bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis comparativo de tres tipos de estructuras de paso para canales
Authors: Zúñiga Martínez Edgar
Published: November 2014

El presente estudio trató del análisis de tres clases de estructuras para salvar el cruzamiento de ríos: a)sifón invertido; b) canal en relleno con sistema de alcantarilla y c) puente canal prefabricado . Se consideraron aspectos constructivos , de operación y económicos para definir la mejor alternativa de las estructuras consideradas. El estudio se realizó por la necesidad de establecer una conexión entre el Canal Central, del Proyecto de Riego Arenal Tempisque, con el Canal Hotel del Proyecto de Riego San Luis a fin de pasar la conexión de canales sobre la Quebrada Salitral situada en Cañas, Guanacaste. Del análisis de esta situación se determinó que la canaleta prefabricada era la mejor alternativa por ser una estructura de fácil instalación y de menor costo de operación y mantenimiento. La estructura de canal en relleno con alcantarilla resultó sumamente costosa por utilizar diámetros que superaban las medidas comerciañes y el elevado costo de operación del relleno. El sifón invertido resultó inoperante por su elevado costo de operación  y mantenimiento pues, necesita constante control para que no se atasque. Este hecho es particularmente importante porque el proyecto está localizado en una zona cañera donde, duranye la época de zafra, gran cantidad de hojas de caña invaden los canale sde irrigación.
Análisis experimental del secado de la madera.
Authors: Sotela Montero Jaime
Published: November 2014

Con base en pruebas de laboratorio, se realiza una comparación entre ensayos cuantitativos de ¨Contracción y Densidad¨ y ensayos cualitativos de ¨Secado al Aire¨, llevados a cabo en ocho especies forestales del bosque natural de Costa Rica.
INCREMENTO DEL MARGEN DE CARGABILIDAD DEL SISTEMA ELÉCTRICO NACIONAL
Authors: Quirós Tortós Jairo , Araya Padilla Eddie
Published: November 2014

Esta publicación presenta la aplicación de una metodología para incrementar el margen de cargabilidad del sistema eléctrico nacional, bajo la restricción de un colapso de tensión de largo alcance. El método empleado utiliza el flujo de potencia convencional y el flujo óptimo de potencia para determinar la localización adecuada de acciones correctivas, como nuevos equipos de compensación, el despacho de carga y redespacho de generación. Es considerablemente factible que los resultados reflejen un incremento en el margen de cargabilidad del sistema cuando el análisis se lleva a cabo con el flujo óptimo de potencia; en comparación con un flujo de potencia convencional.
Proposta de Implementação do Custeio Baseado em Atividades na Gestão de Serviços Odontológicos
Authors: Serratine Karyn de Castro , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: November 2014

O artigo tem por objetivo estruturar uma proposta de implementação do custeio baseado em atividades na gestão de serviços odontológicos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, por meio de um estudo de caso, com abordagem predominantemente qualitativa. O estudo inicia com uma incursão teórica nos fundamentos que sustentam o estudo empírico, abordando a importância da gestão estratégica de custos, o custeio baseado em atividades - ABC e a utilização do ABC em empresas de saúde. Após, são apresentados os procedimentos metodológicos adotados. Na sequência, discute-se a proposta realizada. A proposta de implementação do ABC contempla quatro macroetapas: identificação das atividades; atribuição dos custos às atividades; identificação dos objetos de custos; e atribuição dos custos das atividades aos objetos de custos. Foram selecionados seis procedimentos odontológicos prestados: avaliação, profilaxia, restauração, endodontia, exodontia e coroa protética porcelana. A escolha justifica-se por se tratar dos procedimentos mais representativos em termos de ocorrência e de faturamento. Além da proposta de implementação do ABC, fez-se a análise dos custos diretos de cada objeto de custo. Os custos diretos identificados referem-se aos materiais utilizados e ao processo de esterilização realizado.
Práticas de Disclosure Voluntário das Empresas do Setor Elétrico: Uma Análise a Partir do Modelo de Murcia
Authors: Silva Tiago Lucimar da , Alberton Luiz , Vicente Ernesto Fernando Rodrigues
Published: November 2014

