bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal characteristics of extreme precipitation and temperature: a case study in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Xu Z. X. , Yang X. J. , Zuo D. P. , Chu Q. , Liu W. F.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Spatiotemporal characteristics of extreme precipitation and temperature in Yunnan Province, China, were analyzed by using observed daily data at 28 meteorological stations from 1958–2013 in this study. Nine extreme precipitation indices and 6 extreme temperature indices were adopted, and the tendency of those indices was investigated by using Mann–Kendal test method. In order to distinguish the spatial characteristics, the region was divided into 5 regions according to climate and topography, then the characteristics of each region were compared each other. The results indicate that changes of extreme temperature are more sensitive and significant than those of precipitation. The contribution of extreme precipitation to total precipitation presented a significant upward trend, but the annual total wet-day precipitation (PRCPTOT) did not show significant changes. Both maximum and minimum temperature showed significant increasing tendency while there was not obvious changes for precipitation. The spatial features of extreme precipitation and temperature are similar. It was noted that extreme precipitation and temperature events occurred more frequently in central region where the risk of extreme climatic events was greater than other areas.
Interdisciplinary approach to hydrological hazard mitigation and disaster response and effects of climate change on the occurrence of flood severity in central Alaska
Authors: Kontar Y. Y. , Bhatt U. S. , Lindsey S. D. , Plumb E. W. , Thoman R. L.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In May 2013, a massive ice jam on the Yukon River caused flooding that destroyed much of the infrastructure in the Interior Alaska village of Galena and forced the long-term evacuation of nearly 70% of its residents. This case study compares the communication efforts of the out-of-state emergency response agents with those of the Alaska River Watch program, a state-operated flood preparedness and community outreach initiative. For over 50 years, the River Watch program has been fostering long-lasting, open, and reciprocal communication with flood prone communities, as well as local emergency management and tribal officials. By taking into account cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic features of rural Alaskan communities, the River Watch program was able to establish and maintain a sense of partnership and reliable communication patterns with communities at risk. As a result, officials and residents in these communities are open to information and guidance from the River Watch during the time of a flood, and thus are poised to take prompt actions. By informing communities of existing ice conditions and flood threats on a regular basis, the River Watch provides effective mitigation efforts in terms of ice jam flood effects reduction. Although other ice jam mitigation attempts had been made throughout US and Alaskan history, the majority proved to be futile and/or cost-ineffective. Galena, along with other rural riverine Alaskan communities, has to rely primarily on disaster response and recovery strategies to withstand the shock of disasters. Significant government funds are spent on these challenging efforts and these expenses might be reduced through an improved understanding of both the physical and climatological principals behind river ice breakup and risk mitigation. This study finds that long term dialogue is critical for effective disaster response and recovery during extreme hydrological events connected to changing climate, timing of river ice breakup, and flood occurrence in rural communities of the Far North.
Extreme hydrological events and security
Authors: Kundzewicz Z. W. , Matczak P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Economic losses caused by hydrological extremes – floods and droughts – have been on the rise, worldwide. Hydrological extremes jeopardize human security and cause serious threats to human life and welfare and societal livelihood. Floods and droughts can undermine societies' security, understood as freedom from threat and the ability of societies to maintain their independent identity and their functional integrity against forces of change. Several dimensions of security are reviewed in the context of hydrological extremes. Floods and droughts pose a burden and serious challenges to the state, responsible to sustain economic development, societal and environmental security – the maintenance of ecosystem services, on which a society depends. It is shown that reduction of risk of hydrological disasters improves human security.
Neural network modeling and geochemical water analyses to understand and forecast karst and non-karst part of flash floods (case study on the Lez river, Southern France)
Authors: Darras T. , Raynaud F. , Borrell Estupina V. , Kong-A-Siou L. , Van-Exter S. , Vayssade B. , Johannet A. , Pistre S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Flash floods forecasting in the Mediterranean area is a major economic and societal issue. Specifically, considering karst basins, heterogeneous structure and nonlinear behaviour make the flash flood forecasting very difficult. In this context, this work proposes a methodology to estimate the contribution from karst and non-karst components using toolbox including neural networks and various hydrological methods. The chosen case study is the flash flooding of the Lez river, known for his complex behaviour and huge stakes, at the gauge station of Lavallette, upstream of Montpellier (400 000 inhabitants). After application of the proposed methodology, discharge at the station of Lavallette is spited between hydrographs of karst flood and surface runoff, for the two events of 2014. Generalizing the method to future events will allow designing forecasting models specifically for karst and surface flood increasing by this way the reliability of the forecasts.
A process-based analysis of the suitability of copula types for peak-volume flood relationships
Authors: Szolgay J. , Gaál L. , Kohnová S. , Hlavčová K. , Výleta R. , Bacigál T. , Blöschl G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The work aims at analyzing the bivariate relationship between flood peaks and flood volumes, with a particular focus on the type and seasonality of flood generation processes. Instead of the usual approach that deals with an analysis of the annual maxima of flood events, the current analysis includes all independent flood events in a catchment. Flood events are considered independent when they originate from distinguishably different synoptic/meteorological situations. The target region is located in the northern part of Austria, and consists of 72 small and mid-sized catchments. On the basis of the discharge measurements with a time resolution of 1 h from the period 1976–2007, independent flood events were identified and were assigned to one of the three following flood generation type categories: synoptic floods, flash floods and snowmelt floods. These were subsequently divided into two seasons, thereby separating predominantly rainfall-fed and snowmelt-fed floods. Nine frequently-used copula types were locally fitted to the samples of the flood type and seasonal data. Their goodness-of-fit was examined locally as well as analyzed in a regional scope. It was concluded that (i) treating flood processes separately is beneficial for the statistical analysis; (ii) suitability patterns of acceptable copula types are distinguishably different for the seasons/flood types considered, (iii) the Clayton and Joe copulas shows an unacceptable performance for all the seasons/flood types in the region; (iv) the rejection rate of the other copula types depends on the season/flood type and also on the sample size; (v) given that usually more than one statistically suitable dependence model exists, an uncertainty analysis of the design values in the engineering studies resulting from the choice of model seems unavoidable; (vi) reducing uncertainty in the choice of model could be attempted by a deeper hydrological analysis of the dependence structure between flood peaks and volumes in order to give hydrological support to the decision on model's suitability in specific regions and for typical flood generation mechanisms.
Flood risk trends in coastal watersheds in South Spain: direct and indirect impact of river regulation
Authors: Egüen M. , Polo M. J. , Gulliver Z. , Contreras E. , Aguilar C. , Losada M. A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Spain is one of the world's countries with a large number of reservoirs per inhabitant. This intense regulation of the fluvial network during the 20th century has resulted in a decrease in flood events, a higher availability of water resources, and a high development of the irrigated crop area, even in the drier regions. For decades, flood perception was reduced since the development of reservoirs protected the floodplains of river; this resulted in later occupation of soil by urban, agricultural and industrial uses. In recent years, an increasing perception of flood events is observed, associated to the higher damage associated to extreme events in the now occupied areas, especially in coastal watersheds. This work shows the change on flood risk in the coastal areas of three hydrographic basins in Andalusia (South Spain) during the reservoir expansion period: the Guadalete, Guadalquivir and Guadalhorce river basins. The results differentiate the impact of the regulation level on both the cumulative distribution functions of the fluvial discharge near the river mouth, for different time scales, and the associated damage related to the enhanced soil occupation during this period. The different impact on the final medium and long term flood risk is also assessed in terms of the storage capacity per unit area throughout the basins, the effective annual runoff/precipitation index, the frequency of sea storms, and the human factor (change in social perception of floods), for different intervals in the flood extreme regime. The implications for adaptation actions is also assessed.
Brittle–viscous deformation of vein quartz under fluid-rich lower greenschist facies conditions
Authors: Kjøll H. J. , Viola G. , Menegon L. , Sørensen B. E.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. We studied by Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) and optical microscopy a coarse-grained (ca. 0.5–6 mm) quartz vein embedded in a phyllonitic matrix to gain insights into the recrystallization mechanisms and the processes of strain localization in quartz deformed under lower greenschist facies conditions, broadly coincident with the brittle–viscous transition. The vein deformed during faulting along a phyllonitic thrust of Caledonian age within the Porsa Imbricate Stack in the Paleoproterozoic Repparfjord Tectonic Window in northern Norway. The phyllonite hosting the vein formed at the expense of a metabasaltic protolith through feldspar breakdown to form interconnected layers of fine, synkinematic phyllosilicates. In the mechanically weak framework of the phyllonite, the quartz vein acted as a relatively rigid body. Viscous deformation in the vein was initially accommodated by quartz basal slip. Under the prevailing deformation conditions, however, dislocation glide- and possibly creep-accommodated deformation of quartz was inefficient, and this resulted in localized strain hardening. In response to the (1) hardening, (2) progressive and cyclic increase of the fluid pressure, and (3) increasing competence contrast between the vein and the weakly foliated host phyllonite, vein quartz crystals began to deform by brittle processes along specific, suitably oriented lattice planes, creating microgouges along microfractures. Nucleated new grains rapidly sealed these fractures as fluids penetrated the actively deforming system. The grains grew initially by solution precipitation and later by grain boundary migration. We suggest that the different initial orientation of the vein crystals led to strain accommodation by different mechanisms in the individual crystals, generating remarkably different microstructures. Crystals suitably oriented for basal slip, for example, accommodated strain mainly viscously and experienced only minor fracturing. Instead, crystals misoriented for basal slip hardened and deformed predominantly by domainal fracturing. This study indicates the importance of considering shear zones as dynamic systems wherein the activated deformation mechanisms may vary through time in response to the complex temporal and spatial evolution of the shear zone, often in a cyclic fashion.
Læring av yrkesetikk – nytter utdanning? En forskningsbasert fremstilling
Authors: Solbrekke Tone Dyrdal
Published: June 2015

