bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Body and the Text. Performance in Cultural and Literary Studies
Authors: Esposito Lucia
Published: May 2015

The essay explores the incidence and fertility of ‘performance’ as a means to examine and critique culture also in the field of cultural and literary studies, on whose ground it has landed, together with performativity, as a ‘travelling concept’. Continuously traversing the porous borders of performance studies, both concepts are in fact aiding an understanding of identity and culture not only as discoursively and normatively ‘constructed’ but also as ‘performed’ through embodied practices whose ‘efficacy’ (transgression, resistance, agency) against those very terms of discoursive constructedness and normativity may be tested. Post-subcultural studies, for example, focusing on contemporary youth subcultures’ creative life-style, body language and spectacular appropriation of the city spaces, analyse their tactics of resistance to the organizational ‘efficiency’ and technological ‘effectiveness’ that dominate today’s cultural scenario. The texts of literature are likewise increasingly approached as ‘events’ or performances, on whose contested terrain the embodied practices of writers and readers have become crucial while, especially in the so-called ‘performative writing’, the split speech/writing is being pushed to the background.
The Postcolonial Writer in Performance: J. M. Coetzee’s Summertime
Authors: Guarracino Serena
Published: May 2015

This essay focuses on the elaboration of postcolonial literature as an event emerging from the interaction among the many and diverse agencies which allow the postcolonial work to come into being. This formulation both highlights the repetition of tropes in postcolonial literature and the variations to the tropes themselves, which can become ethically and politically relevant by creating an interruption in accepted notions of what a postcolonial work should sound like. Following this lead, the essay will outline a methodological approach which interprets the literary work as a performative act in the complex nexus of discourses constituting the postcolonial writer as a figure of the global collective imaginary, taking as case study J. M. Coetzee’s work with particular focus on his Nobel Prize lecture and the third instalment of his memoir series, Summertime (2009). His work, together with others, is taken as a symptom of how public lectures and statements, together with the literary work proper, have all become an expression of the writer’s own performativity as a writer; while these phenomena have an impact on literature as a whole, the essay focuses on the postcolonial writer figure as historically endowed with what Kobena Mercer has famously termed “the burden of representation.”
Camoufl-Ages: Body Assemblages at the Time of the Apocalypse
Authors: Botta Giuseppina
Published: May 2015

Performance deals with embodiment, presence, agency and event. It is related to representation and consists in the display of an action with the presence of observers (Schechner). In Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake (2003) and The Year of the Flood (2009) performance is connected with the protagonists’ struggle for survival, which proves particularly complex because of the complete subversion of the environmental conditions, in a post-apocalyptic future dominated by the harsh consequences of an unscrupulous exploitation of genetic engineering. Scholars have discussed the theme of survival in Atwood’s novels with regard to power politics and victimhood. In my essay through a series of ecocritical studies (Warren, Otto, Castricano, Sehadri), I will explore the distorted relationship between human culture and environment provoked by the excessive manipulation of the living matter, whether human or animal, which alters the perception of the self and of being in general. My focus will be on the notions of mimicry and camouflage.
Postcolonial Nation and Matrilineal Myth: Social Construction of Maternity in Michelle Cliff’s “Clare Savage” Novels
Authors: Penier Izabella
Published: May 2015

The aim of my essay is to show how the Afro-American writer Michelle Cliff uses the concept of matriliny in the process of the feminist recovery of the history of Jamaica. I will argue that Michelle Cliff is a writer that honors the anachronistic tradition of essentialism that is based on the notion that cultures and identities have certain innate qualities immutable irrespective of time and place. I will contend that this essentialist worldview, skews the fictive world of Cliff’s much celebrated “Clare Savage novels”: Abeng and No Telephone to Heaven by reducing it to facile, Manichean oppositions between the colonizer and the colonized, white and black culture. My essay will particularly focus on how Cliff’s project of the affirmation of matriliny is undermined by her deep ambivalence about the institution of motherhood, which in times of slavery and decolonization was implicated in various discourses inimical to the well-being of black women.
CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A CONSTITUCIONALIDADE DA CONTRIBUIÇÃO SINDICAL COMPULSÓRIA
Authors: Augusto Carra César
Published: May 2015

Este artigo, valendo-se da metodologia dedutiva, tece algumas considerações sobre a constitucionalidade formal da contribuição sindical (imposto sindical). Comentando sobre a instituição da exação, e baseando-se numa interpretação histórica e progressiva, após mencionar precedente do Pretório Excelso quanto à recepção da contribuição pela atual Constituição, demonstrará que, ainda que certa tal conclusão sob a perspectiva material, na formal, a asserção é diversa. Citando a proibição dos arts. 13, d e 49 da Carta de 1937, e que a contribuição sindical deve ser aferida com base no tempus regit actum, valendo-se da orientação firmada pelo STF quanto ao parâmetro no controle de constitucionalidade difuso, demonstrará que, contrariando os preceitos, a contribuição sindical não poderia subsistir. Obstrutiva da recepção, e não se prestando, o poder constituinte originário, a convalidar diplomas nulos, a contribuição sindical compulsória deve ser considerada como revogada pela nova Constituição, sendo ilegítima a sua cobrança.
A RAZÃO DIALÉTICA ENTRE O DIREITO E A CONDIÇÃO HUMANA: CONSCIÊNCIA, RECONHECIMENTO E EMANCIPAÇÃO
Authors: Da Silva Braz Luciano
Published: May 2015

