bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies of susceptibility of Italian Aedes albopictus to Zika virus
Authors: Di Luca Marco , Severini Francesco , Toma Luciano , Boccolini Daniela , Romi Roberto , Remoli Maria Elena , Sabbatucci Michela , Rizzo Caterina , Venturi Giulietta , Rezza Giovanni , Fortuna Claudia
Published: May 2016

We report a study on vector competence of an Italian population of Aedes albopictus for Zika virus (ZIKV). Ae. albopictus was susceptible to ZIKV infection (infection rate: 10%), and the virus could disseminate and was secreted in the mosquito’s saliva (dissemination rate: 29%; transmission rate: 29%) after an extrinsic incubation period of 11 days. The observed vector competence was lower than that of an Ae. aegypti colony tested in parallel.
Construct Meaning in Multilevel Settings
Authors: Stapleton Laura M. , Yang Ji Seung , Hancock Gregory R.
Published: May 2016

We present types of constructs, individual- and cluster-level, and their confirmatory factor analytic validation models when data are from individuals nested within clusters. When a construct is theoretically individual level, spurious construct-irrelevant dependency in the data may appear to signal cluster-level dependency; in such cases, however, and consistent with theory, a single-level analysis with a correction for dependency may be appropriate. Regarding cluster-level constructs, we discuss two types—shared and configural—and present appropriate validation models. Illustrative validation analyses with individual, shared, and configural constructs are provided using empirical data as well as simple simulations demonstrating the spurious effects that can occur with nested data. The article concludes with future directions to be examined in construct validation in multilevel settings.
Measures of spirituality for use in military contexts: a scoping review
Authors: Brémault-Phillips Suzette , Sacrey Lori-Ann R. , Olson Joanne , Weis Jeanne , Cherwick Terry
Published: May 2016

Introduction: The purpose of this scoping review is to identify measures of spiritual fitness that can be used in a military context. Methods: Two independent reviewers applied post-hoc inclusion and exclusion criteria for the identification of relevant articles, reviews, and assessments. Each reviewer independently recorded criteria met using a jointly developed form, considering relevant spiritual fitness screening and assessment tools based on clinical experience. When two reviewers were in disagreement, a third blinded reviewer was used to create consensus. Results: 35 assessments with psychometric properties were identified that could be administered by military chaplains, health care professionals, or military personnel (through self-reporting) to evaluate spiritual fitness over time among those in the military service. The assessments were compiled into a table to isolate differing properties of each assessment, including target population, length/time to complete, measurement of affective, behavioural, and cognitive aspects of spiritual fitness, psychometric properties, and example questions. Discussion: There is now an opportunity to further identify and evaluate spiritual fitness screening and assessment tools that will appropriately and effectively determine the spiritual fitness and resilience of individuals serving in the military as well as their families.
Nest Insulation in the European Robin (Erithacus Rubecula): Effects of Latitude and Construction Materials
Authors: Cerezo Aina Taberner , Deeming D. Charles
Published: May 2016

The various roles that birds’ nests play are widely discussed and there is increasing interest in developing a better understanding of how they achieve these roles. The insulatory properties of nests have been investigated in a variety of songbird species and can vary with temperature and latitude. However, data are only available for a limited number of species. Here, we study the variations of the insulatory properties of European Robin ( Erithacus rubecula) nests in conjunction with the morphology of the nests and composition of the materials used in construction. As well as quantifying the materials used to construct these nests for the first time, we test the hypothesis that there is a latitudinal effect on nest insulation. Robin nests have a cup structure that is quite distinct, and easily separated, from the nest's base. Although the cup and nest's base shared similar construction materials discriminant analysis showed that they can be distinguished on the basis of their differing proportions of leaves. Insulatory values correlated with the mass of leaves in the cup but not latitude. Unlike other songbirds of comparable size that nest in nestboxes, European Robins appear to be able to use plant-derived materials rather than animal-derived materials to effectively insulate their nests.
Nesting Height and Nest-Cup Volume Variation in Rufous Bush Chats (Cercotrichas Galactotes) Inhabiting Algerian Oases: Consequences for breeding success
Authors: Tabib Rabie , Adamou Ala-Eddine , Ouakid Mohamed Laïd , Glądalski Michałt , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: May 2016

The placement and size of birds’ nests may have direct consequences for their breeding success. Here, we examined if the location and design of Rufous Bush Chat ( Cercotrichas galactotes) nests influenced their breeding success in the Al Amri Oasis, at the base of Saharan Atlas, north Algeria, in 2008–2009 and 2011–2013. The mean height of nests above ground level was 2.26 ± 0.09 (SE) m, ranging from 0.5 to 4.9 m and the mean nest-cup volume was 246.60 ± 11.82 (SE) cm3, ranging from 102.95 to 471.24 cm3. Nest-cup volumes were positively associated with the height of nests and breeding success was strongly positively associated with the height of nests above ground level. We conclude that pairs of Rufous Bush Chats that bred in higher nests had higher levels of breeding success because they suffered lower predation rates from ground-based predators than lower nests. Lower nests, which are more vulnerable to ground-based predators are likely to be smaller in order to make them less visible to visually searching predators and may also fit more snugly into the smaller leaf stems of smaller palms. These findings agree with the hypothetical predictions based on the properties of palm physical structure as a support for nests, the tree size structure of plantations and the risk of predation.
Comprehensive Income: which potential effects on firms' performance evaluation and users' decision process?
Authors: Marchini Pier Luigi , D'Este Carlotta
Published: May 2016

