bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aiming point trajectory as an assessment parameter of shooting performance
Authors: Zanevskyy Ihor , Korostylova Yuliya , Mykhaylov Volodymyr
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to elaborate on the scientific methodology for providing an assessment of air-pistol shooters’ aiming stability by (i) substantiating the parameters of aiming stability, (ii) specifying the quantitative evaluation methods in using an optoelectronic target, (iii) evaluating the reliability of tests determining aiming stability, and (iv) developing a methodology for creating individual and group parameters of aiming stability.

Methods

The aiming trajectories of 95 airpistol shooters, each of whom fired 60 shots using a SCATT optoelectronic simulator, were calculated to develop individual and group aiming stability parameters. Research methods included an optoelectronic registration of movement, research on top air-pistol shooters’ sports results, mathematical modelling, variation statistics, cluster analysis, two-way ANOVA with data correlation and reliability theory tests.

Results

It was found that an average aiming point trajectory on the SCATT optoelectronic target measured one second before a shot could be accepted as an assessment parameter of aiming stability, as it is one of the basic parameters of technical preparation and its position is not influenced by the ballistic characteristics of the pistol and pellets (ŋ = 0.944).

Conclusions

The parameters of aiming stability in air-pistol shooting were developed using a modification of the clustering method. This allows for the identification of weak points in the structure and organization of shooters’ training and for adjustment of the training process.
Advisability on the shift from standard front crawl swimming technique to the “kayaking” and “loping” variants
Authors: Zatoń Krystyna , Szczepan Stefan , Kazimirów Robert , Rejman Marek
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze selected kinematics parameters of standard front crawl swimming technique and its variants, the “kayaking” and “loping”, in order to estimate the differences that can determine swimming effectiveness and efficiency.

Methods

Eighteen swimmers, divided equally into three groups, took part in the research. The first group was composed of individuals who favored the standard technique, the second group used the “kayaking” variant and the third one swam in the “loping” variant. All swimmers were instructed to swim the 50 m freestyle with their technique of choice at maximum velocity. Analysis of kinematic parameters (time, average swimming velocity), swimming cycle parameters (stroke length, stroke rate), and the swimming efficiency coefficient (stroke index) was calculated using SIMI’s 2D Reality Motion Systems software.

Results

The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test found statistically significant differences in the studied parameters between the standard technique (S) and the “kayaking” (K) and “loping” (L) variants in the time to swim 25 m (x̅S = 15.472 s, x̅K = 13.540 s, x̅L = 14.108 s), and between (S) and (K) in the 15 m swim time (x̅St = 9.598 s, x̅Kt = 8.593 s) and average swimming velocity (x̅Sv = 1.562 m/s, x̅Kv = 1.757 m/s).

Conclusions

Analysis of the differences in the kinematic parameters that define front crawl swimming technique finds justification in the need to modify the standard technique of the propulsive movement used in swimming towards those that employ the “kayaking” and “loping” variants as they are more effective in affecting swimming velocity.
Effect of thimerosal, methylmercury, and mercuric chloride in Jurkat T Cell Line
Authors: Guzzi Gianpaolo , Pigatto Paolo D. , Spadari Francesco , La Porta Caterina A.M.
Published: February 2013

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that causes a wide range of adverse health effects in humans. Three forms of mercury exist: elemental, inorganic and organic. Each of them has its own profile of toxicity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of thimerosal, a topical antiseptic and preservative in vaccines routinely given to children, methyl mercury, and mercuric chloride on cellular viability measured by MTT in Jurkat T cells, a human T leukemia cell line. The treatment of Jurkat T cells with thimerosal caused a significant decrease in cellular viability at 1 μM (25%, p<0.05; IC50: 10 μM). Methyl mercury exhibited a significant decrease in cellular viability at 50 μM (33%, p<0.01; IC50: 65 μM). Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) did not show any significant change in cellular survival. Our findings showed that contrary to thimerosal and methyl mercury, mercuric chloride did not modify Jurkat T cell viability.
Sedimentology and diagenesis as ‘hydrocarbon exploration tools’ in the Late Permian Zechstein-2 Carbonate Member (NE Netherlands)
Authors: Reijers T.J.A.
Published: February 2013

