on singing accuracy in different age groups, to date we know of no data sets that maintain the consistency in recruitment, methodology, and measurement that is necessary to make direct comparisons. We report analyses of three data sets that meet these criteria: two groups of children (kindergarten, middle school), and one group of adults (college aged). The data were collected at different times, but used a similar set of tasks and identical scoring procedures. Results indicate considerable improvement in accuracy from kindergarten to late elementary that dramatically reverses such that college students perform at the level of kindergartners. It appears singing accuracy may be related to variables involving singing experience rather than general development, and singing skill could decline over time if not maintained through engagement. A secondary purpose was to explore the efficacy of acoustic scoring for some singing tasks and how well it mimics human judgments of accuracy. The acoustic scoring procedure was highly correlated with expert judgment and could provide a standard approach to scoring that is largely automated. We discuss the potential benefits of a more unified approach to measuring singing accuracy and suggest future research that includes children, adolescents and adults in the sample.
Defective NOD2 peptidoglycan sensing promotes diet‐induced inflammation, dysbiosis, and insulin resistance
Authors: Denou Emmanuel , Lolmède Karine , Garidou Lucile , Pomie Celine , Chabo Chantal , Lau Trevor C , Fullerton Morgan D , Nigro Giulia , Zakaroff‐Girard Alexia , Luche Elodie , Garret Céline , Serino Matteo , Amar Jacques , Courtney Michael , Cavallari Joseph F , Henriksbo Brandyn D , Barra Nicole G , Foley Kevin P , McPhee Joseph B , Duggan Brittany M , O'Neill Hayley M , Lee Amanda J , Sansonetti Philippe , Ashkar Ali A , Khan Waliul I , Surette Michael G , Bouloumié Anne , Steinberg Gregory R , Burcelin Rémy , Schertzer Jonathan D
Published: February 2015

Pattern recognition receptors link metabolite and bacteria‐derived inflammation to insulin resistance during obesity. We demonstrate that NOD2 detection of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PGN) regulates metabolic inflammation and insulin sensitivity. An obesity‐promoting high‐fat diet (HFD) increased NOD2 in hepatocytes and adipocytes, and NOD2−/− mice have increased adipose tissue and liver inflammation and exacerbated insulin resistance during a HFD. This effect is independent of altered adiposity or NOD2 in hematopoietic‐derived immune cells. Instead, increased metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance in NOD2−/− mice is associated with increased commensal bacterial translocation from the gut into adipose tissue and liver. An intact PGN‐NOD2 sensing system regulated gut mucosal bacterial colonization and a metabolic tissue dysbiosis that is a potential trigger for increased metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Gut dysbiosis in HFD‐fed NOD2−/− mice is an independent and transmissible factor that contributes to metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance when transferred to WT, germ‐free mice. These findings warrant scrutiny of bacterial component detection, dysbiosis, and protective immune responses in the links between inflammatory gut and metabolic diseases, including diabetes.
The impact of passive immunisation against BMPRIB and BMP4 on follicle development and ovulation in mice
Authors: Al-Samerria S , Al-Ali I , McFarlane J R , Almahbobi G
Published: February 2015

The primordial follicle reserve is the corner stone of female fertility and determines the longevity and quality of reproduction. Complete depletion of this reserve will lead to primary infertility, and the key-limiting step of follicle depletion is the transition from primordial to primary follicles. It has been reported that this process is gonadotrophin-independent, but other conflicting reports are indicated otherwise and this discrepancy needs to be unequivocally clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the regulation of folliculogenesis in mice passively immunised against BMP receptor 1B (BMPRIB) and BMP4. While a stereological study revealed that the numbers of primordial follicles in immunised mice were significantly higher when compared with control animals, treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin showed no effect. In parallel, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of BMPRIB but not FSH receptor in primordial follicles. The number of primary follicles in immunised mice were also significantly increased when compared with control animals. After puberty, the rates of depletion of primordial and primary follicles were increased with age, particularly in treated animals; however, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups of the same age. Based on these results together with our previous reports in sheep and mice, we confirm that the attenuation of BMP signalling system can be an effective approach to sustain the primordial follicle reserve while promoting the development of growing follicles, ovulation and consequently overall female fertility.
Medical Augmentation of Labor and the Risk of ADHD in Offspring: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Henriksen Lonny , Wu Chun Sen , Secher Niels Jørgen , Obel Carsten , Juhl Mette
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Oxytocin for labor augmentation is widely used in obstetric care in Western countries. Two recent, smaller studies found opposing results regarding the association between prenatal exposure to oxytocin for labor augmentation and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In Denmark, oxytocin is the medication used for nearly all medical augmentations of labor, and we examined the association between medical augmentation of labor and ADHD in a large cohort study based on national register data.

