bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culturally Tailored Smoking Cessation for Arab American Male Smokers in Community Settings: A Pilot Study
Authors: Haddad Linda , Corcoran Jacqueline
Published: May 2013

Tobacco use is a serious public health problem among Arab Americans with limited English proficiency. The main goal of this study was to develop a culturally-tailored and linguistically-sensitive Arabic-language smoking cessation program. A secondary goal was to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting Arab Americans through a faith-based community organization which serves as a neighborhood social center for the city of Richmond's Arab Americans. Eight first-generation Arab American men aged 20 years and above completed the three-month program. There was general agreement of the following: (1) each stage of the five-stage cessation program could be improved; (2) several glaring errors could be easily corrected; and (3) minor variation among the various countries-of-origin of participants could lead to a few changes in the program with respect to the use of some colloquial terms. The results suggest that it is possible to reach smokers from Arab American communities with a tailored Arabic language smoking cessation program. The findings of this report will be used as the basis for a large-scale intervention study of a culturally and linguistically sensitive cessation program for Arab American ethnic groups.
Connectivity of complexes of separating curves
Authors: Looijenga Eduard
Published: May 2013

We prove that the separating curve complex of a closed orientable surface of genus

g

is

(g-3)

-connected. We also obtain a connectivity property for a separating curve complex of the open surface that is obtained by removing a finite set from a closed one, where it is assumed that the removed set is endowed with a partition and that the separating curves respect that partition. These connectivity statements have implications for the algebraic topology of the moduli space of curves.
Chain recurrence in $\beta $-compactifications of topological groups
Authors: Souza Josiney A.
Published: May 2013

Let

G

be a topological group. In this paper limit behavior in the Stone–Čech compactification

\beta G

is studied. It depends on a family of translates of a reversible subsemigroup

S

. The notion of semitotal subsemigroup is introduced. It is shown that the semitotality property is equivalent to the existence of only two maximal chain transitive sets in

\beta G

whenever

S

is centric. This result links an algebraic property to a dynamical property. The concept of a chain recurrent function is also introduced and characterized via the compactification

\beta G

. Applications of chain recurrent function to linear differential systems and transformation groups are done.
Erratum to “How to read the length of a braid from its curve diagram”
Authors: Ito Tetsuya , Wiest Bert
Published: May 2013

Proposition 3.1 in
Groups Geom. Dyn.
5 (2011), 673–681, is incorrect. We give a counterexample, point out the mistake in the proof, but also propose a similar statement in the form of a conjecture. The main result of the paper (Theorem 2.1) is unaffected.
Business Professionals’ Perceptions Related to the Influence of Information Technology in Individual Work
Authors: Antonelli Ricardo Adriano , Almeida Lauro Brito de , Espejo Márcia Maria dos Santos Bortolocci , Longhi Fernanda Luiza
Published: May 2013

According to the literature, much has been said about the impact of IT in organizations, but little about its impact on the individual. This study aims to identify IT benefits in individual work, choosing as a proxy some post-graduation “latu sensu” students, from a federal university in the south of Brazil. For data collecting, a questionnaire based on studies of Torkzadeh and Doll (1999) and Pereira (2003) has been prepared. Torkzadeh and Doll dealt with the process of working; Pereira, by using the four phases of decision making . The final instrument, after being validated and tested, amounted to 21 questions to detect the potential benefits of IT. The results demonstrated that users are satisfied, by pointing an average of 2.69 on a scale of "1" (little satisfied) to "5" (very much satisfied). The framework, work process, got an overall average [2.82]. Managerial control [3.10] and productivity [3.06] had the highest ratings; innovation [2.34], the lowest one. Technologies fully implemented had greater satisfaction in all constructs of the survey with statistically significant differences. Such differences were also proven in the IT solutions that use ERP technology, the best-evaluated one. When comparing age, it was found that younger users were more satisfied with the benefits of technology. As concerning the number of employees, small business users were less satisfied with IT.
The Forensic Accounting and Corporate Fraud
Authors: Imoniana Joshua Onome , Antunes Maria Thereza P , Formigoni Henrique
Published: May 2013

This study is aimed at analyzing the characteristics of forensic accounting services performed by the accounting firms in Brazil, using an exploratory approach. At the end, performs a discourse analysis on a speech proffered by the CEO of one of the key players of forensic accounting service provider (Kroll) in Brazil. In order to orientate this reflection, we pose the following question: what is the characteristic of forensic accounting that substantiates it as professional accountants’ innovation to curb corporate accounting malpractices? In this intent, we accept the premise that the bone of contention in some unhealthy business environment is the inability of auditor to track frauds. We used the icons (categories and/or nodes) that dynamically represent formalism in the theory of self re-production to explain the patterns met in the speech. Our finding makes us to conclude that the idea that frauds have been least detected by auditors begins to gain shape as auditors are more adequately trained to detect fraud instead of emphasizing the traditional segregation of duties and safeguard of assets.
Sources and composition of sediment pore‐water dissolved organic matter in prairie pothole lakes
Authors: Ziegelgruber Kate L. , Zeng Teng , Arnold William A. , Chin Yu-Ping
Published: May 2013