Denne artikkelen innledes med en forutsetning: at dagens samfunn er sterkt avhengig av ekspertsystemer som utvikles og forvaltes av profesjoner og deres medlemmer. Profesjonsutøvelse må derfor forankres i faglig kunnskap og ikke minst i en reflektert etisk bevissthet om profesjoners samfunnsoppdrag. Med dette som utgangspunkt påpekes det i denne artikkelen at høyere utdanning har ansvar for å utdanne kommende profesjonsutøvere med moralsk handlingsberedskap. I lys av dette gjennomgås nasjonal og internasjonal forskning på læring av yrkesetikk innenfor ulike profesjonsutdanninger og erfaringer med yrkesetikk i praksis. Funn fra disse studiene viser at mange nyutdannede ikke opplever å være godt nok forberedt på yrkesetiske dilemmaer. Det indikerer at høyere utdanning ikke jobber med læring av yrkesetikk på en tilstrekkelig måte. Andre funn viser at i profesjonsutdanninger der det har vært jobbet systematisk med moralske spørsmål relatert til autentiske case, synes studenter å utvikle en mer bevisst yrkesetisk handlingsberedskap. Det konkluderes med at empirisk forskning bidrar med verdifull kunnskap om sentrale og kritiske forutsetninger og faktorer vi må ta hensyn til om målet er å danne grunnlag for en reflektert yrkesetisk handlingskompetanse for et konfliktfylt arbeidsliv. Systematisk utdanning i moralsk resonnement, deltagelse i praksis, utvikling av et etisk språk og en bevissthet om profesjonsmoralens forankring, er sentralt. Vi trenger imidlertid mer empirisk forskning på forholdet mellom det normative mandat og den enkelte profesjonsutøvers forståelse av yrkesetikk og handling i praksis. Det vil kunne øke vår innsikt i hvordan høyere utdanning kan hjelpe fremtidige profesjonsutøvere til moralsk handlingsberedskap.
Self-interest, deregulation and trust
Authors: Nordal Salvör
Published: June 2015

