bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Proopiomelanocortin Methylation Be Used as an Early Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome?
Authors: Yoo Jae Young , Lee Sangmi , Lee Hye Ah , Park Hyesook , Park Yoon Jung , Ha Eun Hee , Kim Young Ju
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to compare early predictive marker of the metabolic syndrome with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) methylation status and to determine the association among birth weight, ponderal index, and cord blood methylation status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We collected pregnancy outcome data from pregnant women, cord blood samples at delivery, and blood from children (7–9 years old; n = 90) through a prospective cohort study at Ewha Womans University, MokDong Hospital (Seoul, Korea), from 2003–2005. POMC methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing. We divided subjects into three groups according to cord blood POMC methylation: the low methylation (<10th percentile), mid-methylation, and high methylation (>90th percentile) groups. We analyzed the association of POMC methylation status at birth with adiposity and metabolic components using ANCOVA and multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Birth weights (P = 0.01) and ponderal indices (P = 0.01) in the high POMC methylation group were significantly lower than in the mid-POMC methylation group. In terms of metabolic components of childhood, blood triglycerides (57.97, 67.29 vs. 113.89 mg/dL; P = 0.03, 0.01) and insulin (7.10, 7.64 vs. 10.13 μIU/mL; P = 0.05, 0.02) at childhood were significantly higher in the high POMC methylation group than in the low and mid-POMC methylation group.

CONCLUSIONS

High POMC methylation in cord blood was associated with lower birth weight, and children with high POMC methylation in cord blood showed higher triglycerides and higher insulin concentrations in blood. Thus, POMC methylation status in cord blood may be an early predictive marker of future metabolic syndrome.
Structural and electronic properties of zincblende phase of TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
quaternary alloys: First-principles study
Authors: Gulebaglan Sinem , Dogan Emel , Aycibin Murat , Secuk Mehmet , Erdinc Bahattin , Akkus Harun
Published: November 2013

Using the first-principles band-structure method, we have calculated the structural and electronic properties of zincblende TlAs, TlP, GaAs and GaP compounds and their new semiconductor TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
quaternary alloys. Structural properties of these semiconductors are obtained with the Perdew and Wang local-density approximation. The lattice constants of TlxGa1−x
As, TlxGa1−x
P ternary and TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
quaternary alloys were composed by Vegard’s law. Our investigation on the effect of the doping (Thallium and Arsenic) on lattice constants and band gap shows a non-linear dependence for TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
quaternary alloys. The band gap of TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
, E
g(x, y) concerned by the compositions x and y. To our awareness, there is no theoretical survey on TlxGa1−x
AsyP1−y
quaternary alloys and needs experimental verification.
Internal combustion engine supercharging: turbocharger vs. pressure wave compressor. Performance comparison
Authors: George Atanasiu , Chiru Anghel
Published: November 2013

This paper aims on comparison between a turbocharged engine and a pressure wave charged engine. The comparison was accomplished using the engine simulation software AVL Boost, version 2010. The grahps were extracted using AVL Impress, version 2010. The performance increase is limited by the mechanical side of the simulated engine.
Public Opinions of Roadway Assets
Authors: Cunningham Christopher M. , Chang Jeffrey C. , Findley Daniel J. , Vaughan Christopher L. , Martin James , Hekele Aaron , Tatham Chris
Published: November 2013

In October 2011, the North Carolina Department of Transportation conducted a roadway review with a randomly recruited sample of North Carolina residents and community leaders. More than 300 people from 61 communities participated in the surveys, which were held in six locations: Asheville, Burlington, Charlotte, Jonesville, Rocky Mount, and Wilmington. The purpose of the roadway review was twofold: to determine the expectations for the condition of North Carolina highways and to identify the features that North Carolinians believe are most important on different types of highways. Surveys were completed during both daytime and nighttime hours and covered many roadway maintenance aspects, such as pavement, landscaping and mowing practices, signage, retroreflectivity, and shoulders. Regression equations are also provided to predict the overall satisfaction of condition, safety, and appearance by each individual roadway type.
Prioritizing Infrastructure Maintenance and Rehabilitation Activities under various Budgetary Scenarios
Authors: Menendez Jose Rafael , Siabil Salar Zabihi , Narciso Paul , Gharaibeh Nasir G.
Published: November 2013

Infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) projects are commonly prioritized by using the worst-first (W-F) and benefit–cost analysis (BCA) approaches. While many acknowledge the inherent disadvantages of the W-F approach relative to that of the BCA, many transportation and public works agencies still use the W-F approach. W-F and BCA approaches were compared in regard to their impact on network condition (specifically, lane miles in good condition and backlog) under various budgetary scenarios. These comparisons were motivated by the premise that under certain budget allocation and availability scenarios, the shortcomings of the W-F approach might be abated. The analysis presented used highway pavement network data from the Bryan District of the Texas Department of Transportation. The Bryan District is located in east central Texas (wet-warm climate and generally poor subgrade). In 2011, this network consisted of approximately 3,178 roadbed centerline miles. Results suggest that when M&R share a single combined budget, the W-F approach is dramatically less effective than the BCA approach in improving the network condition and reducing backlog. However, when the M&R budget is divided into two separate budgets (one for maintenance and one for rehabilitation), the disadvantages of the W-F approach diminish.
Land and Forest Degradation inside Protected Areas in Latin America
Authors: Leisher Craig , Touval Jerome , Hess Sebastiaan , Boucher Timothy , Reymondin Louis
Published: November 2013

