bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El enfoque adaptativo del confort térmico en Sevilla = The adaptive approach to thermal comfort in Seville.
Authors: Sánchez D. , Sánchez-Guevara C. , Rubio C.
Published: April 2016

Resumen Aunque los estándares de confort en los edificios de oficinas acondicionados con medios mecánicos se han estudiado ampliamente a través de la norma ISO 7730 basada en los estudios de Fanger, todavía no existe un enfoque consensuado para el confort térmico en las viviendas. Muchas de esas viviendas, que componen un bloque, se han construido antes de que se introdujeran normas de ahorro de energía, por lo que existe un alto consumo energético que tiene un efecto sobre el medio ambiente y la economía. A través de los años, el modelo de confort térmico más utilizado se basa en un modelo estático, en el que el ser humano es similar a un receptor pasivo de los estímulos térmicos, mientras que el modelo adaptativo deja en manos del ocupante hacer algunos ajustes y lograr confort a través de acciones y de la adaptación psicológica. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar los límites de confort adaptativo en una vivienda similar a la mencionada anteriormente, con el fin de regular el uso de aire acondicionado y calefacción, y además reducir el exceso de consumo de energía. Abstract Although comfort standards in mechanically conditioned office buildings have been widely studied through ISO 7730 developed by Fanger, there is not a consensual approach to thermal comfort in dwellings yet. Many of those dwellings, which compose the housing block, have been built before the energy saving regulations were introduced and are generally neglected, so there is a high energy consumption which has an effect on environment and economy. Through the years, the comfort model applied to thermal comfort is a static model, in which the human being is similar to a passive recipient of thermal stimuli, while the adaptive model let the occupant make some adjustments and achieve their comfort through behavioral and psychological adaption. The present research is aimed to study the adaptive comfort limits in a dwelling similar to the ones mentioned before, in order to regulate the use of air conditioning and heating, and so the energy consumption excess.
Análise da percepção ambiental sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos de uma cidade universitária pertencente à região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais / Brasil
Authors: Faria Marco Túlio Da Silva , Rossoni Hygor Aristides Victor , Rossoni Fernanda Fonseca Pessoa , Passos Malu De Oliveira , De Faria Bruno Rogério Nascimento , Lemos Carlos Fernando
Published: April 2016

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido para melhorar o gerenciamento integrado dos resíduos sólidos no município de Florestal-MG. Por meio de um programa de educação ambiental, objetivou-se aumentar a consciência para mudar a coleta de resíduos sólidos nas casas. Elaborou-se um questionário para identificar a percepção da população em relação às questões ambientais e aos resíduos sólidos. Baseados nos resultados desta pesquisa, foram desenvolvidos materiais de divulgação (cartilhas e cartaz) e realizadas palestras e teatros para sensibilizar a população a separar os resíduos gerados em “seco” e “úmido”.Palavras-chave: Educação Ambiental; Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos; Percepção Ambiental; Gerenciamento de Resíduos.Área temática: Meio Ambiente e Educação.
Espaço social (visões e revisões): experimentos de uma atividade interdisciplinar
Authors: Neto Francisco Fagundes De Paiva , Da Costa Francisco Fábio Dantas
Published: April 2016

O trabalho partiu de um grupo de professores e pesquisadores de universidades da Paraíba, cujas reflexões no campo das Ciências Humanas demonstraram a possibilidade de discussões com egressos do ensino superior em uma extensão, por meio de um projeto. O objetivo foi analisar a noção de espaço desde o debate clássico ao contemporâneo, considerando a sua importância para se refletir sobre a sociedade, tanto em um nível macro como micro, que tem sido abordado pelas ciências humanas. Como metodologia, foi adotado um sistema de 12 módulos ministrados por profissionais de várias áreas, versando sobre temas envolvendo a perspectiva espacial. Um dos resultados da proposta foi a percepção, por parte dos envolvidos, de estabelecer relações críticas com as naturalizações feitas sobre o espaço, bem como de avaliá-lo como uma dimensão relacional entre representações e práticas sociais. Com efeito, percebeu-se que a atividade possibilitou um avanço no diálogo sobre a construção social dos espaços.Palavras chave: Conflitos, espaço social, identidades sociais.Áreas temáticas: Cultura e educação.
O Expresso e o INFOtenimento, o jornalismo que informa e entretém
Authors: Daniel Laene Mucci , Lopes Fernanda Miquilino
Published: April 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o projeto de extensão Comunicação em movimento. O Expresso: o jornal-cartaz dos usuários de transporte coletivo de Viçosa do Departamento de Comunicação Social da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. A publicação é voltada para as pessoas que andam de ônibus em Viçosa, tem formato de cartaz e é fixado no interior do veículo. Aqui contaremos como o jornal surgiu, o que já foi feito até hoje e alguns planos para o futuro do projeto. Além de produzir uma reflexão sobre como o INFOtenimento se reflete n’O Expresso.
O processo de expressão da identidade local no artesanato da Associação Municipal de Artesãos de Paula Cândido (AMAPAC)
Authors: Rabelo Lívia , Bossatto Leilane Rigoni , Sodré Ademar , Lima Bianca Aparecida Costa
Published: April 2016