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar as principais práticas de  disclosure voluntário das empresas do setor elétrico, listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, e criar um ranking de maiores níveis de divulgação voluntária entre estas empresas. Neste intuito, elaborou-se uma métrica composta por 6 (seis) categorias e 39 (trinta e nove) subcategorias: ambiente de negócios (8), atividade operacional (7), aspectos estratégicos (8), informações financeiras (5), índices financeiros (4) e governança corporativa (7). Utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo, a pesquisa foi realizada a partir das Demonstrações Financeiras Padronizadas (DFP), do exercício findo em 2010 das empresas do setor elétrico, listadas na BM&FBOVESPA. A amostra totalizou as 66 empresas (100%) do segmento econômico Utilidade Pública / Energia Elétrica. Contudo, apenas 65 companhias puderam ser analisadas, devido à ausência de publicação das informações até a data de término da pesquisa. As empresas, que compõem o ranking das melhores práticas de disclosure voluntário, são: Copel; Cemig; Cemig Distribuição e Eletrobrás. As informações com maior nível de evidenciação são: principais mercados de atuação (62), principais acionistas (61) e identificação dos riscos do negócio (59). Os itens menos divulgados foram: indicadores de liquidez (5), projeções (6), perspectivas de novos mercados que a empresa pretende atuar (6) e discussão da concorrência (7). Na análise dos dados ficou evidente a grande variabilidade quanto ao nível de disclosure voluntário das empresas do setor elétrico. Algumas empresas evidenciam um número significativo de informações, enquanto outras se atentaram apenas em cumprir o que é exigido por lei e divulgam poucas informações de forma voluntária.
O Mercado de Trabalho na Percepção dos Concluintes do Curso de Ciências Contábeis
Authors: Politelo Leandro , Manfroi Leossania , Cunha Paulo Roberto da
Published: November 2014

A relação entre o ensino em contabilidade e as exigências do mercado de trabalho tem sido objeto de diversas pesquisas. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo é identificar a percepção dos concluintes do curso de Ciências Contábeis relativamente às oportunidades do mercado de trabalho. A pesquisa é caracterizada como descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. O estudo foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário composto de perguntas fechadas às instituições de ensino superior do oeste do estado de Santa Catarina. Participaram da pesquisa as instituições Faculdade de Itapiranga (FAI Faculdades), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UNOESC), Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó (UNOCHAPECÓ) e Faculdade Empresarial de Chapecó (Uceff Faculdades). A análise dos resultados foi efetuada por meio de estatística descritiva. Os achados da pesquisa apontam que o ensino superior em Ciências Contábeis tem impacto positivo sobre o ingresso dos acadêmicos no mercado de trabalho, indicam também que os acadêmicos tiveram como principal dificuldade, ao ingressarem na área profissional, a inexperiência na área de formação.
Análise Discriminante como Preditiva de Dificuldades Financeiras em Empresas Brasileiras do Mercado Acionário
Authors: Teixeira Silvio Aparecido , Mazzioni Sady , Dockhorn Marcelo da Silva Mello , Hein Nelson
Published: November 2014

Verificar a situação econômico-financeira de uma empresa pressupõe a análise conjunta de suas demonstrações contábeis, no intuito de prever as condições futuras de gerar resultados e de honrar seus compromissos. O presente artigo tem como objetivo estimar funções discriminantes para os grupos de empresas lucrativas, intermediárias e deficitárias, listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, no período de 2009 a 2011. Os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados caracterizam o estudo como pesquisa descritiva, documental e quantitativa. Os dados utilizados foram coletados do banco Economática®. As empresas pertencentes ao setor financeiro e de serviços não foram consideradas na análise e aquelas que não apresentaram os dados requeridos foram excluídas, resultando em uma amostra de 255 organizações. A análise dos dados foi efetuada com o uso do software SPSS®, tendo como variável de reunião os três grupos de empresas e como variáveis explicativas os indicadores econômico-financeiros de liquidez, rentabilidade e estrutura de capital. A análise dos dados permitiu identificar a existência de separação entre os grupos, apontando a Composição do Endividamento como a variável que melhor representa essa separação. Duas funções foram criadas. A primeira delas que segrega as empresas lucrativas das intermediárias, apresentou alta capacidade para demonstrar as diferenças entre os grupos. A segunda função discriminante representou apenas o poder residual para segregação entre as empresas intermediárias e as deficitárias.
Análise Bibliométrica em Periódicos dos Conselhos Regionais de Contabilidade Brasileiros: sobre a contabilidade ambiental e temas correlatos no período 2001-2010
Authors: Parente Edna Ghiorzi Varela , Pfitscher Elisete Dahmer , Fiates Gabriela Gonçalves Silveira , Nascimento Patrícia Griguc
Published: November 2014

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar periódicos impressos disponíveis em sites dos Conselhos Regionais Brasileiros - CRC's entre os anos de 2001 e 2010, com temas correlatos à contabilidade ambiental. Caracteriza-se como um estudo bibliométrico de caráter descritivo. O tema se justifica por ser contemporâneo. Apresenta-se dados qualitativos e quantitativos que foram analisados de forma complementar. Os resultados apontam que as revistas editadas na forma on-line são provenientes dos CRC´s do Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul e do Paraná. Concluiu-se que, dos 233 artigos publicados no CRCRJ, apenas 22 tratam do tema de interesse, bem como, dos 247 artigos do CRCPR, apenas 5 foram identificados na área de contabilidade ambiental. Dos 87 publicados no CRCRS, 2 deles são artigos que abordam a contabilidade ambiental e correlatos. Percebe-se, assim, que os números não são significativos e que a área ainda pode evoluir muito nas pesquisas acerca do tema.
The influence of craniofacial morphology on the upper airway dimensions
Authors: Indriksone Iveta , Jakobsone Gundega
Published: November 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate the influence of craniofacial morphology on the upper airway dimensions in healthy adult subjects.

