bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto da ação antrópica na degradação da mata ciliar do trecho perenizado do Rio Trussu, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Batista Francisco Johnson Albuquerque , Araújo Neto José Ribeiro de , Palácio Helba Araújo de Queiroz , Costa Geovane Barbosa Reinaldo , Sales Maria Monaliza de
Published: October 2016

O bioma Caatinga vem, ao longo das últimas décadas, sendo devastado, sendo utilizada para áreas com pecuária intensiva e agricultura. E a mata ciliar dos corpos hídricos tornam-se as áreas degradadas que sofrem maior pressão antrópica. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto da ação antrópica na degradação da mata ciliar do trecho perenizado do Rio Trussu num determinado intervalo de tempo (2003 e 2013). O estudo foi desenvolvido no Vale do Rio Trussu que se encontra localizado na Bacia do Alto Jaguaribe, Ceará, Brasil. O trecho perenizado do Rio Trussu tem importante papel no abastecimento de recursos hídricos na região, sendo destinadas às águas para múltiplos usos. Para classificação do uso e ocupação do solo nos diferentes períodos de monitoramento foram utilizadas imagens do satélite Landsat 5 para o ano de 2003 e para o ano 2013 Landsat 8-OLI. Nos resultados obtidos observa-se que, para o ano de 2003, a classe de uso da caatinga densa e rala ocupavam 37,5% e para o ano de 2013 foi 21,6%, e para a classe antropizada foi de 61,6 e 77,9%, enquanto para os corpos hídricos foi 0,9 e 0,5%, respectivamente. Observou-se com este estudo uma dinâmica acelerada no comportamento da degradação da cobertura vegetal na mata ciliar do Rio Trussu, com a substituição progressiva das áreas de caatinga densa por áreas de caatinga rala e antropizada.
Morfometria, uso e cobertura do solo como indicadores de enchentes e inundações na Bacia do Rio do Prata, Ilha do Maranhão
Authors: Barros Danyella Vale , Silva Quésia Duarte da , Teixeira Estevânia Cruz , Costa Cristiane Mouzinho , Santana Ricardo Gonçalves
Published: October 2016

As enchentes e inundações são fenômenos naturais distintos que fazem parte da dinâmica hidrológica de uma bacia hidrográfica, que pode apresentar ou não atributos físicos que a tornem mais suscetível à ocorrência desses eventos. No entanto, fatores externos como o uso e cobertura do solo, podem ter influência direta na intensificação da ocorrência e consequências desses fenômenos. Partindo desses pressupostos, o trabalho em questão buscou analisar algumas variáveis morfométricas da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio do Prata associadas às classes de uso e cobertura do solo, afim de se identificar à sujeição desta à ocorrência dos fenômenos de enchente e inundação. Para o alcance do objetivo, compartimentou-se a bacia em questão em quatro sub-bacias para melhor gerenciamento dos aspectos morfométricos, bem como atualizou-se o mapa de uso e cobertura do solo elaborado para a bacia estudada, a partir de trabalhos de campo e de classificação, por fim, definiu-se quatro parâmetros morfométricos, sendo: densidade de drenagem (Dd), índice de sinuosidade (Is), índice de circularidade (Ic) e fator de forma (Kf). Os parâmetros morfométricos foram analisados juntamente com as classes de uso e cobertura do solo, onde se percebeu que a referida bacia apresenta-se em crescente processo de urbanização, com mais de 50% da área total urbanamente consolidada, além da retirada em grande escala da vegetação ainda existente na região. Constatou-se a instalação de diversas edificações nas planícies fluviais, em seus mais variados segmentos, o que tem contribuído diretamente para ocorrência dos eventos em questão. Identificou-se ainda que a sub-bacia três apresenta maior sujeição aos fenômenos de enchentes e inundações, seja pelo uso ou pela morfometria. Concluiu-se que apesar das características morfométricas apontarem a Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Prata com média a alta sujeição, o uso inadequado do solo tem sido o fator deflagrador dos problemas supracitados.
Anaesthetic approach to VATS in a patient with one lung
Authors: Leong Adeline , Hwang Nian Chih
Published: October 2016

Spontaneous pneumothorax after a contralateral pneumonectomy is a potentially fatal condition. It can be treated with pleurodesis via video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, achieving sufficient lung deflation to perform this whilst maintaining good oxygenation in a patient with a single lung is challenging. We describe the anaesthetic management of a 47 year‐old male who underwent left‐sided video‐assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis for a life‐threatening pneumothorax with a previous right pneumonectomy. We used total intravenous anaesthesia for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with intermittent apnoeic ventilation. Both adequate surgical field visualisation and oxygenation were achieved. He had an uneventful postoperative course.
A case of suicide by hydrogen sulphide poisoning in the UK
Authors: Willder Jennifer M , Tullett William , Doherty Pamela
Published: October 2016

Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless, flammable gas with the characteristic odour of rotten eggs. Inhalation of hydrogen sulphide is toxic to humans as it inhibits aerobic metabolism resulting in cellular hypoxia and lactic acidosis. Cases of hydrogen sulphide poisoning in the United Kingdom (UK) are usually occupational in nature occurring via accidental exposure in related industries. Although national statistical data identified 14 cases of suicide by hydrogen sulphide gas in England and Wales between 2001 and 2011, none of these have been previously published. We present the first case of suicide by hydrogen sulphide poisoning in the UK reported in the medical literature.
Complete sacral agenesis: successful spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section
Authors: Fitzmaurice Bethany , Greenwood Jaime , Alexander Ratan
Published: October 2016

We discuss the case of a female with complete sacral agenesis scheduled for an elective caesarean section. Patients with this condition present a challenge to the anaesthetist, and usually receive a general anaesthetic, due to concerns regarding the precise underlying anatomy and the unpredictability of local anaesthetic spread. We believe that this is the only reported case of a patient with complete sacral agenesis undergoing spinal anaesthesia for an elective caesarean section.
Improvement in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test results following lifestyle changes and modest exercise at home
Authors: Smith Matthew , Krige Anton
Published: October 2016

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is commonly used in the pre‐operative assessment of patients due to have major elective surgery. The measurement of anaerobic threshold has been shown to be an accurate predictor of mortality in major abdominal surgery. Pre‐operative lifestyle changes and aerobic exercise training may improve results and reduce hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality.

We discuss a patient with poor cardiopulmonary exercise testing results who was scheduled for elective anterior resection surgery for a sigmoid colon carcinoma. Surgery was considered extremely high risk. The patient made significant lifestyle changes and commenced a modest amount of aerobic exercise at home. Repeat testing showed much improved results, allowing surgery to proceed.
Mastocytosis: anaphylaxis following emergency anaesthesia
Authors: Baker Roisin , McAlindon Michael , Pierson Richard
Published: October 2016

General anaesthesia in patients with known mastocytosis can be extremely hazardous. Massive histamine release may be triggered by drugs or by the psychological and environmental stresses associated with surgery and can result in significant cardiovascular collapse, respiratory compromise and even death. We present a case of anaphylaxis following induction of anaesthesia in a patient whose diagnosis of mastocytosis was not disclosed during pre‐assessment for emergency surgery. We believe it is the only case reported where the patient has survived their hospital admission in such circumstances despite significant and prolonged cardiovascular compromise.
Successful tracheal intubation in a patient with trismus using the X blade and McGrath videolaryngoscope
Authors: Sugiyama Takuji , Matsumoto Sho , Oda Seiko , Shindo Kazuo
Published: October 2016

The McGrath® MAC videolaryngoscope is designed for difficult airways and several standard blades are available. In July 2014, the X blade, with a more acute anterior curvature and slimmer profile than standard blades, entered the Japanese market. We report a case of successful tracheal intubation in a patient with trismus using the X blade. A 59‐yr‐old female presented for right upper lobectomy due to suspected lung cancer. After induction of general anaesthesia, mouth opening was limited to only 15 mm, possibly due to a temporomandibular disorder. We were able to insert the X blade without difficulty and visualise the glottis. Advancing the tracheal tube through the glottis was difficult, so we inserted a catheter through the tracheal tube. We could then advance the tracheal tube over the catheter into the trachea. Combination of the X blade and an introducer may be an option when faced with a difficult airway, especially due to trismus.
Accuracy, precision, usability, and cost of portable silver test methods for ceramic filter factories
Authors: Meade Rhiana D. , Murray Anna L. , Mittelman Anjuliee M. , Rayner Justine , Lantagne Daniele S.
Published: October 2016

Locally manufactured ceramic water filters are one effective household drinking water treatment technology. During manufacturing, silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate are applied to prevent microbiological growth within the filter and increase bacterial removal efficacy. Currently, there is no recommendation for manufacturers to test silver concentrations of application solutions or filtered water. We identified six commercially available silver test strips, kits, and meters, and evaluated them by: (1) measuring in quintuplicate six samples from 100 to 1,000 mg/L (application range) and six samples from 0.0 to 1.0 mg/L (effluent range) of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate to determine accuracy and precision; (2) conducting volunteer testing to assess ease-of-use; and (3) comparing costs. We found no method accurately detected silver nanoparticles, and accuracy ranged from 4 to 91% measurement error for silver nitrate samples. Most methods were precise, but only one method could test both application and effluent concentration ranges of silver nitrate. Volunteers considered test strip methods easiest. The cost for 100 tests ranged from 36 to 1,600 USD. We found no currently available method accurately and precisely measured both silver types at reasonable cost and ease-of-use, thus these methods are not recommended to manufacturers. We recommend development of field-appropriate methods that accurately and precisely measure silver nanoparticle and silver nitrate concentrations.
Combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalytic degradation for the treatment of olive washing wastewater
Authors: Ates Hasan , Dizge Nadir , Yatmaz H. Cengiz
Published: October 2016

