bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Iron Deficiency on Lead Accumulation in Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Seedlings
Authors: Đunisijević Bojović Danijela , Đukić Matilda , Maksimović Vuk , Skočajić Dragana , Suručić Ljiljana
Published: September 2012

Understanding the effects of root Fe deficiency on the uptake and translocation of toxic metals can be important for improving the phytoremediation strategies of polluted soils. The present study investigated how Fe nutritional status affects the uptake and root‐to‐shoot‐translocation of Pb in hydroponically grown seedlings of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. The interactions of Fe deficiency and Pb were assessed by measuring the root Fe(III) reductase activity, carboxylic acids concentration in root exudates, root and shoot biomass, and accumulation of Pb and other metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) in roots and leaves of Fe‐sufficient (+Fe) and Fe‐deficient (−Fe) A. altissima plants. The results indicate that Fe deficiency induced 18‐fold higher Fe(III) reductase activity in roots compared with +Fe plants, which was followed by increased root exudation of citric acid (28.2 ± 1.39 in +Fe and 498 ± 256.4 μmol g DW−1 2 h−1 in –Fe plants). Iron deficiency also induces a significant decrease of root and shoot dry weight compared with the control +Fe plants, whereas 2‐wk Pb (20 μM) treatment did not influence root and shoot growth. Iron‐sufficient plants accumulated more Pb (56.8 ± 17.29 μg g−1) in leaves than −Fe plants (21.5 ± 8.10 μg g−1). Two weeks of exposure to Pb significantly decreased Fe(III) reductase activity and accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Mn in the roots of −Fe plants. It is hypothesized that 2 wk of root exposure to Pb blocks functioning of a specific Fe transport system activated under Fe deficiency.
Effect of Feeding Strategies on Pharmaceutical Removal by Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Zhang Dong Qing , Gersberg Richard M. , Hua Tao , Zhu Junfei , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Law Wing‐Keung , Ng Wun Jern , Tan Soon Keat
Published: September 2012

This study presents findings on an assessment of the effect of continuous and batch feeding strategies on the removal of selected pharmaceuticals from synthetic wastewater. Six mesocosm‐scale constructed wetlands, including three horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands and three sand filters, were set up at the campus of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The findings showed that ibuprofen and diclofenac removal in the wetlands was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the batch versus continuous mode. In contrast, naproxen and carbamazepine showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in elimination under either feeding strategy. Our results also clearly showed that the presence of plants exerts a stimulatory effect on pharmaceutical removal for ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen in batch and continuous mode. Estimation of the quantitative role of this stimulatory effect on pharmaceutical elimination of batch operation as compared with the effect of the presence of the higher plant alone showed that batch operation may account for 40 to 87% of the contribution conferred by the aquatic plant. The findings of this study imply that where maximal removal of pharmaceutical compounds is desired, periodic draining and filling might be the preferred operational strategy for full‐scale, subsurface flow constructed wetlands.
Upward Transport in a Three‐Dimensional Heterogeneous Laboratory Soil under Evaporation Conditions
Authors: Bechtold M. , Vanderborght J. , Weihermüller L. , Herbst M. , Günther T. , Ippisch O. , Kasteel R. , Vereecken H.
Published: September 2012

Upward water flow induced by evaporation can cause soil salinization and transport of contaminants to the soil surface and influences the migration of solutes to the groundwater. In this study, we used electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to obtain time‐lapse images of an upward‐flow tracer experiment under evaporation conditions in a three‐dimensional, spatially correlated heterogeneous laboratory soil composed of three different materials (coarse‐, medium‐, and fine‐grained sands). The tracer experiment was performed during 40 d of quasi‐steady‐state, upward‐flow conditions. Monitored transport was compared with three‐dimensional numerical simulation based on the Richards and advection–dispersion equations. The ERT‐derived and modeled solute transport correlated well in the lower part of the laboratory soil, while deviations increased toward the surface. Inversion of synthetic ERT data indicated that deviations cannot be explained by ERT data and inversion errors only, but also errors of the flow and transport model must be invoked. The classical potential/actual evaporation (Epot/Ea) concept underestimated the experimental evaporation, as locally Ea exceeded Epot, which was determined as the maximum evaporation from an insulated free water table minus soil heat flux. Increasing the potential evaporation rate uniformly in the model, so that wet high‐evaporation zones can compensate for lower evaporation from dry zones, increased the correlation between experiment and model. Despite the remaining deviations, experiment and model showed a consistent and systematic pattern of preferential upward transport pathways. Close above the water table, most of the transport occurred in the coarse material, while with increasing height, transport was dominated by the finer materials. This study is an experimental benchmark for three‐dimensional flow and transport models using simplified evaporation boundary conditions and for ERT to monitor upward transport.
Copper Transport in Calcareous Soils: Miscible Displacement Experiments and Second‐Order Modeling
Authors: Elbana Tamer A. , Selim H. M.
Published: September 2012