The reporting of comprehensive income is becoming increasingly important. After the introduction of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) reporting, as required by the 2007 IAS 1-revised, the IASB is currently seeking inputs from investors on the usefulness of unrealized gains and losses and on the role of comprehensive income. This circumstance is of particular relevance in code law countries, as local pre-IFRS accounting models influence financial statement preparers and users. This study aims at investigating the role played by unrealized gains and losses reporting on users' decision process, by examining the impact of OCI on the Italian listed companies RoE ratio and by surveying a sample of financial analysts, also content analysing their formal reports. The results show that the reporting of comprehensive income does not affect the financial statement users' decision process, although it statistically affects Italian listed entities' performance.
Open-Access Geographic Data for the Argali Habitat in the Southeastern Tajik Pamirs
Authors: Salas Eric , Valdez Raul , Boykin Kenneth
Published: May 2016

Seven Geographic Information System (GIS) layers comprise this dataset intended for understanding the Marco Polo argali habitat in the southeastern Tajikistan Pamirs (37°33′ N, 74°09′ E). Extensive remote sensing habitat data processing and field data analysis of the Marco Polo sheep study area have yielded these layers that are now available online to download and for use by other researchers interested in studying the argali patterns and habitat suitability in the southeastern Tajik Pamirs. It is important to note that the layers were generated using a 30-m Landsat ETM image and field data from 2012.
Multi-Level Formation of Complex Software Systems
Authors: Li Hui , Hao Li-Ying , Chen Rong
Published: May 2016

We present a multi-level formation model for complex software systems. The previous works extract the software systems to software networks for further studies, but usually investigate the software networks at the class level. In contrast to these works, our treatment of software systems as multi-level networks is more realistic. In particular, the software networks are organized by three levels of granularity, which represents the modularity and hierarchy in the formation process of real-world software systems. More importantly, simulations based on this model have generated more realistic structural properties of software networks, such as power-law, clustering and modularization. On the basis of this model, how the structure of software systems effects software design principles is then explored, and it could be helpful for understanding software evolution and software engineering practices.
Regional Instability in the Abundance of Open Stands in the Boreal Forest of Eastern Canada
Authors: Rapanoela Rija , Raulier Frédéric , Gauthier Sylvie
Published: May 2016

Fires are a key disturbance of boreal forests. In fact, they are the main source of renewal and evolution for forest stands. The variability of fire through space and time results in a diversified forest mosaic, altering their species composition, structure and productivity. A resilient forest is assumed to be in a state of dynamic equilibrium with the fire regime, so that the composition, age structure and succession stages of forests should be consistent with the fire regime. Dense spruce-moss stands tend, however, to diminish in favour of more open stands similar to spruce-lichen stands when subjected to more frequent and recurring disturbances. This study therefore focused on the effects of spatial and temporal variations in burn rates on the proportion of open stands over a large geographic area (175,000 km2) covered by black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns, Poggenb.). The study area was divided into 10 different zones according to burn rates, as measured using fire-related data collected between 1940 and 2006. To test if the abundance of open stands was unstable over time and not in equilibrium with the current fire regime, forest succession was simulated using a landscape dynamics model that showed that the abundance of open stands should increase progressively over time in zones where the average burn rate is high. The proportion of open stands generated during a specific historical period is correlated with the burn rate observed during the same period. Rising annual burn rates over the past two decades have thereby resulted in an immediate increase in the proportion of open stands. There is therefore a difference between the current proportion of open stands and the one expected if vegetation was in equilibrium with the disturbance regime, reflecting an instability that may significantly impact the way forest resources are managed. It is apparent from this study that forestry planning should consider the risks associated with the temporal variability of fire regimes on the forest ecosystem, as the resulting changes can have a significant impact on biodiversity and allowable cut estimates.
Vulnerability of Commercial Tree Species to Water Stress in Logged Forests of the Guiana Shield
Authors: Fargeon Hélène , Aubry-Kientz Mélaine , Brunaux Olivier , Descroix Laurent , Gaspard Romain , Guitet Stéphane , Rossi Vivien , Hérault Bruno
Published: May 2016

