bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF DATA FROM THE CONE CALORIMETER FOR ANALYSES OF THE IMPACT OF A FLAME RETARDANT APPLIED ON POLYMER MATERIAL SUBJECTED TO COMBUSTION ON CHANGES IN SMOKE LOGGING WITHIN A CONFINED SPACE
Authors: Konecki Marek , Półka Marzena , Tuśnio Norbert , Griškevičius Mečislavas
Published: May 2014

The paper makes an analysis of the impact of flame retardants on parameters of thermal energy emission and smoke from polymer materials specified with the use of a cone calorimeter and on parameters of the smoke logging zones in a model scheme of compartments. Polymer construction materials modified and without modification by flame retardants, such as oak wood, epoxy resins based on Epidian 5 as well as such equipping materials as polyurethane foams were selected as research materials. On the basis of the conducted analyses, a positive correlation was achieved between the parameters obtained with the use of a cone calorimeter and parameters of smoke logging based on bi-zonal modelling for a simple model scheme of two compartments.
ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF ELASTIC-PLASTIC FRAMING STRUCTURES UNDER COMPLEX CONSTRAINTS / TAMPRIOS PLASTINĖS RĖMINĖS KONSTRUKCIJOS OPTIMIZAVIMAS KOMPLEKSINĖMIS APRIBOJIMŲ SĄLYGOMIS
Authors: Gervytė Agnė , Jarmolajeva Ela
Published: May 2014

The paper presents a mathematical model for bar cross-sectional optimization of steel structureunder strength, stiffness and stability constraints. The theory of mathematical programming of extremum energy principles has been used for developing the introduced model. Solving a non-linear mathematical problem is subject to the MatLab programming environment. Because of the existing relationship between elastic response values and the optimized parameters of the structure, the problem has been calculated iteratively. The calculation algorithm has been applied to a frame with a truss span. The framing structure has been discretized by finite bar elements. The minimum volume of the structure that has not reached full plastic collapse but its individual members have experienced plastic deformation has been designed. According to the obtained optimal project, standard tube profiles have been chosen. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikiamas plieninių rėminių konstrukcijų strypų skerspjūvių optimizavimo uždavinio matematinis modelis, kuris leidžia įvertinti konstrukcijos stiprumo, standumo ir stabilumo reikalavimus. Optimizavimo uždavinio matematiniam modeliui sudaryti taikoma matematinio programavimo teorija ir ekstreminiai energiniai principai. Netiesiniam matematiniam programavimo uždaviniui spręsti taikoma MatLab programavimo aplinka. Dėl ryšio tarp konstrukcijos tampraus atsako dydžių ir optimizuojamų parametrų uždavinys sprendžiamas iteracijų būdu. Skaičiavimo algoritmas pritaikytas plokščiajam vieno tarpatramio rėmui su santvara. Rėminė konstrukcija diskretizuojama strypiniais baigtiniais elementais. Nustatytas minimalus konstrukcijos tūris, kai konstrukcija dar nepasiekusi visiško plastinio suirimo, tačiau atskiri jos elementai jau yra patyrę plastines deformacijas. Pagal gautąjį optimalų planą – strypų ribines įrąžas – parenkami standartiniai dėžiniai profiliuočiai.
INFLUENCE OF CEMENT TYPE AND ADMIXTURES ON RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT PASTE / CHEMINIŲ ĮMAIŠŲ POVEIKIS REOLOGINĖMS CEMENTO TEŠLOS SAVYBĖMS
Authors: Macijauskas Mindaugas , Gailius Albinas
Published: May 2014

The article aims to research the influence of the chemical admixtures on the rheological properties of Portland cement paste and determine their impact on the effectiveness of hydration induction period. Materials used in the study: Portland cement CEM I 42.5 (N and R early strength), limestone Portland cement CEM II/A-LL 42.5 N, plasticizer Centrament N3, the latest generation superplasticizer MC-PowerFlow 3140 and water. Investigations focused on effects of Plasticizer and superplasticizer on water and cement (W/C) ratio and Portland cement paste flow characteristics. Portland cement pastes with the same watercement ratio with and without chemical admixtures were tested. Investigations were carried out using a Suttard viscometer and rotation viscometer Rheotest NH 4.1 with coaxial cylinders. It was observed that viscosity of Portland cement paste can be controlled by chemical admixtures during the hydration induction period. Investigations of effectiveness of the chemical admixtures on the rheological properties of the Portland cement pastes, comparing it with a control composition of the Portland cement paste were provided in the article. Diagrams show changes of the viscosity of the Portland cement pastes depending on the type and amount of the used chemical admixtures. Obtained results were compared with the same consistence without admixtures. After making the regressive analysis of research results of Portland cement paste with and without chemical admixtures, empirical equations were produced.

