bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological Adoption in Health Care – The Role of Payment Systems
Authors: Barros Pedro Pita , Martinez-Giralt Xavier
Published: January 2015

This paper examines the incentive to adopt a new technology resulting from common payment systems, namely mixed cost reimbursement and DRG reimbursement. Adoption is based on a cost–benefit criterion. We find that retrospective payment systems require a large enough patient benefit to yield adoption, while under DRG-linked payment, adoption may arise in the absence of patients benefits when the differential reimbursement for the old vs new technology is large enough. Also, mixed cost reimbursement leads to higher adoption under conditions on the differential reimbursement levels and patient benefits. In policy terms, mixed cost reimbursement system may be more effective than a DRG payment system to induce technology adoption. Our analysis also shows that current economic evaluation criteria for new technologies do not capture the different ways payment systems influence technology adoption. This gives a new dimension to the discussion of prospective vs retrospective payment systems of the last decades centered on the debate of quality vs cost containment.
Cluster-Based Multipolling Sequencing Algorithm for Collecting RFID Data in Wireless LANs
Authors: Choi Woo-Yong , Chatterjee Mainak
Published: January 2015

With the growing use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), it is becoming important to devise ways to read RFID tags in real time. Access points (APs) of IEEE 802.11-based wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) are being integrated with RFID networks that can efficiently collect real-time RFID data. Several schemes, such as multipolling methods based on the dynamic search algorithm and random sequencing, have been proposed. However, as the number of RFID readers associated with an AP increases, it becomes difficult for the dynamic search algorithm to derive the multipolling sequence in real time. Though multipolling methods can eliminate the polling overhead, we still need to enhance the performance of the multipolling methods based on random sequencing. To that extent, we propose a real-time cluster-based multipolling sequencing algorithm that drastically eliminates more than 90% of the polling overhead, particularly so when the dynamic search algorithm fails to derive the multipolling sequence in real time.
Novel Compact Mushroom-Type EBG Structure for Electromagnetic Coupling Reduction of Microstrip Antenna array
Authors: Hu Lizhong , Wang Guangming , Liang Jiangang , Zhang Chenxin
Published: January 2015

A novel compact electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure consisting of two turns complementary spiral resonator (CSR) and conventional mushroom EBG (CM-EBG) structure is introduced to suppress the mutual coupling in antenna arrays for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) applications. Eigenmode calculation is used to investigate the proposed CSR-loaded mushroom-type EBG (MT-EBG), which proved to exhibit bandgap property and a miniaturization of 48.9% is realized compared with the CM-EBG. By inserting the proposed EBG structure between two E-plane coupled microstrip antennas, a mutual coupling reduction of 8.13 dB has been achieved numerically and experimentally. Moreover, the EBG-loaded antenna has better far-field radiation patterns compared with the reference antenna. Thus, this novel EBG structure with advantages of compactness and high decoupling efficiency opens an avenue to new types of antennas with super performances.
A convergence result for the Gradient Flow of ∫ |A|2 in Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Magni Annibale
Published: January 2015

We study the gradient flow of the L
Catalytic synthesis of methyl caprylate using multi-SO3H functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquid as catalyst
Authors: Keke Chen , Huan Du , Jiawen Zhang , Xiaofang Zhang , Yingying Kuang , Xiaoxiang Han
Published: January 2015

Environmentally benign Brønsted acidic ionic liquids with multi-SO
Stabilization, degradation, and dissolution behavior of Scots pine polysaccharides during polysulfide (K-PS) and polysulfide anthraquinone (K-PSAQ) pulping
Authors: Paananen Markus , Rovio Stella , Liitiä Tiina , Sixta Herbert
Published: January 2015

The behavior of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) polysaccharides was studied during modified kraft pulping processes of wood meal by polysulfide (K-PS) and polysulfide anthraquinone (K-PSAQ) at the hydroxide ion concentrations of 0.50 and 1.55 M [OH-] with a high liquor-to-wood (L/W) ratio of 200. The high L/W ratio was selected for avoiding diffusion phenomena and to be able to focus on the chemistry of polysaccharides. A comparison with the kraft process reference at 160°C revealed a substantial increase in pulp yield (6–7% in K-PS pulping and 7.5–10.5% in K-PSAQ pulping) mainly attributed to galactoglucomannan (GGM) stabilization. Due to the rapid delignification rate at 1.55 M [OH-] concentration, the temperature could be lowered from 160°C to 130°C without a notable prolongation of cooking time. In K-PS pulping at 130°C, no additional GGM stability was observed compared to 160°C, whereas cellulose and arabinoxylan preservation was improved. In K-PSAQ pulping, GGM preservation was also significantly improved. At 130°C, pulp yield increase of approximately 8% in PS pulping and more than 11% in PSAQ pulping was observed. The amount of dissolved softwood hemicelluloses in black liquor was significantly increased at the higher [OH-] level and even further in the presence of PS and AQ. Simultaneously, the formation of hydroxy acids was decreased, indicating a significant stabilization of the dissolved polysaccharide fraction parallel to the pulp polysaccharides.
Morphology, genetics and echolocation calls of the genus Kerivoula (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Kerivoulinae) in Thailand
Authors: Douangboubpha Bounsavane , Bumrungsri Sara , Satasook Chutamas , Wanna Warapond , Soisook Pipat , Bates Paul J.J.
Published: January 2015

