bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Música y publicidad. Una aproximación metodológica al análisis músico-audiovisual de anuncios televisivos / Music and publicity. A methodological approach to music-audiovisual analysis of television spots
Authors: Sánchez Rodríguez Virginia
Published: February 2016

La música forma parte de todos los elementos de la dimensión humana y social, en ocasiones sin ser conscientes de ello. A este respecto, la publicidad, especialmente en torno a los medios audiovisuales, es uno de los campos en los que la música adquiere mayor visibilidad, versatilidad y relevancia semántica. De acuerdo con esta circunstancia, en este artículo realizamos un acercamiento a la presencia de la música en la publicidad, desde su origen hasta el establecimiento de una propuesta metodológica de análisis de la música en relación con el resto de elementos con los que ésta convive en los spots televisivos.
Influence of liming on residual soil respiration and chemical properties in a tropical no-tillage system
Authors: Marcelo Adolfo Valente , Corá José Eduardo , Scala Junior Newton La
Published: February 2016

Because of the climate changes occurring across the planet, especially global warming, the different forms of agricultural soil use have attracted researchers´ attention. Changes in soil management may influence soil respiration and, consequently, C sequestration. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long-term influence of liming on soil respiration and correlate it with soil chemical properties after two years of liming in a no-tillage system. A randomized complete block design was used with six replications. The experimental treatments consisted of four lime rates and a control treatment without lime. Two years after liming, soil CO2 emission was measured and the soil sampled (layers 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm). The P, Ca2+ e Mg2+ soil contents and pH and base saturation were determined. CO2 emission from soil limed at the recommended rate was 24.1 % higher, and at twice the recommended rate, 47.4 % higher than from unlimed soil. Liming improved the chemical properties, and the linear increase in soil respiration rate correlated positively with the P, Ca2+ and Mg2+ soil contents, pH and base saturation, and negatively with H + Al and Al3+ contents. The correlation coefficient between soil respiration rate and chemical properties was highest in the 10-20 cm layer.
Intervalo hídrico ótimo como indicador de melhoria da qualidade estrutural de latossolo degradado
Authors: Lima Vico Mendes Pereira , Oliveira Geraldo César de , Serafim Milson Evaldo , Curi Nilton , Evangelista Antônio Ricardo
Published: February 2016

As pastagens de gramíneas, quando bem formadas e manejadas, representam um componente ambiental importante em razão do papel que exercem na cobertura dos solos, na formação e estabilização dos agregados e na redução do adensamento ou da compactação. Os objetivos deste estudo foram quantificar o intervalo hídrico ótimo (IHO), para um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo degradado fisicamente e cultivado com Coastcross (Cynodon spp.), e utilizar o IHO como indicador de alteração da estrutura desse solo. Amostras indeformadas foram coletadas em anéis volumétricos de 0,025 m de altura e 0,065 m de diâmetro, nas profundidades de 0-0,05 e 0,20-0,25 m e no horizonte Bw (0,80-0,85 m), na ausência de tráfego de máquinas agrícolas, durante a estação chuvosa de 2008/2009, nos meses de novembro de 2008, março de 2009 e maio de 2009. Essas amostras foram utilizadas para determinar a curva de retenção de água, a curva de resistência à penetração, a densidade, o IHO e a densidade crítica do solo (Dsc). O IHO revelou-se um adequado indicador da alteração da estrutura de Latossolo. O Coastcross apresenta potencial para melhoria da estrutura, sendo sugerida sua utilização como alternativa ao uso de implementos agrícolas nesse contexto. A Dsc de 1,24 Mg m-3 é limitante ao adequado crescimento e desenvolvimento da forrageira no solo em estudo.
Modelling of soil penetration resistance for an oxisol under no-tillage
Authors: Tavares Filho João , Feltran Clarissa Tieme Matsuda , Oliveira José Francirlei de , Almeida Edinei de
Published: February 2016

Soil penetration resistance is an important property that affects root growth and elongation and water movement in the soil. Since no-till systems tend to increase organic matter in the soil, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency with which soil penetration resistance is estimated using a proposed model based on moisture content, density and organic matter content in an Oxisol containing 665, 221 and 114 g kg-1 of clay, silt and sand respectively under annual no-till cropping, located in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. Penetration resistance was evaluated at random locations continually from May 2008 to February 2011, using an impact penetrometer to obtain a total of 960 replications. For the measurements, soil was sampled at depths of 0 to 20 cm to determine gravimetric moisture (G), bulk density (D) and organic matter content (M). The penetration resistance curve (PR) was adjusted using two non-linear models (PR = a Db Gc and PR' = a Db Gc Md), where a, b, c and d are coefficients of the adjusted model. It was found that the model that included M was the most efficient for estimating PR, explaining 91 % of PR variability, compared to 82 % of the other model.
Interpretação de índices dris para a cultura do cupuaçu
Authors: Wadt Paulo Guilherme Salvador , Dias Jairo Rafael Machado , Perez Daniel Vidal , Lemos Cleigiane de Oliveira
Published: February 2016

