bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of rain events with a submersible UV/VIS spectrophotometer
Authors: Maribas Aurélien , Laurent Nadège , Battaglia Philippe , do Carmo Lourenço da Silva Maria , Pons Marie- Noeëlle , Loison Bernard
Published: June 2008

A submersible UV/VIS spectrophotometer has been implemented on the pre-treatment unit of a large-scale wastewater treatment plant (350,000 person-equivalent) to monitor the rapid changes in total Suspended Solids and total Chemical Oxygen Demand occurring during rain events as well as injections of reject water from the sludge treatment train or wasted activated sludge. Calibration has been proven to be difficult for fast composition-varying streams but the device is able to monitor qualitatively sudden quality changes, in spite of the noise affecting the signal.
Benefits, limitations and uncertainty of in situ spectrometry
Authors: Winkler S. , Saracevic E. , Bertrand-Krajewski J.-L. , Torres A.
Published: June 2008

In situ spectrometers are comparable robust instruments and can be operated long term with relatively low maintenance demand. The decisive factor for their applicability is the development of a medium and installation location specific correlation model, which estimates the concentration of the requested target parameter from the measured absorption values. In some cases it might turn out, that the development of a single site specific correlation model is not sufficient, due to frequent and substantial variations of the (waste) water composition.

In order to assess the total uncertainty of in situ spectrometry, a comprehensive lab test was carried out. It includes a detailed investigation of the uncertainty of CODreference methods (DIN and small tube tests), a precision analysis of the absorption spectra and the impact of those two factors on the total uncertainty of the CODEQ correlation model.
Long-term evaluation of a spectral sensor for nitrite and nitrate
Authors: Rieger L. , Vanrolleghem P. A. , Langergraber G. , Kaelin D. , Siegrist H.
Published: June 2008

A spectral in-situ UV sensor was investigated to measure nitrite and nitrate concentrations in the effluent of the EAWAG pilot-scale plant. The sensor was used with a calibration that was based on data from another WWTP and was operated over a period of 1.5 years. The results showed constant accuracy although the sensor was operated with minimal maintenance (manual cleaning once a month). It could be shown that the sensor was able to accurately predict the nitrite and nitrate concentration with a precision of 0.32 mg N/l (95% prediction interval at mean lab value of 1.15 mg N/l) and 1.08 mg N/l (at 5.55 mg N/l) for nitrite and nitrate, respectively. The UV sensor showed good results for nitrite in the low concentration range and very accurate results for higher concentrations (up to 10 mg N/l). This allows using the sensor for alarm systems as well as for control concepts at WWTPs.
On-line estimation of the dissolved zinc concentration during ZnS precipitation in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR)
Authors: Grootscholten T. I. M. , Keesman K. J. , Lens P. N. L.
Published: June 2008

In this paper a method is presented to estimate the reaction term of zinc sulphide precipitation and the zinc concentration in a CSTR, using the read-out signal of a sulphide selective electrode. The reaction between zinc and sulphide is described by a non-linear model and therefore classical observer theory cannot be applied directly, as this theory was initially developed for linear systems. However, by linear reparametrization of this non-linear system, the linear observer theory can be applied in an effective way. This is illustrated by a zinc sulphide example using real data.
Quality evaluation methods for wastewater treatment plant data
Authors: Thomann M.
Published: June 2008

Non identified systematic errors in data sets can cause severe problems inducing wrong decisions in function control, process modelling or planning of new treatment infrastructure. In this paper statistical methods are shown to identify systematic errors in full-scale WWTP data sets. With a redundant mass balance approach analyzing five different mass balances, systematic errors of about 10%–20% compared to the input fluxes can be identified at a 5%-significance level. A Shewhart control-chart approach to survey the data quality of on-line-sensors allows a statistical as well as a fast graphical analysis of the measurement process. A 19 month data set indicates that NO3−, PO4− and NH4− on-line analyzers in the filter effluent and MLSS sensors in the aeration tanks were not disturbed by any systematic error for 85–95% of the measuring time. The in-control-interval (±3·standard deviation) has a width of ±12–17% (NO3-N), ±35–40% (PO4-P), ±83% (NH4-N) and ±12–15% (TS) of the measured reference value.
Process control automation and remote on-line supervision: the strategy for wastewater treatment in an Italian piedmont
Authors: Battistoni E. M. , Fatone F. , Pavan P. , Beltritti R. , Raviola M.
Published: June 2008

The paper deals with the real application of a strategy, based on process control automation and remote on-line supervision, for the wastewater treatment in a piedmont. Seven existing small wastewater treatment plants were selected to be upgraded and to be included into a network remotely supervised. A consolidated bending point based alternating process was applied for the biological treatment. Further, the potentialities of the process control automation were enhanced by the appropriate design of the whole plant. The examination of a case study included into the network shows the real stable high performances of the plant in terms of total nitrogen removal. Moreover, the power requirements are significantly reduced according to a correct energy policy.
Cost-effective upgrading of a biological wastewater treatment plant by using lamella separators with bypass operation
Authors: Jardin N. , Rath L. , Schönfeld A. , Grünebaum T.
Published: June 2008