A Incubadora Tecnológica de Cooperativas Populares (ITCP-UFV) auxilia grupos popularespautados pelos princípios da economia solidária, como é o caso da Associação Municipal de Artesãos de Paula Cândido (AMAPAC). Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse artigo é apresentar parte do processo de incubação da AMAPAC pela ITCP-UFV, com foco na valorização e reconhecimento da identidade local e grupal, culminado em peças artesanais que expressam a cultura local e o modo de produção na Economia Solidária. A metodologia utilizada, a fim de compreender a dinâmica interna do grupo, foi a observação participante e as oficinasutilizadas para alcançar os objetivos diagnosticados. Como resultado percebeu-se o interesse em dar visibilidade à elementos tradicionais do município e ao modo de produção utilizado, além da preocupação com o meio ambiente e a inclusão social. Observou-se também que, apesar da união do grupo, a não organização das ideias impossibilitava a efetivação dos objetivos.
The temporal–spatial assessment of water scarcity with the Water Poverty Index: a study in the middle basin of the Heihe River, northwest China
Authors: Tang Xia , Feng Qi
Published: April 2016

This paper details an application of the Water Poverty Index (WPI) to evaluate the state of water resources in an inland river basin using a case study of the Heihe River Basin (HRB) located in northwest China. The WPI includes five components (resources, access, capacity, use, and environment) and has 13 indicators; each indicator is assigned an equal weighting. The selected set of components and indicators was used to discuss the spatial and temporal variation of the water scarcity situation in the middle of the HRB for a 10-year assessment period. The results show that the water scarcity situation of the HRB is generally evolving in a positive way from 2001 to 2010. However, the WPI varied widely (from 24.6 to 66.5) at a spatial scale. The water situation was best maintained in Jiayuguan City, and it was most severe in Jiuquan City. These variations suggest that different cities require different policy intervention to improve the overall water situation. Overall, the WPI appears to be a reasonable approach to examine the water scarcity situation and help decision makers to better devise local policy.
Development of slow sponge sand filter (SpSF) as a post-treatment of UASB-DHS reactor effluent treating municipal wastewater
Authors: Maharjan N. , Kuroda K. , Dehama K. , Hatamoto M. , Yamaguchi T.
Published: April 2016

In this study, conventional slow sand filter (SSF) and modified slow sponge sand filter (SpSF) were investigated for the post-treatment of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)-down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor effluent. The seasonal variation did not show significant differences in removal efficiencies of both filters. However in summer, both filters were able to achieve high total suspended solids and total biochemical oxygen demand removal averaging 97% and 99%, respectively. Contrary to organic removal, total nitrogen removal efficiency was satisfactory, showing increased removal efficiencies averaging 58% and 62% for SSF and SpSF in summer. On the other hand, average total coliform removal of SSF and SpSF was 4.2 logs and 4.4 logs and corresponding Escherichia coli removal was 4.0 logs and 4.1 logs, respectively. From our observation, it could be concluded that the relative performance of SpSF for nutrients and coliforms was better than SSF due to the effectiveness of sponge media over fine sands. Moreover, microbial community analysis revealed that the members of phylum Proteobacteria were predominant in the biofilms of both filters, which could have contributed to pollutant removal. Therefore, SpSF could be concluded to be a suitable post-treatment of UASB-DHS system in warmer conditions.
Fouling of a microfiltration membrane by humic-like substances: a mathematical approach to modelling permeate flux and membrane retention
Authors: Poorasgari Eskandar , Farsi Ali , Christensen Morten Lykkegaard
Published: April 2016

Membrane retention of the humic-like substances present in a soluble microbial products (SMP) suspension was studied by using a dead-end filtration system. The SMP suspension was extracted from the sludge of an enhanced biological phosphorus removal-membrane bioreactor. Our results showed that both adsorption and steric retention of the humic-like substances governed their transport through the membrane during the filtration. The adsorption, which followed pseudo-first order kinetics, did not cause substantial decline of permeate flux. The steric retention, on the other hand, formed a gel layer, which in turn led to a major decrease in the flux. The reduction of permeate flux was well predicted by cake filtration theory. Based on the adsorption and the steric retention, a new model was developed for predicting the overall membrane retention of the humic-like substances. The general trend of the modelled overall retention was in partial agreement with the experimental results.
Multiplanar Deformities Correction Using Taylor Spatial Frame in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Koren Lior , Keren Yaniv , Eidelman Mark
Published: April 2016

Background:

Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a modern circular external fixator that, using a virtual hinge, is able to correct six axis deformities simultaneously. Despite the growing popularity of this method, few reports exist about its use in children and adolescents. To evaluate the effectiveness of TSF in correcting multiplanar deformities in patients with open physis, we reviewed the results of treatment in children who had at least two planes deformities of lower limbs.

Methods:

Over a period of 8 years, we treated 51 patients, 40 boys, 11 girls, with a mean age of 12.4 years (range, 2-16 years). All patients had open physis at the time of the TSF application. All patients had at least two deformities (angular and/or rotational). Fifty-five osteotomies (11 femoral, 44 tibial) were performed. Patients were divided into four groups: 13 with post-traumatic malunions, 18 with tibia vara, six with rickets, and 14 with miscellaneous deformities. Correction goal was determined as correction of deformities to population-average parameters of the lower limbs in frontal and sagittal views and normal mechanical axis deviation.