Using six years of remote sensing data, we estimated land and forest degradation inside 1788 protected areas across 19 countries in Latin America. From 2004–2009, the rate of land and forest degradation increased by 250% inside the protected areas, and the land and forest degradation totaled 1,097,618 hectares. Of the protected areas in our dataset, 45% had land and forest degradation. There were relatively large variations by major habitat type, with flooded grasslands/savannas and moist broadleaf forest protected areas having the highest rates of degradation. We found no association between a country’s rate of land and forest degradation inside protected areas and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, GDP growth, or rural population density. We found significant, but weak, associations between the rate of land and forest degradation inside protected areas and a country’s protected area system funding, the size of the protected area, and one International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) management category. Our results suggest a high degree of heterogeneity in the variables impacting land and forest degradation inside protected areas in Latin America, but that the targeting of protected area investments on a continental scale is plausible.
Superior Mechanical Properties of Double-Network Hydrogels Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes without Organic Modification
Authors: Dong Weifu , Huang Chiguang , Wang Yang , Sun Yujie , Ma Piming , Chen Mingqing
Published: November 2013

A facile method is developed to fabricate nanocomposite double-network (DN) gels with excellent mechanical properties, which do not fracture upon loading up to 78 MPa and a strain above 0.98, by compositing of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without organic modification. Investigations of swelling behaviors, and compressive and tensile properties indicate that equilibrium swelling ratio, compressive modulus and stress, fracture stress, Young’s modulus, and yield stress are significantly improved in the presence of CNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the pore size of nanocomposite DN gels is decreased and some embedded micro-network structures are observed on the fracture surface in comparison to DN gels without CNTs, which leads to the enhancement of mechanical properties. The compressive loading-unloading behaviors show that the area of hysteresis loop, dissipated energy, for the first compressive cycle, increases with addition of CNTs, which is much higher than that for the successive cycles. Furthermore, the energy dissipation mechanism, similar to the Mullins effect observed in filled rubbers, is demonstrated for better understanding the nanocomposite DN polymer gels with CNTs.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-β-Alanine Modified by Grafting Polymerization of γ-Benzyl-L-glutamate-N-carboxyanhydride
Authors: Shan Yukai , Qin Yuyue , Chuan Yongming , Li Hongli , Yuan Minglong
Published: November 2013

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAP) was surface-modified by the addition of β-alanine (β-Ala), and the ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate-N-carboxy-anhydride (BLG-NCA) was subsequently initiated. HAP containing surface poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamates (PBLG) was successfully prepared in this way. With the increase of PBLG content in HAP-PBLG, the solubility of HAP-PBLG increased gradually and it was ultimately soluble in chloroform. HAP-PLGA with surface carboxyl groups was obtained by the catalytic hydrogenation of HAP-PBLG. In the process of HAP modification, the morphology changes from rod to sheet and from flake to needle. The effect of BLG-NCA concentration on the character of hydroxyapatite-β-alanine-poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (HAP-PBLG) was investigated. The existence of amino acids on the HAP surfaces was confirmed in the resulting Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The resulting powder X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the crystallinity of HAP decreased when the ratio of BLG-NCA/HAP-NH2 increased to 20/1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the particle size of HAP-PBLG decreased significantly and that the resulting particles appeared less agglomerated relative to that of the HAP-NH2 crystals. Furthermore, 1H-NMR spectra and FTIR spectra revealed that hydroxyapatite-β-alanine-poly (L-glutamic acid) (HAP-PLGA) was able to successfully bear carboxylic acid groups on its side chains.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Glucosylated Podophyllotoxin Derivatives Linked via 4β-Triazole Rings
Authors: Zi Cheng-Ting , Xu Feng-Qing , Li Gen-Tao , Li Yan , Ding Zhong-Tao , Zhou Jun , Jiang Zi-Hua , Hu Jiang-Miao
Published: November 2013

A series of 4β-triazole-linked glucose podophyllotoxin conjugates have been designed and synthesized by employing a click chemistry approach. All the compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, SW480) using MTT assays. Most of these triazole derivatives have good anticancer activity. Among them, compound 35 showed the highest potency against all five cancer cell lines tested, with IC50 values ranging from 0.59 to 2.90 μM, which is significantly more active than the drug etoposide currently in clinical use. Structure-activity relationship analysis reveals that the acyl substitution on the glucose residue, the length of oligoethylene glycol linker, and the 4'-demethylation of podophyllotoxin scaffold can significantly affect the potency of the anticancer activity. Most notably, derivatives with a perbutyrylated glucose residue show much higher activity than their counterparts with either a free glucose or a peracetylated glucose residue.
Kalman/Map Filtering-Aided Fast Normalized Cross Correlation-Based Wi-Fi Fingerprinting Location Sensing
Authors: Sun Yongliang , Xu Yubin , Li Cheng , Ma Lin
Published: November 2013