Materials and Methods: 

The records of 276 healthy 17- to 27-year-old patients were extracted from the cone-beam computed tomography image database of the Institute of Stomatology, Riga Stradins University. Dolphin 11.7 software was used to evaluate craniofacial anatomy and semiautomatic segmentation of the upper airway. Measurements of oropharyngeal airway volume (OPV), minimal cross-sectional area (CSAmin), and nasopharyngeal airway volume (NPV) were obtained. The presence of adenoid tissues was recorded. Associations between variables were analyzed by Spearman's correlation coefficients, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify factors that had a possible influence on upper airway dimensions.

Results: 

The following factors were identified as influencing the variability of NPV (23%): SNA angle, gender, and presence of adenoids. Statistically significant, although weak, correlations were found between SNB angle and OPV (r  =  0.144, P < .05) and CSAmin (r  =  0.182, P < .01).

Conclusion: 

The results suggest that craniofacial morphology alone does not have a significant influence on upper airway dimensions.
The helminth community of the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis (Lagomorpha: Leporidae), in the province of Granada, Spain
Authors: Segovia J. , Vila T. , Vargas J. , Fuentes M. , Feliu C.
Published: November 2014

The helminth community of the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis, in the southern Spanish province of Granada was analysed, thorough the study of 487 individuals shot by hunters between November 1998 and October 1999. Six helminth species were found: Mosgovoyia pectinata (Cestoda); Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Nematodiroides zembrae, Nematodirus sp., Passalurus ambiguus and Micipsella numidica (Nematoda). N. zembrae and M. pectinata (62.4 % and 17.2 %, respectively) were the only component species found. The predominance of helminth species with a direct life cycle is noteworthy. These two component species were significantly influenced by season of capture. Other factors, such as host age and municipality of capture, influenced the prevalences and/or abundances of the component species, while host sex did not exert any important role. These variations, determined by extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors, in the helminth community could be related to the ecology of the Iberian hare, mainly diet, habitat and behaviour.
Microhabitat differences surrounding a pond affects the distribution of trematode parasites among a pulmonate snail community
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Luth K. , Esch G.
Published: November 2014

Anthropogenic disturbance associated with clear-cutting and changing the environmental landscape can lead to distinct microhabitat structure surrounding aquatic habitats. The transmission dynamics of trematode parasites in their snail first intermediate hosts were examined to determine if these alterations affect trematode parasite distribution. This was accomplished by examining 2,771 pulmonate snails belonging to two species (Physa gyrina and Lymnaea columella) over a three month period in a pond surrounded by distinct microhabitats as a result of anthropogenic changes to the environmental landscape. Trematode parasite distribution in the snail first intermediate hosts was largely tied to the microhabitat preference of their vertebrate definitive hosts. Autogenic species were found further away from the center of the open microhabitat and allogenic parasites were closer to the centralized point, most likely as a result of habitat preference by their frog and waterfowl definitive hosts, respectively. Additionally, there was increased parasitism in the molluscan hosts at the edges of the wooded environments due to habitat overlap of autogenic and allogenic species hosts, indicating that microhabitat structure can have profound effects on parasite distribution.
Population structure of Opisthorchis felineus (Trematoda) and its second intermediate hosts — cyprinid fishes in the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis, based on allozyme data
Authors: Zhigileva O. , Ozhireľev V. , Stepanova T. , Moiseenko T.
Published: November 2014

Genetic variability of West Siberian populations of Opisthorchis felineus and two species of cyprinid fish, its second intermediate hosts, was studied by isozyme analysis. Low levels of allozyme variation and genetic differentiation in O. felineus from the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis were detected. The proportion of polymorphic loci was 21.1 %, the average observed heterozygosity (Hobs) was 0.008, and expected heterozygosity (Hexp) was 0.052. For most loci in O. felineus deficit of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.7424) was observed. A comparison of population genetic structure of fish and parasites showed they were not congruent. Estimates of genetic differentiation of the parasite were smaller than for the fish — its intermediate host. Migration and population structure of the second intermediate hosts do not play an important role in formation of the population-genetic structure of O. felineus in the Ob-Irtysh focus of opisthorchiasis.
Morphological and molecular characterization of two isolates of Paratrichodorus porosus from Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zeng Y. , Ye W. , Yang L. , Huang Y. , Zhao K. , Zhang Z. , Liang H. , Kerns J.
Published: November 2014