METHODS:

All singletons born after spontaneous onset of labor in Denmark between 2000 and 2008 (N = 546 146) were included in the study. Data from the Danish Medical Birth Registry on medical augmentation of labor (yes/no) were used to identify exposed children. ADHD was defined based on the diagnostic codes of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, for hyperkinetic disorder and information on dispensed ADHD medication. A multivariate proportional hazards regression model was used to test the association.

RESULTS:

Among 546 146 deliveries, 26% included medical augmentation of labor, and 0.9% of the children were identified as having ADHD (n = 4617). We found no association between augmentation of labor and ADHD in the offspring (hazard ratio: 1.05 [95% confidence interval: 0.98–1.13]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study does not support an association between medical augmentation of labor and ADHD in the child.
Diet, Exercise, and Endothelial Function in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Bruyndonckx Luc , Hoymans Vicky Y. , De Guchtenaere Ann , Van Helvoirt Maria , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Frederix Geert , Lemmens Katrien , Vissers Dirk K. , Vrints Christiaan J. , Ramet José , Conraads Viviane M.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Endothelial dysfunction is the first, although reversible, sign of atherosclerosis and is present in obese adolescents. The primary end point of this study was to investigate the influence of a multicomponent treatment on microvascular function. Additional objectives and end points were a reduced BMI SD score, improvements in body composition, exercise capacity, and cardiovascular risk factors, an increase in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and a decrease in endothelial microparticles (EMPs).

METHODS:

We used a quasi-randomized study with 2 cohorts of obese adolescents: an intervention group (n = 33; 15.4 ± 1.5 years, 24 girls and 9 boys) treated residentially with supervised diet and exercise and a usual care group (n = 28; 15.1 ± 1.2 years, 22 girls and 6 boys), treated ambulantly. Changes in body mass, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, microvascular endothelial function, and circulating EPCs and EMPs were evaluated after 5 months and at the end of the 10-month program.

RESULTS:

Residential intervention decreased BMI and body fat percentage, whereas it increased exercise capacity (P < .001 after 5 and 10 months). Microvascular endothelial function also improved in the intervention group (P = .04 at 10 months; + 0.59 ± 0.20 compared with + 0.01 ± 0.12 arbitrary units). Furthermore, intervention produced a significant reduction in traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = .012 at 10 months). EPCs were increased after 5 months (P = .01), and EMPs decreased after 10 months (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS:

A treatment regimen consisting of supervised diet and exercise training was effective in improving multiple adolescent obesity-related end points.
Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rutten Juliette M.T.M. , Korterink Judith J. , Venmans Leonie M.A.J. , Benninga Marc A. , Tabbers Merit M.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Various nonpharmacologic treatments are available for pediatric abdominal pain–related functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs). Data on efficacy and safety are scarce. The goal of this study was to summarize the evidence regarding nonpharmacologic interventions for pediatric AP-FGIDs: lifestyle interventions, dietary interventions, behavioral interventions, prebiotics and probiotics, and alternative medicine.

