bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Brazil did not develop a merchant marine; Brazilian shipping and the world in the 19th century
Authors: Holten Birgitte
Published: March 2018

The weak performance of the Brazilian merchant marine is surprising, as a huge external sector is normally expected to gohand in hand with the development of anational merchant marine. To elucidate this question, the article proposes an analysis and discussion of the development of the Brazilian merchant marine in the nineteenth century. The early focus on the extremely specialized importation of African slaves led to a near abandon of long distance shipping when this trade was banned in 1830. The same tendency to desist from exterior shipping can also be found in the United States in the late 19th century. A comparison of the two countries demonstrates, that the need for developing the national territory and for providing transportation facilities for the growing interior economies diverted the concentration from exterior ventures tonational ones.
História e teoria: sobre proto-industrialização
Authors: De Paula João Antônio
Published: March 2018

Este artigo pretende discutir o lugar da teoria no discurso historiográfico. Se a historiografia, como sabemos, não se faz sem documentos, e, mais decisivamente, pela busca da interdição do anacronismo, menos consensual é o reconhecimento do papel da teoria no fazer historiográfico. O texto procura abordar o tema a partir da consideração de diversos debates que têm marcado o campo historiográfico no referente às relações entre teoria e história. Em particular, buscou-se discutir a questão a partir da recepção da teoria marxiana da industrialização pela chamada "escola da proto-industrialização".
Usina termoelétrica em Santa Catarina: da concepção da SOTELCA à privatização da Jorge Lacerda
Authors: Filho Alcides Goularti , De Moraes Fabio Farias
Published: March 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o processo de constituição da Sociedade Termo elétrica de Capivari e da construção e expansão da Usina Termoelétrica de Capivari, no bojo da industrialização pesada, durante a década perdida e na era neoliberal. Busca-se também compreender como o Estado vai condensando materialmente os diversos interesses e contradições que havia em torno do carvão nacional, no tocante à questão energética. O texto está dividido em cinco partes. Inicialmente, dá-se um panorama do sistema nacional de geração e transmissão de energia; em segundo lugar, apresenta-se um breve relato do complexo carbonífero catarinense; em seguida, faz-se uma reconstituição dos discursos, das leis e dos projetos que a antecederam e deram condições concretas para a criação da SOTELCA; em quarto lugar, relata-se sua evolução, desde a constituição até a incorporação feita pela Eletrosul; e, por último, analisa-se o período que vai desta incorporação à privatização.
O presidente desiludido: a campanha liberal e o pêndulo de política econômica no governo Dutra (1942-1948)
Authors: Zahluth Bastos Pedro Paulo
Published: March 2018

O artigo pretende discutir o contexto político e ideológico da opção do governo Dutra pela liberalização cambial, mostrando que se vinculava a um programa de estabilização e desenvolvimento de corte liberal, mas que não pretendia restaurar a chamada "vocação agrária" exportadora do país. A seguir, demonstra que a restauração de controles cambiais, depois da crise cambial de 1947, se fez, ao contrário do que é aceito, de maneira consciente de seus benefícios para a substituição de importações — consciência induzida pelo fracasso da liberalização comercial e divulgada em parte para neutralizar críticas da oposição varguista, que apontava os riscos da abertura comercial e financeira para o desenvolvimento econômico do Brasil.
Cento e vinte anos de produção mundial de açúcar: comentário sobre séries estatísticas tradicionais (1820-1940)
Authors: De Moura Filho Heitor Pinto
Published: March 2018

Seja qual for a abordagem historiográfica adotada, existem cuidados preliminares no uso de séries estatísticas que não podem ser relegados a segundo plano. Pinçar séries prontas, em fontes secundárias aparentemente confiáveis, pode revelar-se perigoso. Este texto compara algumas séries de produção mundial de açúcar, amplamente difundidas na bibliografia sobre o século XIX e a primeira metade do XX. Identifica dificuldades genéricas das estatísticas açucareiras e expõe discrepâncias e convergências entre 8 séries, cobrindo o período de 1820 a 1940. Refere-se essencialmente a problemas decorrentes de diferentes unidades de medida, da existência de diversos tipos de açúcar e de abrangências geográficas heterogêneas. Uma genealogia de valores entre as séries se torna aparente. Alguns erros nas séries publicadas também são identificados.
Estrategia, estructura y redes sociales, el caso de algodonera Flandria (1924-1950)
Authors: Barbero María Inés
Published: March 2018

El presente trabajo analiza el caso de la  empresa textil Algodonera Flandria entre las décadas de 1920 y de 1950, enfocándose en el estudio de las estrategias de la firma, de su evolución económica y de las características de su gestión. Se trata de una empresa industrial que a fines de los años veinte se instaló en un área rural, alrededor de la cual fueron desarrollándose núcleos urbanos habitados por los trabajadores de la firma. La gestión empresarial se caracterizó por una fuerte orientación paternalista, fundada en los principios del catolicismo social como fueron enunciados desde fines del siglo XIX. Desde este punto de vista, constituye un caso con rasgos originales, no sólo por las dimensiones extraeconómicas del proyecto  empresarial, sino porque en cierta medida se confunden en una historia de la empresa y la historia de los pueblos circundantes.
O debate sobre a desigualdade de renda no Brasil: da controvérsia dos anos 70 ao pensamento hegemônico nos anos 90
Authors: Gandra Rodrigo Mendes
Published: March 2018

