bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of the Decommissioning of the Thetis Reactor
Authors: Ooms Luc , Maris Patrick , Noynaert Luc
Published: February 2014

The Thetis research reactor on the site of the Nuclear Sciences Institute of the Ghent University has been in operation from 1967 until December 2003. This light-water moderated graphite-reflected low-enriched uranium pool-type reactor has been used for various purposes e.g. the production of radio-isotopes and activation analyses. During the first years its core power was 15 kW. In the early ’70, a core enlargement allowed for operation at typically 150 kW, while the maximum was allowed to be 250 kW.

In September 2007, Ghent University entrusted to SCK•CEN the management of the back-end of the spent fuel and the decommissioning of the reactor. In 2010, the spent fuel was removed from the reactor and transported to Belgoprocess for cementation in 400 l drums and interim storage awaiting final disposal. This activity allows tackling the decommissioning of the reactor. The objective is to complete its decommissioning by the end of 2014.

In the framework of the decommissioning of the Thetis reactor, SCK•CEN set-up the final decommissioning plan and the decommissioning licensing file. These documents include among others a radiological inventory of the reactor. The graphite moderator blocks, the control and the safety pates, the liner of the pool were modeled to assess the activation products (isotopic vector and intensity). At the end of the unloading of the reactor in 2010 a brief mapping of the equipment’s and internals of the reactor pool was performed. In 2012, we realized a more detailed mapping. These results confirmed those performed earlier and allowed to confirm the assumptions made in the final decommissioning plan.

We set-up the terms of reference for the first decommissioning phase of the reactor namely the dismantling of the reactor i.e. reactor pool, circuits and rabbit system, equipment’s and ventilation ducts. The removal of asbestos is also included into this phase. We conducted the selection process and the awarding of this decommissioning job. We gained the decommissioning license in May 2012.

We also prepared the software tool allowing managing the decommissioning project by updating the inventory and recording the progress, the characterization measurements and the material and waste production. This software allows also to trace all the material streams and to report to the Authorities. This software is a simplified release of the ones developed by SCK•CEN in the framework of other decommissioning projects like BR3 and Belgonucleaire.

The dismantling of the reactor i.e. reactor pool, circuits and rabbit system, will be performed in 2013. In 2014, it is planned to map all the surfaces of the infrastructure to highlight residual contamination of floor, walls and ceiling. The contaminated surfaces will be decontaminated and controlled. The objective is to reach the free release of the reactor building and laboratories by the end of 2014.
Rocky Flats Closure Project: Lessons Learned in Worker Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Sweeney Laura , Mazur Robert E. , Edelson Martin
Published: February 2014

The Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (EPA Superfund site near Denver, Colorado) produced plutonium components for nuclear weapons for the U.S. defense program. The facility shut down in 1989 and clean up began in 1992. To ensure safe remediation of inactive nuclear sites, site owners have begun to consult stakeholders more widely in recent years. The closure of Rocky Flats aimed to set the standard for stakeholder involvement in doing the work safely, complying with regulations/standards, in a cost-effective manner. We have studied, using ethnographic methods, the extent to which workers at Rocky Flats were involved in communication and decision making strategies. Our results point out that workers can have perceptions of the site remediation process that differ from management and even other workers and that a significant number of workers questioned the commitment by management to engage the worker as stakeholder. The most effective remediation efforts should involve careful consideration of the insights and observations of all workers, particularly those who face immediate and high-level health and safety risks.
Establishing a Store Baseline During Interim Storage of Waste Packages and a Review of Potential Technologies for Baselining
Authors: McTeer Jennifer , Morris Jenny , Wickham Stephen , Bolton Gary , McKinney James , Morris Darrell , Angus Mike , Cann Gavin , Binks Tracey
Published: February 2014

Interim storage is an essential component of the waste management lifecycle, providing a safe, secure environment for waste packages awaiting final disposal. In order to be able to monitor and detect change or degradation of the waste packages, storage building or equipment, it is necessary to know the original condition of these components (the “waste-storage system”). This paper presents an approach to establishing the baseline for a waste-storage system, and provides guidance on the selection and implementation of potential baselining technologies.

The approach is made up of two sections; assessment of baselining needs and definition of baselining approach. During the assessment of baselining needs a review of available monitoring data and store/package records should be undertaken (if the store is operational). Evolutionary processes (affecting safety functions), and their corresponding indicators, that can be measured to provide a baseline for the waste-storage system should then be identified in order for the most suitable indicators to be selected for baselining. In defining the approach, identification of opportunities to collect data and constraints is undertaken before selecting the techniques for baselining and developing a baselining plan.

