bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evapotranspiration Variability and Its Association with Vegetation Dynamics in the Nile Basin, 2002–2011
Authors: Alemu Henok , Senay Gabriel , Kaptue Armel , Kovalskyy Valeriy
Published: June 2014

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a vital component in land-atmosphere interactions. In drylands, over 90% of annual rainfall evaporates. The Nile Basin in Africa is about 42% dryland in a region experiencing rapid population growth and development. The relationship of ET with climate, vegetation and land cover in the basin during 2002–2011 is analyzed using thermal-based Simplified Surface Energy Balance Operational (SSEBop) ET, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)-based MODIS Terrestrial (MOD16) ET, MODIS-derived NDVI as a proxy for vegetation productivity and rainfall from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Interannual variability and trends are analyzed using established statistical methods. Analysis based on thermal-based ET revealed that >50% of the study area exhibited negative ET anomalies for 7 years (2009, driest), while >60% exhibited positive ET anomalies for 3 years (2007, wettest). NDVI-based monthly ET correlated strongly (r > 0.77) with vegetation than thermal-based ET (0.52 < r < 0.73) at p < 0.001. Climate-zone averaged thermal-based ET anomalies positively correlated (r = 0.6, p < 0.05) with rainfall in 4 of the 9 investigated climate zones. Thermal-based and NDVI-based ET estimates revealed minor discrepancies over rainfed croplands (60 mm/yr higher for thermal-based ET), but a significant divergence over wetlands (440 mm/yr higher for thermal-based ET). Only 5% of the study area exhibited statistically significant trends in ET.
Evaluation of Daytime Evaporative Fraction from MODIS TOA Radiances Using FLUXNET Observations
Authors: Peng Jian , Loew Alexander
Published: June 2014

In recent decades, the land surface temperature/vegetation index (LST/NDVI) feature space has been widely used to estimate actual evapotranspiration (ETa) or evaporative fraction (EF, defined as the ratio of latent heat flux to surface available energy). Traditionally, it is essential to pre-process satellite top of atmosphere (TOA) radiances to obtain LST before estimating EF. However, pre-processing TOA radiances is a cumbersome task including corrections for atmospheric, adjacency and directional effects. Based on the contextual relationship between LST and NDVI, some studies proposed the direct use of TOA radiances instead of satellite retrieved LST products to estimate EF, and found that use of TOA radiances is applicable in some regional studies. The purpose of the present study is to test the robustness of the TOA radiances based EF estimation scheme over different climatic and surface conditions. Flux measurements from 16 FLUXNET (a global network of eddy covariance towers) sites were used to validate the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer (MODIS) TOA radiances estimated daytime EF. It is found that the EF estimates perform well across a wide variety of climate and biome types—Grasslands, crops, cropland/natural vegetation mosaic, closed shrublands, mixed forest, deciduous broadleaf forest, and savannas. The overall mean bias error (BIAS), mean absolute difference (MAD), root mean square difference (RMSD) and correlation coefficient (R) values for all the sites are 0.018, 0.147, 0.178 and 0.590, respectively, which are comparable with published results in the literature. We conclude that the direct use of measured TOA radiances instead of LST to estimate daytime EF can avoid complex atmospheric corrections associated with the satellite derived products, and would facilitate the relevant applications where minimum pre-processing is important.
A Sensitive Sensor Cell Line for the Detection of Oxidative Stress Responses in Cultured Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Hofmann Ute , Priem Melanie , Bartzsch Christine , Winckler Thomas , Feller Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2014

In the progress of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, chemicals that cause the generation of reactive oxygen species trigger a heat shock response in keratinocytes. In this study, an optical sensor cell line based on cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the stress-inducible HSP70B’ promoter were constructed. Exposure of HaCaT sensor cells to 25 µM cadmium, a model substance for oxidative stress induction, provoked a 1.7-fold increase in total glutathione and a ~300-fold induction of transcript level of the gene coding for heat shock protein HSP70B’. An extract of Arnica montana flowers resulted in a strong induction of the HSP70B’ gene and a pronounced decrease of total glutathione in keratinocytes. The HSP70B’ promoter-based sensor cells conveniently detected cadmium-induced stress using GFP fluorescence as read-out with a limit of detection of 6 µM cadmium. In addition the sensor cells responded to exposure of cells to A. montana extract with induction of GFP fluorescence. Thus, the HaCaT sensor cells provide a means for the automated detection of the compromised redox status of keratinocytes as an early indicator of the development of human skin disorders and could be applied for the prediction of skin irritation in more complex in vitro 3D human skin models and in the development of micro-total analysis systems (µTAS) that may be utilized in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacology and drug screenings.
A High Resolution Capacitive Sensing System for the Measurement of Water Content in Crude Oil
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Tang Tong
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the design of a non-intrusive system to measure ultra-low water content in crude oil. The system is based on a capacitance to phase angle conversion method. Water content is measured with a capacitance sensor comprising two semi-cylindrical electrodes mounted on the outer side of a glass tube. The presence of water induces a capacitance change that in turn converts into a phase angle, with respect to a main oscillator. A differential sensing technique is adopted not only to ensure high immunity against temperature variation and background noise, but also to eliminate phase jitter and amplitude variation of the main oscillator that could destabilize the output. The complete capacitive sensing system was implemented in hardware and experiment results using crude oil samples demonstrated that a resolution of ±50 ppm of water content in crude oil was achieved by the proposed design.
A Secure and Efficient Handover Authentication Protocol for Wireless Networks
Authors: Wang Weijia , Hu Lei
Published: June 2014