Results:

Correction goal was achieved in all except one patient; four patients had recurrence of deformities post-operatively and were re-operated. Most common complications were pin tract infection (20 patients), delayed union (2), regenerate translation (1), post-removal femoral fractures (2), knee subluxation (1), nonunion (1), and one patient developed chronic osteomyelitis secondary to deep pin tract infection.

Conclusion:

TSF allowed accurate correction of complex limb deformities in children and adolescents with relatively few serious complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV. Case series.
The importance of developing atherosclerosis in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Janicijevic Katarina , Kocic Sanja , Pajovic Sladjana , Zdravkovic Nemanja , Sarenac-Vulovic Tatjana , Janicijevic-Petrovic Mirjana
Published: April 2016

Background/Aim. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XPS) is an age-related systemic disorder characterized by increased production and accumulation of elastic microfibrillar material in different tissues of the body: skin, connective tissue portions of visceral organs, periphery blood vessels and the eye, as well. The aim of our study was to determine the significance of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries in the development of XFS and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). Methods. The study included 120 patients ? 40 patients per each of the three defined groups: XFS group, XFG group and age- and sex-matched control subjects (control group) without XFG. Blood samples were collected from the patients before cataract surgery. Serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein ? LDL, high density lipoprotein ? HDL and triglycerides were analyzed by standard laboratory techniques. Standard ultrasonography of the carotid blood vessels was performed in all the participants. Results. Lipid?s profile was disturbed in the patients with XFS and XFG with statistical significance p control group (p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic pressure was elevated in the patients with XFS and XFG (p < 0.01). Resistance index was increased in the patients with XFG (p < 0.01). Intima-media thickness was prolonged in patients with XFG (p < 0.01). Conclusion. A disturbed lipid profile with elevated resistancy index and intima-media thickness and increased systolic and diastolic pressure were compulsory findings in patients with developed XFG. So, these factors could be considered as risk. It seems to be difficult to inhibit the process of pseudoexfolation production in the whole body, but it appears that with proper therapy (antihypertnesive, cardiotoncs, etc.) and adequate nourishing, the process of XFG development could be interrupted.
Urban Park Restoration and the "Museumification" of Nature
Authors: Gobster Paul H.
Published: April 2016

Ecological restoration is becoming an increasingly popular means of managing urban natural areas for human and environmental values. But although urban ecological restorations can foster unique, positive relationships between people and nature, the scope of these interactions is often restricted to particular activities and experiences, especially in city park settings. Drawing on personal experiences and research on urban park restorations in Chicago and San Francisco, I explore the phenomenon of this "museumification" in terms of its revision of landscape and land use history, how it presents nature through restoration design and implementation, and its potential impacts on the nature experiences of park users, particularly children. I conclude that although museum-type restorations might be necessary in some cases, alternative models for the management of urban natural areas may provide a better balance between goals of achieving authenticity in ecological restorations and authenticity of nature experiences.
Screened Bodies
Authors: Bergen-Aurand Brian
Published: April 2016

Consider two instances of screened bodies. The first comes from the article published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy where a group of urologists and radiologists attempted to “confirm that it is feasible to take images of the male and female genitals during coitus and to compare this present study with previous theories and recent radiological studies of the anatomy during sexual intercourse” (Faix et al. 2002: 63). In their well-illustrated study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screen shots—often simplified and clarified with keyed line drawings—they address the history of trying to imagine and depict heterosexual intercourse, the movement, shape, and position of engaged male and female genitalia, and the factors affecting arousal and orgasm. (The study can only suggest the possibility of two types of vaginal orgasm as the man climaxes once during the experiment while the woman does not. Clitoral stimulation is mentioned but not pursued in the study.) The researchers assert the parameters of “normal” private and sexual lives and echo “natural” expectations with regard to sex, gender, sexuality, and sexual positions and practices. They involve themselves in visual analyses of drawings, sketches, ultrasound displays, and MRI monitors—discussing the details and features of the various technologies and the advantages and drawbacks of the different experimental conditions. They make a special note of “the couple” not experiencing difficulty having intercourse during the four sessions and mention the man’s consumption of Viagra.
Prevalence of Dental Health Problems among the Patients Attending in the Orthodontic Department in Dhaka Dental College & Hospital
Authors: Rabbani Rashed Mohammed Golam , Habib Md Ahsan , Hossain Md Zakir , Faruk Md Mostafa Zaman
Published: April 2016

Background The study was conducted to know the prevalence & pattern of dental health problems among Bangladeshi people.Methods It was a descriptive type of cross sectional study conducted in Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics of Dhaka Dental College & Hospital, Dhaka Purposive sampling technique was followed and a close ended questionnaire was utilized for face to face interview with the respondents from September2011 toFebruary2012.Results This was a cross sectional study conducted among 500 patients in the department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital. Gingivitis is the commonest problem in Bangladeshi people according to present study. The second most dental problem was dental caries. The prevalence of orthodontic problems was comparable to the observations made by others. Males and females are equally affected with slight variations in the nature of problems among both genders.Conclusion Good oral health is essential to improve individual overall health & well-being. We urge to take this information & use it for program planning & advocating for the health of patients, specially for the patients who will receive orthodontic treatment. Therefore, current orthodontic students should receive more education & training before the management of malocclusion to improve the overall quality of care for orthodontic patients.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2015; 5 (2): 01-08
Oral health status among the under five children attending at OPD of Dhaka Dental College Hospital
Authors: Alama Md Ashraful , Abdullah Umme Salma , Mofiz Monoara , Aktar Salma , Asaduszaman - , Karim Mohoshina
Published: April 2016