Studies were conducted to characterize morphological and molecular profiles of two isolates of Paratrichodorus porosus (SZ1 and SZ2) which were recovered from Acacia mangium in Tianxinshan and Gleichenia linearis in Yangmeikeng environmental monitoring sites in Shenzhen, China, respectively. Analysis of morphometric, morphological and molecular characters revealed these two Shenzhen isolates are identical to P. porosus. Measurements of both study isolates lie within the ranges for P. porosus. It is typologically characterized by possessing a clearly swollen body cuticle after fixation, an onchiostyle ventrally curved, 46–58 μm long, a pharyngeal bulb usually with a well developed anterior-dorsal intestinal overlap, a secretoryexcretory pore opening between the nerve ring and anterior end of pharyngeal bulb, 90–110 μm from the anterior end, a reproductive system with didelphic, amphidelphic, without spermathecae, a pore-like vulva in ventral view and occupying 52.0 %–59.5 % of total body length from anterior end, a short and barrel-shaped vagina with small sclerotizations, a pair of ventromedian advulvar body pores located prevulvar and postvulvar, a rounded tail and a subterminal anus in females. The sequence analysis based on partial rDNA 18S gene and 28S D2/D3 expansion segment confirm its identity as P. porosus. This is the first report of P. porosus associated with A. mangium and G. linearis.
Alien Invasive Species Management: Stakeholder Perceptions of the Barents Sea King Crab
Authors: Falk-Petersen Jannike
Published: November 2014

The alien invasive Red King Crab in the Barents Sea represents both a threat, via ecosystem impacts, and a gain as a revenue source from food sales. Uncertainties exist regarding the ecological impacts but debate in Norway has also emphasised the economic benefits to marginalised fisher communities. This paper reports on a Q-methodology study involving key stakeholders to probe the extent to which divisions exist between different groups. While divisions are indeed found and two groupings identified, these are not as clear as suggested by the lines typically portrayed in the media and elsewhere –, i.e. economic gains versus ecological preservation. Stakeholder groups reported here generally agreed that biodiversity concerns should be central and that further invasion was undesirable due to potential impacts on ecosystem services.
Neural Fuzzy Inference System-Based Weather Prediction Model and Its Precipitation Predicting Experiment
Authors: Lu Jing , Xue Shengjun , Zhang Xiakun , Zhang Shuyu , Lu Wanshun
Published: November 2014

We propose a weather prediction model in this article based on neural network and fuzzy inference system (NFIS-WPM), and then apply it to predict daily fuzzy precipitation given meteorological premises for testing. The model consists of two parts: the first part is the “fuzzy rule-based neural network”, which simulates sequential relations among fuzzy sets using artificial neural network; and the second part is the “neural fuzzy inference system”, which is based on the first part, but could learn new fuzzy rules from the previous ones according to the algorithm we proposed. NFIS-WPM (High Pro) and NFIS-WPM (Ave) are improved versions of this model. It is well known that the need for accurate weather prediction is apparent when considering the benefits. However, the excessive pursuit of accuracy in weather prediction makes some of the “accurate” prediction results meaningless and the numerical prediction model is often complex and time-consuming. By adapting this novel model to a precipitation prediction problem, we make the predicted outcomes of precipitation more accurate and the prediction methods simpler than by using the complex numerical forecasting model that would occupy large computation resources, be time-consuming and which has a low predictive accuracy rate. Accordingly, we achieve more accurate predictive precipitation results than by using traditional artificial neural networks that have low predictive accuracy.
Toxic Stress: Effects, Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Franke Hillary
Published: November 2014

Children who experience early life toxic stress are at risk of long-term adverse health effects that may not manifest until adulthood. This article briefly summarizes the findings in recent studies on toxic stress and childhood adversity following the publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Report on the effects of toxic stress. A review of toxic stress and its effects is described, including factors of vulnerability, resilience, and the relaxation response. An integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of toxic stress necessitates individual, community and national focus.
Areal Delineation of Home Regions from Contribution and Editing Patterns in OpenStreetMap
Authors: Zielstra Dennis , Hochmair Hartwig , Neis Pascal , Tonini Francesco
Published: November 2014

The type of data an individual contributor adds to OpenStreetMap (OSM) varies by region. The local knowledge of a data contributor allows for the collection and editing of detailed features such as small trails, park benches or fire hydrants, as well as adding attribute information that can only be accessed locally. As opposed to this, satellite imagery that is provided as background images in OSM data editors, such as ID, Potlatch or JOSM, facilitates the contribution of less detailed data through on-screen digitizing, oftentimes for areas the contributor is less familiar with. Knowing whether an area is part of a contributor’s home region or not can therefore be a useful predictor of OSM data quality for a geographic region. This research explores the editing history of nodes and ways for 13 highly active OSM members within a two-tiered clustering process to delineate an individual mapper’s home region from remotely mapped areas. The findings are evaluated against those found with a previously introduced method which determines a contributor’s home region solely based on spatial clustering of created nodes. The comparison shows that both methods are able to delineate similar home regions for the 13 contributors with some differences.
ZmSOC1, a MADS-Box Transcription Factor from Zea mays, Promotes Flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Suzhou , Luo Yanzhong , Zhang Zhanlu , Xu Miaoyun , Wang Weibu , Zhao Yangmin , Zhang Lan , Fan Yunliu , Wang Lei
Published: November 2014

