bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le transport vert de marchandises : l'expérience de la ville de Padoue en Italie
Authors: Morana Joëlle , Gonzalez-Feliu Jesus
Published: July 2011

Résumé Si le transport urbain de marchandises par camion représente une importante source d’emplois, il est également associé à des problèmes liés à la congestion et au respect de l’environnement. Ainsi, le développement de l’espace urbain et de sa population entraîne une augmentation du nombre de véhicules sur les voies publiques. C’est pourquoi de nombreuses mesures sont adoptées pour diminuer le bruit, la pollution et les nuisances occasionnés par le transport de marchandises. Cet article montre comment il est possible d’intégrer efficacement des préoccupations environnementales aux questions relatives à la logistique des transports urbains. Nous présentons l’expérience de la ville de Padoue, en Italie, où plusieurs acteurs ont mis en place un service de livraison urbain vert appelé Cityporto. À travers l’utilisation de véhicules non polluants, Cityporto a l’autorisation d’effectuer à toute heure de la journée des livraisons au centre-ville, alors que celles-ci ne sont généralement permises qu’à certaines heures. Outre une diminution du taux de pollution, cette souplesse dans les horaires représente un avantage réel pour les commerçants et les institutions publiques urbaines. L’article se termine par des recommandations destinées aux autorités publiques et aux acteurs privés de la logistique et du transport. Secteurs : ville, municipalité Fonctions : GOP, management, MI
Les relations entreprises-communautés : qu'en pensent les employeurs ?
Authors: Lauzon Hélène
Published: July 2011

Résumé À une certaine époque au Québec, l’entreprise s’implantait sur un territoire en bénéficiant d’une adhésion sociale instantanée puisque la main d’œuvre était constituée du voisinage immédiat. La notion de partie prenante n’existait pas alors et encore moins la consultation de ces parties. L’entreprise œuvrait alors sans vraiment avoir à collaborer sur une base régulière avec les parties prenantes. Ces dernières années, plusieurs facteurs ont pressé les dirigeants d’entreprises à adopter de nouveaux comportements envers leur communauté : la responsabilité légale des administrateurs et dirigeants de gérer avec une diligence raisonnable leurs impacts sur l’environnement, les pressions des citoyens et enfin, au-delà de la loi, leur responsabilité sociale. Certes, au fil des ans, les relations entre entreprises et communautés locales se sont considérablement améliorées : les entreprises ont appris à communiquer, à prendre en compte les besoins des communautés et à être à l’écoute de leurs attentes. Malgré cela, Hélène Lauzon, présidente du Conseil patronal de l’environnement du Québec (CPEQ), estime qu’il reste encore des points de tension dans les relations entreprises-communautés : la méfiance de la population et des médias envers les projets des entreprises, le pouvoir d’influence des citoyens qui peut nuire au développement économique, la recherche du milieu de vie idyllique par la population et les risques que certaines entreprises perçoivent à communiquer certaines informations à la communauté. Selon la présidente du CPEQ, l’avenir des relations entreprises-communautés dépend de la capacité de la société québécoise à créer un climat de confiance et à bien orchestrer son développement industriel afin de relever les défis actuels et futurs.
Les relations entreprises-communautés aux yeux des syndicats : défis à relever et voies à privilégier
Authors: Deschamps Johanne , Ménard Isabelle
Published: July 2011

Résumé Outre la création d’emplois et l’amélioration des conditions de travail, les syndicats s’investissent de plus en plus dans le développement durable des régions et dans les relations entre les entreprises et les communautés. Cet article propose une synthèse des propos colligés au cours d’une entrevue menée auprès de Johanne Deschamps, conseillère politique, Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), et d’Isabelle Ménard, conseillère syndicale, Service des relations du travail, Prévention-SSE, Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN). Selon ces deux conseillères, quatre facteurs nuisent aux relations entre les entreprises et les communautés locales : le transfert de propriété des entreprises du Québec à des étrangers, le faible ancrage territorial des entreprises, la volonté des dirigeants d’implanter rapidement les projets et la tendance de ces derniers à confondre relations communautaires et relations publiques. Puis, Mesdames Deschamps et Ménard proposent trois types d’initiatives en vue de stimuler et de renouveler les relations entreprises-communautés avec lesquelles les syndicats sont généralement favorables : l’établissement de filières industrielles pour créer de la valeur, l’adoption d’alliances fondées sur un accord gagnant-gagnant et la mise en place de structures visant la maximisation des retombées locales. L’article se termine par la formulation de cinq conseils visant à accroître la valeur pour les entreprises, les communautés locales et les travailleurs. Fonctions : management, GRH, RT, économie
Calculer la rentabilité future de projets de développement durable : besoins, atouts et limites
Authors: Millet Thibaut
Published: July 2011