Based on a comprehensive cost analysis for the expansion of the Finnentrop WWTP, integration of lamella separators in the biological treatment stage was given priority as optimal solution to increase the solids concentration. The overall expansion project included the reconstruction of the former primary clarifier into a primary settling tank with short retention times and the use of the remaining volume for pre-denitrification. Four lamella separators were positioned in the existing carousel-type activated sludge tank. With the lamella assemblies ensuring it was possible to continue operation of the existing secondary settling tanks. To control an adequate solids concentration in the activated sludge tank and to avoid any overloading of the secondary settling tank, a newly developed bypass strategy was applied. With a controlled mixing of direct effluent from the lamella separators and the contents of the activated sludge tank, the solids concentration of the influent to the secondary settling tank could be maintained at a value of 2.2 kg/m3. The lamella separator concept did not account for any significant changes in the sludge characteristics, and the overall elimination of nutrients and organic carbon was found to be excellent upon optimisation of the operational lamella strategy.
Can a wastewater treatment plant be a powerplant? A case study
Authors: Schwarzenbeck N. , Pfeiffer W. , Bomball E.
Published: June 2008

Today wastewater treatment plants are evaluated not only in terms of their treatment efficiency but also concerning their energy efficiency. Increasing energy efficiency can be realized either through operational optimisation or by realising an already existing potential for energy generation on-site. The main source of energy at a municipal wastewater treatment plant is the biogas produced in the anaerobic sludge digester. Studies indicate excess digester capacities of about 20% in Germany available for co-fermentation of organic substrates other than sewage sludge. This paper presents an example of a municipal wastewater treatment plant going towards an energy self-sufficient operation and even a surplus energy production as the result of an increasing co-fermentation of sludge from grease skimming tanks. In 2005 on average 113% of the electricity consumed for plant operation was generated on-site in gas engines. Co-fermentation of about 30% (related to the total dry residue input) of grease interceptor sludge in the presented case does not only effect a 4-times increased gas yield, but also an intensified 20% higher anaerobic degradation of the organic matter of the sewage sludge and thus having a positive influence not only on the energy and financial balance but also on the anaerobic sludge stabilisation with respect to the degradation degree of the organic fraction.
The development of a risk-based approach to managing the ecological impact of pollutants in highway runoff
Authors: Crabtree B. , Dempsey P. , Johnson I. , Whitehead M.
Published: June 2008

In the UK, the Highways Agency is responsible for the strategic road network. It is recognised that current design guidance to control pollutants in highway runoff is out of date. A research programme is in progress to develop a better understanding of pollutants in highway runoff and their ecological impact. The paper summarises the outcome of a study to: (1) monitor pollutants in highway runoff under different climate and traffic conditions at 24 sites; (2) develop standards to assess potential ecological risks; and (3) develop a model to predict pollutant concentrations in highway runoff.

Data collection and analysis of the resulting data have identified a link between pollutant concentrations and traffic density. A number of pollutants routinely present in highway runoff have been identified as posing the greatest ecological risk. Ecologically based standards for acute impacts have been derived for the soluble form of these pollutants. These standards will be used in conjunction with the model to indicate where runoff treatment may be required to mitigate ecological risk. The model and standards will be used to develop improved design guidance to protect receiving waters from pollutants in highway runoff by identifying where runoff treatment is required, and to what degree.
Temporal evolution of urban wet weather pollution: analysis of PCB and PAH in sediment cores from Lake Bourget, France
Authors: Jung S. , Chebbo G. , Lorgeoux C. , Tassin B. , Arnaud F. , Bonté P. , Winiarski T.
Published: June 2008

In order to evaluate the historical impact of urban stormwater runoff on a lacustrine environment, eight sediment cores were collected in October 2006 in Lake Bourget (Savoie, France). Sediment samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorobyphenyls (PCB) in order to correlate the vertical profiles of contamination and the evolution of the urbanisation on the watershed for the last 100 years. Overall, we observe that vertical profiles of PCB and PAH concentrations in Lake Bourget are showing a downward trend, probably resulting from the pollution control measures. Concentrations of PCB and PAH measured in surface sediments are approximately 5–10 fold less than maximal concentrations found in the cores. Maximal PAH concentrations were found at the bottom of the cores (∼40 cm) which approximately correspond to the beginning of the 20th century. Maximal PCB concentrations measured in cores L5 and L6 are respectively 850 and 790 μg/g dw (dryweight). The peak of PCB corresponds to the maximum of PCB production and consumption in the 1970s. In surface sediments total PCB concentrations range between 47 and 79 μg/kg dw. Those concentrations are particularly high compared to other values measured in lake sediments and highlight the problem of a local source of PCB contamination in the watershed. General trends were observed, yet the part of urban stormwater runoff in the total contamination could not be determined.
Reduction of sediment micro-pollution by means of a pilot plant
Authors: Petavy F. , Ruban V. , Conil P. , Viau J. Y.
Published: June 2008