A proposta de Habermas que busca perquirir a legitimidade do Estado constitucional democrático com base nos direitos humanos visa a estabelecer uma conexão interna entre uma democracia efetiva – exercício político - e o direito. Para tanto, faz-se necessário a formulação de um conceito político de legitimação de ordens caracterizadas pela organização do poder estatal, que segue atrelado ao direito legitimamente instituído. Considerando que esse médium da potência estatal se constitui sob a forma do direito, as ordens políticas buscam, na legitimidade reivindicada do direito, seu vigor. O presente artigo tem como foco de pesquisa examinar o déficit teórico quanto as possibilidades de implementação do exercício democrático, o reconhecimento, bem como, analisar a relação de completitude entre a política e o direito. Dado às realidades dispares situadas no mundo da vida, questiona-se a própria validade do direito quando temas ligados aos direitos fundamentais do homem, sua dignidade e reconhecimento e, a compreensão do Estado Democrático de Direito se contradizem ante realidades que ainda apontam pessoas, grupos, e etnias esquecidas à margem da sociedade.  Este esboço é suficiente para levantar o problema típico das sociedades modernas: como estabilizar, na perspectiva própria dos atores, a validade duma ordem social legitima do ponto de vista do direito? À vista de tal possibilidade, Habermas buscar envolver-se com o problema central que abarca as possibilidades de reprodução social, à luz das pretensões de validade.
ENTRE A SOBERANIA ESTATAL E A ECONOMIA: A REINVENÇÃO DO JUDICIÁRIO COMO PODER NA ATUAL FASE DA GLOBALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Petermann Vânia , De Farias Paulo Marcos
Published: May 2015

Se por um lado a expansão dos mercados e o agigantamento das corporações transnacionais coloca em xeque o conceito clássico da soberania estatal, de outro as conquistas sociais no campo dos direitos fundamentais tornam inviável (e insuficiente) a revigoração do Estado (neo)liberal ou minimalista. Analisar este quadro e a necessidade da reinvenção do Judiciário como poder é o objetivo deste estudo. A pesquisa foi elaborada mediante as técnicas do referente e consulta em obras impressas ou disponíveis na rede mundial de computadores. O método utilizado é o indutivo. O resultado da investigação reconhece o Judiciário enquanto instituição estratégica dotada de mecanismos para equacionar economia e direito, e consequentemente como poder propulsor do bem-estar e do desenvolvimento.
A DIMENSÃO CONSTITUCIONAL DO PRINCÍPIO DO CONTRADITÓRIO E DA AMPLA DEFESA DAS PESSOAS JURÍDICAS DE DIREITO PRIVADO PERANTE OS TRIBUNAIS DE CONTAS DA UNIÃO (TCU) E TRIBUNAL DE CONTAS DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA (TCESC)
Authors: Hasse Franciane
Published: May 2015

O estudo tem por objetivo, defender a incidência do contraditório e da ampla defesa nos processos sujeitos ao Tribunal de Contas da União e do Tribunal de Contas do Estado de Santa Catarina. Inicia com a especificação do princípio constitucional do contraditório e da ampla defesa, onde qualquer processo, seja ele judicial ou administrativo, deverá permitir que as partes formalizem sua resposta em relação às acusações que lhe são impostas. Ainda, o estudo identifica que para realizar alguns serviços públicos, o Poder Público se utiliza dos institutos de concessão, permissão e parcerias público-privadas, não sendo transferida a sua titularidade, mas sim a responsabilidade pela execução e por qualquer dano ou irregularidade que venha a surgir no decorrer do contrato. Visto que para a execução dos contratos, as pessoas jurídicas de direito privado necessitam de recursos públicos verifica-se que o Tribunal de Contas será o responsável pela fiscalização de sua aplicação. Por fim, conclui-se que o contraditório e a ampla defesa das pessoas jurídicas de direito privado é respeitada, inclusive, em processos administrativos no âmbito do Tribunal de Contas. A metodologia utilizada neste estudo foi a pesquisa bibliográfica.
ENSAIO PARA UMA TEORIA AGNÓSTICA DO PROCESSO PENAL
Authors: Duclerc Ramalho Junior Elmir
Published: May 2015

O trabalho pretende investigar as condições de possibilidade para a construção de uma teoria do processo penal, totalmente independente de qualquer teoria geral do processo, como tronco comum genérico aplicável a diversas espécies. Para tanto, a pesquisa se desdobra em etapas ou que correspondem, respectivamente, aos pressupostos filosóficos e científicos de uma tal teoria, mas avança também sobre as suas principais implicações no plano da técnica processual penal, bem como no plano do próprio método de ensino da disciplina. Ao final, fica demonstrada a conveniência e a necessidade de construção dessa teoria, a partir de uma concepção agnóstica, ou negativa de pena criminal, isto é, que recusa à pena qualquer justificação racional, e exige, pois, a formulação de conceitos operativos próprios e adequados a essa premissa.
O PANORAMA HÍDRICO DO BRASIL E A AMBIGUIDADE DE SOLUÇÕES: DIREITOS HUMANOS, PARTICIPAÇÃO POPULAR E A EXPERIÊNCIA DA AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Brito Ramos Ana Gabriela
Published: May 2015