In this paper I will discuss Milton Friedman’s thesis that the social responsibilityof business is to maximize the shareholders’ profit. I examine the underlyingassumption of self-interest and argue, contrary to the neoliberal thesis ofderegulation, that the profit motive must be constrained by strong state regulations.Furthermore it facilitates keeping the division between business andgovernment intact. The financial crisis shows that the emphasis on a profitmotive without the external constraints of tight regulations has serious implicationsfor the trustworthiness of business. In the latter part of the paper I willdiscuss trust in relation to self-interest. The overemphasis on self-interest isparticularly unfortunate in connection with business, and not least the financialsector, as this institution is grounded in trust, without which it cannot survive.Seen from this angle, it can be claimed that a business model, celebratingprimarily self-interest, profit-motive and deregulation, is not going to be sustainablein the long run.
Information privacy, the right to receive information and (mobile) ICTs
Authors: Strikwerda Litska
Published: June 2015

The first part of this paper is about the notion of (information) privacy and its grounding in law. It discusses the tension between the right to privacy and the right to receive information. The second part of this paper explores how (mobile) ICTs challenge and complicate privacy claims and satisfy the right to receive information.
Introducing the new meat. Problems and prospects
Authors: Welin Stellan
Published: June 2015

Cultured meat, or in vitro meat, is one of the ideas that are being proposed to help solve the problems associated with the ever-growing global meat consumption. The prospect may bring benefit for the environment, climate, and animal ethics, but has also generated doubts and criticism. A discussion of the possible environmental benefit and of animal ethics issues in relation to cultured meat production will be given. A perceived 'unnaturalness' of cultured meat may be one of the strongest barriers for public acceptance. This will be discussed and rejected. As to our relations with nature and animals, it is plausible that cultured meat will lead to improvement rather than to deterioration. The issue of public acceptance and some of the problems of introducing this new product on the market will also be discussed.
Kristen bioetikk på defensiven
Authors: Magelssen Morten
Published: June 2015