Solutions need to be found to manage polluted (organic matter, trace elements, hydrocarbons and PAHs) stormwater sediments while complying with stringent economic and environmental requirements. The cost of transport is a relatively large part of the treatment cost for such sediments, hence the development of a pilot unit that could provide their in situ treatment. Seven stormwater sediments were treated by means of the ATTRISED pilot plant, based on sieving and attrition. The objective is to apply a treatment procedure by which as much clean material as possible is recovered, while the pollutants are concentrated in a small volume ready for final destruction or isolation from the environment. Application of the attrition process serves to remove fine particles and contaminants from the surface of sediments and hydrocyclone separations allow to isolate fine contaminated particles (< 60 μm). The results show that particle size separations coupled to an attrition step allow decontamination efficiencies of 76% and 70% for street sweeping and pond sediments, respectively. Although the experiments were carried out on stormwater sediments, all kinds of sediments may be treated by the ATTRISED pilot plant if the mean particle size is greater than 60 μm.
Reproducibility and uncertainty of wastewater turbidity measurements
Authors: Joannis C. , Ruban G. , Gromaire M.-C. , Bertrand-Krajewski J.-L. , Chebbo G.
Published: June 2008

Turbidity monitoring is a valuable tool for operating sewer systems, but it is often considered as a somewhat tricky parameter for assessing water quality, because measured values depend on the model of sensor, and even on the operator. This paper details the main components of the uncertainty in turbidity measurements with a special focus on reproducibility, and provides guidelines for improving the reproducibility of measurements in wastewater relying on proper calibration procedures. Calibration appears to be the main source of uncertainties, and proper procedures must account for uncertainties in standard solutions as well as non linearity of the calibration curve. With such procedures, uncertainty and reproducibility of field measurement can be kept lower than 5% or 25 FAU. On the other hand, reproducibility has no meaning if different measuring principles (attenuation vs. nephelometry) or very different wavelengths are used.
Sewer modelling based on highly distributed calibration data sets and multi-objective auto-calibration schemes
Authors: Muschalla D. , Schneider S. , Schröter K. , Gamerith V. , Gruber G.
Published: June 2008

Pollutant load modelling for sewer systems is state-of-the-art, especially for the estimation of discharged pollutant loads and development of sewer management strategies. However, conventionally obtained calibration data sets are often not exhaustive and have significant drawbacks. In the Graz West catchment area (Graz, Austria), continuous high-resolution long-term online measurements for discharge and pollutant concentration have been carried out since 2002. In this paper, the application of single- and multi-objective auto-calibration schemes based on evolution strategies for a deterministic hydrological pollutant load model will be discussed. Three approaches for pollutant load modelling are examined and compared: using a constant storm weather concentration and two build-up wash-off approaches with basic respectively extended wash-off equations. It is shown that the applied auto-calibration method leads to very satisfying results for both the calibration and the validation data set, and also for the dry and the storm weather runoff. However, until now, convective storms have not been convincingly represented. The build-up wash-off approach using the basic wash-off equation shows the best correlations between measured data and simulation results. As one of the chosen objectives for the multi-objective optimisation reacted highly sensitively to measurement errors, additional improvements can be expected after refining the criteria used in this algorithm.
Probabilistic modeling of sewer deterioration using inspection data
Authors: Dirksen J. , Clemens F. H. L. R.
Published: June 2008

Accurate prediction of current and future conditions of sewer systems is crucial to manage the sewer system wisely, cost-effectively and efficiently. The application of historical databases of visual inspection data to sewer deterioration modeling seems common sense. However, in The Netherlands, sewer inspection data is only used to determine the direct need for rehabilitation. This paper outlines the possibilities of using inspection data for deterioration modeling and discusses the problems encountered. A case study was performed on the modeling of the condition aspect ‘surface damage by corrosion or mechanical action’ using a Markov model.
Immobilised Metal Affinity Chromatography for the Analysis of Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Kaur-Atwal Gushinder , Weston Daniel J. , Bonner Philip L.R. , Crosland Susan , Green Philip S. , Creaser Colin S.
Published: June 2008

Immobilised metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) has become an established purification procedure for the selective isolation of proteins, peptides and post-translationally modified peptides, using a wide range of metal ions, including Cu(II), Fe(III) and Ga(III). Recently, the potential of interfacing capillary IMAC with mass spectrometry has been explored. This article reviews the development and use of IMAC in protein/peptide analysis, highlighting the benefits of capillary columns and their application to IMAC based enrichment.
Hydromorphone: Analytical Methodologies for its Determination
Authors: Kumar Maansi G. , Lin Senshang
Published: June 2008

