bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO QUANTITATIVA DO USO DOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS EM UNIDADE DE CONSERVAÇÃO: ESTUDO DE CASO DO PARQUE ESTADUAL SERRA DO MAR
Authors: Starzynski Roberto , Simões Silvio Jorge
Published: November 2015

RESUMO Este trabalho é um estudo de caso sobre o serviço ambiental hídrico prestado pelo Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM) ao promover a regularização dos mananciais e garantir o suprimento de água para adensadas regiões urbanas do Estado de São Paulo. Foi realizado através da análise de dados populacionais e de outorga de água na região de estudo, com o objetivo de avaliar a pressão antrópica, quantificar o volume de água outorgado, bem como identificar as principais categorias de usuários. Ressalta a importância do estabelecimento de uma política de Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) que venha a aumentar a dotação orçamentária da Unidade de Conservação (UC) e consequentemente as ações de proteção ao ambiente natural. Os dados demográficos mostram que o entorno do PESM apresenta grande população e elevadas taxas de crescimento anual, fato que configura uma grande pressão sobre a UC, especialmente sobre seus recursos hídricos. Constatou-se que o volume total de água outorgado é de 752.305.722 m3/ano sendo que o Abastecimento público é a categoria que apresenta o maior volume (64,40%), seguido pelo Uso industrial (29,58%). A análise dos volumes totais outorgados mostra também que 99,09% da água é captada superficialmente e apenas 0,91% captada de forma subterrânea.
Territorialismo e a política de desenvolvimento: estratégias de produção do território no Brasil
Authors: Cantelmo Weslley , Lobo Carlos , Garcia Ricardo Alexandrino
Published: November 2015

Resumo O processo histórico-geográfico de formação da sociedade brasileira foi regido por promessas de modernidade, em que a noção de desenvolvimento, desdobrada da noção de progresso, foi o combustível social de sustentação do movimento de inserção das relações capitalistas no Brasil durante o século XX. A ideia prevalecente na ação governamental tem sido a superação da desigualdade regional por meio da inserção das regiões brasileiras no circuito competitivo capitalista. A proposta deste artigo é refletir sobre evidências de que esse discurso tem se sustentado como uma estratégia de produção de território, própria de agentes hegemônicos no circuito capitalista de reprodução. Para a compreensão desse processo, propõe-se o resgate de uma noção geográfica que tem sido posta à margem: o territorialismo.
Considerações sobre políticas de requalificação das Zeis com participação dos habitantes: limites e desafios para as áreas metropolitanas no Brasil
Authors: Tarsi Elena
Published: November 2015

Resumo A segregação é um fenômeno estrutural da formação da cidade brasileira que depende de razões históricas e dinâmicas econômicas globais. A gestão dos assentamentos informais das metrópoles representa um dos maiores desafios da contemporaneidade. Depois de apresentar algumas análises críticas sobre o processo de formação da cidade informal no Brasil, o artigo descreve os resultados da elaboração do Plano de Bairro para Nova Constituinte na cidade de Salvador da Bahia. Este programa-piloto tinha o objetivo de contribuir ao processo experimental de determinação de políticas públicas para a gestão e requalificação das ZEIS: as considerações sobre limites e desafios são interessantes para toda América Latina.
Construção de espaços públicos em Bogotá e Rio de Janeiro: uma análise comparada dos projetos públicos durante a década de 1990
Authors: Pinto Ana Marcela Ardila
Published: November 2015

Resumo A partir da década de 1990, em diversas cidades latino-americanas foram realizados projetos de requalificação e revitalização urbana no marco do denominado modelo de planejamento estratégico catalão. Em Bogotá e no Rio de Janeiro, foi privilegiada a criação de áreas públicas no intuito de fortalecer a vida democrática e o convívio entre os cidadãos. Esses projetos foram promovidos principalmente durante as prefeituras de Antanas Mockus e Enrique Peñalosa em Bogotá, e de Cesar Maia e Luiz Conde, no Rio de Janeiro. Comparamos a apropriação do modelo nos dois contextos locais, baseados na análise dos investimentos públicos e dos tipos de projetos de intervenção no espaço urbano, no intuito de evidenciar o processo de ressignificação na escala local deste modelo.
In vivo mucoadhesive strength appraisal of gum Manilkara zapota
Authors: Sudarshan Singh , Sunil B Bothara
Published: November 2015

The mucilage (MMZ) extracted from the seeds of Manilkara zapota(Linn.) P. Royen syn. using maceration techniques was evaluated for mucoadhesive strength by various in vitro and in vivo methods. The result showed that mucoadhesive strength of seeds mucilage have comparable property toward natural and synthetic polymers such as Guar Gum and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC E5LV) under the experimental conditions used in this study. Briefly, it could be concluded that the seed mucilage of Manilkara zapota can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient in oral mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. Further, it may be appropriate to study the changes in these properties after chemical modifications.
Development and application of a portable instrument for drugs analysis in pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Ribeiro Paulo Roberto da Silva , Pezza Helena Redigolo , Pezza Leonardo , Lima Liliane Spazzapam , Tubino Matthieu
Published: November 2015

