bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Concrete Types and Construction Joints on Concrete Shear Friction Characteristics
Authors: Hwang Yong Ha , Yang Keun Hyeok , Mun Jae Sung , Yoon Hyun Sub , Hwang In Hyuk , Lee Hye Jin
Published: December 2016

The present study examined the effect of smooth construction joint and concrete unit weight on the shear friction behavior of concrete. From nine push-off test specimens, shear load-relative slip relationships, shear cracking stress, shear friction strength were measured. Test results showed that the shear cracking stress was hardly affected by the configuration of transverse reinforcement or concrete unit weight. The shear friction strength of monolithic normal-weight concrete was approximately three times higher than that of the companion specimens with construction joint. Meanwhile, the heavyweight concrete joints had a similar shear friction strength to normal-weight concrete ones.
The Study on the Application of Crop Straws as the Insulation Materials of Precast Concrete Sandwich Wall
Authors: Xu De Feng , Chen Li Mei , Tao Sheng Nan , Cheng Shu Chao , Xiao Fei , Qinwei Li Fa
Published: December 2016

Combined with the research status of crop straws, and the comprehensive utilization of crop straws and the existing problems in Jilin Province, China. This paper proposes to crop straws to be used as the insulation materials of the precast concrete sandwich wall, which can’t only settle the problem of the lower utilization of crop straws, but also accelerate the development of the precast concrete structure in our country. Based on the research status of crop straws materials at home and abroad, the article summarizes the manufacture methods of crop straws as the insulation materials of precast concrete sandwich Wall. I hope that this article can provide valuable reference to speed up the comprehensive utilization of crop straws, and accelerate the process of building industrialization in Jilin province.
Study on Performance of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Composite Beam Structure
Authors: Zhang Li Na , Peng Ci De , Shu Ting
Published: December 2016

FRP (fiber reinforced polymer material) having a high specific strength and specific modulus, good corrosion resistance and other advantages. FRP materials in civil engineering industry has been more and more popular, and gradually become a hot issue in the world. In order to take full advantage of a variety of materials and overcome the problems in the FRP structure, this paper mainly studies the composite structure of FRP and traditional materials, namely FRP-concrete composite beam structure. The mechanical parameters of FRP (mainly including CFRP and GFRP) were selected. And the stress -strain diagram of FRP materials are drawn. Through tensile tests on FRP (including CFRP and GFRP), FRP was found to belong to brittle materials. As well as the mechanical properties of FRP materials, the ultimate load analysis, the decision to use CFRP as a composite beam structural stiffness of the research materials. When considering concrete shrinkage, creep, temperature difference effect, the stiffness of composite beam meets the requirement. The deflection of FRP- concrete composite beam is verified by mechanical formula. The change of the concrete stiffness will affect the change of the structural stiffness of the FRP- concrete composite beam. As well as through an example, it is found that the concrete shrinkage and temperature can affect the change of the stiffness of the composite structure.
Effect of Powder-to-Voids Ratio on Bleeding Process of Fresh Concrete
Authors: Cai Ji Wei , Sun Yu , Zhang Cheng Zhi , Li Jing
Published: December 2016

Part of free water in fresh concrete bleeds out and results in problems of hardened concrete. In order to explore the determinant factors to control bleeding process and effecting mechanism, a series of mix samples in various water-to-cement ratios and sand ratios for different slump requirements were prepared to test their bleeding rates. Then the parameters to control bleeding process of fresh concrete and their influencing factors were investigated by regression analysis. The results reveal that percent volume of powder in mix (βp) and the ratio of powder to voids between sand particles (p/v) are key factors to control bleeding speed, and p/v also controls the dormant time of bleeding. The sand ratio influences the bleeding process by changing the value of p/v. Both βp and p/v have their critical values and optimum ranges. When p/v=0.78~0.87, the bleeding can be regulated to Late-Slow type with the least harm to properties of hardened concrete.
The Influence of Different Wood Aggregates on the Properties of Geopolymer Composites
Authors: Sarmin Siti Noorbaini
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to study the effect of different types of wood aggregates on properties of geopolymer composites. Class F fly ash with 30% substitution of metakaolin was used as an alumino-silicates source for the production of geopolymer composites. Wood particles, wood flour, and wood fiber were added to fly ash and metakaolin-based geopolymers at 10% solid content as reinforced materials. 14M NaOH in combination with Na2SiO3 was used as the alkaline activator with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1.33:2.00. The specimen without wood aggregates was also prepared as a reference for comparison with specimens containing wood aggregates. All specimens were cured at 20°C for 28 days until the day of characterization. It was observed that the incorporation of different types of wood aggregates has influenced their properties. The highest compressive strength of about 38.4 MPa was achieved for the sample containing wood flour. Besides, the density and water absorption of geopolymer composites reacted differently by using different types of wood aggregates. It is demonstrated that size and shape of wood aggregates influence the properties of geopolymer composites.
Coating Thickness of Reinforced Concrete Affecting to Cathodic Polarization and Cyclic Voltammogram of Reinforced Steel
Authors: Moon Kyung Man , Lee Sung Yul , Jeong Jae Hyun , Lee Myeong Hoon
Published: December 2016

