bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identidade, estilo de vida e consumo: uma análise conceitual de suas inter-relações a partir do multiculturalismo e da interculturalidade no campo de estudo da comunicação
Authors: Benazzi João Renato De Souza Coelho
Published: November 2016

Este ensaio discute as relações entre o conceito de identidade, sua expressão por meio de estilos de vida na contemporaneidade e impactos relevantes nos processos de comunicação intercultural. O foco da análise recaiu sobre do papel que processos de comunicação intercultural desempenham na construção das imagens sobre si e sobre os outros, do sujeito reflexivo, fragmentado, descentrado e marcado por seus estilos de vida. Explorouse também a perspectiva de análise de processos de comunicação multiculturais a partir da interculturalidade. Neste contexto, é importante pensar a comunicação intercultural a partir dos relacionamentos fluidos, do simbólico e do imaginário da recepção e não apenas da representação legitimadora de categorias tradicionais de análise. É uma perspectiva de reflexão que privilegia as características culturais do processo e que se mostra, a um só tempo, fragmentada, fluida e dinâmica. Identity, lifestyle and consumption: a conceptual analisys of their inter relationship within the context of multiculturalism and interculturality in communication studiesAbstractThis essay discusses the relationship between the concept of identity, its expression through lifestyles in the contemporanity and relevant impacts in intercultural communication processes. The analysis focuses on the role that intercultural communication processes play in the construction of images of ourselves and others, and on the contemporary subject, marked by his reflectiveness, fragmentation and by his lifestyle. It also analyses multicultural communication processes from an intercultural perspective. In this context, it is important to reflect on intercultural communication from its fluid relationships, from a symbolic viewpoint and from the imaginary perspective of reception, and not only from the legitimizing perspective and representation of traditional analytic categories. It is an analytical perspective that favors the cultural faces of the process and puts in evidence, at the same time, its fragmente , fluid and dynamic characteristics.
Performances, fabricos e artesanias nas cenas cosplay e steampunk
Authors: Nunes Mônica Rebecca Ferrari
Published: November 2016

Este artigo é resultado parcial da pesquisa Comunicação, consumo e memória: da cena cosplay a outras teatralidades juvenis. (Chamada Ciências Humanas, Sociais, Sociais Aplicadas MCTI/CNPq/MEC/CAPES n.22/2014). Aqui objetiva-se apresentar as cenas cosplay e steampunk e problematizar o fabrico de suas materialidades voltado a formas mais criativas de produção, circulação e consumo. Com base em etnografias em eventos de animes e encontros de steamers e em estudos sobre cultura, comunicação e consumo, espera-se demonstrar que o lúdico vivido nestas cenas funciona como tática para enfrentamento do cotidiano. Performances, manufacturing and crafts of cosplay and steampunk scenes Abstract This paper presents partial results obtained by the research ‘Communication, consumption and memory: from the cosplay scene to other juvenile theatricalities’, (Call MCTI/CNPq/MEC/CAPES N. 22/2014 – Social, Human and Applied Social Sciences). The objective is to present the cosplay and steampunk scenes and discuss the manufacturing of its materiality aiming at most creative forms of production, circulation and consumption. Based on ethnographies of animes events, steamers meetings and studies about culture, communication and consumption, it aims to demonstrate that the playful experienced in these scenes works as tactics for facing the daily routine.
The state of welfare on Serbian dairy farms
Authors: Ostojic-Andric Dusica , Hristov Slavca , Petrovic Milan , Pantelic Vlada , Niksic Dragan , Caro-Petrovic Violeta , Stankovic Branislav
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the overall welfare state on Serbian
dairy farms, as well to suggest measures for its improvement. The assessment
was done according to Welfare Quality? Assessment Protocol for Dairy Cows on
16 selected commercial farms in which the cows of Simmental and
Holstein-Friesian breeds were reared (N=4833). Welfare state on each farm was
evaluated by relevant measures that indicated insurance of appropriate
feeding, housing, health and behavior as basic principles of welfare. Overall
score (0-100 points) enabled finally categorization of farms into one of four
welfare category (not classified, acceptable, enhanced and excellent).Based
on results, half of the farms were assigned to acceptable, and other half to
enhanced welfare category. Housing conditions on the majority of farms (63%)
were assessed as unacceptable (?20 points) due to poor hygiene and
discomfort. Cows were kept tied continuously on more than one third of farms
which together with lack of pasture (17 days/year on average) restricting
their comfort and freedom of movement. This may be also linked to low scored
behavioral insurance (32points), especially inability to express its natural
forms (6.7 points).Health condition was estimated as acceptable, but
endangered welfare by high incidence of laminitis (38%), distocya (4.2%) and
mortality (6.7%). Commonly performed dehorning procedure (79%) without
anesthetic/analgesic application caused pain and stress in affected animals.
Overall assessment score (2.5/5) showed the need for improvement in all areas
of dairy cows' welfare, especially in terms of their housing and management.
Comparative studies of annual legumes
Authors: Bozhanska Tatyana , Mihovski Tsvetoslav , Naydenova Galina , Knotová Daniela , Pelikán Jan
Published: November 2016