Sediment pore‐water dissolved organic matter (DOM) in two North Dakota prairie pothole lakes was quantified by dissolved organic carbon analysis (DOC) and its composition was characterized as a function of sediment depth for molecular weight distribution (MWD), molar absorptivity at 280 nm (ɛ280), and fluorescence properties. Fluorescence excitation emission matrices were further analyzed by creating a Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) model specific to sedimentary pore‐water DOM. The range of absolute pore‐water DOC concentrations (∼ 26–183 mg C L−1) greatly exceeded abundances reported for other wetlands and generally increased with depth. Significant changes occurred in ɛ280 and fluorescence seasonally. Prairie pothole pore‐water DOM is primarily allochthonous in nature and three ‘humic‐like’ components explained ∼ 90% of total sample fluorescence, while a single ‘non‐humic’ component was responsible for the remaining 10%. The contribution of the non‐humic component, however, was more significant in the top 7 cm of sediment in samples collected in early autumn and is presumably derived from algal precursor material produced by primary production in the water column over the summer. The PARAFAC results corroborate ɛ280 and MWD changes in pore‐water DOM composition over the growing season. This dynamic process could affect the type of DOM available for biogeochemical processes seasonally.
Gluten Free Diet, Perceptions and Concerns of People Living with Celiac Disease in India: Internet-based Survey of Members of ‘Zero Gluten’ on Facebook
Authors: Verma Sanjay
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Gluten free diet (GFD) for the treatment of celiac disease (CD) remains a lifelong challenge for patients and their parents in India. There is little knowledge available about how these patients experience and cope with their dietary needs in India.

Aims

(i) To assess the status of gluten free diet and problems faced while managing GFD. (ii) To get an incite about their perceptions and concerns.

Study design

Cross-sectional descriptive internet-based survey.

Materials and methods

A predesigned semistructured questionnaire was prepared and mailed to members of ‘zero gluten’ on Facebook; an internet-based social support group for Indian CD patients, who were on GFD for a variable period of time. Those who decided to participate returned the filled questionnaire along with consent, which were analyzed.

Results

Out of 120 members, 32 filled the questionnaire and returned back. These computer literate CD patients were from different Northern states of India. Age ranged from 3 to 36 years with mean age 20.75 years. Mean duration of GFD was 3 years and average age at diagnosis was 13.7 years. Knowledge about possible options in GFD was limited. Branded GF products were in demand; 71.9% were buying them. Follow-up was poor and involvement of dieticians while managing GFD was rare. Their major concerns were professional needs, transmission to kids, marriage and peer pressure.

Conclusion

Managing GFD in India is difficult; help of trained dieticians, regular follow-up and psychological support is needed to sustain these dietary changes for life.

How to cite this article

Verma S. Gluten Free Diet, Perceptions and Concerns of People Living with Celiac Disease in India: Internet-based Survey of Members of ‘Zero Gluten’ on Facebook. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):107-111.
Socioenvironmental Etiology of Plague Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh: A Retrospective Enquiry
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Kaur Harvinder , Goel Sonu , Sharma Yachna , Kessar Rupali Raj
Published: May 2013

Aims

(1) To ascertain various socioepidemiological factors related to 2002 plague outbreak in Himachal Pradesh (HP). (2) To elucidate the sylvatic cycle of plague bacilli transmission.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted among affected families during 2002 HP plague outbreak. The opinion of natives of plague affected Hatkoti belt of HP, Gujjars and health care staff about etiology, proneness, sustenance, spread, control and prevention of plague were explored. Blood samples and fleas were collected from the domestic, peridomestic and wild rodents trapped from these areas. These were investigated entomologically and microbiologically in PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Results

Overall 159 rodents and 22 fleas were collected from wild and domestic areas. Three species of rodents were identified; Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus and Peromyscus leucopus. Similarly, three flea species namely Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Epitedia wenmanni and Leptopsylla segnis were extracted. Serum and blood samples (n = 49) collected from rodents showed Gram-positive bacilli (GPB), Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and diphtheroid bacilli.

Respondent villagers and Gujjars believed that plague outbreak occurred due to wrath of God and other supernatural forces. The villagers and health workers were of the view that exposure of people to plague was due to deep forest exploration for hunting.

Conclusion

The lifestyle of people and other social factors played a crucial role in plague outbreak in the area. The sylvatic cycle persisted in plague prone areas of HP.

