bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Purchase Options in Single-Leg Revenue Management
Authors: Aydın Nurşen , Birbil Ş. İlker , Topaloğlu Hüseyin
Published: February 2016

Many airline reservation systems offer the commitment option to their potential passengers. This option allows passengers to reserve a seat for a fixed duration before making a final purchase decision. In this study, we develop single-leg revenue management models that consider such contingent commitment decisions. We start with a dynamic programming model of this problem. This model is computationally intractable as it requires storing a multidimensional state space because of bookkeeping of the committed seats. To alleviate this difficulty, we propose an alternate dynamic programming formulation that uses an approximate model of how the contingent commitments behave and we show how to extract a capacity allocation policy from the approximate dynamic programming formulation. In addition, we present a deterministic linear programming model that gives an upper bound on the optimal expected revenue from the intractable dynamic programming model. As the problem size becomes large in terms of flight capacity and the expected number of arrivals, we demonstrate an asymptotic lower bound for the deterministic linear programming model. Our extensive numerical study indicates that offering commitment options can noticeably increase potential revenue even though offering a contingent commitment option may not always be in the best interest of the airline. Also, our results show that the proposed approximate dynamic programming model coordinates capacity allocation and commitment decisions quite well.
Bringing us all together
Authors: Harford Maxine , Jones Claire , Hions Sara
Published: February 2016

The Kirklees Early Learning Intervention Project aims to narrow the achievement gap for vulnerable learners in the early years. In this article, we share some of our work, as well as evidence of its impact.
Which comes first – the chicken or the egg?
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: February 2016

Following on from last month's article about the meaning of teaching, we focus on its relationship with learning, and how these might be seen to be interdependent on each other in early years provision.
What we can learn from…: Bathrooms!
Authors: Chapman Ailsa
Published: February 2016

This month, we delve further into where we live by exploring ‘bathrooms and toilets’. There is so much for children to find out about and so many directions their interests can take learning.
Do not lose your temper
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: February 2016

The second article in a series that will explore traditional games takes a look at an ancient Indian game that is as frustrating as it is fun, as reflected in its names around the world – we know it as Ludo.
Politics and palliative care: Morocco
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: February 2016

Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing
Characterization of Tomato Pomace and Reaction Conditions of Industrial Pectinase to Treat Tomato Pomace
Authors: Koh Jong-Ho , Hong Jae-Hoon , Oh Jun-Hyun
Published: February 2016

Tomato pomaces, the by-product from tomato processing, may be recycled as value-added products. The objectives of this study are to characterize the physico-chemical properties of tomato pomaces and optimize the reaction conditions to use pectinases for optimum hydrolysis. Tomato pomaces were obtained from fresh or steamed tomatoes, and further processed to obtain water-alcohol insoluble pectins (WAIP). The yields of tomato pomaces obtained from fresh and steamed tomatoes were 22.8% (w.b.) and 19.9% (w.b.), respectively. The total solid, crude fiber, and lycopene contents of steamed tomato pomaces were 8.84% (d.b.), 33.9% (d.b.), and 188.2 μg/g (w.b.), respectively. The yield of Tomato Pomace-WAIP from tomato pomace was determined as 42.8% (d.b.). Among the tested industrial pectinases, Viscozyme L was determined as best enzyme based on the highest yield and anhydrogalacturonic acid (AGA) content. The optimal reaction temperature, time, and concentration of Viscozyme L enzyme to treat Tomato Pomace-WAIP (0.1%, w/v) were determined as 50°C, 2 h and 0.02% (v/v), respectively. The AGA and fructose contents of hydrolyzed WAIP treated with Viscozyme L under the optimum condition were 17.26±0.74% (d.b.) and 18±5 mg/g (d.b.), respectively.
Pretreatment Method of Texture Improvement on High Fiber Vegetables of Freeze Drying
Authors: Choi Jun-Bong , Chung Myong-Soo , Cho Won-Il
Published: February 2016