Hydrocarbon exploration in The Netherlands has a chequered history from serendipitous oil shows via chance oil/ gas discoveries to finding the largest continental European oil field in 1943, followed by finding the largest gas field in the world in 1959. The present contribution traces the development of moderate to good porosity/permeability trends in depositional facies of Zechstein Stassfurt carbonates in a ‘gas play’ intermediate in significance between the above two plays but all in the northern part of The Netherlands. Various depositional facies in the Stassfurt carbonates were turned into ‘carbonate fabric units’ by diagenetic processes creating or occluding the porosity/permeability. This formed moderate to good gas reservoirs in barrier-shoal, open-marine shelf and proximal-slope carbonates in the subsurface of the province of Drenthe in the NE Netherlands. The diagenetic models forming these carbonate fabric units are linked to the variety of facies in a depositional model which shows explain and predicts the reservoir trends. Such depositional/diagenetic facies are ‘translated’ into characteristic petrophysical values recognisable on wire line logs in uncored wells, and in characteristic seismic expressions that show these trends in undrilled areas. This approach has been proven to be effective in delineating porosity trends, visualised by 3-D seismic in the Collendoornerveen field, and thus provides a new exploration ‘tool’ in hydrocarbon exploration .
Slide origin of breccia lenses in the Cambrian of the North China Platform: new insight into mass transport in an epeiric sea
Authors: van Loon A.J. (Tom) , Han Zuozhen , Han Yu
Published: February 2013

An oolite in the Furongian (Late Cambrian) Chaomidian Formation in Shandong Province, China, which was deposited on the North China Platform in an epeiric sea, contains several limestone breccia lenses of various dimensions (centimetres to decimetres thick and decimetres to more than 10 metres in length) in an E-trending section. The oolite, which is approximately 40 cm thick, was originally thicker, as indicated by a planar truncation surface that formed by wave abrasion. The breccia lenses in this oolite are generally mound-shaped with a flat base and a convex top. The western margin of the lenses is commonly rounded whereas the eastern margin commonly has a tail (consisting of a rapidly eastwards thinning breccia horizon that gradually ends in a horizon of isolated clasts). Some of the breccia lenses are underlain by a shear zone.

The formation of the breccia lenses cannot be easily explained by normal depositional or deformational processes. It is concluded that the lenses represent fragments of a partly consolidated layer, consisting of both rounded and angular platy clasts, which slid down over a very gently inclined sedimentary surface which acted – possibly together with a water film – as a lubricant layer. During transport, the layer broke up into several discrete bodies that formed small ‘highs’ at the sedimentary surface of the shallow epeiric sea. Subsequently, waves partially eroded the lenses, mostly at their margins, producing their mound-shaped form.

Sliding of blocks is known from a wide variety of environments in the sedimentary record; however, this is the first description of the sliding of blocks in an epeiric sea. This indicates that such a low-relief submarine carbonate setting is, like its siliciclastic counterparts, susceptible to this process.
Antioxidant and Antiradical Properties of Esculin, and its Effect in A Model of Epirubicin-Induced Bone Marrow Toxicity
Authors: Biljali Sefedin , Hadjimitova Vera A. , Topashka-Ancheva Margarita N. , Momekova Denitsa B. , Traykov Trayko T. , Karaivanova Margarita H.
Published: February 2013

AIM: To evaluate the effect of esculin, a plant coumarin glucoside, on free radicals andagainst epirubicin-induced toxicity on bone marrow cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antioxidant activity was assessed by a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence
method or NBT test in a xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, and two irondependent
lipid peroxidation systems. In vivo experiments were carried out in epirubicintreated
mice, alone or in a combination with esculin. Genotoxicity of the anthracycline
drug was assessed by cytogenetic analysis and an autoradiographic assay.

RESULTS: Esculin inactivated superoxide anion radicals in both systems we used. It exerted
SOD-mimetic effect and reduced the level of superoxide radicals generated in a xanthinexanthine
oxidase system by 30%. Esculin also showed an antioxidant effect in a model of
Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation. Cytogenetic analysis showed that epirubicin had a marked
infl uence on the structure of metaphase chromosomes of normal bone marrow cells. Inclusion
of esculin in the treatment protocol failed to ameliorate the epirubicin-induced antiproliferative
effects and genotoxicity in bone marrow cells.

CONCLUSION: In this study the ability of the coumarin glucoside esculin to scavenge superoxide
radicals and to decrease Fe-induced lipid peroxidation was documented. However,
despite the registered antioxidant effects the tested compound failed to exert cytoprotection
in models of anthracycline-induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells. The results of
this study warrant for more precise further evaluation of esculin, employing different test
systems and end-points and a wider range of doses to more precisely appraise its potential
role as a chemoprotective/resque agent.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 And Interleukin-1Β In Gingival Fluid Of Children In The First Three Months Of Orthodontic Treatment With Fixed Appliances
Authors: Ribagin Lora S. , Rashkova Maya R.
Published: February 2013

Abstract In orthodontic treatment remodeling of periodontal space is concomitant with the movement of teeth. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1β are key markers of the initial tissue reaction in the processes of remodeling. The gingival fluid is the medium where changes in the profile and levels of these mediators occur.

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1β in gingival fluid samples during the first 3 months of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in children.