Handover authentication protocol is a promising access control technology in the fields of WLANs and mobile wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we firstly review an effcient handover authentication protocol, named PairHand, and its existing security attacks and improvements. Then, we present an improved key recovery attack by using the linearly combining method and reanalyze its feasibility on the improved PairHand protocol. Finally, we present a new handover authentication protocol, which not only achieves the same desirable effciency features of PairHand, but enjoys the provable security in the random oracle model.
Simple and Fast Method for Fabrication of Endoscopic Implantable Sensor Arrays
Authors: Tahirbegi I. , Alvira Margarita , Mir Mònica , Samitier Josep
Published: June 2014

Here we have developed a simple method for the fabrication of disposable implantable all-solid-state ion-selective electrodes (ISE) in an array format without using complex fabrication equipment or clean room facilities. The electrodes were designed in a needle shape instead of planar electrodes for a full contact with the tissue. The needle-shape platform comprises 12 metallic pins which were functionalized with conductive inks and ISE membranes. The modified microelectrodes were characterized with cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and optical interferometry. The surface area and roughness factor of each microelectrode were determined and reproducible values were obtained for all the microelectrodes on the array. In this work, the microelectrodes were modified with membranes for the detection of pH and nitrate ions to prove the reliability of the fabricated sensor array platform adapted to an endoscope.
Impact of Environmental Factors on the Regulation of Cyanotoxin Production
Authors: Boopathi Thangavelu , Ki Jang-Seu
Published: June 2014

Cyanobacteria are capable of thriving in almost all environments. Recent changes in climatic conditions due to increased human activities favor the occurrence and severity of harmful cyanobacterial bloom all over the world. Knowledge of the regulation of cyanotoxins by the various environmental factors is essential for effective management of toxic cyanobacterial bloom. In recent years, progress in the field of molecular mechanisms involved in cyanotoxin production has paved the way for assessing the role of various factors on the cyanotoxin production. In this review, we present an overview of the influence of various environmental factors on the production of major group of cyanotoxins, including microcystins, nodularin, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxins and saxitoxins.
Les landes de Cravant (Indre-et-Loire) : écologie historique (Cravant heathes, Indre-et-Loire : historical ecology)
Authors: Couderc Jean-Marie
Published: June 2014

El paisaje es la expresiôn de la relaciôn entre sociedades y medio ambiente, y el paisaje actual de las landas es la suma de los paisajes fosiles y heredados que se pueden solamente restituir por una investigaciôn regresiva (anâlisis integrada de los paisajes y arqueologia del paisaje). Este estudio permite evidenciar el desfase entre la ordenaciôn general actual (repoblacion con pinos) relacionada a un cierto tipo de economica trente al estado presente de las landas, y las exigencias ecologicas del medio.
Impacts de l'irrigation beauceronne sur l'écoulement des rivières (consequences of irrigation on the rivers flow in Beauce)
Authors: Schulé Alain
Published: June 2014

In Beauce, agriculture takes for irrigation important volumes from water-bearing bed of lacustrine limestone ; thus, the discharges of rivers rising from that water-table are gradually disturbed.
Cartographie des rideaux de Beaumont-la-Tricherie, Vienne (Lynchets of Beaumont-la-Tricherie)
Authors: Yvard J.-C.
Published: June 2014

La cartographie des « Rideaux » de Beaumont-la-Tricherie, souligne le caractère essentiellement anthropique de ce type de structures agraires et de leurs chemins creux associés.
Milieux naturels et intervention humaine en Touraine ; résultats de recherches récentes (Natural surroundings and human interference in Touraine)
Authors: Bomer Bernard , Busnel Laurent , Duault Claude , Trousselet Yves
Published: June 2014

Cette note présente quelques conséquences de l'intervention humaine dans le jeu des mécanismes naturels en Touraine à partir de quelques échantillons : modification du lit fluvial de la Loire depuis 150 ans ; distinction entre érosion naturelle et érosion accélérée dans la mise en place des colluvions de versant et dans l'activité des artères de rang I.
Incidences du remembrement agraire sur l'évolution économique et humaine du milieu agricole, l'exemple de l'Indre-et-Loire (Consolidation of holdings and economical evolution in Indre-et-Loire)
Authors: Vergneau Gustave
Published: June 2014

A comparative study of parishes affected by consolidation of holdings and other parishes, in the Indre et Loire department, shows some consequencies of such an improvment : temporary acceleration of rural depopulation, acceleration of socio-economic evolution.
Enquêtes sur la malnutrition dans les Andes équatoriales (Investigations concerning nutrition in the equatorial Andes)
Authors: Bourges Isabelle
Published: June 2014