The future of tropical managed forests is threatened by climate change. In anticipation of the increase in the frequency of drought episodes predicted by climatic models for intertropical regions, it is essential to study commercial trees’ resilience and vulnerability to water stress by identifying potential interaction effects between selective logging and stress due to a lack of water. Focusing on 14 species representing a potential or acknowledged commercial interest for wood production in the Guiana Shield, a joint model coupling growth and mortality for each species was parametrized, including a climatic variable related to water stress and the quantity of aboveground biomass lost after logging. For the vast majority of the species, water stress had a negative impact on growth rate, while the impact of logging was positive. The opposite results were observed for the mortality. Combining results from growth and mortality models, we generate vulnerability profiles and ranking from species apparently quite resistant to water stress (Chrysophyllum spp., Goupia glabra Aubl., Qualea rosea Aubl.), even under logging pressure, to highly vulnerable species (Sterculia spp.). In light of our results, forest managers in the Guiana Shield may want to conduct (i) a conservation strategy of the most vulnerable species and (ii) a diversification of the logged species. Conservation of the already-adapted species may also be considered as the most certain way to protect the tropical forests under future climates.
Computational Social Science, the Evolution of Policy Design and Rule Making in Smart Societies
Authors: Lettieri Nicola
Published: May 2016

In the last 20 years, the convergence of different factors—the rise of the complexity of science, the “data deluge” and the advances in information technologies—triggered a paradigm shift in the way we understand complex social systems and their evolution. Beyond shedding new light onto social dynamics, the emerging research area of Computational Social Science (CSS) is providing a new rationale for a more scientifically-grounded and effective policy design. The paper discusses the opportunities potentially deriving from the intersection between policy design issues and CSS methods. After a general introduction to the limits of traditional policy-making and a brief review of the most promising CSS methodologies, the work deals with way in which the insights potentially offered by CSS can concretely flow in policy choices. The attention is focused, to this end, on the legal mechanisms regulating the formulation and the evaluation of public policies. Our goal is two-fold: sketch how the project of a “smart society” is connected to the evolution of social sciences and emphasize the need for change in the way in which public policies are conceived of, designed and implemented.
Time-Preference Heterogeneity and Multiplicity of Equilibria in Two-Group Bargaining
Authors: Cardona Daniel , Rubí-Barceló Antoni
Published: May 2016

We consider a multilateral bargaining game in which the agents can be classified into two groups according to their instantaneous preferences. In one of these groups there is one agent with a different discount factor. We analyze how this time-preference heterogeneity may generate multiplicity of equilibria. When such an agent is sufficiently more patient than the rest, there is an equilibrium in which her group-mates make the same proposal as the members of the other group. Thus, in heterogeneous groups the presence of more patient members may reduce the utility of its members.
Is the Efficiency of RNA Silencing Evolutionarily Regulated?
Authors: Ui-Tei Kumiko
Published: May 2016

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. Genes with partial complementarity to siRNA/miRNA sequences in their 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) are suppressed by a mechanism referred to as the siRNA off-target effect or miRNA-mediated RNA silencing. However, the determinants of such RNA silencing efficiency are poorly understood. Previously, I and co-workers reported that the efficiency of RNA silencing is strongly correlated with the thermodynamic stability of base pairing in the duplex formed within an siRNA/miRNA and between the seed region and its target mRNA. In this review, I first summarize our previous studies that identified the thermodynamic parameter to estimate the silencing efficiency using the calculated base pairing stability: siRNAs downregulate the expression of off-target genes depending on the stability of binding between the siRNA seed region (nucleotides 2–8) and off-target mRNAs, and miRNAs downregulate target mRNA expression depending on the stability of the duplex formed between the 5′ terminus of the miRNA and its target mRNA. I further discuss the possibility that such thermodynamic features of silencing efficiency may have arisen during evolution with increasing body temperature in various organisms.
Macro-Encapsulated PCM Cylinder Module Based on Paraffin and Float Stones
Authors: Huang Kailiang , Liang Dong , Feng Guohui , Jiang Mingzhi , Zhu Yuhua , Liu Xin , Jiang Bian
Published: May 2016

Organic phase change material (PCM) with macro-encapsulation is attractive in energy storage applications as it has relatively low cost. This study focuses on using PET plastic pipes to encapsulate paraffin and using low-cost float stones to increase the thermal conductivity of PCM modules as they have a special structure of high porosity. Float stones were immersed in the liquid PCM and an ultrasonic welding method used to prevent leakage of the PET plastic pipes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to discover the appearance of the composite PCM. The thermal performance of the PCM cylinder module was analyzed through experimental tests of a constant-temperature water bath and numerical simulations. The result indicates that this PCM Ccylinder module is superior in thermal energy storage compared with the reference module even though fewer PCM was contained and the latent heat loss is considerable. The pipe diameter is an important parameter when using this kind of PCM cylinder module in water tanks.
Evaluation of Bonding Shear Performance of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with Increase in Delay in Formation of Cold Joints
Authors: Lee Han-Seung , Jang Hyun-O , Cho Keun-Hee
Published: May 2016

