bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of secondary treated effluents for tertiary membrane filtration and water recycling
Authors: Ayache C. , Pidou M. , Gernjak W. , Poussade Y. , Croué J.-P. , Tazi-Pain A. , Keller J.
Published: June 2012

This study evaluates the impacts of water quality from three different secondary effluents on low pressure membrane fouling. Effluent organic matter (EfOM) has been reported by previous studies as responsible for membrane fouling. However, the contribution of the different components of EfOM to membrane fouling is still not well understood. In order to improve and optimize treatment processes, characterization and quantification of the organic matter are important. The characterization methods used in this study are liquid chromatography coupled with an organic detector (LC-OCD) and excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (EEM). A bench-scale hollow fibre membrane system was used to identify the type of fouling depending on the feed water quality. Results showed no measurable dissolved organic carbon removal by the membranes for the three secondary effluents. Biopolymers and humic-like substances found in different proportions in the three effluents were partially retained by the membranes and were identified to contribute significantly to the flux decline of the low pressure membranes. The observed fouling was determined to be reversible by hydraulic backwashing for two effluents and only by chemical cleaning for the third effluent.
Arsenic Desorption from Ferric and Manganese Binary Oxide by Competitive Anions: Significance of pH
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Hongjie , Wu Kun , Liu Ruiping , Gong Wenxin , Qu Jiuhui
Published: June 2012

Ferric and manganese binary oxide (FMBO) has been used to remediate an arsenic (As)‐polluted river in China, but insufficient data was available to (1) evaluate its effects on the environment and (2) propose a feasible strategy of addressing the arsenic‐bearing FMBO. The desorption behavior of arsenic in the presence of four competitive anions (i.e., phosphate, silicate, sulfate, and bicarbonate) at different concentrations was investigated with pH ranging from 3 to 11. The presence of these anions promoted the desorption of arsenic from arsenic‐bearing FMBO and followed the sequence of phosphate > silicate > sulfate ≈ bicarbonate across a wide pH range. Desorption of arsenate (As[V]) was more significant than that of arsenite (As[III]). Sequence dissolution of arsenic‐bearing FMBO particles by NH4‐oxalate/oxalic acid and hydrochloric acid were performed. The laboratory results indicated that As(III) was primarily occluded in the crystalline parts of the FMBO. The desorption behavior of arsenic could be described by kinetic models using the Elovich and power function equations under different pH conditions and was related to the adsorption of phosphate and silicate. pH played an important role in the desorption of arsenic, because of its effects on the species distribution of anions, surface charge of the arsenic‐bearing FMBO, and subsequent electrostatic forces between anions and FMBO.
Roughness measurement as an alternative method in evaluation of cavitation resistance of steels
Authors: Dojcinovic Marina
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible application of
roughness measurement in evaluation of resistance of steels in conditions of
cavitation effect where these materials are usually applied. Steels which
belong to different classes were selected for testing. Cavitation testing was
performed by using the ultrasonic vibratory cavitation test set up
(stationary specimen method). Mass loss and surface degradation of
investigated samples were monitored during the exposure to cavitation
erosion. Mass loss was measured by an analytical balance. The morphology of
the damaged surfaces with the change of the test period was analyzed using
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness tester was used to
monitor changes of surface roughness during the test and for obtaining the
line profile of surface samples after cavitation tests. Cross-sections of
samples were made after testing and optical microscopy was used to obtain
complete information about the roughness change and compare the images with
the lines of the profile obtained by the measurement of roughness. It can be
concluded that the behaviour of steels under conditions of cavitation can be
estimated by measuring the change in surface roughness. Conclusions adopted
on the basis of roughness changes are consistent with that based on
measurements of mass loss and morphology of surface damage during cavitation
testing time.
Effects of syringe type and storage conditions on results of equine blood gas and acid-base analysis
Authors: Kennedy Sarah A. , Constable Peter D. , Sen Ismail , Couëtil Laurent
Published: June 2012

Objective—To determine effects of syringe type and storage conditions on blood gas and acid-base values for equine blood samples.

Sample—Blood samples obtained from 8 healthy horses.

Procedures—Heparinized jugular venous blood was equilibrated via a tonometer at 37°C with 12% O2 and 5% CO2. Aliquots (3 mL) of tonometer-equilibrated blood were collected in random order by use of a glass syringe (GS), general-purpose polypropylene syringe (GPPS), or polypropylene syringe designed for blood gas analysis (PSBGA) and stored in ice water (0°C) or at room temperature (22°C) for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes. Blood pH was measured, and blood gas analysis was performed; data were analyzed by use of multivariable regression analysis.