Following extensive field work in Thailand (2010–2013) and the examination of 155 museum specimens, this paper reviews and examines the taxonomy of the genus
El golpe de calor en la actividad física y el deporte (versión traducida al español)
Authors: Hosokawa Yuri , Adams William M , Stearns Rebecca L , Casa Douglas J
Published: January 2015

El golpe de calor por esfuerzo (GCE) es una de las causas principales de muerte súbita durante el deporte y la actividad física. Solamente en el fútbol americano han ocurrido 46 muertes documentadas en los EE.UU. entre 1995 y 2010. En el 2003, la asociación responsable por los deportes universitarios de los EE.UU. estableció pautas obligatorias de aclimatización al calor, las cuales tuvieron como resultado una disminución exitosa en el número de muertes por golpe de calor en ese deporte. Sin embargo, a pesar de los avances en la atención médica moderna y una mayor conciencia sobre medidas de seguridad para el calor, la falta de atención adecuada en el sitio para los pacientes continúa contribuyendo GCE, especialmente a nivel juvenil. Está debidamente establecido en las publicaciones científicas que es posible, en gran medida, prevenir las muertes por GCE en los contextos de deportes organizados, si se brinda una educación apropiada y se dispone de personal médico entendido en el reconocimiento y tratamiento del GCE. En este documento se hace una revisión de las mejores prácticas médicas actuales y de la evidencia sobre la epidemiología, fisiopatología, factores de riesgo, reconocimiento, tratamiento, prevención y recomendaciones sobre el regreso a la práctica deportiva para el GCE, específicamente en lo pertinente al contexto del deporte organizado.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DE LA PRÁCTICA DE ACTIVIDADES FÍSICAS Y DEPORTIVAS EN PREADOLESCENTES EN ARACAJU (Versión traducida al español)
Authors: Aragão Iuri Roseno Matos , Macedo Ricardo Fontes , De-Bortoli Robelius
Published: January 2015

El objetivo de este estudio consistió en identificar las características de las actividades físicas o deportes preferidos y practicados por preadolescentes de la ciudad de Aracaju. Se trata de una investigación empírica, transversal, de carácter descriptivo, con una población de pre-adolescentes de 11 a 14 años, tanto hombres como mujeres. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 145 estudiantes, con edad promedio entre 12,72 ± 1,19 años, de los cuales 66 son varones (12,59 ± 1,23 años) y 79 mujeres (12,83 ± 1,16 años), todos alumnos del sexto al noveno grado. Se realizó un cuestionario de 12 preguntas cerradas y abiertas propuesto especialmente para este estudio.  Los principales resultados indican que los chicos realizan actividades físicas y / o deportivas fuera de la escuela por más tiempo, más días de la semana y más horas al día que las chicas. La motivación para la práctica fuera de la escuela se debe a la preferencia personal. Los individuos permanecen demasiado tiempo en actividades individuales como ver televisión, videojuegos y el uso de la computadora a expensas de las actividades colectivas, como jugar con sus amigos, que fueron las preferencias expresadas por el grupo. La escuela es el lugar preferido para la práctica de este tipo de actividades físicas y deportes y los géneros tienen características diferentes en sus prácticas actuales. Los niños prefieren las actividades grupales (fútbol) y las niñas actividades individuales (natación), razón por la que todo el mundo quiere saber y aprender de otros deportes, lo cual muestra el potencial para futuras intervenciones.
DESEMPENHO DE UM SISTEMA DE RESFRIAMENTO EVAPORATIVO DO AR EM CASA-DE-VEGETAÇÃO
Authors: Neto Antonio José Steidle , ZOLNIER SÉRGIO
Published: January 2015

Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de analisar o desempenho de um sistema de resfriamento evaporativo do ar (tipo painel-exaustor) em casa-de-vegetação, ao longo do período diurno em dias com condições climáticas distintas. Foram realizadas medições de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar no interior e exterior de uma casa-de-vegetação durante o período de crescimento e desenvolvimento de tomateiros cultivados em substrato de areia. Verificou-se que as eficiências médias diárias de resfriamento evaporativo do ar variaram entre 74% e 81%. Os decréscimos máximos na temperatura do ar, imediatamente após a sua passagem pelo painel de celulose, foram de 8,2ºC e 11,4ºC. Observou-se ainda que, a eficiência de resfriamento do ar foi sensivelmente melhorada quando o déficit de pressão de vapor d'água do ar externo foi superior a 1,8 kPa.   UNITERMOS: déficit de pressão de vapor d'água do ar, temperatura do ar, eficiência de resfriamento evaporativo.     STEIDLE NETO, A. J.; ZOLNIER, S. EVAPORATIVE AIR COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE IN A GREENHOUSE     2 ABSTRACT   This work aimed to analyze the performance of an evaporative air cooling system (pad-fan type) in greenhouse along daytime period in days with different climatic conditions. Air temperature and relative humidity measurements inside and outside of an greenhouse were made during the growing period of tomato plants cultivated in sand substrate. It was verified that the average daily evaporative cooling efficiency ranged from 74% to 81%. The maximum air temperature decrements, immediately after its passage through the cellulose pad, were 8.2°C and 11.4°C. It was also observed that the air cooling efficiency was sensitively improved when the vapor pressure deficit of the external air was higher than 1.8 kPa.   KEYWORDS: vapor pressure deficit, air temperature, evaporative cooling efficiency.
SIG – SPRING APLICADO NA DETERMINAÇÃO DA CAPACIDADE DE USO DAS TERRAS DA MICROBACIA DO RIBEIRÃO POUSO ALEGRE - JAÚ (SP)
Authors: Castro Leslie Ivana Serino , Campos Sergio , Zimback Célia Regina Lopes
Published: January 2015