How to cite this article

Kaur H, Goel S, Sharma Y, Kessar RR, Singh A. Socioenvironmental Etiology of Plague Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh: A Retrospective Enquiry. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):112-116.
Why Should Sub-Saharan Africa Care about the Doha Development Round?
Authors: Draper Peter , Freytag Andreas , Doyaili Sarah Al
Published: May 2013

In recent years sub-Saharan Africa, notwithstanding the global financial crisis, has increased its share in global trade and investment flows. This has led to an appreciable improvement in development levels, albeit off a small base. However, these patterns are still dominated by commodity flows and investment, and remain marginal on the global stage. Increased trade and investment flows, particularly related to network services, would be of great benefit to the sub-continent. Yet many domestic regulatory constraints remain. Furthermore, substantial international market distortions, particularly in agricultural trade, inhibit economic diversification into more value-adding activities. The Doha development round could, if concluded, go a long way towards addressing these barriers. Ultimately it could prove more consequential to the sub-continent’s development trajectory than regional economic integration. The latter, whilst important, is shallow and too reliant on institution-intensive forms mimicking the European Union. Overall therefore this paper motivates for an African trade agenda focused on concluding the Doha round.
Medical Loss Ratio Regulation under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Harrington Scott E.
Published: May 2013

The minimum medical loss ratio (MLR) regulations in the Affordable Care Act guarantee that a specific percentage of health insurance premiums is spent on medical care and specified activities to improve health care quality. This paper analyzes the regulations' potential unintended consequences and incentive effects, including: higher medical costs and premiums for some insurers; less innovation to align consumer, provider, and health plan incentives; less consumer choice and increased market concentration; and the risk that insurers will pay rebates if claim costs are lower than projected when premiums are established, despite the regulations' permitted “credibility adjustments.” The paper discusses modifications and alternatives to the MLR regulations to help achieve their stated goals with less potential for adverse effects.
DISEÑO DE UN SISTEMA DE CÓMPUTO PARA DETERMINAR APTITUD ECOTURÍSTICA DE ÁREAS FORESTALES
Authors: Pérez-Vivar Marcelino A. , González-Guillén Manuel de J. , Valdez-Lazalde J. René , De los Santos-Posadas Héctor M. , Ángeles-Pérez Gregorio
Published: May 2013