Results—Blood Po2 remained constant for the reference method (GS stored at 0°C) but decreased linearly at a rate of 7.3 mm Hg/h when stored in a GS at 22°C. In contrast, Po2 increased when blood was stored at 0°C in a GPPS and PSBGA or at 22°C in a GPPS; however, Po2 did not change when blood was stored at 22°C in a PSBGA. Calculated values for plasma concentration of HCO3 and total CO2 concentration remained constant in the 3 syringe types when blood was stored at 22°C for 2 hours but increased when blood was stored in a GS or GPPS at 0°C.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Blood samples for blood gas and acid-base analysis should be collected into a GS and stored at 0°C or collected into a PSBGA and stored at room temperature.
Major salivary gland tumors in children — diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties
Authors: Zielinski Rafal , Zakrzewska Anna
Published: June 2012

Major salivary gland tumors are very rare in the developmental period. Confirming tumor changes of the salivary gland requires precise diagnostic imaging involving an ultrasonography scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. A needle aspiration biopsy (NAB) of a tumor is of high importance. Excision of the tumor is the main treatment method in the case of parotid gland tumors. Statistical data concerning tumors suggest choosing less invasive methods, which seems very logical in children. The operational methods used in the tumor treatment are: extracapsular excision of a tumor, partial parotidectomy, total parotidectomy, sometimes proceeded with lymphatic nodes operations. Extracapsular excision of a tumor is a noninvasive method chosen because of simplicity and lesser risk of serious complications. This method is reserved only for the cases of benign tumors of the gland. Most authors, however, consider a partial parotidectomy as a method of choice in benign tumor cases and a total parotidectomy in cases of carcinomas of the parotid gland. Submandibular gland tumors need total gland excision. The clinical cases presented in this paper show the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment choices in cases of major salivary gland tumors in children.
Resistance of nanostructured films to permeation by industrial pollutants
Authors: Přikryl Radek , Obšel Vladimír , Rek Antonín , Sedláček Ondřej , Procházka Michal
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to modify or replace the PEVA foil (polyethylenevinylacetate) currently used in the Czech Army as a construction material for the NBC protective disposable suit JP-90 (a part of the OM-90 protective mask set). This material shows inadequate protective properties; therefore, barrier coatings based on melamine, Parylene (polyparaxylylene) and various types of SiOx were applied to its surface by vacuum technologies. The selected samples coated with polymer matrix barrier nanocoatings were continuously evaluated for resistance to permeation by highly toxic chemicals warfare agents (CWAs) and industrial pollutants at the Military Technical Institute of Protection (MTIP) in Brno. In addition, the microstructure of selected samples was assessed before and after the exposure to pollutants. The nanocoatings thus prepared were characterised in terms of surface morphology (SEM), chemical structure (FTIR), and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) at the Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology. Sulphur mustard (HD) was used to test the sample resistance to permeation. Cyclohexane and subsequently 1,6-dichlorhexane were used as substitute testing substances for HD; however, the latter proved to be more advantageous. The resulting OTR values are presented, along with the permeation by toxic substances, both for the initial uncoated and the barrier-layers-coated PEVA foil. The results show a difference in the mechanism of vapour permeation of CWAs and toxic volatile organic solvents (VOCs).
Luminescence dating studies of Yeşilova Hoyuk
Authors: Ekdal Elçin , Ege Arzu , Karali Turgay , Derin Zafer
Published: June 2012

Ceramic findings collected from Yeşilova Hoyuk located in Izmir were dated using the thermoluminescence dating technique. The area is of significant archaeological importance since it is the first prehistoric settlement in Izmir. Recent archeological observations suggest that human occupation of the region took place about 8500 years ago comparing to previously determined dates of 5000 years.

Three samples collected from the same archaeological layer (Neolithic period) in Yeşilova Hoyuk were dated using the thermoluminescence method. Archaeological doses (AD) were obtained by single aliquot regenerative dose method (SAR) for thermoluminescence (TL) using coarse grain quartz minerals extracted from samples. Thick and thin Al2O3:C thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) were used to determine the annual dose rate.

The archaeological doses were found to vary from 25.91±0.78 to 26.82±0.68 Gy, and the annual doses were found to be between 3.34±0.24 and 3.47±0.24 mGy/a. The ages obtained for the samples were determined to be 6000±830 BC, 5740±670 BC and 5460±740 years for samples ND1, ND2 and ND3, respectively, which supports the prediction of archeologist that the sampling layer dates from the Neolithic period.
Influence of environmental and spatial factors on the distribution of surface sediment diatoms in Chaohu Lake, southeast China
Authors: Chen Xu , Yang Xiangdong , Dong Xuhui , Liu Enfeng
Published: June 2012