I takt med sekulariseringen av Norge har den kristne bioetikken mistet innflytelse. For klassisk kristen etikk har det vært mange nederlag de siste tiårene. Men det har skjedd noe mer enn at klassiske kristne posisjoner har mistet tilslutning. De kristnes argumenter har også mistet appell og gjennomslagskraft i det offentlige rom, i en grad som ikke alene kan forklares med at antallet kristne synker. Artikkelen identifiserer fem hovedgrunner til at kristne argumenter i bioetikken ikke får gjennomslag i offentligheten: politisk liberalisme, avvisningen av religiøs argumentasjon, avvisningen av unntaksløse moralske forbud, moralsk subjektivisme og relativisme, og avvisning av handlingers symbolverdi. Grunnene drøftes med eksempler fra offentlig debatt.Nøkkelord: bioetikk, kristen etikk, naturrett, politisk liberalismeEnglish summary: Christian bioethics on the defensiveIn Norway, Christian bioethics has lost influence in step with secularization. For classical Christian ethics there have been numerous defeats in recent decades. However, something more than a simple decline in support for classical Christian positions has taken place. Christian arguments have also lost appeal and impact in the public square, to a degree that cannot be explained merely by the falling rate of adherence to Christianity. The article identifies five major reasons why Christian arguments in the sphere of bioethics fail to have an impact in the public square: political liberalism, the rejection of religious argumentation, the rejection of moral absolutes, moral subjectivism and relativism, and the rejection of the symbolic value of actions. The reasons are discussed with examples from the public debate.
Een nieuwe methode voor het berekenen van schade bij overlijden
Authors: Storm H.M.
Published: June 2015

Een nieuwe methode voor het berekenen van schade bij overlijden. Totstandkoming van de nieuwe rekenmethodiek in de Richtlijn Rekenmodel Overlijdensschade

Samen met Jessica Laumen, initiatiefneemster en voorzitter van de Denktank Overlijdensschade, staat de auteur stil bij de totstandkoming van de Notitie Overlijdensschade van de Denktank en de inhoud daarvan. De Notitie bevat een nieuwe rekenmethodiek voor het vaststellen van overlijdensschade (derving levensonderhoud) en kwam na veel discussie en overleg met alle marktpartijen in de letselschadewereld en met behulp van onderzoek van het Nibud tot stand. Op deze nieuwe rekenmethodiek in de Notitie van de Denktank en het onderzoeksrapport van het Nibud is de nieuwe Richtlijn Rekenmodel Overlijdensschade van De Letselschade Raad gebaseerd. De inhoud van de richtlijn wordt besproken.
Disclosure statement voorafgaand aan het inhoudelijk onderzoek door de deskundige: een idee met haken en ogen
Authors: Visser M.
Published: June 2015

Disclosure statement voorafgaand aan het inhoudelijk onderzoek door de deskundige: een idee met haken en ogen

In een letselschadezaak wordt een verzoek gedaan aan de rechter om een voorlopig deskundigenbericht te bevelen. Er wordt een deskundige benoemd, waarna deze wordt gevraagd om, voorafgaand aan het inhoudelijke deel van het deskundigenonderzoek, een disclosure statement af te geven. Aan de hand van drie tussenbeschikkingen wordt bezien wat de voor- en nadelen zijn van het loskoppelen van een disclosure statement van het inhoudelijke deel van het onderzoek. Geconcludeerd wordt dat wanneer enkele randvoorwaarden in acht worden genomen de voordelen uiteindelijk zwaarder wegen dan de nadelen.
SELECTED ISSUES IN MODELLING OF TRAFFIC FLOWS IN CONGESTED URBAN
Authors: Żochowska Renata
Published: June 2015

Making rational decisions about the planning and designing the traffic management in the city requires a proper description of traffic flows following through the various elements of the transportation network. This issue is the subject of many studies, resulting in a wide variety of models used in this field. Generally they can be divided into two main groups: models describing the distribution of traffic flows in the transportation network and models describing the transition of traffic flow by individual elements of the transportation network. This article reviews the models used to describe the traffic shaping in such an arrangement. Then the way of describing traffic flows, which may be used in the construction and calibration of dynamic traffic models has been formalized. The article also includes a calculation example with application of the proposed description of the components of traffic flows on the link of urban network.
THE STUDY OF TRACK GAUGE INFLUENCE ON LATERAL STABILITY OF 4-AXLE RAIL VEHICLE MODEL
Authors: Dusza Mirosław
Published: June 2015

Analysis of lateral stability of rail vehicle model is the subject of present paper. The method used by the author is based on bifurcation diagrams creation and analysis. The continued study of stability of vehicle model in straight track and curved track and form of the results presentation are original features of the method. Results for the straight track and wide range of radii of the curved track are presented jointly on the combined bifurcation diagrams in this paper. Multibody dynamics software VI-Rail was used for numerical analysis. Passenger vehicle model and track models were created. Analysis of track gauge influence on vehicle model stability is main aim of this paper. But analysis of possibility to adopt the method worked out earlier to the newly used numerical code and model of 4-axle vehicle is the aim either.
PROECOLOGICAL APPROACH TO MODELLING TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION IN NATIONAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Authors: Jacyna Marianna , Merkisz Jerzy
Published: June 2015

