bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shoreline response of eroding soft cliffs due to hard defences
Authors: Brown Sally , Barton Max E , Nicholls Robert J
Published: February 2014

Soft cliff retreat has often triggered a hard adaptation response by the building of seawalls and groynes. On adjacent undefended coasts erosion continues, resulting in set-backs. This paper examines the impact of coastal defences on the adjacent coast from historic records and present practices, and explores possible future response. Continued set-back often leads to outflanking of defences, making them ineffective at their extremities, particularly at the down-drift end where it is most severe. Solutions to outflanking usually involve extending defences, initiating a cycle of set-back, outflanking and further extensions. Multiple defence extensions and continued retreat of the unprotected adjacent coast results in artificial headland formation. Over several decades, headlands experience foreshore steepening and reduced sediment availability, making them more difficult and expensive to defend. Shoreline management plan policies of managed retreat advocate selective defence abandonment, which may change the nature of artificial headland formation. Defence abandonment and new engineering works must be planned, anticipating the processes described in this paper. This will reduce unexpected changes and reduce maintenance and emergency work costs.
Ecological site‐based assessments of wind and water erosion: informing accelerated soil erosion management in rangelands
Authors: Webb Nicholas P. , Herrick Jeffrey E. , Duniway Michael C.
Published: February 2014

Accelerated soil erosion occurs when anthropogenic processes modify soil, vegetation, or climatic conditions causing erosion rates at a location to exceed their natural variability. Identifying where and when accelerated erosion occurs is a critical first step toward its effective management. Here we explored how erosion assessments structured in the context of ecological sites (a land classification based on soils, landscape setting, and ecological potential) and their vegetation states (plant assemblages that may change due to management) can inform systems for reducing accelerated soil erosion in rangelands. We evaluated aeolian horizontal sediment flux and fluvial sediment erosion rates for five ecological sites in southern New Mexico, USA, using monitoring data and rangeland‐specific wind and water erosion models. Across the ecological sites, plots in shrub‐encroached and shrub‐dominated vegetation states were consistently susceptible to aeolian sediment flux and fluvial sediment erosion. Both processes were found to be highly variable for grassland and grass–succulent states across the ecological sites at the plot scale (0.25 ha). We identified vegetation thresholds that define cover levels below which rapid (exponential) increases in aeolian sediment flux and fluvial sediment erosion occur across the ecological sites and vegetation states. Aeolian sediment flux and fluvial erosion in the study area could be effectively controlled when bare ground cover was <20% of a site or the cover of canopy interspaces >100 cm in length was less than ∼35%. Land use and management activities that alter cover levels such that they cross thresholds, and/or drive vegetation state changes, may increase the susceptibility of areas to erosion. Land use impacts that are constrained within the range of natural variability should not result in accelerated soil erosion. Evaluating land condition against the erosion thresholds identified here will enable identification of areas susceptible to accelerated soil erosion and the development of practical management solutions.
Temperature‐mediated biotic interactions influence enemy release of nonnative species in warming environments
Authors: Fey Samuel B. , Herren Cristina M.
Published: February 2014

“Enemy release” occurs when invading species suffer from interactions with pathogens, parasites, herbivores, or predators to a lesser degree than native species due to a lack of shared evolutionary history. Here we provide strong support for the hypothesis that variable thermal sensitivities between a consumer and its resources can generate temperature‐dependent enemy release using both a mathematical model and a field experiment. We identify three common scenarios where changes in temperature should alter enemy release based on asymmetric responses among enemies and their resources to changes in temperature: (1) the vital rates of a shared enemy are more sensitive to changes in temperature than its resources, (2) the enemy's thermal maximum for consumption is higher than the resources' maxima for growth, and (3) the invading resource has a higher thermal maximum for growth than its native competitor. Mathematical representations indicated that warming is capable of altering enemy release in each of these three scenarios. We also tested our hypothesis using a mesocosm warming experiment in a system that exhibits variable thermal sensitivities between a predator and its native and nonnative prey. We conducted a six‐week experiment manipulating the presence of Lepomis sunfish (present, absent) and water temperature (ambient, heated) using the nonnative crustacean zooplankter, Daphnia lumholtzi, whose morphological defenses reduce predation from juvenile sunfish relative to native Daphnia pulex. Our results indicate that D. lumholtzi benefited to a greater extent from the presence of Lepomis predators as temperatures increase. Taken together, our model and experiment indicate that changes in environmental temperature may directly influence the success of nonnative species and may assist with forecasting the community consequences of biological invasions in a warming world.
Stress Distribution in a Cohesionless Backfill Poured in a Silo
Authors: Li Li , Aubertin Jonathan D. , Dubé Jean-Sébastien
Published: February 2014