Baselining data may be used to establish that the state of the packages is consistent with the waste acceptance criteria for the storage facility and to support the interpretation of monitoring and inspection data collected during store operations. Opportunities and constraints are identified for different store and package types. Technologies that could potentially be used to measure baseline indicators are also reviewed.
Fukushima Two Year Processing Update
Authors: Denton Mark S. , Mertz Josh
Published: February 2014

On March 11, 2011, now two years ago, the magnitude 9.0 Great East Japan earth quake, Tohoku, hit off the Fukushima coast of Japan. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history and the most powerful one known to have hit Japan. The ensuing tsunami devastated a huge area resulting in some 25,000 persons confirmed dead or missing. The perfect storm was complete when the tsunami then found the four-reactor, Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Station directly in its destructive path.

Some 2 million people were evacuated from a fifty mile radius of the area and evaluation and cleanup began. A tremendous effort has been made, by many nationalities, since this time to restore this damaged plant and surrounding area and to return a great deal of the residents to their homes and farm lands.

While most of the outcome of this unprecedented natural and manmade disaster was negative, both in Japan and worldwide, there have been some extremely valuable lessons learned and new emergency recovery technologies and systems developed to cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

This paper describes new technology developed to selectively remove radioactive materials dangerous to workers, local citizens, and the natural environment from seawater used to cool the damaged reactors at Fukushima.

As always, the mother of invention is necessity.
Prioritization of Remedial Actions for Radioactive Waste Burials in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Authors: Crossland Ian
Published: February 2014

Large volumes of radioactive waste were urgently buried in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (ChEZ) in the aftermath of the 1986 accident. Twenty-six years later, decisions must be taken about whether and how to remediate these sites. An attempt to resolve two key issues is described here:

1. How to assess the hazards posed by these facilities, recognizing that, for the foreseeable future, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone will remain under institutional control? and

2. What standards to apply in deciding the extent of remediation?

This paper presents an examination of the issues and proposes a simple decision-making process.
Development of a Mechanical Based System for Dry Retrieval of Single-Shell Tank Waste at Hanford
Authors: Prugue Ximena
Published: February 2014

This study explores the development of a mechanical based system to retrieve single-shell tank waste at the Hanford site, located in Richland, Washington, without the addition of water. Out of 177 tanks at Hanford, there are 149 single-shell tanks (SST) and 28 double-shell tanks (DST). There are currently 67 SSTs that have leaked radioactive waste to the surrounding groundwater in the past or assumed to have questionable tank integrity. Leaking tanks continue to be a major concern as it was recently announced in February 2013 that six SSTs are leaking, even though they were believed to have been stabilized back in 2005. There are also several tanks with significant in-tank obstructions, such as air-lift circulators, where an arm-based retrieval would not be possible.

All current methods of waste retrieval deployed involve the addition of significant amounts of water to generate a slurry that can be pumped out of the tank. This water, however, can exacerbate the leak and risk the potential of leaking more waste into the surrounding soil, subsequently contaminating the groundwater. It also reduces available waste storage space in DSTs, and increases the risk of dangerous buoyant displacement gas release events (BDGRE) in the headspace of DSTs.

Focusing on leaking tanks, tanks with significant in-tank obstructions, and utilizing existing risers in Hanford’s tanks, this study evaluates commercially available dry technologies, such as augers and high-powered vacuums, for feasibility, safety, and efficiency of waste retrieval at Hanford.
Improved Third Generation Peristaltic Crawler for Removal of High-Level Waste Plugs in United States Department of Energy Hanford Site Pipelines
Authors: Vazquez Gabriela , Pribanic Tomas
Published: February 2014

There are approximately 56 million gallons (212km3) of high level waste (HLW) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site. It is scheduled that by the year 2040, the HLW is to be completely transferred to secure double-shell tanks (DST) from the leaking single-tanks (SST) via transfer pipeline system. Blockages have formed inside the pipes during transport because of the variety in composition and characteristics of the waste. These full and partial plugs delay waste transfers and require manual intervention to repair, therefore are extremely expensive, consuming millions of dollars and further threatening the environment. To successfully continue the transfer of waste through the pipelines, DOE site engineers are in need of a technology that can accurately locate the blockages and unplug the pipelines.

In this study, the proposed solution to remediate blockages formed in pipelines is the use of a peristaltic crawler: a pneumatically/hydraulically operated device that propels itself in a worm-like motion through sequential fluctuations of pressure in its air cavities. The crawler is also equipped with a high-pressure water nozzle used to clear blockages inside the pipelines.