Santrauka

Šio darbo tikslas – ištirti cheminių įmaišų poveikį reologinėms portlandcemenčio tešlų savybėms ir nustatyti jų poveikio veiksmingumą indukcinio hidratacijos periodo metu. Tyrimams naudotos šios medžiagos: AB „Akmenės cementas“ gamyklos portlandcementis CEM I 42,5 (N ir R ankstyvojo stiprumo), klinties portlandcementis CEM II/A-LL 42,5 N, plastiklis Centrament N3, naujausios kartos superplastiklis MC-PowerFlow 3140 ir vanduo. Ištirtas plastiklio ir superplastiklio poveikis vandens ir cemento (V/C) santykio pokyčiams ir portlandcemenčio tešlų sklidumui naudojant Sutardo viskozimetrą. Buvo tiriamos vienodo vandens ir cemento santykio portlandcemenčio tešlos su cheminėmis įmaišomis ir be jų. Tyrimai atlikti naudojant rotacinį viskozimetrą Rheotest NH 4.1 su bendraašiais cilindrais. Nustatytas cheminių įmaišų portlandcemenčio tešlose veiksmingumas. Pastebėta, kad portlandcemenčio tešlų dinaminė klampa gali būti reguliuojama cheminėmis įmaišomis viso indukcinio hidratacijos periodo metu. Atlikus portlandcemenčio tešlų su cheminėmis įmaišomis ir be jų tyrimų rezultatų regresinę analizę, gautos empirinės lygtys.
Serous Retinal Detachment Accompanied by MEWDS in a Myopic Patient With Dome-shaped Macula
Authors: Shin Min Kyu , Byon Ik Soo , Park Sung Who , Lee Ji Eun
Published: May 2014

Macular serous retinal detachment (MSRD) is a rare complication in highly myopic patients with an inferior staphyloma, tilted disc, or dome-shaped macula. Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) presents with sudden visual loss and multiple yellowish dots that resolve spontaneously within several weeks. The authors report the development and spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid accompanied by MEWDS in a myopic patient with a dome-shaped macula. Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium due to MEWDS likely induced temporary MSRD in this patient.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2014;45:253–255.]
A Comparison of Passive and Active Acoustic Sampling for a Bat Community Impacted by White-Nose Syndrome
Authors: Coleman Laci S. , Ford W. Mark , Dobony Chris A. , Britzke Eric R.
Published: May 2014

In the summers of 2011 and 2012, we compared passive and active acoustic sampling for bats at 31 sites at Fort Drum Military Installation, New York. We defined active sampling as acoustic sampling that occurred in 30-min intervals between the hours of sunset and 0200 with a user present to manipulate the directionality of the microphone. We defined passive sampling as acoustic sampling that occurred over a 12-h period (1900–0700 hours) without a user present and with the microphone set in a predetermined direction. We detected seven of the nine possible species at Fort Drum, including the federally endangered Indiana bat Myotis sodalis, the proposed-for-listing northern bat M. septentrionalis, the little brown bat M. lucifugus, and the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus, which are impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS); and the eastern red bat Lasiurus borealis, the hoary bat L. cinereus, and the silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagans, which are not known to be impacted by WNS. We did not detect two additional WNS-impacted species known to historically occur in the area: the eastern small-footed bat Myotis leibii and the tri-colored bat Perimyotis subflavus. Single-season occupancy models revealed lower detection probabilities of all detected species using active sampling versus passive sampling. Additionally, overall detection probabilities declined in detected WNS-impacted species between years. A paired t-test of simultaneous sampling on 21 occasions revealed that overall recorded foraging activity per hour was greater using active than passive sampling for big brown bats and greater using passive than active sampling for little brown bats. There was no significant difference in recorded activity between methods for other WNS-impacted species, presumably because these species have been so reduced in number that their “apparency” on the landscape is lower. Finally, a cost analysis of standard passive and active sampling protocols revealed that passive sampling is substantially more cost-effective than active sampling per hour of data collection. We recommend passive sampling over active sampling methodologies as they are defined in our study for detection probability and/or occupancy studies focused on declining bat species in areas that have experienced severe WNS-associated impacts.
The Center for Secure and Resilient Maritime Commerce
Authors: Pullen Julie , Bruno Michael
Published: May 2014

The DHS National Center of Excellence in Maritime Security's (CSR) Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) work develops and applies emerging technologies in support of layered surveillance. The layers include satellite-based wide area views, HF Radar systems providing over-the horizon situational awareness, and near-shore and harbor sensing utilizing underwater acoustic technologies. Integration of these systems accomplishes vessel detection, classification, identification, and tracking. Applications for end-users including U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have demonstrated the delivery of actionable information in operationally relevant settings. The Center won the DHS S&T impact award two years in a row for its role in providing vital data during the US Airways plane landing on the Hudson River and during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Furthermore, research in port resiliency has yielded a port disruption planning tool, the Port Mapper, that assisted government leadership during the closure of the Port of NY/NJ by Hurricane Sandy. Work at the Center is focused on delivering MDA data streams from emerging and advanced technologies into the hands of the operators in ways that are compatible with command decision support systems.
Detecting Electronic Initiators Using Electromagnetic Emissions
Authors: Stagner Colin , Seguin Sarah , Grant Steve , Beetner Daryl
Published: May 2014