Miscible displacement column experiments and batch adsorption were performed to assess Cu mobility and reactivity in calcareous soils. The strongest Cu retention was observed in the surface layer of a calcareous soil having 2.76% CaCO3 in comparison with the subsurface layer having 1.18% CaCO3. Measured Freundlich adsorption coefficients (Kf) were 5226.4 and 755.5 mL g−1 for the surface and subsurface soils, respectively. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) based on miscible displacement column experiments indicated strong Cu retention and limited mobility especially for the surface soil. Removal of carbonates from the surface soil resulted in extensive Cu mobility, with 87% of the applied Cu recovered in the effluent compared with only 27% when carbonates were not removed. Chemical extraction of the soil from the columns at different depths revealed that retained Cu was associated primarily with the carbonate and oxide fractions (53.9–69.2%). This amount decreased sharply to 9.6 to 20.6% when carbonates were removed from the surface soil. A linear model failed to predict concentration maxima and the extensive tailing of Cu BTCs. The use of a second‐order, two‐site (SOTS) model provided a good description of the BTCs, where arrival of Cu in the effluent, concentration maxima, and the slow release during leaching were well predicted. The use of a SOTS model, which accounts for kinetic reversible and irreversible retention mechanisms, is recommended for predicting Cu transport in calcareous soils.
Water Dynamics of the Root Zone: Rhizosphere Biophysics and Its Control on Soil Hydrology
Authors: Bengough A.G.
Published: September 2012

Approximately 40% of total terrestrial precipitation transits the tiny volume of rhizosphere soil around plant roots before being transpired, making it one of the most hydrologically active regions of the biosphere. This study considers several findings at the root–soil interface that affect our understanding of water retention and flow in the root zone and hence the water relations of all vegetated soil profiles. Imaging methods, including neutron radiography and light transmission, are illuminating the dynamics of water content around plant root systems. These methods, together with studies on samples of mucilage and mucilage‐compound‐amended soils, have provided increasing evidence that rhizosphere hydraulic properties differ from those of bulk soil. Changes in soil structure due to root growth, rhizodeposition, and repeated drying cycles change the pore size distribution and coat soil particles with organic compounds. Some of these compounds exhibit hydrophobic or hydrophilic behavior, depending on the soil water content, giving rise to the hysteretic‐like behavior in the rhizosphere that has been observed in dynamic image sequences. Data from studies that consider the water retention properties of maize (Zea mays L.) mucilage from primary and nodal roots together with polymer gels are compared to consider the likely impact of mucilage on soil water release. Roots often generate and are intimately associated with flow paths for water and solutes in the soil, and vegetation is well known to exert a major influence on catchment hydrology. The potential use of vegetation to manage hydrologic processes at field scale is considered briefly as a way of influencing water outflow rates and engineering soils for particular purposes.
A Novel Method for Sampling and Characterizing Unconsolidated Deep Vadose Zones
Authors: Close Murray , Dann Rod , Flintoft Mark , Havelaar Pieter , Peterson Michelle
Published: September 2012