O artigo visa a traçar um panorama da questão hídrica, analisada sob o prisma do acesso à água enquanto direito humano, associado aos mecanismos de participação popular e à aparente contradição entre essa instrumento e a privatização das entidades gestoras, com base nas experiências do Brasil e da América Latina. Para isso, utiliza-se o método de abordagem dedutivo, abordando, inicialmente, as implicações da recente resolução da ONU tratando do assunto e a sua importância enquanto vetor de efetivação, a fim de acentuar a obrigação política dos governos nacionais em torno da problemática hídrica. Em seguida, analisa-se a participação popular na gestão ambiental brasileira e os seus reflexos na seara hídrica, mormente no que tange à Lei nº 9.433/97, que instituiu a Política Nacional dos Recursos Hídricos. Por fim, constata-se a aparente contradição entre uma visão humanitária da água e as experiências de privatização vivenciadas na América Latina, incluindo o Brasil.
LICENCIAMENTO AMBIENTAL: ENTRAVE OU REFERÊNCIA DE SUSTENTABILIDADE?
Authors: Costa Ramires Celso
Published: May 2015

Para elaboração do presente artigo foi utilizado na fase de investigação o método indutivo, e como técnica de investigação a pesquisa bibliográfica. O objetivo geral é mostrar como o Direito Ambiental tornou-se importante instrumento de gestão para as empresas, para isso dividiu-se esta produção em três tópicos que têm por objetivos específicos apresentar as políticas públicas para a sustentabilidade, o licenciamento em seu aspecto legal, e o licenciamento ambiental enquanto política pública. Ao perceber sua existência no planeta ameaçada, o homem passou a mudar a maneira de se relacionar com a natureza. Questionar modelos de produção e consumo adotando atitudes sustentáveis, em busca do equilíbrio na relação com o meio ambiente, exigiu uma mudança de paradigma irreversível. O foco na produção, única e exclusivamente para a geração de riqueza, deu lugar ao foco no desenvolvimento sustentável. A adoção de políticas públicas a fim de estabelecer regras para o uso sustentável dos recursos naturais se pauta, então, na prevenção, que consiste na definição de instrumentos para a sustentabilidade. Nessa matéria, tem-se o licenciamento ambiental, processo que tem como uma das fases a análise prévia de impactos ambientais, que é o centro das atenções e das discussões.  A análise prévia de impactos ambientais tem o intuito de orientar a concessão da licença, levando em conta que os aspectos ambientais precisam ser considerados em todas as fases da implementação do empreendimento. Todo este processo gera a controvérsia de que o licenciamento é mais uma imposição do Estado e menos a tomada de consciência do empreendedor. O licenciamento ambiental é referência de sustentabilidade quando evidencia o “esforço pela vida”. Mas, a morosidade na concessão das licenças devido a obstáculos burocráticos tanto pela falta de especialização de técnicos, para análise, como pela falta de interesse das consultorias em se engajarem no processo, faz com que ele seja visto como um entrave. Como afirmam os especialistas, as empresas tratam este instrumento de sustentabilidade como uma “simples formalidade”, o que sugere descaso com a questão ambiental. Nesta abordagem concluiu-se que o grande desafio do licenciamento ambiental é aumentar sua eficiência, ainda que nossa legislação ambiental venha se aprimorando cada vez mais.
Performance analysis on least absolute shrinkage selection operator, elastic net and correlation adjusted elastic net regression methods
Authors: Matthew Pascalis Kadaro , Yahaya Abubakar
Published: May 2015

Some few decades ago, penalized regression techniques for linear regression have been developed specifically to reduce the flaws inherent in the prediction accuracy of the classical ordinary least squares (OLS) regression technique. In this paper, we used a diabetes data set obtained from previous literature to compare three of these well-known techniques, namely: Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO), Elastic Net and Correlation Adjusted Elastic Net (CAEN). After thorough analysis, it was observed that CAEN generated a less complex model.
The Structure of the Strength of Riveted Joints Determined in the Lap Joint Tensile Shear Test
Authors: Mucha Jacek , Witkowski Waldemar
Published: May 2015

The article presents the analysis of the structure of the load capacity of riveted joints. For the four joining systems the lap joint specimens were made and tested in the shearing test. The joints were prepared for the three combinations of the DC01 steel and EN AW- 5754 aluminium alloy sheets with the thickness of 2mm. On the basis of the obtained load-elongation diagram tensile shear test curves, the basic parameters defined in the ISO/DIS 12996 standard were determined. In the case of the conventional riveted joints the maximum load capacity of the joint is determined by the strength of the fastener. For the joints with aluminium-steel blind rivet , the load capacity of the joint was on the strength limit of the rivet tubular part and on the strength limit of the sheet material. The strength of the SSPR joint is determined by the mechanical properties of the material of the joined sheets. From all sheets and rivet specimens arrangements the highest load capacity of the joint was obtained for the DC01 sheet material joints, and the lowest load capacity of the joint was obtained for the EN AW-5754 sheet material joints.
Analysing the local geography of the relationship between residential property prices and its determinants
Authors: Dziauddin Mohd Faris , Ismail Kamarul , Othman Zainudin
Published: May 2015