A população mundial vem sofrendo, cada vez mais, as conseqüências das agressões efetuadas pelo homem ao meio ambiente, principalmente quanto à ocupação e uso inadequado das terras, o que ocasiona empobrecimento e depauperamento do solo, influenciando na qualidade e disponibilidade de água, levando à destruição das reservas florestais. Assim, é necessária a implantação de políticas públicas, que contemplem o desenvolvimento econômico, urbano, rural e social de uma região, preservando os recursos naturais para futuras gerações. A bacia em estudo está localizada entre as coordenadas UTM 764942; 7546214 e 741816; 7534759, com uma área de 14699,7ha. Este trabalho visou definir as classes de capacidade de uso de terra da microbacia do Ribeirão Pouso Alegre - Jaú (SP) através do Sistema de Informações Geográficas - SPRING. A carta de capacidade de uso da terra foi elaborada a partir do cruzamento das cartas clinográfica e de solo, que foram elaboradas pelo SIG Spring, e o cruzamento de dados foi feito através do LEGAL - Linguagem Espacial para Geoprocessamento Algébrico.  Os resultados mostraram que a microbacia é constituída essencialmente pelas classes II e III e o SIG-SPRING permitiu através dos seus módulos discriminarem e quantificar as áreas das classes de terras, declive e capacidade de uso da terra rapidamente.   UNITERMOS: classes de capacidade de uso, geoprocessamento     CASTRO, L. I. S.,  CAMPOS, S., ZIMBACK, C. R. L., SIG-SPRING APPLIED IN DETERMINATION OF THE SOIL USE CAPACITY FOR POUSO ALEGRE WATERCSHED – JAÚ (SP)     2 SUMMARY   The world population is increasingly suffering the consequences of attacks made by mankind to the environment, especially regarding the occupation and misuse of the land, which leads to soil impoverishment and depletion, affecting the water quality and its availability leading to forest reserve destruction. Therefore, there is a need to implement public policies that address economic, urban, rural, and social development of a region while preserving its natural resources for future generations. The watershed observed in this study is located between UTM coordinates 764,942 – 741,816 and 7,546,214 – 7,534,759 with an area of 14699.7ha. This study aimed to define soil use capacity classes of Pouso Alegre Watershed – Jaú (SP) using Geographic Information System – SPRING. The ability chart to soil use was developed from crossing the declivity and soil charts, which were drawn up by GIS – SPRING and the data linking was done by LEGAL – Space for Geo-processing Algebraic Language.  The results showed that the watershed is mainly composed by classes II and III and GIS-SPRING allowed through its modules discriminating and quantifying the land classes area, slope, and capability to use it quickly.   KEYWORDS: use capability clases, geoprocessing
POTENCIAL HÍDRICO FOLIAR EM MILHO SUBMETIDO AO DÉFICIT HÍDRICO
Authors: Martins Juliano Dalcin , Carlesso Reimar , Knies Alberto Eduardo , Oliveira Zanandra Boff de , Broetto Tiago , Rodrigues Geraldo José
Published: January 2015

O potencial hídrico foliar pode ser considerado como um parâmetro de indicação da condição hídrica das culturas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o potencial hídrico foliar das plantas de milho sobre déficit hídrico no estágio inicial de desenvolvimento reprodutivo. O experimento foi conduzido no interior de uma cobertura móvel “Rainout shelter”, utilizando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e quinze repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de dois manejos da água de irrigação: (i) irrigado (as plantas de milho receberam irrigação conforme suas necessidades durante todo o ciclo de desenvolvimento); (ii) déficit hídrico aplicado antes do pendoamento.   O déficit hídrico teve uma duração de aproximadamente 50 mm de ETo acumulada. A cobertura móvel foi acionada quando da ocorrência de chuvas, impedindo que esta ocorresse sobre a área experimental. Determinou-se o conteúdo de água disponível nas camadas de 0-10, 10-25, 25-55 e 55-85 cm de profundidade e variação diária do potencial hídrico das folhas de milho. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos para o potencial de água na folha. O potencial hídrico foliar em plantas de milho não apresenta variação para déficit hídrico de 50 mm de evapotranspiração de referência acumulada.   UNITERMOS: déficit hídrico, potencial hídrico foliar, milho, irrigação.     MARTINS, J. D.; CARLESSO. R.; KNIES, A. E.; OLIVEIRA, Z. B.; BROETTO, T.; RODRIGUES, G. J. LEAF WATER POTENTIAL IN MAIZE EXPOSED TO WATER DEFICIT 2 ABSTRACT   The leaf water potential can be considered as a parameter for indicating the crops water condition. This work aimed to study the maize leaf water potential on water deficit in the reproductive developmentinitial stage. The experiment was conducted within a mobile coverage "rainout shelter" using a completely randomized design with two treatments and fifteen repetitions. The treatments consisted of two water irrigation management: (i) irrigated (maize was irrigated as needed throughout the development cycle), (ii) water stress applied before tasseling. The drought lasted approximately 50 mm of accumulated reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The mobile coverage was triggered when rainfall occurred, preventing water from falling into the experimental area. Available water was determined  in layers of 0-10, 10-25, 25-55 and 55-85 cm depth and daily variation of water potential in maize leaves were also  evaluated. There were no differences between treatments for leaf water potential. The maize leaf water potential presented no change to water deficit equivalent to 50 mm of accumulated ETo.  KEYWORDS: water deficit, leaf water potential, maize, irrigation.
DOSES DE NITROGÊNIO NA PRODUÇÃO DE RABANETE FERTIRRIGADO E DETERMINAÇÃO DE CLOROFILA POR MEDIDOR PORTÁTIL NAS FOLHAS
Authors: Quadros Bárbara Rodrigues de , Silva Edvar De Sousa da , Borges Luciana Da Silva , Moreira Claudia De Araújo , Moro Adriana Lima , Bôas Roberto Lyra Villas
Published: January 2015

