bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Parent’s Guide to Support Technologies for Preschool Students with Disabilities
Authors: Casey Laura Baylot , Williamson Robert L.
Published: August 2013

Parents encounter many challenges when facing the need to raise and support a child with a disability. Many find technology to be of assistance, first turning to the Internet as a source of information and later turning to assistive technologies to directly support the needs of their child. This chapter outlines the multiple uses of technology related to the raising and support of young children with disabilities. The information provided serves to give an overview perspective while simultaneously providing actual specifics related to technology that can be useful to parents throughout the journey of raising a child with special needs.
Enabling Context Aware Services in the Area of AAC
Authors: Lun Lau Sian , David Klaus
Published: August 2013

Technology can be used to assist people with disabilities in their daily activities. Especially when the users have communication deficiencies, suitable technology and tools can assuage such needs. We envision that context awareness is a potential method suitable to provide services and solutions in the area of Assistive and Augmentative Communication (AAC). In this chapter, the authors give an introduction to context awareness and the state of the art. This is followed with the elaboration on how context awareness can be used in AAC. The Context Aware Remote Monitoring Assistant (CARMA) is presented as an application designed for a care assistant and his patient. A demonstration of a context aware component implemented in the CARMA application is shown in this chapter. An experiment that investigates movement recognition using an accelerometer in a smartphone and the obtained results are presented. This chapter ends with a discussion on challenges, future work and the conclusion.
Assistive Technologies and Environmental Design Concepts for Blended Learning and Teaching for Disabilities within 3D Virtual Worlds and Learning Environments
Authors: Saleeb Noha , Dafoulas Georgios A.
Published: August 2013

3D Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLEs) are increasingly becoming prominent supporters of blended learning for all kinds of students including adult learners with or without disabilities. Due to the evidenced effect of architectural design of physical learning spaces on students’ learning and current lack of design codes for creating 3D virtual buildings, this case study aims at evaluating the suitability of the architectural design elements of existing educational facilities and learning spaces within 3D VLEs specifically for delivering blended e-learning for adult students with disabilities. This comprises capturing student contentment and satisfaction levels from different design elements of the 3D virtual spaces in an attempt to issue recommendations for the development of 3D educational facilities and hence initiate a framework for architectural design of 3D virtual spaces to augment accessibility, appeal and engagement for enhancing the e-learning experience of under-graduate, post-graduate and independent-study adult learners with disabilities within these virtual worlds.
Facial Muscle Activity Patterns for Recognition of Utterances in Native and Foreign Language
Authors: Arjunan Sridhar , Kumar Dinesh Kant , Weghorn Hans , Naik Ganesh
Published: August 2013

The need for developing reliable and flexible human computer interface is increased and applications of HCI have been in each and every field. Human factors play an important role in these kinds of interfaces. Research and development of new human computer interaction (HCI) techniques that enhance the flexibility and reliability for the user are important. Research on new methods of computer control has focused on three types of body functions: speech, bioelectrical activity, and use of mechanical sensors. Speech operated systems have the advantage that these provide the user with flexibility. Such systems have the potential for making computer control effortless and natural. This chapter summarizes research conducted to investigate the use of facial muscle activity for a reliable interface to identify voiceless speech based commands without any audio signals. System performance and reliability have been tested to study inter-subject and inter-day variations and impact of the native language of the speaker. The experimental results indicate that such a system has high degree of inter-subject and inter-day variations. The results also indicate that the variations of the style of speaking in the native language are low but are high when the speaker speaks in a foreign language. The results also indicate that such a system is suitable for a very small vocabulary. The authors suggest that facial sEMG based speech recognition systems may only find limited applications.
Fuzzy Linguistic Modelling in Multi Modal Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Huseyinov Ilham N.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to explore fuzzy logic based methodology for computing an adaptive interface in an environment of imperfect, vague, multimodal, complex nonlinear hyper information space. To this end, based on fuzzy linguistic modelling and fuzzy multi level granulation an adaptation strategy to cognitive/learning styles is presented. The granulated fuzzy if-then rules are utilized to adaptively map cognitive/learning styles of users to their information navigation and presentation preferences through natural language expressions. The important implications of this approach are that, first, uncertain and vague information is handled; second, a mechanism for approximate adaptation at a variety of granulation levels is provided; third, a qualitative linguistic model of adaptation is presented. The proposed approach is close to human reasoning and thereby lowers the cost of solution, and facilitates the design of human computer interaction systems with high level intelligence capability.
A Review of Current Approaches of Brain Computer Interfaces
Authors: Yu Lochi , Ureña Cristian
Published: August 2013