This article describes the application and performance of an inexpensive, simple and portable device for colorimetric quantitative determination of drugs in pharmaceutical preparations. The sensor is a light detector resistor (LDR) incorporated into a black PTFE cell and coupled to a low-cost multimeter (Ohmmeter). Quantitative studies were performed with captopril/p-chloranil/H2O2 and methyldopa/ammonium molybdate systems. Calibration curves were obtained by plotting the electrical resistance of the LDR against the concentration of the colored species in the ranges 1.84 × 10-4 to 1.29 × 10-3mol L-1 and 5.04 × 10-4 to 2.52 × 10-3 mol L-1 for captopril/p-chloranil/H2O2 and methyldopa/ammonium molybdate systems, respectively, exhibiting good coefficients of determination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained showed no significant difference between the proposed methodologies and the official reported methods, as evidenced by the t-test and variance ratio at a 95% confidence level. The results of this study demonstrate the applicability of the instrument for simple, accurate, precise, fast,in situ and low-cost colorimetric analysis of drugs in pharmaceutical products.
Moving target trajectory estimation using Kalman, curve fitting and Anfis methods
Authors: İnan Timur
Published: November 2015

Estimation of the possible position of the moving targets after a few steps has great significance especially in terms of defense industry. If a shoot aiming at the target is planned, the issue of estimation of forward position of the target gains importance in terms of accurate strike of the bullet at the target. In target tracking, impact of three different methods as motion estimation method on various motion types has been examined in our study. Motion types have been examined in four different types, which are rectilinear motion, circular motion, sinusoidal motion and curvilinear motion.  On the other hand, estimation methods have been examined under three different titles. These are Kalman estimation method, curve fitting method and Anfis method. Different motion types have been examined with different estimation methods and the results obtained have been presented. 

Keywords: robotics, image processing, trajectory tracking, target tracking, estimation, Anfis, Kalman, curve fitting.
Estructura, composición y diversidad vegetal en bosques tropicales del Corredor Biológico Osa, Costa Rica
Authors: Morales-Salazar Manuel Safrirh , Vílchez-Alvarado Braulio , Chazdon Robin L. , Ortiz-Malavasi Edgar , Guevara-Bonilla Mario
Published: November 2015

Se establecieron 14 parcelas permanentes (50 m x 100 m) distribuidas en diferentes bosques del Corredor Biológico Osa (CBO), Costa Rica. Se evaluó la composición florística, especies de alto valor para la conservación, composición de gremios ecológicos y estructura vertical en cuatro estadios de sucesión de bosque con edades diferentes: 5 a 15 años, 15 a 30 años, mayor de 30 años y primarios. Se identificaron los árboles con dap ≥ 5 cm, y se determinó su altura total, el dap y el gremio ecológico. Los resultados indicaron que los bosques secundarios poseen buen potencial para la conservación y conectividad de áreas con alto valor ecológico, pues resguardan y se desarrollan especímenes de bosques primarios, endémicas y con algún grado de amenaza. Los bosques primarios difieren a los secundarios en cuanto a la abundancia de especies esciófitas y palmas principalmente. Los bosques dentro de una misma zona geográfica o más cercanos entre sí, fueron florísticamente más semejantes. El incremento de la altura máxima en los árboles, el aumento del número y área basal de especies tolerantes a la sombra en función de la edad, y el porcentaje de afinidad florística en los estratos verticales de los bosques secundarios respecto a los primarios, principalmente en el piso inferior, indicó que los bosques secundarios se están recuperando bien, con tendencia a asemejarse a los bosques primarios. Sin embargo, deberán pasar muchos años para que posean la composición y estructura vertical de los bosques primarios.
Características de combustibilidad de diez especies de plantaciones de rápido crecimiento en Costa Rica
Authors: Moya-Roque Róger , Tenorio-Monge Carolina
Published: November 2015

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las características de combustibilidad (poder calórico e índice de combustibilidad) de diez especies de plantaciones de rápido crecimiento en Costa Rica. También fue evaluada la influencia de los componentes químicos (celulosa, lignina, cenizas, cantidad de carbono y nitrógeno) y algunas propiedades físicas (contenido de humedad, densidad verde y peso específico) sobre estas características de combustibilidad. Los resultados mostraron que el poder calórico máximo varió de 16500 a 20594 kJ/kg para la albura y de 16258 a 20119 kJ/kg para el duramen. No fue posible determinar cuál tipo de madera (albura o duramen) que presenta el mayor valor de poder calórico. En el caso del índice de combustibilidad, se presentaron grandes variaciones, con valores entre 337 y 6390. Al evaluar los efectos de la humedad se encontró un efecto lineal sobre el poder calórico (modelo Y = β0*X + β1) y muestra que el efecto de la humedad en el poder calórico es diferente para cada especie o tipo de madera (duramen o albura). La única conífera evaluada (Cupressus lusitanica) fue la especie con mayor potencial energético debido a sus altos valores de índice de combustibilidad, poder calórico y su bajo contenido de cenizas. Las otras especies de plantación, a pesar de que no presentan los valores energéticos de C. lusitanica, poseen un potencial importante debido a los altos volúmenes de desechos o residuos que se obtienen en las distintas industrias.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Castaña (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol castaña Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, e información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Tasas de crecimiento, mortalidad y reclutamiento de vegetación en tres estadios sucesionales del bosque seco tropical, Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, Costa Rica
Authors: Carvajal-Vanegas Dorian , Calvo-Alvarado Julio
Published: November 2015