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the oral health status among the under five children. Study revealed to find out selected dental conditions like dental caries, gingival and periodontal conditions and DMFT score and socio-demographic background.Methods: A descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Dental College Hospital at children OPD.A total 120 under five childrens parents were interviewed through a structured questionnaire followed by oral examination through a checklist.Results: Among 120 children, 44.17% were male and 55.83% were female. Most of the children (94.17%) were found to clean teeth regularly by themselves. 70.83% children clean their teeth themselves with brush and paste once daily spending 1-3 minutes. Maximum children (73.33%) clean their teeth before breakfast. Fluoridated toothpaste was being used by most of the children (85.84%). Only 4.17% child change their toothbrush every month and 55.83% every two months and 40% after 3-6 months. Regarding feeding history, it was found that 58.33% children were given exclusive breast feeding. Most of the children (63.33%) take soft drinks. It was found from the study that 87.50% children had pink color oral mucosa and their gingival condition was normal. Though prevalence of dental caries was 96.67% but overall oral hygiene status was good (86.67%).Conclusion: The study revealed that, dental caries among the under five children was a major health concern creating awareness among the people about their own and their childrens oral health through appropriate plan can reduce the dental diseases. Moreover mass media and general education of the people create vital role in this regards.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2015; 5 (2): 09-17
Adequacy of Technical and Commercial Alternatives Applied to Machine Tool Verification Using Laser Tracker
Authors: Aguado Sergio , Santolaria Jorge , Samper David , Velázquez Jesús , Javierre Carlos , Fernández Ángel
Published: April 2016

Besides presenting a volumetric verification technique that allows characterization of the different geometric errors of a machine tool (MT) depending on its kinematic chain and geometry through a kinematic model, this paper investigates the influence of measurement tools and techniques available on the final accuracy of the MT. Volumetric verification based on a laser tracker (LT) relates the coordinates of the tool with the coordinates of the LT, including it into the kinematic model. Using a non-lineal optimization process, approximation functions that characterize the joint influence of MT geometric errors are obtained. However, measurement data will be affected by previous compensation of the MT, the accuracy of the measurement system, LT measurement technology, the type of retroreflector used, and techniques used to improve data accuracy, among other sources of errors. This paper studies the adequacy of different commercial alternatives such as: retroreflectors, LTs from different manufacturers, etc., that can be applied in MT verification using a long-range MT. As the accuracy is strongly affected by the uncertainty of its angular encoders, the multilateration technique tries to improve data accuracy using only LT radial information. Nonetheless, a new bundle adjustment which uses radial and angular information is presented in current metrology software. This paper studies both techniques and analyzes their adequacy for MT verification too.
Current Status and Future Prospects of Copper Oxide Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Wong Terence , Zhuk Siarhei , Masudy-Panah Saeid , Dalapati Goutam
Published: April 2016

The current state of thin film heterojunction solar cells based on cuprous oxide (Cu2O), cupric oxide (CuO) and copper (III) oxide (Cu4O3) is reviewed. These p-type semiconducting oxides prepared by Cu oxidation, sputtering or electrochemical deposition are non-toxic, sustainable photovoltaic materials with application potential for solar electricity. However, defects at the copper oxide heterojunction and film quality are still major constraining factors for achieving high power conversion efficiency, η. Amongst the Cu2O heterojunction devices, a maximum η of 6.1% has been obtained by using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of AlxGa1−xO onto thermal Cu2O doped with Na. The performance of CuO/n-Si heterojunction solar cells formed by magnetron sputtering of CuO is presently limited by both native oxide and Cu rich copper oxide layers at the heterointerface. These interfacial layers can be reduced by using a two-step sputtering process. A high η of 2.88% for CuO heterojunction solar cells has been achieved by incorporation of mixed phase CuO/Cu2O nanopowder. CuO/Cu2O heterojunction solar cells fabricated by electrodeposition and electrochemical doping has a maximum efficiency of 0.64% after surface defect passivation and annealing. Finally, early stage study of Cu4O3/GaN deposited on sapphire substrate has shown a photovoltaic effect and an η of ~10−2%.
Deposition of Antimicrobial Copper-Rich Coatings on Polymers by Atmospheric Pressure Jet Plasmas
Authors: Kredl Jana , Kolb Juergen , Schnabel Uta , Polak Martin , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Fricke Katja
Published: April 2016

Inanimate surfaces serve as a permanent reservoir for infectious microorganisms, which is a growing problem in areas in everyday life. Coating of surfaces with inorganic antimicrobials, such as copper, can contribute to reduce the adherence and growth of microorganisms. The use of a DC operated air plasma jet for the deposition of copper thin films on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrates is reported. ABS is a widespread material used in consumer applications, including hospitals. The influence of gas flow rate and input current on thin film characteristics and its bactericidal effect have been studied. Results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy confirmed the presence of thin copper layers on plasma-exposed ABS and the formation of copper particles with a size in the range from 20 to 100 nm, respectively. The bactericidal properties of the copper-coated surfaces were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. A reduction in growth by 93% compared with the attachment of bacteria on untreated samples was observed for coverage of the surface with 7 at. % copper.
Chemo-Immunotherapy Using Lentinan for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer with Liver Metastases
Authors: Ina Kenji , Furuta Ryuichi , Kataoka Takae , Kayukawa Satoshi , Ina Hiroko , Yoneda Masahiko
Published: April 2016