The field of infrastructure rehabilitation and development requires a better understanding of soil-structure interactions. The interaction behaviour between soil and structures has mostly been investigated through theoretical and/or numerical analysis. This paper presents a series of experiments performed on an intermediate-scale physical model made of an instrumented silo. In contrast to most reported laboratory tests, both the horizontal and vertical stresses were monitored during backfilling operations realised by wild pouring. Drop tests were performed to investigate the density variation with respect to the drop (or falling) height of the soil, which were introduced in the pressure interpretation. The results showed that horizontal stress in the direction parallel to the pouring plane is larger than that perpendicular to the pouring plane. Apparently, the vertical stress is well-described using the arching solution by considering the backfill in an active state, whereas the horizontal stress perpendicular to the pouring plane is better described with the arching solution by considering the backfill in an at-rest state. An estimate of the earth pressure coefficients based on the measured vertical and horizontal stresses indicates, however, that the backfill was closer to an at-rest state in the direction perpendicular to the pouring plane, whereas in the direction parallel to the pouring plane, it was in a state between at-rest and passive. These results indicate that it is important to measure both the horizontal and vertical stresses to obtain a whole picture of the state of the backfill. The results showed also that the horizontal stresses can be larger than those calculated by the overburden solution, probably due to dynamic loading by drop mass during the filling operation and stress lock.
Surface tension study of cationic gemini surfactants binding to DNA
Authors: Pisárčik Martin , Devínsky Ferdinand
Published: February 2014

Binding of cationic gemini surfactants alkanediyl-a-ω-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromides) with variable polymethylene spacer length ranging from 2 to 12 methylene groups to DNA in NaBr solution is investigated utilizing the tensiometry method. A simple method is presented for calculating the number of surfactant molecules bound to DNA. The results are evaluated in terms of the gemini surfactant spacer length, showing that gemini molecules with either short spacers (2 methylene groups) or long spacers are most efficiently adsorbed to DNA. A weak adsorption to DNA was found for gemini molecules with a medium spacer length (6 methylene groups in the spacer). The binding properties of cationic gemini surfactants as a function of spacer length are consistent with the results obtained by other experimental methods (dynamic light scattering measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy), indicating identical adsorption behaviour of gemini molecules as a function of the spacer length.
A procedure for meaningful unsupervised clustering and its application for solvent classification
Authors: Pushkarova Yaroslava , Kholin Yuriy
Published: February 2014

Artificial neural networks have proven to be a powerful tool for solving classification problems. Some difficulties still need to be overcome for their successful application to chemical data. The use of supervised neural networks implies the initial distribution of patterns between the pre-determined classes, while attribution of objects to the classes may be uncertain. Unsupervised neural networks are free from this problem, but do not always reveal the real structure of data. Classification algorithms which do not require a priori information about the distribution of patterns between the pre-determined classes and provide meaningful results are of special interest. This paper presents an approach based on the combination of Kohonen and probabilistic networks which enables the determination of the number of classes and the reliable classification of objects. This is illustrated for a set of 76 solvents based on nine characteristics. The resulting classification is chemically interpretable. The approach proved to be also applicable in a different field, namely in examining the solubility of C60 fullerene. The solvents belonging to the same group demonstrate similar abilities to dissolve C60. This makes it possible to estimate the solubility of fullerenes in solvents for which there are no experimental data
DNA-based biosensors with external Nafion and chitosan membranes for the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of beer, coffee, and tea
Authors: Hlavatá Lenka , Vyskočil Vlastimil , Beníková Katarína , Borbélyová Monika , Labuda Ján
Published: February 2014

Novel electrochemical DNA-based biosensors with outer-sphere Nafion and chitosan protective membranes were prepared for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of beverages (beer, coffee, and black tea) against prooxidant hydroxyl radicals. A carbon working electrode of a screen-printed three-electrode assembly was modified using a layer-by-layer deposition technique with low molecular weight double-stranded DNA and a Nafion or chitosan film. The membrane-covered DNA biosensors were initially tested with respect to their voltammetric and impedimetric response after the incubation of the beverage and the medium exchange for the solution of the redox indicator [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−. While the Nafion-protected biosensor proved to be suitable for beer and black tea extracts, the chitosan-protected biosensor was successfully used in a coffee extract. Afterwards, the applicability was successfully verified for these biosensors for the detection of a deep degradation of the surface-attached DNA at the incubation in the cleavage agent (hydroxyl radicals generated via Fenton reaction) and for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of coffee and black tea extracts against prooxidant hydroxyl radicals. The investigation of the novel biosensors with a protective membrane represents a significant contribution to the field of electrochemical DNA biosensors utilization.
50 years of superbases made from organolithium compounds and heavier alkali metal alkoxides
Authors: Lochmann Lubomír , Janata Miroslav
Published: February 2014