Résumé Les organisations s’engagent de plus en plus en matière de développement durable. Leurs ressources étant limitées, elles doivent faire des choix entre plusieurs initiatives de développement durable. Mais comment faire ses choix ? Cet article propose un entretien avec Thibaut Millet, Responsable du groupe Changements climatiques et Développement durable d’Ernst & Young à Montréal. Dans cet entretien, M. Millet nous parle d’un outil innovateur qui permet d’estimer quantitativement et financièrement les initiatives de durabilité d’un projet de développement durable en évaluant ses bénéfices (directs et indirects) pour la valeur de l’entreprise. Cette approche permet, d’une part, de considérer les conditions et les impacts sociaux et environnementaux externes dans la prise de décision et, d’autre part, de transformer la perception de la durabilité comme centre de coûts et mal nécessaire en un atout stratégique dont les investissements génèrent des occasions d’affaires. Il faut toutefois voir dans un tel calcul de la rentabilité d’un projet de développement durable un outil complémentaire à la prise de décision en cette matière qui comporte des atouts mais aussi des limites. L’article traite d’abord des raisons d’élaborer un tel outil d’évaluation des projets de développement durable, c’est-à-dire le déclencheur, les objectifs de même que les attentes qu’il permet de combler. Par la suite, nous présentons succinctement les forces et les limites de cet outil. Fonctions : management, finance, comptabilité
Et si les banques agissaient comme catalyseur de l'innovation sociale et comme levier de développement des PME?
Authors: Letaifa Soumaya Ben , Paulin Michèle
Published: July 2011

Résumé La survie des PME, le moteur de l’économie, dépend largement de l’accès au financement pour la réalisation de leurs objectifs de mise en marché, de croissance, de développement et d’innovation. Pourtant, le traitement que les banques commerciales accordent aux PME ne cesse de faire l’objet de critiques. S’appuyant sur les résultats d’entrevues menées auprès d’entrepreneurs, de décideurs politiques et de banquiers, les auteures examinent deux facteurs qui semblent nuire aux relations qu’entretiennent les banques avec les PME, soit le désengagement des gouvernements, qui amène les banques à faire preuve de prudence et à négliger le suivi auprès des PME, et l’adoption d’une approche de marketing orientée vers les transactions financières standardisées à court terme. Puis, nous proposons six conseils en vue d’aider les banques à devenir un levier économique plus efficient pour les PME : assumer un rôle de catalyseur de l’innovation dans la société; passer du discours relationnel à l’action relationnelle; adopter des plans à long terme et reconnaître l’atteinte d’indicateurs de valeur ajoutée pour les clients; former des équipes pluridisciplinaires ayant des compétences relationnelles, sectorielles et entrepreneuriales; créer des équipes internes croisées visant à assurer une continuité entre les catégories d’employés; enfin, collaborer avec les acteurs publics et privés dans l’accompagnement des PME au-delà de l’étape de démarrage. Fonctions : management, économie, finance, comptabilité, entrepreneriat Secteurs : financier et bancaire, PME
La reconnaissance, une question de culture ?
Authors: Laval Christophe
Published: July 2011

Résumé La reconnaissance au travail fait l’objet de nombreux écrits en gestion. Si elle est reconnue universellement comme un levier de bien-être et de performance, peut-on voir des différences quant au « décodeur » que les gestionnaires utilisent à cet égard selon l’endroit où ils travaillent ? Au-delà de la culture du pays, la culture organisationnelle influe-t-elle, elle aussi, sur la gestion de la reconnaissance au quotidien ? Cet article synthétise les résultats d’une enquête sur la reconnaissance au travail qui a été menée auprès de gestionnaires travaillant dans des organisations situées en France, aux États-Unis, au Canada anglais et au Québec. Nous examinons comment les perceptions des gestionnaires participants à l’endroit de divers aspects de la gestion de la reconnaissance (les types de reconnaissance, les pratiques de reconnaissance, les obstacles à celle-ci) varient selon la localisation et la culture de leur employeur. L’article se termine par des recommandations clés que les dirigeants et les gestionnaires gagneraient à suivre pour améliorer l’efficacité de la gestion de la reconnaissance au sein de leur organisation. Fonctions : management, international, GRH
IMMUNOMAGNETIC REDUCTION FOR FETAL FIBRONECTIN DETECTION — A NOVEL METHOD TO DETECT THE PRETERM BIOMARKER
Authors: Chen Chen-Yu , Chang Chia-Chen , Yu Chun , Yang Shieh-Yueh , Lin Chii-Wann
Published: July 2011

Preterm birth is the main cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is one type of glycoprotein detected in the interface of the choriodecidual junction. Preterm labor is related to the disruption of the choriodecidual junction and thus fFN releases in the ectocervix or posterior vaginal fornix. Quantization of fFN can assist the diagnosis and prevention of preterm birth.

In this work, we developed an immunoassay, the immunomagnetic reduction (IMR), to quantitatively detect fFN. It was found that the low detection limit for fFN via IMR is less than 10 ng/ml, which is much lower than clinic criteria 50 ng/ml. In addition to the high sensitivity, IMR assay shows such merits as low cost and high reliability for detecting fFN.
TIME-FREQUENCY ANALYSIS OF MISMATCH NEGATIVITY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS IN TAIWAN
Authors: Hsu Jung-Lung , Hsieh Ming H. , Tseng Yi-Li , Chiu Ming-Jang , Liu Chih-Min , Jaw Fu-Shan , Hwu Hai-Gwo
Published: July 2011

Background: Event-related potentials (ERPs) are currently utilized to study information processing under the influence of neuropsychiatric disorders and are candidate endophenotypes of schizophrenia. However, the traditional ERP approach discards most oscillatory information in the EEG through grand averaging process. This study tried to focus on ERP component of mismatch negativity (MMN) between control and schizophrenia groups in Taiwan. In addition to traditional (grand average) ERP approach, we also compared the time-frequency analysis results of the mismatch negativity.

