bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of exotic and indigenous apple rootstocks for different horticultural traits
Authors: Srivastava KK , Singh DB , Kumar Dinesh , Mir JI
Published: January 2017

An experiment was carried out to find the suitable exotic as well as indigenous apple rootstocks for temperate zone of India. The rootstocks were screened on the basis of 11 important pomological traits. The data revealed that maximum numbers of primary and secondary roots were noted of 93.40, 92.76 in MM.106 and USA 106 and 92.0 noted in CITHrootstock- 01, respectively. Maximum length of primary roots (19.83cm) was recorded of EMLA 106 whereas shortest primary roots (6.47 cm) were recorded of ALNARP. The longest secondary roots (11.83cm) were found in M.27 and shortest secondary roots (2.10 cm) in ALNARP rootstock. Most of the indigenous apple rootstocks were having short to medium length of secondary roots. Leaf area was recorded highest (3.80cm2) in CITH-Apple rootstock-04 and smallest (1.96 cm2) of USA- 106. All the evaluated rootstocks have pink colored petiole except B-9, which has dark red color. Highest collar rot incidence was observed in M- 27 and M-26 and least in indigenous root stocks (CITH-Apple rootstocks). Highest wooly aphid infection was found in M-9, B-9, M-27, EMLA-106 and ALNARP whereas least infestation noted in M-26 and indigenous apple rootstock (CITH-ARS-01, CITH-ARS-02, CITH-ARS-03, CITH-ARS-04, CITH-ARS-, CITH-ARS-09 and CITH-ARS-10). Primary root length has positive correlation with secondary root numbers, secondary root length and leaf petiole length but negative correlation with leaf area.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 117-125 (2016)
Combat climate change challenges in considering climatic vulnerabilities and risk factors for wheat production
Authors: Rahman MM , Miah MG , Saha SR
Published: January 2017

The present study was undertaken for assessing the impacts of climate variability on wheat production as well as the field based suggestions opined by the wheat growers to combat the future challenges particularly climate variability during November 2014 to March 2015. The study was conducted at northwest region at Dinajpur sadar and Kaharul upazilas in Dinajpur of Bangladesh. One hundred sixty wheat farmers were selected by using previously pre-tested interview schedules adopting multistage proportionate systematic random sampling technique. Climatic variability was assessed by analysis of long term data of local meteorological station. Assessment of long term climatic data particularly for wheat growing season revealed that minimum temperature has been increased, while maximum temperature and rainfall were decreased. Farmers opinions on these aspects were almost similar. Farmers opined that both surface and ground water levels have been decreased, resulting agricultural drought. Farmers also opined regarding suitable technology to combat climate change impact on wheat production revealed the use of newly recommended varieties. Finally, the outcome of the results could help researchers as well as government and NGOs to take appropriate climate change adaptation policy thus facilitating farmers in sustaining their livelihoods against changing climate in the near future of Northwest region in Bangladesh.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 137-149 (2016)
The Interphase Influences on the Particle-Reinforced Composites with Periodic Particle Configuration
Authors: Ye Junjie , Chu Chenchen , Zhai Zhi , Wang Yongkun , Shi Baoquan , Qiu Yuanying
Published: January 2017

This work improved upon an effective micromechanical method to analyze the mechanical properties of three-dimensional particle-reinforced composites (PRC) with consideration of the interfacial debonding. By incorporating the interfacial debonding model, Mises yield criterion, and failure theory, the effects of particle shape, particle volume fraction, and loading condition on the mechanical properties are studied. A comparison of simulation results obtained from the established method and published experimental data is presented. Good consistency can be found in this study. On this basis, the interfacial cohesive strength and particle shape effects on the biaxial failure strength of particle-reinforced composites with interfacial debonding were also studied. The results revealed that both interfacial strength and particle shape have significant effects on biaxial tensile failure strength. However, the different interfacial strength influence on failure envelope can hardly be discerned in biaxial compressive loading.
Plasma-Textured Teflon: Repulsion in Air of Water Droplets and Drag Reduction Underwater
Authors: Di Mundo Rosa , Bottiglione Francesco , Notarnicola Michele , Palumbo Fabio , Pascazio Giuseppe
Published: January 2017

A superhydrophobic behavior can be obtained by properly modifying the surface topography of Teflon or other fluorinated polymers having an inherent hydrophobic character. According to this strategy, we have micro/nanotextured Teflon both as plane material (sheets) and as three-dimensional (3D) object (spheres) with a single step plasma process. The obtained textured Teflon samples were compared with those made of pristine Teflon in air, in terms of repulsion of impacting water droplets, and underwater, in terms of air layer behavior under static and dynamic conditions. The latter case was investigated by subjecting the spheres to a vertical fall in water. Modified surfaces present nanofilaments on the top of micrometric vertical structures, which can increase the air retaining capacity, resulting in a biomimicry effect due to a similarity with the Salvinia molesta leaf. On this surface, repulsion of impacting water droplets can be as fast as previously reached only on heated solids. Also, the air layer over the modified spheres underwater is shown to play a role in the observed reduction of hydrodynamic drag onto the moving object.
Intermittent Motion, Nonlinear Diffusion Equation and Tsallis Formalism
Authors: Lenzi Ervin , Da Silva Luciano , Lenzi Marcelo , Dos Santos Maike , Ribeiro Haroldo , Evangelista Luiz
Published: January 2017