A Kalman/map filtering (KMF)-aided fast normalized cross correlation (FNCC)-based Wi-Fi fingerprinting location sensing system is proposed in this paper. Compared with conventional neighbor selection algorithms that calculate localization results with received signal strength (RSS) mean samples, the proposed FNCC algorithm makes use of all the on-line RSS samples and reference point RSS variations to achieve higher fingerprinting accuracy. The FNCC computes efficiently while maintaining the same accuracy as the basic normalized cross correlation. Additionally, a KMF is also proposed to process fingerprinting localization results. It employs a new map matching algorithm to nonlinearize the linear location prediction process of Kalman filtering (KF) that takes advantage of spatial proximities of consecutive localization results. With a calibration model integrated into an indoor map, the map matching algorithm corrects unreasonable prediction locations of the KF according to the building interior structure. Thus, more accurate prediction locations are obtained. Using these locations, the KMF considerably improves fingerprinting algorithm performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the FNCC algorithm with reduced computational complexity outperforms other neighbor selection algorithms and the KMF effectively improves location sensing accuracy by using indoor map information and spatial proximities of consecutive localization results.
Impact of Damaging Geo-Hydrological Events and Population Development in Calabria, Southern Italy
Authors: Petrucci Olga , Pasqua Angela , Polemio Maurizio
Published: November 2013

Damaging geo-Hydrogeological Events (DHEs) are defined as the occurrence of destructive phenomena (such as landslides and floods) that can cause damage to people and goods during periods of bad weather. These phenomena should be analyzed together as they actually occur because their interactions can both amplify the damage and obstruct emergency management. The occurrence of DHEs depends on the interactions between climatic and geomorphological features: except for long-term climatic changes, these interactions can be considered constant, and for this reason, some areas are systematically affected. However, damage scenarios can change; events that occurred in the past could presently cause different effects depending on the modifications that occurred in the geographical distribution of vulnerable elements. We analyzed a catastrophic DHE that in 1951 affected an area 3700 km2 wide, located in Calabria (southern Italy), with four-day cumulative rainfall exceeding 300 mm and return periods of daily rain exceeding 500 Y. It resulted in 101 victims and 4500 homeless individuals. The probability that a similar event will happen again in the future is assessed using the return period of the triggering rainfall, whereas the different anthropogenic factors are taken into account by means of the population densities at the time of the event and currently. The result is a classification of regional municipalities according to the probability that events such as the one analyzed will occur again in the future and the possible effects of this event on the current situation.
Arturo Ripstein et la subversion du mélodrame
Authors: Larraz Emmanuel
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT- While in France for a long time we had known Mexican cinema only through the movies from Emilio Fernandez, « the Indian », and those from Luis Buñuel, Arturo Ripstein stood out in 1994 with the release of three long- length films in a short time : The Castle of Purity (1972), This Place without limits (1977) and The Empire of Wealth (1985), as well as his selection at the Cannes's Festival for his fourth movie, The Queen of the night (1994), coproduced by Mexico, the USA and France. In all his movies, and especially the latest ones, Deep Crimson (1996) and No Letter for the Colonel (1999), written with the scriptwriter Paz Alicia Garcíadiego, Arturo Ripstein while adapting melodrama emphasizes its darkness and confines its neurotic and delirious characters within a world where any hope is excluded.
Films latino-américains, festivals français
Authors: Rueda Amanda
Published: November 2013

RÉSUMÉ- Parcours des festivals français de cinéma qui ont fait une place aux productions venues d'Amérique latine, des années 1940 à la période actuelle. Ce parcours permet de constater un intérêt et une lucidité variables de la critique et du public français pour certaines cinematographies nationales et pour une incertaine cinematographic continentale. Fluctuations du regard porté sur le continent et sa (ou ses) production(s) fîlmique(s).
Fast presurgical magnetic resonance imaging of meniscal tears and concurrent subchondral bone marrow lesions
Authors: d'Anjou M-A. , Cabassu J. , Chailleux N. , Blond L. , Olive J.
Published: November 2013