This technical note describes a novel large diameter vadose zone sampler (VZS) that has been developed to permit easy and safe access to deep unconsolidated vadose zone profiles and the gathering of information that has not been possible previously. The purpose is to allow investigations to be performed cost effectively at locations of interest rather than being restricted to areas with suitable exposures. The VZS is designed to be used with 1.2‐m‐diameter auger holes and consists of a light‐weight crane and several 1.15‐m‐diameter, 1.5‐m‐high, cylindrical steel sections, which bolt together to provide a temporary casing for the auger hole. The sections have removable openings to permit examination and sampling of the vadose zone profile. The VZS is relatively inexpensive to construct and has been designed to be mobile and provide access to the vadose zone at a wide range of locations, rather than the usual restriction to available outcrops in cuttings or gravel pits. We describe the use of the VZS to characterize the profile of an alluvial gravel system at four locations in Canterbury, New Zealand and to carry out a field calibration for a neutron probe that had been installed to a depth of 3 m into an alluvial gravel profile. The VZS enabled collection of samples for physical, chemical, and gravimetric moisture determination at precise depth locations. This information will ultimately lead to better characterization and understanding of water and contaminant transport and transformation through vadose zones.
Characterization of Crop Canopies and Water Stress Related Phenomena using Microwave Remote Sensing Methods: A Review
Authors: Vereecken Harry , Weihermüller Lutz , Jonard François , Montzka Carsten
Published: September 2012

In this paper we reviewed the use of microwave remote sensing methods for characterizing crop canopies and vegetation water stress related phenomena. Our analysis includes both active and passive systems that are ground‐based, airborne, or spaceborne. Most of the published results that have examined crop canopy characterization and water stress have used active microwave systems. In general, quantifying the effect of dynamic vegetation properties, and water stress related processes in particular, on the measured microwave signals can still benefit from improved models and more observational data. Integrated data sets providing information on both soil status and plant status are lacking, which has hampered the development and validation of mathematical models. There is a need to link three‐dimensional functional, structural crop models with radiative transfer models to better understand the effect of environmental and related physiological processes on microwave signals and to better quantify the impact of water stress on microwave signals. Such modeling approaches should incorporate both passive and active microwave methods. Studies that combine different sensor technologies that cover the full spectral range from optical to microwave have the potential to move forward our knowledge of the status of crop canopies and particularly water related stress phenomena. Assimilation of remotely sensed properties, such as backscattering coefficient or brightness temperature, in terms of estimating biophysical crop properties using mathematical models is also an unexplored avenue.
Review: Reds by Warren Beatty
Authors: Porter Carolyn
Published: September 2012

The Louise Bryant character is the key to the film's remarkable achievement in combining the personal and the political.
Mephisto: István Szabó and "The Gestapo of Suspicion"
Authors: Szabó István , Hughes John W.
Published: September 2012

The maker of "Mephisto" and "Confidence" talks about the real German actor on whom the story is based, his own views on Brecht, and the significance of those blinding spotlights...
Review: A Love in Germany (Eine Liebe in Deutschland) by Andrzej Wajda, Arthur Brauner
Authors: Paul David
Published: September 2012

Andrzej Wajda's new film pits a love-stricken Hanna Schygulla against her neighbors and the rules of the Nazi state.
The Sacraments of Genre: Coppola, DePalma, Scorsese
Authors: Braudy Leo
Published: September 2012

The genre game as played by these self-styled "out-siders" lends their films the transcendent spirituality of ritual power.
Review: Diary for My Children by Márta Mészáros
Authors: Quart Barbara Koenig
Published: September 2012

With this film the gifted Hungarian director Márta Mészáros begins a trilogy based on her own life.
How Increased Regulatory Oversight of Nonaudit Services Affects Investors' Perceptions of Earnings Quality
Authors: Eilifsen Aasmund , Knivsflå Kjell Henry
Published: September 2012

In 2003, the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (FSA) disclosed that audit firms had violated the legal restrictions for providing nonaudit services (NAS). In response, the FSA tightened the NAS regulations. This study examines how regulatory oversight affects the relation between the provision of NAS and earnings response coefficients (ERC). For small, non-industry specialized audit firms, the disclosure of violations in 2003 negatively affected the relationship between NAS and ERC, but the effect was more pronounced in the disclosure year 2003 than in the new regulation period 2004–2008. For Big 5 audit firms, these negative effects are moderated, indicating higher audit quality. Contrary to our expectations, the results of this study suggest that investors perceive audit firm industry specialization as a threat to independence in 2003.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the listed sources.
A partial structure factor investigation of the bulk metallic glass Zr63Ni25Al12 as studied by using a combination of anomalous X-ray scattering and reverse Monte Carlo modeling
Authors: Hosokawa Shinya , Bérar Jean-François , Boudet Nathalie , Kohara Shinji , Pilgrim Wolf-Christian , Joester Maike , Stellhorn Jens , Zeidler Anita , Maruyama Kenji , Nasu Toshio , Zhang Wei , Kato Hidemi
Published: September 2012