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Systemic chemotherapy is the main treatment option for advanced gastric cancer when the tumor is inoperable. Despite recent advances in chemotherapeutic agents, the prognosis of unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer remains extremely poor. In Japan, combination therapy including S-1 and cisplatin is the standard first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer; however, the five-year survival rate remains very low. Lentinan, the backbone of beta-(1,3)-glucan with beta-(1,6) branches, an active ingredient purified from Shiitake mushrooms, has been approved as a biological response modifier for the treatment of gastric cancer. This agent has been used in combination with oral fluoropyrimidines to improve the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. A retrospective chart review on 138 metastatic gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was performed in Nagoya Memorial Hospital from 1 September 2010 to 31 August 2015. 12 patients with liver metastases were treated by lentinan in combination with S-1-based chemotherapy. The rate of objective response was 42% (5/12) and the disease control rate was 83% (10/12) in response to chemo-immunotherapy using lentinan, with a median overall survival of 407 days (95% CI: 207–700 days).
Optofluidic Fabry-Pérot Micro-Cavities Comprising Curved Surfaces for Homogeneous Liquid Refractometry—Design, Simulation, and Experimental Performance Assessment
Authors: Gaber Noha , Sabry Yasser , Marty Frédéric , Bourouina Tarik
Published: April 2016

In the scope of miniaturized optical sensors for liquid refractometry, this work details the design, numerical simulation, and experimental characterization of a Fabry-Pérot resonator consisting of two deeply-etched silicon cylindrical mirrors with a micro-tube in between holding the liquid analyte under study. The curved surfaces of the tube and the cylindrical mirrors provide three-dimensional light confinement and enable achieving stability for the cavity illuminated by a Gaussian beam input. The resonant optofluidic cavity attains a high-quality factor (Q)—over 2800—which is necessary for a sensitive refractometer, not only by providing a sharp interference spectrum peak that enables accurate tracing of the peak wavelengths shifts, but also by providing steep side peaks, which enables detection of refractive index changes by power level variations when operating at a fixed wavelength. The latter method can achieve refractometry without the need for spectroscopy tools, provided certain criteria explained in the details are met. By experimentally measuring mixtures of acetone-toluene with different ratios, refractive index variations of 0.0005 < Δn < 0.0022 could be detected, with sensitivity as high as 5500 μW/RIU.
Erratum: Tsai, S.-L.; et al. The Coupled Photothermal Reaction and Transport in a Laser Additive Metal Nanolayer Simultaneous Synthesis and Pattering for Flexible Electronics. Nanomaterials 2016, 6, 12
Authors:   Nanoterials Editorial Office
Published: April 2016

Due to an error during production, the Figure 7b in the published paper [1] was incorrect. The correct figure is as follows:[...]
Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance and Increases Muscle Mass in Mice
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Wei Li , Chiu Yen-Shuo , Hsu Yi-Ju , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Wang Ming-Fu , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: April 2016

Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is a well-known probiotic among the ingested-microorganism probiotics (i.e., ingested microorganisms associated with beneficial effects for the host). However, few studies have examined the effects of L. plantarum TWK10 (LP10) supplementation on exercise performance, physical fatigue, and gut microbial profile. Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) strain mice were divided into three groups (n = 8 per group) for oral administration of LP10 for six weeks at 0, 2.05 × 108, or 1.03 × 109 colony-forming units/kg/day, designated the vehicle, LP10-1X and LP10-5X groups, respectively. LP10 significantly decreased final body weight and increased relative muscle weight (%). LP10 supplementation dose-dependently increased grip strength (p < 0.0001) and endurance swimming time (p < 0.001) and decreased levels of serum lactate (p < 0.0001), ammonia (p < 0.0001), creatine kinase (p = 0.0118), and glucose (p = 0.0151) after acute exercise challenge. The number of type I fibers (slow muscle) in gastrocnemius muscle significantly increased with LP10 treatment. In addition, serum levels of albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and triacylglycerol significantly decreased with LP10 treatment. Long-term supplementation with LP10 may increase muscle mass, enhance energy harvesting, and have health-promotion, performance-improvement, and anti-fatigue effects.
Fretting Fatigue Behaviour of Pin-Loaded Thermoset Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Straps
Authors: Baschnagel Fabio , Rohr Vanessa , Terrasi Giovanni
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on the fretting fatigue behaviour of pin-loaded carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) straps studied as models for rigging systems in sailing yachts, for suspenders of arch bridges and for pendent cables in cranes. Eight straps were subjected to an ultimate tensile strength test. In total, 26 straps were subjected to a fretting fatigue test, of which ten did not fail. An S–N curve was generated for a load ratio R of 0.1 and a frequency f of 10 Hz, showing a fatigue limit stress of the straps around the matrix fatigue limit, corresponding to 46% of the straps’ ultimate tensile strength (σUTS). The fatigue limit was defined as 3 million load cycles (N = 3 × 106), but tests were even conducted up to N = 11.09 × 106. Catastrophic failure of the straps was initiated in their vertex areas. Investigations on the residual strength and stiffness properties of straps tested around the fatigue limit stress (for N ≥ 1 × 106) showed little influence of the fatigue loading on these properties. Quasi-static finite element analyses (FEA) were conducted. The results obtained from the FEA are in good agreement with the experiments and demonstrate a fibre parallel stress concentration in the vertex area of factor 1.3, under the realistic assumption of a coefficient of friction (cof) between pin and strap of 0.5.
A Comprehensive Motion Estimation Technique for the Improvement of EIS Methods Based on the SURF Algorithm and Kalman Filter
Authors: Cheng Xuemin , Hao Qun , Xie Mengdi
Published: April 2016