Materials and methods: Twelve children receiving brackets treatment were included in the study; 48 samples of gingival fluid collected from one representative tooth of these children were measured once before placing the brackets, then at 24 hours, at 1 week, and at 3 months. We measured the amount of gingival fluid and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1β.

Filter paper strips were used to collect gingival fluid. After eluting them we made a quantitative analysis of the biomarkers, matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1β, using the solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA).

The results showed a slight drop in the levels of both markers compared with baseline values and an increase at three months of orthodontic treatment. A similar tendency was observed in the flow of gingival fluid.

Conclusion: Quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1β in gingival fluid samples is potentially a non-invasive method by which orthodontists can get information about the remodeling processes in the periodontium during orthodontic treatment thus controlling and limiting them within physiological boundaries.
Kinetics of methane oxidation in selected mineral soils
Authors: Walkiewicz A. , Bulak P. , Brzeziñska M. , Włodarczyk T. , Polakowski C.
Published: February 2013

The kinetic parameters of methane oxidation in three mineral soils were measured under laboratory conditions. Incubationswere preceded by a 24-day preincubationwith 10%vol. of methane. All soils showed potential to the consumption of added methane. None of the soils, however, consumed atmospheric CH4. Methane oxidation followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with relatively low values of parameters for Eutric Cambisol, while high values for Haplic Podzol, and especially for Mollic Gleysol which showed the highest methanotrophic activity and much lower affinity to methane. The high values of parameters for methane oxidation are typical for organic soils and mineral soils from landfill cover. The possibility of the involvement of nitrifying microorganisms, which inhabit the ammonia-fertilized agricultural soils should be verified.
Ice Hockey Goaltender Rehabilitation, Including On-Ice Progression, After Arthroscopic Hip Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Pierce Casey M. , LaPrade Robert F. , Wahoff Mike , O'Brien Luke , Philippon Marc J.
Published: February 2013

Synopsis

Ice hockey goaltenders, especially those who employ the butterfly technique, are a specialized population of athletes because of the unique physical demands that the position places on their lower extremities, specifically at the hip. It is no surprise that hip injuries are a common occurrence among goalies. A review of the biomechanical literature has demonstrated that stresses on the hip while in flexion and end-range internal rotation, the position goaltenders commonly use, put the hip at risk for injury and are likely a major contributing factor to overuse hip injuries. The stress on a goaltender's hip can potentially be further intensified by the presence of bony deformities, such as cam- or pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement, which can lead to chondrolabral junction and articular cartilage injuries. There have been few published reports of goaltenders' functional outcomes following femoroacetabular impingement surgery, and, to our knowledge, no studies have yet identified the specific challenges presented in the rehabilitation of goaltenders following femoroacetabular impingement surgery. The present clinical commentary describes a 6-phase return-to-skating program developed as part of a rehabilitation protocol to aid hockey goaltenders recovering from surgery.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):129–141. Epub 12 February 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4430
A Probabilistic Assessment Methodology for Life Cycle Analysis of Structures
Authors: Matos Jose Campose , Valente Isabel Brito , Cruz Paulo Sousa , Neves Luís Canhoto
Published: February 2013

The life cycle analysis (LCA) of structures is a framework that evaluates its condition and safety within the whole life through specific performance indicators. Management decisions are then taken considering this state and in a way that cost is optimized. Used indicators are strictly correlated and they are usually determined through a structural assessment procedure. However, this procedure is carried of different sources of uncertainty. This paper presents one methodology for a probabilistic assessment which considers and mitigates some of these uncertainties. This algorithm is based in both optimization and Bayesian inference techniques. It will be applied with two structures, respectively, a reinforced concrete and one composite beam. Two performance indicators will be computed considering traditional probabilistic assessment techniques and this methodology Obtained results pointed out the economic advantages of considering this methodology.
Improvement of Tendon Layout for PSC Girders with Long Span
Authors: Kim Do Hak , Shin Myeong Gyu , Kim Tae Min , Woo Young Ho , Kim Moon Kyum , Lim Yun Mook
Published: February 2013

This study was conducted to develop 60 m span PSC girders with shallow depth considering their economic efficiency and constructability. A cross section of bulb-tee type with a half deck was applied to the PSC girders. Especially this paper looks carefully at effective ways to arrange the tendon for long span girders and also explains the decision making process. First, it was preferentially considered that tendons be arranged in a straight line for as long as possible. Second, the division of the tendon layout was considered with two sections using the intermediate anchorage zone. With this tendon layout, a PSC girder with span length of 60 m was developed in this study.