METHODS:

Searches were conducted of the Medline and Cochrane Library databases. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning nonpharmacologic therapies in children (aged 3–18 years) with AP-FGIDs were included, and data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes. The quality of evidence was assessed by using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four RCTs were found that included 1390 children. Significant improvement of abdominal pain was reported after hypnotherapy compared with standard care/wait-list approaches and after cognitive behavioral therapy compared with a variety of control treatments/wait-list approaches. Written self-disclosure improved pain frequency at the 6-month follow-up only. Compared with placebo, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and VSL#3 were associated with significantly more treatment responders (LGG relative risk: 1.31 [95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 1.59]; VSL#3: P < .05). Guar gum significantly improved irritable bowel syndrome symptom frequency; however, no effect was found for other fiber supplements (relative risk: 1.17 [95% confidence interval: 0.75 to 1.81]) or a lactose-free diet. Functional disability was not significantly decreased after yoga compared with a wait-list approach. No studies were found concerning lifestyle interventions; gluten-, histamine-, or carbonic acid–free diets; fluid intake; or prebiotics. No serious adverse effects were reported. The quality of evidence was found to be very low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although high-quality studies are lacking, some evidence shows efficacy of hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and probiotics (LGG and VSL#3) in pediatric AP-FGIDs. Data on fiber supplements are inconclusive.
Cost Saving and Quality of Care in a Pediatric Accountable Care Organization
Authors: Kelleher Kelly J. , Cooper Jennifer , Deans Katherine , Carr Pam , Brilli Richard J. , Allen Steven , Gardner William
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are responsible for costs and quality across a defined population. To succeed, the ACO must improve value by reducing costs while either maintaining or improving the quality of care. We examined changes from 2008 through 2013 in the cost and quality of care for Partners for Kids (PFK), a pediatric ACO serving an Ohio Medicaid population.

METHODS:

We measured the historical cost of care for PFK and gathered comparison statewide Ohio Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care (MC) cost histories. Changes in quality of care measures were assessed by using 15 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Pediatric Quality Indicators and 4 indicators targeted by PFK.

RESULTS:

PFK per-member-per-month costs were lower in 2008 than either FFS or MC (P < .001) costs and grew at a rate of $2.40 per year compared with FFS increases of $16.15 per year (P < .001) and MC increases of $6.47 per year (P < .121) with ∼3.5 million member-months each year. The quality of care of children in PFK improved significantly (P < .05) in 2011–2013 versus 2008–2010 on 5 quality measures (including 2 composite measures) and declined significantly on 3 measures. Other measures did not change or were rare events with no measureable change.

CONCLUSIONS:

PFK reduced the growth in costs compared with FFS Medicaid and averages less than MC Medicaid. This slowing in cost growth was achieved without diminishing the overall quality or outcomes of care. PFK thus improved the value of care for Medicaid children.
Facile Growth of Functional Perovskite Oxide Nanowire Arrays by Hybrid Physical-Chemical Techniques
Authors: Kons Corisa , Datta Anuja
Published: February 2015

A generalized route encompassing a facile hybrid physical/chemical approach is reported for fabricating size and shape selective nanowires of technologically important ferroelectric perovskite oxides (Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3(PZT) and Pb-free ZnSnO3) on industrially feasible large-area substrates. The approaches involve depositing nano-seed layers (50 - 100 nm in thickness) of the desired materials (Ti for PZT and ZnO for ZnSnO3) by pulsed laser deposition and RF sputtering techniques followed by oriented growth of nanowire arrays of these materials by solvothermal processes by varying solvent compositions and ratios. Similar crystal symmetry between the seed-layers facilitated the growth of well-aligned nanowire arrays of the targeted materials homogeneously on the substrates with a high packing density. Measurements of the electronic (field-emission), and ferroelectric properties of the materials are performed and discussed in terms of understanding their potential for future technological applications. The facile, low-cost method for fabricating high quality nanowires may expand the outreach of probes for understanding the structure-property relations in other perovskite materials.
Cele społeczne w procesach miejskich przemian. Przykład Prądnika Czerwonego w Krakowie
Authors: Karwińska Anna
Published: February 2015

The article presents the processes of the humanisation of Cracow’s Prądnik Czerwony district. It discusses activities aimed at formulating and implementing social goals in the process of improving the district’s spatial and social structure. Important stages in the socio-spatial development of this area are presented as well as actions undertaken thanks to the inspiration of the residents and city authorities working with various institutions. Existing traditions, cultural resources, places and buildings that potentially could have been centers of social aggregation were partially destroyed. Some were rejected because they did not work in the new environment. After many years some of these places seem to be „regaining power”, in the sense that they have become the foundation for certain social ties and common action.
Konflikty społeczne w doświadczeniu młodzieży małego miasta
Authors: Słaboń Andrzej
Published: February 2015