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue diseñar y construir un sistema de cómputo (software) con la finalidad de generar mapas de aptitud ecoturística. Para ello, se estructuró un modelo conceptual que combina herramientas de evaluación multicriterio y SIG en un ambiente de toma de decisiones. El diseño del software se realizó de acuerdo con el modelo conceptual y, finalmente, el diseño fue codificado en lenguaje de programación Visual Basic®. Como información de entrada, el sistema utiliza criterios e indicadores (cartografiables) para el desarrollo adecuado de alguna actividad ecoturística de interés, así como mapas temáticos correspondientes. La información de salida son mapas en formato raster cuyas celdas presentan valores en un gradiente de 0 a 1 representando la aptitud de dicha celda para el desarrollo de la actividad ecoturística evaluada. Este sistema puede ser una herramienta muy valiosa, eficaz y eficiente en el proceso de toma de decisiones y planificación del uso de la tierra.
A statistical-numerical aerosol parameterization scheme
Authors: Chen J.-P. , Tsai I-C. , Lin Y.-C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. A new modal aerosol parameterization scheme, Statistical-Numerical Aerosol Parameterization (SNAP), was developed for studying aerosol processes and aerosol-cloud interactions in regional or global models. SNAP applies statistical fitting on numerical results to generate accurate parameterization formulas without sacrificing details of the growth kernel. Processes considered in SNAP include fundamental aerosol processes, as well as processes related to aerosol-cloud interactions. Comparison of SNAP with numerical solutions, analytical solutions, and binned aerosol model simulations showed that the new method performs well, with accuracy higher than that of the high-order numerical quadrature technique, at much less computation time. The SNAP scheme has been implemented in regional air quality models, producing results very close to those using binned-size schemes or numerical quadrature schemes.
Climate and chemistry effects of a regional scale nuclear conflict
Authors: Stenke A. , Hoyle C. R. , Luo B. , Rozanov E. , Gröbner J. , Maag L. , Brönnimann S. , Peter T.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Previous studies have highlighted the severity of detrimental effects for life on Earth after an assumed regionally limited nuclear war. These effects are caused by climatic, chemical and radiative changes persisting for up to one decade. However, so far only a very limited number of climate model simulations have been performed, giving rise to the question how realistic previous computations have been. This study uses the coupled chemistry climate model (CCM) SOCOL, which belongs to a different family of CCMs than previously used, to investigate the consequences of such a hypothetical nuclear conflict. In accordance with previous studies, the present work assumes a scenario of a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, each applying 50 warheads with an individual blasting power of 15 kt ("Hiroshima size") against the major population centers, resulting in the emission of tiny soot particles, which are generated in the firestorms expected in the aftermath of the detonations. Substantial uncertainties related to the calculation of likely soot emissions, particularly concerning assumptions of target fuel loading and targeting of weapons, have been addressed by simulating several scenarios, with soot emissions ranging from 1 to 12 Tg. Their high absorptivity with respect to solar radiation leads to a tremendous self-lofting of the soot particles into the strato- and mesosphere, where they remain for several years. Consequently, the model suggests Earth's surface temperatures to drop by several degrees Celsius due to the shielding of solar irradiance by the soot, indicating a major global cooling. In addition, there is a substantial reduction of precipitation lasting 5 to 10 yr after the conflict, depending on the magnitude of the initial soot release. Extreme cold spells associated with massive sea ice formation are found during Northern Hemisphere winter, which expose the continental land masses of Northern America and Eurasia to chilling coldness. In the stratosphere, the strong heating leads to an acceleration of catalytic ozone loss and, consequently, to enhancements of UV radiation at the ground. In contrast to surface temperature and precipitation changes, which show a linear dependence to the soot burden, there is a saturation effect with respect to stratospheric ozone chemistry. Soot emissions of 5 Tg lead to an ozone column reduction of almost 50% in northern high latitudes, while emitting 12 Tg only increases ozone loss by a further 10%. In summary, this study, though using a different chemistry climate model, corroborates the previous investigations with respect to the atmospheric impacts. In addition to these persistent effects, the present study draws attention to episodically cold phases, which would likely add to the severity of human harm worldwide. The best insurance against such a catastrophic development would be the delegitimization of nuclear weapons.
Stratospheric O3 changes during 2001–2010: the small role of solar flux variations in a CTM
Authors: Dhomse S. S. , Chipperfield M. P. , Feng W. , Ball W. T. , Unruh Y. C. , Haigh J. D. , Krivova N. A. , Solanki S. K. , Smith A. K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Solar spectral fluxes (or irradiance) measured by the SOlar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) show different variability at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths compared to other irradiance measurements and models (e.g. NRL-SSI, SATIRE-S). Some modelling studies have suggested that stratospheric/lower mesospheric O3 changes during solar cycle 23 (1996–2008) can only be reproduced if SORCE solar fluxes are used. We have used a 3-D chemical transport model (CTM), forced by meteorology from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), to simulate middle atmospheric O3 using three different solar flux datasets (SORCE, NRL-SSI and SATIRE-S). Simulated O3 changes are compared with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) satellite data. Modelled O3 anomalies from all solar flux datasets show good agreement with the observations, despite the different flux variations. The off-line CTM reproduces these changes through dynamical information contained in the analyses. A notable feature during this period is a robust positive solar signal in the tropical middle stratosphere due to changes in stratospheric dynamics. Ozone changes in the lower mesosphere cannot be used to discriminate between solar flux datasets due to large uncertainties and the short time span of the observations. Overall this study suggests that, in a CTM, the UV variations detected by SORCE are not necessary to reproduce observed stratospheric O3 changes during 2001–2010.
Time-series measurements of biochemical and physical properties in the southwestern East/Japan Sea during the spring transition in 2010