Este trabalho tem por objetivo principal delinear a História do Pensamento Econômico Brasileiro sobre a desigualdade de renda no Brasil a partir da década de 60. Em primeiro lugar, faz-se uma análise do debate sobre as causas do aumento da desigualdade de renda brasileira na década de 60 (que ficou conhecido como a "Controvérsia de 70"). Após isto, faz-se uma análise dos argumentos dos economistas contemporâneos (da década de 90) sobre as causas da elevada e estável desigualdade de renda no Brasil. Finalmente, compara-se os dois períodos de pensamento para se saber como o debate tem evoluído.
Wal-Mart e sua estratégia para o varejo norte-americano e internacional
Authors: Costa Armando João Dalla
Published: March 2018

Este texto tem como objetivo analisar a história da Wal-Mart, empresa que iniciou suas atividades em Bentonville, pequena vila do sudoeste norte-americano, e acompanhar sua evolução e importância para o desenvolvimento do varejo. Outro aspecto estudado é a participação do fundador da empresa, assim como o dos sucessores. Neste caso, para garantir a sua continuidade, Sam Walton organizou a firma de tal modo que os herdeiros pudessem ocupar os principais postos de comando no Conselho de Administração, enquanto a direção executiva da empresa fosse gerida por executivos profissionais. O texto destaca ainda o planejamento feito pelos diretores para elaborar um plano estratégico de expansão no sentido de ocupar os mercados americano, asiático e europeu. Para continuar sua trajetória de crescimento a firma buscará ser competitiva tanto no mercado interno norte-americano como ocupar cerca de vinte países mais significativos no mundo.
O I Congresso Brasileiro de Economia
Authors: Luiz Corsi Francisco
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo baseia-se em pesquisa nos Anais do I Congresso Brasileiro de Economia, realizado no Rio de Janeiro, em 1943, em um momento em que apareciam os primeiros sinais de crise do Estado Novo e em que começava a rediscussão da ordem econômica mundial. Uma das consequências desse contexto foi desencadear uma discussão acerca dos rumos da economia brasileira e da política econômica, iniciada com o I Congresso de Economia e cujo ápice foi a famosa polêmica entre Roberto Simonsen e Eugênio Gudin sobre o planejamento econômico. O papel do Estado na economia, a relação com o capital estrangeiro, o livre-comércio, a política aduaneira e a política monetária e creditícia, questões ainda hoje relevantes, foram os pontos cruciais do debate à época e que examinaremos neste trabalho.
Padrões de riqueza no Sudeste do Brasil, 1815-1860
Authors: Frank Zephyr
Published: March 2018

O Oitocentos, especialmente antes da década de 1880, são vistos como um período de crescimento lento ou de estagnação de boa parte da economia brasileira. Ao longo das últimas três décadas, tal interpretação vem sendo revista por estudiosos da História Econômica, em particular com relação ao Sudeste. Este artigo utiliza inventários post mortem e outras fontes quantitativas para detectar se houve ou não crescimento real da riqueza em três localidades do Sudeste: a cidade do Rio de Janeiro, a região do Rio das Mortes, nas Minas Gerais, e a cidade de São Paulo. A evidência indica que o nível de riqueza real era mais alto à época da independência e aumentava mais rapidamente que admitiam os estudos tradicionais, focados na estagnação econômica da primeira metade do século XIX. Concomitantemente, a desigualdade econômica também aumentou. Incluíam-se entre as fontes do crescimento o melhoramento das instituições econômicas, um grande mercado de crédito informal e o incremento da demanda  centrada nas cidades e centros urbanos menores.
Dinámica de uso de suelo en una Región Hidrológica Prioritaria de la cuenca Río Bravo, Nuevo León
Authors: Torres Barajas Manuel , Favela Lara Susana , Alanís Flores Glafiro , González Rojas José Ignacio
Published: March 2018

La subcuenca del Río San Juan (SRSJ) es la más importante de la cuenca del Río Bravo, ya que sostiene el desarrollo socioeconómico y urbano del noreste de México, pero los cambios de uso del suelo han ocasionado problemas y riesgos ambientales. El presente estudio consistió en analizar los cambios espacio-temporales de uso del suelo en la subcuenca durante el periodo de 1976 a 2011, con el fin de establecer su dinámica para identificar las posibles tendencias. Se empleó la cartografía de Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (Inegi) y del Inventario Nacional Forestal y de Suelos ((INFyS). A través del Sistema de Información Geográfica Idrisi Selva, se generaron matrices de transición y tasas de cambio para los periodos (1976-1993, 1993-2000 y 2000-2011). Los tipos de uso de suelo y vegetación más representativos en el año 1976 fueron el matorral (76 %), cultivos (19 %) y pastizales (2 %); sin embargo, en 2011 se observaron cambios significativos en su cobertura, de los cuales el más afectado fue el matorral que registró una pérdida de 30 % de su superficie original y tasas de cambio negativas de 1976 a 2011. Los cultivos y pastizales se extendieron en 15 y 7 % aproximadamente, y registraron las tasas de cambio positivas más destacadas debido a la intensa actividad agropecuaria de la zona, lo que sugiere un proceso de reducción del matorral inducido por un incremento en el grado de antropización.
Extracción y requerimiento de macronutrimentos en mango ‘Ataulfo’ (Mangifera indica L.) con manejo de poda anual y bianual
Authors: Cruz-Barrón Vania , Bugarín-Montoya Rubén , Alejo-Santiago Gelacio , Luna-Esquivel Gregorio , Juárez-López Porfirio
Published: March 2018