In this study, an electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) and photocatalytic reactor (PCR) were tested to understand the performance of combined electrocoagulation and photocatalytic-degradation of olive washing wastewater (OWW). The effects of initial pH (6.0, 6.9, 8.0, 9.0), applied voltage (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 V), and operating time (30, 60, 90, 120 min) were investigated in the electrocoagulation reactor when aluminum electrodes were used as both anode and cathode. The pH, conductivity, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phenol were measured versus time to determine the efficiency of the ECR and PCR process. It was observed that electrocoagulation as a single treatment process supplied the COD removal of 62.5%, color removal of 98.1%, and total phenol removal of 87% at optimum conditions as pH 6.9, applied voltage of 12.5 V, and operating time of 120 min. Moreover, final pH and conductivity were 7.7 and 980 μS/cm, respectively. On the other hand, the effect of semiconductor catalyst type (TiO2 and ZnO) and loading (1, 2, 3 g/L) were tested using PCR as a stand-alone technique. It was found that photocatalytic degradation as a single treatment process when using 1 g/L ZnO achieved the COD removal of 46%, color removal of 99% with a total phenol removal of 41% at optimum conditions. Final pH and conductivity were 6.2 and 915 μS/cm, respectively. Among semiconductor catalysts, TiO2 and ZnO performed identical efficiencies for both COD and total phenol removal. Moreover, combination in which electrochemical degradation was employed as a pre-treatment to the photocatalytic degradation process obtained high COD removal of 88% and total phenol, as well as color removal of 100% for the OWW. The electrochemical treatment alone was not effective, but in combination with the photocatalytic process, led to a high-quality effluent. Finally, sludge collected from the electrocoagulation process was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared and X-ray powder diffraction analyses.
Resilient in a Feminine Face
Authors: Kusumasari Bevaola
Published: October 2016

Isu tentang kerentanan perempuan dalam bencana telah banyak dibahas dalam berbagai literatur mengenai kebencanaan. Sebagian besar literatur menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kerentanan perempuan akan meningkat pada periode sebelum, selama, dan setelah bencana. Memahami bagaimana perempuan menjalani kehidupan pascabencana memberikan kontribusi terhadap kajian kebencanaan yang telah ada. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perempuan memiliki kemampuan yang baik dalam menghadapi bencana dan bertahan hidup, terlebih bagi perempuan yang memiliki warisan keterampilan. Diferensiasi latar belakang sosial ekonomi desa memberikan tampilan yang lebih lengkap baik dalam hal pola budaya yang terlihat maupun masalah yang lebih dalam mengenai cara perempuan untuk bertahan terhadap bencana. Perempuan dalam kajian ini me­ nyadari bahwa bencana telah memicu motivasi perempuan untuk membantu membiayai kehidupan ekonomi keluarga. Bahkan, pendapatan mereka saat ini telah berkontribusi besar bagi keluarga. Pada akhirnya, kemampuan bertahan hidup pascabencana sekaligus juga telah membangun kepercayaan dan harga diri perempuan serta memengaruhi relasi gender.
Akuntabilitas Organisasi Sektor Publik
Authors: Wicaksono Kristian Widya
Published: October 2016

Akuntabilitas merupakan salah satu isu penting dalam kajian ilmiah dan praktik di bidang administrasi publik. Akuntabilitas adalah pengendalian terhadap organisasi publik pada level organisasional yang dimaksudkan untuk menjadi landasan dalam memberikan penjelasan kepada pihak-pihak baik dari internal maupun eksternal yang berkepentingan melakukan penilaian dan evaluasi terhadap tindakan-tindakan yang dilakukan oleh organisasi publik tersebut. Akuntabilitas sebuah organisasi pu- blik dapat diukur dari sejumlah dimensi, di antaranya: transparansi, pertanggungjawaban, pengendalian, tanggung jawab, dan responsivitas. Metode yang digunakan untuk menyusun penelitian ini adalah survei literatur akademis di bidang admi- nistrasi publik yang revelan dengan akuntabilitas. Selain itu, dilakukan pula upaya penelusuran melalui berbagai sumber baik dari dokumen resmi pemerintah maupun dari berbagai pemberitaan di media massa baik cetak maupun elektronik untuk mendeskripsikan praktik-praktik yang berhubungan dengan akuntabilitas pada organisasi sektor publik. Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa akuntabilitas organisasi sektor publik di Indonesia masih belum optimal. Oleh kare- nanya, ke depan organisasi sektor publik perlu memprioritaskan perhatian terhadap akuntabilitas. Sebab, di negara demokrasi seperti Indonesia, organisasi publik dituntut untuk akuntabel terhadap seluruh tindakan-tindakan yang telah dilakukannya. Dimensi-dimensi akuntabilitas dapat dijadikan pijakan bagi organisasi publik dalam mengelola berbagai aktivitas yang di- jalankan mulai dari masukan, proses, keluaran, dan hasil, serta bagaimana respon lingkungan terhadap hasil tersebut.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penerimaan PBB P2 di Kota Yogyakarta Pasca Pelimpahan Kewenangan Pengelolaan PBB P2 Oleh Pusat Kepada Daerah
Authors: Nurtanzila Lastria , Kumorotomo Wahyudi
Published: October 2016