A review of reactions of organolithium compounds (RLi) with alkali metal alkoxides is presented. On the one hand, simple lithium alkoxides form adducts with RLi the reactivity of which differs only slightly from that of RLi. On the other hand, after mixing heavier alkali metal alkoxides (R’OM, M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) with RLi, a new system is formed, which has reactivity that dramatically exceeds that of the parent RLi. A metal interchange, according to the equation RLi + R’OM = RM + R’OLi, occurs in this system, giving rise to a superbase. This reaction is frequently used for the preparation of heavier alkali metal organometallic compounds. Similar metal interchange takes place between R’OM and compounds such as lithium amides and lithium enolates of ketones or esters, thus demonstrating the general nature of this procedure. Superbases react easily with many types of organic compounds (substrates), resulting in the formation of a heavier alkali metal derivative of the substrate (metalation). The metalated substrate can react in situ with an electrophile to yield the substituted substrate, a procedure that is frequently used in synthetic and polymer chemistry. An improved mechanism of metal interchange and reaction of superbases with substrates is proposed.
Orbit algebras that are invariant under stable equivalences of Morita type
Authors: Pogorzały Zygmunt
Published: February 2014

In this note we show that there are a lot of orbit algebras that are invariant under stable equivalences of Morita type between self-injective algebras. There are also indicated some links between Auslander-Reiten periodicity of bimodules and noetherianity of their orbit algebras.
Seed germination at different temperatures and seedling emergence at different depths of Rhamnus spp
Authors: Aou-ouad Hanan , Medrano Hipólito , Lamarti Ahmed , Gulías Javier
Published: February 2014

Rhamnus alaternus and R. ludovici-salvatoris, two Mediterranean shrubs with different geographic distributions, have shown important differences in seedling recruitment capacity. The objectives of this work were to determine the ability of these species to germinate seeds under different temperature ranges, as well as the capacity of seedlings to emerge from different burial depths, in order to better understand their regeneration processes. Two different experiments were performed. In the first one, seed germination was studied in Petri dishes and in the dark at different temperature regimes: a) 5–15°C, b) 10–20°C and c) 15–25°C (12h/12h). In the second experiment, seedling emergence capacity from different burial depths (0.5, 2 and 5 cm) was tested. R. ludovici-salvatoris showed a significantly higher final germination rates, a lower dormancy period, and average time response at 10–20°C than at other temperature ranges, although differences were much greater when seeds were subjected to the 5–15°C temperature regime. By contrast, R. alaternus did not show significant differences between treatments (5–15°C and 10–20°C) in germination behavior. Seedling emergence of both species was lower and slower when seeds were buried at 5 cm. However, R. ludovici-salvatoris always showed a lower seedling emergence capacity than R. alaternus at any burial depth. The low ability of R. ludovici-salvatoris to germinate seeds and emerge between 5–15°C, even from shallow depths, is discussed in relation to its low regeneration capacity and declining geographic distribution.
Comparison of digestion methods for determination of total phosphorus in river sediments
Authors: Malá Jitka , Lagová Marcela
Published: February 2014

In this study, four digestion methods used to determine total phosphorus in river sediments, including Na2CO3 fusion, the H2SO4 and H2SO4 + H2O2 methods and the SMT protocol were investigated. Interference effects of iron, calcium and organic matter in river sediments, and the substances contained in the digestion agents on the photometric determination of the phosphates were analysed. The digestion methods were tested on ten river sediment samples. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences between sample treatments relating to the mean total phosphorus concentration.
Cost-effectiveness analysis to assess commercial TiO2 photocatalysts for acetaldehyde degradation in air
Authors: Verbruggen Sammy , Tytgat Tom , Passel Steven , Martens Johan , Lenaerts Silvia
Published: February 2014

In the commercialisation of photocatalytic air purifiers, the performance as well as the cost of the catalytic material plays an important role. Where most comparative studies only regard the photocatalytic activity as a decisive parameter, in this study both activity and cost are taken into account. Using a cost-effectiveness analysis, six different commercially available TiO2-based catalysts are evaluated in terms of their activities in photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde as a model reaction for indoor air purification.
Drug Addiction - A Silent Killer for Society
Authors: Minar AW
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.18054 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 54-55
Labour Against Capitalism? Hegel’s Concept of Labour in Between Civil Society and the State
Authors: Bartonek Anders
Published: February 2014

The concepts and phenomena of civil society, political economy and labour are ambivalent matters in Hegel’s political philosophy. They simultaneously contain productive and destructive potential in the realization of the political community. This article investigates Hegel’s concept of labour against the backdrop of his theory of civil society in order to bring forth the ambiguous role of labour in relation to the ’capitalism’ of civil society. According to Hegel, labour is both economically productive and the activity by which the society and its members can transcend the mere capitalistic dimensions of society. Labour can therefore simultaneously be understood as capitalistic and non-capitalistic in Hegel’s political philosophy. The cultivating dimensions of labour in Hegel’s theory offer a counterpart to the mere capitalistic forms of labour. Labour can therefore be used as a promising platform for the discussion of the relation between economy and culture and for the revitalization of capitalism critique.
From Donor to Recipient: Current Questions Relating to Humoral Alloimmunization
Authors: Prigent Antoine , Maillard Nicolas , Absi Léna , Aloui Chaker , Cognasse Fabrice , Laradi Sandrine , Mariat Christophe , Garraud Olivier
Published: February 2014