Since the first recordings of brain electrical activity more than 100 years ago remarkable contributions have been done to understand the brain functionality and its interaction with environment. Regardless of the nature of the brain-computer interface BCI, a world of opportunities and possibilities has been opened not only for people with severe disabilities but also for those who are pursuing innovative human interfaces. Deeper understanding of the EEG signals along with refined technologies for its recording is helping to improve the performance of EEG based BCIs. Better processing and features extraction methods, like Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Wavelet Transform (WT) respectively, are giving promising results that need to be explored. Different types of classifiers and combination of them have been used on EEG BCIs. Linear, neural and nonlinear Bayesian have been the most used classifiers providing accuracies ranges between 60% and 90%. Some demand more computational resources like Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifiers but give good generality. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) classifiers provide poor generality but low computational resources, making them optimal for some real time BCIs. Better classifiers must be developed to tackle the large patterns variability across different subjects by using every available resource, method or technology.
Brain-Machine Interface Using Brain Surface Electrodes
Authors: Hirata Masayuki , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Matsushita Kojiro , Sugata Hisato , Kamitani Yukiyasu , Suzuki Takafumi , Yokoi Hiroshi , Goto Tetsu , Shayne Morris , Saitoh Youichi , Kishima Haruhiko , Kawato Mitsuo , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: August 2013

The brain-machine interface (BMI) enables us to control machines and to communicate with others, not with the use of input devices, but through the direct use of brain signals. This chapter describes the integrative approach the authors used to develop a BMI system with brain surface electrodes for real-time robotic arm control in severely disabled people, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. This integrative BMI approach includes effective brain signal recording, accurate neural decoding, robust robotic control, a wireless and fully implantable device, and a noninvasive evaluation of surgical indications.
New Communication Technologies for Inclusive Education in and outside the Classroom
Authors: Iglesias Ana , Ruiz-Mezcua Belén , López Juan Francisco , Figueroa Diego Carrero
Published: August 2013

This chapter explores new communication technologies and methods for avoiding accessibility and communication barriers in the educational environment. It is focused on providing real-time captions so students with hearing disabilities and foreign students, among others, could participate in an inclusive way in and outside the classroom. The inclusive proposals are based on the APEINTA educational project, which aims for accessible education for all. The research work proposes the use of mobile devices for teacher and students in order to provide more flexibility using the APEINTA real-time captioning service. This allows using this service from anywhere and at anytime, not only in the classroom.
Trust Management and Delegation for the Administration of Web Services
Authors: Tomaiuolo Michele
Published: August 2013

The availability and adoption of open protocols allow applications to integrate Web services offered by different providers. Moreover, simple services can be dynamically composed to accomplish more complex tasks. This implies the delegation of both tasks and permissions. In fact, delegation is intertwined with some notion of risk, on the one hand, and trust, on the other hand. Well founded socio-cognitive models of trust may orient managers and system administrators to delegate tasks and goals to the most trusted entities, after conscious evaluation of risks and gains associated with the decision. This chapter presents different mechanisms and models that have been proposed for establishing secure delegations in open environments. They include Role-Based Access Control, Trust Management, and Federated Identity. Complex frameworks and live systems have been realized according to these models. However, their administration remain a challenging task. Ongoing research works in various fields, such as Automated Trust Negotiation, promise to simplify the practical realization and configuration of delegation-based systems.
Redressing Violations of Privacy
Authors: Portela Irene Maria
Published: August 2013

The chapter discusses the role of CNPD (Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados) in case of violation of privacy, like dissemination or revelation of personal data by a public/private organization or entity. About this subject, the CNPD can issue a recommendation to the Portuguese Treasury to take some measures to strictly protect the security of the personal information using the Portuguese “E-Invoice.” Portuguese people must be protected against the misuse of personal data by the use of the “E-Invoice.” A Security System Administrator continuously monitors the network and all data traffic to prevent any misuse or abuse of the system. A prerequisite for trust and acceptance of these information systems is that appropriate data protection measures are implemented against possible misuse of personal data decreasing the risks in its utilization. Protective measures should be taken by the Treasury referring additional procedures against the misuse of data because the administrative control system is inefficient regarding unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse of localization data or loss, modification, and appropriation of information linked with the use of the Portuguese “E-Invoice.”
Cloud Computing
Authors: Juiz Carlos , Alexander de Pous Victor
Published: August 2013

Cloud computing evolved as a key delivery model for Information Technology (IT) and data provision for both the private and public sectors. Addressing its governance, legal, and public policy aspects is a condition sine qua non for successful deployment, whether done by the in-house IT department or outsourced. Stakeholders ask for new applications that consumerization is providing. Therefore, IT governance should be adapted to consider this new business pressure. However, the law plays a double role in respect to cloud computing; it functions as a legal framework set by mandatory regulations and as a contractual instrument to manage the cloud technology and information provisioning in an effective way, based on the strategic objectives of any organization. This chapter is devoted to where IT governance frameworks should consider the decisions about specific cloud computing compliance, how to measure them through several indicators, and which are their general legal and public policy aspects.
Information Security and Information Assurance
Authors: Cherdantseva Yulia , Hilton Jeremy
Published: August 2013

