bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under 12 Climate Change Projections over New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gray Jonathan M. , Bishop Thomas F.A.
Published: September 2016

Core Ideas

Potential changes in soil organic C to 2070 mapped (100‐m grid) and examined.

The direction and magnitude of change varied between the 12 climate projections.

Differing changes revealed for 36 current climate–parent material–land use regimes.

Digital soil mapping–space‐for‐time substitution is useful for climate change study

Digital soil mapping (DSM) techniques combined with space‐for‐time substitution (SFTS) processes were used to map and examine soil organic carbon (SOC) changes caused by projected climate change over New South Wales, Australia until ∼2070. Twelve projections were derived from four global climate models downscaled with three regional climate models. A marked variation in the direction and magnitude of SOC change was demonstrated with the different projections. Mean state‐wide predictions (0–30 cm depth) ranged between 2.9 Mg ha‐1 gain and 8.7 Mg ha‐1 SOC loss. Greater consistency among climate change projections is required before we can confidently predict SOC changes. By using averaged results from the 12 projections, broad trends were revealed for the change in SOC over two intervals (0–30 and 30–100 cm). A mean loss rate of 2.0 Mg ha‐1 for the upper interval was demonstrated and a total loss of 737 Tg of CO2 equivalent for the entire depth to 100 cm but the 95% confidence interval was wide. Although changes are primarily controlled by the balance between changing temperatures and rainfall, the extent of change also depends on the environmental regime, with differing changes demonstrated over 36 current climate–parent material–land use combinations (e.g., projected mean SOC decline is <1 Mg ha‐1 for dry–highly siliceous–cropping but >15 Mg ha‐1 for wet–mafic–native vegetation). This DSM–SFTS technique offers a viable alternative to dynamic simulation techniques for predicting and identifying patterns in the change of soil properties caused by climate change.
SEPP, LUDWIG. Staat als irdischer Gott. Genese und Relevanz einer Hegelschen Idee. Tubinga: Mohr Siebeck, 2015. ISBN 978-3-16-153848-3
Authors: Flamínio da Silva Artur
Published: September 2016

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A LEI DE ARBITRAGEM NA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA
Authors: Notari Márcio Bonini
Published: September 2016

RESUMO

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar o projeto de Lei, em tramitação perante o Senado Federal, que altera alguns dispositivos da Lei 9.307/96, instituindo a possibilidade de aplicação da Lei de Arbitragem no âmbito da Administração Pública. No primeiro momento, será abordado o conflito, a partir da teoria marxista e sua concepção acerca do Estado e do direito, enquanto aparelhos ideológicos, repressivos e intermediários dos interesses das classes dominantes, reproduzindo a lógica do sistema capitalista de produção, no uso da violência simbólica para a resolução das celeumas sociais. No segundo instante, o trabalho irá tratar alguns fatores atinentes à crise do poder jurídico estatal na solução das demandas presentes no tecido social, verificando, em especial, alguns fatores decorrentes da cultura normativista predominante na formação do jurista e suas implicações quanto à forma litigiosa no tratamento das lides. No terceiro ponto, será abordado o novo projeto de Lei, em tramitação junto ao Senado Federal, que institui a aplicação do instituto da arbitragem, em se tratando de conflitos envolvendo a administração pública.

 

Palavras chaves: Estado, direito, capitalismo, conflitos, arbitragem e administração pública.

 

ABSTRACT

 

His article aims to analyze the draft law, in progress in the Senate amending some provisions of Law 9,307 / 96, establishing the possibility of applying the Arbitration Law in Public Administration. At first, the conflict will be addressed, from the Marxist theory and his conception of the state and law, while ideological, repressive and intermediate the interests of the ruling class devices, reproducing the logic of the capitalist system of production, the use of violence symbolic for the resolution of social uproar. In the second moment, the work will address some factors relating to crisis of state legal power to solve the demands present in the social fabric, checking in particular some factors arising from normative culture predominant in the formation of the jurist and its implications for the way in litigation treatment of chores. On the third point, will address the new draft law, in proceedings before the Federal Senate, establishing the application of the concept of arbitration, in the case of conflicts involving public administration.

 

 Key words: state, right, capitalism, conflicts, arbitration and public administration.

 
Assessment of water loss in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndunguru Michael Gregory , Hoko Zvikomborero
Published: September 2016

A major challenge facing water utilities is the high level of water losses, which affects the financial viability and adequacy of water in the system. A study was carried out from January to May 2012 to characterize water losses in selected areas of Harare, Zimbabwe. Assessment of the contribution of water leakage to total water loss was carried out through water audits in four selected suburbs. Minimum night flows were determined over a number of days, and the SANFLOW model was used to determine average real losses. The water loss expressed as a percentage of supply in the four suburbs ranged from 29 to 43%, and was above the level expected for well-performing utilities in developing countries of 23%. Leakage contributed most to the water loss (>70%). For the entire city, the study established that non-revenue water ranged from 43 to 74% over the period 2009–2011. The study concludes that water loss management in Harare is poor, and this is affecting the quality of service delivery. There is a need for Harare to take a more proactive approach to water loss management, including periodic water audits.
Optimization of UV/H2O2 processes for the removal of organic micropollutants from drinking water: effect of reactor geometry and water pretreatment on EEO values
Authors: Hofman-Caris C. H. M. , Harmsen D. J. H. , Van Remmen A. M. , Knol A. H. , van Pol W. L. C. , Wols B. A.
Published: September 2016