Los bosques secos tropicales se caracterizan por poseer una gran diversidad estructural y fisiológica en sus formas de vida. Sin embargo, la densidad, estructura y composición florística varían de acuerdo a la etapa de sucesión en la que se encuentre el bosque. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar y comparar las tasas de crecimiento del diámetro, mortalidad y reclutamiento de tres estadios sucesionales del bosque seco tropical del Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, mediante la evaluación de nueve parcelas permanentes de muestreo. Los resultados mostraron que los estadios poseen los siguientes incrementos medios anuales: temprano (1,60 mm/año), intermedio (2,20 mm/año) y tardío (1,20 mm/año). Se encontró una alta variación entre las parcelas evaluadas de un mismo estadio en cuanto a incrementos, número de especies y su composición. El mayor incremento para el estadio temprano se encontró en la clase diamétrica de 15-20 cm (5,20 mm/año), en elintermedio en la clase de 20-25 cm (4,50 mm/año) y en la clase de 35-40 cm para el tardío (4,90 mm/año). En general las especies que muestran las tasas de crecimiento más conspicuas con altas tasas fueron Rehdera trinervis (17,00mm/año) y Swietenia macrophylla (12,20mm/año). Las especies que crecieron menos fueron las esciófitas del sotobosque de los estadios intermedio y tardío. Los
porcentajes de mortalidad anuales calculados para el mismo período mediante el modelo logarítmico fueron de 1,3% (temprano), un 2,6% (intermedio) y el 1,5% (tardío). El reclutamiento promedio anual fue de 8,8%, 4,8% y 1,5% para los estadios temprano, intermedio y tardío. Se concluye que las principales causas de las diferencias entre estadios se deben principalmente a la composición de especies y en menor grado a  factores biofísicos propios de cada sitio.
Determinación de los extractivos y su correlación con el peso específico básico de diez especies utilizadas como sombra en cafetales de Costa Rica
Authors: Bonilla-Chaves Róger , Moya-Roque Róger
Published: November 2015

En América Central, los cafetales cuentan con árboles frutales y maderables con el fin de diversificar el cultivo y la producción. No obstante, éstas especies poseen poca información de las propiedades que determinan su potencial de uso. El objetivo del presente estudio es cuantificar el porcentaje de extractivos solubles en diferentes solventes, hidróxido de sodio, diclorometano,etanol-tolueno, agua caliente, agua fría. Se determinó la correlación entre los extractivos solubles con el peso específico de la albura y el duramen de 10 especies utilizadas como sombra en cafetales de Costa Rica. Se tomaron dos árboles de cada una de las especies de árboles de sombra en plantaciones de café y se extrajo material de la madera a 1,3 metros de altura. La madera fue molida y determinó la cantidad de extraíbles con los diferentes solventes, según las normas de la Asociación de estándares y materiales de América (ASTM). En el análisis químico, los porcentajes de extraíbles encontrados variaron de acuerdo al solvente utilizado; en hidróxido de sodio de 8,5 a 23,21%, en diclorometano de 1,71% a 8,57%, en etanol-tolueno de 0,15% a 8,79%, en agua caliente de 0,99 a 7,01% y en agua fría de 1,07% a 7,98%. En la especie Croton niveus el porcentaje de extractivos fue mayor en la albura, en comparación con el duramen. En Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus deglupta, Eucalyptus saligna, Pinus caribaea y Trichilia havanensis el duramen presentó mayor porcentaje de extractivos. En el resto de especies, no se presentaron diferencias entre los dos tipos de madera. En forma general se observó que las 10 especies presentan extractivos en la madera entre 1y 10%. En cuanto a la relación de los extractivos con el peso específico básico se determinó que un aumento del peso específico de la especies incrementa el contenido de extraíbles en agua fría en la albura y los extractos en agua caliente en el duramen, pero disminuye los extraíbles en diclorometano en el duramen.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Champaca (Michelia champaca L.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol champaca Michelia champaca L., información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Chirraca (Myroxylon balsamum L.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol chirraca Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms, información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, elmanejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación. 
Riqueza y potencial maderable en sistemas agroforestales tradicionales como alternativa al uso del bosque nativo, Amazonia del Ecuador
Authors: Jadán Oswaldo , Günter Sven , Torres Bolier , Selesi Daniela
Published: November 2015