This study set out to derive the optimal conditions for ensuring the monolithicity of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Direct shear tests were performed to examine the influence on the bonding shear performance. The experimental variables included tamping and delay, which were set to 0, 15, 30, and 60 min. SEM and XRD analyses of the microstructure and composition were performed. The direct shear tests showed that the bonding shear strength was enhanced by the addition of tamping. For the normal-strength concrete (NSC), it is thought that a monolithicity of around 95% can be attained with a cold joint formation delay up to 60 min. In contrast, while the normalized bonding shear strength reduction of UHPC with a delay of 15 min was the lowest at around 8%, a dramatic degradation in the bonding shear performance was observed after 15 min. XRD analyses of the middle and surface sections revealed the composition of the thin film formed at the surface of the UHPC and, as a result, the main component appeared to be SiO2, which is believed to be a result of the rising of the SiO2-based filler, used as an admixture in this study, towards the surface, due to its low specific gravity.
Synthesis and in Vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation of C-13 Epimers of Triazolyl-d-Secoestrone Alcohols: The First Potent 13α-d-Secoestrone Derivative
Authors: Szabó Johanna , Jerkovics Nóra , Schneider Gyula , Wölfling János , Bózsity Noémi , Minorics Renáta , Zupkó István , Mernyák Erzsébet
Published: May 2016

The syntheses of C-13 epimeric 3-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-d-secoestrones are reported. Triazoles were prepared from 3-(prop-2-inyloxy)-d-secoalcohols and p-substituted benzyl azides via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The antiproliferative activities of the products and their precursors were determined in vitro against a panel of human adherent cervical (HeLa, SiHa and C33A), breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361 and T47D) and ovarian (A2780) cell lines by means of MTT assays. The orientation of the angular methyl group and the substitution pattern of the benzyl group of the azide greatly influenced the cell growth-inhibitory potential of the compounds. The 13β derivatives generally proved to be more potent than their 13α counterparts. Introduction of a benzyltriazolylmethyl group onto the 3-OH position seemed to be advantageous. One 13α compound containing an unsubstituted benzyltriazolyl function displayed outstanding antiproliferative activities against three cell lines.
What Characteristics Confer Proteins the Ability to Induce Allergic Responses? IgE Epitope Mapping and Comparison of the Structure of Soybean 2S Albumins and Ara h 2
Authors: Han Youngshin , Lin Jing , Bardina Ludmilla , Grishina Galina , Lee Chaeyoon , Seo Won , Sampson Hugh
Published: May 2016

Ara h 2, a peanut 2S albumin, is associated with severe allergic reactions, but a homologous protein, soybean 2S albumin, is not recognized as an important allergen. Structural difference between these proteins might explain this clinical discrepancy. Therefore, we mapped sequential epitopes and compared the structure of Ara h 2, Soy Al 1, and Soy Al 3 (Gly m 8) to confirm whether structural differences account for the discrepancy in clinical responses to these two proteins. Commercially synthesized peptides covering the full length of Ara h 2 and two soybean 2S albumins were analyzed by peptide microarray. Sera from 10 patients with peanut and soybean allergies and seven non-atopic controls were examined. The majority of epitopes in Ara h 2 identified by microarray are consistent with those identified previously. Several regions in the 2S albumins are weakly recognized by individual sera from different patients. A comparison of allergenic epitopes on peanut and soybean proteins suggests that loop-helix type secondary structures and some amino acids with a large side chain including lone electron pair, such as arginine, glutamine, and tyrosine, makes the peptides highly recognizable by the immune system. By utilizing the peptide microarray assay, we mapped IgE epitopes of Ara h 2 and two soybean 2S albumins. The use of peptide microarray mapping and analysis of the epitope characteristics may provide critical information to access the allergenicity of food proteins.
In Vivo Anti-Cancer Mechanism of Low-Molecular-Weight Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate (LFCS) from Sea Cucumber Cucumaria frondosa
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Liu Yong , Hao Jiejie , Zhao Xiaoliang , Lang Yinzhi , Fan Fei , Cai Chao , Li Guoyun , Zhang Lijuan , Yu Guangli
Published: May 2016

The low-molecular-weight fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (LFCS) was prepared from native fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS), which was extracted and isolated from sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa, and the anti-cancer mechanism of LFCS on mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was investigated. The results showed that LFCS remarkably inhibited LLC growth and metastasis in a dose-dependent manner. LFCS induced cell cycle arrest by increasing p53/p21 expression and apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 activity in LLC cells. Meanwhile, LFCS suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and downregulated the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) level. Furthermore, LFCS significantly suppressed the activation of ERK1/2/p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, which played a prime role in expression of MMPs. All of these data indicate LFCS may be used as anti-cancer drug candidates and deserve further study.
Quercetin Impacts Expression of Metabolism- and Obesity-Associated Genes in SGBS Adipocytes
Authors: Leiherer Andreas , Stoemmer Kathrin , Muendlein Axel , Saely Christoph , Kinz Elena , Brandtner Eva , Fraunberger Peter , Drexel Heinz
Published: May 2016