Familias grandes, ingresos bajos, dificiles condiciones de vida y como consecuencia una nutricion desquilibrada y carenciada. No es algo original en si mismo para esos dos paises perteneciendo al Tercer Mundo, Colombia y Ecuador. Pero se debe prévenir todo tipo de generalizacion. En efecto, esas dos encuestas mostran aqui caracteristicas proprias, esta vez, a cada pais : influencia de la altura, un medio urbano siempre cambiando frente a un medio rural tradicional y conservador.
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and subtype 5 in thyroid malignancies
Authors: Woelfl S. , Bogner S. , Huber H. , Salaheddin-Nassr S. , Hatzl M. , Decristoforo C. , Virgolini I. , Gabriel M.
Published: June 2014

Aim: To retrospectively analyse the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 (SSTR 2) and 5 (SSTR 5) in thyroid malignancies, possibly the most relevant subtypes for targeted therapy with somatostatin peptide radioligands. In addition, findings were also correlated with the course of disease. Patients, methods: 87 consecutive patients (59 women, 28 men) with thyroid malignancy were included; 52 had papillary carcinoma, 24 follicular carcinoma, six medullary carcinoma, two poorly differentiated carcinoma and three anaplastic carcinoma. After initial therapy 70 (80.5%) patients showed complete remission, 11 (12.6%) patients partial remission with clinical and biochemical signs of residual disease and six (6.9%) patients progressive disease. The immunohistochemi- cal staining results of the primary malignancy for SSTR 2 and SSTR 5 were semiquanti- tatively assessed and correlated with various outcome parameters. Results: In 10 of 87 (11.49%) thyroid cancer samples SSTR 2 showed positive immunohistochemical expression as compared to 75 of 87 (86.20%) for SSTR 5. All SSTR 2-positive cases expressed SSTR 5. Persistent or recurrent disease was found in 17 of 87 cases (19.54%). Fifty percent (6 /12) of SSTR 5-negative patients showed persistent disease as compared to 14.7 % (11 / 75) of SSTR 5-positive patients: seven of these were exclusively SSTR 5-posi- tive, 4 showed dual expression of SSTR 5 and SSTR 2 (p = 0.01). No case showed only SSTR 2 expression. Conclusions: SSTR 5 was shown to be the main receptor subtype in the analysed differentiated or anaplastic thyroid malignancies, whereas SSTR 2 was found only in a small percentage. Deficient SSTR expression may indicate higher risk for persistent or recurrent disease after initial therapy. For this reason immunohistochemistry can be considered a prognostic marker which should be further validated in prospective studies.
Report on the occurrence of synanthropic derived form of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Royapuram fishing harbour, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ramaraj Paulchamy , Selvakumar Chellappa , Ganesh Arumugam , Janarthanan Sundaram
Published: June 2014

The occurrence of dipteran fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) is reported for the first time from Royapuram fishing harbour (Chennai), Tamil Nadu, South East India. The fully grown third instar larvae of C. megacephala were collected from decaying fishes near Royapuram fishing harbour. This site is found to be the regular breeding site for C. megacephala. Larvae were reared under laboratory condition and freshly emerged adult flies from pupae were collected and identified by morphological features and molecular tools. Molecular identification through generation of DNA barcoding using mitochondrial COI gene of C. megacephala is appended.
Ambitions et réalités d'un groupe d'influence
Authors: Habchi Laetitia , Martinet Laetitia
Published: June 2014

Le groupe des BRICS rassemblent des pays très différents qui partagent la même volonté de peser sur la scène internationale. L’article présente les avancées du groupe à l’occasion du sommet de Durban de mars 2013 vers la concrétisation d’un groupe d’influence mondial, et rappelle les organes de coopération mis en place. Il revient notamment sur le lancement de la nouvelle banque des BRICS et sur les difficultés à faire vivre des initiatives concrètes. Les deux auteures s’interrogent sur les relations établies par les BRICS avec l’Afrique et sur l’impact de ces relations sur le continent.
Des psychanalystes sous la première guerre mondiale : de la névrose traumatique à la folie traumatique
Authors: Douville Olivier
Published: June 2014

Cette brève présentation ne peut ni ne veut se hausser à un état des lieux du champ du travail clinique et de la recherche psychanalytique sur les névroses de guerre, lors du premier conflit mondial. Nous avons fait choix d’illustrer une hypothèse, celle selon laquelle l’élaboration de la notion de névrose de guerre emporte avec elle des repères pour des conceptualisations psychanalytiques ultérieures de la psychose. Aussi avons-nous, sans doute arbitrairement, mis davantage l’accent sur quelques indications relatives aux élaborations de quelques psychanalystes, dont, surtout, Abraham, Tausk, Rivers et Simmel, dans cette période qui débute avec le conflit et se prolonge quelques années après l’armistice, période où les soldats psychiquement blessés consultent encore.
Le blues post-natal : un marqueur du lien intersubjectif
Authors: Bydlowski Sarah , Vaivre-Douret Laurence , Lalanne Christophe , Apter Gisèle , Golse Bernard
Published: June 2014