Increasing concentrations of organic micropollutants, like pharmaceuticals, in surface water may require additional treatment for drinking water production. The UV/H2O2 process is very effective for this purpose, but is known for its relatively high energy demand. This energy demand may be decreased by improving the water matrix composition and/or by optimizing UV reactor geometry. Thus, operational costs of the process may be decreased. This can be visualized by calculating the Electrical Energy per Order (EEO). By optimizing the water matrix, e.g. by pretreating the water by filtration over activated carbon or with O3/H2O2, the energy demand decreased up to 70%. This is affected by the concentration and type of the natural organic matter present. By optimizing reactor geometry an additional decrease in energy demand, up to 40%, could be obtained. How efficient the process may become strongly depends on the characteristics of the micropollutants involved.
A construção da educação mundial ou o lugar da Educação Comparada no estudo das políticas (e práticas) de educação
Authors: Teodoro António Neves Duarte
Published: September 2016

O presente artigo, resultante de uma conferência pública, aborda, numa primeira parte, o modo como a Educação Comparada tomou como campo de estudo privilegiado a afirmação e a expansão do modelo escolar. Sendo uma disciplina das Ciências da Educação que pode remontar ao início do século XIX, foi, todavia, após a Segunda Guerra Mundial que a Educação Comparada teve um grande desenvolvimento e uma significativa expressão, fruto da criação de um vasto sistema de organizações internacionais de natureza intergovernamental. Numa segunda parte, desenvolve-se um conjunto de argumentos sobre os modos como os grandes projetos estatísticos internacionais, com destaque para o PISA e outros programas conduzidos pela Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Económico (OCDE), têm vindo a construir novos formas de regulação transnacional das políticas de educação, a “governação por números”, que têm empobrecido o debate educativo e limitado as respostas democráticas dos Estados. Por último, apresenta-se uma proposta no sentido de colocar em diálogo as “duas culturas” da Educação Comparada: uma, de natureza académica, fortemente compreensiva e localizada; e a outra, prevalecente nas organizações internacionais, portadora de uma imensa informação estatística, mas que conduz, inexoravelmente, sempre às mesmas e descontextualizadas propostas e soluções.
Nest Success, Abundance, and Length Distribution of Age-0 Largemouth Bass in Sanctuaries and Areas Open to Fishing
Authors: DiCenzo Vic , Ray Bradley A. , Klopfer Michelle , Murphy Brian R.
Published: September 2016

Protecting an area from fishing by establishing a sanctuary is one possible management strategy that could protect adults during spawning, potentially enhancing recruitment in freshwater systems. From 2001-2006, Briery Creek Lake (342 ha), Virginia was characterized by high fishing pressure in spring when adults were spawning and low abundance of age-0 Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides. Therefore, we created two sanctuaries in 2006 in Briery Creek Lake that were closed to angling and boats; these areas provided protection for nest-guarding male Largemouth Bass. However, the nest-success rate did not differ significantly between open areas and sanctuaries (30-40% nest success). Catch per unit effort of age-0 Largemouth Bass did not differ between areas open to angling (28.8/h and 39.0/h in 2006 and 2007, respectively) and sanctuaries (14.6/h and 22.2/h in 2006 and 2007, respectively). Similarly, mean length-at-capture was not different for age-0 Largemouth Bass between sanctuaries and open areas. Closing spawning areas to fishing may not be an effective management option to increase Largemouth Bass recruitment success in Briery Creek Lake.
The Study of Effect of Pore Structure on Oil Displacement Efficiency of Polymer Flooding
Authors: Wenguo Ma
Published: September 2016

Characteristics of pore structure have an important influence on the development of water flooding. In order to improve the recovery rate, it is important to investigate the relationship between pore structure and oil displacement efficiency. The permeability of the artificial cores in this experiment is 189×10-3μm2, 741×10-3μm2and 21417×10-3μm2. We used the CT technology method to scan the pore structure of the three cores, and did oil displacement experiment to investigate the effect of pore structure on the oil displacement efficiency. The result shows that the pore and throat common affect oil displacement efficiency: the bigger the pore and throat radius, the better is the oil displacement efficiency; the smaller the pore and throat radius, the worse is the oil displacement efficiency. The experiment studied the influence of pore structure on oil displacement efficiency deep into microcosmic pore structure without damaging the core skeleton, thereby improving the basis of oil recovery from the micro level and the mechanism.
Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) complexes with glycine coumarin derivatives
Authors: Stojkovic Danijela , Bacchi Alessia , Capucci Davide , Milenkovic Milica , Cobeljic Bozidar , Trifunovic Srecko , Andjelkovic Katarina , Jevtic Verica , Vukovic Nenad , Vukic Milena , Sladic Dusan
Published: September 2016