Meniscal tears and subchondral bone marrow lesions have both been described in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but their possible concurrence has not been evaluated. In a population of 14 dogs exhibiting signs of stifle pain with surgically confirmed cranial cruciate ligament rupture, a short presurgical 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol including dorsal proton density, dorsal T1-weighted gradient recalled echo, and sagittal fat-saturated dual echo sequences was tested to further investigate these features and illustrate meniscal tears. Interobserver agreement for detection of medial meniscal tears (k = 0.83) and bone marrow lesions (k = 0.87) was excellent. Consensus MR reading allowed detection of nine out of 12 surgically confirmed medial meniscal tears and there was no false positive. All dogs had cruciate ligament enthesisrelated bone marrow lesions in the tibia, femur or both bones. Additionally, among the 12 dogs with confirmed medial meniscal tears, subchondral bone marrow lesions were present in the caudomedial (9 dogs) and caudoaxial (11 dogs) regions of the tibial plateau, resulting in odds ratios (13.6, p = 0.12, and 38.3, p = 0.04, respectively) that had large confidence intervals due to the small group size of this study. The other two dogs had neither tibial bone marrow lesions in these locations nor medial meniscal tears. These encouraging preliminary results warrant further investigation using this clinically realistic preoperative MR protocol. As direct diagnosis of meniscal tears remained challenging in dogs even with high-field MR, identification of associated signs such as subchondral bone marrow lesions might indirectly allow suspicion of an otherwise unrecognized meniscal tear.
Overexpression of Bmi-1 Induces the Malignant Transformation of Gastric Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Chen Yinting , Lian Guoda , Zhang Qiubo , Zeng Linjuan , Qian Chenchen , Chen Shaojie , Huang Kaihong
Published: November 2013

Oncogene Bmi-1 (B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1) has attracted much attention for its involvement in the initiation of a variety of tumors. Our previous study showed that Bmi-1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer and correlated with patient prognosis.
However, whether aberrant Bmi-1 expression was critical for the transformation of gastric epithelial cells remains unknown. In this study, we stably expressed Bmi-1 in a human gastric epithelial immortalized cell line, GES-1. The overexpression of Bmi-1 promoted cell growth and proliferation,
inhibited apoptosis, enhanced clone formation capability, possessed the characteristics of anchorage-independent growth, and increased migration and invasion abilities. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that ectopic expression of Bmi-1 played an important role in the malignant transformation of gastric epithelial cells.
A combined continuous microflow photochemistry and asymmetric organocatalysis approach for the enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Sugiono Erli , Rueping Magnus
Published: November 2013

A continuous-flow asymmetric organocatalytic photocyclization–transfer hydrogenation cascade reaction has been developed. The new protocol allows the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines from readily available 2-aminochalcones using a combination of photochemistry and asymmetric Brønsted acid catalysis. The photocylization and subsequent reduction was performed with catalytic amount of chiral BINOL derived phosphoric acid diester and Hantzsch dihydropyridine as hydrogen source providing the desired products in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities.
A community of practice: An intervention model based on computer supported collaborative learning
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez María-Rosa , Valverde-Berrocoso Jesús
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the results of a research study on the establishment of a Community of Practice through social eLearning and Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). The sample consisted of 20 adult women of gypsy origin of various ages, educational level and work activity residing in Extremadura (Spain). The study makes a contextualization and then describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a training scheme in social eLearning about Equal Opportunities and Social Leadership. This is followed by an analysis of the content of the course forums, according to the dimensions of the «Community of Inquiry» model (CoI) which is one of the most promising theoretical perspectives on e-learning and collaborative and constructivist approaches developed in hundreds of studies during the last decade. And finally, the study evaluates the learning experience, using triangulation as procedure for data analysis. The most important research results are: a) the validity of the design and implementation of the training, b) the forming of an effective Community of Practice for Roma women in virtual learning environments, and c) the significant changes in the participants that can favor the cultural promotion of women. It provides a new model of ICT-based educational intervention in CSCL, aimed at improving training for and promotion of sociocultural groups in situations of social exclusion.

Este artículo describe los resultados de investigación de un estudio sobre la conformación de una comunidad de práctica a través de e-learning social y aprendizaje colaborativo en entornos virtuales (CSCL). La muestra está formada por 20 mujeres gitanas adultas y residentes en Extremadura (España) heterogéneas en edad, nivel formativo y actividad laboral. El estudio parte de la contextualización y posterior diseño, implementación y evaluación de una acción formativa de e-learning sobre igualdad de oportunidades y liderazgo social. Posteriormente, analiza el contenido de foros del curso, según las dimensiones del modelo «Comunidad de Indagación» que es una de las perspectivas teóricas más prometedoras sobre e-learning y enfoques constructivistas colaborativos y que ha sido desarrollada en cientos de estudios durante la última década. Y, por último, evalúa la experiencia formativa, utilizando la triangulación como procedimiento para el análisis de datos. Se destacan como resultados la validez del diseño y aplicación de la acción formativa; la conformación efectiva de la comunidad de práctica de mujeres gitanas en entornos virtuales de enseñanza-aprendizaje colaborativos; y los cambios significativos en las mujeres participantes que favorecen su promoción socio-cultural. Se aporta un nuevo modelo de intervención socioeducativa con TIC basado en CSCL, destinado a la mejora de la formación y a la promoción sociocultural de los grupos en situación de exclusión social.
Design thinking and collaborative learning
Authors: Leinonen Teemu , Durall-Gazulla Eva
Published: November 2013