Anomalous X-ray scattering experiments were performed on Zr63Ni25Al12 bulk metallic glass. The results were analyzed using reverse Monte Carlo modeling to obtain local- and intermediate-range atomic configurations of this good metallic glass former. Although the Al-related partial information is not reliable due to the small values of their weighting factors in X-ray scattering, good partial information could be obtained from a reverse Monte Carlo analysis. The obtained structural information is given by parameters such as bond angle distributions, bond orientation order parameters, the Warren–Cowley order parameters, and Voronoi polyhedra. Results are compared to the previous results from Fukunaga et al. using X-ray and neutron total scattering.
Superparamagnetic CoFe2O4 prepared via a modified oxalate method
Authors: Turtelli Reiko Sato , Atif Muhammad , Krippel Jakob , Grössinger Roland , Kubel Frank , Linert Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

The modified oxalate precursor method was used for the preparation of nanocrystalline CoFe2O4. Structural investigations of as-produced powders performed by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction revealed an average particle size of 8 nm. The nanocrystallites are pure CoFe2O4 and present a well crystallized spinel structure with lattice constant of 8.3583 Å. The particles are superparamagnetic exhibiting a blocking temperature around room temperature. The magnetization and the coercive field values obtained at 9 T are 56.8 emu · g−1 and 17.0 kOe (at 4.2 K), respectively. The crystalline anisotropy determined from the coercive field as a function of temperature is 8.0 × 105 J · m−3, which is much higher than that of bulk materials.
Formation and microstructure of Ni62-
x

Nb38Ti
x
(x = 3, 6, 10 at.%) bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Afonso Conrado R. M. , Bolfarini Claudemiro , Botta Walter J. , Kiminami Claudio S.
Published: September 2012

In this work we report the formation and microstructure of Ni62-
x

Nb38Ti
x
(x = 0, 3, 6, 10 at.%) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). The addition of Ti to Ni–Nb binary alloys is effective for the increase in stabilization of supercooled liquid and glass-forming ability (GFA). The maximum supercooled liquid region (ΔT
x) of 46 K and the reduced glass transition temperature (T
rg) of 0.61 were obtained for Ni56Nb38Ti6, leading to the formation of the bulk glassy alloys. The best GFA was obtained for Ni56Nb38Ti6 alloy which was located near the eutectic composition of the ternary component alloy, and glassy alloy samples up to 0.5 mm were fabricated through wedge copper mold casting. The new Ni–Nb-based bulk glassy alloys exhibit large ΔT
x of 35 to 46 K. The Ni62-
x

Nb38Ti
x
(x = 0, 3, 6, 10 at.%) BMGs showed high Vickers microhardness in the range of 988 to 1140 HV representing good mechanical properties.
Mixing enthalpies in binary Ce-Sb and ternary Ce-Co-Sb liquid alloys
Authors: Usenko Natalia , Kotova Natalia , Ivanov Michael , Berezutski Vadim
Published: September 2012

The enthalpies of mixing in liquid alloys in the binary Ce-Sb and ternary Ce-Co-Sb systems were determined over a wide range of composition by means of isoperibolic calorimetry in the temperature range 1 600-1 723 K. The minimum value of the integral enthalpy of mixing (ΔHmin) in the Ce-Sb system was evaluated to be −123 kJ mol-1 at xCe = 0.55. The enthalpies of mixing in liquid ternary alloys were found to increase smoothly from the binary boundary systems Co-Ce and Co-Sb towards the Ce-Sb system reaching the value of approximately −123 kJ mol-1 in the vicinity of the phase CeSb.
COMPARISON OF THE ACTUAL COSTS DURING REMOVAL OF CONCRETE LAYER BY HIGH-SPEED WATER JETS
Authors: Hela Rudolf , Bodnárová Lenka , Novotný Miloslav , Sitek Libor , Klich Jiří , Wolf Ivan , Foldyna Josef
Published: September 2012