The accurate and timely discovery of radio receivers can assist in the detection of radio-controlled explosives. By detecting radio receivers, it is possible to indirectly infer the presence of an explosive device. Radio receivers unintentionally emit low-power radio signals during normal operation. By using a weak stimulation signal, it is possible to inject a known signal into these unintended emissions. This process is known as stimulated emissions. Unlike chemical traces, these stimulated emissions can propagate through walls and air-tight containers. The following case study discusses methods for detecting and locating two different types of radio receivers. Functional stimulated emissions detectors are constructed, and their performance is analyzed. Stimulated emissions are capable of detecting super-regenerative receivers at distances of at least one hundred meters and accurately locating superheterodyne receivers at distances of at least fifty meters. These results demonstrate a novel technique for detecting potential explosive threats at stand-off detection distances.
The State of the Art of Bridge Information Modelling from Conceptual Design through to Operation
Authors: O'Keeffe Aonghus
Published: May 2014

Bridge engineering involves many discrete stages throughout the life cycle of a bridge, within both the delivery phase of the infrastructure project and the subsequent operation and maintenance of the asset. Each stage comprises multiple complex processes by large project teams and relies on the efficient exchange of information throughout. Bridge information modelling is a form of 3-dimensional product modelling and involves many of the same processes used in building information modelling. It presents the opportunity for improvements in information flow throughout a bridge life cycle. Significant developments have been seen in the area of bridge information modelling over the last decade. By identifying a number of case studies, this paper reviews how bridge information modelling is being used on current international bridge projects from conceptual design, through preliminary and detailed design, to construction, operation, assessment and maintenance. A literature review is performed on recent relevant academic studies in the areas of bridge engineering, site surveying, building information modelling, and information exchange.
Commitment Devices
Authors: Möcker Michael
Published: May 2014

Commitment devices are regularly celebrated as an easy-to-use, budget way to dodge self-control problems. Analysis of a Bénabou and Tirole-style signaling game (2004) casts doubts on this view. Adding a commitment device to the standard model reveals difficulties: An agent relying on a commitment device to restrain his future self is less restrained in the present. Committing to do an unpleasant activity in the future leads to procrastination as the signaling effect of doing it now disappears. Therefore some agents may be better off without access to commitment devices. Policy implications are discussed.
Does Geography Matter?
Authors: Zhou Bin
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the role of geography in shaping the average bank office size in Illinois banking. “Geography” here refers to a host of socioeconomic, demographic, and local community characteristics at the bank market level. The study finds that larger bank markets, higher levels of market concentration, higher percentages of whites within the total population, and less physical fragmentation within a geographical bank market contribute to larger average bank office sizes. The use of technology, represented by higher percentages of physical capital and premises in the total assets, is found to reduce the bank office size. This tendency is further reinforced by a lack of economies of scale at the bank office level. At the same time, the study finds that the greater adoption of internet banking is associated with larger bank offices. These findings provide indirect evidence that market structure has an impact on the adoption of alternative banking technologies. A study of bank office size has practical implications in providing insights into the future branch strategy, as well as the inadequate nature of measures of market power currently used in antitrust regulation.
Can Sex Workers Claim Human Rights In India?
Authors: Gupta Pallavi
Published: May 2014

Human Rights by its origin and nature only advocate the welfare and well-being of all persons with equal treatment everywhere, it never discriminate towards any individual, class or group of people in any society. But Indian Governments at all level have failed to protect, the human rights even civil rights of sex workers. It covers problems of the sex workers and their children or child sex workers entered in sex trade by force & fraud but rescued from sex trade and advocates only claim of sex workers to live with dignity as they are also human being and have human rights. It shall focus on responsibility of government to make effective policy and for its good governance to provide justice to the sex workers and their children under the mandate of judicial directions. But this paper does not advocate demand of sex workers to encourage sex trade by any way.
Analysis of Passengers' Perception of Public Transport Quality and Performance
Authors: Tyrinopoulos Yannis , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: May 2014

This research investigates the passengers' level of satisfaction from the use of diverse public transport systems. The aim is to uncover factors that drive their modal choices and to assess the quality implications of the variability of the users' perceived satisfaction through the use of two statistical methods (ordered logit and linear mixed models) and comprehensive diagrammatic techniques. Five transit systems in the two major cities in Greece, Athens and Thessaloniki, have been examined. The analysis demonstrated that the most important satisfaction attributes are service frequency, followed by waiting conditions and network coverage, punctuality and in-vehicle transport conditions. A gender-based market segmentation analysis provided further insight into the differences among groups of the population. According to this analysis, female respondents tend to place their attention on punctuality, waiting conditions and driver behavior, while male respondents on in-vehicle transport conditions and the existence and quality of transfer information.
Review of Solution Approaches for the Symmetric Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Saharidis Georgios K. D.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the main known exact and heuristic solution approaches and algorithms for the symmetric Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), published after 1992, are surveyed. The paper categorize the most important existing algorithm to 6 main groups: i) Genetic algorithms, ii) Ant colony methods, iii) Neural Methods, iv) Local search algorithms and Tabu search, v) Lagrangian methods and vi) Branch and bound and branch & cut algorithms.
Teaching Virtually
Authors: Archambault Leanna
Published: May 2014