This paper analyses the local geography of the relationship between residential property prices and its determinants. A semiparametric geographically weighted regression (S-GWR) technique is employed to explore this relationship. Selling prices, structural and locational attributes data were collected from the database of the Department of Valuation and Services of Malaysia, selected maps and reports. The outcome of this paper shows a strong geographically varying relationship between residential property prices and its determinants in which the residential property price determinants have a positive impact on prices in some areas but negative or no impact on the others. The magnitude of the effect is also found to be geographically varied; the capitalisation in residential property prices is found greater in some areas but less or with no effect in some other parts of the areas. The use of S-GWR technique makes it possible to reveal such geographically varying relationships, thus leading to a better understanding of the relationship between residential property prices and its determinants.
Role of green areas for space integration of Kraków’s Metropolitan Area
Authors: Hrehorowicz-Gaber Hanna
Published: May 2015

The Kraków Metropolitan Area (KOM) is a specific functional region comprising a big city that is the Kraków metropolis, together with its neighbouring complex of settlements with a variety of mutual interactions. The social and economic space requires multi-dimensional enhancement of its interrelations and partial rehabilitation of its developed areas; it constitutes, at the same time, a potential which strengthens the position of Kraków as a European city. A clear structure of the metropolitan area and its internal links through green seams provide the basis for functional and spatial integration of the metropolis. The greenery, comprised in larger natural structures such as river parks and green wedges, enhances the area’s polycentric concept. The shaping of the urban tissue of Kraków and its suburban zone by composing and building a network of open spaces is the basic criterion for developing a coherent metropolitan area with a sustainable structure. Many problems of the urban environment and its surroundings can be fully understood through their analyses in various scales. In order to better illustrate this complex system of interrelations, reference should be made in analyses to the macroregional scale then narrowing them to the regional scale, to ultimately go down to the metropolis. The issues covered in the paper concern open areas which should not be discussed without a broader spectrum because the notion of green areas is understood to mean primarily spaces which are networked and intertwined with the settlement structure. Some of them are clear, for instance the greenery which accompanies water courses, and easy to identify. Marshlands are mostly linearly continuous and this makes them coherent in their nature. Other green areas (apart from larger forest complexes) are not of essential significance for the integration of the metropolis. The example of Kraków shows that the KOM (1) has a big potential expressed through its natural environment in the form of green areas. The anthropopressure, however, is so high that open spaces are being absorbed by developments. It is riverside areas which have retained a clear structure of interrelations and they should be perceived as the future for the links in the metropolitan area.
Population change in the regional centres and internal periphery of the regions in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus over the period of 1990-2000s
Authors: Karachurina Liliya , Mkrtchyan Nikita
Published: May 2015

The paper looks into the dynamics of the population size of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus after the census of 1989. Regions and cities of these countries were the focus of the research (territorial units level NUTS-3). The analysis addresses the question to what degree the remoteness from the regional centre, i.e. the position in the core-periphery system, influences the dynamics of the population size of the territorial units of the given level. For the analytical purposes the distinction has been made between the regional centres including adjacent suburban areas and internal regional periphery comprising districts and cities. The main indicator employed was the distance between the periphery areas and regional centres.

The results of the analysis show that in spite of the depopulation of all three countries and severe transformational crisis, there was a steady growth of the population size in the regional centres, while the periphery areas of the regions continued to lose the population. The mentioned differences are primarily determined by migration flows, since the fertility rates are below the replacement level in all the countries’ territories. Population tends to concentrate in the regional centres, which means urbanisation has not been completed yet. While similar patterns of population decline are observed in the periphery areas of Ukraine and Belarus, in Russia the depopulation rates are negatively influenced by the factor of remoteness of a periphery area from the regional centre. All three countries experienced rural population decline everywhere but suburban areas of the regional centres.
Molecular machines – a new dimension of biological sciences
Authors: Głogocka Daria , Przybyło Magdalena , Langner Marek
Published: May 2015

Biological systems are characterized by directional and precisely controlled flow of matter and information along with the maintenance of their structural patterns. This is possible thanks to sequential transformations of information, energy and structure carried out by molecular machines. The new perception of biological systems, including their mechanical aspects, requires the implementation of tools and approaches previously developed for engineering sciences. In this review paper, a biological system is presented in a new perspective as an ensemble of coordinated molecular devices functioning in the limited space confined by the biological membrane. The working of a molecular machine is presented using the example of F
Malignant gliomas: old and new systemic treatment approaches
Authors: Mesti Tanja , Ocvirk Janja
Published: May 2015

Background

Malignant (high-grade) gliomas are rapidly progressive brain tumours with very high morbidity and mortality. Until recently, treatment options for patients with malignant gliomas were limited and mainly the same for all subtypes of malignant gliomas. The treatment included surgery and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy used as an adjuvant treatment or at recurrence had a marginal role.