The full scale PSC girder was made for a four point bending test by static load. The test results showed the effect of the tendon layout on long span PSC girders and the good structural performance of the girder.
Time-Dependent Behaviors of RC Columns Subjected to Sustained Eccentric Loading
Authors: Eom Tae-Sung , Kim Yae-Yo , Jang Dong-Woon
Published: February 2013

Long-term effects such as creep and shrinkage can affect the stiffness and strength of RC columns. Especially, for the columns subjected to sustained eccentric load, since both axial shortening and lateral drift increase during sustained load duration the earthquake resistance of the columns can be significantly reduced due to the long-term effects. In the present study, the long-term behavior and the earthquake resistance of RC columns subjected to sustained eccentric load were evaluated. The column specimens were subjected to lateral monotonic or cyclic loading after sustained concentric or eccentric axial loading for the prescribed duration. A new test set-up using post-tensioning was introduced to sustain the axial load of long duration. From the test, the long-term deformations of the columns due to sustained load, such as axial shortening and lateral drift, were investigated. In addition, the long-term effects on the earthquake resistance such as stiffness, strength, deformation capacity, and energy dissipation capacity were evaluated.
Innovative materials for the Fifth Bridge in San Sebastian, Spain
Authors: Lorea Ana , Saiz Sergio
Published: February 2013

The Fifth Bridge over Urumea river in San Sebastian is a singular structure in which the materials have been optimized and used with their last constructive innovations in order to design a technological and slender arch bridge.
Cable-stayed Bridge over the Odra River in Wroclaw, Poland
Authors: Biliszczuk Jan , Barcik Wojciech , Onysyk Jerzy , Szczepański Jacek , Toczkiewicz Robert , Tukendorf Artur , Tukendorf Kamil
Published: February 2013

The largest bridge along the motorway ring road of Wroclaw is a cable-stayed structure over the Odra River near Redzin water stage of fall. The river flows there in its main bed, while inland navigation uses additional water channels. An island, where the pylon of the new bridge is situated, is located between the river and the channels. The bridge is 1742 m long and consists of a 610 m long southern flyover, a 612 m long cable-stayed main bridge with separate decks suspended to one 122 m high pylon and a 520 m long northern flyover. The superstructure of the main bridge consists of two box girders made of prestressed concrete, one for each carriageway of the highway. The height of the girder is 2.50 m, which is about 1/100th of the main span length. The decks are supported by 80 pairs of stay cables connected to the pylon made of reinforced concrete. The bridge with a deck area of approximately 65 000 m2 was constructed within 36 months.
Research on Proper Diaphragm Layout of Long-span Continuous Steel-Box- Girder
Authors: Bai Ling , Fang Xing
Published: February 2013

Mechanical behaviors of the steel-box-girder(SBG) under eccentric load are analyzed. And then it is deduced that proper layout of diaphragms in SBG should be discussed from the point of view of controlling the distortional warping stress which is very complicated to calculate. Although several current standards already provide how to calculate the distortional warping stress, the long-span continuous SBG is beyond the application scope of these standards. Hence, here it is put forward that the distortion warping of the single-room rectangular-box-girder is regarded as the bending of the beam on elastic foundation (BEF) based on the similarity between the distortion warping control differential equation of the single-room rectangular-box-girder and the bending control differential equation of BEF. By this analogy method, the distortional warping stress of the single-room rectangular-box-beam can be solved more easily. Finally, the distortional warping stress of the Chongqi Main Bridge, whose SBG has the longest span and longest length in China, is calculated by this analogy method and thereby the reasonable rigidity, type and section area of its diaphragms are suggested. These suggestions are all adopted by the designer and used in the actual girder.
Probabilistic and predictive performance-based approach for assessing reinforced concrete structures: the APPLET project
Authors: Crémona Christian
Published: February 2013

The full set of researches and studies performed within the APPLET project has provided major results in terms of questioning and perspectives for the assessment and the management of concrete structures. The project has contributed to a knowledge improvement of the physical phenomena, an evaluation of the testing procedures, proposals for developing a probabilistic performance-based approach in standards, a deep thought about methodologies (performance-based approach, diagnosis…) which are of primary importance for stakeholders, and the development of a database on material properties. The APPLET project was dedicated to provide predictive models and methodologies. The studies have highlighted that the performance-based approach must be probabilistic in order to manage uncertainties and variability, both on the model parameters and on the electrochemical diagnosis. To base such an approach, a lot of care has been spent to characterize the variability of the most sensitive parameters through extensive experimental programs. The scientific results of the APPLET project constitute an essential step forward for the development of an efficient, rational and pertinent life-cycle analysis of concrete structures.
Recent Developments in the Design and Construction of Integral Bridges
Authors: Nassif Hani , Albhaisi Suhail
Published: February 2013

design and rehabilitation of steel and prestressed concrete fixed and movable highway bridges.