In this article, the author presents empirical research on social conflicts among youth in the small town of Niepołomice, near Cracow. It discusses different ways social conflict is experienced in everyday life, especially in family, school, the local community, relationships between different groups of youth, and intergenerational relations. 12–30% of respondents indicated that social conflicts are common in the area. Participants in the research stated that frequent sources of inequality and discrimination include religion (6,5%), political opinions (12%), different value systems (15%), participation in subcultures (23%), and financial inequality (28%). The results of this research are analysed from the perspective of conflict prevention.
Starzenie się społeczeństwa jako wyzwanie dla miast w XXI wieku. Pomiar wizerunku Krakowa jako age friendly city
Authors: Pawlina Anna , Pilch Kamila
Published: February 2015

Demographic changes are connected with new challenges in society, culture and the economy. These changes are especially visible in big cities, where the number of older inhabitants is systematically increasing, lending importance to the discussion of the role of modern cities in the context of demographic changes. The emergence of the “age friendly city” is proof of that importance. In this paper the city is understood as a territorial product and the elderly as one of its target groups. The aim of this paper is to present how different groups understand the term “age-friendly city” and how they perceive Cracow from this perspective in comparison to other polish cities. Multiple factor analysis was used to find the answer to this question.
Failure case study of reinforced-concrete foundations of wind turbine towers
Authors: Zhou Xingang , Kong Hui , Dow James Sneddon
Published: February 2015

Wind loads on wind turbine towers (WTTs) and fan blades are transferred to the reinforced-concrete (RC) foundations by embedded steel anchor bolts or circular steel tubes (CSTs). Understandably, the stability and bearing capacity of the RC foundations are important to the safety of WTTs. The design principle and operation of RC WTT foundations are analysed and discussed in this paper. The load-carrying capacity of the RC foundations is studied based on the mechanical behaviour of embedded CSTs in concrete. The study shows that the concrete over the lower steel flange plate of the CST in RC foundations can be easily fractured and crushed under extreme typhoon loads. This mode of failure is frequently neglected in the design of RC foundations for WTTs. As a result, failure of WTTs occurs relatively easily when they are subjected to extreme typhoon loads. The failure case study also indicates that serious failures are associated with such a design defect. Based on the analysis and the case study, some recommendations are put forward in order to improve the design of RC foundations for WTTs.
Municipal solid waste as a resource: part 2 – case study in sustainable management
Authors: Cox Jade-Ashlee , Druckman Angela , Jesson David , Mulheron Michael , Smyth Matthew , Trew Helen
Published: February 2015

Waste is intricate to manage. With greater attention now being paid to the use of waste as a resource, there is an increasing need to develop sustainable and secure management options for the most complex material resource streams. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to look to those materials, which owing to their complex structure have not traditionally been recycled, and so remain in the residual waste stream. This paper presents a methodology that has been developed to enable local authorities, or their equivalents, to assess the environmental and economic feasibility of collecting complex material streams separately, in order to improve their management of municipal solid waste. The methodology utilises available data from a number of sources, to determine the feasibility of options available. It is applied to a case study in Surrey, UK, in relation to the management of absorbent hygiene products. Currently this waste is collected as part of the residual stream, and dealt with either through landfill or energy from waste. The result of applying the new methodology suggests that the optimum solution is the separate collection of absorbent hygiene products and subsequent sterilisation and recycling.
Riesgo suicida y desesperanza en pacientes psiquiátricos hospitalizados
Authors: Montaño Shirley Hawkins , Valencia Zableh Alberto , Caamaño León Beatriz , Ceballos Ospino Guillermo
Published: February 2015