Despite great interest of researchers and professionals in Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA), there is still no commonly agreed understanding of the disciplines. This chapter clarifies the meaning, scope, and goals of InfoSec and IA as well as the relationship between the disciplines. Clarity of the scope and goals of InfoSec and IA is important because this knowledge serves as a foundation for the definition of (1) curricula for the InfoSec and IA education programs, (2) responsibilities of practitioners, and (3) organisations' InfoSec strategy and policies. The study analyses US and European InfoSec- and IA-related official publications and standards and discusses the perception of the disciplines in academic and industry works. The study highlights the importance of clear and precise definitions of InfoSec and IA and a need for the definitions to promote open-mindedness among practitioners and researchers. Since the existing definitions of InfoSec and IA do not fully reflect the complexity and the evolving nature of the disciplines, the contemporary adapted definitions of InfoSec and IA are elaborated in the chapter.
The Role of Security Culture
Authors: Malcolmson Jo
Published: August 2013

This chapter provides a discussion of the importance of the wider organisational context that the network administrator needs to deal with by describing how the organisational culture can impact on the degree to which security can be successfully maintained. It starts with an acknowledgement of the general clusters of factors that affect security (technology, processes, organisational, and human), and focuses on the human element within these. The types of risk that arise from humans in the system are described, such as motivation, ability, awareness (and lack of awareness). Errors and purposeful violations are compared, and individual, organisational, and latent risk factors explained. The chapter’s key focus is the role of organisational culture. A general description of culture and its application in organisations leads into a discussion of security culture. A comparison is made between safety and security culture. Similarities are listed as the impacts of regulatory influence, reputational damage, having multiple causes, and the fact both are often driven by adverse events. Differences are examined. For example, the victim of a poor safety culture is often the perpetrator, whereas this is less often true in security violations. Intrinsic motivation and the impact of certain systems designs are further differences. Gaps in security culture research are noted as a lack of an accepted practical definition, a lack of an accepted way of measuring security culture that can be used outside narrow domains, research into engendering and enhancing security culture is narrowly focused on specific aspects of culture, and a lack of research relating security culture to organisational performance. A project to address some of these gaps by defining and measuring security culture is described. Qualitative and quantitative research was used to develop a questionnaire consisting of seven scales and fourteen sub-scales, each measuring a reliable and distinct factor. The content of these factors is noted, and a case study of the questionnaire’s application to facilitate the development of security culture is outlined. Two key benefits result from the use of the questionnaire: diagnosis of aspects of security culture that may need improvement and benchmarking within (and between) organisations.
The 2011 Survey of Information Security and Information Assurance Professionals
Authors: Cherdantseva Yulia , Hilton Jeremy
Published: August 2013

Information Assurance (IA) is an intensively discussed discipline. Perhaps the most striking feature of IA is that everyone has a different opinion about what it actually is. The literature analysis enables us to distinguish three different approaches to Information Assurance: 1) Technical approach, concentrated on protection of networks; 2) Business approach, where IA is perceived as the comprehensive and systematic management of Information Security (InfoSec); 3) General approach, where IA is considered as a way to establish a level of confidence in information. Interviews with InfoSec practitioners reveal that they interpret the term IA differently and have contradictory views on how IA relates to InfoSec. It was felt that a survey with a greater number of practitioners might help to identify a commonly accepted perception of IA and to clarify the goals of the discipline. In 2011, a survey was conducted among one hundred InfoSec and IA professionals across the world. This chapter presents the results of the survey.
Evidence Based Strategic Human Capital Management
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipak Kumar
Published: August 2013

The concept of human capital considers people as the most important asset for the growth and sustainability of the organization. Investment in people in the form of training and development, improvement of the quality of work life, support of work life balance, general health improvement, among others, improve the asset value of people. The renewed focus on human resources, naming it as human capital, is a major transition from control to commitment approach, as asset percepts legitimize investment on people for incremental benefits in terms of performance and productivity, which can strengthen the organizations. This study explores the legitimacy of strategic human capital management (HCM), first in the context of theoretical support, through relevant literature review, and then examines it in the context of organizational practices. A large steel manufacturing unit of one public sector enterprise in India (i.e., Durgapur Steel Plant [DSP]) with more than a half-century of existence and a track record of growth has been selected for this purpose. The study tries to understand the degree of fit of strategic HCM practices of the sample organization, and assesses whether such practices really contribute to their sustenance and growth over the last 50 years.
Human Resources Development Practices and Employees’ Job Satisfaction
Authors: Long Choi Sang , Xuan Sia Shi
Published: August 2013