We investigate an intermittent process obtained from the combination of a nonlinear diffusion equation and pauses. We consider the porous media equation with reaction terms related to the rate of switching the particles from the diffusive mode to the resting mode or switching them from the resting to the movement. The results show that in the asymptotic limit of small and long times, the spreading of the system is essentially governed by the diffusive term. The behavior exhibited for intermediate times depends on the rates present in the reaction terms. In this scenario, we show that, in the asymptotic limits, the distributions for this process are given by in terms of power laws which may be related to the q-exponential present in the Tsallis statistics. Furthermore, we also analyze a situation characterized by different diffusive regimes, which emerges when the diffusive term is a mixing of linear and nonlinear terms.
Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass
Authors: Szulc Justyna , Otlewska Anna , Okrasa Małgorzata , Majchrzycka Katarzyna , Sulyok Michael , Gutarowska Beata
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial contamination at a plant biomass processing thermal power station (CHP). We found 2.42 × 103 CFU/m3 of bacteria and 1.37 × 104 CFU/m3 of fungi in the air; 2.30 × 107 CFU/g of bacteria and 4.46 × 105 CFU/g of fungi in the biomass; and 1.61 × 102 CFU/cm2 bacteria and 2.39 × 101 CFU/cm2 fungi in filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Using culture methods, we found 8 genera of mesophilic bacteria and 7 of fungi in the air; 10 genera each of bacteria and fungi in the biomass; and 2 and 5, respectively, on the FFRs. Metagenomic analysis (Illumina MiSeq) revealed the presence of 46 bacterial and 5 fungal genera on the FFRs, including potential pathogens Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Prevotella sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp.). The ability of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the FFRs was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also identified secondary metabolites in the biomass and FFRs, including fumigaclavines, quinocitrinines, sterigmatocistin, and 3-nitropropionic acid, which may be toxic to humans. Due to the presence of potential pathogens and mycotoxins, the level of microbiological contamination at workplaces in CHPs should be monitored.
Infection Dynamics and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella Paratyphi B d-tartrate Positive (Java) in a Persistently Infected Broiler Barn
Authors: Kloska Franziska , Beyerbach Martin , Klein Günter
Published: January 2017

The infection dynamics of S. Java were examined in three consecutive rearing periods on a broiler farm in Northwestern Germany which had been persistently infected with S. Java for more than five years. The barn was investigated for Salmonella occurrence after cleaning and disinfection to verify the persistent contamination of the broiler house with S. Java before the start of the first rearing cycle. Confirmation of Salmonella absence in day-old chicks (time-point 1) as well as early establishment of infection between days 5–7 (time-point 2) were confirmed by caecal swabs prepared for qPCR and classical microbiological methods. At three time-periods (between days 11–15 (time-point 3), days 25–28 (time-point 4), and days 38–40 (time-point 5)) caecal content was examined for colony forming units (CFU) Salmonella/g. In general, there was an increase in Salmonella Java load at time-point 4 compared to time-points 3 and 5. Therefore, we observed a bell-shaped course of infection resulting in higher rates of Salmonella CFU/g prior to prethinning than at final slaughter. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to tetracycline, fluorquinolones, trimethoprim, and cefoxitin.
The Basic Act for Suicide Prevention: Effects on Longitudinal Trend in Deliberate Self-Harm with Reference to National Suicide Data for 1996–2014
Authors: Nakanishi Miharu , Endo Kaori , Ando Shuntaro
Published: January 2017

A suicide prevention strategy was launched in Japan in 2006 to address the high suicide rate, which had increased considerably since 1998. The national strategy from 2007 involved the enhancement of psychiatric treatment services at emergency medical facilities and supportive observation by individuals close to patients. The national suicide rate has decreased gradually since 2008; however, national information regarding the number of patients who had engaged in deliberate self-harm was absent. Therefore, the present study examined the longitudinal trend in hospital admissions due to deliberate self-harm in Japan. Data from the National Patient Survey between 1996 and 2014—a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of inpatient care every 3 years—were used. Data for 13,014 patients were included in the estimation of the number of hospital admissions due to deliberate self-harm. The results show that the estimated number of admissions due to deliberate self-harm increased from 2078 in September 1996 to 3189 in September 2008, when the national number of suicide cases peaked, and decreased to 1783 in 2014. Approximately half of the patients were admitted to hospital because of self-harm via means other than drug poisoning, which had a high mortality rate (5.6%). The proportion of patients receiving public assistance was higher in those who had engaged in deliberate self-harm (8.5%) relative to that observed in the general population. Overall, the trend in deliberate self-harm was synchronous with the number of suicide cases over time. As economic poverty has been associated with suicidal ideation and behavior and some recipients of public assistance tend to abuse psychotropic medication, the public assistance program should provide mental health support for recipients of social benefit schemes.
Composition of Lignin-to-Liquid Solvolysis Oils from Lignin Extracted in a Semi-Continuous Organosolv Process
Authors: Løhre Camilla , Halleraker Hilde Vik , Barth Tanja
Published: January 2017