Authors: Son Y.-T. , Chang K.-I. , Yoon S.-T. , Kim Y.-B. , Rho T. , Kang C. K. , Kim K.-R.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. An ocean buoy, UBIM, deployed during the spring transition from February and May, 2010 reveals for the first time highly-resolved temporal variation of biochemical properties of the upper layer of the Ulleung Basin in the southwestern East/Japan Sea. Meteorological data shows the typical spring transition occurred during the mooring period, weakening of wind speed, increase in shortwave radiation, and change in total heat flux from net cooling to net heating. Power spectrum of chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) peaks at semidiurnal tidal, near-inertial, diurnal, and subtidal frequencies. The diurnal variation of CF is characterized by high CF during the daytime and low CF at night. Dissolved oxygen and CF are correlated with high (low) dissolved oxygen accompanied by high (low) CF, indicating the dissolved oxygen is mainly determined by biological activities. The time series measurement captured the onset of subsurface spring bloom at 30 m, and collocated temperature and current data gives an insight into a mechanism that triggers the onset of the spring bloom not documented so far. The entire mooring period can be divided into pre-bloom period from the beginning of the mooring to early April, and bloom period afterwards. Mean CF values during the pre-bloom and bloom periods are 0.9 μg L−1 and 1.9 μg L−1, respectively. Mean mixed layer depth (MLD) shoaled from 22 m during the pre-bloom period to 15 m during the bloom period. Despite of the increase in shortwave radiation, average PAR values at 20 m show lower value during the bloom period as compared to that during the pre-bloom period. Low-frequency modulation of MLD ranging from 10 m to 53 m during the entire mooring period is mainly determined by shoaling and deepening of isothermal (isopycnal) depths. Temperature structure in the upper 110 m is characterized by alternating uplifting and lowering of isotherms, which is caused by the placement of the mooring site on the cold (cyclonic) or warm side of the frontal jet, the East Korean Warm Current. The frontal variability is thought to be due to the low-frequency path variatio of the East Korean Warm Current. The occurrence of the spring bloom at 30 m is concomitant with the appearance of colder East Sea Intermediate Water (ESIW) at buoy UBIM that results in the subsurface cooling and the shoaling of isotherms to the shallower depth levels than those occurred during the pre-bloom period. It is suggested that the springtime spreading of the ESIW is one of the important factors that triggers the onset of subsurface spring bloom below the mixed layer. The time lag between the peaks of CF and the occurrence of the shallowest isothermal depths is about several days, which appears to be the timescale for the growth of phytoplankton.
High dimensional decision dilemmas in climate models
Authors: Bracco A. , Neelin J. D. , Luo H. , McWilliams J. C. , Meyerson J. E.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. An important source of uncertainty in climate models is linked to the calibration of model parameters. Interest in systematic and automated parameter optimization procedures stems from the desire to improve the model climatology and to quantify the average sensitivity associated with potential changes in the climate system. Neelin et al. (2010) used a quadratic metamodel to objectively calibrate an atmospheric circulation model (AGCM) around four adjustable parameters. The metamodel accurately estimates global spatial averages of common fields of climatic interest, from precipitation, to low and high level winds, from temperature at various levels to sea level pressure and geopotential height, while providing a computationally cheap strategy to explore the influence of parameter settings. Here, guided by the metamodel, the ambiguities or dilemmas related to the decision making process in relation to model sensitivity and optimization are examined. Simulations of current climate are subject to considerable regional-scale biases. Those biases may vary substantially depending on the climate variable considered, and/or on the performance metric adopted. Common dilemmas are associated with model revisions yielding improvement in one field or regional pattern or season, but degradation in another, or improvement in the model climatology but degradation in the interannual variability representation. Challenges are posed to the modeler by the high dimensionality of the model output fields and by the large number of adjustable parameters. The use of the metamodel in the optimization strategy helps visualize trade-offs at a regional level, e.g. how mismatches between sensitivity and error spatial fields yield regional errors under minimization of global objective functions.
Incorporating grassland management in a global vegetation model: model description and evaluation at 11 eddy-covariance sites in Europe
Authors: Chang J. , Viovy N. , Vuichard N. , Ciais P. , Wang T. , Cozic A. , Lardy R. , Graux A.-I. , Klumpp K. , Martin R. , Soussana J.-F.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This study describes how management of grasslands is included in the ORCHIDEE process-based ecosystem model designed for large-scale applications, and how management affects modeled grassland-atmosphere CO2 fluxes. The new model, ORCHIDEE-GM (Grassland Management) is enabled with a management module inspired from a grassland model (PaSim, version 5.0), with two grassland management practices being considered, cutting and grazing, respectively. The evaluation of the results from ORCHIDEE compared with those of ORCHIDEE-GM at 11 European sites equipped with eddy covariance and biometric measurements, shows that ORCHIDEE-GM can capture realistically the cut-induced seasonal variation in biometric variables (LAI: Leaf Area Index; AGB: Aboveground Biomass) and in CO2 fluxes (GPP: Gross Primary Productivity; TER: Total Ecosystem Respiration; and NEE: Net Ecosystem Exchange). But improvements at grazing sites are only marginal in ORCHIDEE-GM, which relates to the difficulty in accounting for continuous grazing disturbance and its induced complex animal-vegetation interactions. Both NEE and GPP on monthly to annual timescales can be better simulated in ORCHIDEE-GM than in ORCHIDEE without management. ORCHIDEE-GM is capable to model the net carbon balance (NBP) of managed grasslands better than ORCHIDEE, because the management module allows to simulate the carbon fluxes of forage yield, herbage consumption, animal respiration and methane emissions.
Brief communication "Global glacier volumes and sea level – small but systematic effects of ice below the surface of the ocean and of new local lakes on land"
Authors: Haeberli W. , Linsbauer A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The potential contribution of glaciers and ice caps to sea level rise is usually calculated by comparing the estimated total ice volume with the surface area of the ocean. Part of this total ice volume, however, does not contribute to sea level rise because it is below the surface of the ocean or below the levels of future lakes on land. The present communication points to this so far overlooked phenomenon and provides a first order-of-magnitude estimate. It is shown that the effect is small (most likely about 1 to 6 cm sea level equivalent) but systematic, could primarily affect earlier stages of global glacier vanishing, and should therefore be adequately considered. Now-available techniques of slope-related high-resolution glacier bed modelling have the potential to provide more detailed assessments in the future.
La biblioteca universitaria y el desarrollo de la educación superior
Authors: Figueredo Figueredo Ana Luisa , Figueredo Matos Maritza de la Caridad , Aponte Cabrera Carlos
Published: May 2013