In order to minimize the tissue shrinkage related to tough texture on freeze dried vegetables, the study of pretreatment method was conducted. The bean sprout with excessive contraction of the tissue after freeze drying was selected sample as a typical high-fiber vegetable. Soaking of bean sprout in 0.5% (w/w) sodium alginate, 1.0% sucrose, 0.5% pectin and 0.5% cellulose for 60 min at room temperature after blanching in 0.5% NaCl solution at 100°C for 2 min significantly improved its texture of rehydration in 80°C water for 2 min after freeze drying. The improvement of the firmness by pre-treatment on gel solution was related to the increasing of porous structure due to formation of microscopic ice crystals during freezing. And also, the combination of sodium alginate and calcium in cell water drove a firm cell structure to minimize the destruction of tissue during freeze drying. When applying such a pre-treatment in a variety of freeze dried high-fiber vegetables as green onion, crown daisy and bracken crown etc., improvement of organoleptic qualities were expected.
Characteristics of Different Vinegards Manufactured from Different Region of Korean Cabbages and Optimal Mixing Ratio of Regional Vinegared Korean Cabbages
Authors: Kim Haet-Tteum , Kang Byung-Sun , Baik Moo-Yeol , Kim Byung-Yong
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to formulate the optimal mixing ratio for Korean vinegared cabbages harvested in fall from Haenam, Hongseong and Gyeongsan regions. The general compositions such as moisture and ash, and hardness were not significant different among 3 cabbages. The vinegared cabbage was made with vinegar, salt and sugar, and stored at 5°C for 5 d. The diffusion of salt, sugar and vinegar to the cabbage was completed within 3 h. The optimal mixing ratio of those components was determined by response surface methodology (RSM) based on overall preference. As a result of analysis, optimal mixing ratio of Haenam vinegared cabbage was 8.94% vinegar, 1.88% salt, and 18.18% sugar, whereas 8.91% vinegar, 2.12% salt, and 17.97% sugar in Hongseong vinegared cabbage, lastly 8.24% vinegar, 2.50% salt, and 18.26% sugar in Gyeongsan vinegared cabbage. Storage characteristics were investigated at different storage times and temperatures using overall preference, texture, and pH. Overall preference and texture were enhanced after 1 wk storage, but vinegared cabbage was spoiled after 3 wk at 20°C. Change in pH was the fastest during 1 wk at all temperatures, and then reached equilibrium.
Evaluating social innovations and their contribution to social value: the benefits of a ‘blended value’ approach
Authors: Dayson Chris
Published: February 2016

Social innovation is viewed as a solution to developing new services that address complex needs and create ‘social value’, but what constitutes social value and how to measure it is contested. Drawing on a case study of a social prescribing pilot, this paper provides an example of how social value can be evaluated to support decisions by commissioners of socially innovative interventions. It argues that social value presents an epistemological and methodological challenge for commissioners seeking to embed it in decision making and recommends evaluating social innovations though a ‘blended value’ lens.
Studying artworks and their digital copies: Valuing the artist’s aura
Authors: Shaw Debora , Wagelie Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Digital images extend access to works of art but little is known about of the benefits and limitations of digital copies for instruction. Students in a Museum Studies classb viewed either the digital copy or original of two works of art. Regardless of format, the participants formed similar general impressions of the works, although appreciation of the objects’ size was difficult with the digital images. Students had difficulty assessing materials and media with both original works and copies. The participants had similar insights and also encountered problems, regardless of whether the work of art was two- or three-dimensional. In describing the advantages of original works, the students also noted the power of the original’s aura. Perceived strengths of the digital images included the ability to do research away from the museum (saving travel and time) and to manipulate the images.
MULTI-ROBOT MOTION PLANNING: A MODIFIED RECEDING HORIZON APPROACH FOR REACHING GOAL STATES
Authors: Mendes Filho José M. , Lucet Eric
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes the real-time implementation of an algorithm for collision-free motion planning based on a receding horizon approach, for the navigation of a team of mobile robots in presence of obstacles of different shapes. The method is simulated with three robots. Impact of parameters is studied with regard to computation time, obstacle avoidance and travel time.
RESIDUAL PROPERTIES OF FIBER-REINFORCED REFRACTORY COMPOSITES WITH A FIRECLAY FILLER
Authors: Jogl Marcel , Reiterman Pavel , Holčapek Ondřej , Koťátková Jaroslava , Konvalinka Petr
Published: February 2016

The aim of our study was to develop a composite material for industrial use that is resistant to the effect of high temperatures. The binder system based on aluminous cement was modified by adding finely-ground ceramic powder and metakaolin to reduce costs and also to reduce adverse effects on the environment due to high energy consumption for cement production. Additives were applied as a partial aluminous cement replacement in doses of 10, 20 and 30% by weight. The composites were evaluated on the basis of their mechanical properties and their bulk density after gradual temperature loading. The influence of basalt fibers and modifications to the binder system were studied at the same time. Basalt fibers were applied in doses of 0.5% and 2.0% by volume. The results confirmed the potential of the mineral additives studied here for practical applications, taking into account the residual mechanical parameters after thermal loading. The addition of ceramic powder reduced the bulk density by 5% for each 10% of cement substitution, but the residual values were very similar. The bulk density and the compressive strength were reduced when basalt fibers were applied, and the flexural strength was significantly increased in proportion to the fiber dosages. Metakaolin seems to be a more suitable additive than the ceramic powder that was applied here, because there was a significant increase in the mechanical parameters and also in the residual values of all properties that were studied.
ASTRONOMICAL GLASS PLATE NEGATIVES: MONITORING OF EMULSION LAYER DETERIORATION
Authors: Miskova L. , Novák P. , Hudec R. , Novotná M.
Published: February 2016

One of the techniques for making photographic negatives most used in the history of photography were gelatin glass plates. This technique was used not only in the artistic field but also and mainly in the scientific field. The main period when glass plate negatives were used in astronomy was between 1890–1980. There are over 7 million of these negatives all over the word and they carry valuable historical scientific data. However, during the long-term storage of this material, deterioration of the emulsion (picture) layer and/or the support (glass) layer has occurred. In this paper we report on our preliminary results from an analysis of the yellowing of the emulsion layer and of gold micro-spots. Both phenomena worsen the readability of the information in the photograph, and it is necessary to prevent their formation, which is why we need to know as much as possible about their origin.
COMPARISON OF AXIAL FAN ROTOR EXPERIMENTAL DATA WITH CFD SIMULATION
Authors: Prachař Aleš
Published: February 2016