La desesperanza (D) incrementa el riesgo suicida (RS). No se conoce esta información en una muestra representativa de pacientes psiquiátricos hospitalizados en Santa Marta (Colombia). El presente estudio buscó describir la prevalencia y hallar la asociación entre el RS y la D, de acuerdo con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, en pacientes con trastornos psiquiátricos. Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo correlacional. Se evaluaron 61 pacientes con la Escala de Riesgo Suicida de Plutchik, la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos. Como principal resultados, se resalta que el 60,7% de la muestra presentó RS y el 70,4% D. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre el RS y la D, también entre el RS y los intentos previos de suicidio. No se hallaron correlaciones entre el RS, la D y variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. En conclusión, a mayor nivel de D, mayor RS en la población psiquiátrica estudiada.
Significado psicológico de la calidad de vida para los adolescentes mexicanos
Authors: Guadarrama-Guadarrama Rosalinda , Hernández-Navor Julio César , Veytia López Marcela , Márquez Mendoza Octavio
Published: February 2015

El primer objetivo de la presente investigación consistió en conocer el significado psicológico del concepto calidad de vida en una muestra de 300 adolescentes mexicanos de 12 a 16 años, por medio de la técnica de redes semánticas, ya que esta herramienta permite un acercamiento al significado colectivo de un objeto, palabra o expresiones dando un énfasis a los procesos cognitivos, con el fin de conocer su interpretación y cómo esta repercute en la salud mental del sujeto. Un segundo objetivo fue conocer cuáles fueron las dimensiones del concepto calidad de vida en los adolescentes mexicanos. Los resultados obtenidos, tanto de manera general como por sexo, indican que los adolescentes mexicanos interpretan el concepto calidad de vida como un estado de satisfacción general en el que consideran algunos elementos principales como la pertenencia a una familia, el amor, la salud, entre otros, los cuales se encuentran distribuidos en cada una de las diez dimensiones obtenidas en esta investigación. Se concluye que, en los adolescentes mexicanos, la calidad de vida se define a partir de la interacción de múltiples factores psicosociales y personales con los que el sujeto pueda desarrollar sus potencialidades para obtener su bienestar y satisfacción en el contexto en el que se desarrolla.
Deserción y retención universitaria: una discusión bibliográfica
Authors: Fernández-Hileman María Del Rosario , Corengia Ángela , Durand Julio
Published: February 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una discusión bibliográfica acerca del fenómeno de la deserción y retención en la universidad. Para ello, se realizó una revisión y síntesis de los principales estudios empíricos y perspectivas teóricas que abordan esta temática en Argentina y otros países. Para comenzar, se muestra el problema de la deserción en números, algunas precisiones terminológicas y su contextualización nacional (Argentina) e internacional. Posteriormente se desarrollan tanto las perspectivas conceptuales sustantivas basadas en teorías sociológicas, psicológicas, organizacionales, económicas y culturales, como los estudios empíricos que sustentan estas y otras precisiones teóricas. En el marco de estos estudios empíricos, también se relevan acciones y programas llevados a cabo a lo largo de los últimos cuarenta años para promover la retención en la educación superior. Finalmente, se exponen las conclusiones a modo de insumo para futuras investigaciones.
French or Foreign? The Algerian Migrants’ Status at the End of Empire (1962–1968)
Authors: Lyons Amelia H.
Published: February 2015

French or Foreign? The Ambiguities of Algerian Migrants’ Status and Rights at the End of Empire (1962–1968)

While the idea of clandestine immigration generally conjures images of recent immigrants and popular xenophobic reactions to recession and soaring unemployment, the case of Algerians in the 1960s suggests otherwise. Rather than focusing on irregular migration since the trente glorieuses went bust, this essay analyses the complex place of Algerians in the metropole immediately following the Algerian War (1954–1962). It argues, through a study of shifting policies and practices, that the process of decolonisation effectively limited Algerians’ legal, social and cultural membership in the nation. By examining several concrete ways France navigated the transition from the colonial to post-colonial era, this essay illustrates how a racialised category of citizens, known as français musulmans d'Algérie (FMA) before 1962, became a category of foreigners unlike any other.
Recent Historiography of the First World War
Authors: Kramer Alan
Published: February 2015