En este estudio se evaluó un sistema de bosque y tres sistemas agroforestales SAFs, tradicionales denominados localmente “chakras” con cultivo de cacao propagado sexual y asexualmente dentro de cuatro sistemas de uso de la tierra: 1) bosque primario, 2) chakra con cacao por semilla; 3) chakra con cacao injerto y 4) chakra sin cultivo comercial, en la Reserva de la Biosfera Sumaco, Ecuador. Se analizó las variables por área total de muestreo en 6,92 has y promedios por parcela aplicando ANDEVA, correlaciones de Pearson y regresiones lineales. La riqueza, abundancia, área basal y volumen comercial en las especies arbóreas maderables potenciales con dap ≥ 10 cm, es superior en el bosque frente a las chakras. La chakra de cacao por semilla e injerto registra mayores valores que la chakra sin cultivo comercial. El volumen comercial aprovechable en el bosque fue superior 1,6 veces que la chakra de cacao semilla; 3,7 que el cacao injertado y 57 veces que la sin cultivo comercial. El bosque y chakra de cacao por semilla, registran valores superiores a los promedios aprovechados a nivel nacional (11,3 m3 ha-1), por lo que un aprovechamiento legal podría generar ingresos económicos a los finqueros. A pesar de estas existencias, probablemente solo se reduce la presión hacia el bosque con herramientas de planificación silvicultural integral en base a diversificación forestal, fomentando el cultivo de especies maderables en las chakras y otros espacios con aptitud forestal, con especies comerciales nativas del bosque y de alta demanda en el mercado maderero.
Los grandes retos del sector forestal
Authors: Barrantes-Rodríguez Alfonso
Published: November 2015

Costa Rica ha hecho avances significativos en la creación de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, la promulgación de legislación forestal y ambiental, que permitió el fortalecimiento de las instituciones vinculadas, asegurar el manejo adecuado de los bosques, promover la libre corta de los árboles plantados, impedir el cambio de uso de la tierra y la creación del Programa de Pago de Servicios Ambientales (PSA), lo cual ha contribuido efectivamente en la recuperación y mantenimiento de la cobertura forestal. También se ha venido trabajando en la promoción del sector forestal y el uso de la madera, especialmente a través de la Feria Vive la Madera y la Carbono Neutralidad, ejecutada por la Oficina Nacional Forestal, el FONAFIFO y el MINAE.
Biomass assessment, volume equations and crown architecture of Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell in a commercial plantation in Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Solís María , Briceño-Elizondo Elemer , Gamboa-Zuñiga Jose Pablo , Arias-Aguilar Dagoberto
Published: November 2015

En un ensayo de procedencia se seleccionaron seis árboles de Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell, de diferentes clases de diámetro; para obtener el peso verde en campo cada árbol fue separado en sus componentes: tallo, hojas, ramas. Se llevaron a cabo regresiones lineales para obtener modelos de biomasa para el componente aéreo, utilizando el diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP) como la variable independiente. Posteriormente se realizaron análisis para obtener la cantidad de carbono (C) y el dióxido de carbono (CO2) almacenado en una plantación de 2.5 años de edad. En general, se obtuvo un promedio de 27.04 kg de carbono almacenados en el tallo y 10.44 kg de carbono en el follaje, que representa un reservorio de 99.23 kg de CO2 almacenados en el tallo y 38.32 kg de CO2 en el follaje. En la literatura, no hay muchos estudios sobre desarrollo de copa; el presente trabajo relaciona altura de la copa, diámetro de copa y altura total en 4 índices que describen una determinada estructura del árbol (cobertura copa (CC), índice de la Copa (CI), forma de copa (CS), sombra de copa (CSd)). Los resultados muestran, para los seis individuos evaluados, un valor relativamente alto para CC, el cual presenta el valor más bajo para el diámetro más pequeño; la cobertura de copa indica que la especie, en este grupo de edad, todavía está en crecimiento de manera exponencial y que su área fotosintética necesita todavía ser alta para sostener tal crecimiento. En cuanto al índice de forma de copa, entre mayor sea el diámetro, mayor es el valor que se obtiene, lo que indica que el crecimiento en diámetro puede estar relacionado positivamente a CS; deduciéndose un desarrollo sano de la copa entre mayor sea este valor. Los valores de CSd confirman esta afirmación al mantenerse la relación.
Mosca barrenadora de la madera (Pantophthalmus sp.) en Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemão en Costa Rica. Primer registro
Authors: Arguedas-Gamboa Marcela , Rodríguez-Solís María , Martínez-Albán Víctor
Published: November 2015

Se reporta por primera vez larvas de Pantophthalmus sp. (Pantophthalmidae, Diptera) barrenando la madera de árboles de Hieronyma alchoneoides, en una plantación mixta de 15 años en la zona atlántica de Costa Rica. Se describe la larva y se caracterizan los daños causados al hospedero.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Colpachí (Croton niveus Jacq.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol colpachí (Croton niveus Jacq.), información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Fragmentación de la cobertura forestal en Costa Rica durante los períodos 1997 – 2000 y 2000-2005
Authors: Calvo-Obando Ana , Ortiz-Malavasi Edgar
Published: November 2015