Obesity is characterized by the rapid expansion of visceral adipose tissue, resulting in a hypoxic environment in adipose tissue which leads to a profound change of gene expression in adipocytes. As a consequence, there is a dysregulation of metabolism and adipokine secretion in adipose tissue leading to the development of systemic inflammation and finally resulting in the onset of metabolic diseases. The flavonoid quercetin as well as other secondary plant metabolites also referred to as phytochemicals have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects known to be protective in view of obesity-related-diseases. Nevertheless, its underlying molecular mechanism is still obscure and thus the focus of this study was to explore the influence of quercetin on human SGBS (Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome) adipocytes’ gene expression. We revealed for the first time that quercetin significantly changed expression of adipokine (Angptl4, adipsin, irisin and PAI-1) and glycolysis-involved (ENO2, PFKP and PFKFB4) genes, and that this effect not only antagonized but in part even overcompensated the effect mediated by hypoxia in adipocytes. Thus, these results are explained by the recently proposed hypothesis that the protective effect of quercetin is not solely due to its free radical-scavenging activity but also to a direct effect on mitochondrial processes, and they demonstrate that quercetin might have the potential to counteract the development of obesity-associated complications.
Monitoring of Non-Linear Ground Movement in an Open Pit Iron Mine Based on an Integration of Advanced DInSAR Techniques Using TerraSAR-X Data
Authors: Mura José , Paradella Waldir , Gama Fabio , Silva Guilherme , Galo Mauricio , Camargo Paulo , Silva Arnaldo , Silva Aristotelina
Published: May 2016

This work presents an investigation to determine ground deformation based on an integration of DInSAR Time-Series (DTS) and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) techniques aiming at detecting high rates of linear and non-linear ground movement. The combined techniques were applied in an open pit iron mine located in Carajás Mineral Province (Brazilian Amazon region), using a set of 33 TerraSAR-X-1 images acquired from March 2012 to April 2013 when, due to a different deformation behavior during the dry and wet seasons in the Amazon region, a non-linear deformation was detected. The DTS analysis was performed on a stack of multi-look unwrapped interferograms using an extension of the SVD (Singular Value Decomposition), where a set of additional weighted constraints on the acceleration of the displacement was incorporated to control the smoothness of the time-series solutions, whose objective was to correct the atmospheric phase artifacts. The height errors and the deformation history provided by the DTS technique were used as previous information to perform the PSI analysis. This procedure improved the capability of the PSI technique to detect non-linear movement as well as to increase the numbers of point density of the final results. The results of the combined techniques are presented and compared with total station/prisms and ground-based radar (GBR) measurements.
An in-Depth Survey of Visible Light Communication Based Positioning Systems
Authors: Do Trong-Hop , Yoo Myungsik
Published: May 2016

While visible light communication (VLC) has become the candidate for the wireless technology of the 21st century due to its inherent advantages, VLC based positioning also has a great chance of becoming the standard approach to positioning. Within the last few years, many studies on VLC based positioning have been published, but there are not many survey works in this field. In this paper, an in-depth survey of VLC based positioning systems is provided. More than 100 papers ranging from pioneering papers to the state-of-the-art in the field were collected and classified based on the positioning algorithms, the types of receivers, and the multiplexing techniques. In addition, current issues and research trends in VLC based positioning are discussed.
Mobile Laser Scanning Systems for Measuring the Clearance Gauge of Railways: State of Play, Testing and Outlook
Authors: Mikrut Sławomir , Kohut Piotr , Pyka Krystian , Tokarczyk Regina , Barszcz Tomasz , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: May 2016

The paper contains a survey of mobile scanning systems for measuring the railway clearance gauge. The research was completed as part of the project carried out for the PKP (PKP Polish Railway Lines S.A., Warsaw, Poland) in 2011–2013. The authors conducted experiments, including a search for the latest solutions relating to mobile measurement systems that meet the basic requirement. At the very least, these solutions needed to be accurate and have the ability for quick retrieval of data. In the paper, specifications and the characteristics of the component devices of the scanning systems are described. Based on experiments, the authors did some examination of the selected mobile systems to be applied for measuring the clearance gauge. The Riegl (VMX-250) and Z+F (Zoller + Fröhlich) Solution were tested. Additional test measurements were carried out within a 30-kilometer section of the Warsaw-Kraków route. These measurements were designed so as to provide various elements of the railway infrastructure, the track geometry and the installed geodetic control network. This ultimately made it possible to reduce the time for the preparation of geodetic reference measurements for the testing of the accuracy of the selected systems. Reference measurements included the use of the polar method to select profiles perpendicular to the axis of the track. In addition, the coordinates selected were well defined as measuring points of the objects of the infrastructure of the clearance gauge. All of the tested systems meet the accuracy requirements initially established (within the range of 2 cm as required by the PKP). The tested systems have shown their advantages and disadvantages.
Improvement in 100-m Sprint Performance at an Altitude of 2250 m
Authors: Linthorne Nicholas
Published: May 2016