Recent Historiography of the First World War

Locating recent international historiography on the First World War within the long-term context, this article discusses above all the internationalisation of the topic and the trend towards transnational history. It asks why the war is almost entirely unknown in the history and memory of some states, while it has powerful symbolic value in others. Was the war a kind of «laboratory» for later radicalised practices, or was there even a continuity of total war from the First to the Second World War? Is the debate in historiography between «coercion» and «consent» now resolved? How we should understand the «culture of war» – as the product of totalising tendencies driven by ever more militarised states, or of a process of popular self-mobilisation from below? Is the cultural history of war now the new orthodoxy?
Detrital stoichiometry as a critical nexus for the effects of streamwater nutrients on leaf litter breakdown rates
Authors: Manning David W. P. , Rosemond Amy D. , Kominoski John S. , Gulis Vladislav , Benstead Jonathan P. , Maerz John C.
Published: February 2015

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations are elevated in many freshwater systems, stimulating breakdown rates of terrestrially derived plant litter; however, the relative importance of N and P in driving litter breakdown via microbial and detritivore processing are not fully understood. Here, we determined breakdown rates of two litter species, Acer rubrum (maple) and Rhododendron maximum (rhododendron), before (PRE) and during two years (YR1, YR2) of experimental N and P additions to five streams, and quantified the relative importance of hypothesized factors contributing to breakdown. Treatment streams received a gradient of P additions (low to high soluble reactive phosphorus [SRP]; ~10–85 μg/L) crossed with a gradient of N additions (high to low dissolved inorganic nitrogen [DIN]; ~472–96 μg/L) to achieve target molar N:P ratios ranging from 128 to 2. Litter breakdown rates increased above pre‐treatment levels by an average of 1.1–2.2× for maple, and 2.7–4.9× for rhododendron in YR1 and YR2. We used path analysis to compare fungal biomass, shredder biomass, litter stoichiometry (nutrient content as C:N or C:P), discharge, and streamwater temperature as predictors of breakdown rates and compared models containing streamwater N, P or N + P and litter C:N or C:P using model selection criteria. Litter breakdown rates were predicted equally with either streamwater N or P (R2 = 0.57). In models with N or P, fungal biomass, litter stoichiometry, discharge, and shredder biomass predicted breakdown rates; litter stoichiometry and fungal biomass were most important for model fit. However, N and P effects may have occurred via subtly different pathways. Litter N content increased with fungal biomass (N‐driven effects) and litter P content increased with streamwater P availability (P‐driven effects), presumably via P storage in fungal biomass. In either case, the effects of N and P through these pathways were associated with higher shredder biomass and breakdown rates. Our results suggest that N and P stimulate litter breakdown rates via mechanisms in which litter stoichiometry is an important nexus for associated microbial and detritivore effects.
Revisiting the hypothesis that fungal‐to‐bacterial dominance characterizes turnover of soil organic matter and nutrients
Authors: Rousk Johannes , Frey Serita D.
Published: February 2015

Resolving fungal and bacterial groups within the microbial decomposer community is thought to capture disparate life strategies for soil microbial decomposers, associating bacteria with an r‐selected strategy for carbon (C) and nutrient use, and fungi with a K‐selected strategy. Additionally, food‐web model‐based work has established a widely held belief that the bacterial decomposer pathway in soil supports high turnover rates of easily available substrates, while the slower fungal‐dominated decomposition pathway supports the decomposition of more complex organic material, thus characterizing the biogeochemistry of the ecosystem. We used a field experiment, the Detritus Input and Removal Treatments, or DIRT, experiment (Harvard Forest Long‐Term Ecological Research Site, USA) where litter and root inputs (control, no litter, double litter, or no tree roots) have been experimentally manipulated during 23 years, generating differences in soil C quality. We hypothesized (1) that δ13C enrichment would decrease with higher soil C quality and that a higher C quality would favor bacterial decomposers, (2) that the C mineralized in fungal‐dominated treatments would be of lower quality and also depleted in δ13C relative to bacterial‐dominated high‐quality soil C treatments, and (3) that higher C mineralization along with higher gross N mineralization rates would occur in bacterial‐dominated treatments compared with more fungal‐dominated treatments. The DIRT treatments resulted in a gradient of soil C quality, as shown by up to 4.5‐fold differences between the respiration per soil C between treatments. High‐quality C benefited fungal dominance, in direct contrast with our hypothesis. Further, there was no difference between the δ13CO2 produced by a fungal compared with a bacterial‐dominated decomposer community. There were differences in C and N mineralization between DIRT treatments, but these were not related to the relative dominance of fungal and bacterial decomposers. Thus we find no support for the hypothesized differences between detrital food webs dominated by bacteria compared to those dominated by fungi. Rather, an association between high‐quality soil C and fungi emerges from our results. Consequently there is a need to revise our basic understanding for microbial communities and the processes they regulate in soil.
Periodontal Regeneration — Intrabony Defects: Practical Applications From the AAP Regeneration Workshop
Authors: Reynolds Mark A. , Kao Richard T. , Nares Salvador , Camargo Paulo M. , Caton Jack G. , Clem Donald S. , Fiorellini Joseph P. , Geisinger Maria L. , Mills Michael P. , Nevins Marc L. , Rosen Paul S.
Published: February 2015