Video stabilization is an important technology for removing undesired motion in videos. This paper presents a comprehensive motion estimation method for electronic image stabilization techniques, integrating the speeded up robust features (SURF) algorithm, modified random sample consensus (RANSAC), and the Kalman filter, and also taking camera scaling and conventional camera translation and rotation into full consideration. Using SURF in sub-pixel space, feature points were located and then matched. The false matched points were removed by modified RANSAC. Global motion was estimated by using the feature points and modified cascading parameters, which reduced the accumulated errors in a series of frames and improved the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) by 8.2 dB. A specific Kalman filter model was established by considering the movement and scaling of scenes. Finally, video stabilization was achieved with filtered motion parameters using the modified adjacent frame compensation. The experimental results proved that the target images were stabilized even when the vibrating amplitudes of the video become increasingly large.
Wireless Sensor Network Security Enhancement Using Directional Antennas: State of the Art and Research Challenges
Authors: Curiac Daniel-Ioan
Published: April 2016

Being often deployed in remote or hostile environments, wireless sensor networks are vulnerable to various types of security attacks. A possible solution to reduce the security risks is to use directional antennas instead of omnidirectional ones or in conjunction with them. Due to their increased complexity, higher costs and larger sizes, directional antennas are not traditionally used in wireless sensor networks, but recent technology trends may support this method. This paper surveys existing state of the art approaches in the field, offering a broad perspective of the future use of directional antennas in mitigating security risks, together with new challenges and open research issues.
Accelerating Spaceborne SAR Imaging Using Multiple CPU/GPU Deep Collaborative Computing
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Guojun , Li Wei , Hu Wei , Hu Yuxin
Published: April 2016

With the development of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies in recent years, the huge amount of remote sensing data brings challenges for real-time imaging processing. Therefore, high performance computing (HPC) methods have been presented to accelerate SAR imaging, especially the GPU based methods. In the classical GPU based imaging algorithm, GPU is employed to accelerate image processing by massive parallel computing, and CPU is only used to perform the auxiliary work such as data input/output (IO). However, the computing capability of CPU is ignored and underestimated. In this work, a new deep collaborative SAR imaging method based on multiple CPU/GPU is proposed to achieve real-time SAR imaging. Through the proposed tasks partitioning and scheduling strategy, the whole image can be generated with deep collaborative multiple CPU/GPU computing. In the part of CPU parallel imaging, the advanced vector extension (AVX) method is firstly introduced into the multi-core CPU parallel method for higher efficiency. As for the GPU parallel imaging, not only the bottlenecks of memory limitation and frequent data transferring are broken, but also kinds of optimized strategies are applied, such as streaming, parallel pipeline and so on. Experimental results demonstrate that the deep CPU/GPU collaborative imaging method enhances the efficiency of SAR imaging on single-core CPU by 270 times and realizes the real-time imaging in that the imaging rate outperforms the raw data generation rate.
The Effects of Thermal Treatment and Steam Addition on Integrated CuO/CaO Chemical Looping Combustion for CO2 Capture
Authors: Recio Alvaro , Liew Sip , Lu Dennis , Rahman Ryad , Macchi Arturo , Hill Josephine
Published: April 2016

The combination of Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) with Calcium Looping (CaL) using integrated pellets is an alternative CO2 capture process to the current amine-based sorbent processes, but the pellets lose sorption capacity over time. In this paper, the deactivation behavior of CaO, CuO and CuO/CaO integrated pellets used for multiple (16–20) cycles in a thermogravimetric analyzer was studied. The impact of thermal treatment and the presence of steam on the deactivation were also investigated. Nitrogen physisorption and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used to characterize the pellets. The analysis revealed significant migration of the copper to the surface of the composite pellets, which likely suppressed carbonation capacity by reducing the accessibility of the CaO. While thermal pre-treatment and steam addition enhanced the performance of the base CaO pellets, the former led to cracks in the pellets. In contrast, thermal pretreatment of the CuO/CaO composite pellets resulted in worse CLC and CaL performance.
Water Productivity under Drought Conditions Estimated Using SEEA-Water
Authors: Borrego-Marín María , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos , Berbel Julio
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes the impact of droughts on agricultural water productivity in the period 2004–2012 in the Guadalquivir River Basin using the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEA-Water). Relevant events in this period include two meteorological droughts (2005 and 2012), the implementation of the Drought Management Plan by the basin's water authority (2006, 2007 and 2008), and the effects of irrigated area modernization (water-saving investment). Results show that SEEA-Water can be used to study the productivity of water and the economic impact of the different droughts. Furthermore, the results reflect the fact that irrigated agriculture (which makes up 65% of the gross value added, or GVA, of the total primary sector) has considerably higher water productivity than rain-fed agriculture. Additionally, this paper separately examines blue water productivity and total water productivity within irrigated agriculture, finding an average productivity of 1.33 EUR/m3 and 0.48 EUR/m3, respectively.
UNDERSTANDING EMPATHIC ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Mediastika Christina E.
Published: April 2016