A determinação do teor relativo de clorofila por meio do clorofilômetro é utilizada para predizer a necessidade de adubação nitrogenada visando incrementar a produção em várias culturas.  Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a resposta de doses de nitrogênio adicionadas ao solo via fertirrigação na produção de rabanete e a relação de clorofila com o teor de nitrogênio foliar da cultivar Redondo Vermelho. O delineamento experimental foram blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (0; 30; 60; 120; 240 kg N ha-1) , cinco repetições, com dois  vasos por parcela contendo quatro plantas em cada vaso, sendo duas úteis. Foram avaliados o diâmetro transversal da raiz, área foliar, índice de cor verde, teor de N foliar, a produção da parte aérea; número de raízes comerciais e não comerciais; massa de raízes total e comercial. As doses de N não interferiram na produção do rabanete e as leituras efetuadas com medidor portátil de clorofila não são muito precisas na verificação do nível de N no desenvolvimento da planta de rabanete.  UNITERMOS: Raphanus sativus, adubação nitrogenada, clorofilômetro.     QUADROS, B.R.; SILVA, E.S.; BORGES, L.S.; MOREIRA, C.A.; MORO, A.L.; VILLAS BÔAS, R.L. NITROGEN LEVELS ON FERTIGATED RADISH PRODUCTION AND CHLOROPHYLL DETERMINATION BY LEAVES PORTABLE METER     2 ABSTRACT   The relative chlorophyll determination is used to predict the need for nitrogen fertilization aiming to increase production in various cultures.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil nitrogen dose response added to the soil via fertigation in radish production and the relation between chlorophyll  and cultivar Redondo Vermelho leaf nitrogen content. Transverse diameter of root, leaf area, green index, leaf N contents, shoots (stem)  production, number of commercial and noncommercial roots, and the total commercial mass roots were evaluated. The N doses didn’t interfere in the radish production and the readings taken with portable chlorophyll meter are not very accurate in ascertaining the level of N on radish plant growth. Keywords: Raphanus sativus, nitrogen fertilization, chlorophyll.
SELEÇÃO IN VITRO DE MAMONA PARA RESISTÊNCIA A ESTRESSE SALINO: FOCO NAS PLANTAS ESPONTÂNEAS
Authors: Almeida Lucas Aragao Hora , Sampaio Luana Santos , Santana Mateus Ribeiro , Amaral Claudio Lucio Fernandes
Published: January 2015