Methods: MMN values were recorded in 55 schizophrenia patients and 42 controls using an auditory oddball paradigm for the duration of the MMN. Besides the traditional grand average approach, the continuous data files were also used for time-frequency analysis via ERP wavelab. Six parameters were explored: event-related spectral perturbation, WTav, avWT, induced activity, intertrial phase coherence and intertrial linear coherence.

Results: Traditional ERP approach discovered that group difference occurred in MMN mean amplitude which was compatible with the previous literature. In time-frequency analysis, schizophrenia subjects have lower intertrial phase coherence than controls.

Conclusion: Deficit in preattentive sensory information processing, such as MMN, is prominent in Taiwanese schizophrenia subjects. It may also play a role in the basic integrated neural network activity, which could be further explored by time-frequency approach.
Increased T Cell Proliferative Responses to Islet Antigens Identify Clinical Responders to Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab) Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Herold Kevan C. , Pescovitz Mark D. , McGee Paula , Krause-Steinrauf Heidi , Spain Lisa M. , Bourcier Kasia , Asare Adam , Liu Zhugong , Lachin John M. , Dosch H. Michael ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Anti-CD20 Study Group
Published: July 2011

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is believed to be due to the autoimmune destruction of β-cells by T lymphocytes, but a single course of rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 B lymphocyte Ab, can attenuate C-peptide loss over the first year of disease. The effects of B cell depletion on disease-associated T cell responses have not been studied. We compare changes in lymphocyte subsets, T cell proliferative responses to disease-associated target Ags, and C-peptide levels of participants who did (responders) or did not (nonresponders) show signs of β-cell preservation 1 y after rituximab therapy in a placebo-controlled TrialNet trial. Rituximab decreased B lymphocyte levels after four weekly doses of mAb. T cell proliferative responses to diabetes-associated Ags were present at baseline in 75% of anti-CD20– and 82% of placebo-treated subjects and were not different over time. However, in rituximab-treated subjects with significant C-peptide preservation at 6 mo (58%), the proliferative responses to diabetes-associated total (p = 0.032), islet-specific (p = 0.048), and neuronal autoantigens (p = 0.005) increased over the 12-mo observation period. This relationship was not seen in placebo-treated patients. We conclude that in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, anti-B cell mAb causes increased proliferative responses to diabetes Ags and attenuated β-cell loss. The way in which these responses affect the disease course remains unknown.
Immunohistochemical expression of types I and III collagen antibodies in the temporomandibular joint disc of human foetuses
Authors: De Moraes L.O.C. , Lodi F.R. , Gomes T. S. , Oshima C.T.F. , Marques S.R. , Lancellotti C.L.P. , Rodriguez-VÃ¡zquez J.F. , MÃ©rida-Velasco J.R. , Alonso L.G.
Published: July 2011

The objective was to study the morphology of the articular disc and analyse the immunohistochemical expression of types I and III collagen markers in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc of human foetuses of different gestational ages. Twenty TMJ from human foetuses supplied by Universidade Federal de Uberaba with gestational ages from 17 to 24 weeks were studied. The gestational age of the foetuses was determined by measuring the crown-rump (CR) length. Macroscopically, the foetuses were fixed in 10% formalin solution and dissected by removing the skin and subcutaneous tissue and exposing the deep structures. Immunohistochemical markers of type I and III were used to characterize the existence of collagen fibres. Analysis of the immunohistochemical markers of types I and III collagen revealed the presence of heterotypical fibril networks.
Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Sabzi Feridoun , Zokaei Abdol Hamid , Moloudi Abdol Rasoul
Published: July 2011

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent and serious complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of the records of patients undergoing CABG at Imam Ali Hospital between February 1, 2003 and February 1, 2006. The patients were divided in two groups, ie, Group A (AF) and Group B (no AF). The association between the occurrence of AF following CABG and other variables was compared with respect to continuous or categorical variables by t-test and χ2-test.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis of potentially predictive factors in univariate analysis showed that opium use, type of operation, and crossclamp time were predictors of AF following CABG.

Conclusion

This study identifies some new predictors of postoperative AF, control of which could lead to a lower incidence of AF and reduced morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
A Simple and Robust Method for Semi-Quantitative Detection of Human Papillomavirus Nucleic Acids (HPV) Helps Oncological Clinicians to Assess the Severeness of HPV Cellular Changing
Authors: Heirler Florian , Ždárský Emanuel , Borelli Ricardo , Heppner Hans Jürgen
Published: July 2011