Data obtained from an experimental simulation on a new test rig for axial fans are compared to a CFD simulation. The Edge solver is used and the development needed for the simulation (boundary conditions, free stream consistency) is described. Adequate agreement between the measured and calculated data is observed.
ANALYSIS OF WELD JOINT DEFORMATIONS BY OPTICAL 3D SCANNING
Authors: Urminsky Jan , Marônek Milan , Jáňa Miroslav , Morovič Ladislav
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an analysis of weld joint deformation using optical 3D scanning. The weld joints of bimetals were made by explosion welding (EXW). GOM ATOS II TripleScan SO MV320 equipment with measuring volume 320 × 240 × 240 mm, 5.0 MPix camera resolution and GOM ATOS I 350 with a measuring volume of 250 × 200 × 200 mm, 0.8 MPix camera resolution were used for experimental deformation measurements of weldments. The scanned samples were compared with reference specimens. The angular and transverse deformation were visualized by colour deviation maps. The maximum observed deformations of the weld joints ranged from −1.96 to +1.20 mm.
Tracing translations of ICT policies in higher education
Authors: Cifuentes Gary Alberto , Valero Paola
Published: February 2016

Educational policy enactment is a matter of policy translation. A Latourian sociomaterial perspective is proposed to challenge traditional policy implementation frameworks. We offer analytical tools to trace processes of policy translation in practice settings as entanglements of human agents, material actants and activities. The analytical strategy is deployed in the case of three Colombian higher education institutions working with ICT policies for teacher development. The cases show that agency is distributed among different entities constituting assemblages that enact policies in unexpected pathways. Equally, in all these cases routine activities or unobserved artifacts were key to trace such translations of policies. Our analysis and findings provide a critical review of hermeneutics of policies, one of the dimensions of Stephen Ball´s policy enactment theory. In doing so, a more nuanced understanding of policy enactment is achieved, contributing both theoretically and methodologically in the analysis of education policies in Latin America.
Direct generation of superhydrophobic microstructures in metals by UV laser sources in the nanosecond regime
Authors: Ocaña Jose L. , Jagdheesh R. , García-Ballesteros J.J.
Published: February 2016

The current availability of new advanced fiber and DPSS lasers with characteristic pulse lengths ranging from ns to fs has provided a unique frame in which the development of laser-generated microstructures has been made possible for very diverse kinds of materials and applications. At the same time, the development of the appropriate laser-processing workstations granting the appropriate precision and repeatability of the respective laser interaction processes in line with the characteristic dimension features required in the microstructured samples has definitively consolidated laser surface microstructuring as a reference domain, nowadays, unavoidable for the design and manufacturing of current use microsystem: MEMSs, fluidic devices, advanced sensors, biomedical devices and instruments, etc., are all among the most well-known developments of the micromanufacturing technology. Completing the broad spectrum of applications developed mostly involving the generation of geometrical features on a subtrate with specific functional purposes, a relatively new, emerging class of laser-microstructuring techniques is finding an important niche of application in the generation of physically structured surfaces (particularly of metallic materials) with specific contact, friction, and wear functionalities, for whose generation the concourse of different types of laser sources is being found as an appropriate tool. In this paper, the application of laser sources with emission in the UV and at ns time regime to the surface structuration of metal surfaces (specifically Al) for the modification of their wettability properties is described as an attractive application basis for the generation of self-cleaning properties of extended functional surfaces. Flat aluminum sheets of thickness 100 μm were laser machined with ultraviolet laser pulses of 30 ns with different laser parameters to optimize the process parameters. The samples produced at the optimum conditions with respect to contact angle measurement were subjected to microstructure and chemical analysis. The wetting properties were evaluated by static contact angle measurements on the laser-patterned surface. The laser-patterned microstructures exhibited superhydrophobicity with a maximum contact angle of 180° for the droplet volumes in the range of 8–12 μl.
Social Security and Divorce
Authors: Dillender Marcus
Published: February 2016

This paper studies how the likelihood and timing of divorce are influenced by Social Security’s 10-year rule, which provides spousal benefits to divorced people if their marriages lasted at least 10 years. Bunching analysis indicates that approximately 2 % of divorces occurring in the 6 months after 10-year anniversaries would have occurred earlier if not for Social Security’s 10-year rule. For older couples, who are likely more focused on retirement and have greater earning disparities, divorces are approximately 9 % higher in the 2 years after 10-year anniversaries than would be predicted without the abrupt change in Social Security benefits. The increase in divorces after 10 years of marriage appears to come from couples with disparate earning records.
Ergodic Axiom: The Ontological Mistakes in Economics
Authors: Andrášik Ladislav
Published: February 2016