Malgré l’intérêt suscité par le blues du post-partum dans la littérature scientifique, celui-ci reste un phénomène encore mal délimité sur le plan clinique et nosographique. Notre objectif était d’en préciser les contours cliniques en comparant des femmes traversant ce phénomène à des femmes sans blues, et de préciser les différences éventuelles de styles interactifs mère-bébé et leurs conséquences sur le développement premier de l’enfant. Le suivi longitudinal de la naissance aux deux mois de vie de l’enfant a concerné 22 dyades mère-bébé. Nos résultats font ressortir deux groupes distincts de femmes présentant un blues : des mères au blues « habituel » correspondant aux descriptions classiques, et des mères au blues « triste », mais non cliniquement déprimées. Le blues post-natal pourrait témoigner du travail psychique participant à l’élaboration intérieure de « l’événement naissance », dans la mesure où son absence, de même que son caractère exclusivement triste, signe une fragilité du pare-excitation et des capacités de contenance maternelle. Surtout, nous montrons que certaines compétences précoces du nouveau-né, notamment l’organisation du réflexe main-bouche à l’examen de Brazelton, sont le fait exclusif des bébés dont la mère présente un blues habituel. Cette acquisition d’une capacité d’auto-réconfort par le nouveau-né constitue une compétence particulière d’organisation et de coordination tant sur le plan psychomoteur que sur le plan tonico-postural, mais, c’est son association aux qualités psychiques maternelles qui constitue un fait nouveau. Le repérage de cette compétence permet de mettre en valeur la dimension précoce de l’échange émotionnel entre mère et enfant probablement présente dès la vie in utero. Enfin, dans notre population, la présence d’un blues habituel et d’un réflexe main-bouche dès la naissance garantit des interactions mère-bébé à huit semaines ajustées et accordées. Inversement, les échanges mère-bébé à deux mois sont marqués par la dysharmonie en cas de blues triste et d’absence de compétence main-bouche au Brazelton. Le blues pourrait donc constituer un marqueur du lien intersubjectif mère-bébé et intervenir dans l’évolution neuropsychomotrice de l’enfant.
Spécificité du rapport risques/bénéfices dans les hospitalisations au long cours, à partir de l'exemple des hospitalisations soins-études
Authors: Mammar Nadia , Galès Olivier
Published: June 2014

Les auteurs proposent une réflexion concernant le rapport risques/bénéfices, à partir de leur expérience d’hospitalisation au long cours chez une population adolescente/jeune adulte en soins-études. En ayant défini le cadre général de la prise en charge soins-études ainsi que les ambitions élevées de ce type d’hospitalisation, il apparait que le risque, habituellement situé du côté du patient, est partagé par l’équipe. Le dispositif même des soins, dont les bénéfices ne peuvent être assurés a priori, peut même le majorer. Quand on considère le rapport risques/bénéfices uniquement sous une logique issue de l’évaluation pharmacologique de l’efficacité médicamenteuse et quand nos démarches sont dictées par des impératifs de nature juridique inaptes à rendre compte de la complexité de notre pratique, on risque de perdre le sens et la spécificité de ce qui constitue le cœur même de notre travail en psychiatrie. Les auteurs proposent, en tenant compte de ces évolutions sociétales, d’opposer à une dialectique quantitative et standardisée du rapport risques/bénéfices une approche qualitative compatible avec une éthique du soin respectueuse des besoins des patients et des possibilités et limites de l’institution. Au-delà d’une simple démarche de réduction des risques, il s’agit de faire de cette dialectique un opérateur heuristique et thérapeutique.
Psychanalyse temporalité psychique à l'adolescence : étude comparative entre sujets tout venant et sujets au fonctionnement limite, au Rorschach et au TAT
Authors: Azoulay Catherine , Emmanuelli Michèle
Published: June 2014

Après avoir posé le cadre théorique psychanalytique permettant de définir le concept de temporalité psychique, cet article rend compte des premiers résultats d’une recherche universitaire portant sur la comparaison de l’accès à la temporalité psychique de deux groupes de quinze adolescents (l’un au fonctionnement limite, l’autre tout venant) à l’aide de la méthodologie projective et de la construction d’une grille d’indices spécifiques. Les résultats attestent globalement de la différence effective, dans les protocoles de Rorschach et de TAT, entre les adolescents au fonctionnement limite et les adolescents tout venant, en regard de l’accès à la temporalité psychique et confirment ainsi les hypothèses posées initialement. Les auteurs illustrent ces résultats à l’aide des protocoles de deux sujets représentatifs de l’échantillon. Cette étude apporte aux cliniciens projectivistes des outils supplémentaires de compréhension du fonctionnement psychique de l’adolescent et d’aide au diagnostic différentiel entre fonctionnement limite et fonctionnement névrotico-normal, à partir d’un prisme rarement étudié en clinique projective et qui trouve ici une opérationnalisation.
Passion virtuelle
Authors: Vlachopoulou Xanthie , Missonnier Sylvain
Published: June 2014

Cet article a pour objectif de préciser les angles de vue autour de l’addiction au virtuel en s’appuyant sur une revue de la littérature des travaux francophones revendiquant une approche psychodynamique sur le sujet du virtuel et ses excès. Au delà de la polémique sur la notion d’addiction concernant l’usage des réalités virtuelles, émanent des questionnements sur les points de joncture et de dissemblance entre cette conduite de dépendance à l’égard des autres voies qu’un sujet est susceptible de choisir comme objet de prédilection de sa passion. C’est ainsi que la compulsion de répétition, la contrainte par corps, le pharmakon et la désobjectalisation, stigmates de la pulsion de mort, sont mis en exergue comme des notions précieuses pour conduire et penser la clinique du virtuel ; le degré d’implication du corps viendra quant à lui contribuer à la compréhension du choix de l’objet addictif, ce que nous illustrons au travers du cas clinique d’un joueur excessif.
The impact of full vs. half chukka playing strategies on recovery in low goal polo ponies
Authors: Williams J.M. , Fiander A.
Published: June 2014