This chapter introduces the relationship between human resource development (HRD) practices and employees’ job satisfaction. Employees’ job satisfactions have gained tremendous attentions from scholars in organizational study and special focus are given into searching the answer to understand why some people are more satisfied with their jobs than others. In this chapter, the definition and importance of job satisfaction is first discussed followed by exploring HRD theories and models through relevant literature review. Lastly, the relationship between job satisfaction and the four elements of human resource development: i) Training and development; ii) Organization development; iii) Career development; and iv) Performance management are discussed and developing of a conceptual framework.
Measuring Inter-Organizational Knowledge Flows
Authors: Giuliani Marco
Published: August 2013

This chapter develops the discussions about knowledge measurements in an inter-organizational context. More in depths, the role of knowledge measurements is investigated not regarding a single organization but within a Joint Venture (JV) development process. The main findings of this study are the following. First, it emerges that a JV can be a value-conversion device, i.e. a way of transforming knowledge into financial capital in a visible way. Second, within a JV development process, knowledge measurements assume different purposes and arise different accounting challenges in dependence of the phase in which the JV is (find, design or manage). Moreover, it emerges that the implementation of specific indicators allows better controlling of the knowledge inflows and outflows.
Business Research and New Technologies
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: August 2013

The development and exploitation of new scientific and technological knowhow is a prime engine of economic growth. Different innovation systems have developed different approaches to this problem and have built upon varying combinations of public and private support for Research and Development (R&D) over time. In this context, inclusive approach to research and new technology intermediaries play an important brokering and entrepreneurial role. This chapter aims to understand the inclusive approach to business research, review new technologies, and their applicability to business research. The study responds to the need to gain a better understanding of possible ways to strengthen the capacity of business research to generate value and thereby bridge the gap between theory and practice. The discussion presented in this chapter offers a number of useful lessons for the development of new inclusive policy instruments to benefit the field of research in general and business research in particular.
Hepatitis C Virus–Infected Cells Downregulate NKp30 and Inhibit Ex Vivo NK Cell Functions
Authors: Holder Kayla A. , Stapleton Staci N. , Gallant Maureen E. , Russell Rodney S. , Grant Michael D.
Published: August 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) successfully evades the immune system and establishes chronic infection in ∼80% of cases. Immune evasion may involve modulating NK cell functions. Therefore, we developed a short-term assay to assess immediate effects of HCV-infected cells on ex vivo NK cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Natural cytotoxicity, Ab-dependent cell–mediated cytotoxicity, IFN-γ production, and TNF-α production were all significantly inhibited by short-term direct exposure to HCV-infected hepatoma–derived Huh-7.5 cells. Inhibition required cell-to-cell contact and increased together with multiplicity of infection and HCV protein levels. Blocking potential interaction between HCV E2 and NK CD81 did not abrogate NK cell inhibition mediated by HCV-infected cells. We observed no change in expression levels of NKG2D, NKG2A, NKp46, or CD16 on NK cells exposed to HCV-infected Huh-7.5 cells for 5 h or of human histocompatibility-linked leukocyte Ag E on HCV-infected compared with uninfected Huh-7.5 cells. Inhibition of ex vivo NK functions did correspond with reduced surface expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30, and downregulation of NKp30 was functionally reflected in reduced anti-NKp30 redirected lysis of P815 cells. Infection of Huh-7.5 cells with HCV JFH1T increased surface binding of an NKp30-IgG1 Fcγ fusion protein, suggesting upregulation of an antagonistic NKp30 ligand on HCV-infected cells. Our assay demonstrates rapid inhibition of critical NK cell functions by HCV-infected cells. Similar localized effects in vivo may contribute to establishment of chronic HCV infection and associated phenotypic and functional changes in the NK population.
Cutting Edge: Ly49C/I− Neonatal NK Cells Predispose Newborns to Autoimmune Ovarian Disease Induced by Maternal Autoantibody
Authors: Rival Claudia , Samy Eileen , Setiady Yulius , Tung Kenneth
Published: August 2013

NK cells are critical in immune responses against pathogens. However, their role in autoimmunity is still controversial. In this study, we demonstrate that neonatal NK cells render newborns more susceptible to neonatal autoimmunity induced by maternal autoantibodies (neonatal autoimmune ovarian disease); thus, neonatal but not adult NK cells are pathogenic after transfer into NK cell–deficient pups. The inhibitory receptors Ly49C/I are expressed in ∼5% of neonatal and ∼50% of adult NK cells. In this study, we show that the presence of Ly49C/I+ adult NK cells inhibits neonatal autoimmune ovarian disease induction. Thus, the ontogenetic regulation of Ly49C/I expression determines the propensity to autoantibody-induced autoimmunity. In summary, this study provides definitive evidence of a pathogenic role of NK cells in neonatal autoimmunity and also elucidates a novel mechanism by which neonatal NK cells render newborns more susceptible to autoantibody-induced autoimmunity.
Movement disorders among adult neurological outpatients evaluated over 20 years in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Del Brutto Victor J.
Published: August 2013

