bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of Entropy Generation in a Flowing Nanofluid Used in Micro- and Minichannels
Authors: Hassan Mohammadreza , Sadri Rad , Ahmadi Goodarz , Dahari Mahidzal , Kazi Salim , Safaei Mohammad , Sadeghinezhad Emad
Published: January 2013

This article mainly concerns theoretical research on entropy generation influences due to heat transfer and flow in nanofluid suspensions. A conventional nanofluid of alumina-water (Al2O3-H2O) was considered as the fluid model. Due to the sensitivity of entropy to duct diameter, mini- and microchannels with diameters of 3 mm and 0.05 mm were considered, and a laminar flow regime was assumed. The conductivity and viscosity of two different nanofluid models were examined with the help of theoretical and experimentally determined parameter values. It was shown that order of the magnitude analysis can be used for estimating entropy generation characteristics of nanofluids in mini- and microchannels. It was found that using highly viscous alumina-water nanofluid under laminar flow regime in microchannels was not desirable. Thus, there is a need for the development of low viscosity alumina-water (Al2O3-H2O) nanofluids for use in microchannels under laminar flow condition. On the other hand, Al2O3-H2O nanofluid was a superior coolant under laminar flow regime in minichannels. The presented results also indicate that flow friction and thermal irreversibility are, respectively, more significant at lower and higher tube diameters.
Parameterization Studies of Solar Chimneys in the Tropics
Authors: Tan Alex , Wong Nyuk
Published: January 2013

The paper examines the effect of the solar chimney’s stack height, depth, width and inlet position on the interior performance (air temperature and speed at 1.20 m height above the ground) as well as proposes an optimal tropical solar chimney design. Simulations show that the output air temperature remains constant while the solar chimney’s width is the most significant factor influencing output air speed. The solar chimney’s inlet position has limited influence on the output air speed although regions near the solar chimney’s inlet show an increase in air speed. Furthermore, a regression model is developed based on the solar chimney’s stack height, depth and width to predict the interior air speed. To optimize solar chimney in the tropics, the recommendation is to first maximize its width as the interior’s width, while allowing its stack height to be the building’s height. Lastly, the solar chimney’s depth is determined from the regression model by allocating the required interior air speed.
Factors Associated with Parents’ Perceptions of Parental Smoking in the Presence of Children and Its Consequences on Children
Authors: Chen Yu-Ting , Hsiao Fei-Hsiu , Miao Nae-Fang , Chen Ping-Ling
Published: January 2013

Parental smoking is the major source of children’s secondhand smoke exposure and is influenced by parents’ perception of children’s exposure. However, the factors associated with these perceptions remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with parents’ perceptions about parental smoking in the presence of children and its consequences. We conducted a cross-sectional study on parents’ perceptions of parental smoking and measured their evaluations of its consequences using a self-report questionnaire. Other variables include socio-demographic characteristics and smoking-related experience. Results show that parents’ gender, education level, occupational type, smoking status, and agreement on a home smoking ban independently predict parents’ evaluation of the consequences of parental smoking in the presence of children. Parents’ gender, education level, annual family income, smoking status, agreement on a home smoking ban, and evaluation of the consequences of parental smoking independently predicted parents’ perceptions. Findings indicated that a specific group expressed greater acceptance of parental smoking and was less aware of its risks. Motivating parents to create a smoke-free home and increasing awareness of the adverse consequences of parental smoking is beneficial in reinforcing attitudes opposed to parental smoking.
The Use of Point-of-Decision Prompts to Increase Stair Climbing in Singapore
Authors: Sloan Robert , Haaland Benjamin , Leung Carol , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: January 2013

Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to worldwide mortality and morbidity associated with non-communicable diseases. An excellent avenue to incorporate lifestyle physical activity into regular routine is to encourage the use of stairs during daily commutes. We evaluated the effectiveness of point-of-decision prompts (PODPs) in promoting the use of stairs instead of the escalators in a Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. We measured the number of stair climbers before the PODPs were put up, during the 4 weeks that they were in use, and 2 weeks after they were removed. Measurements at a no intervention control site were additionally taken. The use of stair-riser banners was associated with an increase in the number of people using the stairs by a factor of 1.49 (95% CI 1.34–1.64). After the banners were removed, the number of stair climbers at the experimental station dropped to slightly below baseline levels. The Singapore MRT serves a diverse multi-ethnic population with an average daily ridership of over 2 million and 88 stations island-wide. An increase of physical activity among these MRT commuters would have a large impact at the population level. Our findings can be translated into part of the national strategy to encourage an active lifestyle in Singaporeans.
HGF–MET Cascade, a Key Target for Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis: The Impact of NK4 Discovery on Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
Authors: Mizuno Shinya , Nakamura Toshikazu
Published: January 2013