A produtividade dos pomares de cupuaçu na Amazônia tem experimentado lento declínio, provavelmente devido à diminuição da fertilidade do solo, requerendo adubações. Na ausência de recomendações técnicas para quantificar a demanda por nutrientes por essa cultura, o uso do Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação (DRIS) pode representar uma alternativa para suprir essa necessidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os diagnósticos produzidos por diferentes fórmulas e critérios de interpretação dos índices DRIS em pomares de cupuaçu. Amostras foliares de 153 pomares foram analisadas para os nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu e Fe e diagnosticadas por três fórmulas DRIS: Beaufils, Jones e Wadt e colaboradores. Na interpretação dos índices DRIS, utilizaram-se: o método DRIS Matéria Seca (M-DRIS), que separa os nutrientes em limitantes ou não limitantes, e o método do Potencial de Resposta à Adubação, o qual separa os nutrientes no estado nutricional de insuficientes, equilibrados ou em excesso. Foram também adotados níveis críticos para os teores dos nutrientes foliares em cupuaçueiros, oriundos da literatura. Os diagnósticos produzidos pelos diferentes critérios de interpretação dos índices DRIS não foram consistentes entre si ou em comparação com o método do nível crítico. A exceção foi a fórmula de Wadt e colaboradores que mostrou maior consistência entre os diagnósticos, independentemente do critério utilizado para sua interpretação. Os valores sugeridos para avaliação do estado nutricional pelo método do nível crítico não foram satisfatórios.
Un diseño industrial sin manualidad: hacer manual vs. pensar digital
Authors: Vidal Ernesto
Published: February 2016

El diseño industrial ha perdido una de sus características principales: el trabajo manual. La llegada y popularización de las herramientas digitales (software de modelado, CAD-CAE-CAM, impresoras 3D, entre otras) están generando una generación de diseñadores sin contacto con la materialidad, con el hacer manual. Este artículo, a manera de reflexión crítica, busca dar una revisión a algunas de las implicaciones que esto genera en la concepción actual de la disciplina, visto, no desde un desplazamiento a nivel técnico de la mano a la máquina, sino a través de diferentes contextos y significados que ello genera. No nos referimos, entonces, únicamente a factores directamente relacionados con los sistemas de producción y representación (utilización de herramientas tecnológicas), sino al enorme significado que representa a nivel conceptual, y de cierta forma, como recurso creativo, el trabajo con las manos y el contacto directo que debe tener el diseñador industrial con factores, en su mayoría, de carácter físico (dimensiones, texturas, profundidades, especificaciones técnicas de los materiales, etc.)
Icopor o unisel le ponen el cáncer a tu comida. Material de uso diario que nos mata poco a poco
Authors: Gómez Rodríguez Cristian Alfonso
Published: February 2016

El icopor, es un material usado mundialmente como empaque de cientos de productos que a diario consumimos, y  para el transporte de los mismos, sin conocer las consecuencias que ocasiona en nuestro organismo.

Respuestas negativas al calor, ya sea interno o externo, hacen parte de las muchas razones por las que se debe omitir el uso excesivo e inadecuado de este peligroso material, entre algunas tenemos: la creación de toxinas tales como las dioxinas, creación de cera en el organismo del hombre y problemas ambientales.

El hombre ha creado un problema de salubridad y ambiental, por ende debe solucionarlo y no dejarlo así.

Lo interesante es que sí se están llevando iniciativas para este propósito, y es que ya existen métodos y procedimientos industriales, los cuales pueden encontrar soluciones para que este material pueda ser usado nuevamente una vez sea desechado y dejar de ser un producto de una sola vida y tener otro tipo de usos, eso sí alejado de productos alimenticios, como sopas instantáneas, comida preparada en casa y empacada, café, etc. y de  personas expuestas a sus toxinas.
Funciones de valor para construir un indice de sostenibilidad para la evaluación de áreas naturales con uso turístico
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fernández Luis Fernando
Published: February 2016

Existen múltiples modelos para medir uno o varios elementos (bióticos, físicos o sociales) de las áreas naturales o de la gestión que se realiza al interior, sin embargo fue preciso diseñar un sistema que permitiera monitorear la sostenibilidad de estas zonas de forma polidimensional, para lo cual fue necesaria la construcción de funciones de valor que permitieran homogeneizar los valores heterogéneos de los diferentes indicadores, de forma que se pudieran agregar, en un solo valor o índice. En la presente investigación el objetivo de las funciones de valor fue transformar valores heterogéneos en Unidades de Valor Ambiental (U.V.A).
El video: herramienta de asimilación de contenidos en el aula de clase
Authors: Pérez Montero Eilen Lorena
Published: February 2016

La llegada y la incorporación de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) en las aulas de clase ha supuesto una nueva concepción del modelo educativo en el que docentes y estudiantes las integran en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, porque es un componente que permite darle las características de flexibilidad, ubicuidad, a sincronía e interactividad. Acudimos a este ejemplo, el desarrollo de un diseño experimental donde se pretende validar el video como herramienta de asimilación de contenidos, tomando como referencia la asignatura de teoría general de sistemas en el en el programa de ingeniaría ambiental de la Corporación Universitaria del Huila CORHUILA.
Graphite Tattoo on the Gingiva: A Case Report
Authors: Yeta Necmettin , Yeta Elif Naz , Önder Canan , Akkaya Murat , Günhan Ömer
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Graphite tattoos may easily be confused with amalgam tattoos and have been reported on infrequently in relevant literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report in which the incineration method was used for the histopathologic diagnosis of a graphite tattoo on the gingiva.