The aim of present study was to get comparative data on forage productivity
and quality of forage of Checz cultivars of legumes in the conditions of
Northern Bulgaria and respectively to select species and genotypes with the
potential for successful introduction in the structure of forage production
in Bulgaria. Five species of forage crops were observed and the respective
cultivars: Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), cv. Faraon; crimson
clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), cv. Kardinal; annual bird's-foot-trefoil
(Lotus ornithopoides L.) cv. Junak; black medick (Medicago lupulina L.) cv.
Ekola and white melilot (Melilotus albus L.), cv. Adela. The studied legumes
differed significantly in their fodder productivity. They are ranked in the
following order of DM yield: white melilot - black medick - annual
bird's-foot-trefoil - Egyptian clover - crimson clover. The productivity and
participation of Egyptian clover and crimson clover in grasslands varied
significantly in years. The biomass of crimson clover had the highest content
of crude protein (15.24%) and the lowest of crude fiber (21.69%) and no
digestible components. According to the comprehensive evaluation of data on
productivity and forage quality of studied annual legumes, black medick could
be defined as the species with the highest potential for cultivation in the
conditions of the Central Northern Bulgaria. It is characterised by high
productivity of green mass and dry matter, it has regrowing ability, it is
distinguished by a high content of crude protein (14.92%) and crude fat
(4.66%), optimal content of neutral and acid detergent fibers (34.67 and
24.99%) and with high levels of hemicellulose content (9.68%). Energy value
of forage of that species, assessed by means of feed unit of milk (FUM) and
growth (FUG) was assessed as very high (FUM - 0.69/kg DM and FUG - 0.63/kg
DM).
Biosorption potentials of acid modified Saccharum bengalense for removal of methyl violet from aqueous solutions
Authors: Din Muhammad , Ijaz Kiran , Naseem Khalida
Published: November 2016

In the present work, Saccharum bengalense (SB) was treated with sulfuric acid to enhance its efficiency. Methyl violet (MV), a cationic dye, was removed from aqueous medium using acid modified S. bengalense (A-SB). Different parameters like adsorbent dosage, stirring speed, temperature, contact time and effect of initial concentration of dye on rate of adsorption of dye from aqueous medium was studied. Experimental data obtained from adsorption of MV was analyzed by applying pseudo first order, pseudo second order and intra-particle diffusion models and it was found that the data best follows the pseudosecond order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that adsorption reaction was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. Different adsorption isotherm models, like Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and Temkin, were used to study the mechanism of adsorption process and experimental data was well fitted by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Simulation software as a tool for supply chain analysis and improvement
Authors: Sánchez Ramírez , Dulce Mota , Hernández Giner , Alcaraz Luis , Mendoza Tlapa
Published: November 2016

Effective decision making in the automotive supply chain is complex, due to
the increasing number of suppliers and customers who form part of it. For
this reason, the use of tools that allow to improve the performance of the
supply chain is necessary. Simulation Software is one of these tools.
Therefore, in this paper a simulation model to improve the performance of an
automotive supply chain is developed. Using sensitivity analysis, this study
finds the values that allow the supply chain to improve its order fulfilment
indicator. In the sensitivity analysis, the variables Cycle Time, Production
Adjustment Time, Delivery Time, Raw Material Inventory, and Finished Good
Inventory, were modified. The results show that: 1) in the base line
scenario, only the 78.85% of the orders are fulfilled, and 2) to fulfil the
100% of the orders Cycle Time, Production Adjustment Time, and Delivery Time
must be reduced to one week.
Physicochemical characterisation of pottery from the Vinca culture, Serbia, regarding the firing temperature and decoration techniques
Authors: Perisic Nebojsa , Maric-Stojanovic Milica , Andric Velibor , Mioc Ubavka , Damjanovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2016

A study of decorated Neolithic pottery samples from excavation site Plocnik,
Serbia, was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy.
Investigated samples belong to the era of the Vinca culture which existed at
the central Balkan region from mid VI until the first half of V millennium
BCE. The mineralogical composition of pottery samples and comparison of
investigated pottery with thermally treated local clay indicated firing
temperature in the range from 600 to 800?C. Two different types of white
pigments have been identified in white incrusted decorations: calcium
carbonate and Bone White (composed of crushed bones). This is the first
evidence of use of bones for decorations in Vinca culture pottery from
excavation site Plocnik. In addition to this, it was revealed that the
potters used the iron reduction technique for obtaining the black
decorations.
Public health at the fair
Authors: Feather Joan
Published: November 2016