A simple and robust method for the detection of nucleic acids of human papilloma virus (HPV) has been developed. The assay exploits the excellent sensitivity and specificity of “nested” polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) that is designed in the original single tube configuration to effectively prevent the carry-over contamination. This approach theoretically covers the amplification of all cancer developing genotypes currently known. The nPCR, paired with very simple nucleic acids isolation steps, is a real alternative to the standard method. This manuscript shows its capacity for routine use under clinical conditions. It is shown that the strategy is at least as sensitive as the standard two tube nPCR and the data are acceptably reproducible.
Identification of Autoantibodies for α and γ–-Enolase in Serum from a Patient with Melanoma
Authors: Hiura Yui , Nakanishi Toyofumi , Tanioka Miki , Takubo Takayuki , Moriwaki Shinichi
Published: July 2011

Melanoma is one of lethal malignant skin tumors and the sole effective cure for the disease can be achieved by surgical resection of primary tumor and early diagnosis for melanoma is crucial for patients' prognosis. Detection of novel tumor-related antibodies would aid in the diagnosis of early-stage cancer, in the detection of recurrence and in the development of a more effective immunotherapy. In the middle of the exploration of a candidate of biomarker for melanoma by proteomics-base technique, we encountered the coexistence of autoantibodies for α-enolase and γ-enolase in serum derived from a patient with melanoma, who had received the repeated treatments with alkylating agents and interferon β. Although melanoma is known to be a highly antigenic tumor, it is still unclear why these autoantibodies appeared. To evaluate the usefulness in detecting the circulating α-enolase or γ-enolase autoantibodies in serum from melanoma patients for biomarkers for tumor progression, more studies are needed.
Sistema para a partilha de informação turística em países de expressão portuguesa
Authors: Moura M. M. M. , Lima Valter , Mendes Júlio , Leiria Ana , Silva João Albino
Published: July 2011

A comunicação eficiente e global foi sempre uma meta a atingir por parte dos destinos turísticos em expansão, de forma a potenciar um crescimento do sector e um desenvolvimento sustentável das regiões. Com o aparecimento das novas tecnologias da informação, a criação de redes de partilha de informação no sector turístico apoiadas tornou-se uma realidade e veio facilitar a implementação de acções e de programas de benchmarking entre os destinos turísticos envolvidos em projectos de cooperação. O desenvolvimento da Internet, como infra-estrutura pouco dispendiosa, permitiu finalmente quebrar muitas das barreiras de acesso que muitos destinos turísticos enfrentavam dada a falta de fundos de investimento nestas áreas. Os custos inerentes à concepção, instalação e manutenção de sistemas informáticos a funcionarem sobre a Internet passaram para uma fracção do custo de implementação inicial de um sistema tradicional, permitindo ainda uniformizar toda a tecnologia de comunicação utilizada. O artigo desenvolve a problemática da construção de uma rede de partilha de informação do sector turístico e propõe um modelo de desenvolvimento de um sistema de informação distribuído como infra-estrutura de suporte da rede. Desta forma, a exploração organizada de um fluxo de informação descentralizado permite a criação de sinergias entre os agentes envolvidos e, ao mesmo tempo, maximizar o desenvolvimento dos destinos turísticos emergentes. Uma tal rede para o desenvolvimento sustentável dos destinos turísticos dos países de expressão portuguesa torna possível o desenvolvimento de processos de melhoria contínua do desempenho global, processos esses orientados à persecução da competitividade, sustentabilidade e qualidade dos produtos turísticos.
Contribuições para a construção do conhecimento científico em turismo: uma análise bibliométrica dos artigos publicados no ENANPAD entre 1997 e 2006
Authors: Souza Maria José Barbosa de , Pimentel Filho Giberto , Faria Simone de
Published: July 2011

A produção acadêmica apresentada em eventos científicos constitui-se em importante base de dados para estudos e a tecnologia da informação, através da bibliometria, tem propiciado a realização de pesquisas sobre a evolução dessa produção, pois os estudos bibliométricos são úteis para avaliar a produção de um grupo de pesquisadores sobre um tema específico em um dado período. Com o objetivo de analisar a produção científica na área de turismo, publicada nos anais do EnANPAD – Encontro da Associação Nacional de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Administração, entre 1997 e 2006, realizou-se um estudo bibliométrico, de caráter exploratório-descritivo, que identificou 67 artigos sobre turismo e hotelaria, apresentados nesse evento, no período considerado, e constatou expressiva evolução na quantidade de trabalhos apresentados, anualmente, que cresceu de 3 artigos em 1997 para 18 em 2006. A pesquisa revelou também os autores que estão publicando no referido evento, as instituições às quais estão vinculados e os assuntos relacionados a turismo que têm despertado o interesse da comunidade acadêmica.
O Monitoramento do ambiente em meios de hospedagem: um estudo comparativo nas regiões de Florianópolis e Balneário Camboriú
Authors: Cancellier Everton Luis Pellizzaro de Lorenzi , Alberton Anete
Published: July 2011

Embora mais desenvolvidos no exterior, as pesquisa sobre monitoramento do ambiente ainda são incipientes no Brasil e, apensar dos bravos esforços já iniciados, pouco se tem feito para conhecer o processo de monitoramento ambiental em especial quando se trata de organizações inseridas no setor de viagens e turismo. Esse estudo tem por objetivo analisar as práticas de monitoramento do ambiente em meios de hospedagem da região de Florianópolis comparando os resultados com os dados obtidos em pesquisa semelhante realizada na região de Balneário Camboriú. A pesquisa caracteriza-se por ser do tipo exploratório-descritivo, de corte transversal, do tipo levantamento com envio de questionários auto-administrados. Dentre os principais resultados verificou-se que as empresas das duas regiões apresentaram maiores diferenças na utilização de fontes de informação do que nos aspectos dos ambientes monitorados.
Retórica da imagem urbana em mídias de informação como lugares: a visibilidade turística em Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Josildete Pereira de , Tricárico Luciano Torres , Pereira Flávia Monteiro
Published: July 2011