Polo is a popular equestrian sport; matches comprise of 4-6 periods or chukkas. Players commonly change ponies between chukkas, but can also change ponies within a chukka, known as ‘half-chukkering’, anecdotally believed to ‘save’ the horse by preventing fatigue and facilitating recovery. The current study aimed to test this hypothesis and evaluate the impact of half versus full chukka playing strategies in low goal polo. Resting heart rates (HR) were established for 48 polo ponies competing in low goal tournaments. Riders selected their normal pony playing strategy, either full (n=32) or half (n=15) chukkas. HRs were recorded at the end of play and during recovery; for the full chukka and second half chukka period at 2, 4, 6, 10 and 20 min, or until ponies returned to play after the first half chukka (≥6 min). To enable comparison of recovery from exercise, HR data recorded during recovery was also expressed as a percentage of maximal HR for individual ponies. ANOVA analyses investigated differences during recovery between ponies playing full chukkas and the second half chukka period, and within the two half chukkas played. At the end of play, full-chukka horses' HR were lower than their 2nd half chukka counterparts, 95±13.1 bpm compared to 103±7.7 bpm, but this was not significant (P≯0.05). Significant differences in HR did occur throughout the subsequent recovery period: at 2 min (P<0.003) and between 4-20 min (P<0.0001), with full-chukka ponies recovering faster. No differences occurred during recovery (P≯0.05) between the two half chukka periods although mean HR differed at the end of play (1st: 100±7.7 bpm; 2nd: 103±7.8 bpm). Playing strategies influence ponies' cardiovascular recovery; full chukka ponies recover more quickly than those playing in consecutive half chukkas. Therefore, implementing a full chukka playing strategy is advocated to optimise pony welfare and performance in low goal polo.
Effects of exogenous ghrelin infusion on feed intake and metabolic parameters of energy homeostasis in Standardbred mares
Authors: Gordon M.E. , Thompson Jr. D.L. , McKeever K.H.
Published: June 2014

Six Standardbred mares (age 12±2 years, body weight 502±63 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were given 1.6 µg/kg acylated human ghrelin or vehicle treatment as an intravenous bolus in a randomised, cross-over design to test the hypothesis that exogenous ghrelin infusion would increase feed intake and alter metabolic parameters of energy homeostasis, leptin, glucose, insulin and cortisol. After the horses had initial access to hay cubes for 1.5 h, doses were given and hay cubes were available once again. Leftover feed was weighed 6 times over each of the 24 h testing periods. Blood samples for measurement of active ghrelin, growth hormone, leptin, glucose, insulin and cortisol were taken at time 0 (immediately before infusion) and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 240, 480, and 720 min post-infusion. Every 10 min, the horses’ behaviour was recorded for eating, drinking, resting, and other behaviours. Ghrelin infusion did not increase (P≯0.05) feed intake in the mares as a group, but did increase feed intake (P<0.04) in horses that had the highest growth hormone response to ghrelin infusion. Plasma concentrations of active ghrelin growth hormone, glucose, insulin and cortisol were all increased (P<0.05) by ghrelin infusion. There was no significant change in plasma leptin concentration due to treatment. Ghrelin infusion did not cause a significant change in the number of eating episodes either 2 h post-treatment or for the 24 h testing period. Regression analysis suggests that the increase in feed intake in horses with the highest growth hormone response to ghrelin infusion may be due to their lower (P<0.05) body condition score and % body fat compared with horses that did not increase feed intake and had lower growth hormone response to ghrelin infusion.
E-Cigarettes: A Rising Trend Among Youth
Authors: Ahern Nancy R. , Mechling Brandy
Published: June 2014

Electronic cigarettes, known as “e-cigarettes,” were designed as a smoking cessation tool for adults. An unintended audience for the product has been found with adolescents, many of whom have never used conventional cigarettes. Broad consequences of e-cigarettes on adolescent health include nicotine addiction—and later nicotine withdrawal—and potential for nicotine overdose. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations are non-existent; empirical evidence regarding e-cigarettes is limited; and studies conducted with adolescent e-cigarette use are even less common. Prevention measures must target the manufacturers and retailers of these devices as well as adolescents, parents, schools, and health care professionals. Psychiatricmental health nurses are well positioned to raise awareness of the dangerous consequences of e-cigarette use in teens. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(6), 27–31.]
Molienda asistida con microondas de un coque metalúrgico
Authors: Ruisánchez Esteban , Juárez-Pérez Emilio J. , Arenillas Ana , Bermúdez José M. , Menéndez José Ángel
Published: June 2014