One of the efforts to achieve fiscal independence of local governments is to provide authority in the management of land and property tax as a part of local taxes (Law No.28 of 2009). Yogyakarta has delegated authority to implement this law since 2011. The revenue of PBB P2 pretty much accounted for the PAD, which is why in this study tried to examine the factors that influence Earth Building Tax receipts in the city of Yogyakarta in 2013-2014. So from this study establishes framework there are three factors that can affect PBB P2 in the city of Yogyakarta, which is a factor of tax administration efficiency, effectiveness socialization factor taxation and tax compliance. Based on the research results that the tax administration can efficiently determine the level of awareness of the taxpayer to pay taxes on time, as well as tax sosialization can increase the public's attention on the importance of paying taxes, in addition to the flavor abide by the rules are also important in creating awareness to pay tax.
Use of Oral Anticoagulation in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with ESRD: Pro
Authors: McCullough Peter A. , Ball Timothy , Cox Katy Mathews , Assar Manish D.
Published: October 2016

Warfarin has had a thin margin of benefit over risk for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with ESRD because of higher bleeding risks and complications of therapy. The successful use of warfarin has been dependent on the selection of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at relatively high risk of stroke and systemic embolism and lower risks of bleeding over the course of therapy. Without such selection strategies, broad use of warfarin has not proven to be beneficial to the broad population of patients with ESRD and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In a recent meta-analysis of use of warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and ESRD, warfarin had no effect on the risks of stroke (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 1.82; P=0.65) or mortality (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 1.13; P=0.60) but was associated with increased risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.56; P<0.01). In pivotal trials, novel oral anticoagulants were generally at least equal to warfarin for efficacy and safety in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and mild to moderate renal impairment. Clinical data for ESRD are limited, because pivotal trials excluded such patients. Given the very high risk of stroke and systemic embolism and the early evidence of acceptable safety profiles of novel oral anticoagulants, we think that patients with ESRD should be considered for treatment with chronic anticoagulation provided that there is an acceptable bleeding profile. Apixaban is currently indicated in ESRD for this application and may be preferable to warfarin given the body of evidence for warfarin and its difficulty of use and attendant adverse events.
Valina, isoleucina e leucina para aves
Authors: Ana Paula Cardoso Gomide  , Scottá Bruno Andreatta , Gomide Ana Paula Cardoso , Barroca Carlota Coelho , Formigoni Andressa da Silva , Oliveira Bárbara Lopes de
Published: October 2016

This review aimed likely to demonstrate the importance of valine, isoleucine and leucine in poultry nutrition, highlighting the metabolism of these amino acids, their functions and requirements for broilers and laying hens. When working with the concept of ideal protein and reduced levels of crude protein in the diet, the addition of industrial amino acids is essential for animals to receive the optimal intake of essential and non-essential amino acids. The valine, isoleucine and leucine are essential amino acids for birds in all stages of creation, in diets based on corn and soybean meal and low protein levels, valine is considered the fourth limiting amino acid and isoleucine the fifth. Already leucine hardly needs to be added to the diets, as it is found in large quantities in foods commonly used in the formulations. Besides the importance of defining the nutritional requirements of these amino acids, is necessary to define its relations with lysine, avoiding excess amino acids and a possible antagonism between them.
Caracterização climática e o efeito do estresse hídrico sob as plantas nativas da caatinga
Authors: Mariah Tenório de Carvalho Souza  , Silva Márcio Eduardo Freire , Paulo Paula Frassinetti Medeiros de , Ribeiro Adelílian Baracho , Cassuce Meiry Rodrigues , Andrade Alberício Pereira de
Published: October 2016

The caatinga is a uniquely Brazilian biome, with vegetation peculiar, predominantly in regions of the Semiarid. It is rich in forage species in their structure woody, shrubby and herbaceous. Most plant species participate significantly in ruminant feed, and the grasses and forbs along make up over 80% of the diet of these animals during the rainy season. This, which lasts about four months, there is often forage offer but when begin the subsequent period, the dry period, the availability of leaves arising from deciduous species increases and becomes increasingly important for animals, especially the goats. Strategically, woody species are critical in the context of production and forage availability in semiarid Brazil, especially in the dry season. The big challenge is to use livestock in semi-arid preserving the resources of its sustainability. Several alternatives have been proposed to exploit, but almost all have major limitations due to the high temporal and spatial variability of accumulation of biomass, which is directly dependent on the conditions of precipitation in the region.
Impactos da seleção genética na qualidade da carne suína
Authors: Cardoso Gomide Ana Paula Cardoso Gomide , Campos Priscila Furtado , Gomide Ana Paula Cardoso , Scottá Bruno Andreatta , Barroca Carlota Coelho , Soares Marcos Henrique
Published: October 2016

Advances in breeding pigs that have occurred in recent years have led to an increase in weight gain, decreased feed conversion and back fat thickness in swine. But this intense selection has caused some negative impacts on the final quality of the meat. The objective of this work was discussing the impact of genetic selection on the meat quality characteristics of pigs. Halothane gene carrier animals have lower meat quality, since this gene is related to the onset of PSE meat (pale, soft, exudative) presenting pale and low water retention capacity, one type of meat is not well accepted in the market because of their visual and organoleptic characteristics. The gene meat acidic pH promotes reduction in final pH meat around 5.4, which causes decrease in yield during the industrial processing and cooked cured products. The type of muscle fiber also affects the quality of meal; modern pigs have a higher proportion of modern glycolytic fibers, so meat lighter and less ability to retain water. The marbling is one of the main features related to tenderness and juiciness, but notes that breeds with high meat yield, have lower intramuscular fat content. Thus genetic selection for increasing the quantity of meat in the carcass led to a decrease in the rate of marbling. We conclude that it is important to have a breeding program aimed not only for the quality of housing, but also meets the requirements for better meat quality.
Isolation, identification and antagonistic activity evaluation of actinomycetes in barks of nine trees
Authors: Wang Dong-sheng , Ren Hai-ke , Erihemu E , Zheng Zhi-yi
Published: October 2016