The interest and on-going research on utilisation of lignin as feedstock for production of renewable and sustainable aromatics is expanding and shows great potential. This study investigates the applicability of semi-continuously organosolv extracted lignin in Lignin-to-Liquid (LtL) solvolysis, using formic acid as hydrogen donor and water as solvent under high temperature–high pressure (HTHP) conditions. The high purity of the organosolv lignin provides high conversion yields at up to 94% based on lignin mass input. The formic acid input is a dominating parameter in lignin conversion. Carbon balance calculations of LtL-solvolysis experiments also indicate that formic acid can give a net carbon contribution to the bio-oils, in addition to its property as hydrogenation agent. Compound specific quantification of the ten most abundant components in the LtL-oils describe up to 10% of the bio-oil composition, and reaction temperature is shown to be the dominating parameter for the structures present. The structural and quantitative results from this study identify components of considerable value in the LtL-oil, and support the position of this oil as a potentially important source of building blocks for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
Minimizing Skin Scarring through Biomaterial Design
Authors: Moore Alessandra , Marshall Clement , Longaker Michael
Published: January 2017

Wound healing continues to be a major burden to patients, though research in the field has expanded significantly. Due to an aging population and increasing comorbid conditions, the cost of chronic wounds is expected to increase for patients and the U.S. healthcare system alike. With this knowledge, the number of engineered products to facilitate wound healing has also increased dramatically, with some already in clinical use. In this review, the major biomaterials used to facilitate skin wound healing will be examined, with particular attention allocated to the science behind their development. Experimental therapies will also be evaluated.
An Extended Damage Plasticity Model for Shotcrete: Formulation and Comparison with Other Shotcrete Models
Authors: Neuner Matthias , Gamnitzer Peter , Hofstetter Günter
Published: January 2017

The aims of the present paper are (i) to briefly review single-field and multi-field shotcrete models proposed in the literature; (ii) to propose the extension of a damage-plasticity model for concrete to shotcrete; and (iii) to evaluate the capabilities of the proposed extended damage-plasticity model for shotcrete by comparing the predicted response with experimental data for shotcrete and with the response predicted by shotcrete models, available in the literature. The results of the evaluation will be used for recommendations concerning the application and further improvements of the investigated shotcrete models and they will serve as a basis for the design of a new lab test program, complementing the existing ones.
Experimental Study on Influence of Trap Parameters on Dielectric Characteristics of Nano-Modified Insulation Pressboard
Authors: Chen Qingguo , Liu Heqian , Chi Minghe , Wang Yonghong , Wei Xinlao
Published: January 2017

In order to study the influence of trap parameters on dielectric characteristics of nano-modified pressboards, pressboards were made using the nano doping method with different nanoparticle components. The dielectric characteristics of the modified pressboards were measured, and the trap parameters were investigated using the thermally stimulated current (TSC) method. The test results indicated that the conductivity initially declined and then rose with the increase of nano-Al2O3 content, whereas it solely rose with the increase of nano-SiC content. Moreover, the conductivity exhibited nonlinear characteristics with the enhancement of electric field stress at high nanoparticle content. The relative permittivity of modified pressboard declines initially and then rises with the increase of nanoparticle content. In addition, the breakdown strength of modified pressboards exhibited a pattern of incline followed by decline with the increase of nano-Al2O3 content, while it always declined with the increase of nano-SiC content. The analysis based on the energy band theory on trap parameters of the constructed multi-core model concludes that the nanoparticle components added in pressboard altered both the depth and density of traps. It is therefore concluded that trap parameters have significant influence on the dielectric characteristics of nano-modified insulation pressboard.
Glass Imprint Templates by Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving for Microfabrication by Hot Embossing
Authors: Hof Lucas , Guo Xin , Seo Minseok , Wüthrich Rolf , Greener Jesse
Published: January 2017

As the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) matures, new demands are being placed on the microfabrication of complex architectures in robust materials, such as hard plastics. Iterative design optimization in a timely manner—rapid prototyping—places challenges on template fabrication, for methods such as injection moulding and hot embossing. In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility of using spark assisted chemical engraving (SACE) to produce micro patterned glass templates. The direct, write-based approach enabled the facile fabrication of smooth microfeatures with variations in all three-dimensions, which could be replicated by hot embossing different thermoplastics. As a proof of principle, we demonstrated the technique for a high glass transition temperature polycarbonate. Good fidelity over more than 10 cycles provides evidence that the approach is viable for rapid prototyping and has the potential to satisfy commercial-grade production at medium-level output volumes. Glass imprint templates showed no degradation after use, but care must be taken due to brittleness. The technique has the potential to advance microfabrication needs in academia and could be used by MEMS product developers.
Organic Solvent and Surfactant Resistant Paper-Fluidic Devices Fabricated by One-Step Embossing of Nonwoven Polypropylene Sheet
Authors: Shin Joong , Park Juhwan , Park Je-Kyun
Published: January 2017