This paper describes the process of possible evaluation of costs of using high speed water jet technology for concrete removal methods. High speed water jet technology is a progressive technology of removing damaged concrete used in civil engineering since the 80's of 20th century. It has been changing and developing since that time. But there is little information in literature devoted to the economic evaluation of this technology. Detailed economic analysis is still missing. This paper aims to compare comprehensively in economic terms the costs of removing concrete using the technology of both continuous oscillating and pulsating oscillating water jets. The research was realized in cooperation with research institutions and industrial companies and was supported by state budget of the Czech Republic and from the European Union. The scheme of cooperation of the University, research institutions, industrial companies and government follows the Triple helix model.
Management, Monitoring and QoS in Multi-cell Centralized WLANs
Authors: Cacace Filippo , Iannello Giulio , Vollero Luca
Published: September 2012

Large deployments of access points in wireless local area networks (WLANs) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard require management, configuration and control mechanisms. Centralized WLANs are defined as multi-cell wireless access networks that implement some of these functions in a centralized manner. In this chapter the authors illustrate how the mechanisms designed for the management of centralized WLANs can also be used for monitoring parameters related to QoS support and for pursuing QoS goals. They describe the Control and Provisioning Wireless Access Protocol (CAPWAP), a recent IETF standard for the management of centralized WLANs which is currently in the final stages of the definition process, its implementation for the existing types of centralized WLANs, and its use for monitoring and QoS management. The authors discuss the QoS goals that can be pursued in this framework, such as access control, load balancing, cell resizing, and Medium Access Control parameters adaptation, as well as the algorithms and strategies that can be used to fulfill them.
An Access Control Framework for WS-BPEL Processes
Authors: Paci Federica , Bertino Elisa , Crampton Jason
Published: September 2012

Business processes –the next generation workflows- have attracted considerable research interest in the last fifteen years. More recently, several XML-based languages have been proposed for specifying and orchestrating business processes, resulting in the WS-BPEL language. Even if WS-BPEL has been developed to specify automated business processes that orchestrate activities of multiple Web services, there are many applications and situations requiring that people be considered as additional participants that can influence the execution of a process. Significant omissions from WS-BPEL are the specification of activities that require interactions with humans to be completed, called human activities, and the specification of authorization information associating users with human activities in a WS-BPEL business process and authorization constraints, such as separation of duty, on the execution of human activities. In this chapter, we address these deficiencies by introducing a new type of WS-BPEL activity to model human activities and by developing RBAC-WS-BPEL, a role based access control model for WS-BPEL and BPCL, a language to specify authorization constraints.
Unravelling Intellectual Property in a Specialist Social Networking Site
Authors: Humphreys Sal
Published: September 2012

This chapter examines how the complexity of motivations and practices found in a specialist social networking site intersect with the institutions of intellectual property. The popular niche or specialist social networking site (SNS) called Ravelry, which caters to knitters, crocheters and spinners, is used as a case study. In this site people use, buy, sell, give away, and consume in a mixed economy that can be characterised as a ‘social network market’(Potts et al., 2008). In a co-creative social networking site we find not only a multidirectional and multi-authored process of co-production, but also a concatenation of amateurs, semi-professionals and professionals occupying multiple roles in gifting economies, reputation economies, monetised charitable economies and full commercial economies.
Data Hiding Schemes Based on Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Pomponiu Victor , Cavagnino Davide , Basso Alessandro , Vernone Annamaria
Published: September 2012

Information hiding techniques are acquiring an always increasing importance, due to the widespread diffusion of multimedia contents. Several schemes have been devised in the fields of steganography and digital watermarking, exploiting the properties of different domains. In this chapter, the authors focus on the SVD transform, with the aim of providing an exhaustive overview (more than 100 papers are analyzed) on those steganography and watermarking techniques leveraging on the important properties of such a transform. The large number of algorithms operating in the image, video and audio contexts is first classified by means of a general approach, then analyzed, to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The authors also give a detailed discussion about the applicability of each reviewed and compared data hiding scheme, in order to identify the most appropriate candidates for practical applications.
Deterring Text Document Piracy with Text Watermarking
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2012

Protecting copyright of a digital content is gaining momentum and has been suitably complemented by technological innovations. Literature piracy, though not being given much attention, constitutes a major bulk. Unlike audio and video, text piracy is not complemented by IT solutions except for certain proprietary initiatives. This pursuit embarks on review of technological advancements for Text Copyright Protection along with issues and challenges for their implementation. Appraisal comprises of watermark embedding algorithms and distribution infrastructure. A brief discussion over the document structure, watermark composition and type, classification of algorithms and future direction is also being accomplished. To make approach holistic couple of systems were also studied.
Computer Games and Intellectual Property Law
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: September 2012