Hydromorphone, a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine, is being used in the treatment of moderate to severe cancer-related and post-operative pain. It is also one of the most commonly prescribed drug that is often abused. Hence, its detection in biological samples and tissues is important for legal and therapeutic reasons. The purpose of this review is to give a brief description of the various non-chromatographic and chromatographic analytical techniques, namely immunoassays, thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and capillary electrochromatography, that have been used by analysts to assay hydromorphone from the early 1970s to present. This review aims to help the analytical community make efficient choices between various analytical methodologies based on concrete parameters of reliability, sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, cost and potential for automation.
Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Contaminants from Environmental Samples
Authors: Nieto Antonio , Borrull Francesc , Marce Rosa M. , Pocurull Eva
Published: June 2008

This review updates knowledge on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), a sample preparation technique that is increasingly used to extract moderately volatile and non-volatile organic pollutants from solid and semi-solid environmental matrices. In environmental analyses, therefore, it is mainly been used to analyse soils and sewage sludge, though it has also been used, albeit to a lesser extent, to analyse air samples. As interest in analysing contaminants in environmental solid samples has increased in recent years, more extraction methods are being developed. This review is divided into two parts. In the first part we discuss the main parameters affecting extraction, such as solvent, extraction time, temperature, pressure, number of cycles, flush volume and purge time. In the second part we review recent applications of PLE in environmental analysis and discuss the advantages of PLE over other extraction techniques such as ultrasonic solvent extraction and microwave assisted extraction.
Passive infrared detector used for detection of very slowly moving of crawling people
Authors: Kastek M. , Sosnowski T. , Piątkowski T.
Published: June 2008

The paper presents construction and principle of operation of passive IR detectors (PIR detectors) of a large detection range. Important virtue of these detectors is highly efficient detection of slowly moving or crawling people. The described here PIR detector detects crawling people at the distance of 140 m. To ensure high probability of detection of slowly moving objects, new method of signals analysis was applied. On the basis of the carried out real-time measurements, both probability of detection and false alarms were determined.
Intermolecular interactions in Langmuir-Blodget films of liquid crystalline perylene derivatives
Authors: Hertmanowski R. , Martyński T. , Stolarski R. , Bauman D.
Published: June 2008

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films formed of some discotic liquid crystals, namely 3,4,9,10-tetra-(n-alkoxy-carbonyl)-perylenes, mixed with arachid acid have been studied. The absorption and fluorescence spectra were recorded. The results obtained have led to conclusions about formation of self-aggregates of dye molecules both in ground and excited states at the air-solid substrate interface. It was found that some fraction of J-aggregates can be created in the ground state. In the excited state, mostly excimers appear and the number of this kind of aggregates depends on the length of the alkyl chains substituted to the perylene core, as well as on the dye concentration and the number of layers in LB films.
A parametric method for evaluation of resistance of swath ships
Authors: Michalski Jan
Published: June 2008

A parametric method for evaluation of resistance of swath ships

This paper contains formulation of a parametric method for evaluation of SWATH ship's hull resistance. The method was elaborated on the basis of numerical calculation results obtained by using structural methods based on ship hydrodynamic theory and performed for sufficiently large series of body forms with systematically changing ship form parameters. Also, results of verifying investigations dealing with features of the method in question are presented by comparing the obtained resistance characteristics with those achieved by other authors as well as with ship model experimental test results. The obtained results of the verification indicate that the elaborated method can be useful in preliminary designing the SWATH ships.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Trimaran Vessels
Authors: Javanmardi M. , Jahanbakhsh E. , Seif M. , Sayyaadi H.
Published: June 2008

Hydrodynamic Analysis of Trimaran Vessels

Trimaran vessels are developed for different applications and hydrodynamic behavior of such vessels is different than usual mono-hulls. In this paper hydrodynamic resistance and maneuvering of a trimaran with Wigley body form are investigated. The effects of outriggers position in four different longitudinal and two transverse locations are studied. For hydrodynamic simulations a CFD code has been developed and used. This code is capable for simulating three dimensional, time dependent, two phases, viscous flow coupled with rigid body motion. Formulation and solution algorithm are described in detail. Different case studies have been performance and numerical results have shown good agreement with experimental data. Based on resistance and maneuvering simulation of the trimaran vessels different conclusion are made. The results show that positions of outriggers have great effect on resistance and maneuverability of trimaran. The present method can be further employed to investigate other hydrodynamic qualities of trimaran vessels.
Dissipation energy in viscoelastic solids under multiaxial loads
Authors: Kolenda Janusz
Published: June 2008