Alloimmunization is an undesirable iatrogenic effect of transfusion and transplantation. In fact, recipients can be considered as responders or not responders, in a continuum from tolerance, including organ transplantation and transfusion, to polyimmunized and refractory patients. New models and large studies have enabled a better understanding of the mechanisms that induce specific alloantibody (alloAb) generation. Here, we focus on risk factors of alloimmunization. We review the alloantibody characteristics, summarize the different leukocytes involved in their induction, and suggest some hypotheses.
Equivalent Circuit Models for Determination of the Relation between the Sensing Behavior and Properties of Undoped/Cr Doped TiO2 NTs
Authors: Gönüllü Yakup , Kelm Klemens , Mathur Sanjay , Saruhan Bilge
Published: February 2014

High-temperature gas sensing requires the increase of sensitivity and reduction of cross-sensitivity. The use of TiO2-Nanotubular layers as gas sensors has shown that the selectivity and sensitivity can be influenced by doping with trivalent elements and by optimization of morphological aspects such as pore diameter and nanotube length. In this work, focus has been given on the understanding of the effect of doping and properties of nano-tubular TiO2-layers on sensing behavior and mechanism toward NO2 by using equivalent circuit modeling achieved by impedance spectroscopic measurements.
Digital Tools Disrupting Tertiary Students’ Notions of Disciplinary Knowledge: Cases in History and Tourism
Authors: Cowie Bronwen , Khoo Elaine
Published: February 2014

This paper reports on the findings from a two year research project that explored the potential of digital tools in support of teaching–learning across different disciplinary areas at a New Zealand university. Two courses (in History and Tourism) are case studied using data collected through interviews with lecturers, tutors and their students, and an online student survey. Findings from the research revealed that both lecturers and students were challenged in learning about the affordances and use of the lecturer selected digital tools as a mediational means. The tools were not initially transparent to them, nor were they able to be easily deployed to undertake their primary task—teaching for the lecturers, and, learning and demonstrating learning for the students completing assigned tasks. The process of learning and using the tools disrupted participants’ prior thinking and led to new understandings of both disciplines and of effective pedagogies for the two disciplines. The findings increase our understanding of the ways digital tools can develop, challenge and expand tertiary students learning and have implications for practice.
Recent Progress in Understanding Subtype Specific Regulation of NMDA Receptors by G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
Authors: Yang Kai , Jackson Michael , MacDonald John
Published: February 2014

G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of receptors whose ligands constitute nearly a third of prescription drugs in the market. They are widely involved in diverse physiological functions including learning and memory. NMDA receptors (NMDARs), which belong to the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, are likewise ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play a pivotal role in learning and memory. Despite its critical contribution to physiological and pathophysiological processes, few pharmacological interventions aimed directly at regulating NMDAR function have been developed to date. However, it is well established that NMDAR function is precisely regulated by cellular signalling cascades recruited downstream of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) stimulation. Accordingly, the downstream regulation of NMDARs likely represents an important determinant of outcome following treatment with neuropsychiatric agents that target selected GPCRs. Importantly, the functional consequence of such regulation on NMDAR function varies, based not only on the identity of the GPCR, but also on the cell type in which relevant receptors are expressed. Indeed, the mechanisms responsible for regulating NMDARs by GPCRs involve numerous intracellular signalling molecules and regulatory proteins that vary from one cell type to another. In the present article, we highlight recent findings from studies that have uncovered novel mechanisms by which selected GPCRs regulate NMDAR function and consequently NMDAR-dependent plasticity.
Barley β-Glucans-Containing Food Enhances Probiotic Performances of Beneficial Bacteria
Authors: Arena Mattia , Caggianiello Graziano , Fiocco Daniela , Russo Pasquale , Torelli Michele , Spano Giuseppe , Capozzi Vittorio
Published: February 2014

Currently, the majority of prebiotics in the market are derived from non-digestible oligosaccharides. Very few studies have focused on non-digestible long chain complex polysaccharides in relation to their potential as novel prebiotics. Cereals β-glucans have been investigated for immune-modulating properties and beneficial effects on obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. Moreover, β-glucans have been reported to be highly fermentable by the intestinal microbiota in the caecum and colon, and can enhance both growth rate and lactic acid production of microbes isolated from the human intestine. In this work, we report the effects of food matrices containing barley β-glucans on growth and probiotic features of four Lactobacillus strains. Such matrices were able to improve the growth rate of the tested bacteria both in unstressed conditions and, importantly, after exposure to in vitro simulation of the digestive tract. Moreover, the effect of β-glucans-containing food on bacterial adhesion to enterocyte-like cells was analyzed and a positive influence on probiotic-enterocyte interaction was observed.
Nanostructured Guidance for Peripheral Nerve Injuries: A Review with a Perspective in the Oral and Maxillofacial Area
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Brunello Giulia , Ferrarese Nadia , Della Puppa Alessandro , D'Avella Domenico , Bressan Eriberto , Zavan Barbara
Published: February 2014