„Understanding empathic architecture" Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 40(1), p. 1
THE NUCLEAR CLUSTER OF THE MILKY WAY: TOTAL MASS AND LUMINOSITY*
Authors: Fritz T. K. , Chatzopoulos S. , Gerhard O. , Gillessen S. , Genzel R. , Pfuhl O. , Tacchella S. , Eisenhauer F. , Ott T.
Published: April 2016

We obtain the basic properties of the nuclear cluster of the Milky Way. First, we investigate the structural properties by constructing a stellar density map of the central 1000″ using extinction-corrected old star counts from VISTA, WFC3/IR, and VLT/NACO data. We describe the data using two components. The inner, slightly flattened (axis ratio of

q
=
0.80
±
0.04

) component is the nuclear cluster, while the outer component corresponds to the stellar component of the circumnuclear zone. For the nuclear cluster, we measure a half-light radius of

178
±
51
″
≈
7
±
2

pc and a luminosity of

M

Ks

=
−
16.0
±
0.5

. Second, we measure detailed dynamics out to 4 pc. We obtain 10,351 proper motions from AO data, and 2513 radial velocities from VLT/SINFONI data. We determine the cluster mass by means of isotropic spherical Jeans modeling. We fix the distance to the Galactic Center and the mass of the supermassive black hole. We model the cluster either with a constant M/L or with a power law. For the latter case, we obtain a slope of 1.18 ± 0.06. We get a cluster mass within 100″ of

M

100
″

=
(
6.09
±
0.53

∣

fix

R

0

±
0.97

∣

R

0

)
×

10

6

M

⊙

for both modeling approaches. A model which includes the observed flattening gives a 47% larger mass (see Chatzopoulos et al.). Our results slightly favor a core over a cusp in the mass profile. By minimizing the number of unbound stars within 8″, we obtain a distance of

R

0

=

8.53

−
0.15

+
0.21

kpc when using an R
0 supermassive black hole mass relation from stellar orbits. Combining our results, we obtain

M

/

L
=
0.51
±
0.12

M

⊙

/

L

⊙
,
Ks

, which is roughly consistent with a Chabrier IMF.
Le management des connaissances : contribution à l’analyse, à l’évaluation et à la prévention des risques psychosociaux au travail
Authors: Harguem Besma , Hadj-Mabrouk Habib
Published: April 2016

La prévention des risques professionnels et en particulier des risques psychosociaux (RPS) est devenue une des priorités des pouvoirs publics, des partenaires sociaux et des entreprises. Cependant, les méthodes adoptées n’offrent pas un cadre méthodologique bien formalisé permettant d’assister les experts du domaine dans leur tâche cruciale d’analyse, d’évaluation et de prévention des RPS. Même si ces méthodes apportent une contribution significative au domaine de la santé au travail, aucune méthode, à elle seule, ne peut appréhender de manière globale, la gestion des RPS. Pour apporter un élément de réponse à cette problématique, ce travail s’attache à mettre au point une démarche méthodologique globale fondée non seulement sur le « Retour d’expérience », mais aussi sur la mise en œuvre d’une Matrice dite « Gravité/Occurrence » permettant d’analyser, d’évaluer et de prévenir les risques psychosociaux dans leur ensemble.
Médiation de l’information professionnelle et gestion des connaissances dans les clusters d’industries culturelles et créatives
Authors: Le Corf Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2016

À partir d’études de cas, il s’agit de mettre en relation les notions d’innovation, d’information et de gestion des connaissances en observant comment le thème des industries créatives renforce les stratégies managériales d’innovation reposant sur des modes spécifiques de médiation de l’information professionnelle. Sont plus particulièrement étudiés les dispositifs d’Intelligence Economique Territoriale (IET) se caractérisant par diverses formes de gestion de la connaissance facilitées par les technologies de l’information, au service des acteurs économiques d’un espace local. L’analyse s’appuie essentiellement sur des données recueillies via des entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès d’animateurs de clusters et sur une étude documentaire.
À l’orée de la conscience
Authors: Noël Jean-François
Published: April 2016

Joseph, l’époux de la Vierge Marie, fait pâle figure aux côtés de sa lumineuse épouse et de l’enfant Dieu. L’affaire des songes n’arrange pas sa notoriété, puisqu’aux moments les plus délicats qui inaugurent la vie de la future sainte famille, répudiation de sa future fiancée et massacre des innocents, il est raconté qu’« un ange lui apparaît en songe ». Faut-il y lire une pure intervention magique du divin, ce qui a été le mot d’ordre de bon nombre d’interprétations moralisantes ? Ou au contraire, cette image choisie par l’évangéliste n’est-elle pas une façon de traiter d’un débat de conscience, d’un retour en son intimité, débat à l’intérieur duquel Joseph aura à se décider soit à s’autoriser à la violence prescrite par la loi, soit à la refuser. Autrement dit, dire « non » relèverait de la décision libre de Joseph, sur lequel Dieu va pouvoir s’appuyer et non l’inverse. Le « non » permet en cette intimité de revenir à ce qui l’habite, à une manière de rester fidèle à soi.
Etéocle et Polynice, frères ennemis
Authors: Granjon Evelyn
Published: April 2016