Dissipation energy in viscoelastic solids under multiaxial loads

On the basis of the three-dimensional constitutive equations for strains resulting from the Kelvin-Voigt's model and modified Hooke's law for multiaxial stress in viscoelastic solids, the formulae for the energy dissipated in a given time per unit volume have been derived. It is shown that after application or removal of triaxial static load there is no difference in the time functions governing the dissipation of strain energy of volume change and the dissipation of strain energy of distortion. Harmonic in-phase stress and harmonic out-of-phase stress as well as multiaxial periodic stress are also considered. It is demonstrated that in the process of energy dissipation due to normal and shear stress components the role of the latter is dominant.
Management of assignment of operational tasks realized in ship power plant
Authors: Kamiński Piotr , Tarełko Wiesław
Published: June 2008

Management of assignment of operational tasks realized in ship power plant

The frequent cause of ships' detentions by port authorities are abnormalities of ship power plant functioning. Each extended ship lay time in port results in waste of ship operating time thus costs rise to shipowners. This is connected with improper ship power plant management. In order to avoid this, a ship engineer should have at his disposal computer aided system supporting him in managing of ship power plant. Such a system can be worked out on condition that mathematical formula which represents the decision - making process of an engineer has been built. The present work shows approache to the problem according to the situation in which the engineer is made to take certain decisions. In formulation of the most substantial operating states of a ship like lay time in harbour and sea voyage the ‘knapsack algorithm’ was applied. For both approaches objective function was formulated.
Statistical analysis of sea accidents and breakdowns in the Polish Navy
Authors: Korczewski Zbigniew
Published: June 2008

Statistical analysis of sea accidents and breakdowns in the Polish Navy

This paper presents the results of systematic, statistical approach to naval accidents and breakdowns which occurred in the Polish Navy between years 1985 - 2004. Additionally, the author of this work has made an initial assessment of the human factor. Human errors, which appeared on considered warships in the examined period of time, have been analyzed in the overall number of accidents and breakdowns.
Pocklington's Theorem and Bertrand's Postulate
Authors: Riccardi Marco
Published: June 2008

Pocklington's Theorem and Bertrand's Postulate

The first four sections of this article include some auxiliary theorems related to number and finite sequence of numbers, in particular a primality test, the Pocklington's theorem (see [19]). The last section presents the formalization of Bertrand's postulate closely following the book [1], pp. 7-9.
The Definition of Finite Sequences and Matrices of Probability, and Addition of Matrices of Real Elements
Authors: Zhang Bo , Nakamura Yatsuka
Published: June 2008

The Definition of Finite Sequences and Matrices of Probability, and Addition of Matrices of Real Elements

In this article, we first define finite sequences of probability distribution and matrices of joint probability and conditional probability. We discuss also the concept of marginal probability. Further, we describe some theorems of matrices of real elements including quadratic form.
Several Differentiation Formulas of Special Functions. Part IV
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Peng
Published: June 2008

Several Differentiation Formulas of Special Functions. Part IV

In this article, we give several differentiation formulas of special and composite functions including trigonometric function, polynomial function and logarithmic function.
The Jordan-Hölder Theorem
Authors: Riccardi Marco
Published: June 2008

The Jordan-Hölder Theorem

The goal of this article is to formalize the Jordan-Hölder theorem in the context of group with operators as in the book [5]. Accordingly, the article introduces the structure of group with operators and reformulates some theorems on a group already present in the Mizar Mathematical Library. Next, the article formalizes the Zassenhaus butterfly lemma and the Schreier refinement theorem, and defines the composition series.
Regular Expression Quantifiers — m to n Occurrences
Authors: Trybulec Michał
Published: June 2008

Regular Expression Quantifiers —mtonOccurrences

This article includes proofs of several facts that are supplemental to the theorems proved in [10]. Next, it builds upon that theory to extend the framework for proving facts about formal languages in general and regular expression operators in particular. In this article, two quantifiers are defined and their properties are shown:mtonoccurrences (or the union of a range of powers) and optional occurrence. Although optional occurrence is a special case of the previous operator (0 to 1 occurrences), it is often defined in regex applications as a separate operator - hence its explicit definition and properties in the article. Notation and terminology were taken from [13].
Definition and some Properties of Information Entropy
Authors: Zhang Bo , Nakamura Yatsuka
Published: June 2008

Definition and some Properties of Information Entropy

In this article we mainly define the information entropy [3], [11] and prove some its basic properties. First, we discuss some properties on four kinds of transformation functions between vector and matrix. The transformation functions are LineVec2Mx, ColVec2Mx, Vec2DiagMx and Mx2FinS. Mx2FinS is a horizontal concatenation operator for a given matrix, treating rows of the given matrix as finite sequences, yielding a new finite sequence by horizontally joining each row of the given matrix in order to index. Then we define each concept of information entropy for a probability sequence and two kinds of probability matrices, joint and conditional, that are defined in article [25]. Further, we discuss some properties of information entropy including Shannon's lemma, maximum property, additivity and super-additivity properties.
Determinant and Inverse of Matrices of Real Elements
Authors: Tamura Nobuyuki , Nakamura Yatsuka
Published: June 2008