A Pd(II) complex with methyl 2-((1-(2,4-dioxochroman-3-ylidene)ethyl)amino)acetate was synthesized.
The structures of both the ligand and Pd(II) complex were determined by elemental analysis,
IR and NMR spectroscopy. Recrystallization of Pd(II) complex from DMF/water solution resulted
in its hydrolysis and formation of dimethylamine-(2-((1-(2,4-dioxochroman-3-ylidene)ethyl)amino)acetato)palladium(II) complex,
the structure of which was determined by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy,
as well as X-ray analysis.
Eruption rates of lower second premolars at different development stages evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Rinaldi Mariana Roennau Lemos , de Lima Eduardo Martinelli , de Menezes Luciane Macedo , Rizzatto Susana Maria Deon , Matje Paulo Ricardo Baccarin , Ribeiro Roberto Vanin Pinto
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the eruption rates of lower second premolars (LPm2) at different developmental stages using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

Retrospectively, 31 individuals (9.77 ± 1.25 years) had their LPm2 scored according to the Demirjian method, and afterwards they were split into three groups according to developmental stage, as follows: D = complete-formed crowns; E = root length less than crown height; and F = root length greater than or equal to crown height. Linear distances from the LPm2 crown tip to the anatomical reference line (ARL) and to the occlusal plane line (OPL) were measured in paired CBCT scans (T1, T2), taken with an average interval of 8.6 months between them. Eruption rates (mm/y) were calculated and then compared between groups.

Results:

Eruption rates were greater for LPm2 at stage F than at stages D or E (P < .01) regardless of whether they were measured from the ARL (D = 2.84 mm/y; E = 2.55 mm/y; F = 5.38 mm/y) or from the OPL (D = 1.82 mm/y; E = 2.02 mm/y; F = 5.26 mm/y). Eruption rates evaluated from the ARL and the OPL had no statistically significant differences (P = .052), and a positive correlation (r = .79, P < .001) between them was observed.

Conclusions:

LPm2 at Demirjian stage F showed greater eruption rates than at stages D or E, regardless of whether rates were measured from the ARL or the OPL. Faster eruption is expected for LPm2 at stage F. Evaluation of the LPm2's developmental stage using CBCT can aid in clinical decision making regarding the correct timing for intervention.
Expert Perspectives on Hereditary Angioedema: Key Areas for Advancements in Care across the Patient Journey
Authors: Banerji Aleena , Baş Murat , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Boccon-Gibod Isabelle , Bova Maria , Dempster John , Grumach Anete Sevciovic , Magerl Markus , Poarch Kimberly , Ferreira Manuel Branco
Published: September 2016

Background

Published literature documents the substantial burden of hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency on the quality of life and work productivity of patients. However, despite advances in the field and the availability of guidelines to advise health care providers (HCP) on the diagnosis and management of HAE, there are still many challenges to overcome. For example, delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common, and treatment practices vary worldwide.

Objective

An international expert panel was convened to consider opportunities for improvements that would benefit patients with HAE.

Methods

Based on professional and personal experiences, the experts developed schematics to describe the journey of patients through the following stages: (1) onset of symptoms and initial evaluation; (2) referral/diagnosis; and (3) management of HAE. More importantly, the panel identified key areas in which it was possible to optimize the support provided to patients and HCPs along this journey.

Results

Overall, this approach highlighted the need for wider dissemination of algorithms and scientific data to more effectively educate HCPs from multiple disciplines and the need for more research to inform appropriate treatment decisions. Furthermore, HAE awareness campaigns, accurate online information, and referral to patient advocacy groups were all considered helpful approaches to support patients.

Conclusion

More detailed and widespread information on the diagnosis and management of HAE is needed and may lead to advancements in care throughout the journey of the patient with HAE.
South-east Asian Zika virus strain linked to cluster of cases in Singapore, August 2016
Authors: Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Mak Tze-Minn , Ng Yi-Kai , Phuah Shiau-Pheng , Huber Roland G , Marzinek Jan K , Holdbrook Daniel A , Lee Raphael TC , Cui Lin , Lin Raymond TP
Published: September 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an ongoing global public health emergency with 70 countries and territories reporting evidence of ZIKV transmission since 2015. On 27 August 2016, Singapore reported its first case of local ZIKV transmission and identified an ongoing cluster. Here, we report the genome sequences of ZIKV strains from two cases and find through phylogenetic analysis that these strains form an earlier branch distinct from the recent large outbreak in the Americas.
A Paradox of Hope? Toward a Feminist Approach to Palliation
Authors: Merrick Allison
Published: September 2016

In this article, I address the role of hope in medical decision making. Against the backdrop of the so-called paradox of hope, I consider the relationship between medical futility and the preservation of hope. I build on the work of feminist bioethicists to argue that only a feminist approach to palliation may properly dissolve the paradox of hope.
There Is No Place Like Home: Why Women Are Choosing Home Birth in the Era of “Homelike” Hospitals
Authors: Burcher Paul , Gabriel Jazmine
Published: September 2016