The reinforced concretes are often exposed to severely corrosive environments such as sea water, contaminated water, acid rain and seashore etc.. Therefore, the reinforced steel bar embedded in the concrete is increasingly corroded in various environments mentioned above, and this corrosion problem is thought to be very important in terms of the safety and economic points of view. In this study, a multiple mortar test specimen(W/C:0.5) with variation of coating thickness was prepared and immerged in flowing seawater for five years. And, the effects of coating thickness affecting to cathodic polarization and cyclic voltammogram were investigated using electrochemical methods. The thinner coating thickness, both invasion and diffusion of dissolved oxygen, water and chloride ion on the surface of reinforced steel bar is more easily compared to the thicker coating thickness. Thus, at the beginning of immersion, the rate of corrosion in the case of the thinner coating thickness is higher than that of the thicker coating thickness. However, it is considered that corrosion products deposited on the surface due to higher corrosion rate played the role as a resistance polarization, and increased the diffusion layer, as a result, decreased the corrosion current density compared to the thicker coating thickness. Consequently, the relationship between corrosion current density and the coating thickness were not well in good agreement with each other due to the corrosion products after being immersed for 5 years. Therefore, in order to more optimum evaluate for corrosion possibility of the reinforced steel embedded in the concrete, not only corrosion potential but also other parameters such as coating thickness, W/C ratio, and other corrosion environment should be investigated in the case of immersed in seawater for long years.
Study of Temperature Field in PECM Based on Multi-Physics Coupling Simulation about Titanium Alloys Blades
Authors: Chen Yuan Long , Di Pei , Fang Ming , Chang Wei Jie
Published: December 2016

In order to study the temperature regularity of inter-electrode gap in PECM, the multi-physical coupling model based on COMSOL Multiphysics platform is established. The model of blades was used for this study, and the impact of some factors on the temperature is analyzed. The results show that the duty ratio is smaller or the inlet pressure is greater, the process of electrolyte convective and heat transfer is more sufficient. At the same time, the increase of the voltage and the decrease of the gaps will exacerbate the temperature fluctuations in a single pulse time. The lower voltage and duty ratio with larger inlet pressure should be selected in small gaps of PECM, so that we can effectively avoid the negative influence of high temperature in the processing zone.
Mix Proportions of High Flowable Early Strength Mortar for Emergency Repair of Damaged Road Base in Rural Area
Authors: Park Cheol Woo , Lee Jang Yong , Kim Yong Jae , Kim Seung Won
Published: December 2016

Recently, due to the climate changes, the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as torrential rain have become more significant worldwide. In South Korea, there are number of summer typhoons and localized torrential downpour every year and these cause severe damages onto a residential area and road networks. More than 70% of the land of Korean peninsula is a mountainous area and thus damages onto road networks result in serious harm to daily lives especially in a rural area by isolating residents from networks. Therefore, there is a strong demand on the immediate and emergency repair technology for the collapsed road networks. This study develops an emergency repair technique for damaged road base where the damaged road base can be packed with gravels and then the pores or open-gaps of the packed gravels can be filled with high flowable mortar that develops strength in an early age. The aim of this research study was to find the suitable mix proportions of high flowable early strength mortar. Throughout the experimental work, study was done on two stage mix variables, where in the 1st stage, W/C ratio and high range water reducer was considered whereas in the 2nd stage cost effective early strength cement was used for the mix-design. With various variables in mix proportions, compressive strength and flow capacity were investigated. Finally from those experimental study, optimum mix proportions of the high flowable early strength mortar was found. The hardened materials composited with gravels and mortars can be used as a permanent road base with no need for compaction thereafter.
Endogenous Nur77 Is a Specific Indicator of Antigen Receptor Signaling in Human T and B Cells
Authors: Ashouri Judith F. , Weiss Arthur
Published: December 2016

Distinguishing true Ag-stimulated lymphocytes from bystanders activated by the inflammatory milieu has been difficult. Nur77 is an immediate early gene whose expression is rapidly upregulated by TCR signaling in murine T cells and human thymocytes. Nur77-GFP transgenes serve as specific TCR and BCR signaling reporters in murine transgenic models. In this study, we demonstrate that endogenous Nur77 protein expression can serve as a reporter of TCR and BCR specific signaling in human PBMCs. Nur77 protein amounts were assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in T and B cells isolated from human PBMCs obtained from healthy donors that had been stimulated by their respective Ag receptors. We demonstrate that endogenous Nur77 is a more specific reporter of Ag-specific signaling events than the commonly used CD69 activation marker in both human T and B cells. This is reflective of the disparity in signaling pathways that regulate the expression of Nur77 and CD69. Assessing endogenous Nur77 protein expression has great potential to identify Ag-activated lymphocytes in human disease.
Innovation through accelerators: A case for open innovation
Authors: Mohalajeng Lerato E. , Kroon Japie
Published: December 2016

Background: Open innovation is becoming a progressive business practice in Southern Africa because it plays a significant role in economic development through promoting the commercialisation of new ideas. The challenge is that while the benefits of open innovation are widely spoken about, not much is understood about the challenges and successes of open innovation accelerators (OIAs) in taking ideas to market.

Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate an OIA in South Africa for taking ideas to market.

Setting: The Innovation Hub is a science park in Pretoria, South Africa, using open innovation to stimulate entrepreneurship in South Africa. Through The Innovation Hub Open IX, a webbased platform, an opportunity to investigate the bridging from invention to commercialisation is presented.

Methods: A qualitative research method using semi-structured, in-depth interviews was applied to collect data. Five key stakeholders of the OIA were interviewed.

Results: The findings suggest that stakeholder buy-in is essential for commercialisation through OIAs in South Africa. By involving stakeholders in the initial phases of the open innovation process, the likelihood of a solution being incorporated and fitted into the organisation’s business strategy is increased.

Conclusion: The insight gained from this research suggests policymakers, research institutions and commercial businesses ought to explore various innovations across industries relevant to their open innovation proficiencies. This research makes a significant contribution to an indepth understanding of what is needed to bridge the gap from invention to successful commercialisation through open innovation.
Angiotensin receptor blockers & endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Radenković Miroslav , Stojanović Marko , Nešić Ivana Milićević , Prostran Milica
Published: December 2016

The endothelium is one of the most important constituents of vascular homeostasis, which is achieved through continual and balanced production of different relaxing and contractile factors. When there is a pathological disturbance in release of these products, endothelial dysfunction (ED) will probably occur. ED is considered to be the initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. This pathological activation and inadequate functioning of endothelial cells was shown to be to some extent a reversible process, which all together resulted in increased interest in investigation of different beneficial treatment options. To this point, the pharmacological approach, including for example, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or statins, was clearly shown to be effective in the improvement of ED. One of many critical issues underlying ED represents instability in the balance between nitric oxide and angiotensin II (Ang II) production. Considering that Ang II was confirmed to be important for the development of ED, the aim of this review article was to summarize the findings of up to date clinical studies associated with therapeutic application of angiotensin receptor blockers and improvement in ED. In addition, it was of interest to review the pleiotropic actions of angiotensin receptor blockers linked to the improvement of ED. The prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo or active-controlled clinical trials were identified and selected for the final evaluation.
Chronic vitamin A-enriched diet feeding regulates hypercholesterolaemia through transcriptional regulation of reverse cholesterol transport pathway genes in obese rat model of WNIN/GR-Ob strain
Authors: Jeyakumar Shanmugam M. , Sheril Alex , Vajreswari Ayyalasomayajula
Published: December 2016

Background & objectives:

Hepatic scavenger receptor class B1 (SR-B1), a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, is involved in the selective uptake of HDL-associated esterified cholesterol (EC), thereby regulates cholesterol homoeostasis and improves reverse cholesterol transport. Previously, we reported in euglycaemic obese rats (WNIN/Ob strain) that feeding of vitamin A-enriched diet normalized hypercholesterolaemia, possibly through hepatic SR-B1-mediated pathway. This study was aimed to test whether it would be possible to normalize hypercholesterolaemia in glucose-intolerant obese rat model (WNIN/GR/Ob) through similar mechanism by feeding identical vitamin A-enriched diet.

Methods:

In this study, 30 wk old male lean and obese rats of WNIN/GR-Ob strain were divided into two groups and received either stock diet or vitamin A-enriched diet (2.6 mg or 129 mg vitamin A/kg diet) for 14 wk. Blood and other tissues were collected for various biochemical analyses.

Results:

Chronic vitamin A-enriched diet feeding decreased hypercholesterolaemia and normalized abnormally elevated plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in obese rats as compared to stock diet-fed obese groups. Further, decreased free cholesterol (FC) and increased esterified cholesterol (EC) contents of plasma cholesterol were observed, which were reflected in higher EC to FC ratio of vitamin A-enriched diet-fed obese rats. However, neither lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity of plasma nor its expression (both gene and protein) in the liver were altered. On the contrary, hepatic cholesterol levels significantly increased in vitamin A-enriched diet fed obese rats. Hepatic SR-B1 expression (both mRNA and protein) remained unaltered among groups. Vitamin A-enriched diet fed obese rats showed a significant increase in hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA levels, while the expression of genes involved in HDL synthesis, namely, ATP-binding cassette protein 1 (ABCA1) and apolipoprotein A-I, were downregulated. No such response was seen in vitamin A-supplemented lean rats as compared with their stock diet-fed lean counterparts.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Chronic vitamin A-enriched diet feeding decreased hypercholesterolaemia and normalized HDL-C levels, possibly by regulating pathways involved in HDL synthesis and degradation, independent of hepatic SR-B1 in this glucose-intolerant obese rat model.
Comparison of clinical effects of beclomethasone dipropionate & budesonide in treatment of children with mild persistent asthma
Authors: Singh Anju , Nandan Devki , Dewan Vivek , Sankar Jhuma
Published: December 2016

Background & objectives:

Various inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are available to control the symptoms of asthma. Although beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and budesonide (BUD) are one of the oldest ICSs, their wide availability and low cost make them attractive options in developing countries. Due to lack of consensus on which of the two drugs is better for controlling mild persistent asthma, we undertook this study to compare the efficacy of these two drugs by measuring the change in percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) from baseline in children with mild persistent asthma.