Los coques metalúrgicos están compuestos mayoritariamente de carbono grafítico (s2p2) y diferentes compuestos inorgánicos con distintas capacidades de absorber la radiación de microondas. Cuando se irradian con microondas fragmentos de estos coques, algunas partes de las partículas experimentan un rápido calentamiento, mientras otras no. Además, debido a que el coque presenta una cierta conductividad eléctrica, al ser irradiados con microondas se producen de forma puntual arcos eléctricos o microplasmas, dando lugar a puntos muy calientes. Como consecuencia de las diferentes dilataciones y tensiones producidas por el choque térmico, se producen en las partículas pequeñas grietas y microfisuras. Esto produce una mayor fragilidad en las partículas de coque y un incremento en la molturabilidad de las mismas. En el presente artículo se estudia la molienda de coque asistida con microondas y se evalúan las mejoras en la molturabilidad y el ahorro de energía producido.
Estudio de la influencia microbiológica en la corrosión de latones (UNS C68700, UNS C443) y acero inoxidable AISI 316;
Authors: Ohanian Mauricio , Díaz Verónica , Corengia Mariana , Russi Paola , Pianzzola María Julia , Menes Rodolfo Javier
Published: June 2014

Los microorganismos influyen de manera significativa en el proceso corrosivo y generan condiciones que afectan la velocidad y/o el mecanismo de deterioro. Su presencia se manifiesta por la formación de bio-películas: conglomerados de bacterias y polímeros extracelulares. Dichas bio-películas afectan la durabilidad del material, la velocidad de flujo y la transferencia de calor. En el presente trabajo se evalúa el crecimiento de microorganismos heterótrofos aerobios, heterótrofos anaerobios y bacterias sulfato-reductoras sobre latón aluminio (UNS C68700), latón almirantazgo (UNS C443) y acero inoxidable AISI 316. Asimismo, se estudia la influencia del crecimiento de la bio-película sobre el comportamiento corrosivo mediante técnicas electroquímicas: curvas de polarización y espectroscopia de impedancia electroquímica. Las exposiciones se realizan en la Bahía de Montevideo, estuario del Río de la Plata (Uruguay). A partir de los resultados obtenidos se establecen hipótesis acerca del mecanismo asociado, a la vez que se discuten criterios de selección de materiales en las condiciones particulares de exposición. Aunque el acero inoxidable AISI 316 muestra una velocidad media de corrosión inferior a los otros materiales ensayados, presenta una tendencia a la generación de fenómenos de deterioro localizado.
Predicción de la dureza de aleaciones Al-Cu-Zn en estado de colada y templado
Authors: Villegas-Cárdenas José D. , Saucedo-Muñoz Maribel L. , López Hirata Víctor M. , Dorantes Rosales Héctor J.
Published: June 2014

Este trabajo presenta una nueva metodología experimental y numérica para pronosticar la dureza de las aleaciones Al-Cu-Zn, tanto en estado de colada como solubilizadas y templadas, cuyas composiciones químicas se encuentren dentro de dos líneas limítrofes, representadas por dos ecuaciones. De cada una de las líneas limítrofes se seleccionaron ocho composiciones diferentes que se caracterizaron por metalografía óptica, microscopía electrónica de barrido, difracción de rayos X y dureza. Las fases en equilibrio a diferentes temperaturas se obtuvieron por medio del programa Thermo-Calc. De la caracterización microestructural y análisis de regresión se obtuvieron los diferentes cambios de fase y dos ecuaciones de dureza. Al combinar las ecuaciones de dureza con las ecuaciones limítrofes se puede deducir la dureza de cualquier aleación con composición química dentro de esta zona. Para comprobar la exactitud de este método, se pronosticó la dureza de aleaciones a partir de los datos de algunos artículos de otros investigadores; las durezas estimadas presentaron tan solo un error menor o igual al 7%.
Soldadura por inducción de ultra alta frecuencia de polvos de metal compactados
Authors: Çavdar Uǧur , Gülșahin Ibrahim
Published: June 2014

Soldadura por inducción de ultra alta frecuencia de polvos de metal compactados. Se ha realizado un estudio de la aplicación de polvos de metal (PM) de base hierro compactados por soldadura por inducción de ultra alta frecuencia (UHFIW). Estos polvos de metal compactados se utilizan para producir engranajes. Este estudio investiga los métodos de uni.n de los materiales de PM con UHFIW en su aplicación en la industria. La máxima tensión y la máxima deformación de los polvos de metal compactados soldados fueron determinadas por flexión en tres puntos y prueba de resistencia. Se determinó la microdureza y la microestructura de los polvos compactados por soldadura por inducción.
Correlación entre la implicación social y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores en China
Authors: Pe Yu , Gunawan Sri , Shieh Chich-Jen
Published: June 2014

Uno de los temas que merece la pena explorar es el uso del tiempo de jubilación y la mejora de la calidad de vida de los mayores a través de la implicación social dado el notable crecimiento de la ratio global de población anciana. Este estudio trata de entender la situación actual de la implicación social y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores y las diferencias de las distintas variables de fondo, así como la correlación entre ellas. Los participantes en la investigación son residentes de apartamentos para personas mayores de la provincia de Jiangsu a los que se administró un cuestionario. Se distribuyeron 200 cuestionarios, de los que 157 fueron válidos, con una tasa de recuperación del 79%. Cada cuestionario recogido se consideró como una muestra válida. Los hallazgos de esta investigación son los siguientes: 1. Efectos parcialmente positivos de la implicación social en la calidad de la salud fisiológica de los mayores. 2. Efectos positivos significativos de la implicación social en el aspecto psicológico de la calidad de vida de los mayores. 3. Notables efectos positivos de la implicación social en las relaciones sociales relacionadas con la calidad de vida de los mayo¬res. 4. Efectos positivos parciales de la implicación social sobre la calidad de vida de los mayores en relación con la interacción con el. 5. Efectos parcialmente moderados de las variables demográficas en la correlación entre implicación social y calidad de vida de los mayores.
Social Networking Technology
Authors: Ozuomba Simeon , Chukwudebe Gloria A. , Opara Felix K. , Ndinechi Michael C.
Published: June 2014