La determinación del requerimiento nutrimental en mango ‘Ataulfo’ es esencial para el manejo integral de su fertilización. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la extracción y requerimiento de macronutrimentos a partir de la concentración de N, P, K, Ca y Mg en biomasa podada y en frutos producidos en el cultivo de mango ‘Ataulfo’ en huertos manejados con poda anual y bianual. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron poda anual y poda bianual. La poda anual se realizó en agosto de 2007, 2008 y de 2009 mientras que la poda bianual se realizó en agosto de 2007 y agosto de 2009. Los resultados indican que la biomasa podada difirió significativamente entre tratamientos. Los árboles podados anualmente produjeron 18.2 kg de materia seca mientras que los que se podaron bianualmente acumularon 31.87 kg. Para calcular la demanda de macronutrimentos en función del rendimiento, se proponen los siguientes factores en kg de nutrimento por tonelada de fruta cosechada: N, 4.19; P, 0.79; K, 7.19; Ca, 3.67; y Mg, 0.93.
Aplicación de métodos multivariados para identificar cultivares sobresalientes de haba para el Estado de México, México
Authors: Pérez López Delfina de Jesús , González Huerta Andrés , Franco Mora Omar , Rubí Arriaga Martín , Ramírez Dávila José Francisco , Castañeda Vildózola Álvaro , Aquino Martínez Jesús Gaudencio
Published: March 2018

La aplicación de técnicas multivariadas al estudio de las interrelaciones entre cultivares, ambientes, variables o sus interacciones es una herramienta valiosa para la identif icación de material genético sobresaliente. Este estudio se realizó en el ciclo primavera-verano de 2011 en San Nicolás Guadalupe (SF), San Mateo Otzacatipan (MO) y Metepec (M), Estado de México, con el objetivo principal de analizar las interrelaciones entre 36 cultivares de haba (Vicia faba L.), tres localidades, y 12 variables. Se utilizaron el modelo de efectos principales aditivos e interacción multiplicativa (Modelo AMMI) y los análisis de componentes principales y de conglomerados. Las tres metodologías permitieron identif icar cultivares, ambientes y variables sobresalientes. SF y M fueron las mejores localidades para la evaluación del material genético. Los cultivares identif icados como 1, 5, 7 y 36 fueron superiores en peso total de semilla, número de vainas por planta, peso de vaina por planta, número de semillas por planta, peso de 100 semillas, peso de semilla limpia, número de semillas limpias y número de semillas por vaina; éstas podrían emplearse en un programa de f itomejoramiento, en la generación de tecnología, en el incremento o intercambio de semilla por parte de los agricultores que los siembran o usarse en siembra comercial en la región centro del Estado de México, México.
Rendimiento, preferencia y calidad de enlatado de variedades de frijol pinto producidas en Durango, México
Authors: Rosales-Serna Rigoberto , Nava-Berumen Cynthia Adriana , González-Ramírez Horacio , Herrera Mayra D. , Jiménez-Galindo José Cruz , Ramírez-Cabral Nadiezhda Y. Z. , Osuna-Ceja Esteban Salvador
Published: March 2018

El objetivo fue validar días a madurez, rendimiento, peso de 100 semillas y preferencia de cinco variedades de frijol pinto. Se evaluaron la madurez, rendimiento y peso de 100 semillas en 9 a 13 sitios con las variedades Pinto Centauro, Pinto Bravo, Pinto Centenario, Pinto Libertad, Pinto Coloso y Pinto Saltillo (testigo). En un estudio de preferencia se determinó la calidad de las variedades para el comercio, consumo e industria con base en atributos del grano crudo, cocido y enlatado. Las nuevas variedades fueron más precoces para madurar (89-92 días), que Pinto Saltillo (92-96 días) y tuvieron grano de mayor tamaño (34-38 g 100 semillas-1 vs. 30-31 g 100 semillas-1). La mayoría de las variedades validadas mostraron alta preferencia comercial (15.1-18.3%) y de consumo (4.1-4.7, en la escala de 1 a 5). Después del enlatado Pinto Saltillo registró el mayor rendimiento en peso (263%) y porcentaje de granos reventados (60%). Las variedades validadas mostraron precocidad, semillas más grandes, alto rendimiento y mayor preferencia para productores, comerciantes y consumidores de frijol.
Nematodos fitoparásitos asociados al cultivo de papaya (Carica papaya L.) en Colima, México
Authors: Martínez Gallardo José Ángel , Díaz Valdés Tomás , Allende Molar Raúl , Ortiz Meza José Alfonso , García Estrada Raymundo Saúl , Carrillo Fasio José Armando
Published: March 2018

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo detectar e identificar los géneros de nematodos fitoparásitos asociados al cultivo de papaya (Carica papaya L.) en los municipios de Tecomán y Colima, Colima. Se seleccionaron diez huertos, de siete ranchos en los que se colectaron muestras de raíces y suelo rizosférico; en cada muestra se cuantificó e identificaron las poblaciones de los fitonematodos. Para la identificación específica de Meloidogyne, se analizaron cortes perineales de las hembras y se confirmó por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Los géneros de fitonematodos detectados e identificados fueron: Aphelenchus, Ditylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Rotylenchus, Trophurus, Tylenchorrhynchus, Tylenchus, y Meloidogyne, con la especie M. incognita. Los resultados permiten el reporte por primera vez de M. incognita, asociado al cultivo de papaya en Colima, México.
Evaluación y calibración del índice de fósforo en los Altos de Jalisco, México
Authors: Flores López Hugo Ernesto , Figueroa Viramontes Uriel , De La Mora Orozco Celia , Núñez González Gregorio , Valdivia Gómez Laura
Published: March 2018