The crawler is now in its third generation. Previous generations showed limitations in its durability, speed, and maneuverability. Latest improvements include an automation of sequence that prevents kickback, a front-mounted inspection camera for visual feedback, and a thinner wall outer bellow for improved maneuverability. Different experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the improvements of crawler relative to its predecessors using a pipeline test-bed assembly. Anchor force tests, unplugging tests, and fatigue testing for both the bellow and rubber rims have yet to be conducted and thus results are not presented in this research. Experiments tested bellow force and response, cornering maneuverability, and straight line navigational speed. The design concept and experimental test results are reported.
Could and Should Sport Coaching Become a Profession? Some Sociological Reflections
Authors: Malcolm Dominic , Pinheiro Claudia , Pimenta Nuno
Published: February 2014

This paper provides sociological reflections on the professionalization of sport coaching and the attempts of sport coaches to attain such a status. It explicates existing sociological analyses of the professions, highlighting and critiquing the so-called “trait” approach which currently dominates discussions of the professionalization of sport coaching. It subsequently suggests that the “power approach” to professions, as epitomized by the work of Johnson, Larson and Abbott, provides a more realistic depiction of professionalization, alerting us to the conflictual and exclusionary aspects endemic in such a process. Finally the paper explores some twenty-first century trends towards the declining influence and social power of professional groups, and the specific characteristics and social standing of sport coaching which will serve to constrain sport coaches from achieving the goal of professional status. This analysis leads us to question whether professionalization should be viewed as an inherently “positive” development, and whether professionalization is a realistic goal for an occupational group such as sport coaching.
Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness are Positively Associated With Heart Rate Variability in Obese Adults
Authors: Kaikkonen Kaisu Marjut , Korpelainen Raija irmeli , Tulppo Mikko P. , Kaikkonen Hannu Sakari , Vanhala Marja Liisa , Kallio Mika Antero , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka M. , Korpelainen Juha Tapani
Published: February 2014

Background:

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction and obesity are intrinsically related to each other. In normal-weight subjects physical activity (PA) and fitness are related to cardiovascular autonomic regulation, providing evidence that aerobic training may improve ANS functioning measured by heart rate variability (HRV). The goal of this study was to investigate the association between lifetime PA, aerobic fitness and HRV in obese adults.

Methods:

Participants included 107 (87 females) volunteers (mean age 44.5 years, median BMI 35.7) who completed health and lifestyle questionnaires and measurements of maximal aerobic performance, anthropometry and 24 h HRV.

Results:

In the multivariate linear regression analyses, lifetime physical activity explained 40% of the variance in normal R-R intervals (SDNN). Each 1-category increase in the activity index increased SDNN by 15.4 (P = .009) and 24% of the variance in natural logarithmic value of ultra-low frequency power (P = .050). High measured VO2max explained 45% of the variance in natural logarithmic value of high-frequency power (P = .009) and 25% of the variance in low frequency/high frequency ratio (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Lifetime physical activity and aerobic fitness may reduce obesity-related health risks by improving the cardiac autonomic function measured by HRV in obese workingage subjects. This research supports the role of lifetime physical activity in weight management strategies and interventions to reduce obesity-related health risks.
Tumor-Induced STAT3 Signaling in Myeloid Cells Impairs Dendritic Cell Generation by Decreasing PKCβII Abundance
Authors: Farren Matthew R. , Carlson Louise M. , Netherby Colleen S. , Lindner Inna , Li Pui-Kai , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Abrams Scott I. , Lee Kelvin P.
Published: February 2014

Tumor-derived factors repress immune responses by reducing protein kinase C signaling in dendritic cell progenitors.
RIGging the Proliferative Response
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2014

Retinoic acid–inducible gene I restricts the proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells independently of its role in antiviral responses.
Reovirus Forms Neo-Organelles for Progeny Particle Assembly within Reorganized Cell Membranes
Authors: Fernández de Castro Isabel , Zamora Paula F. , Ooms Laura , Fernández José Jesús , Lai Caroline M.-H. , Mainou Bernardo A. , Dermody Terence S. , Risco Cristina
Published: February 2014