There is little information available on the evolutive pattern of patients with movement disorders in developing countries. We analyzed 579 consecutive adults with movement disorders and prospectively evaluated them at our institution (Department of Neurological Sciences, Kennedy Clinic, Guayaquil, Ecuador) from 1990 to 2009. Mean age was 62.9±17.5 years, and 50.8% were men. Patients presented with tremor/rigidity (55%), involuntary movements (23.5%) and abnormalities of stance and gait (21.5%). Overall, 45% of our patients had degenerative disorders of the nervous system. We found significant increases in the relative prevalence of tremor/rigidity and abnormalities of stance and gait, and this reflected an increase in the number of patients with degenerative diseases over the study years. We found a dynamic pattern of movement disorders over the years. Today, causes and relative prevalence of these conditions in our population is more similar to that reported from the developed world than it was 20 years ago.
Die Hervormde Kerk: Soekend na ’n weg tussen ekklesiologiese verstarring en innovasie sonder tradisie
Authors: Van Wyk Ignatius W.C.
Published: August 2013

The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa: Searching for a road between ecclesiological petrifaction and innovation without tradition. This article is a critical contribution to the discourse in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa on ecclesiology. In preparation for the next synod meeting in September 2013, the church is confronted by many discussion papers. This article is a plea to return to the basic ecclesiological perspectives of the Early Church and the Reformation. Where this is not done, unbiblical ideas creep into the church. Concentration falls on eschatological character, catholicity, the offices and the calling of the church. Continued attention is given to the notion ‘people’s church’.
Progress toward Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Transmission in Oman: Impact of Hepatitis B Vaccination
Authors: Al Awaidy Salah Thabit , Bawikar Shyam Pandurang , Al Busaidy Suleiman Salim , Al Mahrouqi Salim , Al Baqlani Said , Al Obaidani Idris , Alexander James , Patel Minal K.
Published: August 2013

Approximately 2–7% of the Omani population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To decrease this burden, universal childhood hepatitis B vaccination was introduced in Oman in 1990. The hepatitis B vaccination strategy and reported coverage were reviewed. To assess the impact of the program on chronic HBV seroprevalence, a nationally representative seroprevalence study was conducted in Oman in 2005. Since 1991, hepatitis B vaccination in Oman has reached almost every eligible child, with reported coverage of ≥ 97% for the birth dose and ≥ 94% for three doses. Of 175 children born pre-vaccine introduction, 16 (9.1%) had evidence of HBV exposure, and 4 (2.3%) had evidence of chronic infection. Of 1,890 children born after vaccine introduction, 43 (2.3%) had evidence of HBV exposure, and 10 (0.5%) had evidence of chronic infection. Oman has a strong infant hepatitis B vaccination program, resulting in a dramatic decrease in chronic HBV seroprevalence.
Gongylonema pulchrum Infection in a Resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, Verified by Genetic Analysis
Authors: Allen Jonathan D. , Esquela-Kerscher Aurora
Published: August 2013

We describe the thirteenth reported case of human infection with Gongylonema spp. in the United States and the first to be confirmed as Gongylonema pulchrum. The parasite described was isolated from the oral cavity of a resident of Williamsburg, Virginia. The identity of the parasite was verified through morphological and genetic approaches, and provided the first genetic confirmation of a Gongylonema sp. in humans.
Field Experiment Tests for Discrimination against Hispanics in the U.S. Rental Housing Market
Authors: Hanson Andrew , Santas Michael
Published: August 2013