Conclusions

Nowadays, the treatment of malignant gliomas requires a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The chosen approach is more complex and individually adjusted. By that, the effect on the survival and quality of life is notable higher.
Over a dead body: International coverage of grief
Authors: Ilan Jonathan
Published: May 2015

What makes death-related news events internationally appealing? How is the visual coverage of grief tailored for the needs of the international market? And how are the mechanisms for such coverage operated in the field by international news agencies’ photographers? In this article, I conduct an interpretive analysis of the funeral of an Israeli officer as it was covered by an Israeli Reuters photographer and an analysis of the “picture of the event” selected for distribution by the photographer. It demonstrates how international news institutions tailor the visual coverage of a local funeral to the complex demands of the international market.
Astrogliosis Induced by Brain Injury Is Regulated by Sema4B Phosphorylation
Authors: Ben-Gigi Liat , Sweetat Sahar , Besser Elazar , Fellig Yakov , Wiederhold Thorsten , Polakiewicz Roberto D. , Behar Oded
Published: May 2015

Injury to the CNS induces astrogliosis, an astrocyte-mediated response that has both beneficial and detrimental impacts on surrounding neural and non-neural cells. The precise signaling events underlying astrogliosis are not fully characterized. Here, we show that astrocyte activation was altered and proliferation was reduced in Semaphorin 4B (Sema4B)-deficient mice following injury. Proliferation of cultured Sema4B−/−astrocytes was also significantly reduced. In contrast to its expected role as a ligand, the Sema4B ectodomain was not able to rescue Sema4B−/−astrocyte proliferation but instead acted as an antagonist against Sema4B+/−astrocytes. Furthermore, the effects of Sema4B on astrocyte proliferation were dependent on phosphorylation of the intracellular domain at Ser825. Our results suggest that Sema4B functions as an astrocyte receptor, defining a novel signaling pathway that regulates astrogliosis after CNS injury.
BMI percentile-for-age overestimates adiposity in early compared with late maturing pubertal children
Authors: Sørensen Kaspar , Juul Anders
Published: May 2015

Objective

Early pubertal timing is consistently associated with increased BMI percentile-for-age in pubertal girls, while data in boys are more ambiguous. However, higher BMI percentile-for-age may be a result of the earlier pubertyper serather thanvice versa. The aim was to evaluate markers of adiposity in relation to pubertal timing and reproductive hormone levels in healthy pubertal boys and girls.

Study design

Population-based cross-sectional study (The Copenhagen Puberty Study). Eight-hundred and two healthy Caucasian children and adolescents (486 girls) aged 8.5–16.5 years participated. BMI and bioelectric impedance analyses (BIA) were used to estimate adiposity. Clinical pubertal markers (Tanner stages and testicular volume) were evaluated. LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG and IGF1 levels were determined by immunoassays.

Results

In all age groups, higher BMI (all 1 year age-groups,P≤0.041) was found with early compared with late maturation, despite similar BIA–estimated body fat percentage (BIA–BF%). Neither BMI nor BIA–BF% differed for a given stage of maturation. BMI percentile-for-age and prevalence of overweight/obesity were higher in the early compared with late matured pubertal children (allP≤0.038), despite similar BIA–BF%. Pubertal girls with BIA–BF >29% had significantly lower LH and FSH levels compared with normal-weight girls (P≤0.041).

Conclusions

Early maturational timing was not associated with higher adiposity for a given stage of puberty. Using BMI percentile-for-age overestimated the degree of adiposity in early pubertal compared with late pubertal children.
Phosphodiesterase sequence variants may predispose to prostate cancer
Authors: de Alexandre Rodrigo B , Horvath Anelia D , Szarek Eva , Manning Allison D , Leal Leticia F , Kardauke Fabio , Epstein Jonathan A , Carraro Dirce M , Soares Fernando A , Apanasovich Tatiyana V , Stratakis Constantine A , Faucz Fabio R
Published: May 2015

We hypothesized that mutations that inactivate phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and lead to increased cAMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels may be associated with prostate cancer (PCa). We sequenced the entire PDE coding sequences in the DNA of 16 biopsy samples from PCa patients. Novel mutations were confirmed in the somatic or germline state by Sanger sequencing. Data were then compared to the 1000 Genome Project. PDE, CREB and pCREB protein expression was also studied in all samples, in both normal and abnormal tissue, by immunofluorescence. We identified three previously described PDE sequence variants that were significantly more frequent in PCa. Four novel sequence variations, one each in thePDE4B,PDE6C,PDE7BandPDE10Agenes, respectively, were also found in the PCa samples. Interestingly,PDE10AandPDE4Bnovel variants that were present in 19 and 6% of the patients were found in the tumor tissue only. In patients carrying PDE defects, there was pCREB accumulation (P<0.001), and an increase of the pCREB:CREB ratio (patients 0.97±0.03; controls 0.52±0.03;P-value <0.001) by immunohistochemical analysis. We conclude that PDE sequence variants may play a role in the predisposition and/or progression to PCa at the germline and/or somatic state respectively.
Notch1 pathway in adrenocortical carcinomas: correlations with clinical outcome
Authors: Ronchi Cristina L , Sbiera Silviu , Altieri Barbara , Steinhauer Sonja , Wild Vanessa , Bekteshi Michaela , Kroiss Matthias , Fassnacht Martin , Allolio Bruno
Published: May 2015