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was discovered in 1984 as a mitogen of rat hepatocytes in a primary culture system. In the mid-1980s, MET was identified as an oncogenic mutant protein that induces malignant phenotypes in a human cell line. In the early 1990s, wild-type MET was shown to be a functional receptor of HGF. Indeed, HGF exerts multiple functions, such as proliferation, morphogenesis and anti-apoptosis, in various cells via MET tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. During the past 20 years, we have accumulated evidence that HGF is an essential conductor for embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in various types of organs. Furthermore, we found in the mid-1990s that stroma-derived HGF is a major contributor to cancer invasion at least in vitro. Based on this background, we prepared NK4 as an antagonist of HGF: NK4 inhibits HGF-mediated MET tyrosine phosphorylation by competing with HGF for binding to MET. In vivo, NK4 treatments produced the anti-tumor outcomes in mice bearing distinct types of malignant cancers, associated with the loss in MET activation. There are now numerous reports showing that HGF-antagonists and MET-inhibitors are logical for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, NK4 exerts anti-angiogenic effects, partly through perlecan-dependent cascades. This paper focuses on the chronology and significance of HGF-antagonisms in anti-tumor researches, with an interest in NK4 discovery. Tumor HGF–MET axis is now critical for drug resistance and cancer stem cell maintenance. Thus, oncologists cannot ignore this cascade for the future success of anti-metastatic therapy.
Ochratoxin A Inhibits Mouse Embryonic Development by Activating a Mitochondrion-Dependent Apoptotic Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hsuuw Yan-Der , Chan Wen-Hsiung , Yu Jau-Song
Published: January 2013

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin found in many foods worldwide, causes nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity, both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we explored the cytotoxic effects exerted by OTA on the blastocyst stage of mouse embryos, on subsequent embryonic attachment, on outgrowth in vitro, and following in vivo implantation via embryo transfer. Mouse blastocysts were incubated with or without OTA (1, 5, or 10 μM) for 24 h. Cell proliferation and growth were investigated using dual differential staining; apoptosis was measured using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay; and embryo implantation and post-implantation development were assessed by examination of in vitro growth and the outcome of in vivo embryo transfer, respectively. Blastocysts treated with 10 μM OTA displayed a significantly increased level of apoptosis and a reduction in total cell number. Interestingly, we observed no marked difference in implantation success rate between OTA-pretreated and control blastocysts either during in vitro embryonic development (following implantation in a fibronectin-coated culture dish) or after in vivo embryo transfer. However, in vitro treatment with 10 μM OTA was associated with increased resorption of post-implantation embryos by the mouse uterus, and decreased fetal weight upon embryo transfer. Our results collectively indicate that in vitro exposure to OTA triggers apoptosis and retards early post-implantation development after transfer of embryos to host mice. In addition, OTA induces apoptosis-mediated injury of mouse blastocysts, via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and promotes mitochondrion-dependent apoptotic signaling processes that impair subsequent embryonic development.
Population Subdivision of Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Japan Detected by Means of Mitochondrial Phylogenetic Information
Authors: Shigenobu Yuya , Yoneda Michio , Kurita Yutaka , Ambe Daisuke , Saitoh Kenji
Published: January 2013

This study deals with mitochondrial phylogenetic information of Japanese flounder in the Pacific coast of Tohoku Japan to estimate the genetic population subdivision that was undetectable by conventional population statistics. We determined complete sequences of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 (ND2) and subunit-5 (ND5) genes for 151 individuals from northern (Aomori and Iwate prefectures, 40–41°N) and southern (Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, 37–38°N) waters. Samples from both waters showed high genetic diversity, including 126 haplotypes. These haplotypes were located at mixed and nested positions on an inferred phylogenetic tree, and traditional F-statistics indicated no significant population divergence (φST = −0.00335, p > 0.05), corroborating our previous study. Three variable sites, however, showed significant base composition heterogeneity between samples from the northern and southern waters (Fisher’s exact-test, p < 0.01). Nucleotide substitutions at the three sites converged on an apical clade, which consisted of the five southern individuals, whereas its sister clade consisted only of the three northern individuals. This phylogenetic information corroborates previous ecological studies indicating the presence of separate stocks in the northern and southern waters.
Enhancement of Palmarumycins C12 and C13 Production in Liquid Culture of Endophytic Fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12 after Treatments with Metal Ions
Authors: Mou Yan , Luo Haiyu , Mao Ziling , Shan Tijiang , Sun Weibo , Zhou Kaiyi , Zhou Ligang
Published: January 2013

The influences of eight metal ions (i.e., Na+, Ca2+, Ag+, Co2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Mn4+) on mycelia growth and palmarumycins C12 and C13 production in liquid culture of the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12 were investigated. Three metal ions, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ were exhibited as the most effective to enhance mycelia growth and palmarumycin production. When calcium ion (Ca2+) was applied to the medium at 10.0 mmol/L on day 3, copper ion (Cu2+) to the medium at 1.0 mmol/L on day 3, aluminum ion (Al3+) to the medium at 2.0 mmol/L on day 6, the maximal yields of palmarumycins C12 plus C13 were obtained as 137.57 mg/L, 146.28 mg/L and 156.77 mg/L, which were 3.94-fold, 4.19-fold and 4.49-fold in comparison with that (34.91 mg/L) of the control, respectively. Al3+ favored palmarumycin C12 production when its concentration was higher than 4 mmol/L. Ca2+ had an improving effect on mycelia growth of Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12. The combination effects of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ on palmarumycin C13 production were further studied by employing a statistical method based on the central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). By solving the quadratic regression equation between palmarumycin C13 and three metal ions, the optimal concentrations of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ in medium for palmarumycin C13 production were determined as 7.58, 1.36 and 2.05 mmol/L, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the predicted maximum palmarumycin C13 yield reached 208.49 mg/L. By optimizing the combination of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ in medium, palmarumycin C13 yield was increased to 203.85 mg/L, which was 6.00-fold in comparison with that (33.98 mg/L) in the original basal medium. The results indicate that appropriate metal ions (i.e., Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+) could enhance palmarumycin production. Application of the metal ions should be an effective strategy for palmarumycin production in liquid culture of the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12.
Photophysical Property and Photocatalytic Activity of New Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2FeSbO7 Compounds under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Luan Jingfei , Xu Yong
Published: January 2013

Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2FeSbO7 were synthesized first, and their structural and photocatalytic properties were studied. The lattice parameters and the band gaps for Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2FeSbO7 were 10.449546 Å, 10.276026 Å, 2.897 eV and 2.151 eV. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B was performed with Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2FeSbO7 under visible light irradiation. Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2FeSbO7 had higher catalytic activity compared with Bi2InTaO7. Gd2FeSbO7 exhibited higher catalytic activity than Gd2InSbO7. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B followed with the first-order reaction kinetics, and the first-order rate constant k was 0.01606, 0.02220 or 0.00329 min−1 with Gd2InSbO7, Gd2FeSbO7 or Bi2InTaO7 as photocatalyst. Complete removal of rhodamine B was observed after visible light irradiation for 225 min or 260 min with Gd2FeSbO7 or Gd2InSbO7 as photocatalyst. The evolution of CO2 was realized, and it indicated continuous mineralization of rhodamine B during the photocatalytic process. The possible photocatalytic degradation pathway of rhodamine B was proposed.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles Hybridized with Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens for Living Cell Imaging
Authors: Xia Yun , Li Min , Peng Tao , Zhang Weijie , Xiong Jun , Hu Qinggang , Song Zifang , Zheng Qichang
Published: January 2013

Fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) can provide high-intensity and photostable fluorescent signals as a probe for biomedical analysis. In this study, FSNPs hybridized with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens (namely FSNP-SD) were successfully fabricated by a surfactant-free sol-gel method. The FSNP-SD were spherical, monodisperse and uniform in size, with an average diameter of approximately 100 nm, and emitted strong fluorescence at the peak of 490 nm. The FSNP-SD selectively stained the cytoplasmic regions and were distributed in the cytoplasm. Moreover, they can stay inside cells, enabling the tacking of cells over a long period of time. The intracellular vesicles and multinucleated cells were increase gradually with the rise of FSNP-SD concentration. Both cell viability and survival only lost less than 20% when the cells were exposed to the high concentration of 100 μg/mL FSNP-SD. Additionally, the cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS assay indicated that FSNP-SD had no significant toxic effects at the maximum working concentration of 80 μg/mL. This study demonstrated that the FSNP-SD are promising biocompatible fluorescent probes for living cell imaging.
Philosophy of Information: Views and Reflections on the Work of Luciano Floridi
Authors: Da Silva Flavio
Published: January 2013

In this collection of selected articles, we discuss some aspects of the extensive work of Luciano Floridi, with special emphasis on how it relates to and has influenced research work on Computer Science.
Hierarchically Structured Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Zander Nicole
Published: January 2013

Traditional electrospun nanofibers have a myriad of applications ranging from scaffolds for tissue engineering to components of biosensors and energy harvesting devices. The generally smooth one-dimensional structure of the fibers has stood as a limitation to several interesting novel applications. Control of fiber diameter, porosity and collector geometry will be briefly discussed, as will more traditional methods for controlling fiber morphology and fiber mat architecture. The remainder of the review will focus on new techniques to prepare hierarchically structured fibers. Fibers with hierarchical primary structures—including helical, buckled, and beads-on-a-string fibers, as well as fibers with secondary structures, such as nanopores, nanopillars, nanorods, and internally structured fibers and their applications—will be discussed. These new materials with helical/buckled morphology are expected to possess unique optical and mechanical properties with possible applications for negative refractive index materials, highly stretchable/high-tensile-strength materials, and components in microelectromechanical devices. Core-shell type fibers enable a much wider variety of materials to be electrospun and are expected to be widely applied in the sensing, drug delivery/controlled release fields, and in the encapsulation of live cells for biological applications. Materials with a hierarchical secondary structure are expected to provide new superhydrophobic and self-cleaning materials.
Deciduous Forest Structure Estimated with LIDAR-Optimized Spectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Defibaugh y Chávez Jason , Tullis Jason
Published: January 2013

Coverage and frequency of remotely sensed forest structural information would benefit from single orbital platforms designed to collect sufficient data. We evaluated forest structural information content using single-date Hyperion hyperspectral imagery collected over full-canopy oak-hickory forests in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, USA. Hyperion spectral derivatives were used to develop machine learning regression tree rule sets for predicting forest neighborhood percentile heights generated from near-coincident Leica Geosystems ALS50 small footprint light detection and ranging (LIDAR). The most successful spectral predictors of LIDAR-derived forest structure were also tested with basal area measured in situ. Based on the machine learning regression trees developed, Hyperion spectral derivatives were utilized to predict LIDAR forest neighborhood percentile heights with accuracies between 2.1 and 3.7 m RMSE. Understory predictions consistently resulted in the highest accuracy of 2.1 m RMSE. In contrast, hyperspectral prediction of basal area measured in situ was only found to be 6.5 m2/ha RMSE when the average basal area across the study area was ~12 m2/ha. The results suggest, at a spatial resolution of 30 × 30 m, that orbital hyperspectral imagery alone can provide useful structural information related to vegetation height. Rapidly calibrated biophysical remote sensing techniques will facilitate timely assessment of regional forest conditions.
Detection of Aeromonas hydrophila in Liquid Media by Volatile Production Similarity Patterns, Using a FF-2A Electronic Nose
Authors: Fujioka Kouki , Arakawa Eiji , Kita Jun-ichi , Aoyama Yoshihiro , Manome Yoshinobu , Ikeda Keiichi , Yamamoto Kenji
Published: January 2013