A seleção de gametófitos que respondem a determinados tratamentos de forma diferenciada é de grande importância em programas de melhoramento vegetal. Portanto, foi objetivo deste trabalho avaliar o efeito do estresse salino sob a taxa de viabilidade polínica em mamona (R. comunnis L.). Foram coletadas 300 flores de 60 plantas espontâneas, previamente selecionadas com base em seu aspecto fitossanitário, a partir de duas populações obtidas no município de Jequié - BA. Para seleção in vitro foram testados 5 meios de cultura com diferentes concentrações de NaCl, quais sejam: M1 = 0; M2 = 25; M3 = 50; M4= 75 e M5 = 100 (mM). Foram observadas variações na taxa de germinação dos grãos de pólen, tanto para uma, quanto para outra população. Para todas as plantas de cada uma das populações estudadas, a taxa de germinação de pólen foi maior no meio de cultura contendo 0mM de NaCl, o que significa que o sal influência esta característica. UNITERMOS - Polén, Germinação, Fator Estressante, NaCl.  IN VITRO SELECTION OF CASTOR BEAN TO SALT STRESS RESISTANCE: FOCUS ON SPONTANEOUS PLANTS  2 ABSTRACT The gametophytic selection that reacts to certain treatments in a differentiated manner is of great importance in plant breeding programs. The objective of this work was to evaluate the saline stress effect under the viability pollinic rate in castor oil plant (R. comunnis L.). Three hundred flowers of 60 spontaneous plants were collected, previously selected based on their phytosanitary aspect, from two populations obtained in the city of Jequié - BA. For in vitroselection 5 culture medium  were tested with different NaCl concentrations, which were M1 = 0; M2 = 25; M3 = 50; 75 M4= and M5 = 100 (mM). Variations were observed in the pollen grains germination rate, for both populations. All plants of each studied populations hadpollen germination rate higher in the culture medium containing 0mM of NaCl, which means that the salt influences this characteristic. KEY WORDS - Pollen, Germination, Stress Factor, NaCl
PRODUTIVIDADE E QUALIDADE DO MELÃO SUBMETIDO A DIFERENTES TIPOS DE COBERTURA DO SOLO
Authors: Braga Marcos Brandão
Published: January 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes tipos de cobertura do solo, com uso ou não de manta agrotêxtil, na produtividade e qualidade dos frutos do meloeiro. Utilizou-se a cultivar Tropical F1 no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em arranjo fatorial 6 x 2, compreendendo seis tipos de cobertura do solo plástico preto (PP), plástico dupla face preto/prata (PDF), bagaço de casca de coco (BCC), palha de capim Buffel (PCB), bagaço de cana (BC) e solo descoberto (SD) e dois usos de manta agrotêxtil (com e sem) até 23 dias após o transplantio, com três repetições. A cobertura com PCB apresentou a maior produtividade total (74,63 t/ha) e comercial (73,22 t/ha) não diferindo dos demais tratamentos, com exceção do tratamento SD. Não foi observado efeitos significativos do uso da manta agrotêxtil (TNT). O melhor desempenho, em termos de eficiência do uso da água pela cultura, foi apresentada pela PCB. Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas para teor de sólidos solúveis totais e firmeza, porém para  produção de frutos por planta há diferença entre o tratamento PCB e SD.   UNITERMOS: Cucumis melo L., temperatura do solo, pós-colheita, eficiência de uso da água.     BRAGA, M. B; RESENDE, G. M. de.; MOURA, M. S. B. M.; SOUZA, R. C. de D.; COSTA, N. D.; CALGARO, M.; CORREIA, J. S.; SILVA, F. Z. da. MELON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY UNDER DIFFERENT TYPES OF COVER SOIL     2 ABSTRACT   This work aimed to evaluate different types of soil cover (mulching), with and without utilization of white polypropylene film, and their effects on melon  production and quality, irrigated by drip irrigation. Cultivar Tropical F1 was used and the experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial arrangements (6x2). The treatments included six types of soil cover (black polyethylene and black-silvery double face polyethylene film, coconut shell, Buffelgrass straw, sugarcane bagasse and uncovered soil);  and covers with and without white polypropylene. The buffelgrass straw treatment had the highest yield per plant and per hectare; the use of it with mulching obtained the best performance in water productivity. The use of organic matter in the cover soil decreased the soil temperature and amplitude values. There was not statistical difference between the treatments for the total soluble solids and firmness, but for fruit production there was statistical difference between buffelgrass straw and uncovered soil treatments.   KEY WORDS: Cucumis melo L., yield, postharvest, soil temperature, water efficiency.
Aminocyclopyrachlor Absorption and Translocation in Three Aquatic Weeds
Authors: Israel Trevor D. , Everman Wesley J. , Richardson Robert J.
Published: January 2015

Studies were conducted to evaluate 14C-aminocyclopyrachlor absorption and translocation in alligatorweed, waterhyacinth, and waterlettuce. Alligatorweed plants were treated at the seven-node stage, waterhyacinth was treated at the five-leaf stage, and waterlettuce was treated at the eight-leaf stage. All plants were pretreated with nonlabeled aminocyclopyrachlor at 0.14 kg ai ha−1 with 1% (v/v) methylated seed oil (MSO). 14C-aminocyclopyrachlor was then applied to a protected leaf, and plants were harvested at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, and 96 h after treatment (HAT). Radioactivity was determined in the treated leaf, shoots above treated leaf, shoots below treated leaf, roots, and growing solution. Absorption was rapid in all species and reached a maximum of 73, 72, and 73% of applied radioactivity for alligatorweed, waterhyacinth, and waterlettuce, respectively. In alligatorweed at 96 HAT, 43% of absorbed carbon-14 (14C) was translocated to shoots above the treated leaf and 17% was translocated to lower shoot tissue. In waterhyacinth at 96 HAT, 56% of absorbed 14C remained in the treated leaf, whereas 14 and 13% were found in parts above and below the treated leaf, respectively. In waterlettuce at 96 HAT, 50 and 33% of absorbed radioactivity was located above the treated leaf and in the growing solution, respectively. The low recovery of aminocyclopyrachlor in alligatorweed roots and growing solution might explain regrowth potential after herbicide treatment. These results also indicate that the lack of waterlettuce control with aminocyclopyrachlor is not due to reduced absorption or translocation.
Response of Aryloxyalkanoate Dioxygenase-12 Transformed Soybean Yield Components to Postemergence 2,4-D
Authors: Robinson Andrew P. , Simpson David M. , Johnson William G.
Published: January 2015

New trait technology incorporating 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) resistance in soybean provides an alternative method to control weeds. However, the effect of postemergence treatments of 2,4-D on aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase-12 (AAD-12) soybean on injury and yield components has not been reported. Our objectives were to characterize the effect of 2,4-D (dimethylamine salt) rates (0, 1,120, and 2,240 g ae ha−1) and soybean growth stage (V5, R2, or V5 followed by R2) on AAD-12 soybean injury and yield components. Less than 3% soybean injury was observed when 2,240 g ha−1of 2,4-D was applied to R2 soybean, and less than 1% soybean injury was caused by 1,120 g ha−1of 2,4-D. Seed yield, seed mass, pod number, seed number, seed per pod, reproductive node number, pods per reproductive node, node number, and percent reproductive nodes were not affected by 2,4-D treatments when applied at the V5, R2, or the V5 followed by R2 soybean growth stage. This research demonstrates that soybean transformed with AAD-12 can tolerate foliar applications of 2,4-D at rates up to 2,240 g ha−1with no effect on soybean grain yield components.
Engineers need to embrace creativity to help fix the skills crisis
Authors: Beahan Robert
Published: January 2015