The paper presents a general approach to modelling traffic organization within the network of national transport system and with taking into account environmental aspects. General description of the model and necessary data for modelling are presented. The exact mathematical formulation of constrains and criteria functions assessing quality of traffic organization and taking into account level of emission of harmful compounds of exhaust gases are provided. The assessment of traffic organization in transport network is made in aspect of programming transport system development in ecological terms. Particular attention was paid to technical and ecological features of infrastructure and means of transport. What is important, model uses emission indexes set in real traffic conditions. The example of multi-variant distribution of freight traffic into the transport network is provided. Example was prepared with regard to environmental factors in simulation modelling tool EMITRANSYS developed in PTV VISUM.
NEW VERSION OF THE BBS METHOD AND ITS USAGE FOR DETERMINING AND SCHEDULING VEHICLE ROUTES
Authors: Wolfenburg Andrzej
Published: June 2015

The work presents a method of the vehicle routing and scheduling using the modified Branch and Bound Simulation method for vehicles simultaneously carrying loads from multiple orders. Limitations concerning vehicle loads and time windows in pickup and delivery points are taken into consideration. The developed algorithm appoints the shortest, the fastest and the cheapest routes with a certain known accuracy. A modification of the BBS method is described A sample of result using Google API is shown.
LOGISTICS WASTE UTILIZATION SYSTEM IN THE STEEL PLANT
Authors: Michlowicz Edward
Published: June 2015

An important problem associated with the production of steel products is the need to ensure adequate protection of the environment. Throughout the technological foundry formed about 90 types of waste, while a significant number of them belongs to a group of hazardous waste. Resulting in the production system have a steel mill waste utility value to justify the economic and ecological use, not only in the steel sector but also in other sectors of the economy. There is a need to increase activities related to environmental waste management from manufacture of steel, particularly those whose development is one way of storage. The paper presents the concept of reverse logistics in the specific example of a steel mill a full production cycle and the overall costs generated within the waste management system of a full production cycle steel mill.
Cyber victimization and adjustment difficulties: The mediation of Chinese and American adolescents’ digital technology usage
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: June 2015

Researchers have focused on identifying factors which might reduce the negative consequences associated with cyber victimization. One prominent factor receiving attention is the role of parental mediation in adolescents’ digital technology usage, and how such mediation reduces the risk of cyber victimization. Less attention has focused on different mitigating agents (i.e., teachers, friends) and their influence on adolescents’ cyber victimization. Another area that has received little attention is the buffering effects of different mitigating agents on the psychosocial adjustment difficulties (i.e., depression, loneliness, anxiety) associated with cyber victimization. To address this gap in the literature, the present study investigated the role of different mitigating agents (i.e., parents, teachers, friends) in buffering against the psychosocial adjustment difficulties associated with cyber victimization among 483 Chinese (49% female) and 467 American (52% female) adolescents in the eighth grade (ages ranging from 13-15). Findings revealed that all adolescents experienced more mediation by their parents, with Chinese adolescents reporting more parental mediation when compared to American adolescents. Chinese adolescents also reported more teacher mediation, while American adolescents experienced more friend mediation. In addition, high levels of parental mediation made the relationship of cyber victimization to depression and anxiety more negative for both Chinese and American adolescents. The relationships of cyber victimization to depression and anxiety were moderated by teacher mediation for Chinese adolescents, whereas this pattern was not found for American adolescents. On the other hand, friend mediation moderated the relationship of cyber victimization to depression and anxiety for American adolescents, but not for Chinese adolescents. The results of this study are discussed in terms of cultural values and how such values alter the role of adults and friends in adolescents’ lives.
Constraints on dendrochronological dating of Salix polaris from central Spitsbergen ( Short communication )
Authors: Buchwal Agata
Published: June 2015

Application of tundra shrubs in dendrochronological studies is recently increasing. However their growth rings are characterized by high irregularity which cause a com-mon tree-ring dating problems. The goal of the study is to demonstrate a dendro-chronological potential of common tundra species Salix polaris from central Spitsbergen (Ebbadalen, Petuniabukta) while (i) presenting its radial growth pattern and irregularities and (ii) discussing on its example a common problems of Arctic shrubs radial growth cross-dating. The results revealed that in average 25% of growth ring measured per single shrub was irregular and therefore might be problematic to detect and cross-date. It was found that even on a short distance (i.e., along a main root axis) cambial activity is not equal and missing and partially missing rings occurred alternately in a longitudinal profile. Common growth irregularities, such as missing and wedging rings, must be taken into account while measuring and cross-dating such a difficult dendrochrono-logical woody material as shown on the example of a Salix polaris dwarf shrub. The study revealed a high importance of serial sectioning and intra-plant cross-dating in dendrochronological studies of tundra shrubs.
Gradient of algal and cyanobacterial assemblages in a temporary lake with melting water at Solorina Valley, James Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Skácelová Kateřina , Barták Miloš
Published: June 2015