Previous SNP array analyses have revealed genomic alterations of the Notch pathway as being the most frequent abnormality in adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of components of Notch signaling in ACTs and to correlate them with clinical outcome. The mRNA expression ofJAG1,NOTCH1, and selected target genes of NOTCH1 (HES1,HES5, andHEY2) was evaluated in 80 fresh frozen samples (28 normal adrenal glands (NAGs), 24 adenomas (ACAs), and 28 carcinomas (ACCs)) by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 221 tissues on paraffin slides (16 NAGs, 27 ACAs, and 178 ACCs) for JAG1, activated NOTCH1 (aNOTCH1), and HEY2. An independent ACC validation cohort (n=77) was then also investigated.HEY2mRNA expression was higher in ACCs than it was in ACAs (P<0.05). The protein expression of all of the factors was high (H-score 2–3) in a larger proportion of ACCs as compared to ACAs and NAGs (JAG1 in 27, 15, and 10%; aNOTCH1 in 13, 8, and 0%; HEY2 in 66, 61, and 33% respectively, allP<0.001). High JAG1 expression was associated with earlier tumor stages and lower numbers of metastases in ACCs (bothP=0.08) and favorably impacted overall and progression-free survival (PFS) (131 vs 30 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.45, and 37 vs 9 months, HR 0.51, bothP<0.005). This impact on overall survival (OS) was confirmed in the validation cohort. No such association was observed for aNOTCH1 or HEY2. In conclusion, different components of the Notch1 signaling pathway are overexpressed in ACCs, which suggests a role for the pathway in malignant transformation. However, JAG1 is overexpressed in a subgroup of ACCs with a better clinical outcome.
Review of mathematical models to describe the food salting process
Authors: Gómez Salazar Julián Andrés , Clemente Polo Gabriela , Sanjuán Pelliccer Neus
Published: May 2015

Salting and subsequent curing are part of the traditional processing method used in the meat and fish industry. Different preserving agents (sodium chloride, nitrite, nitrate, among others) are added in this process. Nowadays, more attention is paid to the amount of salts added and the salting time employed. For this reason, it is important to know the factors governing salt penetration and the most convenient process conditions. The transfer mechanism of the salts through the structure is an interesting aspect in meat and fish processing technology. Mathematical models are the best way to discover the factors, which govern this process, which may represent and explain the observed data and predict the behaviour under different conditions. The objective of this review is to describe the use of the mathematical models to simulate meat and fish salting and the benefits derived from their use. Most of the models used to describe the salting process are diffusional, based on Fick’s second law, although empirical ones are also used. For modelling purposes a good description of the experimental results should be guaranteed. The complexity of the model will depend on the objective to be reached and will be analysed in each case.
Geotechnical behavior of a tropical residual soil contaminated with gasoline
Authors: Echeverri Oscar , Valencia González Yamile , Toscano-Patiño Daniel Eduardo , Ordoñez-Muñoz Francisco A. , Arango-Salas Cristina , Osorio-Torres Santiago
Published: May 2015

The infrastructure for hydrocarbon transportation has grown significantly to supply the needs of a greater number of settlements; however, due to problems in the supply networks, accidental spills or leaks can contaminate the underlying soils. This paper addresses soils contaminated with gasoline, and it analyzes the changes that occur in a tropical residual soil after contamination. Analysis was carried out by using specific laboratory tests to characterize the type of soil (Miniature Compacted Tropical Classification, Suction, Pinhole Test, Collapse Potential, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, pH determination) and by performing traditional tests (natural humidity, specific gravity, granulometry, Atterberg limits, direct shear, etc.). These tests were conducted with samples in their natural state, as well as contaminated samples, in order to elucidate possible variations in the mechanical characteristics of the material.
Container stacking revenue management system: A fuzzy-based strategy for Valparaiso port
Authors: Valdes-Gonzalez Hector , Reyes-Bozo Lorenzo , Vyhmeister Eduardo , Salazar José Luis , Sepúlveda Juan Pedro , Mosca-Arestizábal Marco
Published: May 2015

This article presents an intelligent system for container stacking based on fuzzy logic. The method establishes a defined criterion for accepting or rejecting in real time an entry request to the stacking areas of the port in Valparaiso, Chile. A case study based on expert knowledge illustrates the proposed method with real data. First, the optimum solution is determined for a problem of maximization of entries, based on historical records from the traffic and information center of Valparaiso Port. Second, this solution is used to establish a strategy for making “the best possible decisions.” The combination of the optimization and the fuzzy results (which consider the type of cargo, prices, and capacity) is performed at two levels. First, the optimization results are used as feed for the fuzzy system to determinate a ratio of future acceptances. Second, the optimization results are compared to the fuzzy system results in order to estimate a parameter to establish the minimal percentage value for accepting a request. As a result, a proper use of the stacking area is achieved, which results in an increase of profits and revenue management.
A reconstruction of objets by interferometric profilometry with positioning system of labeled target periodic
Authors: Arias-Hernández Néstor Alonso , Molina Prado Martha Lucía , Meneses Fonseca Jaime Enrique
Published: May 2015