Participatory solutions with triple-win outcomes are the thrust of contemporary community development research and practices. However, active participation and collaboration of diverse stakeholders in collective processes like community development does not just happen; it requires a facilitator with the requisite tools and strategies. Given its unparalleled ability to support facilitator-moderated interactive and collaborative systems, online social networks are now at the frontiers of communication for development research and practices. This chapter presents social networking strategies for realizing participatory community development with triple-win outcomes in the developing countries. The thrust of the strategies is the formation of online community hub through the synergy of online and offline social networking, community network weaving, and use of diverse facilitated volunteered community information and service delivery systems. Sample implementation strategy is presented to demonstrate how to actualize the community informatics social networking technology through a pilot project to be conducted in selected communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Sustainability in Higher Education
Authors: St John I. L. , Phippen A. D. , Smith M. Hudson
Published: June 2014

This chapter critically examines the relationship between HEIs and their communities and questions whether the main motivating factors and drivers behind the increasing importance that sustainability plays in their policy making are social responsibility or social reputation based. Exploratory case studies are undertaken with a number of Higher Education Institutes in respect to the drivers for creation of their Green ICT Policy. Evidence suggests that social reputation is a declining factor on the greening of ICT in the education sector whilst there is an impetus towards financial savings and improving efficiency.
Reframing Corporate Social Responsibility in Developing Countries
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Lancaster Geoff
Published: June 2014

A great deal of interest regarding corporate social responsibility exists in both the business community and academic communities. Within the academic community, this interest has given rise to a number of studies of corporate social responsibility. Many of these studies were focused, and grounded, on Western assumptions about the nature and management of corporate social responsibility. An understanding of social dimensions of corporate social responsibility in Sub-Saharan Africa can repair the fractured relationships between multinational corporations and the various communities. Drawing on the qualitative research methodology, this chapter examines the practices of corporate social responsibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It proposes that socially responsible investment could promote and facilitate business cohesion between corporations and the various communities.
Corporate Strategy from the Bottom
Authors: Romano Luca
Published: June 2014

This chapter demonstrates that the connection between strategy and actions is key for a company to gain a conscious strategic advantage from what done in day-to-day activities. This connection is not always clear and often the officially stated strategy is far from the strategic direction showed from an analysis of the portfolio of initiatives undertaken by a company. Project Portfolio Management (PPM) methodology can help in assessing and improve this connection, as to start a PPM this connection must be clarified. This chapter aims to verify 2 hypotheses. The first is that it is possible to implement a Project Portfolio Management system in a company without a strategic planning process in place. The second is that the implementation of a Project Portfolio Management system helps companies to grow their strategic thinking and can be a first step in strategic planning.
Sustainable Production Planning Supporting Entrepreneurial Success and Environmental Friendliness
Authors: Heck Markus
Published: June 2014

This chapter proposes the use of modified algorithms for production planning that support both cost optimization as well as environmental friendliness. The key element is the implementation of non-linear cost functions based on ecological considerations for lot-size planning. Lot-size planning is an essential part of industrial production and integral part of ERP-systems. The classical approaches of lot-size optimization, which are widespread in industries, the Wagner-Whitin algorithm and the Part-Period Balancing heuristic, are enhanced with so-called eco-factors. These eco-factors allow an optimization based on cost as well as ecological factors. This eco-enhanced approach combined with the introduced concept of eco-balancing helps to reduce overall production costs. Simultaneously, the environmental impact is significantly reduced, resulting in a better carbon footprint.
Retinal Prosthetics
Authors: Djilas Milan , Picaud Serge
Published: June 2014

In this chapter, the authors briefly introduce the neuroanatomical basis for vision and explain how the retina processes visual information. Pathology of the retina and the conditions that cause photoreceptor degeneration and lead to blindness are then given, followed by the main part of the chapter in which they present an overview of the concept of restoring vision with visual prosthetics. The focus is specifically on retinal prostheses and electrical stimulation parameters used with these devices. Both in vitro and in vivo animal studies from the last decade are surveyed, together with the latest results from human trials conducted in multiple research centers worldwide. Eventually, the authors discuss current open issues of the technology, such as implant placement, biocompatibility, electrode design, and safety. In the final section, they give their opinion on future developments and perspectives.
Sensors for Motor Neuroprosthetics
Authors: Ambrosini Emilia , Bejarano Noelia Chia , Pedrocchi Alessandra
Published: June 2014