In the days before television and radio, one of the most popular ways to inform and entertain the public on the prairies was through the summer fair. This was a mass medium full of noise, color and excitement, providing a welcome relief from the toil and drudgery of everyday life. It is not surprising that Dr. Maurice Seymour, head of the Saskatchewan Bureau of Public Health, should take full advantage of this opportunity for public education. This was the man who later articulated “The Seymour Plan” for combatting the major communicable diseases of the day: a co-operative, concentrated campaign of public education to the fact that these diseases were communicable and preventable. He firmly believed that “disease is the ally of ignorance, dirt and disorder.” He and his staff therefore took their message to the people where they could be reached in greatest numbers, beginning at the 1916 Provincial Exhibition in Regina. As an accompaniment to the novel “Baby Welfare Conference”, the Bureau erected a display dealing with the causes of infant mortality and showing mothers the correct methods of feeding, clothing, healthy conditions of related to child care.
Work Zone Management in the District of Columbia: Deploying a Citywide Transportation Management Plan and Work Zone Project Management System
Authors: Dickerson Clarence L. , Wang Jianwei , Witherspoon James , Crumley Scott C.
Published: November 2016

In a growing and congested capital city, the challenges of maintaining traffic during construction of a multimillion dollar transportation program are immense. Managers are tasked with budgeting, planning, designing, procuring, constructing, and monitoring hundreds of projects in a dynamic and politically charged environment. Critically important infrastructure, utility, maintenance, and developer projects—as well as capital area special events—are frequently on a national (or international) stage with a high risk of traffic congestion, safety concerns, and negative public perception. Washington, D.C., is often listed as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the United States. With a growing resident population, commuters nearly double the number of people in the city each weekday. In addition, Washington, D.C., is often listed as the most congested urban area in the nation. Aside from recurring congestion, project construction and special events frequently strain the existing roadway network. A proactive, citywide approach to managing all work zones is helping to reduce congestion and provide the District Department of Transportation with better control of how best to schedule and approve projects, as well as budget for cost-effective strategies to mitigate work zone congestion. A unique Citywide Transportation Management Plan, including a dynamic Work Zone Project Management System, has been deployed to coordinate and analyze project work zones and special events throughout the city for the next 5 years. Graphical, web-based software tools track and assess cumulative work zone effects. From these results, mitigation strategies are aimed at improving safety and mobility throughout Washington, D.C.
Hybrid Approach for Short-Term Traffic State and Travel Time Prediction on Highways
Authors: Allström Andreas , Ekström Joakim , Gundlegård David , Ringdahl Rasmus , Rydergren Clas , Bayen Alexandre M. , Patire Anthony D.
Published: November 2016

Traffic management and traffic information are essential in urban areas and require reliable knowledge about the current and future traffic state. Parametric and nonparametric traffic state prediction techniques have previously been developed with different advantages and shortcomings. While nonparametric prediction has shown good results for predicting the traffic state during recurrent traffic conditions, parametric traffic state prediction can be used during nonrecurring traffic conditions, such as incidents and events. Hybrid approaches have previously been proposed; these approaches combine the two prediction paradigms by using nonparametric methods for predicting boundary conditions used in a parametric method. In this paper, parametric and nonparametric traffic state prediction techniques are instead combined through assimilation in an ensemble Kalman filter. For nonparametric prediction, a neural network method is adopted; the parametric prediction is carried out with a cell transmission model with velocity as state. The results show that the hybrid approach can improve travel time prediction of journeys planned to commence 15 to 30 min into the future, with a prediction horizon of up to 50 min ahead in time to allow the journey to be completed.
Assessing the Harmonization Potential of Variable Speed Limit Systems
Authors: Ackaah Williams , Huber Gerhard , Bogenberger Klaus , Bertini Robert L.
Published: November 2016

Variable speed limit (VSL) control systems have been used as a link control scheme on freeways and urban arterial roads. VSL systems aim to provide advance warning, to harmonize traffic speeds, or to accomplish both. The objective of this paper is to develop methods for assessing the harmonization potential of VSL systems. Two approaches based on the ability of the system to reduce inhomogeneity in the traffic stream and improve the consistency (proper coordination) of the displayed speed limits are presented. Inhomogeneity in the traffic stream was checked by first identifying the traffic state and assessing the ability of the system to reduce the speed differential in the metastable traffic state (i.e., flows > free flow but with speeds > congestion speed). The coefficient of variation was used to quantify the standard deviation of speed. Consistency was assessed by observing the consecutive dynamic changes in the displayed speed limits as drivers traverse the route. This assessment was done by reconstructing the traffic state from loop detector data, generating virtual trajectories based on the reconstruction, and finally tracking the virtual vehicles to reproduce the sequence of speed limits that drivers would have experienced. The methods developed were tested for the VSL system on the Autobahn 99 near Munich, Germany.
Women and Gender in Short Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
Authors: Sen Nandini
Published: November 2016