Se estudió el grado de fragmentación de la cobertura forestal de Costa Rica en las Unidades Fitogeográficas (UF) durante tres años: 1997, 2000 y 2005. Se calculó la tasa porcentual anual de cambio utilizando la fórmula propuesta por Puyravaud (2003). Se utilizó software que permitió trabajar tanto en formato vectorial como raster, tal como ArcView 3.3, ArcGis 9.3 y FRAGSTATS 3.3. Las métricas de fragmentación calculadas por el software FRAGSTATS 3.3 fueron área remanente, número de parches (NP), distancia media al vecino más cercano (MNN) y densidad de parches (PD). Durante el período 1997-2000 se deforestaron 9139 hectáreas, de las cuales el 54,8% se concentró en la UF 3a (llanuras de Tortuguero, tierras bajas), mientras que durante el período 2000-2005 se deforestaron 23699 hectáreas, de las cuales el 18,6% se concentró en la UF 3a (llanuras de Tortuguero, tierras bajas). Sin embargo se presentó recuperación de la cobertura forestal. Solamente durante el período 2000 - 2005 fueron detectados procesos de pérdida y recuperación de la cobertura forestal en forma simultánea.
A Case Study to Determine Drivers and Barriers of Appalachian Forest Products in Central America
Authors: Lyon Scott W. , Quesada-Pineda Henry , Smith Robert L.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this research was to determine drivers and barriers of Appalachian wood product competitors in Central America. Potential market opportunities for Appalachian forest product companies in Central America were evaluated and strategies were developed to increase exports of Appalachian wood products to Central America. The findings support the claim that United States forest product companies have not put enough effort into marketing forest products to Central America. Forests in El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica are limiting harvests and the industry lacks support from the government, reducing the amount of raw material and production. Inconsistencies between Appalachian and Central American wood products industries (e.g., dimensions) act as a barrier to the efficient exchange of wood products. The best market strategies for Appalachian forest products companies to increase sales into Central America are: partner with local wholesalers, offer higher value-added products, and maintain similar pricing with competition. An outside source of wood is needed to meet the needs of growing regional infrastructure.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Hisopo (Callistemon speciosus)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol hisopo (Callistemon speciosus (Sims) DC.), e información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Caimito (Chrysophyllum cainito L.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: November 2015

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol caimito (Chrysophyllum cainito L.), e información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Coping and Late-Deafness: An Examination of Two Measures
Authors: Meyer Jill M. , Kashubeck-West Susan
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To examine the psychometric properties of two measures of coping in a sample of individuals with acquired hearing loss, specifically late-deafness.

Methods: Using a quantitative descriptive design, coping of participants (N = 277) with late-deafness was measured to examine the reliability and validity of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) and the Brief Coping with Problems Experienced (Brief COPE).

Results: Internal consistency estimates were adequate. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the hypothesized factor structures were not supported. Exploratory factor analyses revealed that three factors best fit the WCQ data. For the Brief COPE, 6 factors best fit the data.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of the Brief COPE when working with individuals with late-deafness as an appropriate measure of coping.
Impact of Distance-of-Investigation Calculations on Rate-Transient Analysis of Unconventional Gas and Light-Oil Reservoirs: New Formulations for Linear Flow
Authors: Behmanesh Hamid , Clarkson Christopher R. , Tabatabaie S. Hamed , Heidari Sureshjani Mohammadhossein
Published: November 2015

Long-term transient linear flow of hydraulically fractured vertical and horizontal wells completed in tight/shale gas wells has historically been analyzed by use of the square-root-of-time plot. Pseudovariables are typically used for compressible fluids to account for pressure-dependence of fluid properties. Recently, a corrected pseudotime has been introduced for this purpose, in which the average pressure in the distance of investigation (DOI) is calculated with an appropriate material-balance equation. The DOI calculation is therefore a key component in the determination of the linear-flow parameter (product of fracture half-length and square root of permeability, xfk) and the calculation of contacted fluid in place. Until now, the DOI for transient linear flow has been determined empirically, and may not be accurate for all combinations of fluid properties and operating conditions. 

In this work, we have derived the DOI equations analytically for transient linear flow under constant-flowing-pressure and -rate conditions. For the first time, rigorous methodologies have been used for this purpose. Two different approaches were used: the maximum rate of pressure response (impulse concept) and the transient/boundary-dominated flow intersection method. The two approaches resulted in constants in the DOI equation that are much different from previously derived versions for the constant-flowing-pressure case. The accuracy of the new equations was tested by analyzing synthetic production data from a series of fine-grid numerical simulations. Single-phase oil and gas cases were analyzed; pseudovariable alteration for pressure-dependent porosity and permeability was required in the analysis.

The calculated linear-flow parameters, determined from our new DOI formulations for the constant-flowing-bottomhole-pressure (FBHP) case, and the input values to numerical simulation, are in good agreement. Of the two new DOI-calculation methods provided, the maximum rate of pressure response (unit impulse method) provides more accurate results. Finally, a field case was analyzed to determine the impact of DOI formulations on derivations of the linear-flow parameter from field data.