There are several ontological and consequently also methodological mistakes in contemporary mainstream economics. Among them, the so-called ergodic axiom is play significant role. It is understandable that the real economy elaborated as formalized mental model looks like dynamic system on first sight. However, that is right only of dynamical systems in mathematical formalism. Economy that is in our understanding societal and/or collective economy is complex evolving organism. If we imagine such organism in the form of dynamical system that is as clear mathematical formalism, we are losing their crucial authentic character. The significant irredeemable attribute of societal economy is lying in his complex evolving network process character created by large population of people with different decision-making and complex realizing among them. Going from these imaginations the two entities in a question that is dynamical system with their ergodicity and societal economic organism as complex evolving network are qualitative very different ones. That is the reason why we cannot accede with endeavours to draw on living economy straitjacket of ergodic axiom. To articulate that cause by other words ergodic dynamical systems are applicable for physical and partly for chemical entities and only scarcely are fit for living organisms. On the other hand however, as clear method the ergodic dynamical system have good applying for didactical approaches in economics where helping in better understanding some types of complexities in dynamics. The purpose of that essay is to discuss problems around usability of ergodic dynamical system theory and methods in economics in the age of advanced ICT knowledge based society.
Is Ara h 2 indeed the best predictor for peanut allergy in Dutch children?
Authors: Schots Mirjam , de Mol Amerik C. , Vermeer Henricus J. , Roosen Yvonne M. , Vriesman Aldonse W.
Published: February 2016

Background: Specific immunoglobulin E to Ara h 2 (sIgE to Ara h 2) is described as an upcoming predicting factor for diagnosing peanut allergy in children. The gold standard for diagnosing peanut allergy is a double blind placebo controlled food challenge, however this is time consuming and potentially harmful. We investigate Ara h 2 as a preliminary less invasive diagnostic tool for diagnosing peanut allergy in a general population of peanut sensitized children.

Methods: Children (n=52) with peanut sensitization were retrospectively included. An oral food challenge (OFC) confirmed peanut allergy or tolerance, as primary outcome. Individual candidate predictors were identified by univariate regression analysis and used in a prediction model. Different cut-off values were obtained and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted.

Results: Multivariate analyses resulted in Ara h 2 as best predictor, with a discriminative ability of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.97). Sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 95%, respectively, were found for a sIgE to Ara h 2 cut-off value of 4.25 kU/L. The highest positive predictive value of 100% was reached at 5.61 kU/L. No absolute relation was found between the value of Ara h 2 and the severity of the reaction during OFC.

Conclusion: This study developed a prediction model in which sIgE to Ara h 2 was the best predictor for peanut allergy in sensitized children in a general hospital. Therefore depending on the history and the Ara h 2 results, an OFC is not always needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks and adherence to physical activity and screen time recommendations among adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2016

Background:

It is recommended that youth aged 12–17 years achieve ≥60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and limit their recreational screen time (ST) to ≤2 h/day. However, whether unhealthy eating behavior is associated with adherence to PA and ST recommendations in youth is largely unknown.

Objective:

This study examined the associations between adherence to PA and ST recommendations with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and energy drinks (EDs) in a representative sample of adolescents.

Methods:

Data on 11–19-year-old Ottawa (Canada) students (n=1147) were analyzed using self-reported information on consumption of SSBs and EDs, and time devoted to PA and ST. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between adherence to PA and ST recommendations and consumption of SSBs and EDs.

Results:

Adherence to the ST recommendation was inversely associated with consumption of SSBs [odds ratio (OR)=0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.21–0.86] and EDs (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.31–0.92) in females only, independent of PA and relevant covariates. However, adherence to the PA recommendation was positively associated with consumption of EDs in females (OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.07–2.17) but not males, while it was not associated with consumption of SSBs in both sexes.

Conclusion:

Among female adolescents, adherence to the ST recommendation is inversely associated with consumption of SSBs and EDs, while adherence to the PA recommendation is positively associated with consumption of EDs. Future studies should clarify the observed sex differences and determine if decreasing ST can reduce the consumption of SSBs and EDs among adolescents.
Sexual health knowledge in a vulnerable population: a survey of adolescents in the bateyes of La Romana, Dominican Republic
Authors: Russell Christopher , Martinez Daniel , Wong Brendan , Zandberg Julianne , Lin Henry , Marlinga Jazmin , Loh Lawrence
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Undocumented Haitian migrants to the Dominican Republic often live in impoverished communities called bateyes. These contexts present challenges for adolescent sexual health education. To inform development of appropriate adolescent education programs, this study assessed their general sexual health knowledge.

Methods:

A locally developed sexual health knowledge survey was administered to 930 grade 7–12 adolescents attending six batey schools. Analysis of aggregated responses reviewed general demographics (e.g. age and sex), and identified top community sexual health concerns and most trusted information sources.

Results:

Top concerns included menstruation (25.5%), HIV (21.8%), and family planning (13.3%); stratification by sex identified discordance around menstruation (89.2% female, 10.8% male) and HIV (67.1% male, 32.9% female), but not family planning (47.2% male, 52.8% female). Parents were identified as the most trusted information source, irrespective of concern.