Fatos que empobrecem a urbanidade podem partir da própria vontade de tornar a cidade legível nos seus significados físicos espaciais e pragmáticos para o turismo. São signos visuais imagéticos que, projetados a princípio, procuram a melhoria das cidades, mas que, com outros mecanismos, adquirem um potencial que enfraquece a condição urbana. Alguns destes mecanismos são decifrados na história da modernidade urbana com as novas mídias. Este artigo é resultado de reflexões decorrentes da atividade de pesquisa e da prática de ensino sobre a temática legibilidade da paisagem urbana. Mais especificamente, de um estudo de caso sobre a cidade de Balneário Camboriú – SC, pesquisa financiada pela UNIVALI / Artigo 170 Governo de Santa Catarina. O objetivo principal analisar a imagem urbana da orla de Balneário Camboriú, representada em mídias de informação (folders, postais, vídeos, mapas mentais). O método partiu do objeto representado – a cidade – como geradora de novas interpretações, embora considerando a relação entre o objeto representado e a teoria. Deste modo é que a leitura bibliográfica serviu para estimular a interpretação, entendendo-a como repertório informacional e não como mecanismo justificativo. Finalmente, a síntese procurou evidenciar os resultados da análise do objeto relacionando-o com o aporte teórico-conceitual.
Microphysical, macrophysical and radiative signatures of volcanic aerosols in trade wind cumulus observed by the A-Train
Authors: Yuan T. , Remer L. A. , Yu H.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Increased aerosol concentrations can raise planetary albedo not only by reflecting sunlight and increasing cloud albedo, but also by changing cloud amount. However, detecting aerosol effect on cloud amount has been elusive to both observations and modeling due to potential buffering mechanisms and convolution of meteorology. Here through a natural experiment provided by long-term degassing of a low-lying volcano and use of A-Train satellite observations, we show modifications of trade cumulus cloud fields including decreased droplet size, decreased precipitation efficiency and increased cloud amount are associated with volcanic aerosols. In addition we find significantly higher cloud tops for polluted clouds. We demonstrate that the observed microphysical and macrophysical changes cannot be explained by synoptic meteorology or the orographic effect of the Hawaiian Islands. The "total shortwave aerosol forcin", resulting from direct and indirect forcings including both cloud albedo and cloud amount, is almost an order of magnitude higher than aerosol direct forcing alone. Furthermore, the precipitation reduction associated with enhanced aerosol leads to large changes in the energetics of air-sea exchange and trade wind boundary layer. Our results represent the first observational evidence of large-scale increase of cloud amount due to aerosols in a trade cumulus regime, which can be used to constrain the representation of aerosol-cloud interactions in climate models. The findings also have implications for volcano-climate interactions and climate mitigation research.
Coupled vs. decoupled boundary layers in VOCALS-REx
Authors: Jones C. R. , Bretherton C. S. , Leon D.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We analyze the extent of subtropical stratocumulus-capped boundary layer decoupling and its relation to other boundary-layer characteristics and forcings using aircraft observations from VOCALS-REx along a swath of the subtropical southeast Pacific Ocean running west 1600 km from the coast of Northern Chile. We develop two complementary and consistent measures of decoupling. The first is based on boundary layer moisture and temperature stratification in flight profiles from near the surface to above the capping inversion, and the second is based the difference between the lifted condensation level (LCL) and a mean lidar-derived cloud base measured on flight legs at 150 m altitude. Most flights took place during early-mid morning, well before the peak in insolation-induced decoupling. We find that the boundary layer is typically shallower, drier, and well mixed near the shore, and tends to deepen, decouple, and produce more drizzle further offshore to the west. Decoupling is strongly correlated to the "mixed layer cloud thickness", defined as the difference between the capping inversion height and the LCL; other factors such as wind speed, cloud droplet concentration, and inversion thermodynamic jumps have little additional explanatory power. The results are broadly consistent with the deepening-warming theory of decoupling. In the deeper boundary layers observed well offshore, there was frequently nearly 100 % boundary-layer cloud cover despite pronounced decoupling. The cloud cover was more strongly correlated to a κ parameter related to the inversion jumps of humidity and temperature, though the exact functional relation is slightly different than found in prior large-eddy simulation studies.
Characterization of the inter-annual, seasonal, and diurnal variations of condensation particle concentrations at Neumayer, Antarctica
Authors: Weller R. , Minikin A. , Wagenbach D. , Dreiling V.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Continuous condensation particle (CP) observations were conducted from 1984 through 2009 at Neumayer Station under stringent contamination control. During this period, the CP concentration (median 258 cm−3) showed no significant long term trend but exhibited a pronounced seasonality characterized by a stepwise increase starting in September and reaching its annual maximum of around 103 cm−3 in March. Minimum values below 102 cm−3 were observed during June/July. Dedicated time series analyses in the time and frequency domain revealed no significant correlations between inter-annual CP concentration variations and atmospheric circulation indices like Southern Annular Mode (SAM) or Southern Ocean Index (SOI). The impact of the Pinatubo volcanic eruption and strong El Niño events did not affect CP concentrations. From thermodenuder experiments we deduced that the portion of volatile (at 125 °C) and semi-volatile (at 250 °C) particles which could be both associated with biogenic sulfur aerosol, was maximum during austral summer, while during winter non-volatile sea salt particles dominated. During September through April we could frequently detect nucleation events which occurred preferentially in the afternoon. Over the year, roughly 20 % of the particles could be assigned to the nucleation mode between 3 nm and 7 nm particle diameter.
Using Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) to calibrate probabilistic surface temperature forecasts over Iran