- The spatial distribution of surface sediment diatoms in Chaohu Lake (southeast China), and their relationships with environmental and spatial variables were analyzed in this study. The diatom assemblages were dominated by planktonic species. Three dominant speciesCyclostephanos dubius,Aulacoseira granulataandAulacoseira alpigenaare unevenly distributed across the lake. The distribution of surface sediment diatoms must be subject to trophic status, hydrodynamics and other spatial variables in the lake.
The E-book and Spanish Scientific Publishers in Social and Human Sciences
Authors: Romero-Otero Irene-Sofía , Giménez-Toledo Elea
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) To study the course of development, approaches, and strategies of Spanish scientific publishers specializing in the humanities and social sciences; (2) to establish a profile of publishers based on their information and attitudes; and (3) to identify the opportunities and challenges which exist for publishers. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-eight relevant Spanish publishers; their attitudes were observed to be generally cautious, expectant, and in favour of maintaining the status quo, despite all being convinced that the e-book is an element transforming the publishing sector and that, in the near future, both the printed and electronic book will coexist. This study provides information direct from the publishers themselves, offering theorists detailed and accurate insight into the publishing sector and better opportunity to evaluate the impact of publisher attitudes on other agents implicated in the development of the e-book. The study puts on record the first stage of the irruption and consolidation of the e-book in the Spanish academic sector. It also establishes comparisons with publishing sectors of other countries.
Assessment of First-year Veterinary Students' Communication Skills Using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination: The Importance of Context
Authors: Hecker Kent G. , Adams Cindy L. , Coe Jason B.
Published: June 2012

Communication skills are considered to be a core clinical skill in veterinary medicine and essential for practice success, including outcomes of care for patients and clients. While veterinary schools include communication skills training in their programs, there is minimal knowledge on how best to assess communication competence throughout the undergraduate program. The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the reliability, utility, and suitability of a communication skills Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Specifically we wanted to (1) identify the greatest source of variability (student, rater, station, and track) within a first-year, four station OSCE using exam scores and scores from videotape review by two trained raters, and (2) determine the effect of different stations on students' communication skills performance. Reliability of the scores from both the exam data and the two expert raters was 0.50 and 0.46 respectively, with the greatest amount of variance attributable to student by station. The percentage of variance due to raters in the exam data was 16.35%, whereas the percentage of variance for the two expert raters was 0%. These results have three important implications. First, the results reinforce the need for communication educators to emphasize that use of communication skills is moderated by the context of the clinical interaction. Second, by increasing rater training the amount of error in the scores due to raters can be reduced and inter-rater reliability increases. Third, the communication assessment method (in this case the OSCE checklist) should be built purposefully, taking into consideration the context of the case.
A Study of Hand Back Skin Texture Patterns for Personal Identification and Gender Classification
Authors: Xie Jin , Zhang Lei , You Jane , Zhang David , Qu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2012

Human hand back skin texture (HBST) is often consistent for a person and distinctive from person to person. In this paper, we study the HBST pattern recognition problem with applications to personal identification and gender classification. A specially designed system is developed to capture HBST images, and an HBST image database was established, which consists of 1,920 images from 80 persons (160 hands). An efficient texton learning based method is then presented to classify the HBST patterns. First, textons are learned in the space of filter bank responses from a set of training images using the -minimization based sparse representation (SR) technique. Then, under the SR framework, we represent the feature vector at each pixel over the learned dictionary to construct a representation coefficient histogram. Finally, the coefficient histogram is used as skin texture feature for classification. Experiments on personal identification and gender classification are performed by using the established HBST database. The results show that HBST can be used to assist human identification and gender classification.
On the bromination of the dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene photo-/thermoswitch
Authors: Mazzanti Virginia , Cacciarini Martina , Broman Søren L , Parker Christian R , Schau-Magnussen Magnus , Bond Andrew D , Nielsen Mogens B
Published: June 2012

Background: The dihydroazulene (DHA)/vinylheptafulvene (VHF) system (with two cyano groups at C1) functions as a photo-/thermoswitch. Direct ionic bromination of DHA has previously furnished a regioselective route to a 7,8-dibromide, which by elimination was converted to a 7-bromo-substituted DHA. This compound has served as a central building block for functionalization of the DHA by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The current work explores another bromination protocol for achieving the isomeric 3-bromo-DHA and also explores the outcome of additional bromination of this compound as well as of the known 7-bromo-DHA.

Results: Radical bromination on two different VHFs by using N-bromosuccinimide/benzoyl peroxide and light, followed by a ring-closure reaction generated the corresponding 3-bromo-DHAs, as confirmed in one case by X-ray crystallography. According to a 1H NMR spectroscopic study, the ring closure of the brominated VHF seemed to occur readily under the reaction conditions. A subsequent bromination–elimination protocol provided a 3,7-dibromo-DHA. In contrast, treating the known 7-bromo-DHA with bromine generated a very labile species that was converted to a new 3,7-dibromoazulene, i.e., the fully unsaturated species. Azulenes were also found to form from brominated compounds when left standing for a long time in the solid state. Kinetics measurements reveal that the 3-bromo substituent enhances the rate of the thermal conversion of the VHF to DHA, which is opposite to the effect exerted by a bromo substituent in the seven-membered ring.