Enrollment in K-12 online learning continues to grow at an exponential rate throughout the United States. With this increase, one of the key factors for ensuring quality educational experiences for students is the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of their teachers. To address issues of online pedagogy, this study reports practices from a group of K-12 online teachers from a cyber charter school located in the desert southwest of the United States. Results show that online teachers use web-based programs, internal communication systems, and/or a combination of these types of tools to provide clear instruction, while also encouraging student participation, engaging students, and clearly communicating learning goals. Challenges found with online teaching include dealing with a heavy workload, garnering parental support, coping with high student-teacher ratios, and learning “the job.” This article calls for additional support for virtual teachers, including coursework and field experiences within teacher education programs that address the needs of K-12 online educators.
Use of an Online Simulation to Promote Content Learning
Authors: Ray Beverly B. , Hocutt Martha M. , Hooley Diana
Published: May 2014

Educators seek effective methods of teaching concepts in ways that engage the learner. One potential method involves the use of simulations, including online simulations. In this exploratory study, researchers examined the pretest and posttest written products of 30 preservice social studies teachers to determine the amount and depth of knowledge before and after taking part in an online simulation. Results indicated that gains in knowledge from the pretest to the posttest were statistically significant, but that the depth of knowledge gained was rather limited in scope. Findings have implications for those considering using or designing online or other simulations as content learning tools in the social sciences and other educational fields.
CD8 T Cell–Evasive Functions of Human Cytomegalovirus Display Pervasive MHC Allele Specificity, Complementarity, and Cooperativity
Authors: Ameres Stefanie , Besold Katrin , Plachter Bodo , Moosmann Andreas
Published: May 2014

Immunoevasive proteins (“evasins”) of human CMV (HCMV) modulate stability and localization of MHC class I (MHC I) molecules, and their supply of antigenic peptides. However, it is largely unknown to what extent these evasins interfere with recognition by virus-specific CD8 T cells. We analyzed the recognition of HCMV-infected cells by a panel of CD8 T cells restricted through one of nine different MHC I allotypes. We employed a set of HCMV mutants deleted for three or all four of the MHC I modulatory genes US2, US3, US6, and US11. We found that different HCMV evasins exhibited different allotype-specific patterns of interference with CD8 T cell recognition of infected cells. In contrast, recognition of different epitopes presented by the same given MHC I allotype was uniformly reduced. For some allotypes, single evasins largely abolished T cell recognition; for others, a concerted action of evasins was required to abrogate recognition. In infected cells whose Ag presentation efficiency had been enhanced by IFN-γ pretreatment, HCMV evasins cooperatively impared T cell recognition for several different MHC I allotypes. T cell recognition and MHC I surface expression under influence of evasins were only partially congruent, underscoring the necessity to probe HCMV immunomodulation using specific T cells. We conclude that the CD8 T cell evasins of HCMV display MHC I allotype specificity, complementarity, and cooperativity.
Skin-Resident T Cells Sense Ultraviolet Radiation–Induced Injury and Contribute to DNA Repair
Authors: MacLeod Amanda S. , Rudolph Ross , Corriden Ross , Ye Ivan , Garijo Olivia , Havran Wendy L.
Published: May 2014

Skin-resident T cells have been shown to play important roles in tissue homeostasis and wound repair, but their role in UV radiation (UVR)–mediated skin injury and subsequent tissue regeneration is less clear. In this study, we demonstrate that acute UVR rapidly activates skin-resident T cells in humans and dendritic epidermal γδ T cells (DETCs) in mice through mechanisms involving the release of ATP from keratinocytes. Following UVR, extracellular ATP leads to an increase in CD69 expression, proliferation, and IL-17 production, and to changes in DETC morphology. Furthermore, we find that the purinergic receptor P2X7 and caspase-1 are necessary for UVR-induced IL-1 production in keratinocytes, which increases IL-17 secretion by DETCs. IL-17, in turn, induces epidermal TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis and growth arrest and DNA damage–associated gene 45, two molecules linked to the DNA repair response. Finally, we demonstrate that DETCs and human skin-resident T cells limit DNA damage in keratinocytes. Taken together, our findings establish a novel role for skin-resident T cells in the UVR-associated DNA repair response and underscore the importance of skin-resident T cells to overall skin regeneration.
Genetic and Intervention Studies Implicating Complement C3 as a Major Target for the Treatment of Periodontitis
Authors: Maekawa Tomoki , Abe Toshiharu , Hajishengallis Evlambia , Hosur Kavita B. , DeAngelis Robert A. , Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. , Hajishengallis George
Published: May 2014