Actinomycetes are important producers of novel bioactive compounds. New
sources need to be explored for isolating previously unknown bioactive
compound-producing actinomycetes. Here we evaluated the potential of bark as
a natural source of novel bioactive actinomycete species. Bark samples were
collected from nine tree species at different elevations (1600-3400 ma.s.l.)
on Qin Mountain, Shaanxi Province, China. Actinomycetes were cultivated,
enumerated and isolated using serial dilution and spread-plate techniques.
The antimicrobial activity of actinomycete isolates was analyzed using an
agar block method against 15 typical bacterial and fungal species and plant
pathogens. The dominant isolates were identified by 16S rRNA-based sequence
analysis. Results showed that actinomycete counts in bark samples of Quercus
liaotungensis Koidz. was the highest among all trees species tested. The
numbers of actinomycete species in bark samples were highest in Q. aliena
var. acutiserrata and Spiraea alpina Pall. Antagonistic activity wasdetected
in approximately 54% of the actinomycete isolates. Of these, 20 isolates
(25%) showed broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against ?5 of the
microorganisms tested. In conclusion, the bark on coniferous and broadleaf
trees possesses a high diversity of actinomycetes and serves as a natural
source of bioactive compound-producing actinomycetes.
A Smart Washer for Bolt Looseness Monitoring Based on Piezoelectric Active Sensing Method
Authors: Yin Heyue , Wang Tao , Yang Dan , Liu Shaopeng , Shao Junhua , Li Yourong
Published: October 2016

Piezoceramic based active sensing methods have been researched to monitor preload on bolt connections. However, there is a saturation problem involved with this type of method. The transmitted energy is sometimes saturated before the maximum preload which is due to it coming into contact with flat surfaces. When it comes to flat contact surfaces, the true contact area will easily saturate with the preload. The design of a new type of bolt looseness monitoring sensor, a smart washer, is to mitigate the saturation problem. The smart washer is composed of two annular disks with contact surfaces that are machined into convex and concave respectively, to eliminate the complete flat contact surfaces and to reduce the saturation effect. One piezoelectric patch is bonded on the non-contact surface of each annular disk. These two mating annular disks form a smart washer. One of the two piezoelectric patches serves as an actuator to generate an ultrasonic wave that propagates through the contact surface; the other one serves as a sensor to detect the propagated waves. The wave energy propagated through the contact surface is proportional to the true contact area which is determined by the bolt preload. The time reversal method is used to extract the peak of the focused signal as the index of the transmission wave energy; then, the relationship between the signal peak and bolt preload is obtained. Experimental results show that the focused signal peak value changes with the bolt preload and presents an approximate linear relationship when the saturation problem is experienced. The proposed smart washer can monitor the full range of the rated preload.
Advanced Rating Method of Airborne Sound Insulation
Authors: Neubauer Reinhard
Published: October 2016

This paper describes an advanced calculation scheme based on the loudness level linked to the specific fluctuation strength yielding a weighted normalized loudness level difference as a single number value. This advanced rating method is a useful tool investigating airborne sound insulation. Evidence has been presented that a simple level difference is not a suitable method to exhibit the effects of a given signal to the airborne sound insulation. Additionally, while using a weighted normalized loudness level difference, the effect of different test signals results in a significant influence in the single number value. By analyzing the difference between the standard airborne sound insulation value and the weighted normalized loudness level difference, the sound pressure level that is transmitted through a partition is demonstrated to contain important details concerning the subjective assessment. This study supports findings in the literature that airborne sound insulation performance is significantly dependent on what type of sound signal is used. This paper investigates six different thicknesses of a sand-lime brick using five different sound samples. The study indicates that no single number value can be modeled at this time in relation to a certain construction to fulfill comparable results related to a hearing sensation.
Explicit Formula of Koszul–Vinberg Characteristic Functions for a Wide Class of Regular Convex Cones
Authors: Ishi Hideyuki
Published: October 2016

The Koszul–Vinberg characteristic function plays a fundamental role in the theory of convex cones. We give an explicit description of the function and related integral formulas for a new class of convex cones, including homogeneous cones and cones associated with chordal (decomposable) graphs appearing in statistics. Furthermore, we discuss an application to maximum likelihood estimation for a certain exponential family over a cone of this class.
Energy Saving in Water Distribution Network through Pump as Turbine Generators: Economic and Environmental Analysis
Authors: De Marchis Mauro , Milici Barbara , Volpe Roberto , Messineo Antonio
Published: October 2016