Conclusion: Two general procedures for functionalizing the DHA core with a bromo substituent (at positions 3 and 7, respectively) are now available with the DHA as starting material.
FIRE DESIGN OF UNPROTECTED COMPOSITE STEEL AND CONCRETE SLABS / NEAPSAUGOTŲJŲ KOMPOZITINIŲ PLIENINIŲ-BETONINIŲ PLOKŠČIŲ ELGSENOS UGNYJE SKAIČIAVIMAS
Authors: Razma Gediminas , Kvedaras Audronis Kazimieras
Published: June 2012

The paper presents fire design of composite steel-concrete slabs and a description of the use of the advantages of such a structure. Following the review of scientific literature on composite steel-concrete slabs, behaviour under fire temperature may confirm that this solution has no negative consequences for the construction of the building in fire. Profiled steel sheet is a very important building component, because it helps ensuring integrity and insulation properties. Such sheeting serves as a restraint preventing the spread of fire and hot gases, as well as protects the concrete from direct heat action not allowing its chipping off. Fire tests show that the construction of composite steel-concrete slabs without a protective coating under influence of fire is an important bracing frame provided by these conditions. In addition, it may be too conservative to establish the fire resistance coefficient for each element. Maybe it is not necessary to protect all load bearing steel elements in a building from fire, especially when they are in one setup with composite steel-concrete slabs. Fire protection methods make it possible for composite steel-concrete slabs to behave under a plastic bending moment allowing increased temperatures and distributing evenly in an element. The paper provides a brief description of methods for fire design. It analyzes the fire design method according to EN 1994-1-2:2005 regarding unprotected composite steel-concrete slabs exposed to fire from the bottom according to the standard temporary temperature curve. The paper provides an example of the calculation of composite steel-concrete slab according to described method without longitudinal reinforcement and the composite slab with longitudinal reinforcement. Results of calculations let to designate fire resistance of composite slab to heat isolation (I parameter) and the resistance value of the bending moment. Solutions for extra fire protection or increasing bending moment value depend on estimated results.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas kompozitinių plieninių-betoninių plokščių elgsena ugnyje. Pateikiamas kompozitinės plieninės-betoninės plokštės aprašymas ir tokios konstrukcijos naudojimo pranašumai. Trumpai aprašyti konstrukcijų elgsenos ugnyje skaičiavimo būdai. Pristatomas neapsaugotųjų kompozitinių plokščių, iš apačios veikiamų gaisro pagal standartinę laikinę temperatūros kreivę, elgsenos ugnyje skaičiavimo modelis pagal EN 1994-1-2:2005. Pagal aptartą modelį atlikti teoriniai kompozitinės plieninės-betoninės plokštės laikomojo lenkiamojo momento skaičiavimai, kai nėra išilginės armatūros ir kai plokštė armuota išilgine armatūra.
Econometric treatment of few protest responses in willingness-to-pay studies: An application in health care
Authors: Havet Nathalie , Morelle Magali , Remonnay Raphaël , Carrère Marie-Odile
Published: June 2012

Résumé Dans les études d’évaluation contingente, de nombreuses réponses correspondent à des dispositions à payer nulles (DAP), mais avec des justifications fort différentes, qui vont des vraies réponses nulles cohérentes avec les décisions économiques aux réponses protestataires. La littérature empirique portant sur les déterminants des DAP issues d’enchères a mis en évidence que le modèle “double-hurdle” était le plus approprié pour tenir compte du double caractère de ces réponses nulles. Cependant, quand le nombre de réponses protestataires est trop faible pour être explicitement modélisé, cette approche n’est pas applicable. Ce papier discute des stratégies économétriques possibles dans de tels cas, fréquents dans les études de soins de santé. Les différents modèles envisagés sont appliqués à l’étude des déterminants des DAP, de patients français atteints du cancer, pour la transfusion sanguine à domicile. Nos résultats montrent que les réponses protestataires ne doivent pas être éliminées, même si elles sont en nombre limité, et que le Tobit type II et le modèle standard de régression tronquée peuvent tous les deux être appliqués. Toutefois, comme sur échantillons finis de petite taille, la méthode d’estimation la plus robuste est celle du bootstrap avec un grand nombre de réplications, le modèle tronqué, facilement applicable, économe en temps de calcul et non sujet aux problèmes d’identification dans ce cas contrairement au Tobit type II, est un modèle économétrique qui pourrait être privilégié dans de nombreuses études de DAP en économie de la santé. Classification JEL : I18, C13, C24.
Fisher, Macaulay et Allais face au “paradoxe de Gibson”
Authors: Durand Jean-Jacques , Prat Georges
Published: June 2012