L’histoire de la famille d’Œdipe est celle d’une lignée sinistre, celle des Labdacides. Dans cette famille, marquée par le « désir des Dieux », où malheurs et boiteries de l’âme se répètent de générations en générations, seule une lecture filiative est faite : la malédiction originelle tisse la trame invisible et continue de l’héritage, infiltre les liens d’alliance et infléchit le destin des héritiers. Mais la famille, au sens groupal, n’est jamais évoquée. Quel eut été le destin des enfants d’Œdipe si un travail dans l’intersubjectivité du groupe familial et dans les liens fraternels en particulier avait été possible ? Un travail de mythopoïèse aurait-il permis la reprise, sur une autre scène, celle du groupe, la transformation et l’élaboration de la « part maudite de l’héritage » ?
« Je te haine, un peu, beaucoup, passionnément, à la folie… »
Authors: Diamante Chantal
Published: April 2016

Avec ce titre : « je te haine un peu beaucoup... », nous voyons apparaître la haine comme une jouissance égoïste directement liée à la levée de l’obstacle de satisfaction du désir. La haine engendre la joie quand l’objet haï est anéanti. C’est parce que l’homme est autre chose qu’un être de désir qu’il peut éprouver de l’envie, de la colère... De l’amour Apres avoir brièvement traversé les positions de Spinoza, Freud, Klein... nous verrons ce qu’il en est du rapport de la haine et du narcissisme : haine de soi, haine de l’autre. Nous le ferons plus spécifiquement à travers les aléas d’une vignette clinique longuement rapportée Nous conclurons avec Tertullien que « la haine est fille de la crainte »
Il n’y a qu’en famille qu’on se hait bien
Authors: Fos-Falque Sabine , de Sinéty Jean-Marie
Published: April 2016

De cette écriture à quatre mains est née une conférence à deux voix qui se veut le reflet du travail effectué en une quinzaine de mois avec une famille au bord du « bug ». Avec cet exercice inachevé, qui se prolonge encore aujourd’hui, nous aurons construit une argumentation théorico clinique dont la texture se veut fidèle au réel de ce que nous fûmes avec cette famille ne négligeant ni les éléments transférentiels ni ce qu’il aura pu en être de notre contre transfert.
Être homme, être père : une fausse évidence
Authors: Arènes Jacques
Published: April 2016

La question qui sera développée à travers ce titre qui ne doit pas être considéré comme provocateur mais qui est longuement argumenté et s’appuie sur une riche et variée bibliographie porte sur la qualification parentale de père ou de mère (ici de père) dans son rapport à l’identité sexuelle rapportée à la génitalité : la est la fausse évidence. Il s’agit de considérer la question de l’autre dans sa globalité qui inclut le corps et la psyché. Jamais nous ne devons oublier l’irrationalité des rapports subjectifs à la sexuation. Cette irrationalité nourrit le moteur de la rencontre, personne n’en a le contrôle ni le dernier mot.
Variations géographiques des taux d’hospitalisations potentiellement évitables en France
Authors: Mercier Grégoire , Georgescu Vera , Bousquet Jean
Published: April 2016

Introduction : Les hospitalisations potentiellement évitables (HPE) sont une mesure indirecte de l’accès et de l’efficacité des soins primaires. La compréhension de leurs déterminants éclaire la qualité et l’équité du système de soin. Peu de données sont disponibles sur les HPE en France, et aucune sur leur variation géographique. L’objectif était de décrire la variation géographique des taux d’HPE en France et d’analyser ses déterminants. Méthodes : Les HPE ont été définies par la méthode de Weissman. Des taux d’HPE pour 1 000 habitants et par an, standardisés sur le sexe et l’âge, ont été calculés à partir de la base nationale PMSI MCO 2012. Les déterminants des variations étaient disponibles au niveau départemental ou communal via l’INSEE ou la base EcoSanté de l’IRDES. Les taux d’HPE ont été modélisés par une méthode mixte multi-niveaux. Résultats : Le nombre d’HPE était égal à 742 474 soit 11,4 séjours pour 1 000 habitants. Au niveau du code géographique, le taux variait de 0,1 à 44 séjours pour 1 000 habitants. Après ajustement, il était associé positivement à l’état de santé et négativement avec la densité de lits de court séjour, la densité d’infirmiers libéraux, le revenu médian et le niveau éducatif. Aucune association n’a été retrouvée avec la densité de médecins généralistes ou spécialistes ambulatoires. Discussion : Ce travail met en évidence d’importantes variations géographiques du taux d’HPE en France. Les caractéristiques de l’offre de soins primaires semblent expliquer en partie ces variations, même après prise en compte des effets socio-économiques et d’état de santé de la population. Ceci plaide en faveur d’une analyse systématique des variations géographiques d’HPE en France.