Chronic periodontitis is induced by a dysbiotic microbiota and leads to inflammatory destruction of tooth-supporting connective tissue and bone. The third component of complement, C3, is a point of convergence of distinct complement activation mechanisms, but its involvement in periodontitis was not previously addressed. We investigated this question using two animal species models, namely, C3-deficient or wild-type mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) locally treated with a potent C3 inhibitor (the compstatin analog Cp40) or an inactive peptide control. In mice, C3 was required for maximal periodontal inflammation and bone loss, and for the sustenance of the dysbiotic microbiota. The effect of C3 on the microbiota was therefore different from that reported for the C5a receptor, which is required for the initial induction of dysbiosis. C3-dependent bone loss was demonstrated in distinct models, including Porphyromonas gingivalis–induced periodontitis, ligature-induced periodontitis, and aging-associated periodontitis. Importantly, local treatment of NHPs with Cp40 inhibited ligature-induced periodontal inflammation and bone loss, which correlated with lower gingival crevicular fluid levels of proinflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-17 and RANKL) and decreased osteoclastogenesis in bone biopsy specimens, as compared with control treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first time, for any disease, that complement inhibition in NHPs was shown to inhibit inflammatory processes that lead to osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. These data strongly support the feasibility of C3-targeted intervention for the treatment of human periodontitis.
Neglected Parasitic Infections in the United States: Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Jones Jeffrey L. , Parise Monica E. , Fiore Anthony E.
Published: May 2014

Toxoplasma gondii is a leading cause of severe foodborne illness in the United States. Population-based studies have found T. gondii infection to be more prevalent in racial/ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Soil contaminated with cat feces, undercooked meat, and congenital transmission are the principal sources of infection. Toxoplasmosis-associated illnesses include congenital neurologic and ocular disease; acquired illness in immunocompetent persons, most notably ocular disease; and encephalitis or disseminated disease in immunosuppressed persons. The association of T. gondii infection with risk for mental illness is intriguing and requires further research. Reduction of T. gondii in meat, improvements in hygiene and food preparation practices, and reduction of environmental contamination can prevent toxoplasmosis, but more research is needed on how to implement these measures. In addition, screening and treatment may help prevent toxoplasmosis or reduce the severity of disease in some settings.
Neglected Parasitic Infections in the United States: Cysticercosis
Authors: Cantey Paul T. , Coyle Christina M. , Sorvillo Frank J. , Wilkins Patricia P. , Starr Michelle C. , Nash Theodore E.
Published: May 2014

Cysticercosis is a potentially fatal and preventable neglected parasitic infection caused by the larval form of Taenia solium. Patients with symptomatic disease usually have signs and symptoms of neurocysticercosis, which commonly manifest as seizures or increased intracranial pressure. Although there are many persons living in the United States who emigrated from highly disease-endemic countries and there are foci of autochthonous transmission of the parasite in the United States, little is known about burden and epidemiology of the disease in this country. In addition, despite advances in the diagnosis and management of neurocysticercosis, there remain many unanswered questions. Improving our understanding and management of neurocysticercosis in the United States will require improved surveillance or focused prospective studies in appropriate areas and allocation of resources towards answering some of the key questions discussed in this report.
Neglected Parasitic Infections in the United States: Toxocariasis
Authors: Woodhall Dana M. , Eberhard Mark L. , Parise Monica E.
Published: May 2014

Toxocariasis is a preventable parasitic disease that is caused by the dog and cat roundworms Toxocara cani and T. cati, respectively. Humans become infected when they accidently ingest infectious Toxocara eggs commonly found in contaminated soil; children are most often affected. Clinical manifestations of Toxocara infection in humans include ocular toxocariasis and visceral toxocariasis. Although infection with Toxocara can cause devastating disease, the burden of toxocariasis in the United States population remains unknown. In addition, risk factors for acquiring infection need to be better defined, and research needs to be conducted to better understand the pathophysiology and clinical course of toxocariasis. Development of diagnostic tests would enable clinicians to detect active infection, and determination of optimal drug regiments would ensure patients were appropriately treated. Addressing these public health gaps is necessary to understand and address the impact of toxocariasis in the United States.
Malaysia's Human Rights Performance: Assessment of its First Session of Universal Periodic Review in the United Nations Human Rights Council
Authors: Khoo Ying Hooi
Published: May 2014