In his Institution of Engineering and Technology's Mountbatten lecture last November, former president John O'Reilly argued that creativity should be added to abilities in science, technology, engineering and maths to broaden the search for new engineers.
Introducing the UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
Authors: Beardsley Kate
Published: January 2015

The UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were first introduced 20 years ago, revised in 2007 and, following a 3-year consultation, have just appeared in a new, leaner form. David Lambert of the ICE health and safety expert panel explains what the changes mean for members.
Shear enhancement near supports in RC beams
Authors: Vollum Robert L. , Fang Libin
Published: January 2015

Shear strength is enhanced within the short shear span of reinforced concrete beams that are loaded on their upper side within a distance of around 2–2·5d of supports (where d is the beam effective depth). Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010) account for this by reducing the design shear force, unlike the previous UK code BS 8110, which increases the shear resistance provided by concrete. Eurocode 2 and MC2010 also allow shear enhancement to be modelled using strut-and-tie models. Very few test data are available to assess the comparative merits of these approaches for the design of beams with multiple point loads within 2d of supports. Consequently, 12 beams were tested to investigate the influence of loading arrangement on shear resistance. Comparisons are made between the strengths of the tested beams and the predictions of BS 8110, Eurocode 2, MC2010, strut-and-tie modelling and non-linear finite-element analysis. Significantly, the BS 8110 approach of enhancing shear resistance is found to give better strength predictions than the load reduction methods of Eurocode 2 and MC2010. Accuracy of the non-linear finite-element analysis and strut-and-tie model is broadly comparable, but the former requires calibration, unlike the latter.
Landscape fragmentation, severe drought, and the new Amazon forest fire regime
Authors: Alencar Ane A. , Brando Paulo M. , Asner Gregory P. , Putz Francis E.
Published: January 2015

Changes in weather and land use are transforming the spatial and temporal characteristics of fire regimes in Amazonia, with important effects on the functioning of dense (i.e., closed‐canopy), open‐canopy, and transitional forests across the Basin. To quantify, document, and describe the characteristics and recent changes in forest fire regimes, we sampled 6 million ha of these three representative forests of the eastern and southern edges of the Amazon using 24 years (1983–2007) of satellite‐derived annual forest fire scar maps and 16 years of monthly hot pixel information (1992–2007). Our results reveal that changes in forest fire regime properties differentially affected these three forest types in terms of area burned and fire scar size, frequency, and seasonality. During the study period, forest fires burned 15% (0.3 million ha), 44% (1 million ha), and 46% (0.6 million ha) of dense, open, and transitional forests, respectively. Total forest area burned and fire scar size tended to increase over time (even in years of average rainfall in open canopy and transitional forests). In dense forests, most of the temporal variability in fire regime properties was linked to El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐related droughts. Compared with dense forests, transitional and open forests experienced fires twice as frequently, with at least 20% of these forests' areas burning two or more times during the 24‐year study period. Open and transitional forests also experienced higher deforestation rates than dense forests. During drier years, the end of the dry season was delayed by about a month, which resulted in larger burn scars and increases in overall area burned later in the season. These observations suggest that climate‐mediated forest flammability is enhanced by landscape fragmentation caused by deforestation, as observed for open and transitional forests in the Eastern portion of the Amazon Basin.
Evaluation of Lipid Peroxidation and Oxidative DNA Damage in Patients With Periodontitis and Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Fentoğlu Özlem , Kırzıoğlu F. Yeşim , Bulut Memduha Tözüm , Kumbul Doğuç Duygu , Kulaç Esin , Önder Canan , Günhan Meral
Published: January 2015

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a lipid peroxidation marker, and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), as an oxidative DNA damage marker, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and hyperlipidemia.

Methods: A total of 74 individuals were divided into four age‐ and sex‐matched groups: 18 patients with hyperlipidemia and CP (HLp), 18 periodontally healthy patients with hyperlipidemia (HLh), 19 systemically healthy individuals with CP (Cp), and 19 systemically and periodontally healthy controls (Ch). Clinical periodontal parameters were measured, and serum lipids, MDA, and 8‐OHdG levels were assessed in blood samples.

Results: 8‐OHdG, MDA, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and percentage of sites bleeding on probing (BOP) were significantly higher in the HLp group than the Cp group. In the hyperlipidemic group, BOP was significantly correlated with total cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 8‐OHdG levels. A significant correlation between 8‐OHdG and MDA was also observed in the hyperlipidemia group.

Conclusions: In this study, serum MDA and 8‐OHdG were found to be highest in the HLp group. The increased levels of MDA and 8‐OHdG in HLp patients may be a result of a harmful oxidative status in association with hyperlipidemia and periodontitis.
Systemic Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids: An Overview
Authors: Pandya Dhruti , Puttanna Amar , Balagopal Viswanatha
Published: January 2015