Most viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells form neo-organelles that serve as sites of viral genome replication and particle assembly. These highly specialized structures concentrate viral replication proteins and nucleic acids, prevent the activation of cell-intrinsic defenses, and coordinate the release of progeny particles. Despite the importance of inclusion complexes in viral replication, there are key gaps in the knowledge of how these organelles form and mediate their functions. Reoviruses are nonenveloped, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses that serve as tractable experimental models for studies of dsRNA virus replication and pathogenesis. Following reovirus entry into cells, replication occurs in large cytoplasmic structures termed inclusions that fill with progeny virions. Reovirus inclusions are nucleated by viral nonstructural proteins, which in turn recruit viral structural proteins for genome replication and particle assembly. Components of reovirus inclusions are poorly understood, but these structures are generally thought to be devoid of membranes. We used transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstructions to visualize reovirus inclusions in infected cells. These studies revealed that reovirus inclusions form within a membranous network. Viral inclusions contain filled and empty viral particles and microtubules and appose mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy analysis demonstrated that markers of the ER and ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) codistribute with inclusions during infection, as does dsRNA. dsRNA colocalizes with the viral protein σNS and an ERGIC marker inside inclusions. These findings suggest that cell membranes within reovirus inclusions form a scaffold to coordinate viral replication and assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Viruses alter the architecture of host cells to form an intracellular environment conducive to viral replication. This step in viral infection requires the concerted action of viral and host components and is potentially vulnerable to pharmacological intervention. Reoviruses form large cytoplasmic replication sites called inclusions, which have been described as membrane-free structures. Despite the importance of inclusions in the reovirus replication cycle, little is known about their formation and composition. We used light and electron microscopy to demonstrate that reovirus inclusions are membrane-containing structures and that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment interact closely with these viral organelles. These findings enhance our understanding of the cellular machinery usurped by viruses to form inclusion organelles and complete an infectious cycle. This information, in turn, may foster the development of antiviral drugs that impede this essential viral replication step.
International health research monitoring: exploring a scientific and a cooperative approach using participatory action research
Authors: Chantler Tracey , Cheah Phaik Yeong , Miiro George , Hantrakum Viriya , Nanvubya Annet , Ayuo Elizabeth , Kivaya Esther , Kidola Jeremiah , Kaleebu Pontiano , Parker Michael , Njuguna Patricia , Ashley Elizabeth , Guerin Philippe J , Lang Trudie
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate and determine the value of monitoring models developed by the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Research Unit and the East African Consortium for Clinical Research, consider how this can be measured and explore monitors’ and investigators’ experiences of and views about the nature, purpose and practice of monitoring.

Research design

A case study approach was used within the context of participatory action research because one of the aims was to guide and improve practice. 34 interviews, five focus groups and observations of monitoring practice were conducted.

Setting and participants

Fieldwork occurred in the places where the monitoring models are coordinated and applied in Thailand, Cambodia, Uganda and Kenya. Participants included those coordinating the monitoring schemes, monitors, senior investigators and research staff.

Analysis

Transcribed textual data from field notes, interviews and focus groups was imported into a qualitative data software program (NVIVO V. 10) and analysed inductively and thematically by a qualitative researcher. The initial coding framework was reviewed internally and two main categories emerged from the subsequent interrogation of the data.

Results

The categories that were identified related to the conceptual framing and nature of monitoring, and the practice of monitoring, including relational factors. Particular emphasis was given to the value of a scientific and cooperative style of monitoring as a means of enhancing data quality, trust and transparency. In terms of practice the primary purpose of monitoring was defined as improving the conduct of health research and increasing the capacity of researchers and trial sites.

Conclusions

The models studied utilise internal and network wide expertise to improve the ethics and quality of clinical research. They demonstrate how monitoring can be a scientific and constructive exercise rather than a threatening process. The value of cooperative relations needs to be given more emphasis in monitoring activities, which seek to ensure that research protects human rights and produces reliable data.
Scaling up experimental trawl impact results to fishery management scales — a modelling approach for a “hot time”
Authors: Ellis Nick , Pantus Francis , Pitcher C. Roland
Published: February 2014

Numerous studies have quantified trawl impacts at small scales. However, effective management of trawl impacts requires synthesis of experimental results (biomass depletion per tow and subsequent recovery) and application at fishery scales — realistically, this is achievable only in a modelling framework. We present a method for scaling up experimental results for management applications that incorporates a benthic biomass model having exponential trawl depletion and logistic recovery. Ultra-fine trawl-track data, supported by simulations, show that realistic trawling can be represented by a negative-binomial stochastic process, with intensity governed by large-scale effort and aggregation by a tunable parameter. Two mechanisms of the process are considered: aggregations in space (hot spots) and aggregations in time (hot times), which yields a logistic differential equation for the large-scale biomass over time. The model shows that scaling from fine scale to fishery scale depends on the degree of aggregation of fishing, with increasing aggregation lowering depletion rates at fishery scales. This model is a fundamental step in enabling assessment of large-scale implications and evaluating alternative management strategies.
Recent advance of forest–grassland ecotones in southwestern Yukon
Authors: Conway Alexandra J. , Danby Ryan K.
Published: February 2014