Authors: Soltanzadeh I. , Azadi M. , Vakili G. A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Using Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), an attempt was made to obtain calibrated probabilistic numerical forecasts of 2-m temperature over Iran. The ensemble employs three limited area models (WRF, MM5 and HRM), with WRF used with five different configurations. Initial and boundary conditions for MM5 and WRF are obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) and for HRM the initial and boundary conditions come from analysis of Global Model Europe (GME) of the German Weather Service. The resulting ensemble of seven members was run for a period of 6 months (from December 2008 to May 2009) over Iran. The 48-h raw ensemble outputs were calibrated using BMA technique for 120 days using a 40 days training sample of forecasts and relative verification data. The calibrated probabilistic forecasts were assessed using rank histogram and attribute diagrams. Results showed that application of BMA improved the reliability of the raw ensemble. Using the weighted ensemble mean forecast as a deterministic forecast it was found that the deterministic-style BMA forecasts performed usually better than the best member's deterministic forecast.
Nitrogen compounds emission and deposition in West African ecosystems: comparison between wet and dry savanna
Authors: Delon C. , Galy-Lacaux C. , Adon M. , Liousse C. , Serça D. , Diop B. , Akpo A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Surface emission and deposition fluxes of nitrogen compounds have been studied in five sites of West Africa during the period 2002 to 2007. Measurements of N deposition fluxes have been performed in IDAF sites representative of main west and central African ecosystems, i.e., 3 stations in dry savanna ecosystems (from 15° N to 12° N), and 2 stations in wet savanna ecosystems (from 9° N to 6° N). Dry deposition fluxes are calculated from surface measurements of NO2, HNO3 and NH3 concentrations and simulated deposition velocities, and wet deposition fluxes are calculated from NH4+ and NO3– concentration in samples of rain. Emission fluxes are evaluated including simulated NO biogenic emission from soils, emissions of NOx and NH3 from biomass burning and domestic fires, and volatilization of NH3 from animal excreta. This paper is a tentative to link the variability of rain and the intra and inter annual variability of emission and deposition processes, and to compare these evolutions between dry and wet savanna ecosystems. In dry savanna ecosystems where the rain season lasts mainly from June to September, the occurence of rain correlates with the beginning of emission and deposition fluxes. This link is less obvious in wet savanna ecosystems (wet season mainly from May to October), where the surface is less submitted to drastic changes in terms of water content. Whatever the location, the natural variability of rain from year to year does not exceed 15 %, and does not induce a strong impact on emission and deposition magnitude. Due to the scarcity of available data on the African continent, it is of first importance to combine data from different origins (surface measurements, satellite and modelling) to document the atmospheric Nitrogen cycle in these tropical regions.
Assimilating SAR-derived water level data into a hydraulic model: a case study
Authors: Giustarini L. , Matgen P. , Hostache R. , Montanari M. , Plaza D. , Pauwels V. R. N. , De Lannoy G. J. M. , De Keyser R. , Pfister L. , Hoffmann L. , Savenije H. H. G.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Satellite-based active microwave sensors not only provide synoptic overviews of flooded areas, but also offer an effective way to estimate spatially distributed river water levels. If rapidly produced and processed, these data can be used for updating hydraulic models in near real-time. The usefulness of such approaches with real event data sets provided by currently existing sensors has yet to be demonstrated. In this case study, a Particle Filter-based assimilation scheme is used to integrate ERS-2 SAR and ENVISAT ASAR-derived water level data into a one-dimensional (1-D) hydraulic model of the Alzette River. Two variants of the Particle Filter assimilation scheme are proposed with a global and local particle weighting procedure. The first option finds the best water stage line across all cross sections, while the second option finds the best solution at individual cross sections. The variant that is to be preferred depends on the level of confidence that is attributed to the observations or to the model. The results show that the Particle Filter-based assimilation of remote sensing-derived water elevation data provides a significant reduction in the uncertainty at the analysis step. Moreover, it is shown that the periodical updating of hydraulic models through the proposed assimilation scheme leads to an improvement of model predictions over several time steps. However, the performance of the assimilation depends on the skill of the hydraulic model and the quality of the observation data.
Geological identification of historical tsunamis in the Gulf of Corinth, Central Greece
Authors: Kortekaas S. , Papadopoulos G. A. , Ganas A. , Cundy A. B. , Diakantoni A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Geological identification of tsunami deposits is important for tsunami hazard studies, especially in areas where the historical data set is limited or absent. Evidence left by historical tsunamis in the coastal sedimentary record of the Gulf of Corinth was investigated by trenching and coring in Kirra on the north coast and Aliki on the south coast. The Gulf of Corinth has a documented tsunami history dating back to the 4th century BC. Comparison of the historical records and the results of stratigraphical, sedimentological and foraminiferal analyses show that extreme coastal flooding events are detectable in the coastal sequences. The geological record from Kirra shows four sand layers deposited by high-energy marine flooding events. The deposits identified show many similarities with tsunami deposits described elsewhere. The lower sand deposit (layer 4) was radiocarbon dated to 3020–2820 BC. Assuming an average sedimentation rate of 2.6 cm (100 yr)−1, the ages of the other three sand layers were estimated by extrapolation to the time windows 1200–1000 BC, AD 500–600 and AD 1400–1500. There are no historical tsunamis which correlate with layers 2 and 3. However, layer 1 may represent the major AD 1402 tsunami. Sand dykes penetrating from layer 1 into the overlying silts suggest soil liquefaction during an earthquake event, possibly the 1 August 1870 one. At Aliki, no clear stratigraphical evidence of tsunami flooding was found, but results from foraminiferal and dating analyses show that a sand layer was deposited about 180 years ago from a marine flooding event. This layer may be associated with the historical tsunami of 23 August 1817, which caused widespread destruction in the Aegion area. The work presented here supports the idea that geological methods can be used to extend tsunami history far beyond the historical record. Although the tsunami database obtained will be incomplete and biased towards larger events, it will still be useful for extreme event statistical approaches.
Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Milk from Central Italy: Levels and Time Trends
Authors: Guerranti Cristiana , Palmieri Michela , Mariottini Michela , Focardi Silvano Ettore
Published: July 2011