Determinant and Inverse of Matrices of Real Elements

In this paper the classic theory of matrices of real elements (see e.g. [12], [13]) is developed. We prove selected equations that have been proved previously for matrices of field elements. Similarly, we introduce in this special context the determinant of a matrix, the identity and zero matrices, and the inverse matrix. The new concept discussed in the case of matrices of real numbers is the property of matrices as operators acting on finite sequences of real numbers from both sides. The relations of invertibility of matrices and the "onto" property of matrices as operators are discussed.
The Rank+Nullity Theorem
Authors: Alama Jesse
Published: June 2008

The Rank+Nullity Theorem

The rank+nullity theorem states that, if T is a linear transformation from a finite-dimensional vector space V to a finite-dimensional vector space W, then dim(V) = rank(T) + nullity(T), where rank(T) = dim(im(T)) and nullity(T) = dim(ker(T)). The proof treated here is standard; see, for example, [14]: take a basis A of ker(T) and extend it to a basis B of V, and then show that dim(im(T)) is equal to |B - A|, and that T is one-to-one on B - A.
Inferior Limit, Superior Limit and Convergence of Sequences of Extended Real Numbers
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Endou Noboru , Shidama Yasunari , Okazaki Hiroyuki
Published: June 2008

Inferior Limit, Superior Limit and Convergence of Sequences of Extended Real Numbers

In this article, we extended properties of sequences of real numbers to sequences of extended real numbers. We also introduced basic properties of the inferior limit, superior limit and convergence of sequences of extended real numbers.
Comparison of Different Modulation Formats and their Compatibility with WDM Transmission System
Authors: Bobrovs V. , Ivanovs G.
Published: June 2008

Comparison of Different Modulation Formats and their Compatibility with WDM Transmission System

In the work, the intensity and phase modulation methods are compared for different versions of the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system. Binary and multilevel code formats are evaluated numerically, with OptSim simulation software at the bit rate of 10 and 40 Gbit/s, using long-fiber spans and dispersion compensation technique. The problems to be overcome at exploitation of multiterabit WDM systems based on 40 Gbit/s optical transmissions are: chromatic dispersion (CD), polarization-mode dispersion (PMD), dispersion slope, and nonlinear effects of the transmission line. We have investigated the potentialities of modulation formats for 40 Gbit/s WDM networks where most of the listed problems are avoided. It is shown that Duobinary and differential phase shift keying (DPSK) modulation formats are perfectly suitable for ultra-high spectral efficient WDM systems and possess high resistance to dispersion and nonlinear optical effects (NOE).
Dynamic Interactions and Intersubjectivity: Challenges to Causal Modeling in Studies of College Student Debt
Authors: Dowd Alicia C.
Published: June 2008

Loans are a central component of college finance, yet research has generated a dearth of strong evidence of their effect on student choices. This article examines challenges to causal modeling regarding the effects of borrowing and the prospects of indebtedness on students’ college-going behaviors. Statistical estimates of causal effects are confounded by dynamic interactions between the decision to borrow and the characteristics of borrowers (endogeneity), their degree and earnings expectations (self-selection bias), and cumulative debt (temporal and threshold effects). Furthermore, interpretive research illustrates that college counseling is highly intersubjective, with application and financial aid advice predicated on perceptions of student socioeconomic class and degree prospects. These studies indicate the need for an interdisciplinary research agenda more inclusive of sociopsychological perspectives.
High Stakes Testing: Issues, Implications, and Remedies for English Language Learners
Authors: Solórzano Ronald W.
Published: June 2008

This article discusses the issues and implications of high stakes tests on English language learners (ELLs). As ELLs are being included in all high stakes assessments tied to accountability efforts (e.g., No Child Left Behind), it is crucial that issues related to the tests be critically evaluated relative to their use. In this case, academic achievement tests are analyzed relative to their norming samples and validity to determine their usefulness to ELLs. Also, commonly used language proficiency tests are examined relative to definitions of proficiency, technical quality, alignment with criteria for language classification and reclassification, and their academic predictive validity. Based on the synthesis of the literature, the author concludes that high stakes tests as currently constructed are inappropriate for ELLs, and most disturbing is their continued use for high stakes decisions that have adverse consequences. The author provides recommendations for addressing the issues related to high stakes tests and ELLs.
Research on Globalization and Education
Authors: Spring Joel
Published: June 2008

Research on globalization and education involves the study of intertwined worldwide discourses, processes, and institutions affecting local educational practices and policies. The four major theoretical perspectives concerning globalization and education are world culture, world systems, postcolonial, and culturalist. The major global educational discourses are about the knowledge economy and technology, lifelong learning, global migration or brain circulation, and neoliberalism. The major institutions contributing to global educational discourses and actions are the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and UNESCO. International testing, in particular the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and instruction in English as the language of commerce are contributing to global uniformity of national curricula. Critics of current global trends support educational alternatives that will preserve local languages and cultures, ensure progressive educational practices that will protect the poor against the rich, and protect the environment and human rights.
A geography of debauchery
Authors: Peebles Gustav
Published: June 2008