Zea mays is an economically important crop, but its molecular mechanism of flowering remains largely uncharacterized. The gene, SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1), integrates multiple flowering signals to regulate floral transition in Arabidopsis. In this study, ZmSOC1 was isolated from Zea mays. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the ZmSOC1 protein contained a highly conserved MADS domain and a typical SOC1 motif. ZmSOC1 protein was localized in the nucleus in protoplasts and showed no transcriptional activation activity in yeast cells. ZmSOC1 was highly expressed in maize reproductive organs, including filaments, ear and endosperm, but expression was very low in embryos; on the other hand, the abiotic stresses could repress ZmSOC1 expression. Overexpression of ZmSOC1 resulted in early flowering in Arabidopsis through increasing the expression of AtLFY and AtAP1. Overall, these results suggest that ZmSOC1 is a flowering promoter in Arabidopsis.
Clinically Important Features of Porphyrin and Heme Metabolism and the Porphyrias
Authors: Besur Siddesh , Hou Wehong , Schmeltzer Paul , Bonkovsky Herbert
Published: November 2014

Heme, like chlorophyll, is a primordial molecule and is one of the fundamental pigments of life. Disorders of normal heme synthesis may cause human diseases, including certain anemias (X-linked sideroblastic anemias) and porphyrias. Porphyrias are classified as hepatic and erythropoietic porphyrias based on the organ system in which heme precursors (5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen and porphyrins) are chiefly overproduced. The hepatic porphyrias are further subdivided into acute porphyrias and chronic hepatic porphyrias. The acute porphyrias include acute intermittent, hereditary copro-, variegate and ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Chronic hepatic porphyrias include porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. The erythropoietic porphyrias include congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Gűnther’s disease) and erythropoietic protoporphyria. In this review, we summarize the key features of normal heme synthesis and its differing regulation in liver versus bone marrow. In both organs, principal regulation is exerted at the level of the first and rate-controlling enzyme, but by different molecules (heme in the liver and iron in the bone marrow). We also describe salient clinical, laboratory and genetic features of the eight types of porphyria.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil Terpenes against Pathogenic and Spoilage-Forming Bacteria and Cell Structure-Activity Relationships Evaluated by SEM Microscopy
Authors: Zengin Hatice , Baysal Ayse
Published: November 2014

The antibacterial activity and antioxidant effect of the compounds α-terpineol, linalool, eucalyptol and α-pinene obtained from essential oils (EOs), against pathogenic and spoilage forming bacteria were determined. The antibacterial activities of these compounds were observed in vitro on four Gram-negative and three Gram-positive strains. S. putrefaciens was the most resistant bacteria to all tested components, with MIC values of 2% or higher, whereas E. coli O157:H7 was the most sensitive strain among the tested bacteria. Eucalyptol extended the lag phase of S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus at the concentrations of 0.7%, 0.6% and 1%, respectively. In vitro cell growth experiments showed the tested compounds had toxic effects on all bacterial species with different level of potency. Synergistic and additive effects were observed at least one dose pair of combination against S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus, however antagonistic effects were not found in these combinations. The results of this first study are encouraging for further investigations on mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of these EO components.
Identification of a New Peritrophic Membrane Protein from Larval Holotrichia parallela (Coleoptera: Motschulsky)
Authors: Zhao Dan , Guo Wei , Li Shaoya , Li Ruijun , Xu Daqing , Lu Xiujun
Published: November 2014

Peritrophic membranes (PMs) are composed of proteins, proteoglycans and chitin that play important roles in the structural formation and function of the PM. This study identiﬁed and characterized a new chitin binding protein named HpCBP45 by immunoscreening of the Holotrichia parallela larvae midgut expression library. The predicted amino acid sequence indicates that it contains eight tandem chitin binding domains belonging to the peritrophin-A family. The HpCBP45 protein was expressed as a recombinant protein in the yeast Pichia pastoris and chitin binding assay demonstrated that recombinant HpCBP45 protein could strongly bind to chitin. qRT-PCR analysis showed that HpCBP45 was mainly localized in the midgut, further confirming the H. parallela PM belongs to Type I PM. The discovery and characterization of the peritrophic membrane protein HpCBP45 provides a basis for the further investigation of its biochemical and physiological functions in H. parallela.
Comparison of Potato and Asian Citrus Psyllid Adult and Nymph Transcriptomes Identified Vector Transcripts with Potential Involvement in Circulative, Propagative Liberibacter Transmission
Authors: Fisher Tonja , Vyas Meenal , He Ruifeng , Nelson William , Cicero Joseph , Willer Mark , Kim Ryan , Kramer Robin , May Greg , Crow John , Soderlund Carol , Gang David , Brown Judith
Published: November 2014

The potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) and Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama are the insect vectors of the fastidious plant pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) and Ca. L. asiaticus (CLas), respectively. CLso causes Zebra chip disease of potato and vein-greening in solanaceous species, whereas, CLas causes citrus greening disease. The reliance on insecticides for vector management to reduce pathogen transmission has increased interest in alternative approaches, including RNA interference to abate expression of genes essential for psyllid-mediated Ca. Liberibacter transmission. To identify genes with significantly altered expression at different life stages and conditions of CLso/CLas infection, cDNA libraries were constructed for CLso-infected and -uninfected PoP adults and nymphal instars. Illumina sequencing produced 199,081,451 reads that were assembled into 82,224 unique transcripts. PoP and the analogous transcripts from ACP adult and nymphs reported elsewhere were annotated, organized into functional gene groups using the Gene Ontology classification system, and analyzed for differential in silico expression. Expression profiles revealed vector life stage differences and differential gene expression associated with Liberibacter infection of the psyllid host, including invasion, immune system modulation, nutrition, and development.
Simulation of the Recharging Method of Implantable Biosensors Based on a Wearable Incoherent Light Source
Authors: Song Yong , Hao Qun , Kong Xianyue , Hu Lanxin , Cao Jie , Gao Tianxin
Published: November 2014

Recharging implantable electronics from the outside of the human body is very important for applications such as implantable biosensors and other implantable electronics. In this paper, a recharging method for implantable biosensors based on a wearable incoherent light source has been proposed and simulated. Firstly, we develop a model of the incoherent light source and a multi-layer model of skin tissue. Secondly, the recharging processes of the proposed method have been simulated and tested experimentally, whereby some important conclusions have been reached. Our results indicate that the proposed method will offer a convenient, safe and low-cost recharging method for implantable biosensors, which should promote the application of implantable electronics.
Determining Amino Acid Chirality in the Supernova Neutrino Processing Model
Authors: Famiano Michael , Boyd Richard , Kajino Toshitaka , Onaka Takashi , Koehler Katrina , Hulbert Sarah
Published: November 2014

A model is described that can be used to estimate the bulk polarization of largerotating meteoroids in the magnetic field of a neutron star. The results of this model areapplicable to the Supernova Neutrino Amino Acid Processing model, which describes onepossible way in which the amino acids, known in nearly all cases to exhibit supramolecularchirality, could have become enantiomeric.
Microsatellite loci in two epiphytic lichens with contrasting dispersal modes: Nephroma laevigatum and N. parile (Nephromataceae)
Authors: Belinchón Rocío , Ellis Christopher J. , Yahr Rebecca
Published: November 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were characterized for two epiphytic cyanolichens, Nephroma laevigatum and N. parile (Nephromataceae), and will be used to investigate population structure and estimate gene flow among populations of these two closely related species with contrasting dispersal modes.

• Methods and Results: Twelve and 14 microsatellite loci were characterized for N. laevigatum and N. parile, respectively. Allele number in N. laevigatum ranged from three to 13 per locus, while in N. parile there were from two to six alleles per locus. As expected, the sexually reproducing N. laevigatum had higher genetic diversity than the predominantly asexual N. parile.

• Conclusions: This new set of markers is suitable for studying population structure and providing insights into gene flow among populations and for understanding processes of diversification. Compared between the species, they will facilitate an understanding of the influence of contrasting reproductive strategies on population and community structure.
Understanding Compassion Literacy in Nursing Through a Clinical Compassion Cafe
Authors: Winch Sarah , Henderson Amanda Jane , Kay Margaret , Burridge Letitia Helen , Livesay Georgia Jane , Sinnott Michael John
Published: November 2014

This article presents a method of reconnecting and reaffirming with nurses the importance of compassion in health care by using a clinical compassion cafe, which describes nine steps that provide a forum to reaffirm clinicians’ core values. This process has the potential to engage clinical staff in a different modality removed from the usual didactic approaches.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(11):484–486.
Using Business Value Models to Elicit Services Conducting Business Transactions
Authors: Ilayperuma Tharaka , Zdravkovic Jelena
Published: November 2014

Traditional organizational structures evolve towards online business using modern IT – such as cloud computing, semantic standards, and process- and service-oriented architectures. On the technology level, Web services are dominantly used for modeling the interaction points of complex Web applications. So far, development of Web services has matured on the technical perspective considering for example the development of standards for message exchanges and service coordination. However, business concepts, such as economic assets exchanged in transactions between cooperating actors, cannot be easily traced in final Web service specifications. As a consequence, business and IT models become difficult to keep aligned. To address this issue, the authors propose an MDD approach to elicit business services and further software services using REA business model as the starting point. The proposal focuses on a value-explorative elicitation of business services at the top level and model transformations using UML 2 to the system level by utilizing well-defined mappings.
Cloud Computing Economics
Authors: Bibi Stamatia , Katsaros Dimitrios , Bozanis Panayiotis
Published: November 2014