The aim of presented study is to contribute to species list of algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms from moist localities of James Ross Island, Solorina Valley (63° 53' S, 57° 48' W) in particular. In 2012, samples of microbiological mats were taken from a bottom of shallow depression close to a seashore line. The sampling site has been filled with melt-ing water from glacier for some weeks preceding the collection. On collection date, however it was dried out. The samples were analysed using optical microscopy approach after the transport of samples to Czech Republic (Masaryk University, Brno). Algal and cyanobacterial taxa forming the microbiological mats were determined according to their morphological characteristics and the frequencies of individual taxa occurrence evalu-ated. Species richness differed between individual sampling sites located across a shallow depression suggesting an ecological role of duration of stagnant water for bio-diversity in temporary freshwater ponds. Altogether, 37 algal and cyanobacterial taxa were found. While 23 taxa present in the centre of the depression, only 10 taxa were found close to the margin where the dry period was the longest.
Promising Europe: EU Related Pledges and their Fulfilment in Hungarian Party Manifestos (1998–2010)
Authors: Dobos Gábor , Gyulai Attila
Published: June 2015

This study analyses the election manifestos of Hungarian parties in campaigns between 1998 and 2006, for the purpose of assessing the significance and nature of EU-related promises. Three campaigns and government terms are studied: one prior to EU accession, a second around the time Hungary became a Member State and the third after joining the EU. The study follows the mandate view of representative government and the pledge approach for exploring election manifestos. Three main categories of EU-related pledges are discussed: firstly, pledges related to values associated with the European Union, secondly, pledges on adaptation to its institutions, policies, and norms, and finally pledges that promised availability and use of EU funds. The findings are that only a small proportion of election pledges was EU-related, and few were specific enough to test their later fulfilment by governments. We maintain that our results show how undisputed the issue of Hungarian membership was before 2010. But this lack of EU-related conflicts diminished the information content of manifestos regarding accession.
White-Collar Workers and Neighbourhood Change: Jarvis Street in Toronto,
1880–1920
Authors: Lombardo Nicholas
Published: June 2015

In 1880, Jarvis Street, just east of Toronto’s central business district, was the
city’s premier residential district, home to notable Torontonians such as the Masseys and
the Gooderhams. By 1920, the street would host a new group of young, unattached,
white-collar workers. Changes to the social, demographic, and occupational character of
Jarvis Street were accompanied by physical changes to its built form. The family estates of
the nineteenth-century elite were converted into boarding and rooming houses, or torn down
and replaced by some of the city’s first apartment buildings. These changes were driven by
the growth of corporate capitalism in Toronto and the attendant growth of white-collar
workers, as well as changes to urban form associated with the growth of the city outwards.
This article examines the relationship between neighbourhood change and larger
socio-economic changes occurring across the North American urban landscape at the time. It
does so by using a variety of historical data, including City of Toronto tax assessments,
city directories, as well as contemporary newspaper accounts. This case study of Jarvis
Street’s social, gender, occupational, and physical changes shows the way that larger
socio-economic processes are written at the scale of the neighbourhood. In doing so, it
demonstrates the importance of understanding neighbourhood change as local materialization
of larger social, economic, and demographic processes.
Converging evidence does not support GIT1 as an ADHD risk gene
Authors: Klein Marieke , van der Voet Monique , Harich Benjamin , van Hulzen Kimm J. E. , Onnink A. Marten H. , Hoogman Martine , Guadalupe Tulio , Zwiers Marcel , Groothuismink Johanne M. , Verberkt Alicia , Nijhof Bonnie , Castells‐Nobau Anna , Faraone Stephen V. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Schenck Annette , Arias‐Vasquez Alejandro , Franke Barbara ,   Psychiatric Genomics Consortium ADHD Working Group
Published: June 2015

Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder with a complex genetic background. The G protein‐coupled receptor kinase interacting ArfGAP 1 (GIT1) gene was previously associated with ADHD. We aimed at replicating the association of GIT1 with ADHD and investigated its role in cognitive and brain phenotypes. Gene‐wide and single variant association analyses for GIT1 were performed for three cohorts: (1) the ADHD meta‐analysis data set of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC, N = 19,210), (2) the Dutch cohort of the International Multicentre persistent ADHD CollaboraTion (IMpACT‐NL, N = 225), and (3) the Brain Imaging Genetics cohort (BIG, N = 1,300). Furthermore, functionality of the rs550818 variant as an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) for GIT1 was assessed in human blood samples. By using Drosophila melanogaster as a biological model system, we manipulated Git expression according to the outcome of the expression result and studied the effect of Git knockdown on neuronal morphology and locomotor activity. Association of rs550818 with ADHD was not confirmed, nor did a combination of variants in GIT1 show association with ADHD or any related measures in either of the investigated cohorts. However, the rs550818 risk‐genotype did reduce GIT1 expression level. Git knockdown in Drosophila caused abnormal synapse and dendrite morphology, but did not affect locomotor activity. In summary, we could not confirm GIT1 as an ADHD candidate gene, while rs550818 was found to be an eQTL for GIT1. Despite GIT1's regulation of neuronal morphology, alterations in gene expression do not appear to have ADHD‐related behavioral consequences. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of co-morbidity on mortality after oesophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Backemar L , Lagergren P , Johar A , Lagergren J
Published: June 2015

Background

There is limited knowledge of how co-morbidities influence survival after surgery for oesophageal cancer. This population-based cohort study investigated how Charlson co-morbidity index and specific co-morbidities influenced all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Methods

Data from all patients who underwent oesophageal cancer surgery in Sweden in 1987–2010, with follow-up until 2012, came from histopathology records, operation charts and nationwide registers. Associations between co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity index) and mortality were analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustment for potential confounding, and presented as hazard ratio (HR) with 95 per cent c.i.