Clinical applications of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) provide both functional and therapeutic benefits. To enhance the functionality of FES systems and to improve the control of the activated muscles through open-loop or feedback controllers, solutions to gather information about the status of the system in real time and to easily detect the intention of the subject have to be optimized. This chapter summarizes the state of art of sensors used in motor neuroprostheses. These sensors can be classified in two categories: sensors of biological signals, such as electromyogram, electroencephalogram, electroneurogram, eye tracking, and voice control, and sensors of non-biological signals, such as sensors of force/pressure (e.g. force sensitive resistors and strain gauges) and sensors of movement (e.g. accelerometers, electrogoniometers, inertial measurement units, and motion capture systems). Definitions, advantages and disadvantages, and some example of applications are reported for each sensor. Finally, guidelines to compare sensors for the design of motor neuroprostheses are drawn.
Are We the Robots?
Authors: Pisotta Iolanda , Ionta Silvio
Published: June 2014

We experience and interact with the world through our body. The founding father of computer science, Alan Turing, correctly realized that one of the most important features of the human being is the interaction between mind and body. Since the original demonstration that electrical activity of the cortical neurons can be employed to directly control a robotic device, the research on the so-called Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) has impressively grown. For example, current BMIs dedicated to both experimental and clinical studies can translate raw neuronal signals into computational commands to reproduce reaching or grasping in artificial actuators. These developments hold promise for the restoration of limb mobility in paralyzed individuals. However, as the authors review in this chapter, before this goal can be achieved, several hurdles have to be overcome, including developments in real-time computational algorithms and in designing fully implantable and biocompatible devices. Future investigations will have to address the best solutions for restoring sensation to the prosthetic limb, which still remains a major challenge to full integration of the limb into the user's self-image.
Neuroprostheses as an Element of an Eclectic Approach to Intervention in Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia
Published: June 2014

Improvements in the effectiveness of contemporary neurorehabilitation emphasize the need for a shift from a specific approach to intervention to an eclectic approach to intervention. The novel strategies of brain-computer interfaces' and neuroprostheses' application in an eclectic approach to intervention may be regarded as leading the way in clinical practice development. There is a limited amount of evidence both in the areas of theoretical principles and clinical applications, but it seems the application of various rehabilitation methods and techniques may effectively support the outcomes of the BCI's and NP's use. The author aims investigates the extent to which the available opportunities are being exploited, including current and potential future applications of neuroprostheses within an eclectic approach to intervention in neurorehabilitation.
Review of Applications for Wireless Brain-Computer Interface Systems
Authors: Woo Soogil , Shin Younghak , Lee Seungchan , Lee Heung-No
Published: June 2014

In this chapter, to the authors review the research trends for wireless Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems as well as their current and anticipated applications. Wireless BCI systems have clear advantages when compared to wired BCI systems, in that they have simpler shapes and can be convenient and portable devices. Recent wireless BCI applications attempt to help people live more conveniently in many areas of life: medical engineering, rehabilitation, and everyday life.
Lower-Limb Neuroprostheses
Authors: Alam Monzurul , He Jufang
Published: June 2014

Regaining lower-limb functionality such as walking is one of the highest priorities among all the disabilities of paraplegics following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Though the ultimate recovery would be repairing or regenerating new axons across the spinal lesion (potentially by stem cells or other transplants and neurotropic factors), challenges to achieve this as well as recent technological advancements demand the development of new neuroprosthetic devices to restore such motor functions following the injuries. In this chapter, the authors discuss available therapies for the rehabilitation of SCI paraplegics and some new potential interventions that still require clinical tests. They also propose brain-machine-spinal cord interface as a future neuroprosthesis following motor complete SCI.
Brain-Computer Interfaces for Control of Upper Extremity Neuroprostheses in Individuals with High Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Rupp Rüdiger , Rohm Martin , Schneiders Matthias
Published: June 2014

For individuals with tetraplegia, restoring limited or missing grasping function is the highest priority. In patients with high Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and a lack of surgical options, restricted upper extremity function can be improved with the use of neuroprostheses based on Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Grasp neuroprostheses with different degrees of complexity and invasiveness exist, although few models are available for routine clinical application. Hybrid systems combining FES with orthoses hold promise for restoring completely lost upper extremity function. Novel user interfaces integrating biosignals from several sources are needed to make full use of the many degrees of freedom of hybrid neuroprostheses. Motor Imagery (MI)-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are an emerging technology that may serve as a valuable adjunct to traditional control interfaces. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of the art of BCI-controlled upper-extremity neuroprostheses and describes the challenges and promises for the future.
Control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) using in-hive traps
Authors: Bernier Martine , Fournier Valérie , Eccles Les , Giovenazzo Pierre
Published: June 2014

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a non-native pest of honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) newly introduced to Canada. The effectiveness of three in-hive traps was tested in springtime in West-Montérégie (southern Québec, Canada) and in late summer in Essex County (southern Ontario, Canada): AJ’s Beetle Eater™ (AJ’s Beetle Eater), Beetle Barn™ (Rossmann Apiaries), and Hood™ trap (Brushy Mountain Bee Farm). Traps were placed in the brood chamber of 12 colonies in West-Montérégie, and in 48 colonies in the top honey super in Essex County. In-hive traps were effective in reducing SHB populations without compromising the bee population or colony weight gain. In West-Montérégie, the Beetle Barn™ was the most effective trap during the first week, when SHB populations were high. It was less effective when honey bees sealed trap openings with propolis. In Essex County, the AJ’s Beetle Eater™ was the most effective throughout the trial. There was no difference in efficacy between the various solutions used in the Hood™ trap (mineral oil versus mineral oil and apple cider vinegar).