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are common medications, used in respiratory medicine for controlling conditions such as asthma and other obstructive airway diseases. The systemic effects of oral corticosteroids are well known and established; inhaled steroids have been known to cause relatively minor and localized adverse effects such as oral candidiasis. However, less attention has been paid to their systemic effects. Although currently there is a paucity of prospective studies demonstrating the systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids, there are numerous retrospective studies adding evidence to this link. Inhaled corticosteroids can affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone density and growth, eyes, skin and immunity including an increased risk of pneumonia. Clinicians are recommended to aim for the lowest possible dose to avoid these systemic side effects. Fluticasone is more likely to cause systemic effects compared to budesonide. Newer ICS molecules such as ciclesonide may be more beneficial in reducing such systemic complications on prolonged use. This paper provides an updated overview of the common systemic effects encountered with ICS treatment.
First-Line Nursing Home Managers in Sweden and their Views on Leadership and Palliative Care
Authors: Håkanson Cecilia , Cronfalk Berit Seiger , Henriksen Eva , Norberg Astrid , Ternestedt Britt-Marie , Sandberg Jonas
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate first-line nursing home managers’ views on their leadership and related to that, palliative care. Previous research reveals insufficient palliation, and a number of barriers towards implementation of palliative care in nursing homes. Among those barriers are issues related to leadership quality. First-line managers play a pivotal role, as they influence working conditions and quality of care.

Nine first-line managers, from different nursing homes in Sweden participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative descriptive content analysis. In the results, two categories were identified: embracing the role of leader and being a victim of circumstances, illuminating how the first-line managers handle expectations and challenges linked to the leadership role and responsibility for palliative care. The results reveal views corresponding to committed leaders, acting upon demands and expectations, but also to leaders appearing to have resigned from the leadership role, and who express powerlessness with little possibility to influence care. The first line managers reported their own limited knowledge about palliative care to limit their possibilities of taking full leadership responsibility for implementing palliative care principles in their nursing homes.

The study stresses that for the provision of high quality palliative care in nursing homes, first-line managers need to be knowledgeable about palliative care, and they need supportive organizations with clear expectations and goals about palliative care. Future action and learning oriented research projects for the implementation of palliative care principles, in which first line managers actively participate, are suggested.
Year One Results From the Multisite Randomized Evaluation of the i3 Scale-Up of Reading Recovery
Authors: May Henry , Gray Abigail , Sirinides Philip , Goldsworthy Heather , Armijo Michael , Sam Cecile , Gillespie Jessica N. , Tognatta Namrata
Published: January 2015

Reading Recovery (RR) is a short-term, one-to-one intervention designed to help the lowest achieving readers in first grade. This article presents first-year results from the multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) and implementation study under the $55 million Investing in Innovation (i3) Scale-Up Project. For the 2011–2012 school year, the estimated standardized effect of RR on students’ Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Total Reading Scores was .69 standard deviations relative to the population of struggling readers eligible for RR under the i3 scale-up and .47 standard deviations relative to the nationwide population of all first graders. School-level implementation of RR was, in most respects, faithful to the RR Standards and Guidelines, and the intensive training provided to new RR teachers was viewed as critical to successful implementation.
Parasellar xanthogranulomas
Authors: Rahmani Redi , Sukumaran Madhav , Donaldson Angela M. , Akselrod Olga , Lavi Ehud , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

Xanthogranulomas are rare inflammatory masses most often found in the skin and eye. The incidence of intracranial xanthogranulomas is 1.6%–7%, with those found in the sellar and parasellar region being exceedingly rare and their etiology controversial. Sellar and parasellar xanthogranulomas are rarely reported in the western hemisphere, and their incidence in Western countries is unknown.

METHODS

A prospectively acquired database of all endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries performed at Weill Cornell Medical College was queried. Patients with histologically confirmed xanthogranulomas who were diagnosed and treated between 2003 and 2013 were included in the study. Patient history, demographic data, histological findings, and surgical approach were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 643 endonasal endoscopic procedures had been performed at the time of this study. Four patients (0.6%) were identified as having a histologically confirmed xanthogranuloma of the parasellar region, compared with an incidence of 6.7% for craniopharyngioma (CP) and 2% for Rathke cleft cyst (RCC). The most common symptom was visual loss, followed by headache. Preoperative diagnosis was CP in all cases. All patients underwent extended endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with gross-total resection. Two patients developed panhypopituitarism after surgery. There were no CSF leaks. The mean follow-up was 61 months, at which time there were no recurrences. The key histological features differentiating xanthogranulomas from CPs were accumulation of foamy macrophages, multinucleated foreign body giant cells, cholesterol clefts, and hemosiderin deposits without stratified squamous epithelium. These histological features appear commonly as part of the spectrum of a secondary inflammatory response in an RCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Parasellar xanthogranulomas most closely approximate CPs clinically but pathological evidence may suggest an RCC origin. Gross-total resection can be achieved through extended endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches, and is curative.
Antioxidant Approaches to Management of Ionizing Irradiation Injury
Authors: Greenberger Joel , Kagan Valerian , Bayir Hulya , Wipf Peter , Epperly Michael
Published: January 2015