In this communication, we report a physical method for the fabrication of organic solvent and surfactant-resistant barriers on paper-based fluidic devices. When nonwoven polypropylene sheet is embossed with a steel mold, the embossed region acts as a physical barrier that can prevent the flow of liquids. Embossed polypropylene barriers not only block water, but also block organic solvents and surfactants, which are known to be difficult to handle on previous paper-based devices. Various amounts of embossing pressures were tested to determine the minimum embossing pressure required for leakproof barrier formation. The compatibility of the barrier was also investigated with several surfactants and organic solvents. As a demonstration, a lysis buffer, which was known to leak through wax-printed barriers, was used to detect Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to report a one-step fabrication method of paper-fluidic devices capable of handling surfactants and organic solvents, including alcohols.
A Systematic Review of the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Brunner Jacob , Riley Charles , McCoul Edward
Published: January 2017

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) may be an underlying factor in some cases of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, clinical management of this condition is not well defined. This systematic review examines the available evidence for the diagnosis and management of CRS in adults with PCD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane database were queried for studies pertinent to treatment of PCD in adults. Two investigators performed eligibility assessment for inclusion or exclusion in a standardized manner. Results: Of the 278 articles identified, six studies met the criteria for analysis. These studies had a predominately low level of evidence. Medical therapy included oral antibiotics and nasal saline rinses. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was described in three of six studies. Outcomes measures were limited and included non-validated questionnaires, subjective reporting of CRS symptoms, and decreased preciptins against pseudomonas following ESS. Recommendation for a standardized therapeutic strategy was not possible with the available literature. Conclusion: A paucity of evidence is available to guide the treatment of PCD in the adult population. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal diagnostic and management strategy for this condition.
Functional Assessment and Injury Risk in a Professional Soccer Team
Authors: Gómez-Piqueras Pedro , González-Víllora Sixto , Sainz de Baranda Andújar María , Contreras-Jordán Onofre
Published: January 2017

At the last World Conference on Sport and Physical Therapy celebrated in Bern (Switzerland, 2015), it was confirmed that the functional skills of an athlete are a very important variable to be considered in the recovery of an injury. On the other hand, its use as a predictive risk tool still lacks solid evidence. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a battery of functional tests (FPT) could be used as a preliminary measure for the season in order to identify the injury risk in a professional soccer team in the Spanish Second Division B League. Fifty-two soccer players (ages of 25.3 ± 4.6 years, 10.33% ± 0.9% fat) were functionally assessed during two seasons (2012–2013 and 2013–2014) and analyzed from an injury perspective. A total of 125 injuries were recorded. The sample was grouped based on the number of injuries and the required absence days. Except for the bipodal vertical jump (CMJ), none of the functional tests revealed differences among the groups. The correlation study between the functional condition and the suffered injuries did not show any significant results.
Positioning Nuclear Power in the Low-Carbon Electricity Transition
Authors: Verbruggen Aviel , Yurchenko Yuliya
Published: January 2017

Addressing climate change requires de-carbonizing future energy supplies in an increasingly energy-dependent world. The IEA and the IPCC (2014) mention the following as low-carbon energy supply options: ‘renewable energy, nuclear power and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage’. Positioning nuclear power in the decarbonization transition is a problematic issue and is overridden by ill-conceived axioms. Before probing these axioms, we provide an overview of five major, postwar energy-related legacies and some insight into who is engaged in nuclear activities. We check whether low-carbon nuclear power passes the full sustainability test and whether it is compatible with the unfettered deployment of variable renewable power sourced from the sun and from wind and water currents, which delivers two negative answers. We show that the best approach of the sustainable energy transition was Germany’s 2011 decision to phase out nuclear power for a fast development and full deployment of renewable power. This is the best approach for the sustainable energy transition. We offer five practical suggestions to strengthen and accelerate carbon- and nuclear-free transitions. They are related to institutional issues like the role of cost-benefit analysis and the mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to the costs of nuclear risks and catastrophes, and to the historical record of nuclear technology and business.
Measuring Spatiotemporal Features of Land Subsidence, Groundwater Drawdown, and Compressible Layer Thickness in Beijing Plain, China
Authors: Li Yongyong , Gong Huili , Zhu Lin , Li Xiaojuan
Published: January 2017