We investigated recent ecotone dynamics in the forest–grassland mosaics of southwestern Yukon. Our objectives were to determine (i) if forests are encroaching into grasslands, (ii) if rate and extent of encroachment varies by region or with topographic setting, and (iii) if encroachment is related to climate change and variability. Dendroecological techniques were used to obtain dates of establishment for 1847 trees (trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss)) sampled from 28 sites divided between two different regions and three topographic settings. Generalized linear modeling was used to identify relationships between climate and tree establishment. Results show that encroachment of forest, particularly aspen trees, into grasslands has been nearly ubiquitous on flat terrain and on south-facing slopes in both regions over the last 60–80 years. In contrast, spruce-dominated ecotones on north-facing slopes experienced little change. Aspen establishment was positively associated with spring temperatures and precipitation, although evidence suggests that other factors such as soil moisture interact with climate to mediate the timing and rate of tree encroachment. These results indicate that transformation of grasslands to aspen-dominated forest is an additional, but previously unexplored, element of the widespread ecosystem changes currently being experienced in northwestern North America.
REDUCING INCOME INEQUALITY WHILE BOOSTING ECONOMIC GROWTH: CAN IT BE DONE? EVIDENCE FROM OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: HOELLER PETER , JOUMARD ISABELLE , KOSKE ISABELL
Published: February 2014

This paper identifies inequality patterns across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and provides new analysis of their policy and non-policy drivers. One key finding is that education and anti-discrimination policies, well-designed labor market institutions and large and/or progressive tax and transfer systems can all reduce income inequality. On this basis, the paper identifies several policy reforms that could yield a double dividend in terms of boosting GDP per capita and reducing income inequality, and also flags other policy areas where reforms would entail a trade-off between both objectives.
New structures in scattering amplitudes: A review
Authors: Benincasa Paolo
Published: February 2014

We review some recent developments in the understanding of field theories in the perturbative regime. In particular, we discuss the notions of analyticity, unitarity and locality, and therefore the singularity structure of scattering amplitudes in general interacting theories. We describe their tree-level structure and their on-shell representations, as well as the links between the tree-level structure itself and the structure of the loop amplitudes. Finally, we describe the on-shell diagrammatics recently proposed both on general grounds and in the remarkable example of planar supersymmetric theories.
OPTIMIZATION OF THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES BY Cu SUBSTITUTION IN LaCoO3 CERAMICS
Authors: CHOUDHARY K. K. , KAURAV N. , GHOSH S. K.
Published: February 2014

The thermoelectric properties of LaCo 1-x Cu x O 3-δ ceramics are theoretically analyzed, it is observed that thermoelectric figure of merit ZT ( = S2σT/κ) is maximized by Cu substitution in LaCo 1-x Cu x O 3-δ at x = 0.15. The lattice thermal conductivity (κ ph ) and phonon drag thermoelectric power [Formula: see text] were estimated by the scattering of phonons with defects, grain boundaries, electrons and phonon umklapp scattering to evaluate the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT. The Mott expression is used to estimate the electron diffusive thermoelectric power [Formula: see text] using Fermi energy as electron free parameter, [Formula: see text] shows linear temperature dependence. The electron contribution to thermal conductivity (κe) is estimated using temperature-dependent electron relaxation time. We found that Cu substitution increases the phonon scattering with grain boundaries and defects which significantly decrease the thermal conductivity and subsequently increase the thermoelectric power. The present numerical analysis of thermoelectric properties will help in designing more efficient thermoelectric materials for thermoelectric applications.
PAINLEVÉ ANALYSIS AND NEW ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS FOR (1+1)-DIMENSIONAL HIGHER-ORDER BROER–KAUP SYSTEM WITH SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION
Authors: LI XIAO-NAN , WEI GUANG-MEI , LIU YU-PING , LIANG YUE-QIAN , MENG XIANG-HUA
Published: February 2014