A technique for rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms is essential for the diagnosis of associated infections and for food safety analysis. Aeromonas hydrophila is one such food contaminant. Several methods for rapid detection of this pathogen have been developed; these include multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays and the colony overlay procedure for peptidases. However, these conventional methods can only be used to detect the microorganisms at high accuracy after symptomatic onset of the disease. Therefore, in the future, simple pre-screening methods may be useful for preventing food poisoning and disease. In this paper, we present a novel system for the rapid detection of the microorganism A. hydrophila in cultured media (in <2 h), with the use of an electronic nose (FF-2A). With this electronic nose, we detected the changes of volatile patterns produced by A. hydrophila after 30 min culture. Our calculations revealed that the increased volatiles were similar to the odours of organic acids and esters. In future, distinctive volatile production patterns of microorganisms identified with the electronic nose may have the potential in microorganism detection.
A Facile Electrochemical Sensor for Nonylphenol Determination Based on the Enhancement Effect of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Authors: Lu Qing , Zhang Weina , Wang Zhihui , Yu Guangxia , Yuan Yuan , Zhou Yikai
Published: January 2013

A facile electrochemical sensor for the determination of nonylphenol (NP) was fabricated in this work. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which formed a bilayer on the surface of the carbon paste (CP) electrode, displayed a remarkable enhancement effect for the electrochemical oxidation of NP. Moreover, the oxidation peak current of NP at the CTAB/CP electrode demonstrated a linear relationship with NP concentration, which could be applied in the direct determination of NP. Some experimental parameters were investigated, such as external solution pH, mode and time of accumulation, concentration and modification time of CTAB and so on. Under optimized conditions, a wide linear range from 1.0 × 10−7 mol·L−1 to 2.5 × 10−5 mol·L−1 was obtained for the sensor, with a low limit of detection at 1.0 × 10−8 mol·L−1. Several distinguishing advantages of the as-prepared sensor, including facile fabrication, easy operation, low cost and so on, suggest a great potential for its practical applications.
Rumors of Our Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: Archaeological Perspectives on Culture and Sustainability
Authors: Wesson Cameron
Published: January 2013

Predictions of the imminent demise of Indigenous cultures have circulated among Western intellectuals for more than two hundred years. Capitalism, Christianity, and Western civilization were thought by 19th century scholars to be on the verge of eradicating global cultural variation. Contemporary scholars have revived these views, suggesting that not only were Indigenous cultures about to succumb to Western hegemony, these forces were poised to bring about the end of history itself. What unites these perspectives are an ideology stressing asymmetrical power relations between the West and Indigenous cultures, and the proposition that only Western intervention is capable of rescuing Indigeneity. This paper examines the current crisis of Indigenous cultural sustainability, arguing that the epistemology informing many of these perspectives remain largely unchanged from their 19th century precursors. Citing case studies in archaeology and cultural heritage management, I suggest a ground-up approach to cultural sustainability in which Western institutions and individuals serve only the expressed desires and at the invitation of Indigenous peoples. Such restraint represents both recognition of Indigenous sovereignty regarding all cultural preservation efforts, as well as the dynamic, ever-changing nature of culture itself.
A new family of four-ring bent-core nematic liquid crystals with highly polar transverse and end groups
Authors: Upadhyaya Kalpana , Gude Venkatesh , Mohiuddin Golam , Nandiraju Rao V S
Published: January 2013

Non-symmetrically substituted four-ring achiral bent-core compounds with polar substituents, i.e.., chloro in the bent or transverse direction in the central core and cyano in the lateral direction at one terminal end of the molecule, are designed and synthesized. These molecules possess an alkoxy chain attached at only one end of the bent-core molecule. The molecular structure characterization is consistent with data from elemental and spectroscopic analysis. The materials thermal behaviour and phase characterization have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing microscopy. All the compounds exhibit a wide-ranging monotropic nematic phase.
THE EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC ZEOLITE ON THE VISCOSITY OF CEMENT PASTE / SINTETINIO CEOLITO PRIEDO ĮTAKA CEMENTO TEŠLOS KLAMPUMUI
Authors: Girskas Giedrius , Nagrockienė Džigita
Published: January 2013