This paper presents design thinking as an alternative approach to conduct research on collaborative learning with technology. The underlying premise of the paper is the need to adopt human-centered design principles in research and design of computer-supported collaborative tools. Two research results are described in order to discuss the possibilities and challenges of applying design methods for designing and researching collaborative knowledge building tools. The paper begins by defining collaborative learning with new technologies as a wicked problem that can be approached by adopting a design mindset. Design thinking and particularly research-based design relies on a shared, social construction of understanding with the people who will later use the tools. The key phases in researchbased design (contextual inquiry, participatory design, product design and software as hypothesis) are described and exemplified through the presentation of two research results. The two prototypes presented are the fourth version of the Future Learning Environment (Fle4), a software tool for collaborative knowledge building and Square1, a set of hardware and software for self-organized learning environments. Both cases contribute to the discussion about the role of artifacts as research outcomes. Through these cases, we claim that design thinking is a meaningful ap proach in CSCL research.

El artículo presenta el pensamiento de diseño como un enfoque alternativo para realizar investigaciones sobre aprendizaje colaborativo con tecnología. Se describen dos resultados de investigación a fin de debatir las posibilidades y los retos de aplicar métodos de diseño para diseñar e investigar herramientas de construcción de conocimiento colaborativo. El texto comienza definiendo el aprendizaje colaborativo con nuevas tecnologías como un problema complejo que puede afrontarse mejor mediante la adopción de una actitud de diseñador. Se presenta el Diseño Basado en la Investigación (DBI) como un ejemplo de pensamiento de diseño basado en la construcción social del conocimiento con las personas que más adelante utilizarán las herramientas. Se describen las fases clave que caracterizan el método DBI (investigación contextual, diseño participativo, diseño de producto y software como hipótesis) y defiende la necesidad de adoptar un enfoque de diseño centrado en las personas. Los dos prototipos presentados son la cuarta versión de Future Learning Environment (Fle4), un software para la construcción de conocimiento colaborativo, y Square1, un conjunto de dispositivos y aplicaciones para entornos de aprendizaje auto-organizados. Ambos son ejemplos de DBI y contribuyen a la discusión sobre el rol de los artefactos como resultados de investigación. A través de estos casos, se afirma que el pensamiento de diseño es un enfoque significativo en la investigación sobre el aprendizaje colaborativo mediado por ordenador.
Un rêve d'Anaïs Nin enfant
Authors: Bélis Mireille
Published: November 2013

Pourquoi la petite Anaïs Nin rêve-t-elle début 1915, à New York, que Jeanne d’Arc lui demande de sauver la France ? Solidement ancrée dans les esprits depuis des siècles, la vénération de Jeanne d’Arc connaît un regain de popularité dès le début de la guerre de 1914-1918. La bienheureuse ne sera canonisée qu’en 1920, mais la petite Lorraine devient vite le symbole de la République, la « Sainte de la Patrie » outragée par les Barbares allemands. Le rêve d’Anaïs reprend les éléments d’une propagande multiforme qui s’est profondément enracinée dans les consciences, à travers les images, les manifestations patriotiques, les cartes postales, et surtout, la presse. Les faits divers recueillis ici offrent une galerie d’illuminées prétendant sauver la France, de femmes saisies de démence mystique, de pseudo-miracles attribués à Jeanne. Dans une guerre d’hommes, ces femmes compensent par un délire johannique leur impuissance à combattre l’ennemi, à commencer par la petite Anaïs.
THE EFFECT OF MICROENCAPSULATED PHASE-CHANGE MATERIAL ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
Authors: Norvell Chad , Sailor David J. , Dusicka Peter
Published: November 2013

Latent heat energy storage through phase-change materials (PCMs) is one possible strategy to control interior temperatures in buildings, improve thermal comfort, and passively reduce building energy use associated with heating and cooling. While PCMs integrated into building structure elements have been studied since the 1970s, challenges of integrating PCMs into building materials while maintaining their heat storage benefits have limited their application in practice. The recent introduction of microencapsulated phase-change materials provides the energy storage capability of PCMs in micron-scale, chemically-inert capsules that can be easily integrated into composite materials such as gypsum wallboard and concrete. The size and physical properties of microencapsulated PCMs suggest that they will behave similarly to filler materials in concrete. Such filler materials are generally less than 125 μm in diameter and can increase concrete strength when added to a mix. This study uses the compressive strength of hardened concrete mixes with varying amounts of PCM to evaluate the effect of PCM addition on concrete structural integrity.
A STUDY OF THE CONCEPT OF DYNAMIC EQUIPMENT IN THE EARTHMOVING PROCESS BY A CONSIDERATION OF TIME, COST AND EMISSIONS
Authors: Maghrebi Mojtaba , Ebrahiminejad Meysam , Shakeri Eghbal
Published: November 2013