Conclusion:

Community concerns around menstruation matches extant developing-world literature that links menarche with female stigma and school absence. Interest in HIV and family planning suggests targeted promoted efforts would be of benefit. Trust in parents is reflective of cultural traditions and suggests potential knowledge impacts arising from effective parental education.
Follow-up and outcomes of pregnancies in French Guiana: the part of teenage pregnancies
Authors: Akoï Koïvogui , Francoise Julien-Pena , Aurel Carbunar , Laure-Manuella Imounga , Christelle Laruade , Venise Nebor , Sabrina Covis
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Describe the part that teenage pregnancy plays in overall pregnancies in French Guiana.

Methods:

Descriptive and retrospective study of the medical records of 25,343 women who delivered in French Guiana from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012. The study displays and compares several indicators of follow-up visits, pregnancy-linked disorders, delivery and birth outcomes between the years and between minors and adult women.

Results:

The proportion of teenage pregnancies was 6.8%; it decreased significantly from 7.2% in 2009 to 6.1% in 2012 (p=0.01). The number of antenatal visits was <7 and the visits were mainly provided by the Mother and Child Health (“Protection Maternelle et Infantile”, PMI) services (38.6%). The mean (±SD) gestational age at first antenatal visit was 14.1±6.5 weeks. In comparison with adult pregnancies, teenage pregnancies were more frequently concerned with preterm labour (4.6% vs. 2%; p<0.01) but less concerned with gestational diabetes (0% vs. 2.2%; p<0.05) or pregnancy-induced hypertension (2.2% vs. 4.2%; p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Teenage pregnancies are still frequent in French Guiana, especially in the Eastern and Western communes, where first visits are often delayed by mothers who are minors and take place in PMI services, which offer less clinical, and paraclinical examinations than other settings.
Demonstrating a lack of brand/cause effects on point of sale donations
Authors: Coleman Joshua T. , Peasley Michael C.
Published: February 2016

Point of sale cause-related marketing has raised over $2 billion for charities over the past 30 years, yet the subject remains largely unexplored in academic literature. The subject of brand/cause fit, however, is prolific throughout extant research, with many studies showing that high congruence between a company and a charity is necessary to achieve philanthropic success. This paper challenges current marketing thinking both conceptually and empirically. Employing tests of no-effect hypotheses following the guidelines set out by Cortina and Folger (1998), it is established that, in the point of sale cause-related marketing context, the traditional effects of brand/cause fits do not apply. Across three studies involving experimental designs and over 500 respondents, the results of one-way ANOVA analyses consistently demonstrate that a low brand/cause fit can be just as effective as a high/brand cause fit. These findings contribute to a profound understanding of social efforts such as cause-related marketing may not be as simple or easily understood as was once thought.
Molecular imaging investigations of a 67Ga/64Cu labeled
bivalent ligand, [RGD-Glu-(DO3A)-6-Ahx-RM2], targeting GRPR/α

v

β
3 biomarkers: a comparative study
Authors: Jiang Zongrun , Bandari Rajendra P. , Reynolds Tamila J. Stott , Xu Jingli , Miao Yubin , Rold Tammy L. , Szczodroski Ashley F. , Jurisson Silvia S. , Smith Charles J.
Published: February 2016

In the present study, we report the metallation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies comparing
67Ga/64Cu-radiolabeled bivalent peptide ligands as targeting probes with the capability of targeting the
α

v

β
3 integrin or the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) for preclinical and clinical use in single-photon
emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of prostate tumors. The ligand precursor,
[RGD-Glu-6-Ahx-RM2] (RGD: Arg-Gly-Asp; Glu: glutamic acid; 6-Ahx: 6-amino hexanoic acid; RM2:
D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2), was conjugated to a DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid)
bifunctional chelator (BFCA), purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), characterized via
electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and radiolabeled with 67Ga or 64Cu. The in vitro
investigations of the binding affinities of the natural-metallated ligands for the GRPR or the α

v

β
3 integrin were
conducted via competitive displacement binding assays in human prostate PC-3 and glioblastoma U87-MG cell lines. Following stability
investigations via RP-HPLC, the in vivo evaluations of the Ga67/Cu64-radiolabeled ligands were performed
in CF-1 mice and SCID mice bearing PC-3 tumors. The in vitro studies of the natural-metallated ligands showed high binding
affinities for the GRPR (7.78 ± 2.42, 8.64 ± 2.16 nM; Ga, Cu respectively) and moderate binding affinity for the
α

v

β
3 integrin receptor (307 ± 40.0, 308  ±  42.6 nM; Ga, Cu respectively). In vivo
biodistribution studies displayed high tumor uptake (7.44 ± 1.09, 10.85 ±4.02% ID/g at 1 h
post-intravenous injection; 67Ga, 64Cu respectively) and prolonged tumor retention (4.89 ± 1.11,
4.09 ±0.96% ID/g at 24 h post-intravenous injection; 67Ga, 64Cu respectively) in
PC-3 tumor-bearing mice. Micro-single photon emission computed tomography (microSPECT) and micro-positron emission computed tomography
(microPET) molecular imaging studies produced high-quality, high-contrast images in PC-3 tumor-bearing mice at 18 h
post-intravenous injection. Both radiolabeled ligands show satisfactory tumor uptake and retention in PC-3 tumor-bearing mice. However,
[RGD-Glu-(67Ga-DO3A)-6-Ahx-RM2] demonstrates superior pharmacokinetic profiles to
[RGD-Glu-(64Cu-DO3A)-6-Ahx-RM2], presumably due to more favorable in vivo stability.
Synthesis of aminomethyl derivatives of 5-substituted-3-(prop-2-ynyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-ones
Authors: Ghochikyan Tariel V. , Samvelyan Melanya A. , Harutyunyan Vilik S. , Harutyunyan Edgar V. , Petrosyan Andranik , Langer Peter
Published: February 2016