The paper reports the effect of the synthetic zeolite admixture on the viscosity of cement paste. Materials include Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, synthetic zeolite obtained through low-temperature synthesis under laboratory conditions, polycarboxylate ester based supeplasticizer Muraplast FK 63.30 and tap water. Three compositions of cement paste were made adding 0%, 5%, and 10 wt% of synthetic zeolite. A rotating cylinder viscometer was used for measuring the consistence of the paste; viscosity was measured employing vibrational viscometer SV–10. The consistency test on cement paste showed that spread with no addition of synthetic zeolite made 149 mm, containing 5% of synthetic zeolite the slump was 85 mm and containing 10% of synthetic zeolite spread was 70 mm. The viscosity test also indicated that for the period of 30 minutes, changes in the viscosity of cement paste were as follows: 81.11 mPa s with no addition of synthetic zeolite, 746.5 mPa s containing 5% of synthetic zeolite and 827.1 mPa s containing 10% of synthetic zeolite. Data on the viscosity of cement paste were statistically processed applying software Statistica. Dispersion diagrams demonstrate changes in the viscosity of cement paste adding from 0 to 10 wt% of synthetic zeolite. Taking into account synthetic zeolite, the following correlation coefficients were calculated: 0% – 0.938, 5% – 0.967, 10% – 0.988. The coefficients of determination made 0% – 0,880, 5% – 0,935, 10% – 0,976. Equations for a dependent variable were produced by regression analysis. Santrauka Šio darbo tikslas – nustatyti, kokią įtaką cemento tešlos klampumui turi sintetinio ceolito priedas. Naudotos šios medžiagos: portlandcementis CEM I 42,5 R, sintetinis ceolitas, gautas laboratorijoje atliekant žematemperatūrę sintezę, superplastiklis Muraplast FK 63.30 multikarboksilato esterio pagrindu ir vandentiekio vanduo. Buvo maišomos trijų sudėčių cemento tešlos dedant 0 %, 5 %, 10 % sintetinio ceolito priedo nuo cemento masės. Cemento tešlos konsistencijai nustatyti buvo naudojamas Sutardo viskozimetras, klampumui – vibroviskozimetras SV-10. Atlikus cemento tešlos konsistencijos bandymą nustatyta, kad be sintetinio ceolito priedo cemento tešlos pasklidimas – 149 mm, su 5 % sintetinio ceolito priedu – 85 mm, 10 % – 70 mm. Nustačius cemento tešlos klampumą gauta, kad be sintetinio ceolito priedo cemento tešlos klampumas per 30 minučių kinta 81,11 mPas, su 5 % priedo – 746,5 mPas, 10 % – 827,1 mPas. Cemento tešlos klampumo tyrimo duomenys buvo statistiškai apdorojami kompiuterine programa „Statistica“. Šiame darbe pateikiamos sklaidos diagramos, kuriose pavaizduota, kaip kinta cemento tešlos klampumas laiko atžvilgiu naudojant sintetinio ceolito priedą nuo 0 iki 10 %. Nustatyti korealiacijos koeficinetai: 0 % – 0,9380, 5 % – 0,9669, 10 % – 0,9881, bei determinacijos koeficientai: 0 % – 0,8798, 5 % – 0,9348, 10 % – 0,9763. Atlikus regresinę analizę buvo gautos priklausomybių lygtys.
THE EFFECTS OF SEAWATER ON THE DURABILITY OF HYDROTECHNICAL (CONCRETE) STRUCTURES IN THE PORT OF KLAIPEDA / JŪROS VANDENS POVEIKIS KLAIPĖDOS UOSTO HIDROTECHNINIŲ STATINIŲ (BETONO) ILGAAMŽIŠKUMUI
Authors: Lebedeva Ramunė , Skripkiūnas Gintautas , Vasiljeva Larisa
Published: January 2013

Seawater has a significant impact on hydrotechnical concrete structures in the Port of Klaipeda. This factor must be properly examined and evaluated designing reinforced concrete structures exploited in seawater. The basic aim of research is to assess the effects of seawater on concrete and to form an algorithm for studying the durability of hydrotechnical structures affected by seawater. The conducted investigation showed the impact of seawater on hydraulic engineering (concrete) structures.

Serious defects are caused by corrosion in hydrotechnical concrete. The key factors indicating the durability index of hydrotechnical concrete include damage to the concrete due to environmental, mechanical and physical-chemical effects.

Physical-chemical environmental effects occur due to changes in temperature, the speed of the wind and fluctuations in the sea-level. Multiple environmental impacts can simultaneously affect hydrotechnical concrete.

Mechanical external effects occur due to constant stevedoring works and vessels moored at the Port of Klaipeda.

Santrauka

Klaipėdos uosto hidrotechniniams statiniams jūros vanduo daro didelį poveikį. Šis veiksnys turi būti ištirtas ir vertinamas projektuojant gelžbetonines konstrukcijas, eksploatuojamas jūros vandenyje. Darbo tikslas –įvertinti jūros vandens poveikį betonui bei sudaryti paveiktų jūros vandens hidrotechninių konstrukcijų ilgaamžiškumo tyrimų algoritmą. Tyrimų metu atlikta jūros vandens poveikio hidrotechniniams (betono) statiniams analizė. Klaipėdos uosto krantines veikia agresyvioji aplinka. Didelius defektus sukelia hidrotechninio betono korozijos. Hidrotechninio betono pažeidimai nuo aplinkos ir mechaninių, fizikinių ir cheminių poveikių yra pagrindinis veiksnys, darantis įtaką hidrotechninio betono ilgaamžiškumo rodikliui. Fizikiniai ir cheminiai aplinkos poveikiai atsiranda dėl temperatūrų kaitos, vėjo greičio, jūros vandens lygio svyravimų. Hidrotechninį betoną vienu metu gali veikti keli aplinkos poveikiai. Mechaniniai išoriniai poveikiai atsiranda dėl nuolat Klaipėdos uoste vykstančių krovos darbų, prišvartuotų laivų.
La santé financière des dispositifs de soin face à la politique de gratuité
Authors: Ousseini Abdoulaye , Kafando Yamba
Published: January 2013