Case Presentation: A 24‐year‐old female patient was referred to the periodontology department of Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey, for evaluation of an asymptomatic pigmented lesion on the maxillary anterior gingiva. A gray‐blackish, irregularly shaped macule was observed on the maxillary anterior attached gingiva between the left central and lateral incisors. Radiographs showed no radiopaque foreign particles or pathologic changes in alveolar bone and related teeth. The pigmented area was removed using an excisional incision. The incineration method was used as a differential diagnosis for the histopathologic examination. There was no additional recurrence of the problem by the end of a 1‐year follow‐up examination.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the oral cavity and gingiva shows different variations. It is not always possible to distinguish a benign pigmented lesion from an early melanoma on the basis of clinical features alone. A biopsy is usually recommended for focal oral pigmented lesions that cannot be explained by local factors. The incineration method can be used for differential diagnosis between melanin and graphite tattoo accumulation because carbon can be eradicated with this method. However, the same cannot be said for melanin.
Manifestasi Seksualitas Dalam Budaya Kebebasan
Authors: Hikmawan Rusydi
Published: February 2016

his time, pornography and erotic actions start to correlate into culture domain, where human beings become the subject as well as the object. Concept of culture claims the relationship between human interaction on society and culture as a result of them. Pornography and erotic actions are considered to be the representation of the products of human being activities in the forms of technology, pictures, idols, painting etc. All of them are then absorbed into culture.

The opponents of freedom culture suggest that Indonesian people should be responsible to the development of Indonesian culture which is based on religions and eastern norms. The most dominant norms is Islamic teaching  which is the religion of the majority of the citizen. Thus,  Indonesia culture should be able to represent Islamic way of life which is based on    al Quran and Sunnah. Pornography, which is against Islamic teaching should not be part of Indonesian culture.
Opioids in Depression: Not Quite There Yet
Authors: Xin Yin  , Nuri Guven  , Nikolas Dietis
Published: February 2016

Depression is a common mental disorder that affects people of all ages across the world. All current pharmacological interventions are based on the monoamine theory of depression and aim to increase the concentrations of monoamines in the brain. However, since many patients show no response or do not  tolerate conventional therapies, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets, explore new molecular pathways and develop novel drugs against depression. Opioids, a class of compounds used against chronic pain, have major analgesic properties, but they are also well known for their anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. In preclinical and clinical studies, some opioids showed encouraging results to alleviate depression-like symptoms. Although our knowledge about the antidepressant effects of opioids stretches back to the late ‘70s, we still have a long way to cover. Predominantly, a clear understanding about their mode of action as well as the opioid-associated issues of addiction and convulsions, are the main challenges that need to be addressed before we will see opioid compound used in the clinic against depression.
Evaluation of Anti-Atherosclerotic Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil in Male Wistar Rats Against High Lipid and High Carbohydrate Diet Induced Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shariq B  , Zulhabri O  , Hamid K  , Sundus B  , Mehwish H  , Sakina R  , Jiyauddin Khan  , Kaleemullah M  , Samer AD  , Rasha S
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on high lipid diet (HLD) and high carbohydrate diet (HCD) induced atherosclerosis in male Wistar rats. Spectrophotometer was used to determine the lipid parameters by enzymatic endpoint method. The plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured using commercial enzymatic kits. The results showed that feeding with normal and VCO diet significantly decrease (p<0.05) body weight when compared to the control group rats. Body weight and lipid profile were estimated after 8 weeks of treatment. VCO showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in TC, TG, Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels and significant (p<0.05) increase in HDL in HCD /HLD group rats. There was significant decrease in atherogenic index (AI) (p<0.05) of all VCO treated groups when compared to the Control group. Hence, there was increase in the percentage of protection in VCO treated animals after 8 weeks.The decrease of lipid profiles in the experimental rats showed that VCO possesses anti-atherosclerotic activity.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Azadirachta indica Leaves Extracts Against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bhuwanendra Singh  , Arshad Ahamad  , Vipin Pal
Published: February 2016

Azadirachta indica is an Indian tree well known for its several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial activity. A. indica leaves extract was used to screen antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The methanol extract of leaves of A. indica was prepared and its phytochemical screening  was performed. The phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence alkaloids, polyphenol, tannins, flavonoids and glycoside in extract. The methanol extract of A. indica leaves tested against S. aureus using disc diffusion method. Gentamicin was used as standard and compared the effect of antibacterial activity of methanol extract. The methanol extract of A. indica leaves demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against tested bacteria.
New Easily Swallowed Tablets with Slippery Coating for the Antihypertensive Drug Valsartan
Authors: Zainab H. Mahdi  , Nidhal K. Maraie
Published: February 2016