Linear-flow analysis on the basis of the DOI calculations presented in this work is significantly improved over previous formulations for constant FBHP.
On the Possibility of a Universal Human Community in an Age of the Post-Human: Edith Stein's Philosophical Defence
Authors: Calcagno Antonio
Published: November 2015

If we accept the introduction of a new social category for Edith Stein, namely, the universal human community, certain questions have to be asked. First, how does Stein justify the tenability of such a reality? Second, is her position sound, especially given recent critiques of such a possibility in the works of philosophers like Roberto Esposito and even Michel Foucault? I argue here that Stein justifies the possibility of the concept of humanity on phenomenological and theological grounds. I would also venture that we can also find historical and political motivations for her claim. Finally, though I am largely convinced of the viability of the concept/reality of humanity, I believe we can further justify the possibility of a universal community on the basis of affective grounds that are rooted in the embodied psychic lives of human persons.
Hyphenation of Field-Flow Fractionation and Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy
Authors: Löwa Norbert , Radon Patricia , Gutkelch Dirk , August Rinaldo , Wiekhorst Frank
Published: November 2015

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit unique magnetic properties making them ideally suited for a variety of biomedical applications. Depending on the desired magnetic effect, MNPs must meet special magnetic requirements which are mainly determined by their structural properties (e.g., size distribution). The hyphenation of chromatographic separation techniques with complementary detectors is capable of providing multidimensional information of submicron particles. Although various methods have already been combined for this approach, so far, no detector for the online magnetic analysis was used. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) has been proven a straightforward technique for specific quantification and characterization of MNPs. It combines high sensitivity with high temporal resolution; both of these are prerequisites for a successful hyphenation with chromatographic separation. We demonstrate the capability of MPS to specifically detect and characterize MNPs under usually applied asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) conditions (flow rates, MNP concentration, different MNP types). To this end MPS has been successfully integrated into an A4F multidetector platform including dynamic ligth scattering (DLS), multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and ultraviolet (UV) detection. Our system allows for rapid and comprehensive characterization of typical MNP samples for the systematic investigation of structure-dependent magnetic properties. This has been demonstrated by magnetic analysis of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Ferucarbotran (FER) during hydrodynamic A4F fractionation.
An Improved PDR/Magnetometer/Floor Map Integration Algorithm for Ubiquitous Positioning Using the Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Andong , Li Xin , Wang Yan
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a scheme is presented for fusing a foot-mounted Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a floor map to provide ubiquitous positioning in a number of settings, such as in a supermarket as a shopping guide, in a fire emergency service for navigation, or with a hospital patient to be tracked. First, several Zero-Velocity Detection (ZDET) algorithms are compared and discussed when used in the static detection of a pedestrian. By introducing information on the Zero Velocity of the pedestrian, fused with a magnetometer measurement, an improved Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) model is developed to constrain the accumulating errors associated with the PDR positioning. Second, a Correlation Matching Algorithm based on map projection (CMAP) is presented, and a zone division of a floor map is demonstrated for fusion of the PDR algorithm. Finally, in order to use the dynamic characteristics of a pedestrian’s trajectory, the Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (A-UKF) is applied to tightly integrate the IMU, magnetometers and floor map for ubiquitous positioning. The results of a field experiment performed on the fourth floor of the School of Environmental Science and Spatial Informatics (SESSI) building on the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) campus confirm that the proposed scheme can reliably achieve meter-level positioning.
Critical Infrastructure Surveillance Using Secure Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Niedermeier Michael , He Xiaobing , De Meer Hermann , Buschmann Carsten , Hartmann Klaus , Langmann Benjamin , Koch Michael , Fischer Stefan , Pfisterer Dennis
Published: November 2015

In this work, a secure wireless sensor network (WSN) for the surveillance, monitoring and protection of critical infrastructures was developed. To guarantee the security of the system, the main focus was the implementation of a unique security concept, which includes both security on the communication level, as well as mechanisms that ensure the functional safety during its operation. While there are many theoretical approaches in various subdomains of WSNs—like network structures, communication protocols and security concepts—the construction, implementation and real-life application of these devices is still rare. This work deals with these aforementioned aspects, including all phases from concept-generation to operation of a secure wireless sensor network. While the key focus of this paper lies on the security and safety features of the WSN, the detection, localization and classification capabilities resulting from the interaction of the nodes’ different sensor types are also described.
Forest Transition in Madagascar’s Highlands: Initial Evidence and Implications
Authors: McConnell William , Viña Andrés , Kull Christian , Batko Clayton
Published: November 2015

Madagascar is renowned for the loss of the forested habitat of lemurs and other species endemic to the island. Less well known is that in the highlands, a region often described as an environmental “basket-case” of fire-degraded, eroded grasslands, woody cover has been increasing for decades. Using information derived from publically available high- and medium-resolution satellites, this study characterizes tree cover dynamics in the highlands of Madagascar over the past two decades. Our results reveal heterogeneous patterns of increased tree cover on smallholder farms and village lands, spurred by a mix of endogenous and exogenous forces. The new trees play important roles in rural livelihoods, providing renewable supplies of firewood, charcoal, timber and other products and services, as well as defensible claims to land tenure in the context of a decline in the use of hillside commons for grazing. This study documents this nascent forest transition through Land Change Science techniques, and provides a prologue to political ecological analysis by setting these changes in their social and environmental context and interrogating the costs and benefits of the shift in rural livelihood strategies.
Study of the Tensile Damage of High-Strength Aluminum Alloy by Acoustic Emission
Authors: Sun Chang , Zhang Weidong , Ai Yibo , Que Hongbo
Published: November 2015