Beijing is located on multiple alluvial-pluvial fans with thick Quaternary unconsolidated sediments. It has suffered serious groundwater drawdown and land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation. This study aimed to introduce geographical distribution measure methods into land subsidence research characterizing, geographically, land subsidence, groundwater drawdown, and compressible layer thickness. Therefore, we used gravity center analysis and standard deviational ellipse (SDE) methods in GIS to statistically analyze their concentration tendency, principle orientation, dispersion trend, and distribution differences in 1995 (1999), 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013. Results show that they were all concentrated in Chaoyang District of Urban Beijing. The concentration trend of land subsidence was consistent with that of groundwater drawdown. The principle orientation of land subsidence was SW–NE, which was more similar with that of the static spatial distribution of the compressible layer. The dispersion tendency of land subsidence got closer to that of the compressible layer with its increasing intensity. The spatial distribution difference between land subsidence and groundwater drawdown was about 0.2, and that between land subsidence and compressible layer thickness it decreased from 0.22 to 0.07, reflecting that the spatial distribution pattern of land subsidence was increasingly close to that of the compressible layer. Results of this study are useful for assessing the distribution of land subsidence development and managing groundwater resources.
Extinction Correction Significantly Influences the Estimate of the Lyα Escape Fraction
Authors: An Fang Xia , Zheng Xian Zhong , Hao Cai-Na , Huang Jia-Sheng , Xia Xiao-Yang
Published: January 2017

The Lyα escape fraction is a key measure to constrain the neutral state of the intergalactic medium and then to understand how the universe was fully reionized. We combine deep narrowband imaging data from the custom-made filter NB393 and the

filter centered at 2.14 μm to examine the Lyα emitters and Hα emitters at the same redshift z = 2.24. The combination of these two populations allows us to determine the Lyα escape fraction at z = 2.24. Over an area of 383 arcmin2 in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDFS), 124 Lyα emitters are detected down to NB393 = 26.4 mag at the 5σ level, and 56 Hα emitters come from An et al. Of these, four have both Lyα and Hα emissions (LAHAEs). We also collect the Lyα emitters and Hα emitters at z = 2.24 in the COSMOS field from the literature, and increase the number of LAHAEs to 15 in total. About one-third of them are AGNs. We measure the individual/volumetric Lyα escape fraction by comparing the observed Lyα luminosity/luminosity density to the extinction-corrected Hα luminosity/luminosity density. We revisit the extinction correction for Hα emitters using the Galactic extinction law with color excess for nebular emission. We also adopt the Calzetti extinction law together with an identical color excess for stellar and nebular regions to explore how the uncertainties in extinction correction affect the estimate of individual and global Lyα escape fractions. In both cases, an anti-correlation between the Lyα escape fraction and dust attenuation is found among the LAHAEs, suggesting that dust absorption is responsible for the suppression of the escaping Lyα photons. However, the estimated Lyα escape fraction of individual LAHAEs varies by up to ∼3 percentage points between the two methods of extinction correction. We find the global Lyα escape fraction at z = 2.24 to be (3.7 ± 1.4)% in the ECDFS. The variation in the color excess of the extinction causes a discrepancy of ∼1 percentage point in the global Lyα escape fraction.
What Lurks in ULIRGs?—Probing the Chemistry and Excitation of Molecular Gas in the Nuclei of Arp 220 and NGC 6240
Authors: Manohar Swarnima , Scoville Nick
Published: January 2017

We have imaged the dense star-forming regions of Arp 220 and NGC 6240 in the 3 mm band transitions of CO, HCN, HCO+, HNC, and CS at 0.″5–0.″8 resolution using CARMA. Our data set images all these lines at similar resolutions and high sensitivity, and can be used to derive line ratios of faint high excitation lines. In both the nuclei of Arp 220, the HCN/HNC ratios suggest chemistry of X-ray Dominated Regions (XDRs)—a likely signature of an active galactic nucleus. In NGC 6240, there is no evidence of XDR type chemistry, but there the bulk of the molecular gas is concentrated between the nuclei rather than on them. We calculated molecular H2 densities from excitation analysis of each of the molecular species. It appears that the abundances of HNC and HCO+ in Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxies may be significantly different from those in galactic molecular clouds. The derived H2 volume densities are ∼5 × 104 cm−3 in the Arp 220 nuclei and ∼104 cm−3 in NGC 6240.
The Impact of Modeling Assumptions in Galactic Chemical Evolution Models
Authors: Côté Benoit , O’Shea Brian W. , Ritter Christian , Herwig Falk , Venn Kim A.
Published: January 2017