This article examines female protagonists in Rabindranath Tagore’s stories and novellas – specifically Charu (A Broken Nest, 1901), Mrinal (The Wife’s Letter, 1914), Kamala (Musalmani, 1941), Anila (House Number 1, 1917), Chandara (Punishment, 1893) and Boshtomi (Devotee, 1916) – from a social anthropological viewpoint, focusing on gender and
time-based kinship relations. Here, kinship is defined as an extension of familial relationships to the community (common ethnic-social life, locality and religion) in such a way as to achieve progressively higher levels of social integration and extensive social networks through marriage alliances and lines of descent. Studying how the characters placed the universality of family and kinship structures into question, I argue that parameters of kinship organisation need to be redefined,
with plurality and difference as the basis of inquiry rather than universality.
An MRS- and PET-guided biopsy tool for intraoperative neuronavigational systems
Authors: Grech-Sollars Matthew , Vaqas Babar , Thompson Gerard , Barwick Tara , Honeyfield Lesley , O'Neill Kevin , Waldman Adam D.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Glioma heterogeneity and the limitations of conventional structural MRI for identifying aggressive tumor components can limit the reliability of stereotactic biopsy and, hence, tumor characterization, which is a hurdle for developing and selecting effective treatment strategies. In vivo MR spectroscopy (MRS) and PET enable noninvasive imaging of cellular metabolism relevant to proliferation and can detect regions of more highly active tumor. Here, the authors integrated presurgical PET and MRS with intraoperative neuronavigation to guide surgical biopsy and tumor sampling of brain gliomas with the aim of improving intraoperative tumor-tissue characterization and imaging biomarker validation.

METHODS

A novel intraoperative neuronavigation tool was developed as part of a study that aimed to sample high-choline tumor components identified by multivoxel MRS and 18F-methylcholine PET-CT. Spatially coregistered PET and MRS data were integrated into structural data sets and loaded onto an intraoperative neuronavigation system. High and low choline uptake/metabolite regions were represented as color-coded hollow spheres for targeted stereotactic biopsy and tumor sampling.

RESULTS

The neurosurgeons found the 3D spherical targets readily identifiable on the interactive neuronavigation system. In one case, areas of high mitotic activity were identified on the basis of high 18F-methylcholine uptake and elevated choline ratios found with MRS in an otherwise low-grade tumor, which revealed the possible use of this technique for tumor characterization.

CONCLUSIONS

These PET and MRI data can be combined and represented usefully for the surgeon in neuronavigation systems. This method enables neurosurgeons to sample tumor regions based on physiological and molecular imaging markers. The technique was applied for characterizing choline metabolism using MRS and 18F PET; however, this approach provides proof of principle for using different radionuclide tracers and other MRI methods, such as MR perfusion and diffusion.
The management and outcome for patients with chronic subdural hematoma: a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brennan Paul M. , Kolias Angelos G. , Joannides Alexis J. , Shapey Jonathan , Marcus Hani J. , Gregson Barbara A. , Grover Patrick J. , Hutchinson Peter J. , Coulter Ian C.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) will become an increasingly common presentation in neurosurgical practice as the population ages, but quality evidence is still lacking to guide the optimal management for these patients. The British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative (BNTRC) was established by neurosurgical trainees in 2012 to improve research by combining the efforts of trainees in each of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland's neurosurgical units (NSUs). The authors present the first study by the BNTRC that describes current management and outcomes for patients with CSDH throughout the UK and Ireland. This provides a resource both for current clinical practice and future clinical research on CSDH.

METHODS

Data on management and outcomes for patients with CSDH referred to UK and Ireland NSUs were collected prospectively over an 8-month period and audited against criteria predefined from the literature: NSU mortality < 5%, NSU morbidity < 10%, symptomatic recurrence within 60 days requiring repeat surgery < 20%, and unfavorable functional status (modified Rankin Scale score of 4–6) at NSU discharge < 30%.

RESULTS

Data from 1205 patients in 26 NSUs were collected. Bur-hole craniostomy was the most common procedure (89%), and symptomatic recurrence requiring repeat surgery within 60 days was observed in 9% of patients. Criteria on mortality (2%), rate of recurrence (9%), and unfavorable functional outcome (22%) were met, but morbidity was greater than expected (14%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that failure to insert a drain intraoperatively independently predicted recurrence and unfavorable functional outcome (p = 0.011 and p = 0.048, respectively). Increasing patient age (p < 0.00001), postoperative bed rest (p = 0.019), and use of a single bur hole (p = 0.020) independently predicted unfavorable functional outcomes, but prescription of high-flow oxygen or preoperative use of antiplatelet medications did not.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest prospective CSDH study and helps establish national standards. It has confirmed in a real-world setting the effectiveness of placing a subdural drain. This study identified a number of modifiable prognostic factors but questions the necessity of some common aspects of CSDH management, such as enforced postoperative bed rest. Future studies should seek to establish how practitioners can optimize perioperative care of patients with CSDH to reduce morbidity as well as minimize CSDH recurrence. The BNTRC is unique worldwide, conducting multicenter trainee-led research and audits. This study demonstrates that collaborative research networks are powerful tools to interrogate clinical research questions.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the spine: results of surgical management from a multicenter study
Authors: Chou Dean , Bilsky Mark H. , Luzzati Alessandro , Fisher Charles G. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Rhines Laurence D. , Dekutoski Mark B. , Fehlings Michael G. , Ghag Ravi , Varga Peter , Boriani Stefano , Germscheid Niccole M. , Reynolds Jeremy J. , _ _
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare soft-tissue sarcomas. Resection is the mainstay of treatment and the most important prognostic factor. However, complete resection of spinal MPNSTs with tumor-free margins is challenging due to the likelihood of residual tumor cells. The objective of this study was to describe whether the type of Enneking resection in the management of spinal MPNSTs had an effect on local recurrence and survival.