Opponents of home birth have claimed that hospitals can become more “homelike” and, in doing so, eliminate any justification for women choosing to give birth at home. We argue that this reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of hospitals as institutions with rules, cultures, and goals, and of the nature and virtues of a home. While hospitals should seek ways to improve the patient experience, they can never be transformed into home environments, and thus the desire of some women to give birth at home will remain.
“If We're Happy to Eat It, Why Wouldn't We Be Happy to Give It to Our Children?” Articulating the Complexities Underlying Women's Ethical Views on Genetically Modified Food
Authors: Ankeny Rachel A. , Bray Heather J.
Published: September 2016

Women are typically seen as gatekeepers in the acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods because they perform the majority of food related activities in the home. At the same time, it has been reported that they are more opposed to GM foods than men are. We conducted a qualitative study to explore women's attitudes to and values associated with GM foods and situated those attitudes and values in the context of everyday food choices. In this paper, we illustrate that attitudes toward GM foods, ethical food choices, and risk arise from the complex and simultaneous interactions of women's activities as professionals, carers, and the providers of “good food.”
“Surrogacy Has Been One of the Most Rewarding Experiences in My Life”: A Content Analysis of Blogs by U.S. Commercial Gestational Surrogates
Authors: Bromfield Nicole F.
Published: September 2016

Commercial gestational surrogacy has increased significantly over the past decade, and many people are speaking out against it as dehumanization, commodification, baby selling, and exploitation. Surrogacy has been banned in much of the world, despite only a small number of empirical studies on surrogates' experiences and attitudes. The United States is a popular global surrogacy destination, where surrogacy remains legal. U.S. surrogates are not an invisible group but are active users of internet forums and blogs. This article describes the framing of the experiences by gestational surrogates who keep blogs, using those blogs as data.
Connected Vehicle Solution for Winter Road Surface Condition Monitoring
Authors: Linton Michael A. , Fu Liping
Published: September 2016

A connected vehicle–based winter road surface condition (RSC) monitoring solution that combines vehicle-based image data with data from a road weather information system is described. The proposed solution was intended as an improvement to a smartphone-based system evaluated in previous research. Three machine learning classification methods—namely, artificial neural networks, random trees, and random forests—were evaluated for potential application in the connected vehicle–based system for RSC monitoring. Field data collected during the 2014–2015 winter season were used for model calibration and validation. Results showed that all models improved the accuracy of the smartphone-based RSC classification substantially, with random forest having the highest classification performance. The models, however, were found to lack transferability; therefore, individual models will require local calibration before being used at any location.
Assessing Driver Speed Choice in Fog with the Use of Visibility Data from Road Weather Information Systems
Authors: McCann Katie , Fontaine Michael D.
Published: September 2016

Fog can create a significant safety hazard for motorists. If motorists drive faster than visibility permits, severe multiple-vehicle crashes could occur. In Virginia, sections of I-64 and I-77 in mountainous parts of the state experience significant recurring fog events. These locations have also experienced several chain-reaction crashes during fog, involving more than 50 vehicles. Those crashes were typically caused by drivers traveling too fast for the conditions. To improve safety on the I-77 corridor, the Virginia Department of Transportation is constructing a variable speed limit system that will provide dynamic speed limits based on the available visibility. Before the system is activated, it is important to understand existing driver speed choice behavior during low-visibility conditions. It is possible that posting a variable speed limit based only on stopping sight distance could create significant speed variance and decrease safety if drivers are driving much faster than conditions warrant. In this study, speed and visibility data were examined at several locations on I-64 and I-77, where there were recurring fog events. The models developed showed that while motorists are slowing down in low visibility, there is still a significant differential between observed speeds and the safe speed calculated from the stopping sight distance. The results indicate that some additional smoothing will need to occur to ensure a safe transition from current speed choices to desired safe speeds.
Chemical Melting of Ice: Effect of Solution Freezing Point on the Melting Rate
Authors: Wåhlin Johan , Klein-Paste Alex
Published: September 2016

Icy roads in wintertime present a hazard for road users. It is therefore desirable to maintain bare roads. To achieve this, deicing chemicals are typically applied. One important property of the chemicals that are used is how fast they can melt ice. Understanding what affects the melting rate, however, is limited. An experiment was therefore designed to study how the driving force for the melting—the chemical potential difference between ice and solution—affects the chemical melting rate of ice. In this study, the driving force was represented by the solution freezing points. The experiment was performed at −5°C (23°F) by using the solutions of four chemicals: sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride, as well as potassium formate. These four solutions were mixed to have four freezing points. They were −10°C (14°F), −18°C (−0.4°F), −30°C (−22°F); and the eutectic temperature of each chemical. The results showed that there was a clear correlation between solution freezing point and how fast the solution could melt ice. The solutions with the lowest freezing point melted ice four to five times faster than the solutions with the highest freezing point. The importance of solution freezing point was attributed to its direct relation to the solution chemical potential, with a low freezing point giving a large driving force for the phase change. In addition, it was found that the type of chemical plays a role on the melting rate of ice. The fastest melting chemical (potassium formate) melted ice 45% faster than the slowest melting chemical (magnesium chloride), which is attributed to potassium formate having a higher ion mobility. A higher ion mobility allows a faster transport of solute to the ice–solution interface.
Design and Performance Monitoring of Snow-Supporting Structures for the Milepost 151 Avalanche near Jackson, Wyoming
Authors: Hewes Joshua T. , Decker Rand , Merry Scott , Strain Sean
Published: September 2016