The (1+1)-dimensional higher-order Broer–Kaup (HBK) system is investigated in this paper. Painlevé test shows that there are two solution branches, one of which has the resonance -2. And an auto-Bäcklund transformation is obtained by the truncated Painlevé expansion. The new analytic solutions are presented by means of the auto-Bäcklund transformation, including the periodic and soliton-like solutions. Similarity reductions for the HBK system are given out to two ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through CK direct method.
INVESTIGATION OF MATERIAL GAIN OF In0.90Ga0.10As0.59P0.41/InP LASING NANO-HETEROSTRUCTURE
Authors: YADAV RASHMI , LAL PYARE , RAHMAN F. , DALELA S. , ALVI P. A.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we have proposed a step separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) based lasing nano-heterostructure In 0.90 Ga 0.10 As 0.59 P 0.41/ InP consisting of single quantum well (SQW) and investigated material gain theoretically within TE and TM polarization modes. In addition, the quasi Fermi levels in the conduction and valence bands along with other lasing characteristics like anti-guiding factor, refractive index change with carrier density and differential gain have also been investigated and reported. Moreover, the behavior of quasi Fermi levels in respective bands has also been correlated with the material gain. Strain dependent study on material gain and refractive index change has also been reported. Interestingly, strain has been reported to play a very important role in shifting the lasing wavelength of TE mode to TM mode. The results investigated in the work suggest that the proposed unstrained nano-heterostructure is very suitable as a source for optical fiber based communication systems due to its lasing wavelengths achieved at ~1.35 μm within TM mode, while ~1.40 μm within TE mode.
AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN POSTURAL STABILITY AND SACROILIAC JOINT PAIN — A CASE CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Baruah Snigdha , Eapen Charu , Kamath Katpadi Ramachandra
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To evaluate and to find an association between postural stability amongst the subjects with sacroiliac iliac joint pain (SIJP) and compare it with healthy subjects. Methods: Single leg standing balance test with eyes closed (SLSBT-EC) was performed in 30 SIJP subjects without any visual, vestibular or other neuromusculoskeletal conditions and in 46 healthy controls aged 18-59 years. SLSBT-EC holding duration was measured for both the groups. "t"-test was done to compare the SLSBT (EC) holding duration between the groups and Fisher's exact test to find an association between postural stability and SIJP group. Results: SLSBT (EC) duration was significantly decreased (95% CI: t = 10.34, p = < 0.001) amongst the cases (15.56 s ± 4.73 s) as compared to healthy participants (26.06 s ± 4.05 s) and Fisher's exact test value for association between postural stability and SIJP was found to be statistically significant (F = 0.54, p = < 0.001). Conclusion: Subjects with SIJP exhibited diminished SLSBT (EC) holding duration compared to healthy controls suggesting proprioceptive deficits.
Impact of Relational Capital on Business Value
Authors: García-Merino Jose Domingo , García-Zambrano Lidia , Rodriguez-Castellanos Arturo
Published: February 2014

Intangible resources, or intellectual capital, are currently known to be the drivers of economic growth. Today's society is known as the knowledge-based society. Knowledge is the main strategic resource that is capable in itself of generating new knowledge. Therefore, intangible resources have become the competitiveness base for any company, as their ownership provides the company with the opportunity to generate sustainable competitive advantage and increases the value of the company. One of the most important dimensions of intellectual capital is the relational capital (Prahalad and Ramaswany, 2000). Relational capital is defined as the knowledge embedded in the relationships with any stakeholder that influences the life of the organisation. Relationships with stakeholders are the necessary condition for building, maintaining and renewing resources, structures and processes over time, as firms can access critical and complementary resources through external relationships. Some authors [Prahalad, CK and V Ramaswamy (2000). Co-opting customer competence, Harvard Business Review, 78(1) 79–87.] suggest that the customer has become a new source of obtaining competitive advantage for the organisation. The customer and satisfaction have become the aim of companies as it is only way to attain sustainable performance. Companies that improve their relations with their clients, and the satisfaction of the latter, will therefore achieve a better business performance and will increase their value. There is a gap in the literature about this topic. Few works have been done in this aspect; for that, our research thus seeks to analyse whether customer satisfaction is reflected in the total value of the intangibles. A sample of the main Spanish companies, those quoted on the IBEX-35 (the main index of reference of the Spanish Stock Exchange, comprising the 35 companies with greatest liquidity on the Spanish Stock Exchange) are included and the relationship between the relational capital, measured by satisfaction of customers variable, and the total value of the company has been analysed. A positive relationship is then obtained between both variables, that is, improved customer satisfaction is positively associated with an increased business value, but that is not statistically significant.
Knowledge Sharing Through Communities of Practice in a Financial Institution
Authors: Nkuna S. , du Toit A. S. A.
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the effectiveness of knowledge sharing (KS) within communities of practice (CoPs) in a financial institution in South Africa. This was achieved through understanding the current state of KS within the CoPs, identifying critical factors for effectively sharing knowledge and thereafter determining reasons for a CoP not being effective in sharing knowledge. The results showed that there is still a long way to go to ensure the effectiveness of KS through CoPs. The CoPs within this financial institution are informal in nature, and therefore not necessarily given the attention that they deserve. Time used for CoPs is not maximised effectively, which reduces the chances of their effectiveness and improvement of productivity. Lack of effective system infrastructure to support KS is also a massive challenge for the CoPs, as is not having virtual Cops to reduce challenges faced in the use of face-to-face CoPs.
Interacting with the past
Authors: Hsieh Chun-Ko , Liao Wen-Ching , Yu Meng-Chieh , Hung Yi-Ping
Published: February 2014