METHODS

The AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor developed a multicenter database that includes demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic, local recurrence, and survival data on patients with primary spinal column tumors. Patients who had undergone surgery for a primary spinal MPNST were included and were analyzed in 2 groups: 1) those undergoing Enneking appropriate (EA) resections and 2) those undergoing Enneking inappropriate (EI) resections. EA surgery was performed if there was histopathological evidence of an intact tumor pseudocapsule and at least a marginal resection on a vital structure. EI surgery was performed if there was an intentional or inadvertent transgression of the margin.

RESULTS

Between 1993 and 2012, 29 primary spine MPNSTs were identified in 12 (41%) females and 17 (59%) males with a mean age at diagnosis of 40 ± 17 years (range 5–74 years). The median patient follow-up was 1.3 years (range 42 days to 11.2 years). In total, 14 (48%) patients died and 14 (48%) patients suffered a local recurrence, 10 (71%) of whom died. Within 2 years after surgery, the median survival and local recurrence were not achieved. Data about Enneking appropriateness of surgery were available for 27 patients; 9 (33%) underwent an EA procedure and 18 (67%) underwent an EI procedure. Enneking appropriateness did not have a significant influence on local recurrence or survival. Twenty-two patients underwent adjuvant treatment with combined chemo- and radiotherapy (n = 7), chemotherapy alone (n = 3), or radiotherapy alone (n = 12). Adjuvant therapy had no significant influence on recurrence or survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of recurrence and survival were similar for spinal MPNSTs regardless of whether patients had an EA or EI resection or received adjuvant therapy. Other factors such as variability of pathologist interpretation, PET CT correlation, or neurofibromatosis Type 1 status may play a role in patient outcome. Nonetheless, MPNSTs should still be treated as sarcomas until further evidence is known. The authors recommend an individualized approach with careful multidisciplinary decision making, and the patient should be informed about the morbidity of en bloc surgery when considering MPNST resection.
Airway Epithelial Cell Cilia and Obstructive Lung Disease
Authors: Yaghi Asma , Dolovich Myrna
Published: November 2016

Airway epithelium is the first line of defense against exposure of the airway and lung to various inflammatory stimuli. Ciliary beating of airway epithelial cells constitutes an important part of the mucociliary transport apparatus. To be effective in transporting secretions out of the lung, the mucociliary transport apparatus must exhibit a cohesive beating of all ciliated epithelial cells that line the upper and lower respiratory tract. Cilia function can be modulated by exposures to endogenous and exogenous factors and by the viscosity of the mucus lining the epithelium. Cilia function is impaired in lung diseases such as COPD and asthma, and pharmacologic agents can modulate cilia function and mucus viscosity. Cilia beating is reduced in COPD, however, more research is needed to determine the structural-functional regulation of ciliary beating via all signaling pathways and how this might relate to the initiation or progression of obstructive lung diseases. Additionally, genotypes and how these can influence phenotypes and epithelial cell cilia function and structure should be taken into consideration in future investigations.
Increase in Complexity and Information through Molecular Evolution
Authors: Schuster Peter
Published: November 2016

Biological evolution progresses by essentially three different mechanisms: (I) optimization of properties through natural selection in a population of competitors; (II) development of new capabilities through cooperation of competitors caused by catalyzed reproduction; and (III) variation of genetic information through mutation or recombination. Simplified evolutionary processes combine two out of the three mechanisms: Darwinian evolution combines competition (I) and variation (III) and is represented by the quasispecies model, major transitions involve cooperation (II) of competitors (I), and the third combination, cooperation (II) and variation (III) provides new insights in the role of mutations in evolution. A minimal kinetic model based on simple molecular mechanisms for reproduction, catalyzed reproduction and mutation is introduced, cast into ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and analyzed mathematically in form of its implementation in a flow reactor. Stochastic aspects are investigated through computer simulation of trajectories of the corresponding chemical master equations. The competition-cooperation model, mechanisms (I) and (II), gives rise to selection at low levels of resources and leads to symbiontic cooperation in case the material required is abundant. Accordingly, it provides a kind of minimal system that can undergo a (major) transition. Stochastic effects leading to extinction of the population through self-enhancing oscillations destabilize symbioses of four or more partners. Mutations (III) are not only the basis of change in phenotypic properties but can also prevent extinction provided the mutation rates are sufficiently large. Threshold phenomena are observed for all three combinations: The quasispecies model leads to an error threshold, the competition-cooperation model allows for an identification of a resource-triggered bifurcation with the transition, and for the cooperation-mutation model a kind of stochastic threshold for survival through sufficiently high mutation rates is observed. The evolutionary processes in the model are accompanied by gains in information on the environment of the evolving populations. In order to provide a useful basis for comparison, two forms of information, syntactic or Shannon information and semantic information are introduced here. Both forms of information are defined for simple evolving systems at the molecular level. Selection leads primarily to an increase in semantic information in the sense that higher fitness allows for more efficient exploitation of the environment and provides the basis for more progeny whereas understanding transitions involves characteristic contributions from both Shannon information and semantic information.
Exergy Accounting: A Quantitative Comparison of Methods and Implications for Energy-Economy Analysis
Authors: Miller Jack , Foxon Timothy , Sorrell Steve
Published: November 2016