Methods:

A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study was conducted in children 7-15 yr of age with newly diagnosed asthma. Of the 85 cases of mild persistent asthma, 42 received BUD while 43 received BDP at a dose of 400 µg/day using pressurized metered-dose inhaler with valved spacer for two months. The outcomes measured were change in FEV1, symptom scores and side effects.

Results:

There was a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in FEV1 in BUD group (98.43 ± 4.63%) than in BDP group (95.65 ± 5.66%) at the end of two months of treatment. The mean symptom scores in BUD group (0.28 ± 1.22) and BDP group (0.43 ± 1.52) were comparable after two months. No side effects were seen in either group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

FEV1 was significantly greater in BUD group than BDP group. Improvement in symptoms and incidence of side effects were similar. Our findings indicate that both BDP and BUD can be used effectively in the management of children with mild persistent asthma. [CTRI No: CTRI/2013/03/003495].
Wilms’ tumour 1 gene mutations in south Indian children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Kumar Aravind Selvin , Srilakshmi R. , Karthickeyan S. M. K. , Balakrishnan K. , Padmaraj R. , Senguttuvan Prabha
Published: December 2016

Background & objectives:

Clinically, nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a diverse group of symptoms; about 20 per cent of NS cases are resistant to steroid treatment, and within ten years they progress to end-stage renal disease. The present study was undertaken to identify the mutations of Wilms’ tumour 1 (WT1) gene in steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) children.

Methods:

A total of 173 children with SRNS and 100 children in the control group were enrolled in the study. DNA extraction was done, screened for WT1 (exons 8 and 9) gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Karyotype analyses were done for WT1 mutation cases.

Results:

WT1 mutations were found in three of 173 SRNS cases (2 girls, 1 boy). All of them had intron 9 (IVS 9 + 4 C>T, 2; IVS + 5 G>A, 1) mutation. Of these three cases, one had familial and another two had sporadic history. Renal histology analysis showed two cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and they had external female genitalia but 46, XY karyotype. Both of them had streak gonads. Of the three cases, one expired.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of the present study indicate that all females with SRNS-FSGS should be screened for WT1 gene mutation to diagnose whether they have FS for possible gonadectomy.
Effect of hypertension at presentation on prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy presenting with normal renal angiogram
Authors: Balije Swetha , Kumar Ashutosh , Bhawani Goru , Murthy Kasturi S. N. , Kumari Neera
Published: December 2016

Background & objectives:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive disease of heart with systolic and diastolic dysfunction carrying a poor long-term prognosis. The prognostic index and predictors of mortality are considered to be useful in guiding the treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of hypertension at presentation on prognosis in patients with DCM presenting with normal renal and coronary angiogram.

Methods:

An observational, analytical, non-interventional and a combination of retrospective and prospective study was conducted in patients between 15 and 75 yr of age with DCM having on and off symptoms while receiving treatment in a cardiology outpatient department for more than a year. Sixty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed by echocardiography along with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class prospectively and at baseline retrospectively. Patients were grouped into two categories: DCM with hypertension at presentation (HTNAP, Category 1) and DCM without hypertension at presentation (NHTNAP, Category 2). The primary end-points were the number and dose of parenteral drugs at hospitalization, duration of hospital stay and change in the left ventricular (LV) systolic function expressed as LV ejection fraction, and the secondary end-points included overall mortality, change in LV and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and change in the NYHA functional class between baseline and three month follow up in patients.

Results:

Thirty five and 25 patients presented with HTNAP and NHTNAP, respectively (total 60). The overall mortality was 10 per cent (6/60). The number of hospitalizations was less in HTNAP category and of days of hospital stay was 6.3 in HTNAP and 9.8 in NHTNAP, the difference being significant (P < 0.001). The HTNAP category required less parenteral diuretics and inotropes compared with the NHTNAP category. The echocardiographic parameters showed better improvements in the HTNAP group as compared to the NHTNAP group. Overall, the patients in the <35 yr of age showed the best prognosis (P < 0.001).