The key material of high-speed train gearbox shells is high-strength aluminum alloy. Material damage is inevitable in the process of servicing. It is of great importance to study material damage for in-service gearboxes of high-speed train. Structural health monitoring methods have been widely used to study material damage in recent years. This study focuses on the application of an acoustic emission (AE) method to quantify tensile damage evolution of high-strength aluminum alloy. First, a characteristic parameter was developed to connect AE signals with tensile damage. Second, a tensile damage quantification model was presented based on the relationship between AE counts and tensile behavior to study elastic deformation of tensile damage. Then tensile tests with AE monitoring were employed to collect AE signals and tensile damage data of nine samples. The experimental data were used to quantify tensile damage of high-strength aluminum alloy A356 to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nanostructuring of Palladium with Low-Temperature Helium Plasma
Authors: Fiflis P. , Christenson M.P. , Connolly N. , Ruzic D.N.
Published: November 2015

Impingement of high fluxes of helium ions upon metals at elevated temperatures has given rise to the growth of nanostructured layers on the surface of several metals, such as tungsten and molybdenum. These nanostructured layers grow from the bulk material and have greatly increased surface area over that of a not nanostructured surface. They are also superior to deposited nanostructures due to a lack of worries over adhesion and differences in material properties. Several palladium samples of varying thickness were biased and exposed to a helium helicon plasma. The nanostructures were characterized as a function of the thickness of the palladium layer and of temperature. Bubbles of ~100 nm in diameter appear to be integral to the nanostructuring process. Nanostructured palladium is also shown to have better catalytic activity than not nanostructured palladium.
Control of Biofilms with the Fatty Acid Signaling Molecule cis-2-Decenoic Acid
Authors: Marques Cláudia , Davies David , Sauer Karin
Published: November 2015

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms in organized structures attached to surfaces. Importantly, biofilms are a major cause of bacterial infections in humans, and remain one of the most significant challenges to modern medical practice. Unfortunately, conventional therapies have shown to be inadequate in the treatment of most chronic biofilm infections based on the extraordinary innate tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics. Antagonists of quorum sensing signaling molecules have been used as means to control biofilms. QS and other cell-cell communication molecules are able to revert biofilm tolerance, prevent biofilm formation and disrupt fully developed biofilms, albeit with restricted effectiveness. Recently however, it has been demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a small messenger molecule cis-2-decenoic acid (cis-DA) that shows significant promise as an effective adjunctive to antimicrobial treatment of biofilms. This molecule is responsible for induction of the native biofilm dispersion response in a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and in yeast, and has been shown to reverse persistence, increase microbial metabolic activity and significantly enhance the cidal effects of conventional antimicrobial agents. In this manuscript, the use of cis-2-decenoic acid as a novel agent for biofilm control is discussed. Stimulating the biofilm dispersion response as a novel antimicrobial strategy holds significant promise for enhanced treatment of infections and in the prevention of biofilm formation.
The Type I IFN-Induced miRNA, miR-21
Authors: Yang Chuan , Li Kui , Pfeffer Susan , Pfeffer Lawrence
Published: November 2015

The interferon (IFN) family of cytokines not only has antiviral properties at various steps in the viral replication cycle, but also anticancer activity through multiple pathways that include inhibiting cell proliferation, regulating cellular responses to inducers of apoptosis and modulating angiogenesis and the immune system. IFNs are known to induce their biological activity through the induction of protein encoding IFN-stimulated genes. However, recent studies have established that IFNs also induce the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that suppress gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis and have been implicated to act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in various human cancers. Therefore, IFN-induced miRNAs play an important role, not only in the host response to innate immune response to cancer, but also in the tumorigenic process itself. Furthermore, IFN-induced miRNAs may participate in and/or orchestrate antiviral defense in certain viral infections. In this review, we describe our recent studies on the induction of miR-21 by type I IFN, the role of the STAT3 and NFκB signaling pathways in IFN-induced miR-21 expression, the role of miR-21 in different cancers and the role of miR-21 in regulating the antiviral response.
Botulinum Neurotoxins: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Using the Mouse Phrenic Nerve Hemidiaphragm Assay (MPN)
Authors: Bigalke Hans , Rummel Andreas
Published: November 2015