In the present chapter, the author briefly studies the particular tension between the current copyright paradigm, based on the dichotomy active creator – passive consumer, and the control over creative transformative usages of digital works in the field of computer games, such as mods or add-ons, and exposes some reactions that go from voluntary licensing schemes, such as copyleft licenses, to compulsory licenses.
Trust Calculation and Management in P2P and Grid Systems
Authors: Konstantinos Karaoglanoglou , Karatza Helen
Published: September 2012

The significance of efficient security mechanisms in P2P and Grid systems is unquestionable, since security is considered to be a quality of service factor for such systems. Traditional security mechanisms in P2P and Grid systems include encryption, sand-boxing and other access control and authentication mechanisms. Unfortunately these techniques incur additional overhead. By using trust and reputation-based mechanisms, the additional overhead is minimized. The deployment of efficient trust mechanisms results to a safer communication between P2P or Grid nodes, increasing the quality of service and making P2P and Grid technology more appealing. The aim of this book chapter is to lay the theoretical background of concepts such as trust, reputation, trust graphs and trust functions. Furthermore it presents classification schemes for trust functions, discussing the characteristics and differences of each classification. Finally, it analyses popular trust and reputation-based management mechanisms that have been implemented in both P2P and Grid systems.
Policing of Movie and Music Piracy
Authors: Nhan Johnny , Garbagnati Alesandra
Published: September 2012

Ongoing skirmishes between mainstream Hollywood entertainment conglomerates and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing networks recently reached a crescendo when a Swedish court convicted members of the world’s largest BitTorrent, The Pirate Bay, and handed out the stiffest sentence to date.1 Four operators of The Pirate Bay received one year imprisonments and fines totaling $30 million, including confiscation of equipment. While this verdict sent shockwaves amongst P2P networks, piracy remains rampant, and this incident further exacerbated relations between file sharers and Hollywood. In retaliation, supporters of P2P file-sharing attacked websites of the law firms representing the Hollywood studios (Johnson, 2009). This victory by Hollywood studios may be a Pyrrhic defeat in the long run if the studios do not soften their antagonistic relations with the public. This chapter explores structural and cultural conflicts amongst security actors that make fighting piracy extremely difficult. In addition, it considers the role of law enforcement, government, industries, and the general public in creating long-term security models.
Digital Copyright Enforcement
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: September 2012

Copyright and privacy are two fundamental values for a democratic society, since both enhance the development of each individual’s personality. Nevertheless, in cyberspace, copyright enforcement and the right to informational self determination have become two clashing realities. In fact, with the arrival of digital technology, especially the Internet, rightholders, facing massive on-line copyright infringements, mainly by file-sharers on peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, started developing more and more intrusive new enforcement strategies in electronic communications as a means to identify the infringers and the committed infractions. The goal of the present paper is to study, in a context where massive unauthorized uses of copyrighted works is an undeniable reality, how the boundaries between what is public or private become fainter, whether the use of tracking software is consistent with personal data protection legislation, and whether it is possible to reconcile these two human rights.
Review of the Virtual World Community
Authors: Azeharie Reza Y.
Published: September 2012

This chapter provides a discussion and an analysis on the virtual world community from the economic and commercial angle to explore further its financial potential. A prominent virtual world called Second Life has been chosen as a proxy of the review. A background section is provided for readers unfamiliar with the concepts and colloquialisms of Second Life, and it is followed by an in-depth discussion of virtual economy and commerce. Understanding the essence of virtual world consumption is seen as necessary to realize the financial potential. It concludes with the need to abide by DRM rights and understand the line between fantasy fulfillment and entertainment when participating in the virtual world.
Learning Molecular Structures in a Tangible Augmented Reality Environment
Authors: Asai Kikuo , Takase Norio
Published: September 2012

This article presents the characteristics of using a tangible tabletop environment produced by augmented reality (AR), aimed at improving the environment in which learners observe three-dimensional molecular structures. The authors perform two evaluation experiments. A performance test for a user interface demonstrates that learners with a tangible AR environment were able to complete the task of identifying molecular structures more quickly and accurately than those with a typical desktop-PC environment using a Web browser. A usability test by participants who learned molecular structures and answered relevant questions demonstrates that the environments had no effect on their learning of molecular structures. However, a preference test reveals that learners preferred a more tangible AR environment to a Web-browser environment in terms of overall enjoyment, reality of manipulation, and sense of presence, and vice versa in terms of ease of viewing, experience, and durability.
“World of Uncertainty” Game for Decision-Makers
Authors: Kyzy Jyldyz Tabyldy
Published: September 2012