Different tablet dosage forms were prepared to be administered for patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) like buccal, sublingual and orodispersible tablets, however, they possesses certain constrains like taste masking difficulties, limitations in drug and dose selection and friability. Hence, in an attempt to overcome these constrains, a new easily swallowed immediate release tablets containing (160mg) Valsartan were prepared, and designed to be slippery upon contact with saliva giving an easy swallowing of the intact tablet (without water) with efficient taste masking effect, thus, they called Oroslippery tablets (OSTs). Core tablets were prepared by direct compression using different superdisintegrants, followed by dipping in special coating dispersion containing different proportion of kollicoat IR (film former) and xanthan gum (slipperiness inducer) at different coating levels. These OSTs were optimized for their physical properties, in-vitro disintegration and release in addition to in-vivo slipperiness and taste masking effect. It was found that F12 containing 6% crosscarmellose sodium double coated with 15% kollicoat IR and 0.3% xanthan gum possessed a good mechanical strength (hardness=5.69±0.58 Kg/cm2, friability=0.09%±0.79), suitable in-vivo slipperiness and taste masking times (8±1.45 and 58±2.18 seconds) respectively, with longer disintegration time (5.57±1.36 minutes) but similar release profile to the commercial conventional tablet Diovan® with similarity factor (f2= 68.4±1.07) and difference factor (f1= 1.39± 0.95). Therefore, this study developed a new easily swallowed tablet with an efficient taste masking property, high loading capacity and adequate mechanical strength that can be used as an alternative to buccal, sublingual and orodispersible tablets.
Inclusion of Different Levels of Eucalyptus Oil: An In Vitro Trial to Study the Effect on Sheep Rumen Methanogenesis and Fermentation Processes
Authors: Tisa Mukharji  , Meera Srivastava
Published: February 2016

An in vitro trial was conducted in fermentation vessels under anaerobic conditions using composite feed-1 and composite feed-2 with inclusion of different levels of Eucalyptus oil (EO) along with buffered rumen liquor of sheep to observe the effects of oil on rumen methanogenesis and fermentation. The CF-1 consisted of 40% of concentrate and CF-2 had 25 % of concentrate. The various concentrations of EO used in present study were 0.5,1 and 2 µl/ml. During the present investigation it was observed that on increasing concentration of EO in CF-1 and CF-2 resulted in linear decrease in total gas production up to 74.26% in CF-1; and 31.01% by inclusion of EO in CF-2, respectively. The findings suggest that decrease in total gas production and methane concentration was highly pronounced in CF-1 compared to CF-2. The rumen digestibility in CF-1 and CF-2 also decreased significantly (p < 0.01) from control. A significant decrease in NH3 –N compared to control was also documented. As EO in both the feeds was found to inhibit deamination activity, the ammonia production decreased with increase in the efficiency of protein utilization. The inclusion of the oil decreased the Total Volatile Fatty Acids (TVFA) concentration significantly (p < 0.01). The A:P ratio increased by inclusion in CF-2 but not in CF-1. The pH was effected on inclusion of EO in CF-2 whereas inclusion of EO in CF-1 exhibited non significant effect.  Therefore, the difference in Volatile Fatty acids (VFA) pattern due to essential oil might be because of different diets and pH in different experiments. The inclusion of EO decreased the protozoa number significantly (p < 0.01). EO was found to decrease fermentation in a manner that even at 0.5 µl/ml concentration there was a significant decrease in GP, ME, SCFA, TDDM and MBP. It could therefore be envisaged that increasing the proportion of concentrate in diets and using EO as a feed additive increases the rumen efficiency by reducing the methane concentration and gas production.
Water conservation education as a tool to empower water users to reduce water use
Authors: Hoy L. , Stelli S.
Published: February 2016

There is a finite supply of global fresh water available for human consumption, which is in great demand from both humans and the environment. As technology and populations increase, so do the demands and pressure on this limited resource. Demand far too often outstrips supply, requiring authorities to impose restrictions on water use. Recent research undertaken by Rand Water, in the Rand Water supply area (in and around Gauteng, South Africa) points to the desire from end users to be empowered with knowledge to make their own decisions on water use reduction, rather than to have authoritative restrictions imposed on them. This observation indicates the importance of water conservation education and awareness campaigns to facilitate the reduction in water consumption by consumers, and suggests that education is a priority in the implementation of water conservation strategies.
Using magnetic powder to enhance coagulation membrane filtration for treating micro-polluted surface water
Authors: Wang Jie , Liu Lulu , Yang Jun , Yang Sasa , Zhang Hongwei , Jia Hui , Guo Xingfei
Published: February 2016