Since its inception, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) has been subjected to a substantial amount of criticism. The mechanism began functioning in 2008, however there have been little made known about the roles and functions of the UPR. This article explicitly examines the first UPR process of Malaysia in 2009, in order to illustrate how the mechanism operates in practice by highlighting the engagement of Malaysia government with the stakeholders, the follow-up process and the main issues concerned. This article argues that in spite of the excellent diplomacy skills that portrayed by the Malaysian government in the UPR session, the human rights situation in the country has not been improved much. This paper seeks to determine how effective the UPR has been at encouraging human rights reforms nationally by analyzing and assessing the implementation actions of Malaysian government in response to their accepted UPR recommendations.
Simulation of the interannual variations of aerosols in China: role of variations in meteorological parameters
Authors: Mu Q. , Liao H.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. We used the nested grid version of the global three-dimensional Goddard Earth Observing System chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) to examine the interannual variations (IAVs) of aerosols over heavily polluted regions in China for years 2004–2012. The role of variations in meteorological parameters was quantified by a simulation with fixed anthropogenic emissions at year 2006 levels and changes in meteorological parameters over 2004–2012. Simulated PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less) aerosol concentrations exhibited large IAVs in North China (NC, 32–42° N, 110–120° E), with regionally averaged absolute percent departure from the mean (APDM) values of 17, 14, 14, and 11% in December-January-February (DJF), March-April-May (MAM), June-July-August (JJA), and September-October-November (SON), respectively. Over South China (SC, 22–32° N, 110–120° E), the IAVs in PM2.5 were found to be the largest in JJA, with the regional mean APDM values of 14% in JJA and of about 9% in other seasons. Concentrations of PM2.5 over the Sichuan Basin (SCB, 27–33° N, 102–110° E) were simulated to have the smallest IAVs among the polluted regions examined in this work, with the APDM values of 8–9% in all seasons. All aerosol species (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon, and organic carbon) were simulated to have the largest IAVs over NC in DJF, corresponding to the large variations in meteorological parameters over NC in this season. Process analyses were performed to identify the key meteorological parameters that determined the IAVs of different aerosol species in different regions. While the variations in temperature and specific humidity, which influenced the gas-phase formation of sulfate, jointly determined the IAVs of sulfate over NC in both DJF and JJA, wind (or convergence of wind) in DJF and precipitation in JJA were the dominant meteorological factors to influence IAVs of sulfate over SC and the SCB. The IAVs in temperature and specific humidity influenced gas-to-aerosol partitioning, which were the major factors that led to the IAVs of nitrate aerosol in China. The IAVs in wind and precipitation were found to drive the IAVs of organic carbon aerosol. We also compared the IAVs of aerosols simulated with variations in meteorological parameters alone with those simulated with variations in both meteorological parameters and anthropogenic emissions; the variations in meteorological fields were found to dominate the IAVs of aerosols in China.
Size-resolved observations of refractory black carbon particles in cloud droplets at a marine boundary layer site
Authors: Schroder J. C. , Hanna S. J. , Modini R. L. , Corrigan A. L. , Macdonald A. M. , Noone K. J. , Russell L. M. , Leaitch W. R. , Bertram A. K.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Size resolved observations of aerosol particles (including black carbon particles) and cloud residuals were studied at a marine boundary layer site (251 m a.m.s.l.) in La Jolla, CA during 2012. A counterflow virtual impactor was used to sample cloud residuals while a total inlet was used to sample both cloud residuals and interstitial particles. Two cloud events totaling ten hours of in-cloud sampling were analyzed. Since the CVI only sampled cloud droplets larger than ≈11 μm, less than 100% of the cloud droplets were sampled during the two cloud events (≈38% of the cloud droplets for the first cloud event and ≈24% of the cloud droplets for the second cloud were sampled). Back trajectories showed that air masses for both cloud events spent at least 96 h over the Pacific Ocean and traveled near, or over populated regions just before sampling. Based on bulk aerosol particle concentrations measured from the total inlet the two air masses sampled were classified as polluted marine air, a classification that was consistent with back trajectory analysis and the mass concentrations of refractory black carbon (rBC) measured from the total inlet. The activated fraction of rBC, estimated from the measurements, ranged from 0.01 to 0.1 for core diameters ranging from 70 to 220 nm. Since the fraction of cloud droplets sampled by the CVI was less than 100%, the measured activated fractions of rBC should be considered as lower limits to the total fraction of rBC activated during the two cloud events. Size distributions of rBC sampled from the residual inlet show that sub-100 nm rBC cores were incorporated into the droplets in both clouds. The coating analysis shows that the rBC cores had average coating thicknesses of 75 nm for core diameters of 70 nm and 29 nm for core diameters of 220 nm. The presence of sub-100 nm rBC cores in the cloud residuals is consistent with kappa-Köhler theory and the measured coating thicknesses of the rBC cores.
Characteristics of tropopause parameters as observed with GPS radio occultation
Authors: Rieckh T. , Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Ladstädter F. , Foelsche U.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Characteristics of the lapse rate tropopause are analyzed globally for tropopause altitude and temperature using Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) data from late 2001 to 2012. RO profiles feature high vertical resolution and excellent quality in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, which are key factors for tropopause determination, including multiple ones. Furthermore, global coverage is reached on a monthly basis, allowing to examine both temporal and spatial characteristics thoroughly. To investigate latitudinal and longitudinal tropopause characteristics, the mean annual cycle, and inter-annual variability, we use tropopauses from individual profiles as well as their monthly mean and median for 10° zonal bands. The latitudinal structure of first tropopauses shows the well-known distribution with high (cold) tropical tropopauses and low (warm) extratropical tropopauses. In the transition zones (20° N/S to 40° N/S), individual profiles reveal varying tropopause altitudes from 7 km to 17 km due to the influence of the subtropical jets. In this region, we also find multiple tropopauses throughout the year. Longitudinal variability is strongest at northern hemispheric mid latitudes and in the Asian monsoon region. The mean annual cycle features changes in amplitude and phase depending on latitude. This is caused by different underlying physical processes (such as the Brewer-Dobson Circulation) and atmospheric dynamics (such as the very strong polar vortex in southern hemispheric winter). Inter-annual anomalies of tropopause parameters show signatures of El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, and the varying strength of the polar vortex, including sudden stratospheric warming events.
Impact of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on deriving anthropogenic warming rates from the instrumental temperature record
Authors: van der Werf G. R. , Dolman A. J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The instrumental surface air temperature record has been used in several statistical studies to assess the relative role of natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate change. The results of those studies varied considerably, with anthropogenic temperature trends over the past 25–30 years suggested to range from 0.07 to 0.20 °C decade−1. In this short communication we assess the origin of these differences and highlight the inverse relation between the derived anthropogenic temperature trend of the past 30 years and the weight given to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) as an explanatory factor in the multiple linear regression (MLR) tool that is usually employed. We highlight that robust MLR outcomes require a better understanding of the AMO in general and more specifically its characterization. Our results indicate that both the high- and low end of the anthropogenic trend over the past 30 years found in previous studies are unlikely and that a transient climate response with best estimates centred around 1.3 °C per CO2 doubling best captures the historic instrumental temperature record.
E-consumer segmentation: an applied study based in the internet use perspectives
Authors:   Departamento de Administración de Empresas. Facultad de Derecho y Economía. Universidad de Lleida. C/ Jaume II, 73 Campus de Cappont, 25001, Lleida. cfeduard@aegern.udl.cat, Cristóbal Fransi Eduard , Daries Ramon Natalia ,   Departamento de Administración de Empresas. Facultad de Derecho y Economía. Universidad de Lleida. C/ Jaume II, 73 Campus de Cappont, 25001, Lleida. ndaries@aegern.udl.cat, Baldomar Juan Pablo ,   Facultad de Administración. Universidad de Flores. Argentina. C/ Pedernera 275, 1406, Buenos Aires: (1406) jpbaldomar@jpbaldomar.com.ar
Published: May 2014