Assessments of the feasibility of decoupling energy consumption from economic growth could benefit from an improved understanding of the size, nature and value of different energy flows. This understanding may be enhanced by focusing upon so-called “useful exergy”—a measure of both the quantity and “quality” of energy (defined here as its thermodynamic ability to perform physical work) at the “useful” stage of the energy conversion chain. Useful exergy flows within national economies are increasingly being quantified and their role in economic activity explored. However, this so-called “exergy economics” field currently lacks a consistent methodology. This paper contributes to the development of a more consistent approach. By constructing a “useful exergy account” for the United Kingdom covering the period 1960–2012, we explore how different methodological choices influence estimates of useful exergy for different categories of end-use as well as estimates of total national useful exergy consumption. Specifically, we evaluate the sensitivity of estimates to: (a) the method of estimating the exergy efficiency of different end-uses; (b) the boundaries between end-use categories; and (c) the method of estimating the primary exergy associated with renewable electricity. We also improve upon the current method of accounting for industrial uses of heat. This leads to suggestions for best practice when constructing useful exergy accounts, and the identification of areas where further methodological development is required.
Spray Formation of a Liquid Carbon Dioxide-Water Mixture at Elevated Pressures
Authors: Kim Hakduck , Kim Changyeon , Lim Heechang , Song Juhun
Published: November 2016

Liquid carbon dioxide-assisted (LCO2-assisted) atomization can be used in coal-water slurry gasification plants to prevent the agglomeration of coal particles. It is essential to understand the atomization behavior of the water-LCO2 mixture leaving the injector nozzle under various conditions, including the CO2 blending ratio, injection pressure, and chamber pressure. In this study, the flash-atomization behavior of a water-LCO2 mixture was evaluated with regard to the spray angle and penetration length during a throttling process. The injector nozzle was mounted downstream of a high-pressure spray-visualization system. Based on the results, the optimal condition for the effective transport of coal particles was proposed.
Understanding the Fate of Applied Nitrogen in Pine Plantations of the Southeastern United States Using 15N Enriched Fertilizers
Authors: Raymond Jay , Fox Thomas , Strahm Brian
Published: November 2016

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of using enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEFs) products compared to urea to improve fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency (FNUE) in forest plantations. All fertilizer treatments were labeled with 15N (0.5 atom percent) and applied to 100 m2 circular plots at 12 loblolly pine stands (Pinus taeda L.) across the southeastern United States. Total fertilizer N recovery for fertilizer treatments was determined by sampling all primary ecosystem components and using a mass balance calculation. Significantly more fertilizer N was recovered for all EEFs compared to urea, but there were generally no differences among EEFs. The total fertilizer N ecosystem recovery ranged from 81.9% to 84.2% for EEFs compared to 65.2% for urea. The largest amount of fertilizer N recovered for all treatments was in the loblolly pine trees (EEFs: 38.5%–49.9%, urea: 34.8%) and soil (EEFs: 30.6%–38.8%, urea: 28.4%). This research indicates that a greater ecosystem fertilizer N recovery for EEFs compared to urea in southeastern pine plantations can potentially lead to increased FNUE in these systems.
Fire Scenarios in Spain: A Territorial Approach to Proactive Fire Management in the Context of Global Change
Authors: Montiel Molina Cristina , Galiana-Martín Luis
Published: November 2016

Humans and fire form a coupled and co-evolving natural-human system in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. In this context, recent trends in landscape change, such as urban sprawl or the abandoning of agricultural and forest land management in line with new models of economic development and lifestyles, are leading to new fire scenarios. A fire scenario refers to the contextual factors of a fire regime, i.e., the environmental, socio-economic and policy drivers of wildfire initiation and propagation on different spatial and temporal scales. This is basically a landscape concept linking territorial dynamics (related to ecosystem evolution and settlement patterns) with a fire regime (ignition causes; spread patterns; fire frequency, severity, extent and seasonality). The aim of this article is to identify and characterize these land-based fire scenarios in Spain on a national and regional scale, using a GIS-based methodology to perform a spatial analysis of the area attributes of homogenous fire spread patterns. To do this, the main variables considered are: land use/land cover, fuel load and recent fire history. The final objective is to reduce territorial vulnerability to forest wildfires and facilitate the adaptation of fire policies and land management systems to current challenges of preparedness and uncertainty management.
Validation of Contamination Control in Rapid Transfer Port Chambers for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Hu Shih-Cheng , Shiue Angus , Liu Han-Yang , Chiu Rong-Ben
Published: November 2016