A fair system of recognizing records in athletics should consider the influence of environmental conditions on performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an altitude of 2250 m on the time for a 100-m sprint. Competition results from the 13 Olympic Games between 1964 and 2012 were corrected for the effects of wind and de-trended for the historical improvement in performance. The time advantage due to competing at an altitude of 2250 m was calculated from the difference between the mean race time at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City and the mean race times at the low-altitude competition venues. The observed time advantage of Mexico City was 0.19 (±0.02) s for men and 0.21 (±0.05) s for women (±90% confidence interval). These results indicate that 100-m sprinters derive a substantial performance advantage when competing at a high-altitude venue and that an altitude of 1000 m provides an advantage equivalent to a 2 m/s assisting wind (0.10 s). Therefore, the altitude of the competition venue as well as the wind speed during the race should be considered when recognizing record performances.
Size Matters – Donkeys and Horses in the Prehistory of the Southernmost Levant
Authors: Grigson Caroline
Published: May 2016

The present article is an attempt to clarify the taxonomy and domestic status of equids in the southernmost Levant during the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age within the wider context of the Middle East and Egypt during the late fifth, fourth and third millennia B. C. Comparisons of the size of equid bones from sites in this area with that of wild asses and domestic donkeys from Predynastic Egypt and the Uruk period in Mesopotamia indicate the presence of domestic donkeys in the southernmost Levant in both periods. The donkeys of the Early Bronze Age were much smaller than those of the Late Chalcolithic.
La place de la Morée franque dans la politique de Charles Ier d’Anjou (1267-1285)
Authors: Sampsonis Florence
Published: May 2016

Charles Ier développa une politique entièrement tournée vers la Méditerranée et des rêves de puissance impériale. La Morée, dont il devint possesseur à la suite du traité de Viterbe (1267), pouvait représenter dans ces conditions une place stratégique de première importance. L’étude des registres angevins montre que la péninsule grecque joua un rôle certain mais secondaire. Province annexe du royaume de Sicile, elle demeura assez lointaine d’un roi qui y exerça néanmoins scrupuleusement son autorité et se tint régulièrement au courant de ce qui s’y passait. La Morée fut aussi le théâtre d’incessantes campagnes militaires destinées à contrer les ambitions byzantines. Cela nécessita la mobilisation d’importantes sommes d’argent, en partie financées par les emprunts, mais aussi par un habile mercantilisme et une authentique politique monétaire et commerciale. Ainsi, tant que durèrent les projets orientaux des Angevins, la Morée fut un bastion essentiel à leur service.
Phylogenetic diversification of Early Cretaceous seed plants: The compound seed cone of Doylea tetrahedrasperma
Authors: Rothwell Gar W. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Discovery of cupulate ovules of Doylea tetrahedrasperma within a compact, compound seed cone highlights the rich diversity of fructification morphologies, pollination biologies, postpollination enclosure of seeds, and systematic diversity of Early Cretaceous gymnosperms.

METHODS:

Specimens were studied using the cellulose acetate peel technique, three‐dimensional reconstructions (in AVIZO), and morphological phylogenetic analyses (in TNT).

KEY RESULTS:

Doylea tetrahedrasperma has bract/fertile short shoot complexes helically arranged within a compact, compound seed cone. Complexes diverge from the axis as a single unit and separate distally into a free bract tip and two sporophylls. Each sporophyll bears a single, abaxial seed, recurved toward the cone axis, that is enveloped after pollinaton by sporophyll tissue, forming a closed cupule. Ovules are pollinated by bisaccate grains captured by micropylar pollination horns.

CONCLUSIONS:

The unique combination of characters shown by D. tetrahedrasperma includes the presence of cupulate seeds borne in conifer‐like compound seed cones, an ovuliferous scale analogue structurally equivalent to the ovulate stalk of Ginkgo biloba, gymnospermous pollination, and nearly complete enclosure of mature seeds. These features characterize the Doyleales ord. nov., clearly distinguish it from the seed fern order Corystospermales, and allow for recognition of another recently described Early Cretaceous seed plant as a second species in genus Doylea. A morphological phylogenetic analysis highlights systematic relationships of the Doyleales ord. nov. and emphasizes the explosive phylogenetic diversification of gymnosperms that was underway at the time when flowering plants may have originated and/or first began to radiate.
Stimuli-responsive HBPS-g-PDMAEMA and its application as nanocarrier in loading hydrophobic molecules
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Wang Li , Yu Haojie , Zain-Ul-Abdin  , Sun Ruoli , Jing Guanghui , Tong Rongbai , Deng Zheng
Published: May 2016

The topic of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for loading guest molecules is dynamic. It has been widely studied in applications including drug controlled release, smart sensing, catalysis, and modeling. In this paper, a graft copolymer (hyperbranched polystyrene)-g-poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (HBPS-g-PDMAEMA) was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and GPC. It was observed that the star-like HBPS-g-PDMAEMA formed aggregates in aqueous solution. The influence of polymer concentration, ionic strength and pH value on the aggregates in aqueous solution was investigated by using UV–vis spectroscopy and DLS analysis. The results showed that size of aggregates was affected by a corresponding stimulus. In addition, the loading ability of HBPS-g-PDMAEMA aggregates was investigated by using pyrene or Nile red as the model guest molecules by using UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed that HBPS-g-PDMAEMA aggregates were capable to encapsulate small hydrophobic molecules. These newly prepared HBPS-g-PDMAEMA nanocarriers might be used in, e.g., medicine or catalysis.
SPECIAL ISSUE “INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION IN ECONOMY, TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT”
Authors: LIU Peide
Published: May 2016