Injury to peripheral nerves can occur as a result of various surgical procedures, including oral and maxillofacial surgery. In the case of nerve transaction, the gold standard treatment is the end-to-end reconnection of the two nerve stumps. When it cannot be performed, the actual strategies consist of the positioning of a nerve graft between the two stumps. Guided nerve regeneration using nano-structured scaffolds is a promising strategy to promote axon regeneration. Biodegradable electrospun conduits composed of aligned nanofibers is a new class of devices used to improve neurite extension and axon outgrowth. Self assembled peptide nanofibrous scaffolds (SAPNSs) demonstrated promising results in animal models for central nervous system injuries, and, more recently, for peripheral nerve injury. Aims of this work are (1) to review electrospun and self-assembled nanofibrous scaffolds use in vitro and in vivo for peripheral nerve regeneration; and (2) its application in peripheral nerve injuries treatment. The review focused on nanofibrous scaffolds with a diameter of less than approximately 250 nm. The conjugation in a nano scale of a natural bioactive factor with a resorbable synthetic or natural material may represent the best compromise providing both biological and mechanical cues for guided nerve regeneration. Injured peripheral nerves, such as trigeminal and facial, may benefit from these treatments.
SmartPipes: Smart Wireless Sensor Networks for Leak Detection in Water Pipelines
Authors: Sadeghioon Ali , Metje Nicole , Chapman David , Anthony Carl
Published: February 2014

Asset monitoring, specifically infrastructure monitoring such as water distribution pipelines, is becoming increasingly critical for utility owners who face new challenges due to an aging network. In the UK alone, during the period of 2009–2010, approximately 3281 mega litres (106) of water were wasted due to failure or leaks in water pipelines. Various techniques can be used for the monitoring of water distribution networks. This paper presents the design, development and testing of a smart wireless sensor network for leak detection in water pipelines, based on the measurement of relative indirect pressure changes in plastic pipes. Power consumption of the sensor nodes is minimised to 2.2 mW based on one measurement every 6 h in order to prolong the lifetime of the network and increase the sensor nodes’ compatibility with current levels of power available by energy harvesting methods and long life batteries. A novel pressure sensing method is investigated for its performance and capabilities by both laboratory and field trials. The sensors were capable of measuring pressure changes due to leaks. These pressure profiles can also be used to locate the leaks.
Structure and Antioxidant Activity Relationships of Isoflavonoids from Dalbergia parviflora
Authors: Promden Worrawat , Monthakantirat Orawan , Umehara Kaoru , Noguchi Hiroshi , De-Eknamkul Wanchai
Published: February 2014

The antioxidant activities of 24 isoflavonoids that were previously isolated as pure compounds from Dalbergia parviflora were evaluated using three different in vitro antioxidant-based assay systems: xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO), ORAC, and DPPH. The isolates consisted of three subgroups, namely isoflavones, isoflavanones, and isoflavans, each of which appeared to have diversified substituents, and were thus ideal for the study of their structure-activity relationships (SARs). The SAR analysis was performed using the results obtained from both the inter-subgroup isoflavonoids with the same substitution pattern and the intra-subgroup compounds with different substitution patterns. The inter-subgroup comparison showed that the isoflavones exhibited the highest antioxidant activities based on all three assays. The intra-subgroup analysis showed that the additional presence of an OH group in Ring B at either R3′ or R5′ from the basic common structure of the R7-OH of Ring A and the R4′-OH (or -OMe) of Ring B greatly increased the antioxidant activities of all of the isoflavonoid subgroups and that other positions of OH and OMe substitutions exerted different effects on the activities depending on the subgroup and assay type. Therefore, based on the structural diversity of the isoflavonoids in D. parviflora, the present study provides the first clarification of the detailed antioxidant SARs of isoflavonoids.
Monitoring Wetlands Ecosystems Using ALOS PALSAR (L-Band, HV) Supplemented by Optical Data: A Case Study of Biebrza Wetlands in Northeast Poland
Authors: Dabrowska-Zielinska Katarzyna , Budzynska Maria , Tomaszewska Monika , Bartold Maciej , Gatkowska Martyna , Malek Iwona , Turlej Konrad , Napiorkowska Milena
Published: February 2014