There is worldwide concern with regard to the adverse effects of drug usage. However, contaminants can gain entry into a drug manufacturing process stream from several sources such as personnel, poor facility design, incoming ventilation air, machinery and other equipment for production, etc. In this validation study, we aimed to determine the impact and evaluate the contamination control in the preparation areas of the rapid transfer port (RTP) chamber during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The RTP chamber is normally tested for airflow velocity, particle counts, pressure decay of leakage, and sterility. The air flow balance of the RTP chamber is affected by the airflow quantity and the height above the platform. It is relatively easy to evaluate the RTP chamber′s leakage by the pressure decay, where the system is charged with the air, closed, and the decay of pressure is measured by the time period. We conducted the determination of a vaporized H2O2 of a sufficient concentration to complete decontamination. The performance of the RTP chamber will improve safety and can be completely tested at an ISO Class 5 environment.
Association of Urogenital Symptoms with History of Water Contact in Young Women in Areas Endemic for S. haematobium. A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural South Africa
Authors: Galappaththi-Arachchige Hashini , Amlie Hegertun Ingrid , Holmen Sigve , Qvigstad Erik , Kleppa Elisabeth , Sebitloane Motshedisi , Ndhlovu Patricia , Vennervald Birgitte , Gundersen Svein , Taylor Myra , Kjetland Eyrun
Published: November 2016

Female genital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium. Infected females may suffer from symptoms mimicking sexually transmitted infections. We explored if self-reported history of unsafe water contact could be used as a simple predictor of genital schistosomiasis. In a cross-sectional study in rural South Africa, 883 sexually active women aged 16–22 years were included. Questions were asked about urogenital symptoms and water contact history. Urine samples were tested for S. haematobium ova. A score based on self-reported water contact was calculated and the association with symptoms was explored while adjusting for other genital infections using multivariable logistic regression analyses. S. haematobium ova were detected in the urine of 30.5% of subjects. Having ova in the urine was associated with the water contact score (p < 0.001). Symptoms that were associated with water contact included burning sensation in the genitals (p = 0.005), spot bleeding (p = 0.012), abnormal discharge smell (p = 0.018), bloody discharge (p = 0.020), genital ulcer (p = 0.038), red urine (p < 0.001), stress incontinence (p = 0.001) and lower abdominal pain (p = 0.028). In S. haematobium endemic areas, self-reported water contact was strongly associated with urogenital symptoms. In low-resource settings, a simple history including risk of water contact behaviour can serve as an indicator of urogenital schistosomiasis.
The Association between Endometriosis, Tubal Ligation, Hysterectomy and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Meta-Analyses
Authors: Wang Chunpeng , Liang Zhenzhen , Liu Xin , Zhang Qian , Li Shuang
Published: November 2016

To investigate the association between endometriosis, tubal ligation, hysterectomy and epithelial ovarian cancer. Relevant published literatures were searched in PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Medline databases during 1995–2016. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistic. Publication bias was tested by funnel plot and Egger’s test. Odds ratio and 95% CI were used to assess the association strength. The statistical analyses in this study were accomplished by STATA software package. A total of 40,609 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer and 368,452 controls in 38 publications were included. The result suggested that endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.28–1.57), tubal ligation was associated with a decreased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.60–0.81), while hysterectomy show no relationship with epithelial ovarian cancer (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81–1.14). A stratified analysis showed there were associations between endometriosis and the increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer for studies conducted in USA and Europe. Meanwhile, there were associations between tubal ligation and the decreased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer for studies conducted in USA, Asia, Europe and Australia. The result indicated that endometriosis was a risk factor of epithelial ovarian cancer whereas tubal ligation was a protective risk factor of epithelial ovarian cancer, hysterectomy may have no relationship with epithelial ovarian cancer.
The Thermodynamic and Kinetic Properties of 2-Hydroxypyridine/2-Pyridone Tautomerization: A Theoretical and Computational Revisit
Authors: Hejazi Safiyah , Osman Osman , Alyoubi Abdulrahman , Aziz Saadullah , Hilal Rifaat
Published: November 2016