Interpretation & conclusions:

Normal or high blood pressure response at acute presentation of DCM leads to better prognosis which may be due to an intact renovascular and an active sympathetic system and can depict the stage of DCM.
Weyl Images of Kantor Pairs
Authors: Allison Bruce , Faulkner John , Smirnov Oleg
Published: December 2016

Kantor pairs arise naturally in the study of 5-graded Lie algebras. In this article, we introduce and study Kantor pairs with short Peirce gradings and relate themto Lie algebras graded by the root system of type BC2. This relationship allows us to define so-called Weyl images of short Peirce graded Kantor pairs. We use Weyl images to construct new examples of Kantor pairs, including a class of infinite dimensional central simple Kantor pairs over a field of characteristic ≠ 2 or 3, as well as a family of forms of a split Kantor pair of type E6.
Compact homogeneous Riemannian manifolds with low coindex of symmetry
Authors: Berndt Jürgen , Olmos Carlos , Reggiani Silvio
Published: December 2016

We develop a general structure theory for compact homogeneous Riemannian manifolds in relation to the coindex of symmetry.We will then use these results to classify irreducible, simply connected, compact homogeneous Riemannian manifolds whose coindex of symmetry is less than or equal to three. We will also construct many examples which arise from the theory of polars and centrioles in Riemannian symmetric spaces of compact type.
The weak Pleijel theorem with geometric control
Authors: Bérard Pierre , Helffer Bernard
Published: December 2016

Let

\Omega \subset \mathbb R^d, d \geq 2

, be a bounded open set, and denote by

\lambda_j(\Omega), j\ge 1

, the eigenvalues of the Dirichlet Laplacian arranged in nondecreasing order, with multiplicities. The weak form of Pleijel's theorem states that the number of eigenvalues

\lambda_j(\Omega)

, for which there exists an associated eigenfunction with precisely

j

nodal domains (Courant-sharp eigenvalues), is finite. The purpose of this note is to determine an upper bound for Courant-sharp eigenvalues, expressed in terms of simple geometric invariants of

\Omega

. We will see that this is connected with one of the favorite problems considered by Y. Safarov.
On reconstruction of complex-valued once differentiable conductivities
Authors: Lakshtanov Evgeny , Vainberg Boris
Published: December 2016

The classical

\bar \partial

-method has been generalized recently ([13] and [14]) to be used in the presence of exceptional points. We apply this generalization to solve Dirac inverse scattering problem with weak assumptions on smoothness of potentials. As a consequence, this provides an effective method of reconstruction of complex-valued one time differentiable conductivities in the inverse impedance tomography problem.
Irregular time-dependent perturbations of quantum Hamiltonians
Authors: Robert Didier
Published: December 2016

Our main goal in this paper is to prove existence (and uniqueness) of the quantum propagator for time-dependent quantum Hamiltonians

\widehat H(t)

when this Hamiltonian is perturbed with a quadratic white noise

\dot{\beta}\widehat K

.

\beta

is a continuous function in time

t

,

\dot \beta

its time derivative and

K

is a quadratic Hamiltonian.

\widehat K

is the Weyl quantization of

K

.

For time-dependent quadratic Hamiltonians

H(t)

we recover, under less restrictive assumptions, the results obtained in [3, 9, 10]. In our approach we use an exact Herman–Kluk formula [20] to deduce a Strichartz estimate for the propagator of

\widehat H(t) +\dot \beta K

.

This is applied to obtain local and global well posedness for solutions for non-linear Schrödinger equations with an irregular time-dependent linear part.
Многомерные тауберовы теоремы для обобщенных функций
Authors: Drozhzhinov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: December 2016

В работе дается краткий обзор многомерных тауберовых теорем для обобщенных функций. Приводятся теоремы типа Харди-Литтлвуда, тауберовы и абелевы теоремы сравнения типа М. В. Келдыша, теоремы типа Н. Винера и тауберовы теоремы для обобщенных функций со значениями в банаховых пространствах.
Библиография: 58 названий.
Некоторые вопросы субримановой геометрии
Authors: Agrachev Andrei Alexandrovich
Published: December 2016

Субриманова геометрия есть геометрия пространств с неголономными связями. В статье дан неформальный обзор некоторых тем этого предмета, начиная c построения геодезических линий и кончая недавним определением кривизны.
Библиография: 28 названий.
Bali Healing Ritual in Sri Lanka from a Medical Ethnomusicology Perspective
Authors: Kalinga Dona Lasanthi Manaranjanie
Published: December 2016

Medical ethnomusicology, a new growing sub-field of ethnomusicology takes into consideration on an equal basis music, medicine/healing and culture. This article focuses on a complex of cultural beliefs intertwined with the arts and crafts, in a multileyered bali healing ritual, which aims to restore wellbeing of individuals and communities in the South Asian country Sri Lanka.
“Sacred Noise”: The Case of the Ezan in Ljubljana
Authors: Kovačič Mojca
Published: December 2016

This paper considers the situation in which the anticipation of a new sound in public space gives rise to political, social, and ideological debates. It demonstrates how the religious sound of ezan (the Muslim call to prayer) caused public discomfort even prior to becoming a part of Ljubljana’s soundscape, how power politics affected society and its religious sphere, and what kind of discourses take place in regard to the sounds associated with the Muslims in Slovenia.
Maataw – the Floating Island: Performing Social and Ecological Change among Tao People
Authors: Lin Wei-Ya
Published: December 2016