Complex systems of water distribution networks (WDS) are used to supply water to users. WDSs are systems where a lot of distributed energy is available. Historically, this energy is artificially dissipated by pressure reduction valves (PRVs), thanks to which water utilities manage the pressure level in selected nodes of the network. The present study explores the use of economic hydraulic machines, pumps as turbines (PATs) to produce energy in a small network located in a town close to Palermo (Italy). The main idea is to avoid dissipation in favor of renewable energy production. The proposed study is applied to a WDN typical of the Mediterranean countries, where the users, to collect water during the period of water scarcity conditions, install private tanks. The presence of private tanks deeply modifies the network from its designed condition. In the proposed analysis, the economic benefit of PATs application in water distribution networks has been investigated, accounting for the presence of users’ private tanks. The analysis, carried out by mean of a mathematical model able to dynamically simulate the water distribution network with PATs, shows the advantage of their installation in terms of renewable energy recovery, even though the energy production of PATs is strictly conditioned by their installation position.
Ignorance Is Bliss, But for Whom? The Persistent Effect of Good Will on Cooperation
Authors: Farjam Mike , Mill Wladislaw , Panganiban Marian
Published: October 2016

Who benefits from the ignorance of others? We address this question from the point of view of a policy maker who can induce some ignorance into a system of agents competing for resources. Evolutionary game theory shows that when unconditional cooperators or ignorant agents compete with defectors in two-strategy settings, unconditional cooperators get exploited and are rendered extinct. In contrast, conditional cooperators, by utilizing some kind of reciprocity, are able to survive and sustain cooperation when competing with defectors. We study how cooperation thrives in a three-strategy setting where there are unconditional cooperators, conditional cooperators and defectors. By means of simulation on various kinds of graphs, we show that conditional cooperators benefit from the existence of unconditional cooperators in the majority of cases. However, in worlds that make cooperation hard to evolve, defectors benefit.
Probing the Internal Structure of Magnetized, Relativistic Jets with Numerical Simulations
Authors: Martí José-María
Published: October 2016

From an observational point of view, unveiling the physical processes behind the nature of the jets emanating from radio-loud AGN demands the resolution of the structure across the jet with the highest angular resolutions. Relying on a magneto-fluid dynamical description, numerical simulations can help to characterize the internal structure of jets (transversal structure, magnetic field structure, internal shocks, etc.). In the first part of the paper, we shall discuss equilibrium models of magnetized, relativistic, infinite, axisymmetric jets with rotation propagating through a homogeneous, static, unmagnetized ambient medium. Then, these transversal equilibrium profiles will be used to build steady models of overpressured, superfast-magnetosonic, relativistic jets, with the aim of characterizing their internal structure in connection with their dominant type of energy (internal energy: hot jets; rest-mass energy: kinetically-dominated jets; magnetic energy: Poynting-flux-dominated jets).
Identifying the Risk Areas and Urban Growth by ArcGIS-Tools
Authors: Hamdy Omar , Zhao Shichen , A. Salheen Mohamed , Eid Youhansen
Published: October 2016

Abouelreesh is one of the most at risk areas in Aswan, Egypt, which suffers from storms, poor drainage, and flash flooding. These phenomena affect the urban areas and cause a lot of damage to buildings and infrastructure. Moreover, the potential for the further realization of dangerous situations increased when the urban areas of Abouelreesh extended towards the risk areas. In an effort to ameliorate the danger, two key issues for urban growth management were studied, namely: (i) estimations regarding the pace of urban sprawl, and (ii) the identification of urban areas located in regions that would be affected by flash floods. Analyzing these phenomena require a lot of data in order to obtain good results, but in our case, the official data or field data was limited so we tried to obtain it by accessing two kinds of free sources of satellite data. First, we used Arc GIS tools to analyze (digital elevation model (DEM)) files in order to study the watershed and better identify the risk area. Second, we studied historical imagery in Google Earth to determine the age of each urban block. The urban growth rate in the risk areas had risen to 63.31% in 2001. Urban growth in the case study area had been influenced by house sizes, because most people were looking to live in bigger houses. The aforementioned problem can be observed by considering the increasing average house sizes from 2001 until 2013, where, especially in risky areas, the average of house sizes had grown from 223 m2 in 2001 to 318 m2 in 2013. The findings from this study would be useful to urban planners and government officials in helping them to make informed decisions on urban development to benefit the community, especially those living in areas at risk from flash flooding from heavy rain events.
Organic Horticulture in India
Authors: Mitra Sisir , Devi Hidangmayum
Published: October 2016