"Editorial." Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 22(3), pp. 327-335
Gender stereotypes 2.0: Self-representations of adolescents on Facebook
Authors: Oberst Úrsula , Chamarro Andrés , Renau Vanessa
Published: May 2016

Adolescent girls and boys use online networking sites differently, and girls have a higher risk of being harmed by non-adaptive use. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which adolescents portray themselves according to gender stereotypes on their Facebook profiles. Participants were 623 Facebook users of both sexes who responded to the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Personal Well-being Index (PWI). In the first step, the adolescents responded to the BSRI with respect to how they view a typical adult in terms of gender stereotypes. In the second step, half of them responded to the BSRI with respect to how they view themselves and the other half responded with respect to their self-presentation on Facebook. The results show that adolescents consider themselves to be less sexually differentiated than a typical adult of their own sex, both in their self-perception and their self-portrayal on Facebook. The study confirms that the psychological well-being of girls decreases considerably with age and that it is associated with a greater degree of masculinity. We conclude that adolescents produce accurate self-representations on their Facebook profiles, and both boys and girls tend to offer a less sexually differentiated self-concept and self-portrayal than that of the typical adult, with a slight preference for masculine traits; moreover, masculinity is associated with a greaterdegree of psychological well-being.

Chicas y chicos adolescentes hacen un uso diferente de las redes sociales online, y las chicas presentan un mayor riesgo de verse perjudicadas por un uso no adaptativo. El objetivo de este estudio era investigar en qué medida los adolescentes se presentan en términos de estereotipos de género en sus perfiles de Facebook. Los participantes, 623 usuarios de Facebook de ambos sexos, contestaron el Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) y el Personal Well-being Index (PWI). En la primera fase, respondieron sobre cómo ven a un adulto típico en términos de estereotipos de género. En la segunda fase, la mitad de ellos contestó el BSRI en relación a cómo se ven a sí mismos, y la otra mitad cómo se presentan en Facebook. Los resultados muestran que los adolescentes se consideran más sexualmente indiferenciados que un adulto típico de su mismo sexo, tanto en su auto-percepción como en su presentación en Facebook. Se confirma que el bienestar psicológico de las chicas baja considerablemente con la edad, y que está asociado a un mayor grado de masculinidad. Se concluye que los adolescentes producen representaciones verdaderas en sus perfiles de Facebook, y que existe una tendencia hacia una auto-concepción y auto-presentación más sexualmente indiferenciada con una leve preferencia por rasgos masculinos, tanto en chicos como en chicas; además, la masculinidad está asociada a un mayor grado de bienestar psicológico.
Discours d’institution et pouvoir symbolique. Le cas des banques centrales
Authors: Lebaron Frédéric
Published: May 2016

Être écouté par « tout le monde » et voir ses meilleures phrases re groupées dans un recueil de citations, voilà bien deux aspects, liés entre eux, du pouvoir symbolique : cette autorité particulière conférée aux auteurs de certains discours qui peuvent être caractérisés, simultanément, par l’exercice d’une forme de pouvoir . Ces discours ont pour propriété d’être universellement ou quasi-universellement efficaces, en tout cas apparemment. Cet article analyse l’exercice du pouvoir symbolique par les dirigeants de banques centrales et tente de comprendre quels en sont les ressorts profonds. Ceux-ci sont à chercher, en particulier, du côté de différents types de légitimité, parmi lesquels la légitimité scientifique occupe une place particulière.
Quand la science contribue à créer l’ordre du monde
Authors: Flahault François
Published: May 2016

Les sciences économiques décrivent et prescrivent à la fois. Pourquoi mêlent-elles ces deux rôles alors que les autres sciences les distinguent ? Pour répondre à cette question l’auteur commence par rappeler la distinction entre les actes performatifs assumés explicitement et ceux qui sont effectués implicitement sous le couvert d’énoncés descriptifs, comme le font les théories économiques. Il montre ensuite, en prenant l’exemple de représentations sociocosmiques de l’ancienne Égypte, puis de la théologie médiévale comment ces sociétés ont dû, elles aussi, se référer à un ordre qui est, et qui est ce qu’il doit être. La thèse générale de l’article est que les sociétés humaines doivent nécessairement instituer un monde commun, et que, pour assurer la crédibilité de ce cadre, il leur faut faire comme si elles ne l’avaient pas créé.
A Final Touch for the Environmental Engineering Students at the Onset of their Profession: Senior-Year Graduation Design Project – Case Study for 2014-2015
Authors: Dulekgurgen Ebru , Karahan Özgün Özlem , Yuksek Gulten , Pasaoglu M. Emin , Unalan Cem , Bicer O. Bugrahan , Cetinkaya Zuhal , Isik Isa , Oner B. Ecem
Published: May 2016