This article addresses dance theatre project Maataw, which is based on ethnomusicological research among the Tao/Yami people, one of sixteen recognized indigenous groups of Taiwan. The project transmits ecological problems they are facing and the corresponding political issues to general audiences. The article also anlyses the public impact of this engaged artistic project.
High-resolution observations of small-scale gravity waves and turbulence features in the OH airglow layer
Authors: Sedlak René , Hannawald Patrick , Schmidt Carsten , Wüst Sabine , Bittner Michael
Published: December 2016

Abstract. A new version of the Fast Airglow Imager (FAIM) for the detection of atmospheric waves in the OH airglow layer has been set up at the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at Oberpfaffenhofen (48.09° N, 11.28° E), Germany. The spatial resolution of the instrument is 17 m pixel−1 in zenith direction with a field of view (FOV) of 11.1 km  ×  9.0 km at the OH layer height of ca. 87 km. Since November 2015, the system has been in operation in two different setups (zenith angles 46 and 0°) with a temporal resolution of 2.5 to 2.8 s. In a first case study we present observations of two small wave-like features that might be attributed to gravity wave instabilities. In order to spectrally analyse harmonic structures even on small spatial scales down to 550 m horizontal wavelength, we made use of the maximum entropy method (MEM) since this method exhibits an excellent wavelength resolution. MEM further allows analysing relatively short data series, which considerably helps to reduce problems such as stationarity of the underlying data series from a statistical point of view. We present an observation of the subsequent decay of well-organized wave fronts into eddies, which we tentatively interpret in terms of an indication for the onset of turbulence. Another remarkable event which demonstrates the technical capabilities of the instrument was observed during the night of 4–5 April 2016. It reveals the disintegration of a rather homogenous brightness variation into several filaments moving in different directions and with different speeds. It resembles the formation of a vortex with a horizontal axis of rotation likely related to a vertical wind shear. This case shows a notable similarity to what is expected from theoretical modelling of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities (KHIs). The comparatively high spatial resolution of the presented new version of the FAIM provides new insights into the structure of atmospheric wave instability and turbulent processes. Infrared imaging of wave dynamics on the sub-kilometre scale in the airglow layer supports the findings of theoretical simulations and modellings.
The Budyko functions under non-steady-state conditions
Authors: Moussa Roger , Lhomme Jean-Paul
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The Budyko functions relate the evaporation ratio E ∕ P (E is evaporation and P precipitation) to the aridity index Φ  =  Ep ∕ P (Ep is potential evaporation) and are valid on long timescales under steady-state conditions. A new physically based formulation (noted as Moussa–Lhomme, ML) is proposed to extend the Budyko framework under non-steady-state conditions taking into account the change in terrestrial water storage ΔS. The variation in storage amount ΔS is taken as negative when withdrawn from the area at stake and used for evaporation and positive otherwise, when removed from the precipitation and stored in the area. The ML formulation introduces a dimensionless parameter HE  =  −ΔS ∕ Ep and can be applied with any Budyko function. It represents a generic framework, easy to use at various time steps (year, season or month), with the only data required being Ep, P and ΔS. For the particular case where the Fu–Zhang equation is used, the ML formulation with ΔS  ≤  0 is similar to the analytical solution of Greve et al. (2016) in the standard Budyko space (Ep ∕ P, E ∕ P), a simple relationship existing between their respective parameters. The ML formulation is extended to the space [Ep ∕ (P − ΔS), E ∕ (P − ΔS)] and compared to the formulations of Chen et al. (2013) and Du et al. (2016). The ML (or Greve et al., 2016) feasible domain has a similar upper limit to that of Chen et al. (2013) and Du et al. (2016), but its lower boundary is different. Moreover, the domain of variation of Ep ∕ (P − ΔS) differs: for ΔS  ≤  0, it is bounded by an upper limit 1 ∕ HE in the ML formulation, while it is only bounded by a lower limit in Chen et al.'s (2013) and Du et al.'s (2016) formulations. The ML formulation can also be conducted using the dimensionless parameter HP = −ΔS ∕ P instead of HE, which yields another form of the equations.
Rainwater propagation through snow pack during rain-on-snow events under different snow condition
Authors: Juras Roman , Würzer Sebastian , Pavlásek Jirka , Vitvar Tomáš , Jonas Tobias
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The mechanisms of rainwater propagation and runoff generation during rain-on-snow (ROS) are still insufficiently known. Understanding the behaviour of liquid water within the natural snowpack is crucial especially for forecasting of natural hazards such as floods and wet snow avalanches. In this study, rainwater percolation through snow was investigated by sprinkling deuterium enriched water on snow and applying an advanced hydrograph separation technique on samples collected from the snowpack runoff. This allowed quantifying the contribution of rainwater and snowmelt in the water released from the snowpack. Four field experiments were carried out during the winter 2015 in the vicinity of Davos, Switzerland. For this purpose, large blocks of natural snow were isolated from the surrounding snowpack to inhibit lateral exchange of water. These blocks were exposed to artificial rainfall with 41 mm of deuterium enriched water. The sprinkling was run in four 30 minutes periods separated by three 30 minutes non-sprinkling periods. The runoff from the snow block was continuously gauged and sampled for the deuterium concentration. At the onset of each experiment initially present liquid water content was first pushed out by the sprinkling water. Hydrographs showed four pronounced peaks corresponding to the four sprinkling bursts. The contribution of rainwater to snowpack runoff consistently increased over the course of the experiment but never exceeded 86 %. An experiment conducted on a cold snowpack suggested the development of preferential flow paths that allowed rainwater to efficiently propagate through the snowpack limiting the time for mass exchange processes to take effect. On the contrary, experiments conducted on ripe isothermal snowpack showed a slower response behaviour and resulted in a total runoff volume which consisted of less than 50 % of the rain input.