An easy approach for the synthesis of various 5-substituted-3-(prop-2-ynyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-ones is described. As a method of choice, Mannich aminomethylation of terminal alkynes is adopted. The reaction works well with acyclic and cyclic secondary amines and provides the desired products, with good to very good yields.
Dam and wet-screened concrete creep in compression: in situ experimental results and creep strains prediction using model B3 and composite models
Authors: Serra C. , Batista A. L. , Monteiro Azevedo N.
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a methodology for the prediction of the compressive creep strains of dam concrete based on wet-screened experimental results at constant elevated temperature conditions measured in situ. Due to its large aggregate dimensions, the experimental characterization of dam concrete has particular constraints. The wet-screened concrete, obtained by sieving the aggregates larger than a given dimension, after mixing, is used to cast standard specimens and to embed monitoring devices. An experimental in situ installation using creep cells was used to obtain the compressive creep strain development over time for the maturing conditions of the dam core. The study of the effect of wet-screening procedure on creep in compression considers three types of concrete, dam concrete and two wet-screened concretes tested at three loading ages, 28, 90 and 365 days. The comparison between different types of concrete at different maturing conditions requires the definition of a reference state given by the maturity method, using the equivalent age, and relies on the fit of compressive creep strains to the RILEM recommended model B3. To take into account the effect of the aggregate content on the deformability properties of dam concrete, an equivalent two-phase composite model was applied. The equivalent composite model considered the equivalent matrix as the wet-screened concrete and the inclusions as the larger aggregates that are removed during the wet-screening procedure. Predictions obtained with the composite model are close to the dam concrete experimental results, for the tested loading ages.
Deflection hardening of sustainable fiber–cement composites
Authors: Lima Paulo R. L. , Santos Daniele O. J. , Fontes Cintia M. A. , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Toledo Filho Romildo D.
Published: February 2016

In this study, sisal fiber–cement composites reinforced with 4% and 6% of short fibers were developed, and their physical-mechanical behavior was characterized. To ensure the sustainability and durability of the composites, the ordinary Portland cement matrix was modified by adding fly ash and metakaolin, and the natural aggregate was substituted by 10% and 20% of recycled concrete aggregate. Flat sheets were cast in a self-compacted cement matrix, and bending tests were performed to determine the first crack, post-peak strength and toughness of the composites. Cyclic flexural tests were carried out to determine the stiffness variation of the composites due to cracking formation and propagation. It can be seen that the reinforcement provided by short sisal fibers for recycled cement matrices guaranteed a composite with multiple cracking and an increase of strength after the first crack. The reduction in stiffness and the increase in damping capacity of the composite are verified with progressive cracking.
On a Fixed Point Theorem for Mappings Satisfying a Contractive Condition of Rational Type on a Partially Ordered S-Metric Space
Authors: Sani Mashina Mohammed
Published: February 2016

In this paper we prove a fixed point theorem for mapping satisfying a contractive condition of rational type in partially ordered S-metric space. Our result generalize some existing results in the literature into settings of S-metric space.
Contribuição de um segundo diâmetro na estimação de volume individual de plantios jovens de Tectona grandis L.f.
Authors: Inoue Sanquetta Mateus Niroh , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto , Dalla Corte Ana Paula , Rodrigues Aurélio Lourenço , Benedet Maas Greyce Charllyne
Published: February 2016

Estimar o volume individual das árvores com precisão e sem viés é um pré-requisito para um inventário florestal de qualidade. Para tanto, os métodos mais comuns se baseiam na aplicação do fator de forma médio ou em equações de simples ou dupla entrada. O presente estudo propõe modelos com dois diâmetros como variáveis independentes para estimar o volume comercial de Tectona grandis, visando melhorar sua precisão e reduzir o viés. Trinta e cinco árvores de plantios comerciais de 4 a 5 anos de idade, localizados no município de Redenção, Pará, foram cubadas rigorosamente pelo método de Smalian. Diâmetros a diferentes alturas foram correlacionados com o volume real. Três novos modelos volumétricos baseados em dois diâmetros foram propostos, sem a adição da variável altura da árvore. Compararam-se esses modelos com outros tradicionalmente empregados em inventários florestais. O modelo de melhor ajuste usa o diâmetro à altura do peito (dap) e o diâmetro a 4,0 m de altura (d4,0) como variáveis independentes. Dificuldades operacionais do uso de d4,0 foram discutidas. Os modelos que utilizam o dap e o diâmetro a 2,0 m (d2,0) foram considerados os mais satisfatórios, pois são mais precisos e práticos que os clássicos, além de serem operacionalmente mais factíveis que o modelo com d4,0. Portanto, existem outros diâmetros que são mais correlacionados com o volume do que o dap, e que a introdução de um segundo diâmetro melhora as estimativas de volume, mesmo sem a inclusão da variável altura.
Credibility of Folklore Claims on the Treatment of Malaria in North-East India with Special Reference to Corroboration of their Biological Activities
Authors: Bora Devanjal , Kalita J. , Das D. , Nath Subhan C.
Published: February 2016