Mitigation of risk associated with snow avalanches in the United States has traditionally required intensive effort by winter maintenance crews during peak storm periods to forecast and subsequently release high-risk avalanche sites with explosives. Though the approach is common in Europe, a novel approach in the United States is to implement avalanche starting zone structures to hold the snowpack in place and prevent the release of an avalanche. This approach eliminates the need for active management of the avalanche and frees up resources during winter storms. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has embraced the use of this technology for the Milepost 151 Avalanche near Jackson, Wyoming. This paper describes the critical aspects of the design of snow-supporting structures (SSSs) and details a research project that is under way to monitor both snowpack conditions and the resulting quasistatic snowloads on one SSS by using field instrumentation. The instrumentation includes transducers to measure snow pressure, strain gauges to measure SSS axial strains, and snow depth gauges to track snowpack depth immediately uphill of the SSS. Preliminary results from winter season 2014–2015 are presented, and their impact on the design of SSSs is discussed.
Energy-Regenerative Shock Absorber for Transportation Vehicles Based on Dual Overrunning Clutches: Design, Modeling, and Simulation
Authors: Liu Yugang , Chen Weiwu , Zhang Zutao , Hua Guang
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the design, modeling, and simulation of an energy-regenerative shock absorber based on dual overrunning clutches for transportation vehicles, to enable energy harvesting from suspension vibration. The energy-regenerative shock absorber consists of three main components: the suspension vibration input, the transmission module, and the generator module. The innovative design of the shock absorber uses dual overrunning clutches, which can convert oscillatory vibration into unidirectional rotation of the generator. The dynamic modeling of the shock absorber is presented to analyze damping characteristics. Simulations were performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed energy-regenerative shock absorber. A peak output power of 44.73 W and an average power of 22.34 W were attained from this proposed shock absorber at a vibrational input of 2-Hz frequency and 20-mm amplitude. The prototype can achieve 69.19% efficiency at 1-Hz frequency and 15-mm amplitude. The results show that variable damping coefficients are achieved by changing the external load of the shock absorber. As a result, the energy-regenerative shock absorber can be applied to different types of transportation vehicles.
A Simple, One-Pot and Phosphine-Free Procedure for Thiocyanation of Alcohols Using N-(p-toluenesulfonyl) Imidazole (TsIm)
Authors: Rad Mohammad Navid Soltani
Published: September 2016

An efficient, one -pot, phosphine-free thiocyanation of alcohols has been achieved utilising potassium thiocyanate and N-(p-toluene sulfonyl) imidazole (TsIm) as a coupling agent in the presence of triethylamine in anhydrous DMF at 70 °C. This method converts primary alcohols into the corresponding thiocyanates, without isomerisation to isothiocyanates, in good to excellent yields. A total of 17 thiocyananates were prepared, five of which are novel. Using one equivalent of KSCN, the method shows good selectivity in the thiocyanation of a primary alcohol in the presence of a secondary alcohol.
Synthesis of Novel Indole-Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xinying , Liu Yizhou , Xu Juan , Jiang Fanwei , Kang Congmin
Published: September 2016

2-Methylindole-3-acetic acid and its 5-methoxy derivative were prepared from the respective phenylhydrazines and levulinic acid. Indole-3-carboxylic acid was obtained from indole, dimethylformamide and trifluoroacetic acid. These indole carboxylic acids were then condensed with substituted o-phenylenediamines under high temperature conditions in the presence of polyphosphoric acid as a catalyst to give the combined indole-benzimidazoles.
Supramolecular Assemblies, Luminescence and Anion Exchange of Helical Pb(II) Complexes Based on Enantiomeric N-(2-pyridylmethyl) Alanine Ligands
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hui , Chen Chen , Zhu Hai , Zhang Qi , Qu Bao-Hua
Published: September 2016

Two pairs of PbII coordination polymers have been synthesised using pyridine-functionalised amino acid derivatives N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-L(D)-alanine hydrochlorides [(L-Hpala)Cl or (D-Hpala)Cl] and PbII salts. Their X-ray structures confirm their formulations as [Pb(L-pala) (NO3)]n, [Pb(D-pala)(NO3)]n, [Pb(L-pala)(Cl)]n and [Pb(D-pala)(Cl)]n. They show similar coordination environments of PbII cations with two kinds of five-membered chelating rings, which are further assembled into 1D helical chains through the bridging carboxylates from amino acids. Thermal and fluorescent properties of these complexes have also been investigated.
Synthesis of Novel Glycosyl 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Cheng Feng-Chang , Yin Long , Liu Xiu-Jian , Liu Wei-Wei , Cao Zhi-Ling , Shi Da-Hua , Wang Lei
Published: September 2016