This article tests for discrimination against Hispanics in the U.S. rental housing market using e‐mail correspondence with landlords advertising units online. We divide Hispanics into two groups: those that appear assimilated into American culture and recent immigrants. We find little difference in the treatment of assimilated Hispanics and whites; however, Hispanics we portray as recent immigrants receive less favorable treatment with margins of net discrimination as large as 6.89% of landlords. We also find discrimination varies significantly at the region level and by the ethnic composition of neighborhoods.
Combined assimilation of IASI and MLS observations to constrain tropospheric and stratospheric ozone in a global chemical transport model
Authors: Emili E. , Barret B. , Massart S. , Le Flochmoen E. , Piacentini A. , El Amraoui L. , Pannekoucke O. , Cariolle D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Accurate and temporally resolved fields of free-troposphere ozone are of major importance to quantify the intercontinental transport of pollution and the ozone radiative forcing. In this study we examine the impact of assimilating ozone observations from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) in a global chemical transport model (MOdèle de Chimie Atmosphérique à Grande Échelle, MOCAGE). The assimilation of the two instruments is performed by means of a variational algorithm (4-D-VAR) and allows to constrain stratospheric and tropospheric ozone simultaneously. The analysis is first computed for the months of August and November 2008 and validated against ozone-sondes measurements to verify the presence of observations and model biases. It is found that the IASI Tropospheric Ozone Column (TOC, 1000–225 hPa) should be bias-corrected prior to assimilation and MLS lowermost level (215 hPa) excluded from the analysis. Furthermore, a longer analysis of 6 months (July–August 2008) showed that the combined assimilation of MLS and IASI is able to globally reduce the uncertainty (Root Mean Square Error, RMSE) of the modeled ozone columns from 30% to 15% in the Upper-Troposphere/Lower-Stratosphere (UTLS, 70–225 hPa) and from 25% to 20% in the free troposphere. The positive effect of assimilating IASI tropospheric observations is very significant at low latitudes (30° S–30° N), whereas it is not demonstrated at higher latitudes. Results are confirmed by a comparison with additional ozone datasets like the Measurements of OZone and wAter vapour by aIrbus in-service airCraft (MOZAIC) data, the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) total ozone columns and several high-altitude surface measurements. Finally, the analysis is found to be little sensitive to the assimilation parameters and the model chemical scheme, due to the high frequency of satellite observations compared to the average life-time of free-troposphere/low-stratosphere ozone.
Source, transport and impacts of a heavy dust event in the Yangtze River Delta, China in 2011
Authors: Fu X. , Wang S. X. , Cheng Z. , Xing J. , Zhao B. , Wang J. D. , Hao J. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. During 1 to 6 May 2011, a dust event was observed in the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD). The highest PM10 concentration reached over 1000 μg m−3 and the visibility was below 3 km. In this study, the Community Multi-scale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ5.0) coupled with an in-line windblown dust model was used to simulate the formation, spatial and temporal characteristics of this dust event, and analyze its impacts on deposition and photochemistry. The threshold friction velocity for loose smooth surface in the dust model was revised based on Chinese data to improve the model performance. The comparison between predictions and observations indicates the revised model can reproduce the transport and pollution of the event. The simulation results show that the dust event was affected by formation and transport of Mongolian cyclone and cold air. Totally about 695 kt dust particles (PM10) were emitted in Xinjiang Province and Mongolia during 28 to 30 April, the dust band swept northern, eastern China and then arrived in the YRD region on 1 May 2011. The transported dust particles increased the mean surface layer concentrations of PM10 in the YRD region by 372% during 1 to 6 May and the impacts weakened from north to south due to the removal of dust particles along the path. Accompanied by high PM concentration, the dry deposition, wet deposition and total deposition of PM10 in the YRD reached 184.7 kt, 172.6 kt and 357.32 kt, respectively. These deposited particles are very harmful because of their impacts on urban environment as well as air quality and human health when resuspending in the atmosphere. Due to the impacts of mineral dust on atmospheric photolysis, the concentrations of O3 and OH were reduced by 1.5% and 3.1% in the whole China, and by 9.4% and 12.1% in the YRD region, respectively. The work of this manuscript is meaningful for understanding the dust emissions in China as well as for the application of CMAQ in Asia. It is also helpful to understand the formation mechanism and impacts of dust pollution in the YRD.
Enhancement of aerosol characterization using synergy of lidar and sun-photometer coincident observations: the GARRLiC algorithm
Authors: Lopatin A. , Dubovik O. , Chaikovsky A. , Goloub P. , Lapyonok T. , Tanré D. , Litvinov P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This paper presents the GARRLiC algorithm (Generalized Aerosol Retrieval from Radiometer and Lidar Combined data) that simultaneously inverts coincident lidar and radiometer observations and derives a united set of aerosol parameters. Such synergetic retrieval results in additional enhancements in derived aerosol properties because the back-scattering observations by lidar improve sensitivity to the columnar properties of aerosol, while radiometric observations provide sufficient constraints on aerosol amount and type that are generally missing in lidar signals. GARRLiC is based on the AERONET algorithm, improved to invert combined observations by radiometer and multi-wavelength elastic lidar observations. The algorithm is set to derive not only the vertical profile of total aerosol concentration but it also differentiates between the contributions of fine and coarse modes of aerosol. The detailed microphysical properties are assumed height independent and different for each mode and derived as a part of the retrieval. The GARRLiC inversion retrieves vertical distribution of both fine and coarse aerosol concentrations as well as the size distribution and complex refractive index for each mode. The potential and limitations of the method are demonstrated by the series of sensitivity tests. The effects of presence of lidar data and random noise on aerosol retrievals are studied. Limited sensitivity to the properties of the fine mode as well as dependence of retrieval accuracy on the aerosol optical thickness were found. The practical outcome of the approach is illustrated by applications of the algorithm to the real lidar and radiometer observations obtained over Minsk AERONET site.
Modelling global-scale climate impacts of the late Miocene Messinian Salinity Crisis
Authors: Ivanovic R. F. , Valdes P. J. , Flecker R. , Gutjahr M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Late Miocene tectonic changes in Mediterranean–Atlantic connectivity and climatic changes caused Mediterranean salinity to fluctuate dramatically, including a ten-fold increase and near-freshening. Recent proxy- and model-based evidence suggests that at times during this Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC, 5.96–5.33 Ma), highly-saline and highly-fresh Mediterranean water flowed into the North Atlantic Ocean, whilst at others, no Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) reached the Atlantic. By running extreme, sensitivity-type experiments with a fully-coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model, we investigate the potential of these various MSC MOW scenarios to impact global-scale climate. The simulations suggest that MOW had a greater influence on North Atlantic Ocean circulation and climate than it does today. We also find that depending on the presence, strength and salinity of MOW, the MSC could have been capable of cooling mid-high northern latitudes by more than 1.2 °C, with the greatest cooling taking place in the Labrador, Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian and Barents Seas. With hypersaline-MOW, a component of North Atlantic Deep Water formation shifts to the Mediterranean, strengthening the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) south of 35° N by 3–7 Sv. With hyposaline-MOW, AMOC completely shuts down, inducing a bipolar climate anomaly with strong cooling in the North (up to −10.5 °C) and weaker warming in the South (up to +2.5 °C). These simulations identify key target regions and climate variables for future proxy-reconstructions to provide the best and most robust test cases for (a) assessing Messinian model performance, (b) evaluating Mediterranean–Atlantic connectivity during the MSC and (c) establishing whether or not the MSC could ever have affected global-scale climate.