We propose an application that allows a museum audience to interact with the past and to appreciate the value of antique objects through multimedia installations. Discussions in this article are based on our experiences in developing the Mao-Kung Cauldron time perception journey multimedia application. This installation was inspired by the Mao-Kung Cauldron, an ancient bronze cauldron in the collection of the National Palace Museum known for its historical significance. The question, however, lies in how to create an experience in which the audiences can interact with the past. To address this issue, the research team used the Kinect-based breath detection and deterioration/recovery simulation technologies to develop the application. This installation is the first application linked to Kinect-based breath detection and deterioration/recovery simulation technologies. The main contribution of this work is the analysis of design concepts, design decisions, and evaluations in a museum setting. We conduct a control group study to compare the outcomes between the experimental group (Mao-Kung Cauldron time perception journey multimedia application) and control group (asynchronous web-based kiosk). Both the quantitative (questionnaire survey) and qualitative methods (observation) are used to analyze the collected data. This work proposes a feasibility design to let museum audiences experience the features of cultural object by the virtual time perception journey application.
Uncovering social network Sybils in the wild
Authors: Yang Zhi , Wilson Christo , Wang Xiao , Gao Tingting , Zhao Ben Y. , Dai Yafei
Published: February 2014

Sybil accounts are fake identities created to unfairly increase the power or resources of a single malicious user. Researchers have long known about the existence of Sybil accounts in online communities such as file-sharing systems, but they have not been able to perform large-scale measurements to detect them or measure their activities. In this article, we describe our efforts to detect, characterize, and understand Sybil account activity in the Renren Online Social Network (OSN). We use ground truth provided by Renren Inc. to build measurement-based Sybil detectors and deploy them on Renren to detect more than 100,000 Sybil accounts. Using our full dataset of 650,000 Sybils, we examine several aspects of Sybil behavior. First, we study their link creation behavior and find that contrary to prior conjecture, Sybils in OSNs do not form tight-knit communities. Next, we examine the fine-grained behaviors of Sybils on Renren using clickstream data. Third, we investigate behind-the-scenes collusion between large groups of Sybils. Our results reveal that Sybils with no explicit social ties still act in concert to launch attacks. Finally, we investigate enhanced techniques to identify stealthy Sybils. In summary, our study advances the understanding of Sybil behavior on OSNs and shows that Sybils can effectively avoid existing community-based Sybil detectors. We hope that our results will foster new research on Sybil detection that is based on novel types of Sybil features.
Discovering social circles in ego networks
Authors: Mcauley Julian , Leskovec Jure
Published: February 2014

People's personal social networks are big and cluttered, and currently there is no good way to automatically organize them. Social networking sites allow users to manually categorize their friends into social circles (e.g., “circles” on Google+, and “lists” on Facebook and Twitter). However, circles are laborious to construct and must be manually updated whenever a user's network grows. In this article, we study the novel task of automatically identifying users' social circles. We pose this task as a multimembership node clustering problem on a user's ego network, a network of connections between her friends. We develop a model for detecting circles that combines network structure as well as user profile information. For each circle, we learn its members and the circle-specific user profile similarity metric. Modeling node membership to multiple circles allows us to detect overlapping as well as hierarchically nested circles. Experiments show that our model accurately identifies circles on a diverse set of data from Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, for all of which we obtain hand-labeled ground truth.
Artificial life and cellular automata based automated test case generator
Authors: Bhasin Harsh
Published: February 2014

Manual test data generation is carried out by using the ability of neurons to recognize patterns. The nervous system and the brain coordinate to generate test cases, which are capable of finding potential faults. Automated test data generators lack the ability to produce efficient test cases because they do not imitate natural processes. This paper proposes using Artificial Life based systems for generating test cases. Cellular Automata and Langton's loop have been used to accomplish the above task. Cellular Automata are parallel distributed systems capable of reproducing using self generated patterns. These fascinating techniques have been amalgamated with standard test data generation techniques to give rise to a methodology, which generates test cases for white box testing. Langton's Loops have been used to generate test cases for Black Box Testing. The approach has been verified on a set of 20 programs. The programs have been selected on the basis of their Lines of Code and utility. The results obtained have been verified using Average Probability of Fault Detection. This paper also proposes a new framework capable of crafting test cases taking into account the oracle cost.
Extended iterative maintenance life cycle using eXtreme programming
Authors: Choudhari Jitender , Suman Ugrasen
Published: February 2014