The market segmentation has frequently been used in the traditional marketing research but still appears as a relatively new subject in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Internet environment. The present investigation seeks to analyse the e-consumer behaviour depending on the future use of different Internet applications. Using a sample of 700 citizens, we have realized a factorial and cluster analysis to classify the users in three groups. We have used demographical information and the perspectives of use, to elaborate a profile for each segment. Analysis also allows extracting the main factors that explain the different attitudes towards the Internet use. In the conclusions section we present the most significant reflections about the obtained segments and its implication on management, the limitations of the study and the future lines of research.
Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Analysis to Evaluate Hemodynamic Significance of access Stenosis
Authors: Hoganson David M. , Hinkel Cameron J. , Chen Xiaomin , Agarwal Ramesh K. , Shenoy Surendra
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Stenosis in a vascular access circuit is the predominant cause of access dysfunction. Hemodynamic significance of a stenosis identified by angiography in an access circuit is uncertain. This study utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model flow through arteriovenous fistula to predict the functional significance of stenosis in vascular access circuits.

Methods

Three-dimensional models of fistulas were created with a range of clinically relevant stenoses using SolidWorks. Stenoses diameters ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 mm and lengths from 5 to 60 mm within a fistula diameter of 7 mm. CFD analyses were performed using a blood model over a range of blood pressures. Eight patient-specific stenoses were also modeled and analyzed with CFD and the resulting blood flow calculations were validated by comparison with brachial artery flow measured by duplex ultrasound.

Results

Predicted flow rates were derived from CFD analysis of a range of stenoses. These stenoses were modeled by CFD and correlated with the ultrasound measured flow rate through the fistula of eight patients. The calculated flow rate using CFD correlated within 20% of ultrasound measured flow for five of eight patients. The mean difference was 17.2% (ranged from 1.3% to 30.1%).

Conclusions

CFD analysis-generated flow rate tables provide valuable information to assess the functional significance of stenosis detected during imaging studies. The CFD study can help in determining the clinical relevance of a stenosis in access dysfunction and guide the need for intervention.
Non-Recognition and Mourning A Means of Change in a Few Interwar Polish Dramas
Authors: Kot Joanna
Published: May 2014

The article applies Judith Butler’s socioexistential concepts of “non-recognition” and “mourning” to four plays written by women during the Polish interwar period. The works are: Dom kobiet (House of Women) by Zofia Nałkowska, “Sprawiedliwość” (“Justice”) by Marcelina Grabowska, Sprawa Moniki (Monika’s case) by Maria Morozowicz-Szczepkowska, and Głębia na Zimnej (The deep at Zimna) by Zofia Rylska. At least one character in each play experiences mourning and becomes conscious of her lack of social recognition. In every case the awareness leads to a development and change in the character. Moreover, applying the two concepts in this context broadens Butler’s ideas and shows the great variety of possible interpretations of both of them. More importantly, through this analysis the transitional nature of the Polish interwar period is made more apparent. On the one hand, all of these writers to a large degree accept patriarchal social norms and essentialist male traits as inevitable, and occasionally even as positive. On the other hand, just like the women playwrights of the end of the twentieth century, Nałkowska, Szczepkowska, Grabowska, and Rylska see a crisis within the family and a lack of equality for women. In very different ways—feminist and traditional—they show how the situation of individual women can be improved or at least mitigated.
Ré-animer les créatures de Frankenstein
Authors: Tomasovic Dick
Published: May 2014