This paper presents a summary of the latest developments in the field of Integral Abutment Bridges (IABs). It examines the current design specifications and the current practice in the design and construction of IABs including foundations, superstructure, construction stages, abutment backfill, and the limitations on IABs. The study also investigates the correlation between the analysis results from a

detailed three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element (FE) model and a simplified two-dimensional (2D)

model for

an IAB under thermal load. Field measurements from

a steel girder IAB

were used to

validate the 3D FE

model. Using the validated models, the analysis was

carried out

to study the

performance of a typical IAB under thermal loading. The study shows that currently there are still vast differences in the design and construction of IAB’s. The study also shows significant variations in displacement and rotation between interior and exterior locations in relatively wide IABs that can’t be captured by 2D analysis.
Risk Assessment Study on Bridge Foundation in Deep Overlying Stratum
Authors: Chen Ce , Wang Jingguo , Liu Manhong
Published: February 2013

Based on the analysis about the hydrogeological conditions and engineering geological conditions, the paper has made the analysis on the possible risks of the deep overlying stratum foundation and established the risk evaluation index system during the foundation operating period. Such methods as AHP, Delphi method and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, etc. are adopted to make the quantitative analysis on the risk factors and establish the risk judgment model. According to the actual engineering of Taizhou Bridge, the paper has evaluated the risk of the foundation during the operating period at the condition of deep overlying stratum. The evaluation results can confirm the design of the bridge site is reasonable, and provide the reference for the risk management of the bridge foundation during the operating period.
Penang Bridge Stay Cable Replacement
Authors: Lam Huy , Amami Haythem , Lemaire Arnaud , Ketfi Mohamed , Montens Serge
Published: February 2013

Systra carried out the design of the replacement of the remaining 117 original stay cables on Penang Cable Stayed Bridge. This paper describes the design methodology for the replacement of stay cables and provides the key parameters for determining the schedule of stay cables final setting.
Optimum Span Ratio of Cable Stayed-Suspension Bridges
Authors: Cho Yong Woo , Sohn Yun Ki , Yoo Dong Ho
Published: February 2013

A development for the new structural system having a superior wind resistance performance may be the alternative way for ensuring wind stability. The cable stayed-suspension bridge is one of alternative structural types. In this study, a parametric analysis was performed to examine static and dynamic behaviour of the cable stayed-suspension bridge according to variation of girder length supported by stay cable. The analytical result shows that the reasonable span ratio of stayed span over main span (stayed + suspended span) is between the range of 0.25~0.30. Also, structural performance of the cable stayed-suspension bridge with the span ratio of 0.25~0.30 is improved by more than 50% in comparison with a conventional suspension bridge. This improvement can lead to the reduction for the steel quantity of cable and stiffening girder and the size of anchorage.
Smart bridge cable integrated with Fiber Bragg Grating sensors
Authors: Liu Lihua , Zhao Xia , Li Sheng , Xue Huajuan , Zhou Zhubing , Ji Junbing
Published: February 2013

The working status of bridge cables is one of important indications which inflect bridge security state. The cable force is an important parameter to be monitored. There are different kinds of external strain measurement ways adopted to monitor the cable force. However, the cable force can not always be identified in real time. If the strain sensor can be integrated with the bridge cable during fabrication process, the smart bridge cable can be monitored at any time in the process of service. A smart bridge cable system integrated with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors was proposed. To protect the FBG sensors against damage during the fabrication of the cable, FBG sensors were firstly encapsulated FBG strain sensor and FBG temperature sensor. The efficiency of FBG strain sensor was verified on a single bridge steel wire through the tension performance test and fatigue test. To fabricate cables assembled with FBG sensors, several FBG sensors were fixed on the steel wires. FBG sensor signal was safely transmitted out of the cable. The smart bridge cable can sense its own strain and temperature through FBG sensors. The fabrication procedure of smart bridge cable was developed and the self-sensing force property of smart bridge cable was calibrated successfully. Finally, the application of smart bridge cable on the Jingyue stay bridge linked with Hunan province and Hubei province in china was introduced.
Application of Incremental Method in Design & Construction of Steel Sheet-Pile Cofferdam
Authors: Xia Zheng Zhi , Guo Guang Song , Li Guo Ming
Published: February 2013

The thesis introduces the engineering background of the newly built Pearl river Bridge in Guangzhou, the structure, load working condition and space finite element analysis calculation of steel sheet-pile cofferdam used in the construction of auxiliary pier, and the application of incremental method in the design & construction of steel sheet-pile cofferdam, and the design experience can be referred to for similar structures.
A Study to Evaluate Performance Characteristic of Thin Layer Pavements for Long-Span Orthotropic Steel Bridge
Authors: Lee Jung Hun , Park Hee Young , Kwak Byeong Seok , Choi Ie Hyun , Kim Tae Woo , Lee Hyun Jong
Published: February 2013