Software maintenance is the continuous process of enhancing the operational life of software. The existing approaches to software maintenance, derived from the traditional approaches to development, are unable to resolve the problems of unstructured code, team morale, poor visibility of the project, lack of communication, and lack of proper test suites. Alternatively, extreme programming practices such as test driven development, refactoring, pair programming, continuous integration, small releases, and collective ownership help to resolve the aforesaid problems. In this paper, a process model is proposed for software maintenance using extreme programming practices to resolve maintenance issues in an improved manner. The proposed approach speeds up the maintenance process and produces more maintainable code with less effort for future maintenance and evolution. The proposed model is validated by applying it on several maintenance projects in an academic environment. It has been observed that the approach provides higher quality code. The proposed model based on extreme programming enhances both learning and productivity of the team by improving the morale, courage, and confidence of the team, which supports higher motivation during maintenance.
Developing an intelligent cloud for higher education
Authors: Yadav Nikita , Khatri Sujata , Singh V. B.
Published: February 2014

With rapid development in the IT world, technologies are becoming more dynamic and advanced. Today, technologies are changing with customer requirements. In the IT world, research is carried out to make technology better to meet the requirements that change with time. With the advancement in the IT world, online services have proliferated. Now a days, cloud computing is the hottest buzzword in the IT world. Cloud computing is not limited to the E-Governance and business worlds, but is also making a great impact in the education world. With growing demand for education, technologies and research, all universities and education institutions have their eyes on cloud computing. The main pillars of educational institutions are students, faculties, administrations and libraries. Faculty and students do research and need quality data while students of a particular field need a subject-oriented knowledge. Manually getting these kinds of data is time consuming as students depend on literature, books, different kind of software and hardware. With cloud computing in higher education, cost-effective measures can be taken to minimize the dependency on books, hardware and software. In this paper, we discuss how Artifical Intelligence based cloud computing in higher education will improve quality and ease the process of getting e-resources (software/hardware platform, storage etc.). This study will help in understanding effective cost-cutting measures. We also discuss how cloud computing in the library and administration will brighten the education prospects.
Automated generation of model classes for Java PathFinder
Authors: Ceccarello Matteo , Tkachuk Oksana
Published: February 2014

Model checkers like Java PathFinder (JPF) often have to combat the state space explosion problem. One solution adopted to tackle this problem is to abstract away parts of the system, e. g., to model complex library classes at a higher level of abstraction. The model classes have the same interface as the actual library classes but exhibit reduced be- haviour and state. Writing such model classes is both error prone and time consuming. In this paper we propose a tool that can automatically derive a model class from the original class. To achieve this goal, the tool uses different algorithms, including slicing and value generation, each yielding a model class with different behaviour and state.
Predicate abstraction in Java Pathfinder
Authors: Daniel Jakub , Parízek Pavel , Păsăreanu Corina S.
Published: February 2014

We present our ongoing effort to implement predicate abstraction in Abstract Pathfinder, which is an extension of Java Pathfinder. Our approach builds upon existing abstraction techniques that have been proposed mainly for low-level programs in C. We support predicates over variables having numerical data types. The main challenges that we have addressed include (1) the design of the predicate language, (2) support for arrays, (3) finding predicates affected by a given statement, (4) aliasing between variables, (5) propagating values of predicates over method call boundaries, and (6) computing weakest preconditions for complex predicates. We describe our solution to these challenges and selected details about the implementation. We also discuss our future plans and research ideas.
Vector-clock based partial order reduction for JPF
Authors: Noonan Eric , Mercer Eric , Rungta Neha
Published: February 2014

Java Pathfinder (JPF) employs a dynamic partial order reduction based on sharing and state hashing to reduce the schedules in concurrent systems. That partial order reduction is believed to be complete in the new version of JPF using search global IDs (SGOIDs) but does miss behaviors when SGOIDs are not employed. More importantly, it is not clear how such a dynamic partial order reduction, with or without SGOIDs, compares to other dynamic partial order reductions based on persistent sets, sleep sets, or clock vectors. In order to understand JPF's native dynamic partial order reduction better, this paper discusses an implementation of Flanagan and Goidefroid's clock vector partial order reduction in JPF. Then, the performance of JPF's native dynamic partial order reduction and the clock vector partial order reduction in JPF using SGOIDs will be compared in an effort to understand JPF's dynamic partial order reduction more fully. It was discovered that a clock vector POR always performs better in terms of runtime on the benchmarks chosen, and sometimes even better in terms of memory.
Topic-based, time-aware bug assignment
Authors: Nguyen Tung Thanh , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Nguyen Tien N.
Published: February 2014

Bugs are prevalent in software systems and improving time efficiency in bug fixing is desired. We performed an analysis on 11,115 bug records of Eclipse JDT and found that bug resolution time is log-normally distributed and varies across fixers, technical topics, and bug severity levels. We then propose FixTime, a novel method for bug assignment. The key of FixTime is a topicbased, log-normal regression model for predicting defect resolution time on which FixTime is based to make fixing assignment recommendations. Preliminary results suggest that FixTime has higher prediction accuracy than existing approaches.