En el artículo se aborda la importancia que tiene la biblioteca universitaria para el desarrollo de la Educación Superior, como inagotable fuente de conocimiento que cumple con la misión de hacer accesible la información de sus acervos a su comunidad universitaria. Se destacan funciones que se han llevado a cabo en esta institución desde su surgimiento en el siglo XII hasta la actualidad, con la incorporación de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones. Se evidencia no sólo su relevancia para el apoyo a la docencia y la investigación, sino como una institución determinante en el desarrollo cultural de sus usuarios.
Profesionalización de la labor editorial de las revistas científicas en América Latina
Authors: Biblios Editores
Published: May 2013

Entrevista a Ana María Cetto y José Octavio Alonso Gamboa, coordinadores de Latindex: Sistema Regional de Información en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina, el Caribe, España y Portugal.
METHOD TO VULCANIZE NATURAL RUBBER FROM MEDIUM AMMONIA LATEX BY USING GLUTARALDEHYDE
Authors: Johns Jobish , Nakason Charoen , Thitithammawong Anoma , Klinpituksa Pairote
Published: May 2013

A novel and inexpensive method for vulcanizing natural rubber by using glutaraldehyde was introduced. The vulcanized rubber samples were prepared by adding various amounts of glutaraldehyde to medium ammonia natural rubber latex. Cross-linking reaction occurred only in the presence of ammonium hydroxide in natural rubber latex upon the addition of glutaraldehyde. Cross-linked rubber has been obtained by reacting natural rubber with pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine formed from the reaction between glutaraldehyde and ammonia. The vulcanized materials were characterized by mechanical analysis and thermogravimetry. The results revealed an improvement in mechanical and thermal properties by vulcanization. Activation energy of degradation has been calculated using the Horowitz-Metzger equation. The cross-link density of the vulcanized rubber was determined from swelling experiments in benzene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been employed to confirm the cross-linking reaction between rubber molecules. From the overall characterizations, natural rubber vulcanized with 12 mL of 10% glutaraldehyde exhibited better properties.
MIXING SEQUENCE IN NATURAL RUBBER CONTAINING ORGANOCLAY AND NANO–CALCIUM CARBONATE TERNARY HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Ghari Hedayatollah Sadeghi , Arani Azam Jalali , Shakouri Zahra
Published: May 2013

Rubber nanocomposites containing one type of nanofiller are common and are widely established in the research field. In this study, natural rubber (NR) based ternary nanocomposites containing both calcium carbonate and organoclay have been characterized on the basis of morphology, cure characteristics, and physico-mechanical behavior. Natural rubber nanocomposite samples containing modified silicate (Cloisite 15A) and also nano-carbonate calcium were prepared using a laboratory internal mixer. The effect of the mixing sequence on the morphology and mechanical properties of the samples was investigated. Based on results of morphology and mechanical properties, the dual fillers phase nanocomposites (hybrid nanocomposite) perform better in comparison with single filler phase nanocomposites. The reinforcing capability of nano-CaCO3 and organoclay in NR was characterized by means of cure rheometry, morphology, and mechanical properties. NR/single filler phase and two filler phase nanocomposites were prepared by simple melt mixing method. Concentration of nano-CaCO3 and organoclay in NR was 10 and 5 parts per one hundred parts of rubber by weight, respectively. The microstructure and homogeneity of the compounds was confirmed by studying the dispersion of nanoparticles in NR via X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. A more pronounced effect was achieved by using dual filler based nanocomposites as compared with single filler phase nanocomposites. The obtained results reveal that hybrid nanocomposites have more adequate morphology, rheometery, and mechanical behaviors as well as swelling resistance. The effect of mixing sequence of fillers has been studied in detail. Simultaneous addition of the two nanofillers to the NR compound would lead to better nanocomposite properties compared with other mixing sequences. Also, the results show that the mixing sequence of these nanofillers in NR has little effect on the performance of the nanocomposite.
OPTIMIZATION OF RUBBER FORMULATION FOR SILICA-REINFORCED NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
Authors: Kaewsakul W. , Sahakaro K. , Dierkes W. K. , Noordermeer J. W. M.
Published: May 2013

The rubber formulation plays a significant role in the properties of NR compounds filled with silica. In this work, the influences of various silicas, silane coupling agents, and diphenylguanidine (DPG) on the properties of compounds and vulcanizates—that is, cure characteristics, Mooney viscosity, flocculation kinetics, bound rubber content, Payne effect, tan δ at 60°C, tensile properties, and tear properties—are investigated. The results demonstrate that compound viscosity and curing behavior, as well as vulcanizate properties of the silica-filled NR, are much improved by incorporating silane coupling agents. Bis-triethoxysilylpropyltetrasulfide clearly gives better overall properties than the disulfide-based silane bis-triethoxysilylpropyldisulfide, except for scorch safety. DPG acts as a synergist to sulfenamide primary accelerators, as well as activator for the silanization reaction. Highly dispersible (HD) silicas can significantly enhance the degree of dispersion and so lead to higher filler–rubber interaction. As a consequence, the HD silicas provide better dynamic and mechanical properties for filled NR vulcanizates compared with conventional counterparts. The optimal quantities of both silane coupling agent and DPG required in the formulation are correlated to the cetyl trimethylammonium bromide specific surface area of the silicas. Furthermore, the results reveal that the silica structure as characterized by the dibutylphthalate adsorption also strongly influences the reinforcing efficiency.
SYNERGISTIC REINFORCEMENT OF ORGANOCLAY AND DOUBLE NETWORKING IN NATURAL RUBBER
Authors: Ghari Hedayatollah Sadeghi , Shakouri Zahra
Published: May 2013

Research was undertaken on natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites with organoclays. A double-network (DN) structure is formed when a partially cross-linked elastomer is further cross-linked during a state of strain. Two methods were used in the preparation of NR/organoclay nanocomposites: the ordinary method (single-network NR nanocomposite) and double-networked NR (DN-NR) nanocomposites. The single-networked NR nanocomposites were used for comparison. The effects of organoclay (5 phr) with a different extension ratio on curing characteristics, mechanical properties, hardness, swelling behavior, and morphology of single- and double-networked NR nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that double-networked NR nanocomposites exhibited higher physical and mechanical properties. The tensile strength of DN-NR nanocomposites increased up to 33 MPa (more than four times greater than that of pure NR) and then decreased with an increasing extension ratio. Modulus and hardness continuously increased with an increased extension ratio. The microstructure of the NR/organoclay systems was studied by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The effects of different extension ratios on the dispersion of organoclay layers in the nanocomposites were investigated. Generally, results showed that the optimized extension ratio in DN nanocomposites was equal (or about or around) to α= 2.
NATURAL RUBBER/CARBON NANOTUBE NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY ULTRASONICALLY AIDED EXTRUSION
Authors: Choi Jaesun , Isayev Avraam I.
Published: May 2013