The aim of the study was to elaborate the remote sensing methods for monitoring wetlands ecosystems. The investigation was carried out during the years 2002–2010 in the Biebrza Wetlands. The meteorological conditions at the test site varied from extremely dry to very wet. The authors propose applying satellite remote sensing data acquired in the optical and microwave spectrums to classify wetlands vegetation habitats for the assessment of vegetation changes and estimation of wetlands’ biophysical properties to improve monitoring of these unique, very often physically impenetrable, areas. The backscattering coefficients (σ°) calculated from ALOS PALSAR FBD (Advanced Land Observing Satellite, Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar, Fine Beam Dual Mode) images registered at cross polarization HV on 12 May 2008 were used to classify the main wetland communities using ground truth observations and the visual interpretation method. As a result, the σ° values were distributed among the six wetlands’ vegetation classes: scrubs, sedges-scrubs, sedges, reeds, sedges-reeds, rushes, and the areas of each community and changes were assessed. Also, the change in the biophysical variable as Leaf Area Index (LAI) is described using the information from PALSAR data. Strong linear relationships have been found between LAI and σ° derived for particular wetland classes, which then were applied to elaborate the maps of LAI distribution. The other variables used to characterize the changing environmental conditions are: surface temperature (Ts) calculated from NOAA AVHRR (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from ENVISAT MERIS (ENVIronmental SATellite MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer). Differences of almost double Ts between “dry” and “wet” years were noticed that reflect observed weather conditions. The highest values of NDVI occurred in years with a sufficient amount of precipitation with the lowest in “dry” years. NDVI values variances within the same wetlands class resulted mainly from the differences in soil moisture. The results of this study show that the satellite data from microwave and optical spectrum gave the repetitive spatial information about vegetation growth conditions and could be used for monitoring wetland ecosystems.
A New Omni-Directional EMAT for Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Tomography Imaging of Metallic Plate Defects
Authors: Huang Songling , Wei Zheng , Zhao Wei , Wang Shen
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a new omni-directional electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for the ultrasonic Lamb wave (ULW) tomography imaging (TI) of defects in metallic plates. The proposed EMAT is composed of a permanent magnet and a coil with a contra-flexure structure. This new EMAT coil structure is used for omni-directional ULW transmission and reception and ULW TI for the first time. The theoretical background and the working principles of this EMAT are presented and analyzed. The experimental results of its use on a 3 mm thick aluminum plate indicate that the EMAT with a contra-flexure coil (CFC) can transmit and receive a pure single A0 mode ULW with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Thus, the extraction of the projection data used for ULW TI may be performed accurately. The circumferential consistency of the projection data is only slightly influenced by the distortion of the eddy current field that is induced by the new CFC with an irregular shape. When the new EMAT array is used for ULW TI using the cross-hole method and SIRT arithmetic, a desirable imaging quality can be achieved, and the estimated size of an artificial corrosion defect agreed well with its actual value. The relation between the reconstruction resolution and the number of the new EMATs used is analyzed. More TI experiments are carried out when the aluminum plate defect is in two different locations relative to the EMAT array, for the further investigation of the performances of the new EMATs.
Laccase Biosensor Based on Electrospun Copper/Carbon Composite Nanofibers for Catechol Detection
Authors: Fu Jiapeng , Qiao Hui , Li Dawei , Luo Lei , Chen Ke , Wei Qufu
Published: February 2014

The study compared the biosensing properties of laccase biosensors based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and copper/carbon composite nanofibers (Cu/CNFs). The two kinds of nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and carbonization under the same conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to investigate the morphologies and structures of CNFs and Cu/CNFs. The amperometric results indicated that the Cu/CNFs/laccase(Lac)/Nafion/glass carbon electrode (GCE) possessed reliable analytical performance for the detection of catechol. The sensitivity of the Cu/CNFs/Lac/Nafion/GCE reached 33.1 μA/mM, larger than that of CNFs/Lac/Nafion/GCE. Meanwhile, Cu/CNFs/Lac/Nafion/GCE had a wider linear range from 9.95 × 10−6 to 9.76 × 10−3 M and a lower detection limit of 1.18 μM than CNFs/Lac/Nafion/GCE. Moreover, it exhibited a good repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity and long-term stability, revealing that electrospun Cu/CNFs have great potential in biosensing.
A Proposed Scalable Design and Simulation of Wireless Sensor Network-Based Long-Distance Water Pipeline Leakage Monitoring System
Authors: Almazyad Abdulaziz , Seddiq Yasser , Alotaibi Ahmed , Al-Nasheri Ahmed , BenSaleh Mohammed , Obeid Abdulfattah , Qasim Syed
Published: February 2014

Anomalies such as leakage and bursts in water pipelines have severe consequences for the environment and the economy. To ensure the reliability of water pipelines, they must be monitored effectively. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have emerged as an effective technology for monitoring critical infrastructure such as water, oil and gas pipelines. In this paper, we present a scalable design and simulation of a water pipeline leakage monitoring system using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) and WSN technology. The proposed design targets long-distance aboveground water pipelines that have special considerations for maintenance, energy consumption and cost. The design is based on deploying a group of mobile wireless sensor nodes inside the pipeline and allowing them to work cooperatively according to a prescheduled order. Under this mechanism, only one node is active at a time, while the other nodes are sleeping. The node whose turn is next wakes up according to one of three wakeup techniques: location-based, time-based and interrupt-driven. In this paper, mathematical models are derived for each technique to estimate the corresponding energy consumption and memory size requirements. The proposed equations are analyzed and the results are validated using simulation.
Conducting Polymer-Based Nanohybrid Transducers: A Potential Route to High Sensitivity and Selectivity Sensors
Authors: Park Seon , Kwon Oh , Lee Ji , Jang Jyongsik , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: February 2014