Results

Among 1822 patients there were 1474 deaths (80·9 per cent), of which 1139 (77·3 per cent) occurred between 91 days and 5 years after surgery. Overall all-cause mortality was increased in patients with a Charlson score of 2 or more (HR 1·24, 95 per cent c.i. 1·08 to 1·42), and those with a history of myocardial infarction (HR 1·23, 1·01 to 1·49) or congestive heart failure (HR 1·31, 1·04 to 1·67). Patients with squamous cell carcinoma had increased overall all-cause mortality if they had been diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease (HR 1·35, 1·00 to 1·83) or other cancers (HR 1·36, 1·09 to 1·71), whereas those with adenocarcinoma did not. A Charlson score of 1 or exposure to the co-morbidity groups peripheral vascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, peptic ulcer disease, diabetes and liver disease did not increase mortality. The disease-specific results were generally similar to the all-cause mortality data.

Conclusion

Co-morbidity with a Charlson score of 2 or more, previous myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure were associated with increased mortality after oesophageal cancer surgery undertaken with curative intent.
Semisynthesis of Azedarachol from Pregnanetriol, a Degradative Product of Tigogenin
Authors: Zhang Dongshan , Shi Yong , Tian Weisheng
Published: June 2015

We report the first semisynthesis of the natural insect antifeedant azedarachol. The synthesis features the employment of pregnanetriol, a degradative product of the resource natural product tigogenin, as the starting material, the symbiotic reaction involving the mutually‐promoting elimination of toluene‐sulfonate and deprotection of acetonide, and the controllable reactions between the C16‐OH and the C20‐OH in pregnane‐16,20‐diols.
Subthreshold CMOS transistors are largely immune to magnetic field effects when operated above 11 T
Authors: Höfflin Jens , Sander Christian , Gieschke Pascal , Greiner Andreas , Korvink Jan G.
Published: June 2015

We report on measurements of n‐channel field‐effect transistor structures with multiple drain/source contacts, fabricated in a commercial complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology, at high magnetic field strengths. The focus lies on field dependent effects such as the Hall effect to better understand how these key electronic devices behave when their embedding circuits are immersed in strong magnetic fields. In addition, measurement results of relevant electrical parameters for circuit design, i.e., the saturation current of IDS as well as the slope of IDS and threshold voltage Vt will be shown. The results are in agreement with theory and it is possible to predict the Hall voltage as well as the channel resistance. This allows to simulate noise behavior of amplifiers using silicon MOSFETs in high magnetic fields. The measurements show that, electrically, CMOS transistors operated in subthreshold mode are largely immune to magnetic field effects when operated above 11 T. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 97–105, 2015
Carbon Nanotubes as Support in the Platinum‐Catalyzed Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane
Authors: Chen Wenyao , Duan Xuezhi , Qian Gang , Chen De , Zhou Xinggui
Published: June 2015

We report remarkable support effects for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the Pt/CNT‐catalyzed hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. The origin of the support‐dependent activity and durability is elucidated by combining the catalytic and durability testing with characterization by a range of spectroscopy and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques and ICP analysis. The effects mainly arise from different electronic properties and different abilities for the adsorption of boron‐containing species on platinum surfaces and changes in size and shape of the platinum particles during the reaction. Defect‐rich CNTs in particular are a promising support material, as it not only enhances the platinum binding energy, leading to the highest hydrogen generation rate, but also inhibits the adsorption of boron‐containing species and stabilizes the platinum nanoparticles to resist the agglomeration during the reaction, leading to the highest durability. The insights revealed herein may pave the way for the rational design of highly active and durable metal/carbon catalysts for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane.
Wireless network power optimisation using relay stations blossoming and withering technique
Authors: Al‐Samawi Aida , Sali A. , Nissirat Liyth , Noordin Nor Kamariah , Othman Mohamed , Hashim Fazirulhisyam
Published: June 2015