A two parameter design storm for Mediterranean convective rainfall
Authors: García-Bartual Rafael , Andrés-Doménech Ignacio
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The following research explores the feasibility of building effective design storms for extreme hydrological regimes, such as the one which characterizes the rainfall regime of the East and Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, without employing IDF curves as a starting point. Nowadays and after decades of functioning of hydrological automatic networks, there exist abundant high resolution rainfall data with a reasonable statistic representation, which enables the direct research of temporal patterns and inner structures of rainfall events at a given geographic location with the aim of establishing a statistical synthesis directly based on those observed patterns. On the former work basis, the authors propose a temporal design storm defined in analytical terms, through a two parameter gamma-type function. The two parameters are directly estimated from 73 independent storms identified from rainfall records of highly temporal resolution in Valencia (Spain). All the relevant analytical properties deriving from that function are developed in order to use this storm in real applications. In particular, in order to assign a probability to the design storm (return period), an auxiliary variable combining maximum intensity and total cumulated rainfall is introduced. As a result, for every return period, three storms with different temporal patterns but a similar magnitude are defined. The consistency of the results is verified by means of comparison with the classic method of alternating blocks based on an IDF curve, for the above mentioned study case.
Analysing post-earthquake landslide activity using multi-temporal landslide inventories near the epicentral area of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Tang Chenxiao , Van Westen Cees J. , Tanyas Hakan , Jetten Victor G.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Large earthquakes in mountainous regions may trigger thousands of landslides, some active for years. We analysed the changes in landslide activity near the epicentre of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake by generating five landslide inventories for different years through stereoscopic digital visual image interpretation. From May 2008 to April 2015, 660 new landslides occurred outside the co-seismic landslide areas. In April 2015, the number of active landslides had gone down to 66, less than 1 % of the co-seismic landslides, but still much higher than the pre-earthquake levels. We expect that the landslide activity will continue to decay, but may be halted if extreme rainfall events occur.
Non-linear effects of pore pressure increase on seismic event generation
in multi-degree-of-freedom rate-and-state model of tectonic fault sliding
Authors: Turuntaev Sergey B. , Riga Vasily Y.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The influence of fluid injection on tectonic fault sliding and generation of seismic events was studied by multi-degree-of-freedom rate-and-state friction model with two-parametric friction law. A system of blocks (up to 25 blocks) elastically connected with each other and connected by elastic springs to a constant-velocity moving driver was considered. Variation of the pore pressure due to fluid injection led to variation of effective stress between the first block and the substrate. Initially the block system was in steady-sliding state, then its state was changed by the pore pressure increase. The influence of the model parameters (number of the blocks, the spring stiffness, velocity weakening parameter) on the seismicity variations were considered. Various slip patterns were obtained and analysed.
Water in the critical zone: soil, water and life from profile to planet
Authors: Kirkby M. J.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Earth is unique in the combination of abundant liquid water, plate tectonics and life, providing the broad context within which the critical zone exists, as the surface skin of the land. Global differences in the availability of water provide a major control on the balance of processes operating in the soil, allowing the development of environments as diverse as those dominated by organic soils, by salty deserts or by deeply weathered lateritic profiles. Within the critical zone, despite the importance of water, the complexity of its relationships with the soil material continue to provide many fundamental barriers to our improved understanding, at the scales of pore, hillslope and landscape. Water is also a vital resource for the survival of increasing human populations. Intensive agriculture first developed in semi-arid areas where the availability of solar energy could be combined with irrigation water from more humid areas, minimising the problems of weed control with primitive tillage techniques. Today the challenge to feed the world requires improved, and perhaps novel, ways to optimise the combination of solar energy and water at a sustainable economic and environmental cost.
Impact of human activity on groundwater chemistry (Wielkopolska region, Poland)
Authors: Dragon Krzysztof
Published: December 2016