By comparing the spatial organization of Swedish labor and leisure practices today with the movements and stereotypes tied to previous generations of Sweden's sizeable population of so-called "vagrants," this article studies the impact of state policy on the spatial imagination of both citizens and other sojourners within its bounds. Because the ethnographic research for the article took place in a new transnational city that is being created by the European Union and various local proponents, the article then considers the same issue at the EU level, to pursue the question of the EU's "state-ness" and the status of migrant laborers within that emerging polity.
Reflections on neo-liberalism in Africa
Authors: Little Peter D.
Published: June 2008

The term “neo-liberalism” increasingly lays claim to an enormous terrain of political, social, economic, and cultural phenomena often so loosely applied and defined that it seems to be lurking almost everywhere. John Clarke’s thickly worded essay is a timely “wake-up” call to those of us (including myself) who often loosely use the term to explain a range of different social and economic changes without careful consideration of the term’s theoretical and empirical implications.
Thinking about neo-liberalism as if specificity mattered
Authors: Nonini Donald M.
Published: June 2008

It is always a pleasure to read John Clarke’s work because, like the analytical “ordinary language” philosophers of the 1950s to 1970s, such as Wittgenstein and Austin, he pushes all of us who use the concepts he examines to think more rigorously about what we mean by them and by our theoretical assumptions when we use them. The present essay is no exception, and I learned much from it as a tour d’horizon of current thinking about neo-liberalism by social scientists. The observations that John makes about the ways in which current scholars view neo-liberalism as promiscuous, omnipresent, and omnipotent are spot-on.
Eros and Thanatos in Israeli military culture
Authors: Monterescu Daniel
Published: June 2008

Danny Kaplan, The men we loved: Male friendship and nationalism in Israeli culture. New York and Oxford: Berghahn Books, 2007, 190 pp., ISBN 1845451937.
Blaming the United Nations
Authors: Adelman Howard
Published: June 2008

After placing the issue of holding international institutional agents responsible within a theoretical context, this article takes up the case of the UN's role in the Rwandan genocide. Through an examination of the extensive literature that deals either directly or incidentally with the UN's role and responsibility during the period prior to the outbreak of mass killing on 6 April 1994, this essay tests a slightly modified version of Toni Erskine's theory of why international institutional agents can be held responsible for their actions. The article details the various ways that different parts of the UN have been held responsible for failing to prevent and mitigate the genocide. Moreover, it documents specific failures in four different categories: failures in communication, deliberation, decision-making, and implementation. The article concludes that the extensive literature on the Rwandan genocide conforms to a slightly modified version of the Erskine model. It also suggests that practical, functional reforms — which are far easier to implement than structural reforms — can be initiated based on that model.
‘Delinquent’ States, Guilty Consciences and Humanitarian Politics in the 1990s
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: June 2008

Notions such as ‘guilt’ and ‘forgiveness’ can be defined in objective terms, but more normally have an emotional dimension that cannot be experienced by the institutions examined in this collection of articles. Nevertheless, analogs to these emotions can be discerned in the behaviour of states — and exploring these reveals important insights into what are more (and less) effective ways of responding to, and making amends for, institutional failure. In the 1990s the Western powers were engaged in dealing with a sequence of crises which appeared to call for some kind of intervention — Bosnia 1991/95, Somalia 1992/3, Haiti, 1993/4, Rwanda 1994, Kosovo 1998/9 — and this essay explores the extent to which it can be said that action/inaction in one case can be related back to moral judgements of behaviour in earlier cases. What emerges is not a single narrative of guilt and rectificatory action, but two narratives focusing on different referent objects: obligations towards one's own citizens and toward the putative common good. The picture is complex, yet some significant lessons can be drawn from this analysis. One is the counter-intuitive point that a ‘guilty conscience’ may actually be more effective when the guilt in question is not attributable to the individual whose behaviour is affected, but rather is seen to be borne by the institution that he or she represents. Assuming that guilt is generated by ignorance rather than ill-will, another, more general, lesson is that better intelligence in the broadest sense of the term — including intelligence of the past moral failures of institutions — may be of more value than a (probably difficult to achieve) theory of institutional guilt.
Humanitarian Intervention and a Cosmopolitan UN Force
Authors: Pattison James
Published: June 2008

The current mechanisms and agents of humanitarian intervention are inadequate. As the crisis in Darfur has highlighted, the international community lacks both the willingness to undertake humanitarian intervention and the ability to do so legitimately. This article considers a cosmopolitan solution to these problems: the creation of a standing army for the United Nations. There have been a number of proposals for such a force, including many recently. However, they contain two central flaws: the force proposed would be, firstly, too small and, secondly, too dependent on major states. Accordingly, I argue that, to be a substantial improvement on the current situation, such a force would need to be, firstly, much larger and, secondly, in the hands of cosmopolitan democratic institutions. This two-part solution would solve the problems faced by current interveners, but is unlikely to be realised soon. Accordingly, I argue that our immediate efforts should instead be concentrated on improving regional organisations' ability to intervene.
Safety of Intramyocardial Stem Cell Therapy for the Ischemic Myocardium: Results of the Rostock Trial after 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Yerebakan Can , Kaminski Alexander , Liebold Andreas , Steinhoff Gustav
Published: June 2008