The earthmoving process is usually handled by a combination of multi-functional excavators and delivery trucks. According to the principles of excavation, a specific machine is selected to dig the earth. Sometimes, due to the difficulties in the process, the digging process is split between different machines with different capabilities. This paper aims to introduce the concept of dynamic equipment for allocating different tasks in an operation to a machine. This concept is discussed and modelled via a discrete-event simulation method and is tested in a real earthmoving operation from three different perspectives: time, cost and emission. The results from the case study show that the use of dynamic equipment will lead to a decrease in cost and emissions and an increase in productivity.
Intestinal morphology and activity of digestive enzymes in broilers fed crude propolis
Authors: Duarte C. R. A. , Eyng C. , Murakami A. E. , Santos T. C.
Published: November 2013

Duarte, C. R. A., Eyng, C., Murakami, A. E. and Santos, T. C. 2014. Intestinal morphology and activity of digestive enzymes in broilers fed crude propolis. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 105–114. Propolis is a resin produced by bees that has been investigated for its potential to increase the performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of crude propolis in the diets of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 d of age. A total of 1020 male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into six treatments (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm of crude propolis), with five replications, and 34 birds per experimental unit. The experimental diets were provided from 1 to 21 d of age and subsequently (from 22 to 42 d of age) the birds were fed a nutritionally complete ration based on corn and soybean meal. All supplemented groups showed similar growth performance in all growth phases (P>0.05); however, there was a linear increase in carcass yield at 42 d of age according to increase in crude propolis inclusion from 1 to 21 d of age (P<0.05). At 7 d of age, relative weight of the gizzard increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing propolis, and at 21 d of age, relative weight of the large intestine showed a quadratic (P<0.05) response, with the lowest value predicted to occur at 278 ppm of crude propolis. The ileum crypt depth at 21 d of age was affected by propolis, with a quadratic response (P<0.05) and highest value estimated at 323 ppm. At 21 d of age, sucrase activity in the jejunum increased linearly with increasing propolis and maltase activity in the ileum showed a quadratic (P<0.05) response, which predicted highest activity at 292 ppm. Amylase activity was lower in animals supplemented with 100 and 400 ppm of propolis at 21 d of age (P<0.05) compared with the control group. Thus, the crude propolis supplementation is not recommended in broiler diets from 1 to 21 d old given that it does not influence the performance, despite small changes in intestinal morphophysiology at 21 d of age.
The policy analysis matrix with profit-efficient data: evaluating profitability in rice cultivation
Authors: Reig E. , Picazo-Tadeo A.J. , Estruch V.
Published: November 2013

This paper combines policy analysis matrix and data envelopment analysis techniques to model the analysis of profitability from farming. Policy analysis matrices are computed for a sample of rice growers located in the wetland of the Albufera (Eastern Spain) under observed conventional and profit-efficient farming conditions. While conventional analysis points to a lack of profitability, farmers are shown to make positive profits at private and social prices when data reflecting efficiency adjustments are used in the analysis. The main conclusion is that the usefulness of the policy analysis matrix might be substantially enhanced by simulating profitability after efficiency-improving managerial decisions have been adopted.
A comparative analysis of methods for the valuation of urban trees in Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Authors: Contato Carol M.L. , Ayuga Téllez E. , Grande Ortiz M.A.
Published: November 2013

Trees are living elements interspersed throughout our cities, and are considered by economists to be "fixed assets". Though they form part of our cities they do not have a set price as normally understood and calculated within the framework of a perfectly competitive market. The main aim of this article was to compare the main methods developed in the USA (North American) and Europe (Finnish, Swiss, French and Capitalisation methods) for determining the monetary value of urban trees in the town of Santiago del Estero, northeastern Argentina. The values of eight specimens of the most abundant species in the city (Brachychiton populneum, Citrus auriantum, Grevillea robusta, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Sapindus saponaria, Tabebuia impetiginosa, Thevetia peruviana, and Tipuana tipu) were calculated using all five methods mentioned above and the mean values returned compared by ANOVA. The results suggest a methodology combining both capitalisation and parametric indices might be the most useful way of determining the value of city trees.
Parasitism and horn quality in male Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) from Andalucía based on coprological analysis and muscle biopsy
Authors: Luzón M. , Santiago-Moreno J. , Meana A. , Toledano-Díaz A. , Pulido-Pastor A. , Gómez-Brunet A. , López-Sebastián A.
Published: November 2013