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as HCB, p,p′-DDE, and PCBs were measured in Italian breast milk. This work is part of a study on human milk, adipose tissues, and food carried out in the same area over the last 20 years. The results showed the prevalence of p,p′-DDE and PCBs over HCB. Comparison of our results with those of previous studies carried out in the same area showed that concentrations are decreasing. No statistically significant differences in organochlorine levels were found when the samples were divided into maternal age classes and into the categories “primiparae” and “multiparae”. In order to quantify the amount of the molecules of interest transmitted by mother to child during breast feeding, we estimated the daily intake of each class of compounds: our results indicated that HCB and p,p′-DDE were several times lower than the safety thresholds.
The Role of Tobacco-Derived Carcinogens in Pancreas Cancer
Authors: Lochan Rajiv , Reeves Helen L. , Daly Anne K. , Charnley Richard M.
Published: July 2011

The extremely poor outcome from pancreas cancer is well known. However, its aetiology less well appreciated, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. Tobacco usage is one of the strongest risk factors for this disease, and this is a completely avoidable hazard. In addition, there are well described hereditary diseases which predispose, and familial pancreas cancer. We have sought here to summarise the role of tobacco-derived carcinogens and the mode of their tumorigenic action on the pancreas. There is compelling evidence from animal and human studies (laboratory including cell line studies and epidemiologic) that tobacco derived carcinogens cause pancreas cancer. However, the manner in which they do so is not entirely apparent. There is also compelling evidence that synergism with genetic and other life-style factors—like diet obesity—results in a multifactorial causation of the disease. Ascertaining the role of tobacco carcinogens in the development of this cancer and their interaction with other risk factors will enable novel therapeutic and preventative strategies to improve outcome from this appalling malignancy.
Validation of Three-Dimensional Ray-Tracing Algorithm for Indoor Wireless Propagations
Authors: Salem Majdi , Ismail Mahamod , Misran Norbahiah
Published: July 2011

A 3D ray tracing simulator has been developed for indoor wireless networks. The simulator uses geometrical optics (GOs) to propagate the electromagnetic waves inside the buildings. The prediction technique takes into account multiple reflections and transmissions of the propagated waves. An interpolation prediction method (IPM) has been proposed to predict the propagated signal and to make the ray-tracing algorithm faster, accurate, and simple. The measurements have been achieved by using a single Wi-Fi network access point as a transmitter and a laptop as a receiver. Measured data had been collected at different positions in indoor environment and compared with predicted signals. The comparison of the predicted and measured received signals gave root mean square error of 2.96 dB and std. deviation of 2.98 dB.
Analytical Investigation of Surface Wave Characteristics of Piezoelectromagnetics of Class 6 mm
Authors: Zakharenko Aleksey A.
Published: July 2011

This short work copes with theoretical investigations of some surface wave characteristics for transversely isotropic piezoelectromagnetic composites of class 6 mm. In the composite materials, the surface Bleustein-Gulyaev-Melkumyan wave and some new shear-horizontal surface acoustic waves (SH-SAWs) recently discovered by the author can propagate. The phase velocities of the SH-SAWs can have complicated dependencies on the coefficient of the magnetoelectromechanical coupling
(CMEMC) which depends on the electromagnetic constant of the composites. Therefore, the analytical finding of the first and second partial derivatives of the represents the main purpose of this study. It is thought that the results of this short letter can help for theoreticians and experimentalists working in the research arena of opto-acoustoelectronics to completely understand some problems of surface wave propagation in piezoelectromagnetics.
Clinical and Morphologic Differences between Class IV-S and Class IV-G Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Monova Daniela , Monov Simeon , Todorov Todor
Published: July 2011