La alta concentración de ganado en losAltos de Jalisco, México, genera más de 4.34 millones de toneladas anuales de estiércol que la hace una región de alto riesgo ambiental. El índice de fósforo (IP), es una herramienta de planeación que permite identif icar zonas de riesgo ambiental y opciones de manejo que reduzcan el impacto potencial de los sistema agropecuarios; pero antes el IP debe adaptarse y calibrarse a las condiciones locales objetivo del presente trabajo. El estudio se desarrolló de 2009 a 2011 en el Campo Experimental CentroAltos de Jalisco, de INIFAP, localizado en Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco. Se utilizaron lotes de escurrimiento y áreas de drenaje con maíz y pasto, a los que se aplicó estiércol de bovino y gallinaza más fertilizante; en cada tormenta se midió la lluvia, el escurrimiento superf icial y la erosión hídrica. Con ésta información se calculó el IP a partir de las características de transporte y fuente de P en cada tratamiento. También se evaluó una modificación al transporte de P, de relación lineal en la tasa de pérdida de P (TPP) a una exponencial. Los resultados mostraron que al inicio del estudio el pasto tiene baja vulnerabilidad a la pérdida de P, pero después se torna vulnerabilidad media, mientras que el maíz tuvo vulnerabilidad media. Se observó efecto de escala al incrementar el área de drenaje con reducción del valor del IP. LacalibracióndelIPconmodificacióndelaTPPdetipolineal a exponencial mejoró el desempeño del IP.
Caracterización de suelos cultivados con amaranto y algunos aspectos agronómicos de la planta
Authors: Hernández Acosta Elizabeth , García Gallegos Elizabeth , Ramírez Téllez José Luis
Published: March 2018

En el estado de Tlaxcala se produce y consume amaranto, por lo que es importante estudiar sus aspectos agronómicos y las propiedades del suelo donde crece. Para cumplir con este objetivo, en este trabajo, se seleccionaron tres sitios pertenecientes al municipio de Nativitas, Tlaxcala, en el ciclo 2009-2010, donde antes de la siembra se aplica estiércol de bovino. Se evaluaron las propiedades físicas y químicas de los suelos y su contenido nutrimental. En planta, se determinó la biomasa aérea, el rendimiento de semilla, la altura de planta, el contenido nutrimental y la actividad fotosintética, a través de la cuantificación de clorofila. Los resultados mostraron que los suelos tienen deficiencias de nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio, bajo contenido de materia orgánica, pocos sitios de intercambio, bajo contenido de sales y un pH moderadamente ácido. En planta, la concentración de nitrógeno en las hojas fue crítica, en los tres sitios evaluados; los niveles de fosforo y potasio se presentaron en un grado de suficiencia. El Sitio 1 presentó la mayor altura de planta, biomasa aérea y rendimiento de semilla. Se tuvieron correlaciones significativas y positivas entre la capacidad de intercambio catiónico y el rendimiento de semilla, entre la biomasa aérea con el contenido de limo y arcilla, así como la altura de planta con la biomasa aérea y rendimiento de semilla. El contenido de clorofila no fue estadísticamente significativo entre los sitios, pero las correlaciones entre clorofila a y concentración de nitrógeno y clorofila b con los niveles de potasio fueron significativas.
Genetik ve Postmortem Mekanizmaların Sığır Eti Renk Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: Ardicli Sena
Published: March 2018

Bu makale genetik ve çevresel faktörlerin
sığır eti renk özelliklerine etkileri hakkındaki güncel bilgilerin bir
derlemesidir. Sığır eti üretim işletmelerinde, renk özellikleri bakımından
tercih edilen et ürünlerinin üretilebilmesi için çevresel ve genetik
faktörlerden oluşan mekanizmaların anlaşılabilmesi gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda
genotipik ve çevresel etkiler arasındaki interaksiyonların bu özelliği nasıl
etkilediği hakkında genel bir bakış açısı sunulmuştur. Et rengi, tüketicilerin
seçimini ve dolayısıyla ürünlerin ekonomik değerlerini belirlemektedir. Et
renginin belirlenmesinde kullanılan güncel yöntemler, postmortem süreç ile
çevresel ve LEP, CAPN, CAST, AKR1B1, GHR, MYOD, DNAH2, USP43, ANK1 aday genlerinden
oluşan faktörlerin et rengi üzerine etkileri sunulmuştur. Bununla birlikte
sığır yetiştiriciliğinde çevresel ve genetik faktörler arasındaki
interaksiyonlara ait spesifik örnekler özetlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, optimum et
renginin elde edilebilmesi sadece kesim öncesi ve sonrası sürece ait nitelikler
değil aynı zamanda moleküler mekanizmalara da bağlıdır.
Economic Growth and Cash Flows: Application to the Industrial Sector in the Departments of Antioquia and Valle del Cauca (Colombia)
Authors: Escobar Arias Gabriel Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Objective: to determine the relationship between economic growth and cash flows of industrial sector companies in the departments of Antioquia and Valle del Cauca.Methodology: based on the financial statements that the industrial companies of Antioquia and Valle del Cauca reported to the Superintendency of Corporations between 1995 and 2013. The analysis was conducted with 102 companies in Antioquia and 65 in Valle, which made this an ongoing report. The analysis calculated the operating and financing cash flows with which these companies established the statistical relationship between the growth of the regional economy and data, from the same period, from the National Statistics Department of Colombia.Results: the statistical relationship between operating cash flows and growth of the regional economy increased in Antioquia by 0.389 and in Valle del Cauca by 0.879. This result was found to be unsatisfactory to make predictions, but when operating cash flows were added to financing, the statistical relationship increased to 0.740 in Antioquia, and Valle de Cauca to 0.818; more precise data to make cash flow prediction.Conclusions: due to the direct relationship between the cash flows of industrial sector companies in Antioquia and Valle del Cauca and the regional economic growth, it is possible to make predictions of future cash flows for companies in this sector.
Construciones de juventud, prácticas democráticas y vinculos intergeneracionales en el escultismo católico contemporáneo de Argentina
Authors: Soledad Fernández Natalia
Published: March 2018