During the previous three decades, organic produce has attracted the attention of a growing health-conscious population across the globe. Both international and domestic communities are becoming aware of issues like agrochemical residues, produce quality, and food safety. Worldwide, over 37.5 million ha of land (0.87% of total agricultural land) is being managed organically by 1.9 million producers in 164 countries. In addition, there is another 31 million ha certified for wild harvest collection. Global sales of organic products have reached U.S. $75 billion, with the U.S. and Europe as the largest consumers. The concept of organic farming is not new to the Indian farming community. Several forms of organic farming are successfully practiced in diverse climates, particularly in rain-fed, tribal mountains, and hilly areas of the country. Many of the forest products of economic importance, such as herbs and medicinal plants are in this category by default. The report of the Task Force on Organic Farming appointed by the Government of India noted the vast areas of the country where limited amounts of synthetic chemicals are used, although they have low productivity, but also which could have unexploited potential for organic agriculture. As of March 2014, India had 4.72 million ha under an organic certification process, including 0.6 million ha of cultivated agricultural land and 4.12 million ha of wild harvest collection forest area. During 2012–2013, India exported 165,262 million tons of organic products across 135 commodities valued at $312 million. The domestic market for organic commodities is also growing at an annual growth rate of 15%–20%. The crops grown organically include cashew nut, spices, cotton, rice, sugarcane, pineapple, passion fruit, groundnut, sunflower, millet, vegetables, wheat castor, mustard, walnut, tea, coffee, banana, and mango. Institutional support for organic exports from India was created by the launch of the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) by the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce. The NPOP supports promotional initiatives, accreditation by inspection and certification agencies, and offers support to agri-business enterprises to facilitate export. India now has 26 accredited certification agencies to facilitate the certification of growers.
DALY-Based Health Risk Assessment of Construction Noise in Beijing, China
Authors: Xiao Jun , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Zhihui
Published: October 2016

Noise produced by construction activities has become the second most serious acoustic polluting element in China. To provide industry practitioners with a better understanding of the health risks of construction noise and to aid in creating environmentally friendly construction plans during early construction stages, we developed a quantitative model to assess the health impairment risks (HIA) associated with construction noise for individuals living adjacent to construction sites. This model classifies noise-induced health impairments into four categories: cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and annoyance, and uses disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as an indicator of damage. Furthermore, the value of a statistical life (VSL) is used to transform DALYs into a monetary value based on the affected demographic characteristics, thereby offering policy makers a reliable theoretical foundation for establishing reasonable standards to compensate residents suffering from construction noise. A practical earthwork project in Beijing is used as a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model. The results indicate that construction noise could bring significant health risks to the neighboring resident community, with an estimated 34.51 DALYs of health damage and 20.47 million yuan in social costs. In particular, people aged 45–54 are most vulnerable to construction noise, with the greatest health risks being caused by sleep disturbance.
Study on Dicyandiamide-Imprinted Polymers with Computer-Aided Design
Authors: Liang Dadong , Wang Yan , Li Songyang , Li Yuqing , Zhang Miliang , Li Yang , Tian Weishuai , Liu Junbo , Tang Shanshan , Li Bo , Jin Ruifa
Published: October 2016

With the aid of theoretical calculations, a series of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were designed and prepared for the recognition of dicyandiamide (DCD) via precipitation polymerization using acetonitrile as the solvent at 333 K. On the basis of the long-range correction method of M062X/6-31G(d,p), we simulated the bonding sites, bonding situations, binding energies, imprinted molar ratios, and the mechanisms of interaction between DCD and the functional monomers. Among acrylamide (AM), N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), itaconic acid (IA), and methacrylic acid (MAA), MAA was confirmed as the best functional monomer, because the strongest interaction (the maximum number of hydrogen bonds and the lowest binding energy) occurs between DCD and MAA, when the optimal molar ratios for DCD to the functional monomers were used, respectively. Additionally, pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) was confirmed to be the best cross-linker among divinylbenzene (DVB), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), trimethylolpropane trimethylacrylate (TRIM), and PETA. This is due to the facts that the weakest interaction (the highest binding energy) occurs between PETA and DCD, and the strongest interaction (the lowest binding energy) occurs between PETA and MAA. Depending on the results of theoretical calculations, a series of MIPs were prepared. Among them, the ones prepared using DCD, MAA, and PETA as the template, the functional monomer, and the cross-linker, respectively, exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for DCD. The apparent maximum absorption quantity of DCD on the MIP was 17.45 mg/g.
Carotenoid Cleavage Oxygenases from Microbes and Photosynthetic Organisms: Features and Functions
Authors: Ahrazem Oussama , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes , Rodrigo María , Avalos Javier , Limón María
Published: October 2016

Apocarotenoids are carotenoid-derived compounds widespread in all major taxonomic groups, where they play important roles in different physiological processes. In addition, apocarotenoids include compounds with high economic value in food and cosmetics industries. Apocarotenoid biosynthesis starts with the action of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs), a family of non-heme iron enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of carbon–carbon double bonds in carotenoid backbones through a similar molecular mechanism, generating aldehyde or ketone groups in the cleaving ends. From the identification of the first CCD enzyme in plants, an increasing number of CCDs have been identified in many other species, including microorganisms, proving to be a ubiquitously distributed and evolutionarily conserved enzymatic family. This review focuses on CCDs from plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria, describing recent progress in their functions and regulatory mechanisms in relation to the different roles played by the apocarotenoids in these organisms.
Non-SMC Element 2 (NSMCE2) of the SMC5/6 Complex Helps to Resolve Topological Stress
Authors: Verver Dideke , Zheng Yi , Speijer Dave , Hoebe Ron , Dekker Henk , Repping Sjoerd , Stap Jan , Hamer Geert
Published: October 2016

The structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes shape and regulate the structure and dynamics of chromatin, thereby controlling many chromosome-based processes such as cell cycle progression, differentiation, gene transcription and DNA repair. The SMC5/6 complex is previously described to promote DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair by sister chromatid recombination, and found to be essential for resolving recombination intermediates during meiotic recombination. Moreover, in budding yeast, SMC5/6 provides structural organization and topological stress relief during replication in mitotically dividing cells. Despite the essential nature of the SMC5/6 complex, the versatile mechanisms by which SMC5/6 functions and its molecular regulation in mammalian cells remain poorly understood. By using a human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS), we show that after the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated removal of the SMC5/6 subunit NSMCE2, treatment with the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide triggered an increased sensitivity in cells lacking NSMCE2. In contrast, NSMCE2 appeared not essential for a proper DNA damage response or cell survival after DSB induction by ionizing irradiation (IR). Interestingly, by way of immunoprecipitations (IPs) and mass spectrometry, we found that the SMC5/6 complex physically interacts with the DNA topoisomerase II α (TOP2A). We therefore propose that the SMC5/6 complex functions in resolving TOP2A-mediated DSB-repair intermediates generated during replication.
Prostate Cancer Detection and Prognosis: From Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) to Exosomal Biomarkers
Authors: Filella Xavier , Foj Laura
Published: October 2016

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) remains the most used biomarker in the management of early prostate cancer (PCa), in spite of the problems related to false positive results and overdiagnosis. New biomarkers have been proposed in recent years with the aim of increasing specificity and distinguishing aggressive from non-aggressive PCa. The emerging role of the prostate health index and the 4Kscore is reviewed in this article. Both are blood-based tests related to the aggressiveness of the tumor, which provide the risk of suffering PCa and avoiding negative biopsies. Furthermore, the use of urine has emerged as a non-invasive way to identify new biomarkers in recent years, including the PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene. Available results about the PCA3 score showed its usefulness to decide the repetition of biopsy in patients with a previous negative result, although its relationship with the aggressiveness of the tumor is controversial. More recently, aberrant microRNA expression in PCa has been reported by different authors. Preliminary results suggest the utility of circulating and urinary microRNAs in the detection and prognosis of PCa. Although several of these new biomarkers have been recommended by different guidelines, large prospective and comparative studies are necessary to establish their value in PCa detection and prognosis.
Correction: Ping Meng, et al. Involvement of the Interleukin-23/Interleukin-17 Axis in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Its Treatment Responses. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1070
Authors: Meng Ping , Zhao Suxian , Niu Xuemin , Fu Na , Su Shanshan , Wang Rongqi , Zhang Yuguo , Nan Yuemin , Qiao Liang
Published: October 2016

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A ZnO Nanoparticle-Coated Long Period Fiber Grating as a Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor
Authors: Wu Chao-Wei , Wu Chien-Chung , Chiang Chia-Chin
Published: October 2016

This study proposes a long period fiber grating (LPFG) with a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle layer for use as a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensor. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching, corona treatment, and electrostatic spraying were used to fabricate this ZnO nanoparticle-coated LPFG CO2 gas sensor. Repeated gas sensor tests showed that, when a 15% CO2 mixture was injected (0.2 L/min) into a closed chamber into which the sensor had been placed, the CO2 gas was absorbed by the ZnO nanoparticle-coated LPFG sensor. In these tests, the transmission loss gradually decreased, and the maximum transmission loss was 2.039 dB. The concentration test results showed that as the concentration of CO2 introduced into the chamber was increased, the rate of the transmission loss change was increased in direct proportion. In addition, the sensitivity was 0.0513 dB/%. The results confirm that this low-cost ZnO nanoparticle-coated LPFG gas sensor was successfully applied to the measurement of CO2 gas. Therefore, the proposed ZnO nanoparticle-coated LPFG can be used to measure CO2 gas.
Addendum: Lakshmanan, U.; Balam, O.; Bhatia, T.K. Introducing the Special Issue: Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/Multilingual Communities. Languages 2016, 1, 9
Authors: Lakshmanan Usha , Balam Osmer , Bhatia Tej
Published: October 2016

In [1] (p. 2), we highlight that Deuchar and Stammers [2] postulate that their data does not support Poplack and Meechan's assumption that the distinction between code-switching and borrowing is categorical [3].[...]
Grain Refinement Efficiency in Commercial-Purity Aluminum Influenced by the Addition of Al-4Ti Master Alloys with Varying TiAl3 Particles
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , He Jiansheng , Tang Qi , Wang Tao , Chen Jing
Published: October 2016

A series of Al-4Ti master alloys with various TiAl3 particles were prepared via pouring the pure aluminum added with K2TiF6 or sponge titanium into three different molds made of graphite, copper, and sand. The microstructure and morphology of TiAl3 particles were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The microstructure of TiAl3 particles in Al-4Ti master alloys and their grain refinement efficiency in commercial-purity aluminum were investigated in this study. Results show that there were three different morphologies of TiAl3 particles in Al-4Ti master alloys: petal-like structures, blocky structures, and flaky structures. The Al-4Ti master alloy with blocky TiAl3 particles had better and more stable grain refinement efficiency than the master alloys with petal-like and flaky TiAl3 particles. The average grain size of the refined commercial-purity aluminum always hereditarily followed the size of the original TiAl3 particles. In addition, the grain refinement efficiency of Al-4Ti master alloys with the same morphology, size, and distribution of TiAl3 particles prepared through different processes was almost identical.