Introduction. The new ISN/RPS classification of lupus nephritis (LN) divides diffuse proliferative LN into two subcategories with predominantly segmental proliferative lesions (class IV-S) and with predominantly global proliferative lesions (class IV-G). This paper explores the validity of this distinction and possible differences between the two types of lesions. Patients and Methods. A retrospective analysis of biopsy-proven cohort of 231 patients with LN was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were available on all patients selected. Results. The prevalence of Class IV was 27,27% (41 patients had class IV-S, 22-class IV-G). The serum creatinine levels, proteinuria, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly greater in the IV-G class, but haemoglobin was significantly lower. Histologically combined lesions with segmental endocapillary proliferation and fibrinoid necrosis were more frequent in the class IV-S. No significant difference was detected in outcomes in the two groups after followups of 145,2 ± 76,87 months. Conclusions. There are definite clinical and morphologic differences between class IV-S and IV-G lesions. Data suggest that class IV-G lesions behave as an immune complex disease; however, in class IV-S lesions, the presence of proportionally greater glomerular fibrinoid necroses suggests that these lesions may have a different pathogenesis.
Fuzzy Stability of Quadratic Functional Equations in General Cases
Authors: Movahednia Ehsan
Published: July 2011

The aim of this paper is to investigate fuzzy Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of the general case of quadratic functional equation where and fixed integers with . These functional equations are equivalent. This has been proven by Ulam, 1964.
Evaluation of Antihyperglycemic Activity of Citrus limetta Fruit Peel in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: KunduSen Sriparna , Haldar Pallab K. , Gupta Malaya , Mazumder Upal K. , Saha Prerona , Bala Asis , Bhattacharya Sanjib , Kar Biswakanth
Published: July 2011

The present paper aims to evaluate antihyperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Citrus limetta fruit peel (MECL) in streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 65 mg/kg b.w.) diabetic rats. Three days after STZ induction, diabetic rats received MECL orally at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg-1 p. o.) was used as reference drug. Blood glucose levels were measured on 0th, 4th, 8th, and 15th days of study. Serum biochemical parameters namely, SGOT, SGPT and ALP were estimated. The TBARS and GSH levels of pancreas, kidney, and liver were determined. MECL significantly (P<0.001) and dose dependently normalized blood glucose levels and serum biochemical parameters, decreased lipid peroxidation, and recovered GSH as compared to those of STZ control. The present paper infers that in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats, C. limetta fruit peel demonstrated a potential antihyperglycemic effect which may be attributed to its antioxidant property.
Development of the Nurses' Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities (NOSCA)
Authors: Persoon Anke , Banningh Liesbeth Joosten-Weyn , van de Vrie Wim , Rikkert Marcel G. M. Olde , van Achterberg Theo
Published: July 2011

Background. To assess a patient's cognitive functioning is an important issue because nurses tailor their nursing interventions to the patient's cognitive abilities. Although some observation scales exist concerning one or more cognitive domains, so far, no scale has been available which assesses cognitive functioning in a comprehensive way.Objectives. To develop an observation scale with an accepted level of content validity and which assesses elderly patients' cognitive functioning in a comprehensive way.Methods. Delphi technique, a multidisciplinary panel developed the scale by consensus through four Delphi rounds (>70% agreement). The International Classification of Functioning/ICF was used as theoretical framework.Results. After the first two Delphi rounds, the panel reached consensus about 8 cognitive domains and 17 sub domains. After two other rounds, 39 items were selected, divided over 8 domains and 17 sub domains.Discussion. The Nurses' Observation Scale Cognitive Abilities (NOSCA) was successfully designed. The content validity of the scale is high because the scale sufficiently represents the concept of cognitive functioning: the experts reached a consensus of 70% or higher on all domains and items included; and no domains or items were lacking. As a next step, the psychometric qualities of the NOSCA will have to be tested.
The Cycle-Complete Graph Ramsey Number
Authors: Bataineh M. S. A. , Jaradat M. M. M. , Al-Zaleq L. M. N.
Published: July 2011

It has been conjectured by Erdős, Faudree, Rousseau, and Schelp that for all satisfying that (except . In this paper, we prove this for the case and .
Germanium and Germanium Compounds
Authors: Thomas Dennis W. , Mahmood Tariq , Lindhal Charles B.
Published: July 2011

Germanium was discovered in 1886, however, no uses were established for it over the first half of its known existence. The available resources of germanium are associated with certain zinc and lead‐zinc‐copper sulfide ores. Germanium is recovered from zinc concentrates or fly ash from coal and recycled material. No mineral is mined solely for its germanium content The largest occurrence of germanium is found in China, Russia, and the United States. Only germanium metal and germanium dioxide are commercially quoted and would be suitable for trading on a quasi‐commodity basis. The toxicity of germanium compounds is generally of low order.The markets for germanium are infrared optics, fiber optics, catalysts, electronics and solar panels.