The gas-phase thermal tautomerization reaction between 2-hydroxypyridine (2-HPY) and 2-pyridone (2-PY) was investigated by applying 6-311++G** and aug-cc-pvdz basis sets incorporated into some density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster with singles and doubles (CCSD) methods. The geometrical structures, dipole moments, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, total hyperpolarizability, kinetics and thermodynamics functions were monitored against the effects of the corrections imposed on these functionals. The small experimental energy difference between the two tautomers of 3.23 kJ/mol; was a real test of the accuracy of the applied levels of theory. M062X and CCSD methods predicted the preference of 2-HPY over 2-PY by 5–9 kJ/mol; while B3LYP functional favoured 2-PY by 1–3 kJ/mol. The CAM-B3LYP and ωB97XD functionals yielded mixed results depending on the basis set used. The source of preference of 2-HPY is the minimal steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion that subdued the huge hyperconjugation in 2-PY. A 1,3-proton shift intramolecular gas-phase tautomerization yielded a high average activation of 137.152 kJ/mol; while the intermolecular mixed dimer interconversion gave an average barrier height of 30.844 kJ/mol. These findings are boosted by a natural bond orbital (NBO) technique. The low total hyperpolarizabilities of both tautomers mark out their poor nonlinear optical (NLO) behaviour. The enhancement of the total hyperpolarizability of 2-HPY over that of 2-PY is interpreted by the bond length alternation.
2-C-Alkynyl and 2-C-cis-Alkenyl β-Mannosides with Acetal Protected γ-Aldehyde Functionality via 2-Uloside Alkynylation and Lindlar Hydrogenation
Authors: Borowski Daniel , Menzel Melchior , Ziegler Thomas
Published: November 2016

Benzyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-β-d-arabino-hexos-2-ulo-1,5-pyranoside was subjected to manno-selective ketone alkynylation with propiolaldehyde dibenzyl acetal, resulting in the formation of a 2-C-alkynyl β-mannoside bearing a γ-dibenzyl acetal functionality. Subsequent transacetalization of the acetal moiety with methanol and 1,3-dihydroxypropane and acetylation of position 2, respectively, gave 4 different 2-C-alkynyl branched mannosides. Lindlar hydrogenation of the latter under optimized conditions in dimethylformamide afforded a series of 2-C-cis-alkenyl mannosides. X-ray molecular structures of benzyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-β-d-arabino-hexos-2-ulo-1,5-pyranoside and of the branched glycoside benzyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-C-((Z)-3,3-dibenzyloxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-β-d-mannopyranoside are reported.
Influence of EDC on Dentin-Resin Shear Bond Strength and Demineralized Dentin Thermal Properties
Authors: Tang Lin , Zhang Yi , Liu Yuhua , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the bonding strength and thermal properties of demineralized dentin with and without EDC treatment. Sound human molars were randomly divided into seven treatment groups (n = 20): control, 80% ethanol, and five EDC ethanol solutions (0.01–1.0 M). In each group, 16 samples were used for bond strength assessment and 4 samples were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. A further 70 intact molars were used to obtain a fine demineralized dentin powder, treated with the same solutions and were evaluated the crosslink degree by ninhydrin test and denaturation temperature (Td) by differential scanning calorimetry. EDC-treated specimens (<1.0 M) had a higher bond strength, especially 0.3 and 0.5 M group, than the control counterpart. There was a significant drop in bond strength of 1.0 M EDC group. SEM revealed a homogeneous and regular interface under all treatments. EDC treatment significantly increased the demineralized dentin cross-link degree and Td compared with the control and ethanol treatments. The 0.3 and 0.5 M treatments showed the highest cross-link degree and Td. In terms of mechnical and theramal properties consideration, 0.3 and 0.5 M EDC solutions may be favorable for when applied with etch-and-rinse adhesives, but it is still needed further long-term study.
Oxygen Evolution at Manganite Perovskite Ruddlesden-Popper Type Particles: Trends of Activity on Structure, Valence and Covalence
Authors: Ebrahimizadeh Abrishami Majid , Risch Marcel , Scholz Julius , Roddatis Vladimir , Osterthun Norbert , Jooss Christian
Published: November 2016

An improved understanding of the correlation between the electronic properties of Mn-O bonds, activity and stability of electro-catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great importance for an improved catalyst design. Here, an in-depth study of the relation between lattice structure, electronic properties and catalyst performance of the perovskite Ca1−xPrxMnO3 and the first-order RP-system Ca2−xPrxMnO4 at doping levels of x = 0, 0.25 and 0.5 is presented. Lattice structure is determined by X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement. X-ray absorption spectroscopy of Mn-L and O-K edges gives access to Mn valence and covalency of the Mn-O bond. Oxygen evolution activity and stability is measured by rotating ring disc electrode studies. We demonstrate that the highest activity and stability coincidences for systems with a Mn-valence state of +3.7, though also requiring that the covalency of the Mn-O bond has a relative minimum. This observation points to an oxygen evolution mechanism with high redox activity of Mn. Covalency should be large enough for facile electron transfer from adsorbed oxygen species to the MnO6 network; however, it should not be hampered by oxidation of the lattice oxygen, which might cause a crossover to material degradation. Since valence and covalency changes are not entirely independent, the introduction of the energy position of the eg↑ pre-edge peak in the O-K spectra as a new descriptor for oxygen evolution is suggested, leading to a volcano-like representation of the OER activity.