Cloud services and technologies are currently receiving increased attention from the industry mostly due to business-driven promises and expectations. Significant innovations in virtualization and distributed computing, as well as improved access to high-speed Internet and a weak economy, have accelerated interest in cloud computing. However, is the migration to the Cloud the most profitable option for every business? Enterprise adoption of cloud computing often requires a significant transformation of existing Information Technology (IT) systems and processes. To justify such a change, a viable business case must be made based on the economics of transformation. This chapter presents a study of the basic parameters for estimating the potential infrastructure and software costs deriving from building and deploying applications on cloud and on-premise assets. Estimated user demand and desired quality attributes related to an application are also addressed in this chapter as they are aspects of the decision problem that also influence the choice between cloud and in-house solutions.
Developing Executable UML Components Based on fUML and Alf
Authors: Motogna S. , Lazăr I. , Pârv B.
Published: November 2014

Model-driven architecture frameworks provide an approach for specifying systems independently of a particular platform and for transforming such system models for a particular platform, but development processes based on MDA are not widely used today because they are in general heavy-weight processes: in most situations they cannot deliver (incrementally) partial implementations to be executed immediately. Executable UML means an execution semantics for a subset of actions sufficient for computational completeness. This chapter uses Alf as the fUML-based action language to describe the operations for iComponent: the proposed solution for a platform-independent component model for dynamic execution environments. Moreover, a UML profile for modeling components is defined and applied, following agile principles, to the development of service-oriented components for dynamic execution environments. The intended use of the proposed approach is enterprise systems.
Is Modeling a Treatment for the Weakness of Software Engineering?
Authors: Osis Janis , Asnina Erika
Published: November 2014

Experts' opinions exist that the way software is built is primitive. The role of modeling as a treatment for Software Engineering (SE) became more important after the appearance of Model-Driven Architecture (MDA). The main advantage of MDA is architectural separation of concerns that showed the necessity of modeling and opened the way for Software Development (SD) to become engineering. However, this principle does not demonstrate its whole potential power in practice, because of a lack of mathematical accuracy in the initial steps of SD. The question about the sufficiency of modeling in SD is still open. The authors believe that SD, in general, and modeling, in particular, based on mathematical formalism in all its stages together with the implemented principle of architectural separation of concerns can become an important part of SE in its real sense. They introduce such mathematical formalism by means of topological modeling of system functioning.
Putting Personal Smart Spaces into Context
Authors: Roussaki Ioanna , Kalatzis Nikos , Liampotis Nicolas , Kosmides Pavlos , Anagnostou Miltiades , Sykas Efstathios
Published: November 2014

The convergence between mobile telecommunications and the Future Internet opened the way for the development of innovative pervasive computing services. The self-improving Personal Smart Spaces (PSSs) are coupling next generation mobile communications facilities with the features provided by the static smart spaces to support a more ubiquitous, mobile, context-aware, and personalised smart space. Addressing the advanced requirements of PSSs regarding the establishment of a robust distributed context management framework is a challenging task. Evaluating such a system is not a straightforward process, especially when it is also based on comparative assessments of its performance, as various existing systems demonstrate different unique characteristics making the quantitative comparisons quite complex and difficult to accomplish. This chapter elaborates on a context modelling and management approach that is suitable for addressing the PSS requirements and provides experimental evaluation evidence regarding its performance.
Postharvest Management Strategies
Authors: Maharaj Rohanie , Singh-Ackbarali Dimple , Sankat Clement K.
Published: November 2014

Climate change will pose many challenges along the food value chain and will threaten not only food security but also poverty alleviation and economic growth in SIDS. Building resilient food systems for vulnerable farmers should focus not only on improving yields and on use of more suitable crops under changing climatic conditions but also on climate-smart postharvest adaptation strategies. In this chapter, strategies to raise awareness about climate change and its effects on postharvest losses are discussed. The authors recommend several actions: training of farmers to build functional adaptive capacity on the ground, increased investments in technological innovation, the continuous sharing of traditional/research-based knowledge with farmers and stakeholders in the food supply chains. Success will also depend on incentives, monitoring systems, appropriate application of approaches, tools and technologies, and involvement of farmers and policy makers. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue.
Marine Plants as a Sustainable Source of Agri-Fertilizers for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Authors: N'Yeurt Antoine De Ramon , Iese Viliamu
Published: November 2014