The development of novel sensing materials provides good opportunities to realize previously unachievable sensor performance. In this review, conducting polymer-based nanohybrids are highlighted as innovative transducers for high-performance chemical and biological sensing devices. Synthetic strategies of the nanohybrids are categorized into four groups: (1) impregnation, followed by reduction; (2) concurrent redox reactions; (3) electrochemical deposition; (4) seeding approach. Nanocale hybridization of conducting polymers with inorganic components can lead to improved sorption, catalytic reaction and/or transport behavior of the material systems. The nanohybrids have thus been used to detect nerve agents, toxic gases, volatile organic compounds, glucose, dopamine, and DNA. Given further advances in nanohybrids synthesis, it is expected that sensor technology will also evolve, especially in terms of sensitivity and selectivity.
Perspectives and Attitudes of Forest Products Industry Companies on the Chain of Custody Certification: A Case Study From Turkey
Authors: Tolunay Ahmet , Türkoğlu Türkay
Published: February 2014

The perspectives and attitudes of the companies of the forest products industry operating in the fields of solid wood products, pulp, paper and paperboard products, engineered wood products and furniture manufacturing in Turkey on the chain of custody certification system and certified forest products were investigated. Within this scope, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the managers or owners of 177 companies. The data were obtained by using the questionnaire technique. The research methods included descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and the Duncan test. As a result, it was detected that there are differences in the perspectives and attitudes towards the chain of custody certification system of the companies operating in the four main branches of the forest products industry in Turkey. It was revealed by this survey that chain of custody (CoC) certification was known mostly by the companies operating in pulp, paper and paperboard companies. The certification most demanded is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) CoC certification, with a share of 15%; and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) CoC is demanded by 2% of companies.
Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins: New Culprits of Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ito Shunsuke , Yoshida Masayuki
Published: February 2014

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although great advances have recently been made in the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, CKD remains a major global health problem. Moreover, the occurrence rates of cardiovascular events among CKD patients increase even in cases in which patients undergo hemodialysis, and the mechanisms underlying the so-called “cardiorenal syndrome” are not clearly understood. Recently, small-molecule uremic toxins have been associated with cardiovascular mortality in CKD and/or dialysis patients. These toxins range from small uncharged solutes to large protein-bound structures. In this review, we focused on protein-bound uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate, which are poorly removed by current dialysis techniques. Several studies have demonstrated that protein-bound uremic toxins, especially indoxyl sulfate, induce vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular calcification, which may explain the relatively poor prognosis of CKD and dialysis patients. The aim of this review is to provide novel insights into the effects of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Aminofluorination of 2-alkynylanilines: a Au-catalyzed entry to fluorinated indoles
Authors: Arcadi Antonio , Pietropaolo Emanuela , Alvino Antonello , Michelet Véronique
Published: February 2014

The scope and limitations of gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/fluorination reactions of unprotected 2-alkynylanilines to have access to 3,3-difluoro-2-aryl-3H-indoles and 3-fluoro-2-arylindoles are described. An unprecedented aminoauration/oxidation/fluorination cascade reaction of 2-alkynylanilines bearing a linear alkyl group on the terminal triple bond is reported.
Pratiquer l'Approche centrée sur la personne en prison
Authors: Fritschin Markus , Pörtner Marlis , Zeller Odile
Published: February 2014

Est-il possible de travailler dans un quartier de haute sécurité d’un établissement pénitentiaire selon les principes de l’Approche centrée sur la personne ? Cette question, Markus Fritschin l’expérimente dans son quotidien professionnel. Il présente ici comment l’accompagnement des détenus dans le quartier de haute sécurité de l’établissement pénitentiaire de Lenzburg s’oriente en fonction de la conception de l’homme et des thèses de Carl Rogers. Dans cette perspective, l’entrée en relation avec le détenu et la mise en confiance se trouvent au centre du travail d’accompagnement. L’auteur décrit la transposition, dans la vie quotidienne du quartier de haute sécurité, d’une philosophie du travail ayant pour fondements la congruence, l’empathie et l’acceptation positive, sans pour autant nier les limites très étroites de l’institution – bien au contraire. Il présente enfin son expérience d’inversion des rôles où, durant une semaine, il a expérimenté le quotidien d’un détenu. Dans ses remarques préliminaires et son commentaire final, Marlis Pörtner montre combien elle considère cette manière de travailler comme exemplaire, même pour le travail dans le champ social.
Le management multi-projets des firmes multinationales : vers une gestion différenciée ?
Authors: Melin Christopher
Published: February 2014