Spectral analysis for wide energy channels
Authors: Kronberg E. A. , Daly P. W.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. For energetic particle measurements whose spectra follow a power law, it is often challenging to define a characteristic ("effective") energy of an energy channel. In order to avoid time-consuming calculations, the geometric mean is often used as an approximation for the effective energy. This approximation is considered to be pretty good. It is, however, potentially inadequate in cases with wide energy channels and soft spectral slopes. In order to determine the limits of the goodness of the approximation, we derive formulas to calculate the deviation of the effective energy, phase space density and energy density based on the geometric mean approximation from those based on the power law. The results show that the geometric mean approximation is usually adequate and that corrections are needed only in extraordinary cases.
Identification of glacial meltwater runoff in a karstic environment and its implication for present and future water availability
Authors: Finger D. , Hugentobler A. , Huss M. , Voinesco A. , Wernli H. , Fischer D. , Weber E. , Jeannin P.-Y. , Kauzlaric M. , Wirz A. , Vennemann T. , Hüsler F. , Schädler B. , Weingartner R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Glaciers all over the world are expected to continue to retreat due to the global warming throughout the 21st century. Consequently, future seasonal water availability might become scarce once glacier areas have declined below a certain threshold affecting future water management strategies. Particular attention should be paid to glaciers located in a karstic environment, as parts of the meltwater can be drained by underlying karst systems, making it difficult to assess water availability. In this study tracer experiments, karst modeling and glacier melt modeling are combined in order to identify flow paths in a high alpine, glacierized, karstic environment (Glacier de la Plaine Morte, Switzerland) and to investigate current and predict future downstream water availability. Flow paths through the karst underground were determined with natural and fluorescent tracers. Subsequently, geologic information and the findings from tracer experiments were assembled in a karst model. Finally, glacier melt projections driven with a climate scenario were performed to discuss future water availability in the area surrounding the glacier. The results suggest that during late summer glacier meltwater is rapidly drained through well-developed channels at the glacier bottom to the north of the glacier, while during low flow season meltwater enters into the karst and is drained to the south. Climate change projections with the glacier melt model reveal that by the end of the century glacier melt will be significantly reduced in the summer, jeopardizing water availability in glacier-fed karst springs.
Detecting seismic IR anomalies in bi-angular Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer data
Authors: Xiong P. , Gu X. F. , Bi Y. X. , Shen X. H. , Meng Q. Y. , Zhao L. M. , Kang C. L. , Chen L. Z. , Jing F. , Yao N. , Zhao Y. H. , Li X. M. , Li Y. , Dong J. T.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This paper presents a validation and confutation analysis using the methods of the robust satellite data analysis technique (RST) to detect seismic anomalies within the bi-angular Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) data based on spatial/temporal continuity analysis. The distinguishing feature of our method is that we carried out a comparative analysis of seismic anomalies from bi-directional observation, which could help understanding seismic thermal infrared (TIR) anomalies. The proposed method has been applied to analyse bi-angular AATSR gridded brightness temperature data with longitude from 5 to 25° E and latitude from 35 to 50° N associated with the earthquake that occurred in Abruzzo, Italy, on 6 April 2009, and a full data set of 7 yr data from 2003 to 2009 during the months of March and April has been analysed for validation purposes. Unperturbed periods (March–April 2008) have been considered for confutation analysis. Combining with the tectonic explanation of spatial and temporal continuity of the abnormal phenomena, along with the analysed results, a number of anomalies could be associated with possible seismic activities, which follow the same time and space. Therefore, we conclude that the anomalies observed from 29 March 2009 to 5 April 2009, about eight days before the Abruzzo earthquake, could be earthquake anomalies.
New developments in ambient noise analysis to characterise the seismic response of landslide-prone slopes
Authors: Del Gaudio V. , Wasowski J. , Muscillo S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We report on new developments in the application of ambient noise analysis applied to investigate the dynamic response of landslide-prone slopes to seismic shaking, with special attention to the directional resonance phenomena recognised in previous studies. These phenomena can be relevant for seismic slope susceptibility, especially when maximum resonance orientation is close to potential sliding directions. Therefore, the implementation of an effective technique for site response directivity detection is of general interest. In this regard methods based on the calculation of horizontal-to-vertical noise spectral ratio (HVNR) are promising. The applicability of such methods is investigated in the area of Caramanico Terme (central Italy), where ongoing accelerometer monitoring of slopes with different characteristics offers the possibility of validation of HVNR analysis. The noise measurements, carried out in different times to test the result repeatability, revealed that sites affected by response directivity persistently show major peaks with a common orientation, consistent with the resonance direction inferred from accelerometer data. In some cases such a directivity turned out parallel to maximum slope direction, but this cannot be considered a systematic feature of slope dynamic response. At sites where directivity is absent, the HVNR peaks do not generally show a preferential orientation, with rare exceptions that could be linked to the presence of temporarily active sources of polarised noise. The observed variations of spectral ratio amplitude can be related to temporal changes in site conditions (e.g. groundwater level/soil water content variations affecting P wave velocity and Poisson's ratio of surficial layer), which can hinder the recognition of main resonance frequencies. Therefore, we recommend conducting simultaneous measurements at nearby sites within the same study area and repeating measurements at different times in order to distinguish significant systematic polarisation caused by site-specific response directivity from polarisation controlled by properties of noise sources. Furthermore, an analysis of persistence in noise recordings of signals with systematic directivity showed that only a portion of recordings contains wave trains having a clear polarisation representative of site directional resonance. Thus a careful selection of signals for HVNR analysis is needed for a correct characterisation of site directional properties.
General Principles of EU Law: The Ghost in the Platonic Heaven in Need of Conceptual Clarification
Authors: Semmelmann Constanze
Published: August 2013