A convenient and mild protocol for the synthesis of glycosyl 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives was developed, which involved the reaction of glycosyl isothiocyanate, hydrazine hydrate, and various aldehydes followed by oxidative cyclisation with ferric ammonium sulfate in methanol. 13 examples of different glycosyl 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were prepared. Good yields (70–87%) have been achieved. The glycosyl 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives may find applications in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical industry.
Design, Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of 3-Aminopropyloxy Derivatives of Chalcone
Authors: Fu Dong-Jun , Zhang Sai-Yang , Liu Ying-Chao , Song Jian , Zhao Ruo-Han , Mao Ruo-Wang , Liu Hong-Min , Zhang Yan-Bing
Published: September 2016

A series of 3-aminopropyloxy derivatives of chalcone were synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against liver, gastric and neuroendocrine cancer cell lines. Most of the synthesised compounds exhibited moderate to good activity against all three cancer cell lines, but in particular, a 3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyloxy chalcone containing a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl group showed the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 2.74 μM against liver cancer cells.
Reaction of Amidrazones with 2,3-Diphenylcyclopropenone: Synthesis of 3-(aryl)-2,5,6-Triphenylpyrimidin-4(3H)-ones
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Ramadan Mohamed , Al-Aziz Mohamed Abd , Fathy Hazem M. , Bräse Stefan , Brown Alan B. , Nieger Martin
Published: September 2016

Amidrazones react with 2,3-diphenylcyclopropenone to give 3-aryl-2,5,6-triphenylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives in good yields. The synthesised compounds were characterised by spectroscopic tools and their structures confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A rational mechanism of formation of the products is presented.
Aerobic Oxidative Synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted Isoxazoles Directly from α,β-unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Li Zheng , Wen Gong , Fu Rugang , Yang Jingya
Published: September 2016

Using an efficient aerobic oxidative method, the synthesis of ten 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles by treatment of α,β-unsaturated ketones with hydroxylamine and NaOH at room temperature has been achieved.
Local Convergence Analysis of an Eighth Order Scheme Using Hypothesis Only on the First Derivative
Authors: Argyros Ioannis , Behl Ramandeep , Motsa Sandile
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we propose a local convergence analysis of an eighth order three-step method to approximate a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation in a Banach space setting. Further, we also study the dynamic behaviour of that scheme. In an earlier study, Sharma and Arora (2015) did not discuss these properties. Furthermore, the order of convergence was shown using Taylor series expansions and hypotheses up to the fourth order derivative or even higher of the function involved which restrict the applicability of the proposed scheme. However, only the first order derivatives appear in the proposed scheme. To overcome this problem, we present the hypotheses for the proposed scheme maximum up to first order derivative. In this way, we not only expand the applicability of the methods but also suggest convergence domain. Finally, a variety of concrete numerical examples are proposed where earlier studies can not be applied to obtain the solutions of nonlinear equations on the other hand our study does not exhibit this type of problem/restriction.
Climate-Optimized Planting Windows for Cotton in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region
Authors: Anapalli Saseendran , Pettigrew William , Reddy Krishna , Ma Liwang , Fisher Daniel , Sui Ruixiu
Published: September 2016

Unique, variable summer climate of the lower Mississippi (MS) Delta region poses a critical challenge to cotton producers in deciding when to plant for optimized production. Traditional 2–4 year agronomic field trials conducted in this area fail to capture the effects of long-term climate variabilities in the location for developing reliable planting windows for producers. Our objective was to integrate a four-year planting-date field experiment conducted at Stoneville, MS during 2005–2008 with long-term climate data in an agricultural system model and develop optimum planting windows for cotton under both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Weather data collected at this location from 1960 to 2015 and the CSM-CROPGRO-Cotton v4.6 model within the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) were used. The cotton model was able to simulate both the variable planting date and variable water regimes reasonably well: relative errors of seed cotton yield, aboveground biomass, and leaf area index (LAI) were 14%, 12%, and 21% under rainfed conditions and 8%, 16%, and 15% under irrigated conditions, respectively. Planting windows under both rainfed and irrigated conditions extended from mid-March to mid-June: windows from mid-March to the last week of May under rainfed conditions, and from the last week of April to the end of May under irrigated conditions were better suited for optimum yield returns. Within these windows, rainfed cotton tends to lose yield from later plantings, but irrigated cotton benefits; however, irrigation requirements increase as the planting windows advance in time. Irrigated cotton produced about 1000 kg·ha−1 seed cotton more than rainfed cotton, with irrigation water requirements averaging 15 cm per season. Under rainfed conditions, there is a 5%, 14%, and 27% chance that the seed cotton production is below 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg·ha−1, respectively. Information developed in this paper can help MS farmers in decision support for cotton planting.
The Effects of Oil Price Shocks on IIP and CPI in Emerging Countries
Authors: Sakashita Yukino , Yoshizaki Yasunori
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the effects of oil price shocks on the production and price level in five emerging countries through comparison with the United States, using a two-block structural VAR model of the global crude oil market proposed by Kilian and Park (see International Economic, vol. 50, 2009, pp. 1267–1287). Our main finding is that the effect of oil price shocks on the index of the industrial production (IIP) and consumer price index (CPI) in emerging countries also depends on where the changes fundamentally come from (this is also the case for the United States). We also found that some emerging countries showed unique impulse response patterns, the shapes of which are different from those of the United States and there are differences in impulse response patterns among emerging countries.
Numerical Study on Self-Starting Performance of Darrieus Vertical Axis Turbine for Tidal Stream Energy Conversion
Authors: Liu Zhen , Qu Hengliang , Shi Hongda
Published: September 2016