This study reports the results of problem/design-based education offered by the Environmental Engineering Department of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) through an example of the senior-year Graduation Design Project (GDP), and the outcomes of introducing new environmental management considerations to environmental system design, and impacts of those on the senior-year Environmental Engineering undergraduate students. Overall outcomes of the study and the student entries gathered on risk assessment, uncertainty, sustainability, life-cycle-assessment, and resilience issues demonstrated that inclusion of those environmental management considerations to the senior-year GDP, as well as the new and improved approaches about handling the problem/design-based education, significantly broadened the perspective of the senior-year students at the onset of their profession.
Authorship and Content Analysis of Engineering Education Research: A Case Study
Authors: Nawaz Sadia , Strobel Johannes
Published: May 2016

In this paper, Engineering Education as a discipline has been analyzed by taking IEEE Transactions on Education (IEEE T Educ) as a case; to examine the various trends that have been emerging over time. Based on various criteria of authorship and citation, an effort is made to highlight the main contributors or top authors of this engineering education community. It was found that authorship trends have been shifting more towards collaboration. It was also found that the authorship community is growing, both in terms of publications and publishing authors. Study of citation patterns during the last decade, reveals a high citation count per article, which indicates a high readership of this journal. Later, the study of authorship and citation patterns shed light on the trend that multi-author articles are cited more often than single-author articles. This study was compared with earlier studies in the field of Engineering Education Research (EER) using keyword analysis and temporal evolution and distribution of keywords. Additionally key-phrase and topic modeling was performed to identify leading and evolving research areas within the EER., Analysis of word co-occurrence was performed to discover the main context in which the keywords have been used. Lastly, topic modeling techniques were applied for probabilistic distributions of IEEE topics and the results were in line with earlier studies.
Médias, propagande, nationalismes
Authors: Bertho Elara
Published: May 2016

Du début des années 1960 au début des années 1980, dans deux contextes politiques très différents, Ahmed Sékou Touré – dans la Guinée nouvellement indépendante – et Robert Mugabe – engagé dans la guérilla contre le gouvernement de la Rhodésie du Sud – développaient deux stratégies tout à fait similaires de filiation symbolique dans les chants de propagande. À la radio ou dans les champs, écoutés solitairement ou en groupes, ces chants partisans reliaient leur leader politique à une figure ancestrale : Samory Touré et Mbuya Nehanda, ayant tous deux résisté à la colonisation. Cet article vise à comprendre le mécanisme de légitimation à l’œuvre dans ces textes, et les « communautés imaginées » induites par l’appel à ces figures tutélaires.
Comment mieux prendre en compte les besoins économiques ?
Authors: Escobar Paula , López Juliana
Published: May 2016

Dans un contexte de morcellement législatif du système éducatif et de grands défis à relever en matière de développement économique, la formation professionnelle en Colombie affronte trois principales difficultés : une faible mobilité entre les établissements d’enseignement supérieur et les différents niveaux de formation ; une déconnexion entre l’offre éducative et les besoins du secteur productif ; un sous-positionnement de la formation professionnelle. Le gouvernement colombien tente d’y remédier en créant un système d’enseignement supérieur qui accorde un rôle central à la formation professionnelle.
Characteristics Development of Agriculture and Agricultural Policy Southeast European Countries
Authors: Simonovic Zoran , Vukovic Predrag
Published: May 2016

In general the agricultural policy South East European countries are characterized by high volatility, which is expressed in terms of applied instruments and measures as well as in regard to the products to which it relates. In the first phase of price and trade liberalization, most countries have abolished or significantly reduced non-tariff barriers to the import and export of a wide range of products. Also, most countries have reduced or abolished production subsidies and left import tariffs as the main instrument to protect producers. This chapter emphasizes that the further development of CAP in many ways depended on negotiations with the countries of Southeast Europe. Some of these countries are already in the EU and some candidate countries which are at different levels of negotiation with the EU. Southeast European countries are basically agricultural country with low productivity and low prices of agricultural products to be completely restructured. These countries can be reintegrated into CAP only respect the rules and with the help of EU member states.
Multifaceted Applications of Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: May 2016

This chapter aims to explain the overview of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM); the significant activities of GSCM; GSCM and collaboration; GSCM and environmental management; GSCM in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and the multifaceted applications of GSCM. Green supply chain is capable of increasing corporate value while considering its impacts on all processes of physical distribution, production, and environment. Managing a green supply chain is about finding the balance between economic and environmental benefits in global supply chain. GSCM recognizes the disproportionate environmental impact of supply chain processes in an organization. GSCM practices can manifest themselves from the process of selecting raw material to final consumption based on the aspects of reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. The chapter argues that the multifaceted applications of GSCM have the potential to enhance organizational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in global supply chain.