General principles are en vogue in EU law – and in need of conceptual clarification. A closer look at several concepts of principle in legal philosophy and legal theory sheds light upon the concept of general principles in EU law. A distinction between an aprioristic model of principle and a model of principle informed by legal positivism may contribute to clarifying the genesis of a (general) principle in EU law, as well as its nature and functions. This paper demonstrates that an evolution has taken place from a reliance on seemingly natural law inspired reflections of general principles via the desperate search to ground general principles in various kinds of sources based on a more or less sound methodology  towards an increasing reliance on strictly positivistic approaches. Against this backdrop, general principles are likely to lose significance where there are other norms while retaining an important yet uncontrollable role where the traditional canon of sources is silent.
‘Edgar Martins: This is not a House’, The Wapping Project Bankside, London, May 9 – June 30, 2012
Authors: Gilbride Meghan
Published: August 2013

Edgar Martins’s photographs do not imply hostility. They are dripping with it. A chair dangles atop the corner of an open door. A ceiling has been destroyed. And in a set of two prints, entitled Cannibalism and Cannibalism II, blocks of foam and concrete have been inexplicably stacked on top of each other, anticipating an inevitable collapse. These staged acts of destruction generate significant unrest for the viewer, who has been enveloped in a landscape of manufactured tensions. But ‘This is not a House’ is also grounded in some very real tensions beyond the gallery walls.
Antes da Corte: população e pobreza no Rio de Janeiro, c.1763-c.1808
Authors: Venancio Renato Pinto
Published: August 2013

Antes mesmo da chegada da família real, em 1808, o Rio de Janeiro havia se transformado no principal centro urbano da América portuguesa. No entanto, isso tinha implicações negativas para a população mais pobres. O aumento demográfico fazia com que os preços dos alimentos básicos subissem, assim como tornava mais difícil o acesso a terrenos para construção de habitações. O presente artigo analisa o impacto dessa situação no aumento de óbitos de pobres registrados na Santa Casa da Misericórdia carioca.
Memorias de la lucha armada en Argentina. 1969-1976
Authors: Pasquali Laura Margarita
Published: August 2013

Este artigo apresenta e desenvolve alguns tópicos do acionar da guerrilha que surgem nas memórias dos ex-militantes das organizações armadas na Argentina. A partir deste percurso, teremos acesso ao registro que a respeito disso se tem no presente. Ao mesmo tempo nos permite construir parte do clima subjetivo do momento, a opinião do ativismo dada pelos próprios protagonistas e a sua significação no contexto geral da militância.