A major purpose of this study is to evaluate performance characteristic of various thin layer pavement materials such as poly-urethane polymer concrete (PUPC), mastic & polymer modified stone mastic asphalt (PSMA), and ductile fiber reinforced cementitious composite (DFRCC) for long-span orthotropic steel bridge. In this study, various laboratory tests including flexural strength test, bonding strength test, tensile strength test were performed. Accelerated pavement test was performed under various environmental conditions using small-scale accelerated pavement tester (SSAPT) developed to evaluate performance characteristic of pavement materials on various conditions of temperature, humidity, and ultra-violet. Structural analysis for pavement and steel deck bridge structure according to variation of pavement thickness was performed using a commercial finite element code, MIDAS Civil 2009.
Comparison between Y-type Perfobond Rib Shear Connector and Traditional Perfobond Rib Shear Connector with Push-out Tests
Authors: Jung Chi-Young , Park Seung-Min , Won Seong-Hwan , Kim Sang-Hyo
Published: February 2013

Recently, steel and concrete composite structures are widely used due to the sectional efficiency. In composite structures shear connection should be guaranteed for composite behavior of two materal. This should be ensured by the shear capacity of shear connector in the composite structures. This study evaluated behavior of Y-type perfobond rib shear connector which is superior in shear capacity and ductility than traditional perfobond rib shear connector by push-out tests. Y-type perfobond rib shear connector has higher shear capacity and ductility than the traditional perfobond rib shear connector by comparing and estimating the experimental results.
The Whakatane Mechanism: Promoting Justice in Protected Areas Emmanuel Freudenthal, in Collaboration with Maurizio Farhan Ferrari, Justin Kenrick and Adrian Mylne
Authors: Freudenthal Emmanuel , Ferrari Maurizio Farhan , Kenrick Justin , Mylne Adrian
Published: February 2013

Since 2003, there has been progress in global policy towards changing conservation from a model that often excluded peoples to a "new paradigm" that respects human rights and recognises that local communities are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Nevertheless, the implementation of these decisions has been very patchy. In order to remedy that, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has established the Whakatane Mechanism, an initiative to assess respect for human rights in protected areas in order to address conflicts between management authorities and indigenous peoples.
Chemical Inhibitors and microRNAs (miRNA) Targeting the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway: Potential for Novel Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: AlQurashi Naif , Hashimi Saeed , Wei Ming
Published: February 2013

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a critical regulator of many fundamental features in response to upstream cellular signals, such as growth factors, energy, stress and nutrients, controlling cell growth, proliferation and metabolism through two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Dysregulation of mTOR signalling often occurs in a variety of human malignant diseases making it a crucial and validated target in the treatment of cancer. Tumour cells have shown high susceptibility to mTOR inhibitors. Rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs) have been tested in clinical trials in several tumour types and found to be effective as anticancer agents in patients with advanced cancers. To block mTOR function, they form a complex with FKBP12 and then bind the FRB domain of mTOR. Furthermore, a new generation of mTOR inhibitors targeting ATP-binding in the catalytic site of mTOR showed potent and more selective inhibition. More recently, microRNAs (miRNA) have emerged as modulators of biological pathways that are essential in cancer initiation, development and progression. Evidence collected to date shows that miRNAs may function as tumour suppressors or oncogenes in several human neoplasms. The mTOR pathway is a promising target by miRNAs for anticancer therapy. Extensive studies have indicated that regulation of the mTOR pathway by miRNAs plays a major role in cancer progression, indicating a novel way to investigate the tumorigenesis and therapy of cancer. Here, we summarize current findings of the role of mTOR inhibitors and miRNAs in carcinogenesis through targeting mTOR signalling pathways and determine their potential as novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
A Review of Aspects of Oxidative Hair Dye Chemistry with Special Reference to N-Nitrosamine Formation
Authors: Lewis David , Mama John , Hawkes Jamie
Published: February 2013

This review discusses a new aspect to the safety profile of oxidative hair dyes using data already in the public domain. These dyes contain secondary amines that are capable of forming potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine derivatives when exposed to atmospheric pollution. Numerous scientific articles confirm the existence of secondary amines in hair dyes (and their intermediates), the possibility of nitrosation by atmospheric NOx of secondary amines to give the N-nitrosamines, and the significant safety risks on N-nitrosamines. It is believed that such nitrosamine derivatives should be investigated more fully in the interests of consumer safety.
Growth of Fullerene Fragments Using the Diels-Alder Cycloaddition Reaction: First Step towards a C60 Synthesis by Dimerization
Authors: Mojica Martha , Méndez Francisco , Alonso Julio
Published: February 2013

Density Functional Theory has been used to model the Diels-Alder reactions of the fullerene fragments triindenetriphenilene and pentacyclopentacorannulene with ethylene and 1,3-butadiene. The purpose is to prove the feasibility of using Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions to grow fullerene fragments step by step, and to dimerize fullerene fragments, as a way to obtain C60. The dienophile character of the fullerene fragments is dominant, and the reaction of butadiene with pentacyclopentacorannulene is favored.
Stakeholder Engagement: Achieving Sustainability in the Construction Sector
Authors: Bal Menoka , Bryde David , Fearon Damian , Ochieng Edward
Published: February 2013