Résumé D’après la théorie quantitative de la monnaie, une expansion de la masse monétaire devrait avoir pour effets à la fois une baisse des taux d’intérêt et une augmentation du prix des biens et services. La corrélation négative attendue entre ces deux dernières variables étant contredite par la corrélation positive observée initialement par Gibson - et confirmée par les travaux ultérieurs - Keynes évoque le « paradoxe de Gibson ». I. Fisher a proposé une explication de ce « paradoxe » fondée sur la lenteur des ajustements des taux d’intérêt au taux d’inflation. Cependant, F.R.Macaulay a montré que, lorsque l’influence de l’inflation sur les taux d’intérêt remonte loin dans le passé, il existe une relation nécessaire entre le niveau des prix et la moyenne pondérée des taux d’inflation passés calculée par Fisher. Dès lors, on peut se demander si la corrélation positive entre le niveau des prix et le taux d’intérêt est le résultat d’un comportement fishérien des agents, ou au contraire, si les résultats de Fisher ne sont qu’une conséquence triviale de la corrélation constatée entre le niveau des prix et le taux d’intérêt. Toutefois, la critique de Macaulay perd sa pertinence lorsque les ajustements sont rapides (i.e. la mémoire du passé est courte), comme pendant les hyperinflations ou encore la période d’après la seconde guerre mondiale. Par rapport à ce débat, le mérite de la théorie Héréditaire et Relativiste (HR) d’Allais est de tenter une réconciliation, avec l’hypothèse du « taux d’intérêt psychologique » i . Dépendant des variations passées des prix et de la production, ce taux s’égalise au « taux d’oubli » et représente la tendance générale des taux d’intérêt du marché. Lorsque la mémoire est longue (i.e. taux d’oubli faible), le taux i est nécessairement lié au niveau des prix, et rend donc compte de la corrélation positive - pouvant être plus ou moins stable en raison de l’influence de la production - entre le taux d’intérêt du marché et le niveau des prix. Cependant, lorsque la mémoire est courte (i.e. taux d’oubli élevé), la théorie HR implique à la fois la disparition de la corrélation entre le taux d’intérêt et le niveau des prix et l’émergence d’une corrélation positive entre le taux d’intérêt et le taux de variation courant des prix, comme cela est aussi souvent observé. Classification JEL : E31, E43, N01.
Rituel et liminarité
Authors: Dartiguenave Jean-Yves
Published: June 2012

Résumé La liminarité ne nous paraît pas réductible à l’une des phases des rites de passage. Elle nous paraît renvoyer plus largement à un processus proprement anthropologique par lequel les participants à l’acte rituel se distancient des conventions et prescriptions attachées à ce dernier. Cette distanciation à l’égard du contenu du rituel ouvre l’accès à la communitas existentielle , c’est-à-dire à un « vivre et sentir communautaire » à partir duquel les acteurs sociaux se réapproprient singulièrement le rituel. Ce passage du rituel à la communitas existentielle emprunte ainsi un trajet anthropologique qui constitue la condition essentielle à la revivification permanente du rituel.
Tameness of Complex Dimension in a Real Analytic Set
Authors: Adamus Janusz , Randriambololona Serge , Shafikov Rasul
Published: June 2012

Given a real analytic set X in a complex manifold and a positive integer d, denote by Ad the set of points p in X at which there exists a germ of a complex analytic set of dimension d contained in X. It is proved that Ad is a closed semianalytic subset of X.
Iterated Integrals and Higher Order Invariants
Authors: Deitmar Anton , Horozov Ivan
Published: June 2012

We show that higher order invariants of smooth functions can be written as linear combinations of full invariants times iterated integrals. The non-uniqueness of such a presentation is captured in the kernel of the ensuing map from the tensor product. This kernel is computed explicitly. As a consequence, higher order invariants form a free module of the algebra of full invariants.
A Hilbert Scheme in Computer Vision
Authors: Aholt Chris , Sturmfels Bernd , Thomas Rekha
Published: June 2012

Multiview geometry is the study of two-dimensional images of three-dimensional scenes, a foundational subject in computer vision. We determine a universal Gröbner basis for the multiview ideal of ngeneric cameras. As the cameras move, the multiview varieties vary in a family of dimension 11n − 15. This family is the distinguished component of a multigraded Hilbert scheme with a unique Borel-fixed point. We present a combinatorial study of ideals lying on that Hilbert scheme.
Jordan *-Derivations of Finite-Dimensional
Semiprime Algebras
Authors: Fošner Ajda , Lee Tsiu-Kwen
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we characterize Jordan *-derivations of a 2-torsion free, finite-dimensional semiprime algebra R with involution *. To be precise, we prove the following. Let δ : R → R be a Jordan *-derivation. Then there exists a *-algebra decomposition R = U ⊕ V such that both U and V are invariant under δ. Moreover, * is the identity map of U and δ|U is a derivation, and the Jordan *-derivation δ|V is inner. We also prove the following. Let R be a noncommutative, centrally closed prime algebra with involution *, char R ≠ 2, and let δ be a nonzero Jordan *-derivation of R. If δ is an elementary operator of R, then dimCR < ∞ and δ is inner.
Completion and Samuel compactification of nearness and uniform frames
Authors: Banaschewski Bernhard , Pultr Aleš
Published: June 2012

It is shown that the familiar description of the completion of a uniform frame in terms of its Samuel compactification can be extended to arbitrary nearness frames. This is achieved by means of the following new notion, a variant of compactness, for regular frames: such a frame will be called
near-compact
if it is complete in some totally bounded nearness. This leads to a natural concept of the
Samuel near-compactification
for arbitrary nearness frames which is then shown to play exactly the same role in the general setting which the Samuel compactification plays for uniform frames.
Periodic solutions to superlinear planar Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto
Published: June 2012