We use the OMEGA galactic chemical evolution code to investigate how the assumptions used for the treatment of galactic inflows and outflows impact numerical predictions. The goal is to determine how our capacity to reproduce the chemical evolution trends of a galaxy is affected by the choice of implementation used to include those physical processes. In pursuit of this goal, we experiment with three different prescriptions for galactic inflows and outflows and use OMEGA within a Markov Chain Monte Carlo code to recover the set of input parameters that best reproduces the chemical evolution of nine elements in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Sculptor. This provides a consistent framework for comparing the best-fit solutions generated by our different models. Despite their different degrees of intended physical realism, we found that all three prescriptions can reproduce in an almost identical way the stellar abundance trends observed in Sculptor. This result supports the similar conclusions originally claimed by Romano & Starkenburg for Sculptor. While the three models have the same capacity to fit the data, the best values recovered for the parameters controlling the number of SNe Ia and the strength of galactic outflows, are substantially different and in fact mutually exclusive from one model to another. For the purpose of understanding how a galaxy evolves, we conclude that only reproducing the evolution of a limited number of elements is insufficient and can lead to misleading conclusions. More elements or additional constraints such as the Galaxy’s star-formation efficiency and the gas fraction are needed in order to break the degeneracy between the different modeling assumptions. Our results show that the successes and failures of chemical evolution models are predominantly driven by the input stellar yields, rather than by the complexity of the Galaxy model itself. Simple models such as OMEGA are therefore sufficient to test and validate stellar yields. OMEGA is part of the NuGrid chemical evolution package and is publicly available online at http://nugrid.github.io/NuPyCEE.
PTF1 J082340.04+081936.5: A Hot Subdwarf B Star with a Low-mass White Dwarf Companion in an 87-minute Orbit
Authors: Kupfer Thomas , Roestel Jan van , Brooks Jared , Geier Stephan , Marsh Tom R. , Groot Paul J. , Bloemen Steven , Prince Thomas A. , Bellm Eric , Heber Ulrich , Bildsten Lars , Miller Adam A. , Dyer Martin J. , Dhillon Vik S. , Green Matthew , Irawati Puji , Laher Russ , Littlefair Stuart P. , Shupe David L. , Steidel Charles C. , Rattansoon Somsawat , Pettini Max
Published: January 2017

We present the discovery of the hot subdwarf B star (sdB) binary PTF1 J082340.04+081936.5. The system has an orbital period of

 = 87.49668(1) minutes (0.060761584(10) days), making it the second-most compact sdB binary known. The light curve shows ellipsoidal variations. Under the assumption that the sdB primary is synchronized with the orbit, we find a mass of 

, a companion white dwarf mass of

, and a mass ratio of 

. The future evolution was calculated using the MESA stellar evolution code. Adopting a canonical sdB mass of

, we find that the sdB still burns helium at the time it will fill its Roche lobe if the orbital period was less than 106 minutes at the exit from the last common envelope (CE) phase. For longer CE exit periods, the sdB will have stopped burning helium and turned into a C/O white dwarf at the time of contact. Comparing the spectroscopically derived

and

with our MESA models, we find that an sdB model with a hydrogen envelope mass of

matches the measurements at a post-CE age of 94 Myr, corresponding to a post-CE orbital period of 109 minutes, which is close to the limit to start accretion while the sdB is still burning helium.
Formation and Fractionation of CO (Carbon Monoxide) in Diffuse Clouds Observed at Optical and Radio Wavelengths
Authors: Liszt H. S.
Published: January 2017

We modeled

and CO formation incorporating the fractionation and selective photodissociation affecting CO when

 ≲ 2 mag. UV absorption measurements typically have N(

)/N(

) ≈ 65 that are reproduced with the standard UV radiation and little density dependence at n(H) ≈ 32–1024

: densities n(H) ≲ 256

avoid overproducing CO. Sightlines observed in millimeter wave absorption and a few in UV show enhanced

by factors of two to four and are explained by higher n(H) ≳ 256

and/or weaker radiation. The most difficult observations to understand are UV absorptions having N(

)/N(

) > 100 and N(CO) ≳ 1015

. Plots of

versus N(CO) show that

remains linearly proportional to N(CO) even at high opacity owing to sub-thermal excitation.

and

have nearly the same curve of growth so their ratios of column density/integrated intensity are comparable even when different from the isotopic abundance ratio. For n(H) ≳ 128

, plots of

versus N(CO) are insensitive to n(H), and

/N(CO) ≈ 1

/(1015 CO

); this compensates for small CO/

to make

more readily detectable. Rapid increases of N(CO) with n(H), N(H), and N(

) often render the CO bright, i.e., a small CO-

conversion factor. For n(H) ≲ 64

, CO enters the regime of truly weak excitation, where

 ∝ n(H)N(CO).

is a strong function of the average

fraction and models with

 = 1

fall in the narrow range of

0.65–0.8 or

0.4–0.5 at

0.1

. The insensitivity of easily detected CO emission to gas with small

implies that even deep CO surveys using broad beams may not discover substantially more emission.
Stability of Sulphur Dimers (S2) in Cometary Ices
Authors: Mousis O. , Ozgurel O. , Lunine J. I. , Luspay-Kuti A. , Ronnet T. , Pauzat F. , Markovits A. , Ellinger Y.
Published: January 2017

S2 has been observed for decades in comets, including comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Despite the fact that this molecule appears ubiquitous in these bodies, the nature of its source remains unknown. In this study, we assume that S2 is formed by irradiation (photolysis and/or radiolysis) of S-bearing molecules embedded in the icy grain precursors of comets and that the cosmic ray flux simultaneously creates voids in ices within which the produced molecules can accumulate. We investigate the stability of S2 molecules in such cavities, assuming that the surrounding ice is made of H2S or H2O. We show that the stabilization energy of S2 molecules in such voids is close to that of the H2O ice binding energy, implying that they can only leave the icy matrix when this latter sublimates. Because S2 has a short lifetime in the vapor phase, we derive that its formation in grains via irradiation must occur only in low-density environments such as the ISM or the upper layers of the protosolar nebula, where the local temperature is extremely low. In the first case, comets would have agglomerated from icy grains that remained pristine when entering the nebula. In the second case, comets would have agglomerated from icy grains condensed in the protosolar nebula and that would have been efficiently irradiated during their turbulent transport toward the upper layers of the disk. Both scenarios are found consistent with the presence of molecular oxygen in comets.
Força de trabalho e capital intelectual no contexto da educação profissional, científica e tecnológica no Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Patrícia Silva , Machado Rita Pinheiro , De Lima Araken Alves , Vieira Eliciana Selvina Ferreira Mendes
Published: January 2017