Résumé À partir de 2005, les autorités du Niger ont pris une série de mesures d’exemption de paiement des services de santé en faveur des femmes enceintes et des enfants de moins de cinq ans. Mais la formulation et la mise en œuvre de cette politique ont été précipitées et mal préparées. Cet article s’intéresse aux difficultés de la mise en œuvre de la politique et à ses effets sur la capacité financière des comités de gestion dans le district sanitaire de Dosso, face à la chute du paiement des factures et des recettes des formations sanitaires.
Mise en œuvre locale de l'exemption des paiements des soins au Niger
Authors: Diarra Aïssa
Published: January 2013

Résumé En utilisant une approche socio-anthropologique, cette recherche compare la mise en œuvre de la politique nationale de gratuité des soins au Niger dans trois districts sanitaires. Les résultats montrent combien l’appui fourni à un district par une organisation non-gouvernementale a été essentiel à la réussite de la mise en œuvre de la politique. Dans les districts ne bénéficiant d’aucun soutien, l’organisation de la politique reste plus problématique et les effets limités, les ruptures de médicaments et le manque de financement rendant la tâche difficile pour les agents de santé. Cette recherche permet aussi de mettre au jour certaines stratégies d’adaptation des acteurs de la santé à ces difficultés d’implantation.
La nature et les parcs naturels en Amérique du Nord
Authors: Depraz Samuel , Héritier Stéphane
Published: January 2013

Résumé La nature occupe une place importante dans la constitution et l’organisation des territoires nord-américains. La nature sauvage affrontée par les pionniers, ou Wilderness, participe de l’identité nationale et a motivé la création précoce des parcs nationaux – surtout dans les Montagnes rocheuses – et, avec eux, de réseaux nationaux d’espaces protégés parmi les plus ambitieux au monde. Mais la découverte de nouveaux gisements d’hydrocarbures, l’étalement urbain ou les atteintes aux surfaces forestières constituent aussi des facteurs de déstabilisation du rapport des sociétés à la nature sur les fronts écologiques du Canada ou les secteurs métropolitains des États-Unis et du Mexique. Cela relance dans le même temps la question du partage de la gouvernance avec les Peuples autochtones.
Les Autochtones au Canada : espaces et peuples en mutation
Authors: Desbiens Caroline , Hirt Irène
Published: January 2013

Résumé Alors que les questions relatives à l’autochtonie ont longtemps été le domaine de l’anthropologie, nous assistons ces dernières années à un décloisonnement des recherches. La géographie participe activement à cette mouvance, notamment par la richesse de sa boîte à outils en ce qui concerne les questions de paysage, ressources, environnement et gouvernance territoriale. En commençant par un survol des aires culturelles autochtones en Amérique, nous proposons dans cet article d’identifier trois thèmes dominants en ce qui a trait aux espaces de l’autochtonie contemporaine au Canada : la gouvernance, les savoirs, et l’urbanité.
Dynamiques, enjeux et adaptations des littoraux canadiens face aux évolutions mondiales
Authors: Héritier Stéphane
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les ressources du sud continental et de l’archipel nordique ont constitué des atouts considérables pour le Canada depuis des siècles. La devise du pays a mari usque ad mare , « d’un océan à l’autre », a servi de fondement quasi identitaire justifiant le renforcement de l’arrimage des territoires, des îles et des populations nordiques aux régions du Sud. Le Canada a aménagé et modernisé, depuis deux siècles, de grandes infrastructures permettant les échanges internationaux de fret (en vrac ou conteneurisé). D’importantes questions sont en jeux, non seulement dans les régions les plus peuplées des littoraux méridionaux, mais aussi dans les vastes régions du nord où la souveraineté canadienne est défiée par les ambitions des autres États nordiques et par les compagnies maritimes internationales.
Le mécanisme pour un développement propre : esquisse géo-environnementale de la participation du Canada
Authors: Tsayem Demaze Moïse
Published: January 2013

Résumé Institué par le protocole de Kyoto pour réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (EGES), le Mécanisme pour un Développement Propre (MDP) a engendré une nouvelle coopération Nord-Sud illustrée dans cet article avec le cas du Canada associé aux pays en développement. La participation du Canada apparaît faible. Cependant, le MDP n’apparaît pas comme un élément essentiel de la politique canadienne de réduction des EGES, car l’État canadien, qui accordait peu d’importance au protocole de Kyoto, se situe déjà dans une perspective post ou hors Kyoto.
Las claves de éxito y las mejores prácticas de los sistemas de participación del personal
Authors: Mejías Sacaluga Ana , Prado Prado José Carlos , García Arca Jesús , Fernández González Arturo J.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this work is to know the importance of key factors for the success of employee participation systems supporting continuous improvement, as evaluated by Spanish companies with such systems implanted. Said key factors are the result of a compilation of the proposals from different authors in the last two decades. The work was carried out in a sample of 40 Spanish companies, all with high maturity in their employee participation systems. The level of development and deployment of a series of implantation aspects is studied, in order to find out relations with the importance of those key factors. Finally, the paper offers some company best practices, as a kind of reference for those companies that wish to initiate or improve their employee participation systems as a vehicle for continuous improvement.
Análisis en el ISI Web of Knowledge de los artículos sobre el sistema de costes y gestión basado en las actividades (periodo 2000-2010)
Authors: Ripoll Feliu Vicente , Barber Luján Yolanda , Tamarit Aznar Carmen
Published: January 2013