The historical method for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is represented by the mouse bioassay (MBA) measuring the animal survival rate. Since the endpoint of the MBA is the death of the mice due to paralysis of the respiratory muscle, an ex vivo animal replacement method, called mouse phrenic nerve (MPN) assay, employs the isolated N. phrenicus-hemidiaphragm tissue. Here, BoNT causes a dose-dependent characteristic decrease of the contraction amplitude of the indirectly stimulated muscle. Within the EQuATox BoNT proficiency 13 test samples were analysed using the MPN assay by serial dilution to a bath concentration resulting in a paralysis time within the range of calibration curves generated with BoNT/A, B and E standards, respectively. For serotype identification the diluted samples were pre-incubated with polyclonal anti-BoNT/A, B or E antitoxin or a combination of each. All 13 samples were qualitatively correctly identified thereby delivering superior results compared to single in vitro methods like LFA, ELISA and LC-MS/MS. Having characterized the BoNT serotype, the final bath concentrations were calculated using the calibration curves and then multiplied by the respective dilution factor to obtain the sample concentration. Depending on the source of the BoNT standards used, the quantitation of ten BoNT/A containing samples delivered a mean z-score of 7 and of three BoNT/B or BoNT/E containing samples z-scores <2, respectively.
Autoparallel vs. Geodesic Trajectories in a Model of Torsion Gravity
Authors: Acedo Luis
Published: November 2015

We consider a parametrized torsion gravity model for Riemann–Cartan geometry around a rotating axisymmetric massive body. In this model, the source of torsion is given by a circulating vector potential following the celestial parallels around the rotating object. Ours is a variant of the Mao, Tegmark, Guth and Cabi (MTGC model) in which the total angular momentum is proposed as a source of torsion. We study the motion of bodies around the rotating object in terms of autoparallel trajectories and determine the leading perturbations of the orbital elements by using standard celestial mechanics techniques. We find that this torsion model implies new gravitational physical consequences in the Solar system and, in particular, secular variations of the semi-major axis of the planetary orbits. Perturbations on the longitude of the ascending node and the perihelion of the planets are already under discussion in the astronomical community, and if confirmed as truly non-zero effects at a statistically significant level, we might be at the dawn of an era of torsion phenomenology in the Solar system.
Efficient synthetic protocols for the preparation of common N-heterocyclic carbene precursors
Authors: Hans Morgan , Lorkowski Jan , Demonceau Albert , Delaude Lionel
Published: November 2015

The one-pot condensation of glyoxal, two equivalents of cyclohexylamine, and paraformaldehyde in the presence of aqueous HBF4 provided a straightforward access to 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (ICy·HBF4). 1,3-Dibenzylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (IBn·HBF4) was obtained along the same lines. To synthesize 1,3-diarylmidazolium salts, it was necessary to isolate the intermediate N,N'-diarylethylenediimines prior to their cyclization. Although this additional step required more time and reagents, it led to a much more efficient overall process. It also proved very convenient to carry out the synthesis of imidazolinium salts in parallel to their imidazolium counterparts via the reduction of the diimines into diammonium salts. The critical assembly of the C2 precarbenic unit was best achieved with paraformaldehyde and chlorotrimethylsilane in the case of imidazolium derivatives, whereas the use of triethyl orthoformate under microwave irradiation was most appropriate for the fast and efficient synthesis of imidazolinium salts. This strategy was applied to the synthesis of six common N-heterocyclic carbene precursors, namely, 1,3-dimesitylimidazolium chloride (IMes·HCl), 1,3-dimesitylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (IMes·HBF4), 1,3-dimesitylimidazolinium chloride (SIMes·HCl), 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium chloride (IDip·HCl or IPr·HCl), 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolinium chloride (SIDip·HCl or SIPr·HCl), and 1,3-bis(2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methylphenyl)imidazolium chloride (IDip*·HCl or IPr*·HCl).
The larva and prepupa of Eupareophora exarmata (Thomson, 1871) (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae)
Authors: Liston Andrew , Prous Marko , Bücker Josef
Published: November 2015

Of the two known Eupareophora species, more is known about the larva and bionomics of the Nearctic E. parca, than the rarely recorded West Palaearctic E. exarmata.

The last instar larva and prepupa of E. exarmata is illustrated and briefly described. In Germany its host is Fraxinus excelsior.
Sri Lanka : les séquelles de la guerre
Authors: Meyer Éric , Madavan Delon
Published: November 2015

À Sri Lanka, la fin d’une guerre qui a duré un quart de siècle, jusqu’en mai 2009, ne signifie pas la fin d’un conflit intercommunautaire qui lui est antérieur. Cette guerre, qui a opposé les militants séparatistes tamouls aux troupes du gouvernement de Colombo, a bouleversé la société insulaire, entraînant des déplacements internes massifs de population, une émigration de grande ampleur des Tamouls, un grand nombre de tués et de blessés de part et d’autre. La transformation du conflit en guerre ouverte s’est inscrite dans le contexte de la mondialisation : outre les intérêts géostratégiques des pays voisins, c’est l’action d’une diaspora tamoule nombreuse et la perspective d’une intervention internationale qui ont conditionné le déroulement de la guerre et qui continuent de peser sur la situation d’après guerre. Le système démocratique, qui avait été incapable de gérer le conflit avant guerre, a été gravement atteint par la militarisation de la société, liée à l’affirmation d’un présidentialisme démagogique. Mais il a fait la preuve de sa résilience lors de l’élection présidentielle de 2015 gagnées sur un programme de retour à l’État de droit et de réconciliation nationale ; cependant ce « printemps sri-lankais » reste fragile.