À partir du célèbre roman de Mary Shelley Frankenstein (1818) et, surtout, de ses nombreuses adaptations cinématographiques, cet article interroge les notions d’animation et de réanimation au coeur de ces récits fantastiques. Identifiant quelques paradigmes essentiels (spectacularisation de la mort, fantasme de don de vie, motif de corruption, schéma temporel circulaire), le texte interroge également certains principes fondamentaux du cinéma d’animation.
Cabaret Crusades de Wael Shawky
Authors: Sapiega Jacques
Published: May 2014

Que veut dire « animer les personnages de l’histoire » lorsque ceux-ci sont interprétés par des marionnettes ? Dans le film de Wael Shawky Cabaret Crusades : The Path to Cairo (2013), libre adaptation cinématographique de l’essai d’Amin Maalouf (Les croisades vues par les Arabes), le processus de manipulation affiche sa portée symbolique et idéologique : sorties du même moule, les marionnettes sont « agies »  et  « naissent à l’histoire » en rejetant les rhétoriques du Bien et du Mal.
Geopolítica e estratégias de internacionalização: caso de uma multinacional brasileira de engenharia
Authors: Meyer Bernardo
Published: May 2014

Países costumam ter importantes interesses na esfera internacional, apoiados por estratégias geopolíticas. Essas estratégias são conduzidas tanto pelos próprios governos, geralmente apoiados na diplomacia, quanto por empresas nacionais. Por isso, muitas vezes, empresas recebem o suporte de seus governos nacionais para se internacionalizarem. O objetivo do trabalho é analisar a atuação de uma empresa multinacional brasileira no mercado internacional de serviços de engenharia e sua interface com a geopolítica do seu governo de origem. A base teórica está centrada essencialmente nas contribuições de Lecraw (1977), Lal (1983), Guedes (2006), Carter, Clegg and Kornberger (2008), García-Canal e Guillén (2008), Guillén e García-Canal (2009), Mazzola, Oliveira Jr. e Gião (2010) e Meyer (2011). A pesquisa caracteriza-se como um estudo de caso, de natureza qualitativa, em que foram analisadas as percepções de gestores acerca da influência da geopolítica nas estratégias de internacionalização da empresa. A unidade de análise é organizacional e tem como foco uma empresa multinacional brasileira que atua com destaque na área de engenharia consultiva. A análise revela que uma empresa prestadora de serviços de engenharia de um país emergente não pode prescindir do apoio governamental para alavancar sua participação internacional e competir com empresas de países desenvolvidos, as quais têm acesso aos recursos de que necessitam. As conclusões apontam para o fato de que a utilização de estratégias políticas caracteriza-se de importância vital para a obtenção do apoio governamental com impacto no desempenho da organização e sucesso do empreendimento.
Inovação aberta nas estratégias competitivas das empresas brasileiras
Authors: Pitassi Claudio
Published: May 2014

A estratégia de Inovação Aberta (IA) é considerada por alguns estudiosos de economias avançadas como mais adequada para a gestão de P&D no paradigma tecnoprodutivo atual. O objetivo deste artigo teórico-empírico é apresentar um levantamento a respeito do uso das premissas de IA nas empresas brasileiras que recorrem sistematicamente à P&D no desenho e na implantação de suas estratégias competitivas. A seleção das empresas foi intencional, tomando por base empresas brasileiras com reconhecido uso da P&D, e o instrumento de coleta de dados foi um questionário fechado. Os dados foram tratados por estatística descritiva e correlação linear múltipla. Compõem a amostra as seguintes empresas: Aché, Bematech, Braskem, Cemig, Chemtech, Cristália, Embraco, Embraer, Emprapa, EMS Fíbria, Herbarium, Lupatech, Natura, Petrobras, Sabó, Tigre, Usiminas Vale e Weg. Os resultados evidenciaram um baixo uso — ou mesmo falta de compreensão — das premissas da IA que exigem maior mudança de modelo mental dos gestores de P&D, particularmente no que diz respeito ao papel dos modelos de negócio. Há também indícios de que as empresas pesquisadas subestimam os benefícios dos fluxos de conhecimento de dentro para fora da empresa. Por fim, a pesquisa traz evidências de que uma estratégia de IA adequada tem o potencial de auxiliar as empresas brasileiras em processo de emparelhamento tecnológico.
Hidden shift of the ionome of plants exposed to elevated CO2 depletes minerals at the base of human nutrition
Authors: Loladze Irakli
Published: May 2014

Mineral malnutrition stemming from undiversified plant-based diets is a top global challenge. In C3 plants (e.g., rice, wheat), elevated concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) reduce protein and nitrogen concentrations, and can increase the total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC; mainly starch, sugars). However, contradictory findings have obscured the effect of eCO2 on the ionome—the mineral and trace-element composition—of plants. Consequently, CO2-induced shifts in plant quality have been ignored in the estimation of the impact of global change on humans. This study shows that eCO2 reduces the overall mineral concentrations (−8%, 95% confidence interval: −9.1 to −6.9, p<0.00001) and increases TNC:minerals > carbon:minerals in C3 plants. The meta-analysis of 7761 observations, including 2264 observations at state of the art FACE centers, covers 130 species/cultivars. The attained statistical power reveals that the shift is systemic and global. Its potential to exacerbate the prevalence of ‘hidden hunger’ and obesity is discussed.