Malaria is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity throughout the developing countries. In spite of considerable advances made in the development of anti-malarial drugs to combat the disease, appearance of the malarial parasite resistance to the drugs one after another, has triggered the researchers to search for alternative agents of better quality. In view of the fact that plant folk medicines have immense value in providing clue for development of drug, an ethnobotanic survey of medicinal plants practiced for the treatment of malaria in North East India, followed by the validity of folklore claims of the plant species was conducted based on the review of reported literatures. Seventy four plant species under 67 genera and 41 families used for the preparation of recipes to treat the disease were included in this communication. For each plant species, botanical and vernacular name, part(s) used, method of preparation and mode of administration of the herbal remedies were provided. Biological activities corroborative of folklore medicinal claims of the plant species were also indicated for the credibility of these folklore claims.
Preliminary Screening of Selected Plant Extracts for Anti Tyrosinase Activity
Authors: Subramanian Vidyalakshmi , Sahithya Dhamodharan
Published: February 2016

Tyrosinase inhibition is an important approach towards controlling hyper pigmentation. We aimed to screen alcoholic extracts of 11 plants extract for their tyrosinase inhibitory activity. These plants have been used traditionally in the treatment of skin ailments and for the improvement of skin complexion. The extracts were quantified for total phenols, alkaloids and tannins. In vitro tyrosinase inhibition was performed with kojic acid as the positive control. Cell viability was tested on B16 F0 melanoma cells. The extracts of Rosa berberifolia, Punica granatum and Casiia angustifolia showed more than 80% inhibition at 500 mg/ml concentration. Nine of the extracts were also shown to have a high phenolic content greater than 200 mg/g of the plant material. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the extracts of Cassia angustifolia, Punica granatum and Rosa berberifolia were comparable with that of the control, kojic acid. The three extracts also showed lesser than 50% cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. From the screening assays, it is seen that three plants have appreciable tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Hence, these plants may be further evaluated for their use in cosmetics and hyper pigmentation.
Novel Osteogenic Factors derived from Functional Food: Role in Prevention of Osteoporosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayoshi
Published: February 2016

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a delicate balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Bone loss is caused by decreasing in osteoblastic bone formation and increase in osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby leading to osteoporosis. Functional food factors may play a role in
the prevention of osteoporosis. Functional food factors including genistein, menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) and β-cryptoxanthine have been shown to possess a potential osteogenic effect. These factors have been shown to reveal stimulatory effects on osteoblastic bone formation and suppressive effects on osteoclastic
bone resorption. Dietary intake of these factors has been shown to reveal preventive effects on bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis and human subjects. This review will introduce our findings concerning roles of functional food factors in regulation of bone homeostasis and prevention of osteoporosis.
Análise temporal do regime pluviométrico no município de Sousa - PB
Authors: Silva Filho J. A. , Araújo S. C. , Nogueira V. F. B.
Published: February 2016

O município de Sousa está localizado no semiárido paraibano, não apresentando um regime climático regular, tanto no tempo como no espaço. A análise de séries de chuvas é uma importante abordagem no manejo dos recursos hídricos, uma vez que tenta reduzir os conflitos oriundos da escassez e como auxílio no desenvolvimento de políticas de convivência com o semiárido. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o comportamento das precipitações ocorridas em Sousa - PB, e contribuir para o planejamento de atividades que são influenciadas pela quantidade de água precipitada, em que os resultados condicionam decisões importantes. Realizou-se o levantamento pluviométrico mensal de duas séries de dados, provenientes da Agência Nacional de Águas e da Agência Executiva de Gestão das Águas do Estado da Paraíba. As chuvas intensas foram ajustadas à função distribuição de probabilidade de Gumbel. O teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi utilizado para verificar a qualidade desses ajustes. Os resultados indicam que os quatro primeiros meses do ano são os mais chuvosos e que a distribuição adotada é realmente adequada para determinar o período de retorno de eventos extremos.