A capacidade de transformar conhecimento em inovação é fundamental para competitividade das empresas e dos países. Nesse contexto, é muito importante a formação de recursos humanos acompanhada de uma formação humana e profissional, dentro de uma visão integrada de desenvolvimento. Desta forma, o objetivo do trabalho foi propor reflexões conceituais sobre força de trabalho e capital intelectual no ensino superior e tecnológico no Brasil, mais especificamente, na Rede Federal de Educação Profissional, Científica e Tecnológica (RFEPCT). Para o que se propôs, foi realizada uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Como resultado foi observado que, a atual política de educação profissional trouxe a perspectiva de geração de capital humano, para alavancar inovação, no entanto, há vários gargalos na oferta e na formação profissional diversificada, flexível e em sintonia com as demandas da sociedade e dos setores produtivos. A partir da reflexão conceitual do Sistema Nacional de Educação (SNE), e do Sistema Nacional de Inovação (SNI) no país, foi possível compreender que a RFEPCT é composta por instituições naturalmente agentes destes dois Sistemas, e que estão voltadas à formação de força de trabalho, mas também, de capital humano apto a reconhecer a importância do empreendedorismo, da Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (P&D), da Propriedade Intelectual e da Inovação. O reconhecimento - por parte destas instituições - de seu papel na formação de capital humano para inovação é fundamental, para que possam também alicerçar o desenvolvimento e a competitividade do país.
Cooperação universidade-empresa: os casos da Universidade Federal de Sergipe e parceiros (Petrobras e SergipeTec)
Authors: Silva Amanda Luiza Soares , Andrade Flávia Gois de , Gomes Iracema Machado de Aragão
Published: January 2017

A interação tecnológica acontece entre diversos atores (universidades, empresas e governo) com o objetivo de transformar pesquisas científicas em tecnologia (novos produtos, serviços e/ou processos) que beneficiem a sociedade e desenvolvam a economia da região de forma sustentável. O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral identificar a interação tecnológica (projetos e curso) entre a Universidade Federal de Sergipe - UFS e parceiros (Petrobras e Sergipe Parque Tecnológico – SergipeTec). O estudo foi de caráter descritivo com abordagem qualitativa e o método utilizado foi o estudo de casos múltiplos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com representantes da UFS e da Petrobras e estruturadas com os respondentes do SergipeTec. Os resultados UFS-Petrobras mostraram que a interação gera contribuições ao desenvolvimento regional e nacional (geração de renda e emprego), oferecendo vantagens (estrutura física e laboratorial, bolsa de pesquisa, produtos e serviços inovadores) e revelando dificuldades (burocracia e divergência de objetivos e linguagem). Com relação ao curso de Petróleo e Gás, ressaltou-se o interesse da Petrobras na formação de recursos humanos para trabalhar na indústria petrolífera. Os resultados UFS-SergipeTec identificaram benefícios da interação entre as instituições, em especial inovação tecnológica, interação com o setor produtivo, desenvolvimento de novos produtos e processos, apoio aos projetos e pesquisa aplicada.  No caso do SergipeTec, notou-se como vantagem, a geração de tecnologias e a universidade como centro de desenvolvimento científico-tecnológico. Além disso, identificou-se a burocracia, como maior obstáculo.
Mineração e engenharia: diferentes esforços empenhados em prol do desenvolvimento
Authors: Belleze Gabriela , Pereira Viviane Guimarães , Pereira Samanta Borges , Battistton Kalahan De Mello , Pimenta Carlos Alberto Máximo
Published: January 2017

Esta pesquisa propõe estudar os impactos da mineração nas comunidades rurais dos municípios de Alvorada de Minas, Conceição do Mato Dentro e Dom Joaquim–MG pelo projeto Minas-Rio. O foco do estudo está voltado para a compreensão da situação das comunidades atingidas, revelando o que há por trás da atividade minerária, de modo a apresentar um contraponto a forma como este setor é abordado na formação de engenheiras e engenheiros. A metodologia consiste na pesquisa qualitativa, sendo a entrevista semiestruturada e a observação os métodos utilizados. Foram identificados em campo diversos problemas relacionados à mineração que as comunidades rurais da região estão enfrentando. É preciso problematizar a formação das engenheiras e engenheiros no Brasil, que é voltada apenas para as exigências técnicas, sem que haja uma formação crítica a respeito dos impactos que as aplicações tecnológicas exercem sobre a sociedade, de modo que o cenário apresentado neste trabalho evidencia a urgência da formação de engenheiras e engenheiros comprometidos com valores éticos que a sociedade demanda para enfrentar os problemas decorrentes da busca pelo progresso, crescimento econômico e acumulação financeira.
Engenharia engajada – Desafios de ensino e extensão
Authors: Kleba John
Published: January 2017