L’objectif de cet article est d’explorer le concept de management multi-projets (MMP) au sein des firmes multinationales (FMN) et les formes organisationnelles qui en découlent. Une étude exploratoire au sein de trois FMN (BNP Paribas, Silliker et le Groupe Volvo) nous permet de proposer une modélisation du concept de MMP. Par ailleurs, nous décrivons une nouvelle forme de MMP observée au sein des trois FMN étudiées, appelée le project management office (PMO). Cela nous conduit à repenser les mécanismes de coordination du MMP dans le contexte particulier des FMN.
Le management du travail, condition de réussite du management de la diversité
Authors: Barel Yvan , Frémeaux Sandrine
Published: February 2014

Confrontées à de nouvelles obligations légales en matière d’égalité professionnelle mais aussi en matière d’intégration des séniors et des personnes en situation de handicap, les directions d’entreprise adoptent des attitudes variées, allant d’une attitude réactive minimaliste à une approche proactive consistant à réaliser une véritable politique d’intégration professionnelle. S’appuyant sur 31 entretiens semi-directifs réalisés auprès de DRH et de chargés de mission diversité, cette étude montre comment la réussite d’un management proactif de la diversité tient à l’importance accordée par la Direction à une approche managériale du travail et non à une approche catégorielle ou psychologisante de la diversité.
Satisfaction de la vie professionnelle, réseaux sociaux et employabilité chez les jeunes salariés de 18/30 ans
Authors: Baruel Bencherqui Dominique , Kefi Karim Mohamed , Renaud Joris
Published: February 2014

L’employabilité est un concept mobilisé par des auteurs de différentes disciplines telles que l’économie (Gazier, 1989 ; Outin, 1990), la psychologie (Bernston, 2008), les sciences sociales (Leduc Browne, 1999), les sciences de gestion (Dietrich, 2010 ; Baruel Bencherqui, 2005). Cette recherche s’intéresse, plus particulièrement, à l’intention de développer son employabilité (Hategekimana et Roger, 2000, 2002) chez les jeunes salariés de 18 à 30 ans. Ainsi des analyses quantitatives, portant sur un échantillon de 160 jeunes salariés, ont été menées afin d’examiner quels sont les facteurs pouvant intervenir sur cette intention de développer son employabilité. Les résultats de notre étude montrent une différence dans l’intention de développer son employabilité entre hommes et femmes et ils mettent en exergue l’importance accordée, par les jeunes salariés, à la satisfaction dans la vie professionnelle et au rôle des réseaux (sociaux, intra et inter-organisationnels) sur l’intention de développer leur employabilité.
La diversité du conseil d'administration influence-t-elle l'innovation ? L'impact de la diversité de genre et d'âge sur les différents types d'innovation
Authors: Galia Fabrice , Zenou Emmanuel
Published: February 2014

Alors que de précédentes recherches ont souligné l’influence de la composition du conseil d’administration sur l’apport de ressources stratégiques pour l’innovation, et ont montré les conséquences positives de la diversité du conseil d’administration, peu de recherches ont étudié les effets des indicateurs de diversité du conseil d’administration sur l’innovation. Dans cet article, nous explorons le lien entre deux indicateurs de diversité du conseil souvent étudiés dans la littérature (genre et âge) et quatre types d’innovation (produit, procédé, organisationnelle et marketing), à partir d’un échantillon de 176 entreprises françaises et de données issues de l’enquête du Community Innovation Survey (CIS) en 2008 des rapports annuels. Nos résultats mettent en évidence l’influence de la diversité du conseil d’administration sur tous les types d’innovation, excepté sur l’innovation de procédé. Nous trouvons un impact positif et significatif de la diversité de genre sur l’innovation marketing, un impact négatif entre la diversité de genre et l’innovation produit. La diversité d’âge montre une relation positive avec l’innovation produit, et négative avec l’innovation organisationnelle. Ces résultats permettent de discuter des implications de la diversité au conseil d’administration sur l’innovation.
Le patient entre responsabilité et responsabilisation
Authors: Laude Anne
Published: February 2014

La loi du 4 mars 2002 a introduit dans le code de la santé publique un article L. 1111-1 qui de manière ambiguë lie les deux notions de responsabilité et de responsabilisation du patient. Ce texte pose ainsi les fondements de la mise en jeu de la responsabilité d’un patient qui n’adopterait pas un comportement vertueux pour sa santé. En raison des effets pervers souvent mis en évidence de la responsabilité financière du patient, ne serait-il pas opportun, à l’occasion de la prochaine loi de santé publique, de réécrire ce texte en dissociant ces deux concepts et en affirmant notamment que le patient ne saurait avoir une responsabilité envers lui-même ?
La scène de la séance
Authors: Cassanas Jean
Published: February 2014

La scène de la séance est un espace d’expression dans lequel patients et thérapeutes peuvent construire ensemble d’autres mondes possibles. Le thérapeute y utilise des moyens analogiques pour faciliter l’expression des émotions. C’est cette forme expérientielle du travail thérapeutique qui permet aux couples et/ou aux familles de franchir certaines étapes cruciales de leurs vies communes.