Objetivos: comprender la participación de jóvenes en Scouts de Argentina Asociación Civil (SAAC) para focalizar las construcciones de juventud, las prácticas democráticas y los vínculos generacionales entre jóvenes y adultos.Metodología: estudio cualitativo de tipo descriptivo basado en observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad y análisis de archivos. Se realizó trabajo de campo y estadía intensiva en grupos y eventos de scouts del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina.Resultados: en SAAC la juventud está asociada con la posibilidad de transformación del presente y la orientación hacia el futuro. Las prácticas democráticas son capitalizadas por sus miembros para la toma de decisiones sobre aspectos relevantes para la institución y la comunidad local. Las tensiones identificadas en los vinculos intergeneracionales jóvenes/adultos indican la articulación entre generaciones herederas del escultismos argentino fundante y de nuevas generaciones de jóvenes y adultos conformadas entre los años 1980 y 2000. La actual vigencia del escultismo católico argentino evidencia una constante trasformación de sus estructuras institucionales, de una compleja composición de actores involucrados y de configuraciones institucionales sobre lo juvenil.Conclusiones: las prácticas demoráticas implementadas en SAAC permitieron revisar definiciones institucionales sobre las juventudes y ampliar su campo de acción. Es pertinente, entonces, adoptar una perspectiva holista que considere la convivencia e interacción (conflictiva, conciliadora y negociadora) entre distintas generaciones de scouts y que permitan dar cuenta de la complejidad, las continuidades y las transformaciones  producidas una institución habitada por jóvenes y adultos.
Typology and Hierarchy of Students’ Motivations to Use Technology in Learning
Authors: Stevens Kenneth J , Guo Zixiu , Li Yuan
Published: March 2018

Considerable discussion has taken place in practice and academe regarding the need for changes to the educational system to better suit current student’s approaches and preferences for technology use in learning. Much of this discussion involves assumptions about the current students (referred to by some as ‘digital natives’) preference for independent learning and that students are motivated in similar ways to use technology to achieve and support their preferred learning style. This study sought to better understand student’s motivations for technology use in learning and whether assumptions about the homogeneity of motivations are warranted. We sought to identify students’ motivation typology and any groupings within these typologies, and understand the inter-relationship between motivations. Using data collected from 16 Information Systems (IS) students via the Repertory Grid Interview technique (RGT), a cluster analysis segmented respondents into two distinct groups: ‘Independent Learners’ and ‘Traditional Learners’. A hierarchical framework of technology use motivations was developed for each group using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Cross-impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) was used to categorise each group’s motivation factors. Results show that the two groups were driven to achieve the same learning goals by different paths and hence questioning the assumption of homogeneity in technology use motivations among the current student cohort.
Changing Patterns of Allotment Gardening in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Tóth Attila , Duží Barbora , Vávra Jan , Supuka Ján , Bihuňová Mária , Halajová Denisa , Martinát Stanislav , Nováková Eva
Published: March 2018

Allotment gardens have played a significant role in Czech and
Slovak society for decades, building upon a rich history of gardening. This
article elaborates on Czech and Slovak allotments in the European context
and identifies their core functions, services, and benefits. We provide
a thorough historical review of allotments in this region, reaching back to
the eighteenth century to trace significant periods and historic events that
shaped society in general and urban gardening in particular. We analyze the
development of allotments until and after 1989 and illustrate key aspects of
their present situation using case studies and examples. The article provides a
complex historical narrative as a good basis for discussions on contemporary
trends, challenges, and visions for the future of urban allotment gardening in
both countries.
Clinical evidence that the human monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody 105AD7, delays tumor growth by stimulating anti-tumor T-cell responses
Authors: Buckley Declan T.J. , Robinst Adrian R. , Durrant Lindy G.
Published: March 2018