The magnetic enhanced coagulation membrane filtration (MECMF) process was introduced into micro-polluted surface water treatment. The process was conducted by adding magnetic powder (MP) for enhancing coagulation. By contrasting the water quality parameters including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV254 and turbidity of permeates of MECMF and coagulation/flocculation membrane filtration (CFMF), results showed that the removal efficiency in the MECMF process was higher than those in the CFMF process. According to normalized flux and resistance analysis, membrane flux declined relatively slow and irreversible fouling resistance was lesser in the MECMF process. By analyzing the three-dimensional fluorescence of permeates and raw water, it was clearly shown that the permeate quality of the MECMF process was superior to that of the CFMF process apparently, which highlighted the removal of protein-like substances was more effectively in MECMF. Furthermore, the addition of MP could provide Lorentz and magnetic dipole forces between colloidal matters during coagulation, leading to the increase of collision frequency and efficiency and the formation of large size flocs with high fractal dimension. Large and high fractal dimension flocs could form a porous cake layer, which could increase water permeability. On the basic of the above findings, it was suggested that magnetic-enhanced coagulation that promoted flocs to develop could regulate cake layer structure and mitigate membrane fouling to some extent.
Study on Tieling City's water environmental carrying capacity
Authors: Hou Limin , Yue Qiang , Hu Xiangzheng , Wang Tong , Wang Liusuo , Zhu Yue , Wang Xiu , Cheng Xilei
Published: February 2016

The water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) of a city can demonstrate a balance between the level of exploitation of the local water resources and the population growth and concomitant socio-economic development. To begin with, the definition of WECC was elaborated. Combined with hydraulic, hydrologic and water quality data, a one-dimensional water quality model was subsequently applied to simulate the water pollutants (chemical oxygen demand (COD)) in Tieling City. Then, a multi-objective model was applied to explore WECC. Economy, demography, and contaminant were selected as goals, taking into account the constraints of macroeconomic aggregates, water supply, water quality, and population. The results showed WECC could nearly carry all planned gross domestic product (GDP), population in the planning years 2015, 2020, and 2025 with the maximum COD of 30,681.7 t, but not for the condition of maximum COD of 15,709.0 t. That is, COD overload would occur if GDP and population develop as planned. Some measures must be taken to improve WECC in Tieling City, which are valuable for supporting the adjustment and planning for social-economic development.
Arsenic removal from groundwater by Anjili tree sawdust impregnated with ferric hydroxide and activated alumina
Authors: Dhanasekaran P. , Satya Sai P. M. , Anand Babu C. , Krishna Prabhu R. , Rajan K. K.
Published: February 2016

Arsenic is a toxic element found naturally in groundwater. Due to its carcinogenicity, risk for heart diseases and diabetes, arsenic needs to be removed from groundwater for potable application. ‘Anjili’ tree sawdust was chemically modified with ferric hydroxide and activated alumina (SFAA) and used as an adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from groundwater. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to study the pore structure and surface functional groups. Effect of contact time, initial concentration, pH, particle size and temperature was studied. Arsenic adsorbed by SFAA followed Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Maximum sorption of arsenic by SFAA adsorbent occurred at pH 6.5. Arsenic sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The maximum sorption capacity at 303 K was found to be 54.32 mg/g for As(III) and 77.60 mg/g for As(V). Interference of other ions on the adsorption was in the order of PO43− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3−.
Effect of ion (Al, Fe and Zn) co-doped TiO2 nanotubes on photocatalytic degradation of humic acids under UV/ozonation for drinking water purification
Authors: Yuan Rongfang , Zhou Beihai
Published: February 2016

O3/UV/TiO2 was used to effectively decompose humic acids (HAs) in drinking water. A series of Al-doped, Fe-doped, Zn-doped and co-doped TiO2 nanotubes were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. According to the characterization of ion-doped TiO2 nanotubes, Al3+ and Fe3+ ions occupied substitutional positions in the crystal lattice, and Zn2+ ions were partially dispersed in the bulk of the TiO2 nanotubes, with ZnO formed on the surface of the TiO2. The calcination temperature and doping concentration could affect the anatase phase weight fractions, average crystallite sizes, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, bandgap energy, and photocatalytic activity of the catalysts. For single ion-doped TiO2 nanotubes, the best photocatalytic activities were achieved when the ion-doping amount was 1.0%, and the optimal calcination temperatures for Al-, Fe- or Zn-doped TiO2 were 600°C, 550°C and 550°C, respectively. The highest HA removal efficiency of 80.1% was achieved in the presence of 550°C calcined, 1.0% co-doped TiO2 nanotubes with an Fe:Zn ratio of 1:1 (atomic percent), with second-order rate constant of 0.0394 L/(min·mg). The addition of a third ion had little effect on the photocatalytic activity. The pollutants in filter influent from No. 9 waterworks in Beijing could be efficiently removed, with UV254 and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies of 57.2% and 44.7%, respectively.
Ukrainian-Speaking Migrants’ Concerning the Use of Interpreters in Healthcare Service: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hadziabdic Emina
Published: February 2016