Rainfall time series analysis in Sousa city, Paraíba State, Brazil

Abstract: Sousa City, which is located in a semiarid portion of Paraíba State, Brazil, is characterized by an uneven climate behavior, both in time and space. The rainfall series analysis is an important water resources management approach, which may be useful to reduce conflicts from water scarcity and as an aid for developing policies in semiarid regions. This work aims at analyzing the behavior of rainfalls occurred in Sousa city, Paraíba State, Brazil, and contributing to the planning of activities that are influenced by the amount of rainfall, in which the results condition important decisions. The rainfall data were obtained from the National Water Resources Agency and the Executive Water Management Agency of Paraíba State, Brazil. The intense precipitations were adjusted to the probability distribution function of Gumbel. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify the quality of the settings. The results indicate that in the first four months of the year occur the highest rainfalls and the distribution adopted is really suitable to determine the return period of extreme events.
Metagenomic 16s rRNA investigation of microbial communities in the Black Sea estuaries in South-West of Ukraine.
Authors: Bobrova Oleksandra , Kristoffersen Jon Bent , Oulas Anastasis , Ivanytsia Volodymyr
Published: February 2016

The Black Sea estuaries represent interfaces of the sea and river environments. Microorganisms that inhabit estuarine water play an integral role in all biochemical processes that occur there and form unique ecosystems. There are many estuaries located in the Southern-Western part of Ukraine and some of them are already separated from the sea. The aim of this research was to determine the composition of microbial communities in the Khadzhibey, Dniester and Sukhyi estuaries by metagenomic 16S rDNA analysis. This study is the first complex analysis of estuarine microbiota based on isolation of total DNA from a biome that was further subjected to sequencing. DNA was extracted from water samples and sequenced on the Illumina Miseq platform using primers to the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Computer analysis of the obtained raw sequences was done with QIIME (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) software. As the outcome, 57970 nucleotide sequences were retrieved. Bioinformatic analysis of bacterial community in the studied samples demonstrated a high taxonomic diversity of Prokaryotes at above genus level. It was shown that majority of 16S rDNA bacterial sequences detected in the estuarine samples belonged to phyla Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes. The Khadhzibey estuary was dominated by the Proteobacteria phylum, while Dniester and Sukhyi estuaries were characterized by dominance of Cyanobacteria. The differences in bacterial populations between the Khadzhibey, Dniester and Sukhyi estuaries were demonstrated through the Beta-diversity analysis. It showed that the Khadzhibey estuary's microbial community significantly varies from the Sukhyi and Dniester estuaries. The majority of identified bacterial species is known as typical inhabitants of marine environments, however, for 2.5% of microbial population members in the studied estuaries no relatives were determined.
Desarrollo de proveedores locales en el sector extractivo colombiano: cuellos de botella, factores de éxito e implicaciones de política pública
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodríguez Juan David
Published: February 2016

Las sociedades que cuentan con abundantes recursos naturales no renovables pueden transformar dicho capital natural en otros tipos de capital (p. ej. humano, producido, infraestructura) a través de diferentes canales. Para los gobiernos que deben administrar la riqueza de los recursos naturales, la sustitución de un tipo de capital –que se agota a medida que se explota– por otros capitales sostenibles, es un reto de política pública. Uno de los canales de transformación lo constituye la creación de encadenamientos productivos –“hacia adelante” y “hacia atrás”– entre el sector extractivo y otros sectores económicos. Este artículo tiene dos objetivos: i) identificar los principales cuellos de botella y factores de éxito para el desarrollo de proveedores nacionales y locales para el sector extractivo colombiano y ii) las implicaciones de política pública relacionadas con la promoción de encadenamientos productivos entre los sectores mineros y de hidrocarburos, y otros sectores en Colombia.
Las nuevas demandas de seguridad
Authors: Jiménez Vega Rafael
Published: February 2016

El contexto actual global, con un mundo interconectado que ha obviado los obstáculos geográficos, ha creado amenazas para la seguridad de los Estados, que ya venían teniendo serios problemas para administrar los riesgos desde que la seguridad se tornó humana, con la demanda de protección por parte de la población en todos los aspectos de la seguridad social, entendiendo que si estos no eran solventados no se podría garantizar la convivencia. Esto entra en vigencia en la década de los setenta del siglo XX, cuando los Estados de bienestar comienzan a tener una variación producto de la incapacidad de seguir solventando este gasto público, de ahí que al aunarse los retos de la globalización, surge la necesidad de vincular la franja de lo social para que mediante la solidaridad, la acción comunicativa y la profilaxis de sus comportamientos, se construya comunidad.
Tutela de urgência em ação civil pública no direito processual do trabalho
Authors: Leite Carlos Henrique Bezerra
Published: February 2016

O presente ensaio tem por objetivo analisar os fundamentos das tutelas de urgência na perspectiva do acesso coletivo à justiça como direito humano. fundamental. Para tanto, estudar-se-á o conceito, a natureza jurídica, os requisitos e as especificidades alusivas à antecipação de tutela, à tutela de urgência cautelar e à tutela de urgência antecipatória em sede de ação civil pública no âmbito do direito processo em geral e do direito processual do trabalho no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro.
O instituto dos advogados brasileiros e a defesa dos direitos fundamentais
Authors: Almeida Eneá De Stutz e
Published: February 2016

O Instituto dos Advogados Brasileiros (IAB) é uma elite de juristas, preocupados com a organização normativa brasileira; boa parte está disposta a contribuir para a formação de uma ideologia jurídica que defenda os direitos fundamentais dos brasileiros. Assim é que o IAB se caracteriza por reunir uma elite de advogados, e seus dirigentes são, necessariamente, intelectuais, no sentido de profissionais do Direito que pretendem "orientar" a ação dos colegas, ora na direção da crítica - e muitas vezes até a oposição - ao status quo, ora na direção da reprodução da ordem vigente.