A human monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, 105AD7, which mimics a colorectal tumor associated antigen, 791Tgp72, has been developed. A Phase I trial in advanced colorectal cancer patients showed that 105AD7 therapy was nontoxic and that immunised patients had prolonged survival when compared to a contemporary group of patients treated in the same center. There is accumulating clinical evidence that 105AD7 delays tumor growth by stimulating anti-tumor T-cell responses. Stimulation of helper T-cells was exemplified in the phase I study as 105AD7 immunized patients showed antigen specific T-cell blastogenesis responses and enhanced IL-2 production. Further evidence was obtained from a new clinical study in which colorectal cancer patients were immunized prior to tumor resection. Immune infiltrating cells were analysed by immunohistochemistry and effector cell function was studied in immune cells from peripheral blood and tumor draining lymph nodes. Both activated CD4 and natural killer (NK) cells were observed at the tumor site, which is of interest as NK cells are rarely found in colorectal tumors. Effector studies confirmed that NK activity was enhanced in 3/6 patieizts. Increased autologous tumor killing was also found in 3/4 patients and accumulation of CD8RO cells following 105AD7 immunization also suggested that CD8 T cells were being stimulated.
Evaluate of the effect of low tube voltage on the radiation dosage using 640-slice coronary CT angiography
Authors: Liu Shihe , Fu Qing , Yu Hualong , Zhang Chuanyu , Yang Qing , Hu Yabin , Xu Wenjian
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

640-slice coronary CT angiography is becoming an accurate and reliable method of diagnosing coronary heart disease. However, how to reduce the radiation dosage while ensuring the clinically acceptable image quality remains a quite challenging issue.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of low tube voltage on radiation dosage under 640-slice coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

METHODS:

Four hundred patients (236 males, 164 females) with coronary heart disease and underwent CCTA using DCVT were classified into A1 (tube voltage: 120 kV; exposure phase window: 30–80%), B1 (120 kV; 70–80%), A2 (100 kV; 30–80%) and B2 group (100 kV; 70–80%), respectively. Image qualities and effective dose (ED) were assessed and compared.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) ( P > 0.05). ED were significantly lower in 100 kV group ( P < 0.05). CT values of coronary artery in 100 kV groups were 13.5% and 17.3% higher than 120 kV group. ED in B1 group were 64.5% and 67.0% lower than A1 group. ED in B2 group were 65.4% and 65.2% lower than A2 group.

CONCLUSION:

When using a 640-slice CCTA prospective ECG-gating scanning mode, it is preferable to use a 100 kV tube voltage setting because compared to 120 kV tube voltage protocol, it seems to significantly decrease the mean effective radiation dose, without significantly lowering both the subjective and objective image quality.
l0 regularization based on a prior image incorporated non-local means for limited-angle X-ray CT reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Lingli , Zeng Li , Guo Yumeng
Published: March 2018

PURPOSES:

Restricted by the scanning environment in some CT imaging modalities, the acquired projection data are usually incomplete, which may lead to a limited-angle reconstruction problem. Thus, image quality usually suffers from the slope artifacts. The objective of this study is to first investigate the distorted domains of the reconstructed images which encounter the slope artifacts and then present a new iterative reconstruction method to address the limited-angle X-ray CT reconstruction problem.

METHODS:

The presented framework of new method exploits the structural similarity between the prior image and the reconstructed image aiming to compensate the distorted edges. Specifically, the new method utilizes l0 regularization and wavelet tight framelets to suppress the slope artifacts and pursue the sparsity. New method includes following 4 steps to (1) address the data fidelity using SART; (2) compensate for the slope artifacts due to the missed projection data using the prior image and modified nonlocal means (PNLM); (3) utilize l0 regularization to suppress the slope artifacts and pursue the sparsity of wavelet coefficients of the transformed image by using iterative hard thresholding (l0W); and (4) apply an inverse wavelet transform to reconstruct image. In summary, this method is referred to as “l0W-PNLM”.

RESULTS:

Numerical implementations showed that the presented l0W-PNLM was superior to suppress the slope artifacts while preserving the edges of some features as compared to the commercial and other popular investigative algorithms. When the image to be reconstructed is inconsistent with the prior image, the new method can avoid or minimize the distorted edges in the reconstructed images. Quantitative assessments also showed that applying the new method obtained the highest image quality comparing to the existing algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrated that the presented l0W-PNLM yielded higher image quality due to a number of unique characteristics, which include that (1) it utilizes the structural similarity between the reconstructed image and prior image to modify the distorted edges by slope artifacts; (2) it adopts wavelet tight frames to obtain the first and high derivative in several directions and levels; and (3) it takes advantage of l0 regularization to promote the sparsity of wavelet coefficients, which is effective for the inhibition of the slope artifacts. Therefore, the new method can address the limited-angle CT reconstruction problem effectively and have practical significance.
Anti-oxidant, DNA-damage protection and anti-cancer properties of n-butanol extract of the endemic Perralderia coronopifolia
Authors: Bekhouche Khadidja , Ozen Tevfik , Boussaha Sara , Koldas Serkan , Yenigun Semiha , Lassed Somia , Demirtas Ibrahim , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir , Zama Djamila
Published: March 2018

This study was designed to evaluate in vitro the total phenolic, flavonoid content, anti-oxidant activity, oxidative DNA-damage protection and anti-cancer activity of n-butanol extract from Perralderia coronopifolia, endemic plant. DNA protection capacity was performed using 46966 plasmid DNA against UV-photolysis of H2O2-induced oxidative damage. The anti-prolifer-ative effects of extract were performed on HeLa and C6 cells. Experimental results showed that extract had convenient number of phenolic and flavonoids. Furthermore, it provided strong anti-oxidant, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide and higher DPPH· scavenging ability with IC50= 7.02 ± 0.02 µg/mL. As it shown an oxidative plasmid DNA-damage inhibition against UV-photolysis of H2O2, an anti-cancer activity athigher concentrations in cells. The data obtained that P. coronopifolia extract could be useful in human protection against infection and degenerative illness.
Correction: Alessia Stornetta et al. Alcohol-Derived Acetaldehyde Exposure in the Oral Cavity. Cancers 2018, 10, 20
Authors: Stornetta Alessia , Guidolin Valeria , Balbo Silvia
Published: March 2018