We prove the existence of infinitely many periodic (harmonic and subharmonic) solutions to planar Hamiltonian systems satisfying a suitable superlinearity condition at infinity. The proof relies on the Poincaré–Birkhoff fixed point theorem.
Stability of Finite Difference Discretizations of Multi-Physics Interface Conditions
Authors: Sjögreen Björn , Banks Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2012

We consider multi-physics computations where the Navier-Stokes equations of compressible fluid flow on some parts of the computational domain are coupled to the equations of elasticity on other parts of the computational domain. The different subdomains are separated by well-defined interfaces. We consider time accurate computations resolving all time scales. For such computations, explicit time stepping is very efficient. We address the issue of discrete interface conditions between the two domains of different physics that do not lead to instability, or to a significant reduction of the stable time step size. Finding such interface conditions is non-trivial.

We discretize the problem with high order centered difference approximations with summation by parts boundary closure. We derive L2 stable interface conditions for the linearized one dimensional discretized problem. Furthermore, we generalize the interface conditions to the full non-linear equations and numerically demonstrate their stable and accurate performance on a simple model problem. The energy stable interface conditions derived here through symmetrization of the equations contain the interface conditions derived through normal mode analysis by Banks and Sjögreen in [8] as a special case.
Planning Wheelchair Service Provision in Motor Neurone Disease: Implications for Service Delivery and Commissioning
Authors: Rolfe Jenny
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify a timeline for mapping the different types of wheelchair used by people with motor neurone disease (MND) from diagnosis to death. It also reviewed the use of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) and the site of disease onset as predictors of wheelchair need and how this could influence commissioning and service delivery.

Method:

Retrospective data were collected from a clinical database to map when different types of wheelchair were provided to 62 people with MND from diagnosis to death. ALSFRS and site of disease onset were identified when each wheelchair was issued.

Findings:

The average number of months between diagnosis and the provision of different wheelchairs and death are mapped on a timeline. Higher ALSFRS scores indicate that wheelchairs that are less supportive are required and lower scores indicate that more supportive and complex wheelchairs are required. People with bulbar-onset disease need each type of wheelchair more rapidly than people with limb-onset disease.

Conclusion:

The timeline could be used by wheelchair services to map the likely intervention and resources required for their MND population. The use of ALSFRS scores and the site of onset of disease on referrals into wheelchair services can further help to predict the likely course of need.
Group Decision Making in an Intersectoral Mental Health Community Partnership
Authors: Basiletti Mari , Townsend Elizabeth
Published: June 2012

Background:

In a major Canadian jurisdiction that includes several regions, an intersectoral working group with community partners was formed to enable change in systems and policies for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The top priority of the working group was housing.

Purpose:

The study explored how the working group members experienced decision-making power in their efforts to enable change in housing policies.

Method:

The research used a qualitative single-case design to study the decision-making processes as experienced by the group members. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, two focus groups and review of key public documents. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method, with critical reflection on group decision making and the contextual influences of system-level policies. Group members contributed to the analysis.

Findings:

Amid positive experiences of working together, group members experienced challenges related to power differentials between service providers, government personnel and consumers, and the impact of the systemic environment on the group processes.

Implications:

Implications are raised for occupational therapy education and practice, and for studying group decision making as an occupation.
What Do People with Multiple Sclerosis Want from an Occupational Therapy Service?
Authors: Preston Jenny , Haslam Simon , Lamont Lynn
Published: June 2012

Aim:

This study aimed to understand how people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experienced a local occupational therapy service and to identify what they would want from future services.

Method:

The data from this qualitative programme evaluation were generated through nine focus groups, including 30 people with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS, 10 partners/carers of people with MS and six occupational therapy staff.

Findings:

The findings evolved within four key themes: comprehension of occupational therapy; assessment and interventions; home visits; and levels of support. Although occupational therapy was not initially well understood, comprehension developed with greater use of the service. Nevertheless, significant challenges exist in providing therapeutic programmes that offer meaning and purpose within the lives of people with MS while ensuring flexibility and choice.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that there is a possible distinction between what occupational therapists believe people with MS want and what they and their partners/carers do want. People with MS and their partners/carers, therefore, have a meaningful contribution to make and should be involved in the future development of occupational therapy services.
Investigating Sensory Processing Patterns in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using the Sensory Profile
Authors: Backhouse Mathilde , Harding Leith , Rodger Sylvia , Hindman Natalie
Published: June 2012

Objectives:

This exploratory study investigated the sensory processing patterns of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using the Sensory Profile. It was hypothesised that this group would be different to a typically developing sample of American children in the normative sample of the Sensory Profile. In doing so, the utility of the Sensory Profile for a sample of boys with DMD was investigated.