Self-starting performance is a key factor in the evaluation of a Darrieus straight-bladed vertical axis turbine. Most traditional studies have analyzed the turbine’s self-starting capability using the experimental and numerical data of the forced rotation. A 2D numerical model based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS-Fluent was developed to simulate the self-starting process of the rotor at constant incident water-flow velocities. The vertical-axis turbine (VAT) rotor is driven directly by the resultant torque generated by the water flow and system loads, including the friction and reverse loads of the generator. It is found that the incident flow velocity and the moment of inertia of the rotor have little effect on the averaged values of tip-speed ratios in the equilibrium stage under no-load conditions. In the system load calculations, four modes of the self-starting were found: stable equilibrium mode, unstable equilibrium mode, switch mode and halt mode. The dimensionless power coefficient in the simulations of passive rotation conditions is found to be, on average, 38% higher than those achieved in the simulations of forced rotation conditions.
A Novel Pitch Control System of a Large Wind Turbine Using Two-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Control with Feedback Linearization Control
Authors: Wang Ching-Sung , Chiang Mao-Hsiung
Published: September 2016

Pitch Control plays a significant role for a large wind turbine. This study investigates a novel robust hydraulic pitch control system of a large wind turbine. The novel hydraulic pitch control system is driven by a novel high efficiency and high response hydraulic servo system. The pitch controller, designed by two degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) motion control with feedback linearization, is developed to enhance the controllability and stability of the pitch control system. Furthermore, the full-scale testbed of the hydraulic pitch control system of a large wind turbine is developed for practically experimental verification. Besides, the wind turbine simulation software FAST is used to analyze the motion of the blade which results are given to the testbed as the disturbance load command. The 2-DOF pitch controller contains a feedforward controller with feedback linearization theory to overcome the nonlinearities of the system and a feedback controller to improve the system robustness for achieving the disturbance rejection. Consequently, the novel hydraulic pitch control system shows excellent path tracking performance in the experiments. Moreover, the robustness test with a simulated disturbance load generated by FAST is performed to validate the reliability of the proposed pitch control system.
Vegetation Structure and Carbon Stocks of Two Protected Areas within the South-Sudanian Savannas of Burkina Faso
Authors: Qasim Mohammad , Porembski Stefan , Sattler Dietmar , Stein Katharina , Thiombiano Adjima , Lindner André
Published: September 2016

Savannas and adjacent vegetation types like gallery forests are highly valuable ecosystems contributing to several ecosystem services including carbon budgeting. Financial mechanisms such as REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) can provide an opportunity for developing countries to alleviate poverty through conservation of its forestry resources. However, for availing such opportunities carbon stock assessments are essential. Therefore, a research study for this purpose was conducted at two protected areas (Nazinga Game Ranch and Bontioli Nature Reserve) in Burkina Faso. Similarly, analysis of various vegetation parameters was also conducted to understand the overall vegetation structure of these two protected areas. For estimating above ground biomass, existing allometric equations for dry tropical woody vegetation types were used. Compositional structure was described by applying tree species and family importance indices. The results show that both sites collectively contain a mean carbon stock of 3.41 ± 4.98 Mg·C·ha−1. Among different savanna vegetation types, gallery forests recorded the highest mean carbon stock of 9.38 ± 6.90 Mg·C·ha−1. This study was an attempt at addressing the knowledge gap particularly on carbon stocks of protected savannas—it can serve as a baseline for carbon stocks for future initiatives such as REDD+ within these areas.
Are Non-Pharmacological Interventions Effective in Reducing Drug Use and Criminality? A Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review with an Economic Appraisal of These Interventions
Authors: Perry Amanda , Woodhouse Rebecca , Neilson Matthew , Martyn St James Marrissa , Glanville Julie , Hewitt Catherine , Trépel Dominic
Published: September 2016