A parasitological survey was performed on 51 adult male Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) from Málaga (Andalucía, Southern Spain) which were legally hunted during rutting season (October to December) in 2002 and 2003, in order to determine the health status of the ibex populations. Animals were classified according to horn quality and geographic location and their respective parasite levels were compared. Gastrointestinal and pulmonary (family Protostrongylidae) nematodes (order Strongylida), intestinal cestodes (family Anoplocephalidae: Moniezia expansa and M. benedeni) and intestinal coccidia (Eimeria spp) were detected by coprological analysis, and muscle protozoa (Sarcocystis spp) by muscle biopsy. A parasitism index (PI) was calculated for each animal and parasite group. A horn index (HI) was designed that classified animals into four categories: HI1 (good), HI2 (normal), HI3 (poor) and HI4 (very poor). There was a negative correlation (R = 0.262; P = 0.062) between the PI of lungworms (Protostrongylidae) and HI, high lungworm PIs corresponded with lower HI values (better horn characteristics). Linear correlations between arcsine transformed parasite counts and one principal component analysis (PCA) of horn measures were calculated. There was a correlation (R = 0.30; P = 0.03) between lungworm larval shedding (Protostrongylidae) and PCA for horn quality. High larval counts corresponded with high PCA values (better horn quality). The possibility of rut stress affecting dominant males is proposed as a predisposing factor for the observed trend.
Agronomic performance of sweetcorn populations derived from crosses between sweetcorn and field corn
Authors: Butrón A. , Álvarez A. , Revilla P. , Malvar R.A. , Rodríguez V.M. , Ruiz de Galarreta J.I. , Ordás A.
Published: November 2013

The adaptation of sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) to Spanish growing conditions needs to be improved, something that could be achieved by incorporating traits from field corn populations. The aim of the present study was to analyse the performance of sweetcorn populations carrying the genes sugary1 (su1) or shrunken2 (sh2), as well as sugary enhancer double mutants (su1 se1), produced by crosses between sweetcorn donor populations and the Spanish field corn populations Lazcano, Oroso and Rastrojero. The three field corn populations plus the su1, su1 se1 and sh2 populations derived from them, as well as the su1, su1 se1, and sh2 donor populations used in the crosses with the field corn populations, were evaluated for their agronomic performance. Several hybrids were used as controls. Assessments were made in Zaragoza (NE Spain) and Pontevedra (NW Spain) over two years. The ability of the field corn populations to improve the sweetcorn varieties was not greatly affected by the sweetcorn mutant involved. The field corn populations chosen as donors for improving sweetcorn must depend on the growing conditions in mind. Sweetcorn populations derived Oroso would appear to be the most favourable for northern Spain, while those derived from Rastrojero would appear to be the most suitable for inland Spain, although other field corn populations are still to be examined.
Efficiency of different hybridization methods in single crosses or rice for pure line breeding
Authors: García-Yzaguirre A. , Carreres R.
Published: November 2013

Hybridization efficiency of two crossing methods (involving emasculation by hot water or by anther aspiration), was determined in rice. Quantitative comparisons between crossing methods for pure line breeding are scarce and the objectives of this work were to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of emasculation methods, and to determine an adequate temperature for hot water emasculation. Hot water emasculation at a temperature suitable to each variety (followed by panicle pollination) achieved a higher percentage of hybrid F1 plants (54.6%) than anther aspiration (8.4%), but significantly more seed set was obtained after anther aspiration (31.5%) than after hot water immersion (16.5%). The easiest and quickest emasculation method was the immersion in hot water of panicles from detached rooted tillers.
Effects of nutrition and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, L.) growing in perlite
Authors: Gül A. , Kidoglu F. , Tüzel Y.
Published: November 2013

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are free-living bacteria that, as their name suggests, promote plant growth. However, they can also be of help in the biological control of plant diseases. This study reports the effects of two different commercially available strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (FZB24 and FZB42) on tomato production in open and closed systems in the presence of different amounts of nutrients. Three factors were tested: (1) the type of nutrition system (open or closed), (2) the concentration of the nutrient solution (full or half strength), and (3) the PGPR applied (either B. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 or B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42, or a no-PGPR control). Perlite was used as the growth medium. Variables related to water use efficiency, yield and fruit quality were assessed. The use of half strength nutrient solution was sufficient for full growth in the open system in both spring and autumn seasons. However, the same strength nutrient solution was associated with reduced yields in the closed system during the autumn season. The application of either strain of B. amyloliquefaciens increased the yield of the tomato plants by 8-9% in the open system in the spring, whereas they had an adverse effect on yield in the closed system under half strength nutrient solution conditions during the autumn.
Mobile and georeferenced electromagnetic sensors and applications for salinity assessment
Authors: Urdanoz V. , Amezketa Lizarraga E. , Clavería I. , Ochoa V. , Aragües Lafarga R.
Published: November 2013

Soil salinity is a major threat in irrigated agriculture because of its negative on-site (decreased productivity) and off-site (salinization of irrigation return flows) effects. The delineation of the spatial variability of soil salinity is best suited using non-invasive geophysical measurements of the apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) using mobile GPS-based systems. Two simple and cost-effective Mobile Georeferenced Electromagnetic Sensors (MGES) developed in Aragón and Navarra (Spain) are described. These devices involve electromagnetic instruments towed by all terrain vehicles and combined with GPS units and data acquisition systems that collect both ECa readings and GPS coordinates. Two applications of the MGES aimed at delineating ECa maps for (1) selecting the most suitable crops in a 43-ha saline site (Hondo de Espartosa) and (2) correlating ECa with drainage water salinity to ascertain the salinity-source areas in a new 715 ha irrigated basin (Barranco de Lerma) were examined. These examples demonstrate the MGES surveying capacities for management of salt-affected agricultural areas.
Genotype × environment interaction for grain yield of some lentil genotypes and relationship among univariate stability statistics
Authors: Dehghani, H. , Sabaghpour S. H. , Sabaghnia N.
Published: November 2013