The article identifies the effects of human activity on groundwater chemistry in the regional aquifer system located in the Wielkopolska region (western Poland). It was documented using statistical methods, that the main process influencing the groundwater chemistry is connected to contamination. The impact of contamination is evident in regions without sewers and where the aquitard is relative thin. Chloride and sulphatewere found most influenced by pollution from surface sources. Total hardness is also sensitive, but its behavior is controlled by geogenic processes as well. Factor analyses are a reliable tool for recognizing contamination’s impact on groundwater chemistry, especially for cases with a relatively low contamination level, when contamination is related to natural occurring water components. This research is important for implementing groundwater protection plans at the regional scale. These interpretations may be used to manage water resources better at the regional scale.
Hydrochemical variability of the ecosystem of the Gulf of Elbląg (north-eastern Poland)
Authors: Cieśliński Roman
Published: December 2016

The Vistula Lagoon – one of the main recipients of the central and eastern parts of the Vistula delta – is not homogeneous in terms of its hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry. In the southern part a separate hydrographic object – the Gulf of Elbląg – can be delimited. This delimitation is due to different morphometric and hydrometeorological conditions that prevail in this part of the Vistula Lagoon. In order to determine the nature of the waters, measurements of the selected physico-chemical properties, including chlorides, as well as control hydrological measurements were performed in the years 1997–2007. The study area included the water of the Gulf of Elbląg, the estuary stretch of the Elbląg River, the watercourses flowing from the Elbląg Plateau and the polder areas surrounding the Gulf of Elbląg. One measurement point was located on the Vistula Lagoon. The chloride values in the Gulf of Elbląg ranged from 20 to 2015 mg·dm-3. The results may indicate that the Gulf of Elbląg is a reservoir under the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical influence of both the Vistula Lagoon and the watercourses in its mouth, as well as the Vistula delta and the Elbląg Plateau. They dictate the seasonal nature of the waters of the Gulf of Elbląg.
Topology Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Plane Frames
Authors: Kripka Moacir , Boscardin Juliana Triches , Casteli Sauro Dias
Published: December 2016

The definition of the number of columns, as well as their positions in the structure, is one of the tasks of the designer, and has a significant impact on both cost and structural behavior. This work presents a study developed in order to obtain the spacing of reinforced concrete columns of building structures corresponding to the smallest global cost (concrete, steel, and formworks). To achieve this objective, the plane frame was modeled as beam elements supported by springs with rotational rigidity. The optimization design variables are the height of beams and the length of columns. At the beginning of the process, columns were closely positioned, with small spacing among them, being the cost of the whole structure minimized. The less stressed column were removed from the structure, generating a redistribution of efforts. The optimization process was repeated, with the columns being successively removed from the structure. The optimal spacing corresponds to the configuration of minimum cost. The present work presents some examples of structures analyzed by the proposed procedure. It was observed that the optimum column spacing is similar to those suggested by practice.
Jewish Spaces? Defining Nazi Ghettos Then and Now
Authors: Lehnstaedt Stephan
Published: December 2016

During World War II, the Germans set up some 350 ghettos for Jews in Generalgouvernement Poland alone. In doing so, they defined ‘Jewish living quarters’ quite different from what was previously the case. Although initially not part of an extermination plan, they later became gathering centers prior to deportation and genocide. This article discusses how Nazi perceptions and classifications of ghettos changed over time. This is then contrasted with historians’ findings and the discourse on Nazi ghettos after 2002. At that time, German government officials, judges, and Holocaust survivors disputed interpretations because it was relevant for newly introduced German pensions for labor in ghettos. With government and pension funds unwilling to make any payments, historical research became crucial—and controversial as it supported a much more generous understanding of the law. All these definitions of ghettos meet with the memory of Eastern European Jews only coincidentally. For the latter, a specific labelling hardly mattered as much as it did for those analyzing history or dealing with its financial consequences. The concept of Jewish spaces will help one understand these proceedings, as it aims at the difference between mere geographical Jewish places and spaces in which Jewish activities are or were actually performed. In this respect, Nazi ghettos truly are Jewish spaces without Jews.
Recurrent idiopathic high-flow priapism treated with selective arterial embolization after repeated initial treatments for low-flow priapism
Authors: Wallis Christopher J.D. , Hoag Nathan , Pommerville Peter J. , Huk Michael E.
Published: December 2016

High-flow priapism is most often seen following perineal andpenile trauma. We report the case of a 32-year-old man whopresented with recurrent idiopathic priapism initially treated aslow-flow priapism on 8 previous emergency department visits.Pelvic angiography revealed an abnormal communication betweenthe left cavernosal artery and the left corpus cavernosum andled to the diagnosis of high-flow priapism. Treatment involvedembolization of the left common penile artery, which resultedin successful resolution of the recurrent priapism. Our patient’scase highlights the importance of an appropriate work-up, includingimaging, to distinguish high- and low-flow priapism and toprovide appropriate care.Le priapisme à haut débit est le plus souvent observé après untraumatisme périnéal et pénien. Nous décrivons le cas d’un hommede 32 ans atteint de priapisme idiopathique récurrent traité audépart comme un priapisme à bas débit lors de 8 visites antérieuresau service des urgences. Une angiographie pelvienne a révéléun passage anormal entre l’artère caverneuse gauche et le corpscaverneux gauche et a mené au diagnostic de priapisme à hautdébit. Un traitement par embolisation de l’artère pénienne gauchea été réalisé, entraînant la disparition complète du priapisme récurrent.Ce cas illustre l’importance d’une analyse approfondie, notammentà l’aide d’épreuves d’imagerie, afin de distinguer les cas àhaut débit des cas à bas débit et de choisir les soins appropriés.