Background: The numbers of incarcerated people suffering from drug dependence has steadily risen since the 1980s and only a small proportion of these receive appropriate treatment. A systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and economic evidence of non-pharmacological interventions for drug using offenders was conducted. Methods: Cochrane Collaboration criteria were used to identify trials across 14 databases between 2004 and 2014. A series of meta-analyses and an economic appraisal were conducted. Results: 43 trials were identified showing to have limited effect in reducing re-arrests RR 0.97 (95% CI 0.89–1.07) and drug use RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.80–1.00) but were found to significantly reduce re-incarceration RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.57–0.85). Therapeutic community programs were found to significantly reduce the number of re-arrests RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.56–0.87). 10 papers contained economic information. One paper presented a cost-benefit analysis and two reported on the cost and cost effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions: We suggest that therapeutic community interventions have some benefit in reducing subsequent re-arrest. We recommend that economic evaluations should form part of standard trial protocols.
An Examination of the Ethnicity-Specific Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Substance Use and Misuse: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Croatian and Bosniak Adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Bjelica Dusko , Idrizovic Kemal , Popovic Stevo , Sisic Nedim , Sekulic Damir , Ostojic Ljerka , Spasic Miodrag , Zenic Natasa
Published: September 2016

Substance use and misuse (SUM) in adolescence is a significant public health problem and the extent to which adolescents exhibit SUM behaviors differs across ethnicity. This study aimed to explore the ethnicity-specific and gender-specific associations among sports factors, familial factors, and personal satisfaction with physical appearance (i.e., covariates) and SUM in a sample of adolescents from Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this cross-sectional study the participants were 1742 adolescents (17–18 years of age) from Bosnia and Herzegovina who were in their last year of high school education (high school seniors). The sample comprised 772 Croatian (558 females) and 970 Bosniak (485 females) adolescents. Variables were collected using a previously developed and validated questionnaire that included questions on SUM (alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and consumption of other drugs), sport factors, parental education, socioeconomic status, and satisfaction with physical appearance and body weight. The consumption of cigarettes remains high (37% of adolescents smoke cigarettes), with a higher prevalence among Croatians. Harmful drinking is also alarming (evidenced in 28.4% of adolescents). The consumption of illicit drugs remains low with 5.7% of adolescents who consume drugs, with a higher prevalence among Bosniaks. A higher likelihood of engaging in SUM is found among children who quit sports (for smoking and drinking), boys who perceive themselves to be good looking (for smoking), and girls who are not satisfied with their body weight (for smoking). Higher maternal education is systematically found to be associated with greater SUM in Bosniak girls. Information on the associations presented herein could be discretely disseminated as a part of regular school administrative functions. The results warrant future prospective studies that more precisely identify the causality among certain variables.
Stock Selection as a Problem in Phylogenetics—Evidence from the ASX
Authors: Zhan Cheng , Rea William , Rea Alethea
Published: September 2016

We report the results of fifteen sets of portfolio selection simulations using stocks in the ASX200 index for the period May 2000 to December 2013. We investigated five portfolio selection methods, random selection, selection within industrial groups, and three based on neighbor-Net phylogenetic networks. We report that using random, industrial groups, or neighbor-Net phylogenetic networks alone rarely produced statistically significant reduction in risk, though in four out of the five cases in which it did so, the portfolios selected using the phylogenetic networks had the lowest risk. However, we report that when using the neighbor-Net phylogenetic networks in combination with industry group selection that substantial reductions in portfolio return spread were achieved.
Time in Redox Adaptation Processes: From Evolution to Hormesis
Authors: Sthijns Mireille , Weseler Antje , Bast Aalt , Haenen Guido
Published: September 2016

Life on Earth has to adapt to the ever changing environment. For example, due to introduction of oxygen in the atmosphere, an antioxidant network evolved to cope with the exposure to oxygen. The adaptive mechanisms of the antioxidant network, specifically the glutathione (GSH) system, are reviewed with a special focus on the time. The quickest adaptive response to oxidative stress is direct enzyme modification, increasing the GSH levels or activating the GSH-dependent protective enzymes. After several hours, a hormetic response is seen at the transcriptional level by up-regulating Nrf2-mediated expression of enzymes involved in GSH synthesis. In the long run, adaptations occur at the epigenetic and genomic level; for example, the ability to synthesize GSH by phototrophic bacteria. Apparently, in an adaptive hormetic response not only the dose or the compound, but also time, should be considered. This is essential for targeted interventions aimed to prevent diseases by successfully coping with changes in the environment e.g., oxidative stress.
Essential Roles of Natural Products and Gaseous Mediators on Neuronal Cell Death or Survival
Authors: Mikami Yoshinori , Kakizawa Sho , Yamazawa Toshiko
Published: September 2016

Although precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration still remain enigmatic, key factors associated with degenerative disorders, such as glutamate toxicity and oxidative stress, have been recently identified. Accordingly, there has been growing interest in examining the effects of exogenous and endogenous molecules on neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. In this paper, we review recent studies on neuroprotective and/or neurodegenerative effects of natural products, such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, and gaseous mediators, including hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide. Furthermore, possible molecular mechanisms of these molecules in relation to glutamate signals are discussed. Insight into the pathophysiological role of these molecules will make progress in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, and is expected to lead to potential therapeutic approaches.