Natural rubber/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites at loadings from 2 to 25 phr were prepared by ultrasonically aided extrusion at ultrasonic amplitudes up to 7.5 μm. Die pressure significantly decreased with an increase of ultrasonic amplitude, especially at higher loadings. Power consumption increased with ultrasonic amplitude and was almost insensitive to loadings until an amplitude of 5.0 μm. However, lower values of power consumption were observed at an amplitude of 7.5 μm for loadings of 10 and 15 phr. At these loadings, complex viscosity, storage, and loss moduli of compounds and vulcanizates were unaffected by ultrasonic treatment, whereas at other loadings, these properties were reduced with ultrasonic amplitude, indicating chain scission. Bound rubber in compounds decreased with treatment. The induction time during vulcanization was unaffected by ultrasonic treatment but decreased with loading, with the largest decrease observed at the lowest loading. The maximum torque in curing, cross-link density, and gel fraction of vulcanizates at loadings of 2, 3.5, 5, 7.5, and 25 phr decreased with ultrasonic amplitude, with the largest decrease observed at loading of 25 phr at an amplitude of 7.5 μm. The modulus at 100% and 300% and tensile strength of vulcanizates at loadings up to 15 phr were unaffected by the ultrasonic treatment, but these properties significantly decreased at a loading of 25 phr at an amplitude of 7.5 μm. Atomic force microscope studies of vulcanizates at a loading of 3.5 phr showed a deagglomeration at an amplitude of 7.5 μm, although dispersion analysis from an optical microscope at loadings of 3.5 and 7.5 phr did not show an improvement of dispersion by ultrasonic treatment. Optical microscope and AFM studies of vulcanizates at a loading of 25 phr indicated that ultrasonic treatment at an amplitude of 7.5 μm significantly improved dispersion of MWCNT. Such a behavior led to a strong Payne effect and an increase in hardness of vulcanizates.
USE OF REMOTE SENSING AND ANALYSIS OF THE GEOPROCESSING SOIL ERODIBILITY: A STUDY OF BASIN CAMARÁ - PB
Authors: Andrade Maria Verônica de
Published: May 2013

The basin of the dam Camará - PB presents great diversity of landscapes, especially in relation to landform, soil. Its importance lies in concerns about the conservation of the environment and the socio-economic development and preservation of natural resources in the area in search of integrated and sustainable development. This study aimed to contribute to developing a map of Camará erodibility of the basin for future research and projects that improve environmental conservation. Thus, there were collection and analysis of the soil, drawing up a map of slope, for more accurate results. Was used in this study an image of CBERS, for 2004 and geoprocessing techniques using the program SPRING, descriptive basis for the work field, where it was collected GPS control points for observation. From the information of soil and topography, we described the areas susceptible to erosion. The results obtained in the watershed data showed that in his 19 geoenvironmental units present most of the strong wavy relief and soils Regosols, deep and well drained.
USE OF GIS IN IDENTIFICATION OF RISK AREAS AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY DUE TO LOCAL RAINFALL
Authors: Gomes Lidiane Cristina Félix
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to present the contributions of GIS to detect areas of risk and social vulnerability in João Pessoa City, according to obtained data from civil defense. The spatial distribution of the region's communities was accomplished and extracted risk areas that have been affected with the precipitation anomalies occurred in the years 2011 and 2012. Also, maps of topography were obtained and slope hypsometric eminent assess the risks of irregular occupations in the study area. Finally, João Pessoa lacks management policies for the appropriate use of the soil and for natural disaster prevention.
Feedback systems with communications: integrated study of signal estimation, sampling, quantization, and feedback robustness
Authors: Wang Le Yi , George Yin G. , Li Chanying , Zheng Wei Xing
Published: May 2013

Feedback systems with communication channels encounter unique challenges. Communication channels mandate signal sampling and quantization, and introduce errors, data losses, and delays. Consequently, transmitted signals must be estimated. The signal estimation introduces a dynamic system that interacts with communication channels and affects the stability and performance of the feedback system. This paper studies interactions among communications, sampling, quantization, signal estimation, and feedback, in terms of fundamental stability and performance limitations. Typical empirical‐measure‐based algorithms are used for signal estimation under quantized observations. When the sampling interval and signal estimation step size are coordinated, the ODE approach for stochastic approximations provides a suitable platform for an integrated system analysis for signal estimation, sampling and quantization, and feedback robustness. Feedback design for enhancing robustness against communication uncertainty and signal estimation dynamics is studied under the new notion of stability margin under signal averaging. Fundamental limitations on noise attenuation in such an integrated system are derived. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Mitochondria‐Targeting Gold–Peptide Nanoassembly for Enhanced Cancer‐Cell Killing
Authors: Ma Xiaochuan , Wang Xiaobo , Zhou Ming , Fei Hao
Published: May 2013