Decisions on both personal and public matters benefit significantly if uncertainties and risks are handled with more care and accuracy. It is crucial to refine and express degrees of confidence and subjective probabilities of various outcomes. Experience, intuition, and skills help make the most of uncertain information. This paper proposes a concept and design of a computer game which aims to train and enhance some of these skills. It is an online game, which allows players to indicate their subjective uncertainty on a numerical scale and to receive explicit feedback. The accuracy of the player is conditioned and motivated by the incentives based on proper scoring rules. The game aims to train accuracy and better calibration in estimating probabilities and expressing degrees of confidence. The “World of Uncertainty” (n.d.) project researched the learning effect of the game and its impact on players’ attitudes towards uncertainty. The concept of this game can be adopted as part of an advanced and complex game in the future.
Technical Note The South Eastern and Chatham Railways Managing Committee
Authors: Schimmelpfennig Jörg
Published: September 2012

In 1898, two railways serving the south-east of England agreed to be managed by a joint committee. This paper finds clear statistical evidence of the negative impact this had on total economic costs, including opportunity costs of capital, as well as working expenditure. Thus, additional support was provided for the then British railway policy already strongly suspicious of railway mergers on competition grounds. At the same time the findings could reopen the discussion on the wisdom of today’s British rail privatisation philosophy. In particular, one could argue that, instead of separating infrastructure and train operations, the creation of vertically-integrated regional duopolies along the pre-1899 networks might lead to genuine competition, require less regulation, reduce costs, and thus increase economic surplus.
Consumer-Centric Marketing Strategies
Authors: Di Pietro Loredana , Pantano Eleonora
Published: September 2012

In recent years, the increase in social network users showed new platforms for collecting data on market trends and products acceptance, as well as for supporting the relationships with clients and adapting firms’ communication strategies. As a consequence, marketers are forced to consider these systems as tool for attracting, maintaining, and managing clients in order to increase the firms’ profitability. This chapter aims at advancing our knowledge on the use of social networks, such as Facebook, as tools for improving Consumer Relationship Management, by focusing on a case study. In particular, the chapter investigates the case study of the Calabrian scenario, characterized by small-sized and family-run firms, which use traditional forms of marketing tools. Due to the ease and fast access to Web-technology-based platforms, these firms are capable of operating in a global perspective, by understanding market trends and quickly adapting their strategies. Hence, the case study of Calabrian industries can represent an interesting case study for analyzing to what extent these technologies can become a new marketing mix element for improving firms’ profitability, for both SMEs and larger firms. In particular, the adoption of Facebook by managers allows advancing our knowledge on the impact of the social networks on their marketing strategies, and on the relationships with clients. The results outline useful issues for researches and practitioners. Furthermore, the research has an interdisciplinary value, involving Psychology, Marketing, and Organizational points of view.
Critical Success Factors of Cause-Related Marketing
Authors: Papasolomou Ioanna
Published: September 2012

Cause Related Marketing (CRM) emerged in the 1980s following a campaign launched by American Express to donate money to different non-profit organizations as part of the San Francisco Arts Festival. Ever since, CRM has developed into one of the most popular corporate social responsibility strategies and has been practiced by some of the biggest corporations in the world, such as Kellogg’s, Tesco, Avon, BT, and many more. In its early years, it was characterized as a fad, but its impressive growth in the last few years proves that it is seen as a highly potent tool for achieving the marketing objectives of a business. CRM has the potential to emotionally and rationally engage stakeholders with companies and brands and strengthen the management’s effort to add value and sustain brands. CRM must be a long-term strategy and not an ad hoc initiative implemented to boost sales. A number of factors are critical to its success: well-defined underlying values, commitment of senior-level management, planning and implementing a strategic approach, careful selection of cause/charity, and communication and promotion.
Toward a Customer-Centric Strategy Implementation Model
Authors: Alfirevic Niksa , Draskovic Nikola , Pavicic Jurica
Published: September 2012