The competitive and stormy environment in which organizations are moving, leads to the organization of these, to implement management accounting systems which enable them to obtain information for decisionmaking. In the last decade, the management accounting system based on activities (ABC/ABM) has acquired a great importance, as from the point of view of cost calculation as from the management, losing value the information provided by conventional systems. The aim of this study was to analyze the importance that the ABC/ABM systems had during the period between the years 2000-2010. In order to achieve this, we have reviewed the published literature on this subject in indexed journals in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Science Citation Index (SCI). To carry out the analysis, the sample of articles obtained has been classified, with the purpose of being able to determine its evolution, dissemination, interest on the part of organizations, published emerging issues and possible lines of future research.
Sistema de indicadores para la gestión sostenible de un destino turístico: aplicación a la Costa Brava centro
Authors: Balagué i Canadell Jordi , Navinés Badal Ferrán
Published: January 2013

Strategic management is based upon a performance measurement system that allows gearing decision making towards accomplishing the established objectives. In a changing economic situation, the measurement of the effects of tourism is fundamental in order to know the efficiency and sustainability of that industry and of the territory in which takes place its activity. We propose a performance measurement system for the sustainable management of a tourism destination, so it will support the adoption of public policies and their follow-up, and as an instrument that will promote the responsible participation of the stakeholders with stakes in the destination. In accordance with the guidelines of the Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism, we design a system based on the identification of the axes over which hinges the success of the management of tourism destinations, taking into account the long-term sustainability of this activity. We position the performance measurement system, and especially the balanced scorecard, as a support tool for the strategic planning of destinations. To the extent that this is possible, the performance measures are selected and structured according to the patterns of the balanced scorecard. Finally, we apply the conceptual model to the central Costa Brava.
Patient-Centered Care: A Nursing Priority
Authors: Hinds Lynette E.
Published: January 2013

Patient-centered care (PCC) is increasingly being accepted as fundamental to quality and patient safety. Nurse educators must embrace PCC as a competency critical to positive patient outcomes and champion its inclusion in nursing curricula nationally. This column offers some strategies for teaching PCC in pre-licensure nursing programs.
Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Psychological Health of Korean Older Adults with Hypertension: Effect of an Empowerment Intervention
Authors: Chang Ae Kyung , Fritschi Cynthia , Kim Mi Ja
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week empowerment intervention on sedentary behavior, physical activity, and psychological health in Korean older adults with hypertension. Using a quasi-experimental design, older adults participated in either an experimental group (
n
= 27) or control group (
n
= 21). The experimental group received an empowerment intervention including lifestyle modification education, group discussion, and exercise training for 8 weeks, and the control group received standard hypertension education. After 8 weeks, participants in the experimental group had significantly decreased sedentary behavior, increased physical activity, increased self-efficacy for physical activity, and increased perceived health (
p
< 0.05). However, no significant group difference was found for depression. Findings from this study suggest that empowerment interventions may be more effective than standard education in decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, and perceived health in Korean older adults with hypertension.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2013; 6(2):81–88.]
Orbit closures and rank schemes
Authors: Riedtmann Christine , Zwara Grzegorz
Published: January 2013

Let

A

be a finitely generated associative algebra over an algebraically closed field

k

, and consider the variety

\mathrm{mod}_A^d(k)

of

A

-module structures on

k^d

. In case

A

is of finite representation type, equations defining the closure

\bar{\mathcal O}_M

are known for

M \in \mathrm{mod}_A^d(k)

; they are given by rank conditions on suitable matrices associated with

M

. We study the schemes

\mathcal{C}_M

defined by such rank conditions for modules over arbitrary

A

, comparing them with similar schemes defined for representations of quivers and obtaining results on singularities. One of our main theorems is a description of the ideal of

\bar{\mathcal O}_M

for a representation

M

of a quiver of type

\mathbb{A}_n

, a result Lakshmibai and Magyar established for the equioriented quiver of type

\mathbb{A}_n

in [12].
Knots with small rational genus
Authors: Calegari Danny , Gordon Cameron
Published: January 2013

If

K

is a rationally null-homologous knot in a

3

-manifold

M

, the
rational genus
of

K

is the infimum of

-\chi(S)/2p

over all embedded orientable surfaces

S

in the complement of

K

whose boundary wraps

p

times around

K

for some

p

(hereafter:

S

is a

p

-Seifert surface

for

K

). Knots with very small rational genus can be constructed by “generic” Dehn filling, and are therefore extremely plentiful. In this paper we show that knots with rational genus less than 1/402 are all
geometric
– i.e. they may be isotoped into a special form with respect to the geometric decomposition of

M

– and give a complete classification. Our arguments are a mixture of hyperbolic geometry, combinatorics, and a careful study of the interaction of small

p

-Seifert surfaces with essential subsurfaces in

M

of non-negative Euler characteristic.
Gehring–Hayman Theorem for conformal deformations
Authors: Koskela Pekka , Lammi Päivi
Published: January 2013

We study conformal deformations of a uniform space that satisfies the Ahlfors

Q

-regularity condition on balls of Whitney type. We verify the Gehring–Hayman Theorem by using a Whitney covering of the space.
Moduli spaces of hyperbolic 3-manifolds and dynamics on character varieties
Authors: Canary Richard D. , Storm Peter A.
Published: January 2013

The space

AH (M)

of marked hyperbolic 3-manifold homotopy equivalent to a compact 3-manifold with boundary

M

sits inside the

\mathrm{PSL}_2({\mathbb{C}})

-character variety

X(M)

of

\pi_1(M)

. We study the dynamics of the action of

\mathrm{Out}(\pi_1(M))

on both

AH (M)

and

X(M)

. The nature of the dynamics reflects the topology of

M

.