The authors would like to make a correction to their published paper[...]
Catalytic Oxidation of Chlorobenzene over Ruthenium-Ceria Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Ye Meng , Chen Li , Liu Xiaolong , Xu Wenqing , Zhu Tingyu , Chen Guanyi
Published: March 2018

A series of Ru-based mono and bimetallic materials were prepared and evaluated in the catalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene. Among the different Ru-based catalysts, 1Ru/TiO2(P25) was the most active catalyst and contributed the lowest complete oxidation temperature, suggesting that commercial P25 TiO2 was the best support for Ru catalysts. After ceria oxides were introduced into the Ru catalytic system, the catalytic activity of 1Ru-5Ce/TiO2(Rutile) dramatically improved and that of P25 supported catalysts was decreased. Comparing the chlorobenzene consumption rates for 1Ru/TiO2 and 1Ru-5Ce/TiO2 at 280 °C, it could be concluded that monometallic Ru catalytic system was appropriate for P25 support, and the Ru-Ce bimetallic catalytic system was suitable for the rutile TiO2 support. At 280 °C, for 1Ru-5Ce/TiO2(Rutile) and 1Ru-5Ce/TiO2(P25), the chlorobenzene conversion was stabilized at approximately 91% and 86%, respectively. According to the physicochemical properties of the catalysts as characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), and Hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), it can be concluded that (a) electrophilic Oads species play an important role in VOCs oxidation; (b) abundant RuO2 nanoparticles on the surface of 1Ru-5Ce/TiO2(Rutile) result in higher catalytic activity and stability; and (c) dispersion is not the major factor for the catalytic activity, rather the unique structure greatly facilitated the catalytic activity and stability.
Functional Analysis of Methylomonas sp. DH-1 Genome as a Promising Biocatalyst for Bioconversion of Methane to Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Hwang In , Lee Ok , Hur Dong , Jeon Young , Hadiyati Susila , Kim Min-Sik , Yoon Sung , Jeong Haeyoung , Lee Eun
Published: March 2018

Methylomonas sp. DH-1, newly isolated from the activated sludge of a brewery plant, has been used as a promising biocatalytic platform for the conversion of methane to value-added chemicals. Methylomonas sp. DH-1 can efficiently convert methane and propane into methanol and acetone with a specific productivity of 4.31 and 0.14 mmol/g cell/h, the highest values ever reported, respectively. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Methylomonas sp. DH-1 which consists of a 4.86 Mb chromosome and a 278 kb plasmid. The existence of a set of genes related to one-carbon metabolism and various secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways including carotenoid pathways were identified. Interestingly, Methylomonas sp. DH-1 possesses not only the genes of the ribulose monophosphate cycle for type I methanotrophs but also the genes of the serine cycle for type II. Methylomonas sp. DH-1 accumulated 80 mM succinate from methane under aerobic conditions, because DH-1 has 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity and the ability to operate the full TCA cycle. Availability of the complete genome sequence of Methylomonas sp. DH-1 enables further investigations on the metabolic engineering of this strain for the production of value-added chemicals from methane.
Serum Zinc Level in Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic School Children
Authors: AbdulWahab Atqah , Zeidan Aseel , Avades Tony , Chandra Prem , Soliman Ashraf
Published: March 2018

Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders among children. Zinc (Zn) is an essential dietary antioxidant and may have a special role in assisting the airways of asthmatic subjects. The primary objective of this study was to measure serum Zn levels among asthmatic school children and to compare this to the serum Zn level in non-asthmatic children. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between Zn levels and the degree of asthma control. A cross-sectional study following forty asthmatic children and forty matched non-asthmatic children of both genders was conducted. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-scores, serum Zn, hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin concentrations were measured in both groups. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and dosage of inhaled steroids were measured in asthmatic school children. The results show the mean Zn level among asthmatic children was 12.78 ± 1.8 μmol/L. Hypozincemia was detected in four asthmatic children. Asthma and control groups were matched in age, gender, and BMI Z score (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in Zn levels, hemoglobin, albumin, and total protein between both groups (p > 0.05). Among asthmatics, Zn levels were not significantly associated with the degree of asthma control (well controlled, mean Zn = 12.9 ± 1.5, partially controlled, mean Zn = 11.9 ± 1.6, and uncontrolled, mean Zn = 3.62 ± 2.2) (p = 0.053). The Zn level was not correlated with the FEV1 Z score. There was no significant association between Zn level and the dosage of inhaled steroids or IgE concentrations (p > 0.05). The findings show that Zn may not play a major role in the degree of asthma control. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Low Probability of Intercept-Based Radar Waveform Design for Spectral Coexistence of Distributed Multiple-Radar and Wireless Communication Systems in Clutter
Authors: Shi Chenguang , Wang Fei , Salous Sana , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the problem of low probability of intercept (LPI)-based radar waveform design for distributed multiple-radar system (DMRS) is studied, which consists of multiple radars coexisting with a wireless communication system in the same frequency band. The primary objective of the multiple-radar system is to minimize the total transmitted energy by optimizing the transmission waveform of each radar with the communication signals acting as interference to the radar system, while meeting a desired target detection/characterization performance. Firstly, signal-to-clutter-plus-noise ratio (SCNR) and mutual information (MI) are used as the practical metrics to evaluate target detection and characterization performance, respectively. Then, the SCNR- and MI-based optimal radar waveform optimization methods are formulated. The resulting waveform optimization problems are solved through the well-known bisection search technique. Simulation results demonstrate utilizing various examples and scenarios that the proposed radar waveform design schemes can evidently improve the LPI performance of DMRS without interfering with friendly communications.
Numerical Study on Heat Transfer to an Arc Absorber Designed for a Waste Heat Recovery System around a Cement Kiln
Authors: Mirhosseini Mojtaba , Rezaniakolaei Alireza , Rosendahl Lasse
Published: March 2018