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate Ukrainian-speaking migrants’ attitudes to the use of interpreters in healthcare service in order to test a developed questionnaire and recruitment strategy. A descriptive survey using a 51-item structured self-administered questionnaire of 12 Ukrainian-speaking migrants’ and analyzed by the descriptive statistics. The findings were to have an interpreter as an objective communication and practical aid with personal qualities such as a good knowledge of languages and translation ability. In contrast, the clothes worn by the interpreter and the interpreter’s religion were not viewed as important aspects. The findings support the method of a developed questionnaire and recruitment strategy, which in turn can be used in a larger planned investigation of the same topic in order to arrange a good interpretation situation in accordance with persons’ desire irrespective of countries’ different rules in healthcare policies regarding interpretation.
Evaluation of a temporary vaccination recommendation in response to an outbreak of invasive meningococcal serogroup C disease in men who have sex with men in Berlin, 2013–2014
Authors: Koch Judith , Hellenbrand Wiebke , Schink Susanne , Wichmann Ole , Carganico Andreas , Drewes Jochen , Kruspe Martin , Suckau Marlen , Claus Heike , Marcus Ulrich
Published: February 2016

Meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) vaccination of men who have sex with men (MSM) was temporarily recommended to control an outbreak of invasive MenC disease among MSM in Berlin in 2012–2013. Vaccination was offered to HIV-infected MSM free of charge; others had to request reimbursement or pay out of pocket. We aimed to assess (i) awareness and acceptance of this recommendation through an online survey of MSM, (ii) implementation through a survey of primary care physicians and analysis of vaccine prescriptions, and (iii) impact through analysis of notified cases. Among online survey respondents, 60% were aware of the recommendation. Of these, 39% had obtained vaccination (70% of HIV-infected, 13% of HIV-negative/non-tested MSM). Awareness of recommendation and vaccination were positively associated with HIV infection, primary care physicians’ awareness of respondents’ sexual orientation, and exposure to multiple information sources. Most (26/30) physicians informed clients about the recommendation. Physicians considered concerns regarding reimbursement, vaccine safety and lack of perceived disease risk as primary barriers. After the recommendation, no further outbreak-related cases occurred. To reach and motivate target groups, communication of a new outbreak-related vaccination recommendation should address potential concerns through as many information channels as possible and direct reimbursement of costs should be enabled.
Impact of the Disruption of ASN3-Encoding Asparagine Synthetase on Arabidopsis Development
Authors: Gaufichon Laure , Marmagne Anne , Yoneyama Tadakatsu , Hase Toshiharu , Clément Gilles , Trassaert Marion , Xu Xiaole , Shakibaei Maryam , Najihi Amina , Suzuki Akira
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ASN3-encoded asparagine synthetase (AS, EC 6.3.5.4) during vegetative growth, seed development and germination of Arabidopsis thaliana. Phenotypic analysis of knockout (asn3-1) and knockdown (asn3-2) T-DNA insertion mutants for the ASN3 gene (At5g10240) demonstrated wild-type contents of asparagine synthetase protein, chlorophyll and ammonium in green leaves at 35 days after sowing. In situ hybridization localized ASN3 mRNA to phloem companion cells of vasculature. Young siliques of the asn3-1 knockout line showed a decrease in asparagine but an increase in glutamate. The seeds of asn3-1 and asn3-2 displayed a wild-type nitrogen status expressed as total nitrogen content, indicating that the repression of ASN3 expression had only a limited effect on mature seeds. An analysis of amino acid labeling of seeds imbibed with (15N) ammonium for 24 h revealed that asn3-1 seeds contained 20% less total asparagine while 15N-labeled asparagine ((2-15N)asparagine, (4-15N)asparagine and (2,4-15N)asparagine) increased by 12% compared to wild-type seeds. The data indicate a fine regulation of asparagine synthesis and hydrolysis in Arabidopsis seeds.
Application of Two Bioenergy Byproducts with Contrasting Carbon Availability to a Prairie Soil: Three-Year Crop Response and Changes in Soil Biological and Chemical Properties
Authors: Alotaibi Khaled , Schoenau Jeff
Published: February 2016

The bioenergy industry produces a wide range of byproducts varying in their chemical composition depending on type of technology employed. In particular, pyrolysis and transesterification conversion processes generate C-rich byproducts of biochar (BC) and glycerol (GL), respectively, which can be added to soil. These two byproducts vary in their carbon availability, and comparing their effects when added to agricultural soil deserves attention. This study investigated the immediate and residual effects of a single application of BC and GL to a cultivated Brown Chernozem soil from the semi-arid region of southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. In the first season following addition of amendments, BC and GL alone had no significant impact on all measured parameters. However, when combined with 50 kg urea N·ha−1 (BC + UR), the yields obtained were similar to those with 100 kg urea N·ha−1 alone. The GL with urea N (GL + UR) treatment had reduced crop yield and N uptake compared to urea alone in the year of application attributed to N immobilization, but had a positive residual effect in the second year due to remineralization. Both GL and GL + UR treatments enhanced dehydrogenase activity compared to other treatments whereas BC + UR tended to decrease microbial biomass C. The crop and soil response to application of biochar was less than observed in previous studies conducted elsewhere. Direct and residual effects of glycerol addition on the crop were more evident. An application rate greater than 2.8 t·ha−1 and 3.5 t·ha−1 for BC and GL, respectively, may be required to induce larger responses.
Dynamics of Carrier Transport in Nanoscale Materials: Origin of Non-Drude Behavior in the Terahertz Frequency Range
Authors: Shimakawa Koichi , Kasap Safa
Published: February 2016