Method:

Data were gathered from the caregivers of 37 boys with DMD living in Australia, using the Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire. The means of the DMD boys were compared with the means of American boys without disabilities.

Results:

Boys with DMD were different to the normative sample in the Auditory processing section, two of the five sections in the Modulation domain ( Movement affecting activity level and Sensory input affecting emotional responses) and two of the three sections in the Behaviour and Emotional Responses domain ( Emotional/ social responses and Behavioural outcomes of sensory processing).

Conclusion:

This sample of boys with DMD may have had specific areas of sensory processing difficulties. Further research is needed to identify a more suitable tool for the assessment of children with DMD and to examine further the sensory patterns of boys with DMD.
Meaning Making through Occupations and Occupational Roles: A Heuristic Study of Worker-Writer Histories
Authors: Ikiugu Moses , Pollard Nick , Cross Audrey , Willer Megan , Everson Jenna , Stockland Jeanie
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

Occupations are recognised in occupational therapy and occupational science literature as vehicles to meaning and wellbeing. Yet, the question of how they are used to create meaning has not been investigated exhaustively. In this study, the researchers explored the life histories of worker-writers in the United Kingdom. These writers considered themselves as representatives of the most numerous but marginalised social class. The researchers considered how the worker-writers derived life meaning from their occupations and occupational roles.

Method:

Using heuristic research methods, 34 published autobiographies were analysed to elicit themes illuminating how meaning was created by the worker-writers through occupations and occupational roles.

Results:

Five themes emerged from the analysis. Worker-writers created meaning by engaging in occupations and occupational roles that fostered family life and other meaningful relationships; a sense of control over their lives; meaningful leisure pursuits; a contribution to or connection to greater causes; and a sense of wellbeing.

Conclusion:

No claims are being made in this study about the generalisability of the findings to clinical practice. However, occupational therapists may consider exploring ways of helping clients engage in occupations reflecting themes that emerged from the study, as a way of helping them to reconstruct their lives following life-changing events or conditions.
Are Occupational Therapists in Acute General Hospitals Addressing Psychological Wellbeing?
Authors: Terry Mel , Westcott Lyn
Published: June 2012

There is compelling evidence in the literature that anxiety and depression affect high percentages of people with long-term physical conditions and that these often go undiagnosed. This can result in high use of general medical services in people's attempts to have their psychological needs met. This opinion piece explores some of the challenges and implications of this for occupational therapists, who have been educated to work occupationally alongside biological, psychological and sociological factors. It concludes that in a changing National Health Service, occupational therapists need to be able to deliver the true holistic occupational work required by those with long-term conditions, thus meeting biopsychosocial needs. This way, occupational therapists will take into account the complexity of components needed to engage in a variety of activities, and the economic benefits of this return to the profession's philosophy may benefit their standing in the new commissioning climate.
Os ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem, participação e interação, ou sobre o muito a caminhar
Authors: Alonso Kátia Morosov , Silva Danilo Garcia da , Maciel Cristiano
Published: June 2012