Este artigo debate a emergência da engenharia engajada. A educação em engenharia é tradicionalmente atrelada à indústria e desconhecedora de seu papel social. Nesse contexto, surge um movimento internacional de múltiplas iniciativas advogando mudanças em escolas de engenharia e nas concepções de ensino e extensão. Reconhecendo a atual fragmentação da pesquisa na área, esse artigo destaca problemas teóricos e empíricos para o estudo do fenômeno. As seções incluem um indicativo da pluralidade das iniciativas na área, problemas conceituais da engenharia engajada e seus focos de aplicação, os desafios do design institucional, um breve panorama das novas vertentes pedagógicas e uma reflexão crítica sobre os projetos de extensão. Finalmente, debate-se o papel de ideologias conflituosas nesse campo, e recomenda-se critérios para boas práticas em projetos de extensão tecnosocial.
Posterior Cortical Axis: A New Landmark to Control Femoral Component Rotation in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Matziolis Doerte , Meiser Marius , Sieber Norbert , Teichgräber Ulf , Matziolis Georg
Published: January 2017

Rotation errors of the femoral component are held responsible for occurrences such as instability in flexion and midflexion, patellar maltracking, and arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty. However, in many cases, the epicondylar axis cannot be reliably identified due to bone defects or metal artifacts on computed tomography, so alternative landmarks are necessary to evaluate the femoral component rotation. The current study sought to determine the relationship of the posterior cortical bone and the anterior cortical bone in relation to the epicondylar axis. In this retrospective study, 398 consecutive patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint were included. The average angle between the posterior cortical bone and the epicondylar axis was 7.3°±3.3°. When the posterior cortical bone was used as the reference, the average absolute error was 2.6°±2.1°. In comparison, the average angle between the anterior cortical bone and epicondylar axis was 10.4°±4.5°. When this reference was used, the average absolute error was 3.6°±2.8°. The posterior cortical bone is a more consistent landmark than the anterior cortical bone is for intra- or postoperative approximation of the epicondylar axis. This appears to be due to the flat geometry of the posterior cortical bone compared with the elliptical form of the anterior cortical bone of the distal femur. In practice, an external rotation of the femoral component of 7° in relation to the posterior cortical bone is to be recommended. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):188–190.]
Muscle Mechanography: A Novel Method to Measure Muscle Function in Older Adults
Authors: Taani Murad H. , Kovach Christine R. , Buehring Bjoern
Published: January 2017

Muscle function decline is a commonly observed process that occurs with aging. Low muscle function, an essential component of sarcopenia, is associated with negative outcomes, including falls, fractures, and dependency. Although many tools have been developed and are used to assess muscle function in older adults, most have important limitations. Muscle mechanography is a novel method that can quantitatively assess muscle function by performing movements such as heel raises, chair rises, or jumps on a ground reaction force plate. It can also assess balance by measuring sway of the center of pressure. Muscle mechanography promises to have advantages over currently used tools, appears to have better reproducibility, and can assess a broader range of physical function—from master athletes to frail individuals. Older adults can safely perform muscle mechanography measurements. Further research is needed to determine whether muscle mechanography can predict outcomes such as falls, fractures, and mortality.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(1):17–24.]
Nonpharmacological Strategies for Patients With Early-Stage Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 10-Year Update
Authors: Anderson Joel G. , Lopez Ruth Palan , Rose Karen M. , Specht Janet K.
Published: January 2017

As the incidence and prevalence of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment increases worldwide, gerontological researchers continue to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of strategies to help patients and caregivers live with the disease. Although pharmacological treatments remain the focus of much of the research, nonpharmacological strategies and approaches to care continue to gain ground as effective means of improving the health-related quality of life for this patient population. The current commentary summarizes the state of the science based on a series of integrative and systematic reviews undertaken by the International Dementia Scholars Collaborative as a 10-year update to a previous white paper. Selected topics from this previous white paper (e.g., support groups, nutrition, exercise, cognitive training, falls) as well as new topics (e.g., mind–body, advance care planning, driving safety) are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.

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Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(1):5–11.]
A review of sample preparation and its influence on pH determination in concrete samples
Authors: Manso S. , Aguado A.
Published: January 2017

If we are to monitor the chemical processes in cementitious materials, then pH assays in the pore solutions of cement pastes, mortars, and concretes are of key importance. However, there is no standard method that regulates the sample-preparation method for pH determination. The state-of-the-art of different methods for pH determination in cementitious materials is presented in this paper and the influence of sample preparation in each case. Moreover, an experimental campaign compares three different techniques for pH determination. Its results contribute to establishing a basic criterion to help researchers select the most suitable method, depending on the purpose of the research. A simple tool is described for selecting the easiest and the most economic pH determination method, depending on the objective; especially for researchers and those with limited experience in this field.