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is traditionally grown as a rain fed crop, particularly in the Middle East; its seed is a rich source of protein for human consumption in developing countries such as Iran and others. The stability of 11 different lentil genotypes was investigated using 19 univariate stability parameters. Field experiments were conducted in 20 rain-fed environments in Iran’s lentil producing areas to characterize genotype by environment (GE) interactions on seed yield of 11 lentil genotypes. Combined analysis of variance across environments indicated that both environment and GE interactions significantly influenced genotype yield. Several statistical methods and techniques were used to describe the GE interaction and to define stable genotypes in relation to their yield. The results of these different stability methods were variable. However, most showed genotype FLIP 92-12L was stable and genotype Gachsaran was unstable. Genotypes identified as superior differed significantly from local cultivars and can be recommended for use by farmers in semi-arid areas of Iran. Principal component analysis was used to obtain an understanding of relationships among stability techniques. It showed the parameters studied could be grouped in five distinct classes. Clustering of the genotypes indicated that there were two genotypic groups in this group of genotypes.
New water treatment plant features first dissolved‐air flotation system in Illinois
Authors: London Steven
Published: November 2013

Replacing a nearly 90‐year‐old municipal water treatment plant in Illinois required years of planning and testing ‐ and ended up being the state's first dissolved‐air flotation system.
Paramilitary Policing In The Implementation of Police Departement Tasks : The National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (POLRI)
Authors: Simon R A. Josias
Published: November 2013

This paper is the result of research that discusses the conception of paramilitary policing and investigating their implementation within the body of the POLRI. Including identify the elements of paramilitary policing in a variety of functional unit (satfung) in departement of police in resort level. The results of this study indicate the necessity of paramilitary policing control in the execution of duty serving the interests of the general public, but still needed internally in order to improve discipline and unity of police personnel in facing the instability and uncertainty of duties in the field.
The Effect of Inflation on Domestic Migrant Worker Households in China
Authors: Zhang Shishu
Published: November 2013

Domestic migration workers and inflation are two phenomena attracting attention from worldwide scholars. The article endeavors to accomplish the following three tasks: a) describe the characteristics of inflation and immigration situations in China; b) study the effect of inflation on domestic immigrants' the expenditures; c) understand the effect of inflation on immigrants' happiness and satisfaction. The paper found out that in all the eight expenditure categories, only three categories (food, clothing and housing) are negatively affected by inflation. Other five expenditure categories (health and medical, house equipment, facilities and services, entertainment, educational and cultural activities, transportation and communication, tuition, and miscellaneous) are positively affected by inflation. The biggest reduction of expenditure is in transportation and communication with a coefficient of -0.025. The paper also found out that the lower income group's expenditure is more affected by inflation then higher income group. The paper showed that inflation didn't have a significant effect on people's feeling of happiness and their satisfaction.
Coleridge and Communication
Authors: Bewell Alan
Published: November 2013

Although much has been written about Coleridge’s ideas concerning language, less has been said about the role that communication plays in his work, particularly his use of language as a medium for bridging the distance between himself and others. Coleridge felt that great poetry could successfully overcome this gap, and in his poetry there are moments when he felt that he was fully tuned-in to an intelligible universe created by an all-loving and all-communicating God. Such moments, when the “One Life” was revealed to him were based upon a theory of communication in which the universe was the medium of divine communication. More frequently, however, Coleridge was troubled by bad reception, by what he understood to be a failure of communication, times when he was denied complete participation in a fully intelligible world and when the gap separating himself from others and from nature appeared as a chasm. “Sometimes when I earnestly look at a beautiful Object or Landscape,” he writes in a notebook, “it seems as if I were on the brink of a Fruition still denied--as if Vision were an appetite: even as a man would feel, who having put forth all his muscular strength in an act of prosilience, at that very moment held back -- he leaps & yet moves not from his place” (Notebooks III, no 3767). At such times, Coleridge felt “held back,” wanting desperately to move forward from his sense of isolation but unable to do so. This state of tension, in the desire for complete communication in a context of communication breakdowns, characterizes Coleridge’s best writing. For Coleridge, poetry was the highest form of human communication, and the task of a poet was to use language to move his readers beyond the need for words. When communication failed, he felt that he was a failed poet. This essay will examine Coleridge’s commitment to the idea of perfect communication at the same time as it suggests that one aspect of Coleridge’s strength as a writer lies in those moments when he grappled with the fallibility of human communication and sought to build community in a world in which our relationship to others also includes isolation, misdirection, darkness, strangeness, and ghosts.