It is known that deviation from the Drude law for free carriers is dramatic in most electronically conductive nanomaterials. We review recent studies of the conductivity of nanoscale materials at terahertz (THz) frequencies. We suggest that among a variety of theoretical formalisms, a model of series sequence of transport involving grains and grain boundaries provides a reasonable explanation of Lorentz-type resonance (non-Drude behavior) in nanomaterials. Of particular interest is why do free carriers exhibit a Lorentz-type resonance.
Sub-Seasonal Prediction of the Maritime Continent Rainfall of Wet-Dry Transitional Seasons in the NCEP Climate Forecast Version 2
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Yang Song , Jiang Xingwen , Dong Shaorou
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the characteristics and prediction of the Maritime Continent (MC) rainfall for the transitional periods between wet and dry seasons. Several observational data sets and the output from the 45-day hindcast by the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) are used. Results show that the MC experiences a sudden transition from wet season to dry season (WTD) around the 27th pentad, and a gradual transition from dry season to wet season (DTW) around the 59th pentad. Correspondingly, the westerlies over the equatorial Indian Ocean, the easterlies over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and the Australia High become weaker, contributing to weakening of the convergence over the MC. The subtropical western Pacific high intensifies and extends northeastward during the WTD. The Mascarene High becomes weaker, an anomalous anticyclonic circulation forms over the northeast of the Philippines, and an anomalous low-level convergence occurs over the western MC during the DTW. The NCEP CFSv2 captures the major features of rainfall and related atmospheric circulation when forecast lead time is less than three weeks for WTD and two weeks for DTW. The model predicts a weaker amplitude of the changes in rainfall and related atmospheric circulation for both WTD and DTW as lead time increases.
Melatonin and Sleep-Wake Rhythms before and after Ocular Lens Replacement in Elderly Humans
Authors: Giménez Marina , Beersma Domien , Daan Serge , Pol Bert , Kanis Martijn , Van Norren Dick , Gordijn Marijke
Published: February 2016

Light of short wavelengths has been shown to play a key role in non-image forming responses. Due to aging, the ocular lens becomes more yellow reducing the transmission of short wavelengths in the elderly. In the present study, we make use of cataract surgery to investigate the effects of a relative increase of short wavelength transmission on melatonin- and sleep-wake rhythms (N = 14). We observed, on average, a delay of the sleep-wake and the nocturnal melatonin rhythms after cataract surgery. This delay is tentatively attributed to a relatively large increase of light transmittance in the evening hours more than an increase of the already relatively high light intensities found in the daytime. The later phase that we observed after cataract surgery (clear lens) as compared to the earlier phase observed before cataract (yellowish lens) is in agreement with the general later phase reported in the young (clear lens) population.
Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: Review of Smoothened and GLI Inhibitors
Authors: Rimkus Tadas , Carpenter Richard , Qasem Shadi , Chan Michael , Lo Hui-Wen
Published: February 2016

The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is a major regulator of cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and tissue polarity. Aberrant activation of the Shh pathway has been shown in a variety of human cancers, including, basal cell carcinoma, malignant gliomas, medulloblastoma, leukemias, and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, and prostate. Tumorigenesis, tumor progression and therapeutic response have all been shown to be impacted by the Shh signaling pathway. Downstream effectors of the Shh pathway include smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc finger transcription factors. Both are regarded as important targets for cancer therapeutics. While most efforts have been devoted towards pharmacologically targeting SMO, developing GLI-targeted approach has its merit because of the fact that GLI proteins can be activated by both Shh ligand-dependent and -independent mechanisms. To date, two SMO inhibitors (LDE225/Sonidegib and GDC-0449/Vismodegib) have received FDA approval for treating basal cell carcinoma while many clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this exciting class of targeted therapy in a variety of cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of the Shh pathway and then detail the current landscape of the Shh-SMO-GLI pathway inhibitors including those in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Use of Bacteriocinogenic Cultures without Inhibiting Cheese Associated Nonstarter Lactic Acid Bacteria; A Trial with Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Rossi Franca , Veneri Gianluca
Published: February 2016

Bacteriocinogenic cultures can represent a natural way to increase the safety of cheeses made from raw milk, in which a relevant role in ripening and flavor formation is exerted by the nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB). Since the latter can be inhibited by bacteriocin producers, this study evaluated to which extent a nisinogenic culture inoculated at low initial levels can affect the growth rate and peptide degradation activity of the nisin-sensitive cheese isolate Lactobacillus plantarum LZ by comparison with its isogenic variant, L. plantarum LZNI, with increased immunity to nisin. A growth delay of the nisin sensitive strain was observed only when its initial number was 100-fold lower than the nisin producer and nisin was added as an inducer of its own production. In this case, the amount of free α-amino groups was significantly different between cultures of L. plantarum LZ and LZNI only at Day 1. Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) highlighted a few differences between the peptide profiles of co-cultures L. plantarum LZ and LZNI. However, results showed that the bacteriocin producer did not dramatically influence the behavior of the sensitive NSLAB and that the evaluation of the effects on microbial contaminants in cheese is worthwhile.
Quantifying the Impact of Different Ways to Delimit Study Areas on the Assessment of Species Diversity of an Urban Forest
Authors: He Rongxiao , Yang Jun , Song Xiqiang
Published: February 2016