Power consumption of wireless network is increasing as the demands in wireless data rates are escalating in modern life. Base stations are the major power consumption component in the wireless network. Therefore, the main challenge is to reduce the total power consumed in the network while maintaining the network coverage and its capacity. In this paper, a new relay switching perspective is introduced for relay blossoming and withering algorithm. First, relay switching is considered as a function of time representing the rate of active relays. The effect of the rate of active relays, arrival rate and average load factor of relays on the total network power consumption is modelled. It is found that the rate of active relay function that optimises the network power consumption obeys linear first‐order ordinary differential equation. The effect of different synthesised arrival rate profiles on the rate of active relay is presented. Moreover, relative relay to base station capacity parameter is defined, and its effect on the power optimisation is investigated. Based on the solutions of the ordinary differential equation, an approximate fuzzy‐based relay sleeping mode is introduced. The fuzzy logic sleeping mode utilises the arrival rate and its derivative as inputs. The solution of the differential equations shows that power saving up to 45 and 30 per cent can be achieved in sleeping and idling modes, respectively, in contrast to 42 per cent achieved from the fuzzy sleeping mode. The increasing slope of the arrival rate results in less power saving. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress and prospects of endothelial progenitor cell therapy in coronary stent implantation
Authors: Lan Hualin , Wang Yi , Yin Tieyin , Wang Yazhou , Liu Wanqian , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yu Qinsong , Wang Zhaoxu , Wang Guixue
Published: June 2015

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have been widely used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) since their clinical use has significantly reduced the occurrence of in‐stent restenosis (ISR) as compared with the initially applied bare‐metal stents (BMS). However, analyses of long‐term clinical outcome have raised concerns about the serious safety problem of DES, such as ISR caused by late or very late thrombosis. Various studies showed that those complications were associated with vascular endothelial injury/dysfunction or endothelialization delaying. Recently, through biological characterization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), mechanistic understanding of rapid re‐endothelialization of the vascular injury sites after coronary stenting has become possible and is a new research hotspot in the prevention of ISR and late/very late stent thrombosis. It has been well recognized that the formation of a functional endothelial layer from EPCs requires a coordinated sequence of multistep and signaling events, which includes cell mobilization, adhesion, migration and finally the differentiation to vascular endothelial cells (VECs). In this review, we summarize and discuss the currently relevant information about EPCs, the mechanism of DES interfering with the natural vascular healing process in preventing or delaying the formation of a functional endothelial layer, and EPCs‐mediated acceleration of re‐endothelialization at vascular injury sites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1237–1247, 2016.
Review and the state of the art: Sol–gel and melt quenched bioactive glasses for tissue engineering
Authors: Kaur Gurbinder , Pickrell Gary , Sriranganathan Nammalwar , Kumar Vishal , Homa Daniel
Published: June 2015

Biomaterial development is currently the most active research area in the field of biomedical engineering. The bioglasses possess immense potential for being the ideal biomaterials due to their high adaptiveness to the biological environment as well as tunable properties. Bioglasses like 45S5 has shown great clinical success over the past 10 years. The bioglasses like 45S5 were prepared using melt‐quenching techniques but recently porous bioactive glasses have been derived through sol–gel process. The synthesis route exhibits marked effect on the specific surface area, as well as degradability of the material. This article is an attempt to provide state of the art of the sol–gel and melt quenched bioactive bioglasses for tissue regeneration. Fabrication routes for bioglasses suitable for bone tissue engineering are highlighted and the effect of these fabrication techniques on the porosity, pore‐volume, mechanical properties, cytocompatibilty and especially apatite layer formation on the surface of bioglasses is analyzed in detail. Drug delivery capability of bioglasses is addressed shortly along with the bioactivity of mesoporous glasses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1248–1275, 2016.
In vitro evaluation of thermal frontally polymerized thiol‐ene composites as bone augments
Authors: Totaro Nicholas P. , Murphy Zachari D. , Burcham Abigail E. , King Connor T. , Scherr Thomas F. , Bounds Christopher O. , Dasa Vinod , Pojman John A. , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: June 2015

Because of the large number of total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries conducted per year, and with projections of increased demand to almost a million primary TKR surgeries per year by 2030 in the United States alone, there is a need to discover more efficient working materials as alternatives to current bone cements. There is a need for surgeons and hospitals to become more efficient and better control over the operative environment. One area of inefficiency is the cement steps during TKR. Currently the surgeon has very little control over cement polymerization. This leads to an increase in time, waste, and procedural inefficiencies. There is a clear need to create an extended working time, moldable, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive bone augment as a substitution for the current clinically used bone cement where the surgeon has better control over the polymerization process. This study explored several compositions of pentaerythritol‐co‐trimethylolpropane tris‐(3‐mercaptopropionate) hydroxyapatite composite materials prepared via benzoyl peroxide‐initiated thermal frontal polymerization. The 4:1 acrylate to thiol ratio containing augment material shows promise with a maximal propagation temperature of 160°C ± 10°C, with mechanical strength of 3.65 MPa, and 111% cytocompatibility, relative to the positive control. This frontally polymerized material may have application as an augment with controlled polymerization supporting cemented implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1152–1160, 2016.