Climate change is forcing farmers in Small Island Developing States to find novel methods to maintain crop productivity. Past practices using chemical fertilizers and poor waste management severely damaged many coastal areas, leading to an ecosystem shift towards algal dominance. In this chapter, the authors propose an approach to deal with this issue by devising methods which divert excess marine plant biomass into agricultural uses through conversion of the biomass to solid and liquid fertilizers. Seaweed-based fertilizers have already been tried with much success on crops in some developed countries, but these are expensive to import into Pacific Islands. The authors also suggest empowering local communities with the knowledge to convert marine plant biomass into ecologically friendly fertilizers. They will be able to save on the purchase of commercial fertilizers detrimental to the environment, while at the same time reducing the spread of seaweeds on their coral reefs. Farmers' incomes will increase.
From Learning Management System to Internet-Based Research in Mathematics Education
Authors: Cai Tianxing
Published: November 2014

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of e-learning education courses or training programs. The traditional distance education for mathematics has heavily relied on the application of LMS. However, the Standards for Mathematical Practice have provided the requirements to mathematics educators at all levels for the students' development. This chapter presents the introduction of the transformation from LMS to Internet-based research in the mathematical education. This is the viewpoint of the patterns, developments, changes, or phenomena within their respective fields with regards to distance education of mathematics. It also creates a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of online education across educational boundaries and demonstrates the unique future trajectories that online education has within these mathematics.
The Distance Education Phenomena
Authors: Crawford Caroline M.
Published: November 2014

The Instructional Design field has been significantly impacted by the distance education phenomena. With the strengthening of the distance education presence, more focus has been framed around concerns related to interactive activities that built upon the importance of communications and building relationships between the course information, the learners, the instructional facilitator, and the larger community wherein the information may be more fully framed. The vast and ever-expanding distance education phenomena is moving beyond the traditional “comfort zone” of procedural Instructional Design expectations, towards a more holistic and innovative thoughtful multimedia-supported design and development process wherein the Instructional Designers must be able to engage more fully in the socio-engagement of the learner within a multimedia-supported global community of learners. This chapter describes the developments of distance education from the perspective of instructional designers.
Integrating IS Security with Knowledge Management
Authors: Jennex Murray , Durcikova Alexandra
Published: November 2014

Knowledge management focuses on capturing and sharing knowledge. Because of this, KM researchers tend to focus on issues related to knowledge capture, storage, and sharing. However, because knowledge is valuable, it is a target needing to be protected. This paper posits that KM researchers and practitioners also need to think about security and explores how important security skills are to KM practitioners and researchers. A literature review was performed to determine how much attention is paid by KM researchers to knowledge security. Additionally, 50 KM job postings were examined from the spring of 2013 to determine if security skills are considered important by those hiring KM practitioners. Additionally, 38 job postings were examined from the summer of 2014 to determine if required skills changed based on the Target breech. Finally, a survey was prepared for exploring security attitudes of KM practitioners as an area of future research.
Strengthening of the Hip and Core Versus Knee Muscles for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferber Reed , Bolgla Lori , Earl-Boehm Jennifer E. , Emery Carolyn , Hamstra-Wright Karrie
Published: November 2014

Context

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common injury in running and jumping athletes. Randomized controlled trials suggest that incorporating hip and core strengthening (HIP) with knee-focused rehabilitation (KNEE) improves PFP outcomes. However, no randomized controlled trials have, to our knowledge, directly compared HIP and KNEE programs.

Objective

To compare PFP pain, function, hip- and knee-muscle strength, and core endurance between KNEE and HIP protocols after 6 weeks of rehabilitation. We hypothesized greater improvements in (1) pain and function, (2) hip strength and core endurance for patients with PFP involved in the HIP protocol, and (3) knee strength for patients involved in the KNEE protocol.

Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Four clinical research laboratories in Calgary, Alberta; Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Augusta, Georgia.

Patients or Other Participants

Of 721 patients with PFP screened, 199 (27.6%) met the inclusion criteria (66 men [31.2%], 133 women [66.8%], age = 29.0 ± 7.1 years, height = 170.4 ± 9.4 cm, weight = 67.6 ± 13.5 kg).

Intervention(s)

Patients with PFP were randomly assigned to a 6-week KNEE or HIP protocol.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Primary variables were self-reported visual analog scale and Anterior Knee Pain Scale measures, which were conducted weekly. Secondary variables were muscle strength and core endurance measured at baseline and at 6 weeks.

Results

Compared with baseline, both the visual analog scale and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale improved for patients with PFP in both the HIP and KNEE protocols (P < .001), but the visual analog scale scores for those in the HIP protocol were reduced 1 week earlier than in the KNEE group. Both groups increased in strength (P < .001), but those in the HIP protocol gained more in hip-abductor (P = .01) and -extensor (P = .01) strength and posterior core endurance (P = .05) compared with the KNEE group.

Conclusions

Both the HIP and KNEE rehabilitation protocols produced improvements in PFP, function, and strength over 6 weeks. Although outcomes were similar, the HIP protocol resulted in earlier resolution of pain and greater overall gains in strength compared with the KNEE protocol.
View from the top: Involvement of Namibia’s health ministry in laboratory quality improvement
Authors: Mataranyika Mary N. , Beukes Landine K.
Published: November 2014

No abstract available.