A method to extract 3D information using a white light interferometer without using PZT is presented. Instead a positioning system that uses the phase sensitivity of a target periodic is employed. The image treatment realized on the periodic target permits to calculate the relative distance between Mirau objective and object surface. Topographic reconstructions of objects with dimensions of some tenths of millimeters were calculated with an accuracy of approximately 28 nanometers. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are shown.
The influence of the glycerin concentration on the porous structure of ferritic stainless steel obtained by anodization
Authors: Bervian Alexander , Ludwig Gustavo Alberto , Kunst Sandra Raquel , Rossa Beltrami Lílian Vanessa , Dewes Moura Angela Beatrice , Malfatti Célia Fraga , Oliveira Cláudia Trindade
Published: May 2015

Anodizing of ferritic stainless steel has been used for decoration purposes to obtain a barrier effect. The most commonly used electrolyte for this process is INCO (5M H2SO4 + 2,5M CrO3). INCO electrolyte with glycerin addition induces the formation of ordered porous structures, because glycerin reduces the electrolyte conductivity. Ferritic stainless steel was anodized in electrolyte composed by 2M H2SO4 with glycerin addition in different concentrations, without chromium oxide addition. It was observed that the addition of 90 v/v% glycerin promoted a reduction in the electrolyte conductivity, which caused an increase in the anodizing potential. The glycerin addition to the electrolyte diminished the oxide dissolution in the electrolytic solution, promoting the formation of an oxide with an ordered porous structure.
Evaluation of the toxicity characteristics of two industrial wastes valorized by geopolymerization process
Authors: Martínez López Carolina , Mejía Arcila Johanna Mercedes , Torres Agredo Janneth , Mejía de Gutiérrez Ruby
Published: May 2015

This paper evaluates the toxicity associated with two industrial wastes used as raw material of geopolymers. These wastes are fly ash (FA) and spent catalyst catalytic cracking (FCC). The residues were characterized using techniques such as XRF, XRD, SEM and laser granulometry. Two geopolymers systems based on FA-100% and FCC-100% were produced using SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratios of 6,0 and 2,4 and Na2O/SiO2 of 0,20 and 0,25 respectively. The technique TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) was applied in order to evaluate the toxicity. Cr, V, Zn, Ni, As, Ba, Sr, Pb and Cd elements were analyzed. The results indicate that concentrations of heavy metals leachate (except V and As) are low compared with the environmental standards. The geopolymers studied are considered effective in terms of inmobilizing contaminants.
A hybrid genetic algorithm for ROADEF'05-like complex production problems
Authors: Frutos Mariano , Olivera Ana Carolina , Tohmé Fernando
Published: May 2015

In this work, we present a hybrid technique that combines a Genetic Algorithm with meta-heuristics to solve a problem in RENAULT France’s production plants. The method starts with an initial solution obtained by means of a GRASP (Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure) used as an input for a Genetic Algorithm complemented by a Simulated Annealing procedure of population improvement. We establish a comparison point among the different techniques used in the method. Their performances are evaluated as well as that of the entire method. The conclusion is that hybrid methods have clear advantages for the treatment of production planning problems.
Environmental and economic impact of the use of natural gas for generating electricity in The Amazon: A case study
Authors: Silva Wagner Ferreira , Campos Lucila M.S. , Rodríguez Jorge Laureano Moya , Leite Jandecy Cabral
Published: May 2015

The transformations taking place in the Amazon, considered the "lungs of the planet", have special significance, not only for energy savings, but also for its environmental impact due to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Since 2010, in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas in Brazil, many power plants are replacing fuel oil with natural gas for power generation. Because of the large natural gas reserves in the region, this fuel has become the best choice for power plants built in this place. This paper analyzes the technical economic and environmental impact of the substitution of fuel oil by natural gas in the analyzed power generation plant.
A methodology for analysis of cogeneration projects using oil palm biomass wastes as an energy source in the Amazon
Authors: Oliveira Rosana Cavalcante de , Silva Rogerio Diogne de Souza e , Tostes Maria Emília De Lima
Published: May 2015

In the search for strategies to mitigate climate change, the promotion of renewable energy is a major challenge worldwide, particularly for developing countries such as Brazil and Colombia, which aim to diversify their power grids by using unconventional renewable energy sources. One of the main obstacles is the development of innovative projects. Increasing oil palm cultivation in the Amazon region for the food and biodiesel industries is producing a large volume of biomass. The present study outlines a methodology for analysis of renewable energy projects based on identification of environmental, economic, and social sustainability criteria and indicators (C&I) for the oil palm production chain. This methodology was then used to develop a computer simulation model in the RETScreen® International software environment for financial viability and risk analysis.
Application architecture to efficiently manage formal and informal m-learning. A case study to motivate computer engineering students
Authors: Álvarez Bermejo José Antonio , Codina Sánchez Antonio , Belmonte Ureña Luis Jesús
Published: May 2015

Recent research is focusing on methods that enable effective consumption of digital content. Students are continually exposed to streams of digital content. An information system for learning was designed. Such a tool intends to connect learning in formal channels with the ability to learn in informal channels. The proposed methodology built upon the application was tested through a quasi-experimental research, implementing and evaluating its influence on how engineering students learnt in an advanced engineering course where concepts are complex. The sample is of fifty-eight students enrolled in Computer Engineering at Universidad de Almería. Their knowledge was evaluated using a specifically designed exam. Results suggest that the effectiveness of the methodology used and the learning tool itself were both robust and fulfilled the hypothesis. The contrast tests Snedecor F for ANOVA two tail and two-sample Tstudent test suggested the effectiveness of the learning tool proposed.
Acoustic analysis of the drainage cycle in a washing machine
Authors: Lladó Paris Juan , Sanchez Tabuenca Beatriz
Published: May 2015