The quotient

AI (M)=AH (M)/\mathrm{Out}(\pi_1(M))

may naturally be thought of as the moduli space of unmarked hyperbolic 3-manifolds homotopy equivalent to

M

and its topology reflects the dynamics of the action.
Electromyographic Analysis of Masseter Muscle after Surgical Correction of Mandibular Prognathism
Authors: Eshghpour Majid , Danesh-Sani Seyed Amir
Published: January 2013

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is commonly used for treatment of mandibular prognathism. This study evaluated masseter muscle activity using electromyography device, in patients with mandibular prognathism before and after bilateral SSRO of the mandible.

Twelve prognathic patients (five males and seven females; mean age 20.6 years) were examined. Initial phase of orthodontic treatment was completed in all included patients. Electromyographic activity of masseter muscle was recorded during maximum voluntary clenching as follows: First evaluation: 7 days prior to surgery, second evaluation: 3 months after surgery and third evaluation: 6 months after surgery. Electro-myography quantities were significantly decreased 3 months after surgery. Electromyographic activity of masseter muscle was recovered to the preoperative level 6 months after bilateral SSRO of the mandible. SSRO of the mandible is a safe technique for correction of mandibular prognathism and not seriously affects masticatory muscle electromyographic activity.

How to cite this article

Eshghpour M, Danesh Sani SA. Electromyographic Analysis of Masseter Muscle after Surgical Correction of Mandibular Prognathism. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):121-124.
The Hierarchy of Oral Cancer in India
Authors: Ramachandra Naik Balachandra
Published: January 2013

Background

India constitutes more than 80% of population from the villages and are not only socially and economically deprived but also do not get medical facilities compared to small towns and cities. Newspaper says India is fastest developing country, but, in respect to medical service to her citizens at rural level, it is nil. Now, oral cavity cancer is 3rd commonest cancer, which is seen commonly in village people in both sexes. We reviewed the past studies on oral cancer and the same is compared with the present trend.

Oral cancer biopsies secured 29.54% among all malignant biopsies. Male to female ratio is 1:1. Majority of patients (38.5%) got oral cancer in 4th decade, followed by 35.2% patients in 3rd decade. Buccal mucosa (57.5%) was the commonest site, followed by tongue (24.2%). Gutkha (the smokeless tobacco) is commonest cause for this cancer.

Conclusion

Apart from chewing habits, illiteracy, poverty, low caloric diet and nonavailability of free medical facility is the cause for rise in oral cancer incidences.

How to cite this article

Ramachandra NB. The Hierarchy of Oral Cancer in India. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):143-146.
Central Giant Cell Granuloma of the Mandible: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Malik Sunita , Singh Virender , Singh Gurdarshan , Dahiya Nisha
Published: January 2013

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an intraosseous lesion consisting of cellular fibrosis tissue that contains multiple foci of hemorrhage, multinucleated giant cells and trabeculas of woven bone. This lesion accounts for less than 7% of all benign jaw tumors. Jaffe considered it as a locally reparative reaction of bone which can be possibly due to either an inflammatory response, hemorrhage or local trauma. Females are affected more frequently than males. It occurs over a wide age range. It has been reported that this lesion is diagnosed during the first two decades of life in approximately 48% of cases and 60% of cases are evident before the age of 30. It is considerably more common in the mandible than in maxilla. The majority of the lesions occur in the molar and premolar area, and some of these extend to the ascending ramus.

The presence of giant cell granuloma in the mandibular body area, entire ramus, condyle and coronoid creates a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual presentation of CGCG involving mandibular body, ramus, condylar and coronoid processes and to discuss the differential diagnosis, radiographic presentation and management of this lesion.

How to cite this article

Malik S, Singh V, Singh G, Dahiya N. Central Giant Cell Granuloma of the Mandible: A Rare Presentation. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):172-174.
Balloon Dilatation of Recurrent Post-treatment Short Segment Subglottic Stenosis by Airway Balloon in an Adult
Authors: Karnik Prabodh , Kulkarni Anuja Santosh , Nataraj Uma
Published: January 2013

Subglottic stenosis poses a challenging situation for otolaryngologist. In many cases tracheostomy is required to safeguard the airway. Recently, encouraging results in use of balloon dilatation for subglottic stenosis has led us to successfully treat a recurrent post-treatment short segment subglottic stenosis in a 37-year-old male patient who presented to us with complaints of breathlessness and noisy breathing.

How to cite this article

Kulkarni AS, Karnik P, Nataraj U. Balloon Dilatation of Recurrent Post-treatment Short Segment Subglottic Stenosis by Airway Balloon in an Adult. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):175-178.