Ionizing irradiation induces acute and chronic injury to tissues and organs. Applications of antioxidant therapies for the management of ionizing irradiation injury fall into three categories: (1) radiation counter measures against total or partial body irradiation; (2) normal tissue protection against acute organ specific ionizing irradiation injury; and (3) prevention of chronic/late radiation tissue and organ injury. The development of antioxidant therapies to ameliorate ionizing irradiation injury began with initial studies on gene therapy using Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) transgene approaches and evolved into applications of small molecule radiation protectors and mitigators. The understanding of the multiple steps in ionizing radiation-induced cellular, tissue, and organ injury, as well as total body effects is required to optimize the use of antioxidant therapies, and to sequence such approaches with targeted therapies for the multiple steps in the irradiation damage response.
Building to Net Zero in the Developing World
Authors: Hoque Simi , Iqbal Nabila
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the design of a zero energy home in Panama. The standards for zero site energy as well as other performance factors are used as the basis for the analysis. A description of the construction type, energy use, active and renewable systems, and other features of this particular zero energy building are provided to facilitate a better understanding of efficient and sustainable residential design for hot-humid climates. This understanding is critical to facilitating net zero energy building development in developing regions of the world.
Exposure to Mercury and Aluminum in Early Life: Developmental Vulnerability as a Modifying Factor in Neurologic and Immunologic Effects
Authors: Dórea José
Published: January 2015

Currently, ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al are the dominating interventional exposures encountered by fetuses, newborns, and infants due to immunization with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs). Despite their long use as active agents of medicines and fungicides, the safety levels of these substances have never been determined, either for animals or for adult humans—much less for fetuses, newborns, infants, and children. I reviewed the literature for papers reporting on outcomes associated with (a) multiple exposures and metabolism of EtHg and Al during early life; (b) physiological and metabolic characteristics of newborns, neonates, and infants relevant to xenobiotic exposure and effects; (c) neurobehavioral, immunological, and inflammatory reactions to Thimerosal and Al-adjuvants resulting from TCV exposure in infancy. Immunological and neurobehavioral effects of Thimerosal-EtHg and Al-adjuvants are not extraordinary; rather, these effects are easily detected in high and low income countries, with co-exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) or other neurotoxicants. Rigorous and replicable studies (in different animal species) have shown evidence of EtHg and Al toxicities. More research attention has been given to EtHg and findings have showed a solid link with neurotoxic effects in humans; however, the potential synergic effect of both toxic agents has not been properly studied. Therefore, early life exposure to both EtHg and Al deserves due consideration.
An Innovative Approach to Addressing Childhood Obesity: A Knowledge-Based Infrastructure for Supporting Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Decision-Making in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Addy Nii , Shaban-Nejad Arash , Buckeridge David , Dubé Laurette
Published: January 2015

Multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) have become a widespread means for deploying policies in a whole of society strategy to address the complex problem of childhood obesity. However, decision-making in MSPs is fraught with challenges, as decision-makers are faced with complexity, and have to reconcile disparate conceptualizations of knowledge across multiple sectors with diverse sets of indicators and data. These challenges can be addressed by supporting MSPs with innovative tools for obtaining, organizing and using data to inform decision-making. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the development of a knowledge-based infrastructure to support MSP decision-making processes. The paper emerged from a study to define specifications for a knowledge-based infrastructure to provide decision support for community-level MSPs in the Canadian province of Quebec. As part of the study, a process assessment was conducted to understand the needs of communities as they collect, organize, and analyze data to make decisions about their priorities. The result of this process is a “portrait”, which is an epidemiological profile of health and nutrition in their community. Portraits inform strategic planning and development of interventions, and are used to assess the impact of interventions. Our key findings indicate ambiguities and disagreement among MSP decision-makers regarding causal relationships between actions and outcomes, and the relevant data needed for making decisions. MSP decision-makers expressed a desire for easy-to-use tools that facilitate the collection, organization, synthesis, and analysis of data, to enable decision-making in a timely manner. Findings inform conceptual modeling and ontological analysis to capture the domain knowledge and specify relationships between actions and outcomes. This modeling and analysis provide the foundation for an ontology, encoded using OWL 2 Web Ontology Language. The ontology is developed to provide semantic support for the MSP process, defining objectives, strategies, actions, indicators, and data sources. In the future, software interacting with the ontology can facilitate interactive browsing by decision-makers in the MSP in the form of concepts, instances, relationships, and axioms. Our ontology also facilitates the integration and interpretation of community data, and can help in managing semantic interoperability between different knowledge sources. Future work will focus on defining specifications for the development of a database of indicators and an information system to help decision-makers to view, analyze and organize indicators for their community. This work should improve MSP decision-making in the development of interventions to address childhood obesity.
The Comparative Validity and Reproducibility of a Diet Quality Index for Adults: The Australian Recommended Food Score
Authors: Collins Clare , Burrows Tracy , Rollo Megan , Boggess May , Watson Jane , Guest Maya , Duncanson Kerith , Pezdirc Kristine , Hutchesson Melinda
Published: January 2015

Adult diet quality indices are shown to predict nutritional adequacy of dietary intake as well as all-cause morbidity and mortality. This study describes the reproducibility and validity of a food-based diet quality index, the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). ARFS was developed to reflect alignment with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and is modelled on the US Recommended Food Score. Dietary intakes of 96 adult participants (31 male, 65 female) age 30 to 75 years were assessed in two rounds, five months apart. Diet was assessed using a 120-question semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The ARFS diet quality index was derived using a subset of 70 items from the full FFQ. Reproducibility of the ARFS between round one and round two was confirmed by the overall intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83, 0.90), which compared favourably to that for the FFQ at 0.85 (95% CI 0.80, 0.89). ARFS was correlated with FFQ nutrient intakes, particularly fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C (0.53, 95% CI 0.37–0.67), and with mineral intakes, particularly calcium, magnesium and potassium (0.32, 95% CI 0.23–0.40). ARFS is a suitable brief tool to evaluate diet quality in adults and reliably estimates a range of nutrient intakes.