Washing machine manufacturers are working towards producing quieter appliances as many people consider noise emission a key factor when buying. Although the spinning cycle is the noisiest, the amount of noise the pump makes is the cause for many users’ complaints. In an attempt to reduce the noise emitted when a washing machine is pumping out, an experimental study was performed. First, the measurement of the sound pressure allowed us to identify the main sources of noise as the electric motor and the vibration of the cabinet. Next, a detailed analysis based on the measurement of the vibration of the cabinet provided information about the predominant radiating panels. It was also inferred that the electromagnetic noise is drowned out by the structure-borne noise. Finally, several proposals to diminish the sound power were analyzed, and a reduction of 3 dBA was achieved by decreasing the contact zone of the pump with the kick plate.
Computational simulation of a diesel generator consuming vegetable oil "in nature" and air enriched with hydrogen
Authors: Campos Ricardo Seawright , Martins-Nogueira Manoel Fernandes , Lima-Tostes Maria Emília de
Published: May 2015

A diesel generator was simulated operating with palm oil as fuel and hydrogen doping the inlet air. The objective was to investigate how the addition of hydrogen can accelerate the end of vegetable oil combustion, and consequently improve the electrical efficiency of the generator set up, for the same mass flow rate of fuel. The simulations were performed using AVL BOOST software and validated with experimental data. The generator was simulated operating with 75%, 80% and 100% of the nominal load using palm oil in nature, and hydrogen being injected at the intake manifold in parcels of 5% to a maximum of 20% in energy content by replacing the main fuel. The simulations showed increase in electrical power, reduction in specific fuel consumption, improving the overall efficiency of the generator set with 100% load. Good results were obtained with operation at 75% of the nominal load.
Convergence analysis of the variables integration method applied in multiobjetive optimization in the reactive power compensation in the electric nets
Authors: Marrero Ramirez Secundino , González-Palau Ileana , Legra-Lobaina Aristides A.
Published: May 2015

This research deals with the use of a calculus method in multi-criteria optimization. A modification do the algorithm of variable integration was carried out, in order to establish a terminal criterion during the multi-objective optimization of the reactive power compensation, in electric supply nets. It demanded the use of heuristic techniques, where the existence of high number of nodes, guided the research towards methods able to minimize the required processing time to find a solution, without affecting the quality of the results, and the convergence of the process, in spite of the high number of present members within the total population to be evaluated.
Study of land cover of Monte Forgoselo using Landsat Thematic Mapper 5 images (Galicia, NW Spain)
Authors: Álvarez Bermúdez Xana , Valero-Gutiérrez del Olmo Enrique , Picos-Martín Juan , Ortiz-Torres Luis
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to carry out a land cover classification of Monte Forgoselo. Remote sensing as a planning tool has been used, specifically, a satellite image Landsat 5. We perform a supervised digital classification of the maximum likelihood, minimum distance and parallelepipeds. The result has been the division of Monte Forgoselo into categories of types of vegetation, particularly in pine forest, scrub and grassland, reaching a Kappa coefficient of 0.9762 and an overall accuracy of 98.3586%, which means good reliability. In addition, we found that the use of such techniques can get to make a planing of this small rural area, focusing on forestry management. Furthermore, the use of remote sensing is considered viable in the performance of work with more consideration.
Structural analysis of a friction stir-welded small trailer
Authors: Bermudez Parra Fabio , Franco Arenas Fernando , Casanova Fernando
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces the analysis of a trailer structure made of 6063-T5 aluminum alloy using the Friction Stir-Welding process. The base material and the welded joint were characterized by tension tests. The loads for the structural analysis were obtained from field tests where stresses were measured on critical points at a 2.73 m long 0.95 m width trailer while it was driven on an unpaved road. The stresses on the whole trailer were found by using a finite element model, where the joint with the maximum stresses was identified. This joint was constructed with a tubular structural element using Friction Stir Welding and was evaluated by bending tests. Using the impact factor obtained from the field test, fatigue analysis was performed on the welded joint. It was found that the strength of the joint was sufficient to carry the loads on the trailer.
A branch and bound hybrid algorithm with four deterministic heuristics for the resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP)
Authors: Morillo Torres Daniel , Moreno Velasquez Luis Fernando , Díaz Serna Francisco Javier
Published: May 2015

This paper addresses the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP). For its solution, a hybrid methodology, which uses a Branch and Bound basic algorithm with dominance rules, is developed and implemented, and is combined with four deterministic heuristics whose objective is to prune the search tree branches, taking into account the iterations available and, at the same time, to minimize the probability of discarding branches that contain optimal solutions. Essentially, these strategies allow the allocation of most iterations to the most promissory regions in an organized manner using only subsets with similar or the same characteristics as those of the optimal solutions at each level of the tree, thus assuring a broad search within the feasible region and, simultaneously, a good exploitation by the selective use of the subsets by level. Finally, the developed algorithm performance is analyzed by solving some of the problems of the PSPLIB test library.