Focused Clinical Question: What are important considerations for selecting a predictable regenerative surgical approach for intrabony defects?

Summary: The predictable regeneration of intrabony defects remains an important goal in the management of periodontitis. Clinical and histologic evidence of periodontal regeneration has been shown for multiple regenerative therapies, including bone replacement grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and biologics, when used alone or in combination. Regenerative therapies improve periodontal health, as evidenced by gains in clinical attachment level, reductions in probing depth, and gains in radiographic bone fill. Important patient‐related factors (e.g., smoking) and defect/site‐related factors (e.g., defect morphology and gingival biotype) can influence the potential to achieve periodontal regeneration. The regeneration of intrabony defects generally becomes more challenging with increasing loss of height, proximity, and number of bony walls. Therefore, combination therapies may be necessary to achieve predictable regeneration. Clinical improvements after regenerative therapy can be maintained over extended periods (≥10 years) with professional maintenance at appropriate intervals and adequate home care.

Conclusions: Periodontal regeneration of intrabony defects is possible using a variety of regenerative strategies. Management should be coupled with an effective oral hygiene and supportive periodontal maintenance program for long‐term success.
Calibration of Rebound Hardness Numbers to Unconfined Compressive Strength in Shale Formations
Authors: Lee Ji Soo
Published: February 2015

Young Technology Showcase

Today, unconventional-reservoir characterization is actively studied; however, rock-mechanics tests are still restricted to intact rocks. Intact intervals are necessary to acquire plug specimens (Fig. 1a). Anisotropy caused by the presence of various discontinuities affects rock-mechanical properties significantly. Shale formations consist largely of laminations, pre-existing microcracks, and fractures along bedding planes (Fig. 1b), and they inhibit sample preparation with the standard geometry (1:2 ratio of diameter/length).

The primary purpose of this study is to develop a method that overcomes the restrictions of rock-mechanics tests with respect to unconventional shale formations. This study applies an Equotip Hardness Tester (EHT) and uses its rebound hardness numbers (RHNs) to estimate unconfined compressive strength (UCS) with the recovered cores from shale formations.

The application enhances laboratory-testing results to calibrate petrophysical models that show higher dynamic rock strength generated by acoustic logging or ultrasonic-wave-velocity measurement. It can also support fracture designs by providing a continuous strength- contrast profile to identify where fracturable zones and fracture barriers exist.

RHNs

The EHT was originally developed by Dietmar Leeb (1978) to measure the hardness of metallic materials. Recently, its use has been extended to various intact rocks to estimate their UCS values (Meulenkamp 1997; Meulenkamp and Grima 1999; Papsworth 2014; Verwall and Mulder 2000). The EHT is a small, portable, electronic, battery- operated, spring-loaded device. A spherical tungsten carbide tip impacts the metal or rock surface driven by a constant spring force, then rebounds. The impact and rebound velocities of the tip are measured and converted into RHNs (Proceq 2014). Fig. 2 presents a schematic of the impact device.