A numerical study on combined free convection, forced convection, and radiation heat transfers from an industrial isothermal rotating cylinder (cement kiln) is carried out in this work. The investigation is done by the study of two-dimensional (2D) incompressible turbulent flow around the kiln under steady- and unsteady-state solutions. The results of this study show that the average Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers around the cylindrical kiln are 647,812.1 and 1.75986 × 1011, respectively. A heat absorber is specifically designed around the kiln, according to the available space around the kiln, in a sample cement factory. The study investigates the effect of an added absorber on the heat transfer features, for both constant heat flux and constant temperature, on the kiln. The temperature distribution along the absorber circumference is obtained for designing an efficient thermoelectric waste heat recovery system as a future study. It is observed that the contribution of the radiative heat transfer is significant in the total heat transferred from the kiln to the absorber.
Effects of Tree Trunks on Estimation of Clumping Index and LAI from HemiView and Terrestrial LiDAR
Authors: Bao Yunfei , Ni Wenjian , Wang Dianzhong , Yue Chunyu , He Hongyan , Verbeeck Hans
Published: March 2018

Estimating clumping indices is important for determining the leaf area index (LAI) of forest canopies. The spatial distribution of the clumping index is vital for LAI estimation. However, the neglect of woody tissue can result in biased clumping index estimates when indirectly deriving them from the gap probability and LAI observations. It is difficult to effectively and automatically extract woody tissue from digital hemispherical photos. In this study, a method for the automatic detection of trunks from Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data was used. Between-crown and within-crown gaps from TLS data were separated to calculate the clumping index. Subsequently, we analyzed the gap probability, clumping index, and LAI estimates based on TLS and HemiView data in consideration of woody tissue (trunks). Although the clumping index estimated from TLS had better agreement (R2 = 0.761) than that from HemiView, the change of angular distribution of the clumping index affected by the trunks from TLS data was more obvious than with the HemiView data. Finally, the exclusion of the trunks led to a reduction in the average LAI by ~19.6% and 8.9%, respectively, for the two methods. These results also showed that the detection of woody tissue was more helpful for the estimation of clumping index distribution. Moreover, the angular distribution of the clumping index is more important for the LAI estimate than the average clumping index value. We concluded that woody tissue should be detected for the clumping index estimate from TLS data, and 3D information could be used for estimating the angular distribution of the clumping index, which is essential for highly accurate LAI field measurements.
Reconsidering the Image of the Blue Bra: Photography, Conflict, and Cultural Memory in the 2011–2013 Egyptian Uprising
Authors: Linssen Dalia
Published: March 2018

The role of photography and social media have been seen as pivotal to the Egyptian political uprisings of 2011 where icons of the revolution circulated widely, helped galvanize protesters, and documented key events against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting discourse of photojournalism. By examining the citizen-produced image of the ‘girl with the blue’ in its capacity to reflect the spatial-temporal dynamics of the revolution, to mediate complex social issues of gender and political visibility, and to contribute to the development of cultural memory role through contemporary street art, this essay uncovers the significance of an icon in the digital age.
Addendum: Mehta et al. Standing Up for Learning: A Pilot Investigation on the Neurocognitive Benefits of Stand-Biased School Desks. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(1), 59; doi:10.3390/ijerph13010059
Authors: Mehta Ranjana , Shortz Ashley , Benden Mark
Published: March 2018

The authors wish to update the Introduction in their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH)[...]
Cold and Heat Stress Diversely Alter Both Cauliflower Respiration and Distinct Mitochondrial Proteins Including OXPHOS Components and Matrix Enzymes
Authors: Rurek Michał , Czołpińska Magdalena , Pawłowski Tomasz , Krzesiński Włodzimierz , Spiżewski Tomasz
Published: March 2018

Complex proteomic and physiological approaches for studying cold and heat stress responses in plant mitochondria are still limited. Variations in the mitochondrial proteome of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) curds after cold and heat and after stress recovery were assayed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) in relation to mRNA abundance and respiratory parameters. Quantitative analysis of the mitochondrial proteome revealed numerous stress-affected protein spots. In cold, major downregulations in the level of photorespiratory enzymes, porine isoforms, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and some low-abundant proteins were observed. In contrast, carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, heat-shock proteins, translation, protein import, and OXPHOS components were involved in heat response and recovery. Several transcriptomic and metabolic regulation mechanisms are also suggested. Cauliflower plants appeared less susceptible to heat; closed stomata in heat stress resulted in moderate photosynthetic, but only minor respiratory impairments, however, photosystem II performance was unaffected. Decreased photorespiration corresponded with proteomic alterations in cold. Our results show that cold and heat stress not only operate in diverse modes (exemplified by cold-specific accumulation of some heat shock proteins), but exert some associations at molecular and physiological levels. This implies a more complex model of action of investigated stresses on plant mitochondria.