Assessing the species diversity of an urban forest is important for understanding its structure and functions, but the result can be affected by sampling methods, times, and delimitations of the study area. In this study, we examined the influence of different ways to delimit boundaries of urban areas on the assessment of species diversity of urban forests through a case study conducted in Haikou, China. We surveyed the species diversity of the urban forest in Haikou twice using the same sampling protocol but two commonly used delimitations of the urban area. The two surveys produced significantly different estimates of species richness of the urban forest. Recorded species richness was 228 (144 woody and 84 herbaceous species) and 303 (164 woody and 139 herbaceous species) for the first and the second survey, respectively. The rarefaction analysis indicated that species richness of woody plants recorded in the two surveys could converge by doubling the sample size, but species richness of herbaceous plants was significantly different between the two surveys at the 95% confidence interval even at three times the original sample size. The value of the Simpson dissimilarity index between the two surveys was 0.417 and 0.357 for woody and herbaceous plants respectively, which implied noticeable dissimilarity of species compositions of plant assemblages in the two areas. We concluded that the assessment of biodiversity of an urban forest can be affected significantly by how the boundary of an urban area is defined. Caution should be taken when comparing species diversities of urban forests reported in different studies, especially when richness measures are used.
A Review of Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh: The Millennium Development Goal Era and Beyond
Authors: Yunus Fakir , Khan Safayet , Chowdhury Priyanka , Milton Abul , Hussain Sumaira , Rahman Mahfuzar
Published: February 2016

Arsenic contamination in drinking water has a detrimental impact on human health which profoundly impairs the quality of life. Despite recognition of the adverse health implications of arsenic toxicity, there have been few studies to date to suggest measures that could be taken to overcome arsenic contamination. After the statement in 2000 WHO Bulletin that Bangladesh has been experiencing the largest mass poisoning of population in history, we researched existing literature to assess the magnitude of groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh. The literature reviewed related research that had been initiated and/or completed since the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) under four domains: (1) extent of arsenic contamination; (2) health consequences; (3) mitigation and technologies and (4) future directions. To this means, a review matrix was established for analysis of previous literature based on these four core domains. Our findings revealed that several high-quality research articles were produced at the beginning of the MDG period, but efforts have dwindled in recent years. Furthermore, there were only a few studies conducted that focused on developing suitable solutions for managing arsenic contamination. Although the government of Bangladesh has made its population’s access to safe drinking water a priority agenda item, there are still pockets of the population that continue to suffer from arsenic toxicity due to contaminated water supplies.
Drosophotoxicology: An Emerging Research Area for Assessing Nanoparticles Interaction with Living Organisms
Authors: Chifiriuc Mariana , Ratiu Attila , Popa Marcela , Ecovoiu Alexandru
Published: February 2016

The rapid development of nanotechnology allowed the fabrication of a wide range of different nanomaterials, raising many questions about their safety and potential risks for the human health and environment. Most of the current nanotoxicology research is not standardized, hampering any comparison or reproducibility of the obtained results. Drosophotoxicology encompasses the plethora of methodological approaches addressing the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a choice organism in toxicology studies. Drosophila melanogaster model offers several important advantages, such as a relatively simple genome structure, short lifespan, low maintenance cost, readiness of experimental manipulation comparative to vertebrate models from both ethical and technical points of view, relevant gene homology with higher organisms, and ease of obtaining mutant phenotypes. The molecular pathways, as well as multiple behavioral and developmental parameters, can be evaluated using this model in lower, medium or high throughput type assays, allowing a systematic classification of the toxicity levels of different nanomaterials. The purpose of this paper is to review the current research on the applications of Drosophila melanogaster model for the in vivo assessment of nanoparticles toxicity and to reveal the huge potential of this model system to provide results that could enable a proper selection of different nanostructures for a certain biomedical application.
Australia’s National Anti-Bullying Jurisdiction: Paper Tiger or Velvet Glove
Authors: Ballard Allison , Easteal Patricia
Published: February 2016

Australia’s innovative national anti-bullying legislation came into effect on 1 January 2014, against a backdrop of fear and resistance on the part of some conservative politicians and other stakeholder opponents. This paper contributes to an understanding of the efficacy and value of this fledgling jurisdiction or its lack thereof. In it, we describe the beginnings of the anti-bullying regime, outline the new legislative provisions, explore whether the inaction of the first six months has continued, examine the statistics arising from the jurisdiction’s first 15 months of operation, and review the case law development over its first 18 months. We ask whether the anti-bullying jurisdiction is proving to be a paper tiger in an empty suit or iron fist in a velvet glove.