Design and construction of multifunctional nanoparticles for effective delivery and therapeutic application remains a challenging task. It is desirable that nanoparticles can overcome multiple biological barriers and reach specific cellular locations to achieve maximum therapeutic effects. This aim often requires the fine tuning of nanoparticles' chemical and physical properties, as well as better understanding of their interaction with live cells. A peptide‐modified gold–nanoparticle platform is designed, which consists of a 20‐nm gold core stabilized with a layer of biotinylated CALNN‐based peptides and a further layer of tetrameric streptavidins for functionalization with biotinylated molecules. The nanoassembly undergoes an efficient dynamin‐dependent and caveolae‐mediated endocytosis pathway, and displays highly specific localization to mitochondria, organelles of great therapeutic importance. When functionalized with a cytotoxic peptide (KLA: (KLAKLAK)2), the KLA‐anchored nanoassembly exhibits dramatically enhanced anticancer activity, thousands of times stronger than that of the free KLA peptide, likely because of its improved cell entry efficiency, mitochondria‐specific delivery, and the polyvalent effect of the nanoassembly. The study opens up the possibility of developing mitochondria‐targeted nanomedicines.
Delineation of a region responsible for panhypopituitarism in 20p11.2
Authors: Dayem‐Quere Manal , Giuliano Fabienne , Wagner‐Mahler Kathy , Massol Christophe , Crouzet‐Ozenda Letizia , Lambert Jean‐Claude , Karmous‐Benailly Houda
Published: May 2013

We report on the case of a young woman with a de novo 20p11.21p11.23 deletion, discovered by array‐CGH. She has behavioral troubles with autistic traits, intellectual disability, panhypopituitarism, severe hypoglycemia, epilepsy, and scoliosis. The majority of the reported 20p deletions are located on the 20p12 region, covering the JAG1 gene responsible for the Alagille syndrome. More proximal deletions are even rarer, with very few cases described in the literature to date. The deletion carried by our patient is, to our knowledge, the smallest described de novo proximal 20p11.2 deletion. It was first discovered by 0.5 Mb BAC array‐CGH, further delineated using an oligonucleotide array, and finally confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The deletion is 4.22 Mb in size, with the exact location on chr20: 19.810.034–24.031.344 (Feb. 2009, GRCh37/hg19). In light of the other reported cases that display genomic and phenotypic overlap with our patient, we discuss the phenotype of our patient, in order to further delineate the 20p proximal deletion phenotype. We propose a minimal critical region responsible for panhypopituitarism with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, scoliosis and facial dysmorphism. Moreover, considering the deleted genes, we highlight the impact of the deletion of this minimal critical region on the Shh signaling pathway. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of image search queries on the web: Query modification patterns and semantic attributes
Authors: Choi Youngok
Published: May 2013

This study investigated query modification patterns and semantic attributes in queries executed during user searches for images on the web. Its purpose was to identify whether query modification patterns were related to users' contextual factors and content sources as well as whether the patterns characterize the use of semantic attributes expressed in users' search queries in an interactive web‐searching process. To this end, a collection of 970 image search queries executed by undergraduate students in a naturalistic setting was analyzed. The study's findings showed that query modification patterns were significantly associated with content sources. Among the types of query modification employed, “Reformulation” and “New” were the most frequently used. Terms related to format, object, or place associated with an image also were found to be frequently used in search queries. Terms referring to type or genre were the most frequent attributes in web image search queries, which suggests a change from previous findings of search queries in a professional context. Implications are discussed in terms of search assistants for web image searches and semantic annotation to improve image indexing.
What does scientometrics share with other “metrics” sciences?
Authors: Zhang Lin , Thijs Bart , Glänzel Wolfgang
Published: May 2013

In this article, the authors answer the question of whether the field of scientometrics/bibliometrics shares essential characteristics of “metrics” sciences. To achieve this objective, the citation network of seven selected metrics and their information environment is analyzed.
Identifying subjective statements in news titles using a personal sense annotation framework
Authors: Panicheva Polina , Cardiff John , Rosso Paolo
Published: May 2013

Subjective language contains information about private states. The goal of subjective language identification is to determine that a private state is expressed, without considering its polarity or specific emotion. A component of word meaning, “Personal Sense,” has clear potential in the field of subjective language identification, as it reflects a meaning of words in terms of unique personal experience and carries personal characteristics. In this paper we investigate how Personal Sense can be harnessed for the purpose of identifying subjectivity in news titles. In the process, we develop a new Personal Sense annotation framework for annotating and classifying subjectivity, polarity, and emotion. The Personal Sense framework yields high performance in a fine‐grained subsentence subjectivity classification. Our experiments demonstrate lexico‐syntactic features to be useful for the identification of subjectivity indicators and the targets that receive the subjective Personal Sense.