Achieving sustainability-related targets in construction projects is increasingly becoming a key performance driver. Yet sustainability is a complex concept in projects and there are many diverse stakeholders. Some stakeholders are generally recognized as important, i.e., the client and main contractor, yet there are others not always perceived as such and whose absence from the decision-making processes may result in a failure to address sustainability issues. Hence there is a need for a systematic approach to engage with stakeholders with high salience in relation to sustainability. This paper reports the results of an exploratory study involving interviews with construction project practitioners that are involved in sustainability in some way. Data were collected from the practitioners in terms of the processes for engaging with stakeholders to deliver sustainability. The data suggests six steps to a stakeholder engagement process: (i) identification; (ii) relating stakeholders to different sustainability-related targets; (iii) prioritization; (iv) managing; (v) measuring performance; and (vi) putting targets into action. The results suggest that understanding the different sustainability agendas of stakeholders and measuring their performance using key performance indicators are important stages to be emphasized in any stakeholder engagement process to achieve sustainability-related goals.
Inter- and intramolecular enantioselective carbolithiation reactions
Authors: Gómez-SanJuan Asier , Sotomayor Nuria , Lete Esther
Published: February 2013

In this review we summarize recent developments in inter- and intramolecular enantioselective carbolithiation reactions carried out in the presence of a chiral ligand for lithium, such as (−)-sparteine, to promote facial selection on a C=C bond. This is an attractive approach for the construction of new carbon–carbon bonds in an asymmetric fashion, with the possibility of introducing further functionalization on the molecule by trapping the reactive organolithium intermediates with electrophiles.
The cycles of revolution: how Wegener and Milanković changed the earth sciences
Authors: Petrović Aleksandar , B. Marković Slobodan
Published: February 2013

The year 1912 is annus mirabilis for Earth sciences. In two crucial papers Alfred Wegener and Milutin Milanković independently set up revolutionary theories based on far-reaching visions of continental drift and climate orbital forcing. Their contributions simultaneously did for the Earth sciences what the theory of evolution did for biology and what the theory of relativity did for physics. They provided Earth sciences with a comprehensive perspective of Earth’s dynamics in both astronomical and terrestrial terms, and revolutionized geology by abandoning the ideas of a climatologically self-sufficient Earth and unmovable continents – remnants of the old geocentric picture of the unmoving, centered Earth. In the secular sense they finally completed the heliocentric theory that was set up by Copernicus. This paper follows the strange synchronicity in their life and work cycles.
The Debeli Namet glacier (Durmitor, Montenegro) – from the second half of the 20th century to the present
Authors: Djurović Predrag
Published: February 2013

The Debeli Namet glacier is one of two recent glaciers located in the south western Balkans, located on Durmitor Mountain in the south eastern Dinarides mountain range in Montenegro and is considered to be a small glacier. The size of the glacier from 1954 to 1981 was estimated based on aerial photographs. According to glaciological research, geomorphologic studies of the nearby relief and analyses of climate change (temperature and precipitation) within the last 50 years, new data on the glacier have been obtained. The Debeli Namet glacier is reducing at a rate slower than that of other southern European glaciers. The Debeli Namet glacier did not significantly fluctuate in size (surface and thickness) in response to temperature increases that occurred at the end of the 20 st and at the beginning of the 21st centuries. Here, we present partially revised data accompanied by recent results related to the glacier’s recent behaviour, its surroundings and its associated climate.
Towards E-CASE Tools for Software Engineering
Authors: Arman Nabil
Published: February 2013

CASE tools are having an important role in all phases of software systems development and engineering. This is evident in the huge benefits obtained from using these tools including their cost-effectiveness, rapid software application development, and improving the possibility of software reuse to name just a few. In this paper, the idea of moving towards E-CASE tools, rather than traditional CASE tools, is advocated since these E-CASE tools have all the benefits and advantages of traditional CASE tools and add to that all the benefits of web technology. This is presented by focusing on the role of E-CASE tools in facilitating the trend of telecommuting and virtual workplaces among software engineering and information technology professionals. In addition, E-CASE tools integrates smoothly with the trend of E-learning in conducting software engineering courses. Finally, two surveys were conducted for a group of software engineering professional and students of software engineering courses. The surveys show that E-CASE tools are of great value to both communities of students and professionals of software engineering.
How to Manage the Inclusion of E-Learning in Learning Strategy: Insights from a Turkish Banking Institution
Authors: Kok Ayse
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate how a banking institution in Turkey is managing the inclusion of e-learning in its learning strategy. The case study demonstrates that the adoption of e-learning is actually influencing bankâ??s learning strategy, and that the simple delivery through technology cannot be sustained as a separate form of training, an appendix to traditional instructor-led activities. To be successful, it has to be seen as a part of a complete learning architecture that includes a variety of tools, approaches, and a coherent learning culture. The analysis shows two emerging phenomena:

â?¢ A different degree of success of the e-learning initiative depending upon its coherence with the organizational culture, and the bankâ??s strategy

â?¢ A changing balance of classroom training and e-learning in relationship to the adoption of the LMS adoption in each department
Emergency Management, Twitter, and Social Media Evangelism
Authors: Latonero Mark , Shklovski Irina
Published: February 2013

This paper considers how emergency response organizations utilize available social media technologies to communicate with the public in emergencies and to potentially collect valuable information using the public as sources of information on the ground. The authors discuss the use of public social media tools from the emergency management professional’s viewpoint with a particular focus on the use of Twitter. Limited research has investigated Twitter usage in crisis situations from an organizational perspective. This paper contributes to the understanding of organizational innovation, risk communication, and technology adoption by emergency management. An in-depth longitudinal case study of Public Information Officers (PIO) of the Los Angeles Fire Department highlights the importance of the information evangelist within emergency management organizations and details the challenges those organizations face engaging with social media and Twitter. This article provides insights into practices and challenges of new media implementation for crisis and risk management organizations.
A Comparative Study of Bayesian and Fuzzy Inference Approach to Assess Quality of the Software Using Activity-Based Quality Model
Authors: Jeet Kawal , Bhatia Nitin , Dhir Renu
Published: February 2013

Maintainability is one of the important characteristics of quality of software. It is the measure of efforts needed to modify the software. Large number of subjective techniques has been developed in industry to deal with assessment or prediction of this characteristic. But these techniques generally fail due to their inability to break down maintainability to a level of actual evaluation. They also lack homogeneity in the models thus developed and so fail to take into account the cost factor associated with maintainability. Activity based quality model is found to decompose maintainability to an actual analyzable level. It manages maintainability in terms of software maintenance efforts but it lacks quantitative evaluation of this characteristic. Bayesian approach to deal with this model added quantitative feature but also added crispness to the system developed. In this chapter, the authors propose the use of fuzzy approach to correct the existing Bayesian approach to deal with activity based quality model. A comprehensive comparative study is presented to show the effectiveness of proposed technique.
Software Engineering, Process Improvement, and Experience Management
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Singh Kawaljeet , Goyal D.P.
Published: February 2013

Software engineers have always been experimenting with various models in an endeavor to improve upon software processes. Recently, a new area of software process improvement through experience management has got attention of the software engineering community. Software developers are experimenting with experience management to improve software process. This chapter explores the role of experience management in mitigating the effects of software crisis and investigates the current state of EM in Indian software engineering environment. The chapter discusses the need and integration of knowledge and experience management practices in software engineering environments. The chapter begins with the discussion of the ills of software engineering, classically referred to as “software crisis,” like late delivery of the systems, ill-functionality, and cost overruns, and justifies how managing the knowledge and experience of software engineers and practitioners can ward off these evils. The chapter then discusses the models and methodologies for knowledge and experience management in software engineering. Finally, the chapter sheds light on the major works carried out in this area and suggests possible future research avenues in this domain.
Innovative Strategies for Secure Software Development
Authors: Bedi Punam , Gandotra Vandana , Singhal Archana
Published: February 2013

This chapter discusses adoption of some proactive strategies in threat management for security of software systems. Security requirements play an important role for secure software systems which arise due to threats to the assets from malicious users. It is therefore imperative to develop realistic and meaningful security requirements. A hybrid technique has been presented in this chapter evolved by overlapping the strengths of misuse cases and attack trees for elicitation of flawless security requirements. This chapter also discusses an innovative technique using fuzzy logic as a proactive step to break the jinx of brittleness of present day security measures based on binary principle. In this mechanism, partially secure state evolved between safe state and failed state using fuzzy logic provides an alert signal to take appropriate additional preventive measures to save the system from entering into the failed state to the extent possible.
Case Study
Authors: Ratti Nisha , Kaur Parminder
Published: February 2013

As software is developed and deployed, it is extremely common for multiple versions of the same software to be deployed in different sites, and for the software’s developers to be working privately on updates. Bugs and other issues with software are often only present in certain versions (because of the fixing of some problems and the introduction of others the program evolves). Therefore, for the purposes of locating and fixing bugs, it is vitally important for the debugger to be able to retrieve and run different versions of the software to determine in which version(s) the problem occurs. All these tasks are related with version control. This case study makes an attempt to show that how Subversion, an open source version control tool, is helpful in tracing the changes processed at different time. This case study also shows the comparison between open source and commercial version control tools.