O trabalho apresenta pesquisa cujo objetivo foi analisar quais recursos disponíveis em Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem poderiam indicar participação e interação efetivas entre os atores da formação do curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia, acordo Brasil e Japão. É importante verificar essa questão, na medida em que, nesses ambientes, tais atributos ou são medidos quantitativamente, sem que os dados apresentados possam ser qualificados; ou, para qualificá-los, é necessário trabalho extenso de “garimpagem”, com buscas individualizadas em cada uma das atividades realizadas pelos alunos. Diante dessa problemática, optou-se por trabalhar com os “relatórios de atividades” disponibilizados no AVA/Moodle, de modo a confrontá-los com os sujeitos da formação, na tentativa de qualificar os dados ali disponíveis. As conclusões admitem a necessidade de melhor entender a forma pela qual tais “relatórios de atividades” são consolidados e, ao mesmo tempo, aponta para dinâmicas de interação que se põem para além do ambiente de aprendizagem, indicando problemáticas no processo de trabalho com ele.
Wintertime particulate pollution episodes in an urban valley of the Western US: a case study
Authors: Chen L.-W. A. , Watson J. G. , Chow J. C. , Green M. C. , Inouye D. , Dick K.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. This study investigates the causes of elevated PM2.5 concentrations and potential exceedences of the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in Truckee Meadows, Nevada, an urban valley of the Western US, during winter 2009/2010. Continuous PM2.5 mass and time-integrated chemical speciation data were acquired from a central valley monitoring site with meteorological measurements from nearby sites. All nine days with PM2.5>35 μg m−3 experienced 24-h average temperature inversion of 1.5–4.5 °C and snow cover of 8–18 cm. A stagnant atmospheric condition inhibited wind ventilation while highly reflective snow cover reduced daytime surface heating leading to persistent inversion. Elevated ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and water associated with it are most important to the PM2.5 exceedances during this unusually cold and snowy winter. An effective-variance chemical mass balance (EV-CMB) receptor model using locally-derived geological profiles and inorganic/organic markers identified secondary NH4NO3 (27–37%), residential wood combustion (RWC; 11–51%), and diesel engine exhausts (7–22%) as the major contributors to PM2.5. Paved road dust and de-icing materials were minor, but detectable contributors. RWC is a more important source than diesel for organic carbon (OC), but vice versa for elemental carbon (EC). A majority of secondary NH4NO3 is also associated with reactive nitrogen oxides (NOx) from RWC and diesel engines (including snow removal equipments). Findings from this study may apply to similar situations experienced by other urban valleys.
Idealized WRF model sensitivity simulations of sea breeze types and their effects on offshore windfields
Authors: Steele C. J. , Dorling S. R. , von Glasow R. , Bacon J.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The behaviour and characteristics of the marine component of sea breeze cells have received little attention relative to their onshore counterparts. Yet there is a growing interest and dependence on the offshore wind climate from, for example, a wind energy perspective. Using idealized model experiments, we investigate the sea breeze circulation at scales which approximate to those of the Southern North Sea, a region of major ongoing offshore wind farm development. We also contrast the scales and characteristics of the pure and the little known corkscrew and backdoor sea breeze types, where the type is pre-defined by the orientation of the synoptic scale flow relative to the shoreline. We find, crucially, that pure sea breezes, in contrast to corkscrew and backdoor types, can lead to substantial wind speed reductions offshore and that the addition of a second eastern coastline emphasises this effect through generation of offshore "calm zones". The offshore extent of all sea breeze types is found to be sensitive to both the influence of Coriolis acceleration and to the boundary layer scheme selected. These extents range, for example for a pure sea breeze produced in a 2 m s−1 offshore gradient wind, from 10 km to 40 km between the Mellor-Yamada-Nakanishi-Niino and the Yonsei State University schemes, respectively. The corkscrew type restricts the development of a backdoor sea breeze on the eastern coast and is also capable of traversing a 100 km offshore domain even under high gradient wind speed (>15 m s−1) conditions. Realistic variations in sea surface skin temperature during the sea breeze season do not significantly affect the circulation, suggesting that a thermal contrast is only needed as a precondition to the development of the sea breeze. We highlight how sea breeze impacts on circulation need to be considered in order to improve the accuracy of assessments of the offshore wind energy climate.
Novel water source for endolithic life in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Wierzchos J. , Davila A. F. , Sánchez-Almazo I. M. , Hajnos M. , Swieboda R. , Ascaso C.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert, Chile, is possibly the driest and most life-limited place on Earth, yet endolithic microorganisms thrive inside halite pinnacles that are part of ancient salt flats. The existence of this microbial community in an environment that excludes any other life forms suggests biological adaptation to high salinity and desiccation stress, and indicates an alternative source of water for life other than rainfall, fog or dew. Here, we show that halite endoliths obtain liquid water through spontaneous capillary condensation at relative humidity (RH) much lower than the deliquescence RH of NaCl. We describe how this condensation could occur inside nano-pores smaller than 100 nm, in a newly characterized halite phase that is intimately associated with the endolithic aggregates. This nano-porous phase helps retain liquid water for long periods of time by preventing its evaporation even in conditions of utmost dryness. Our results explain how life has colonized and adapted to one of the most extreme environments on our planet, expanding the water activity envelope for life on Earth, and broadening the spectrum of possible habitats for life beyond our planet.
Intense photooxidative degradation of planktonic and bacterial lipids in sinking particles collected with sediment traps across the Canadian Beaufort Shelf (Arctic Ocean)
Authors: Rontani J.-F. , Charriere B. , Forest A. , Heussner S. , Vaultier F. , Petit M. , Delsaut N. , Fortier L. , Sempéré R.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The lipid content of seven samples of sinking particles collected with sediment traps moored at ~100 m depth in summer and fall across the Canadian Beaufort Shelf (Arctic Ocean) was investigated. Our main goal was to quantify and characterize the biotic and abiotic degradation processes that acted on sinking material during these periods. Diatoms, which dominated the phytoplanktonic assemblage in every trap sample, appeared to be remarkably sensitive to Type II (i.e. involving singlet oxygen) photodegradation processes in summer, but seemed to be relatively unaffected by biotic degradation at the same time. Hence, the relative recalcitrance of phytodetritus towards biodegradation processes during the Arctic midnight sun period was attributed to the strong photodegradation state of heterotrophic bacteria, which likely resulted from the efficient transfer of singlet oxygen from photodegraded phytoplanktonic cells to attached bacteria. In addition, the detection in trap samples of photoproducts specific to wax ester components found in herbivorous copepods demonstrated that zooplanktonic faecal material exported out of the euphotic zone in summer were as well affected by Type II photodegradation processes. By contrast, sinking particles collected during the autumn were not influenced by any light-driven stress. Further chemical analyses showed that photodegraded sinking particles contained an important amount of intact hydroperoxides, which could then induce a strong oxidative stress in underlying sediments.