Stem cell treatment for acute or chronic ischemic myocardium has gained major attention in the last decade. Experimental and clinical studies have shown evidence for functional improvement after cell-based treatments in acute or chronically ischemic jeopardized myocardium. Since 2001 we have performed bone marrow-derived CD133+ stem cell transplantations with concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery. Although our focus is mainly on the functional results of the stem cell treatment, possible long-term side effects of the new therapeutic strategy should also be addressed. Here we present for the first time the long-term follow-up safety results of the Rostock trial after direct intramyocardial stem cell treatment in 32 patients.
Human Cord Blood Cells and Myocardial Infarction: Effect of Dose and Route of Administration on Infarct Size
Authors: Henning Robert J. , Burgos Jose D. , Vasko Mark , Alvarado Felipe , Sanberg Cyndy D. , Sanberg Paul R. , Morgan Michael B.
Published: June 2008

There is no consensus regarding the optimal dose of stem cells or the optimal route of administration for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Bone marrow cells, containing hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, in doses of 0.5 × 106 to >30 × 106 have been directly injected into the myocardium or into coronary arteries or infused intravenously in subjects with myocardial infarctions to reduce infarct size and improve heart function. Therefore, we determined the specific effects of different doses of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCBC), which contain hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, on infarct size. In order to determine the optimal technique for stem cell administration, HUCBC were injected directly into the myocardium (IM), or into the LV cavity with the ascending aorta transiently clamped to facilitate coronary artery perfusion (IA), or injected intravenously (IV) in rats 1–2 h after the left anterior coronary artery was permanently ligated. Immune suppressive therapy was not given to any rat. One month later, the infarct size in control rat hearts treated with only Isolyte averaged 23.7 ± 1.7% of the LV muscle area. Intramyocardial injection of HUCBC reduced the infarct size by 71% with 0.5 × 106 HUCBC and by 93% with 4 × 106 HUCBC in comparison with the controls (p < 0. 001). Intracoronary injection reduced the infarction size by 47% with 0.5 × 106 HUCBC and by 80% with 4 × 106 HUCBC (p < 0. 001), and IV HUCBC reduced infarct size by 51% with 0.5 × 106 and by 75–77% with 16–32 million HUCBC (p < 0. 001) in comparison with control hearts. With 4 × 106 HUCBC, infarction size was 65% smaller with IM HUCBC than with IA HUCBC and 78% smaller than with IV HUCBC (p < 0. 05). Nevertheless, IM, IA, and IV HUCBC all produced significant reductions in infarct size in comparison with Isolyte-treated infarcted hearts without requirements for host immune suppression. The present experiments demonstrate that the optimal dose of HUCBC for reduction of infarct size in the rat is 4 × 106 IM, 4 × 106 IA, and 16 × 106 IV, and that the IM injection of HUCBC is the most effective technique for reduction in infarct size.
Protein‐Based Hydrogels with Tunable Dynamic Responses
Authors: Sui Zhijie , King William J. , Murphy William L.
Published: June 2008

Development of hydrogel materials that respond to specific stimuli has been of significant interest in the design of modern functional materials. A variety of previous studies have used the ligand‐binding capability of proteins to design hydrogels that change their crosslinking density in response to stimuli. However, these materials generally undergo relatively small dynamic response, with limited control over response characteristics. This manuscript describes an alternative approach that exploits the ability of proteins to undergo nanometer‐scale conformational changes in response to stimuli. We report a class of novel protein‐based hydrogel materials that undergo tunable, reversible dynamic responses with a wide dynamic range (volume decreases to ∼25–90% of initial volume). These materials also undergo tunable, reversible changes in optical transparency (optical transparency decreases to ∼35–100% of initial optical transparency), and this phenomenon is used as a mechanism for label‐free biosensing. The materials are generated by photo‐crosslinking of an engineered version of the protein calmodulin flanked on each end with poly(ethylene glycol)‐diacrylate (PEGDA) moieties. The mechanism for dynamic changes derives from calmodulin's well‐characterized “hinge motion”‐upon‐ligand binding. Variations in network parameters in these hydrogels, including the molecular weight between cross‐links and the cross‐linking density, result in systematic tuning of material responsiveness. The influence of network parameters on hydrogel dynamics reported here may serve as a guide for the design of other protein‐based, responsive materials assembled using similar principles, and these materials may be a useful platform for design of biosensors, actuators, and drug delivery systems.