This chapter presents a model of customer-centric strategy implementation based on best practices developed by Vetropack, one of the leading companies in the European glass packaging industry. The company developed its own mix of customer-centric marketing strategies, which are implemented on various organizational levels and include processes such as quality assurance, key account management, customer care, business partnering, and a marketing information system. Although the model developed and case presented are based on some industry specific features, the overall approach could be used as a benchmark for different industries and companies, especially those active in business-to-business markets. As an outcome, combining the theoretical framework and best practice findings, we propose a new approach to customer-centric strategy, which unifies internal and external organizational learning.
Sulfate-nitrate-ammonium aerosols over China: response to 2000–2015 emission changes of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang Q. Q. , He K. , Zhang Q. , Chai L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We use a chemical transport model to examine the change of sulfate-nitrate-ammonium (SNA) aerosols over China due to anthropogenic emission changes of their precursors (SO2, NOx and NH3) from 2000 to 2015. From 2000 to 2006, annual mean SNA concentrations increased by about 60% over China as a result of the 60%~80% increases in SO2 and NOx emissions. During this period, sulfate is the dominant component of SNA over South China (SC) and Sichuan Basin (SCB), while nitrate makes equal contribution as sulfate over North China (NC). Based on emission reduction targets in the 12th (2011–2015) Five Year Plan (FYP), China's total SO2 and NOx emissions are projected to change by −16% and +16% from 2006 to 2015, respectively. However, the amount of NH3 emissions in 2015 is uncertain, given our finding that bottom-up inventories tend to overestimate China's ammonia emissions during the 2000–2006 period. With no change in NH3 emissions, SNA mass concentrations in 2015 will decrease over SCB and SC compared to their levels in 2006, but increase over NC where the magnitude of nitrate increase exceeds that of sulfate reduction. This suggests that the SO2 emission reduction target set by the 12th FYP, although effective in reducing SNA over SC and SCB, will not be successful over NC for which NOx emission control needs to be strengthened. If NH3 emissions are allowed to keep their recent growth rate and increase by +16% from 2006 to 2015, the benefit of SO2 reduction will be completely offset over all of China due to the significant increase of nitrate, demonstrating the critical role of NH3 in regulating nitrate. The effective strategy to control SNA and hence PM2.5 pollution over China should thus be based on improving understanding of current NH3 emissions and putting more emphasis on controlling NH3 emissions in the future.
Teaching hydrological modeling with a user-friendly catchment-runoff-model software package
Authors: Seibert J. , Vis M. J. P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Computer models, especially conceptual models, are frequently used for catchment hydrology studies. Teaching hydrological modeling, however, is challenging, since students have to both understand general model concepts and be able to use particular computer programs when learning to apply computer models. Here we present a new version of the HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenavdelning) model. This software provides a user-friendly version that is especially useful for education. Different functionalities, such as an automatic calibration using a genetic algorithm or a Monte Carlo approach, as well as the possibility to perform batch runs with predefined model parameters make the software interesting especially for teaching in more advanced classes and research projects. Different teaching goals related to hydrological modeling are discussed and a series of exercises is suggested to reach these goals.
Monitoring stress hormone metabolites as a useful, non-invasive tool for welfare assessment in farm animals
Authors: Palme R
Published: September 2012

A multitude of endocrine mechanisms are involved in coping with challenges. Glucocorticoids, secreted by the adrenal glands, are in the front line of the battle to overcome stressful situations. They are usually measured in plasma samples as parameters of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. Unfortunately, collecting blood samples itself can disturb an animal. Thus, non-invasive methods for the determination of glucocorticoids or their metabolites have become increasingly popular. The pros and cons of various non-invasive sample materials (saliva, excreta, milk, hair/feathers and eggs) for glucocorticoid determination are given. Above all, faecal samples offer the advantage that they can be collected easily. In faecal samples, circulating hormone levels are integrated over a certain period of time and represent the cumulative secretion of hormones. Thus, the levels are less affected by short fluctuations or the pulse-like nature of hormone secretion. However, using this technique to assess an animal's adrenocortical activity is not especially simple. Whether frequent sampling is necessary or single samples will suffice depends upon the study's aim (whether one is examining the impact of acute or chronic stressors). Background knowledge of the metabolism and excretion of cortisol/corticosterone metabolites is required and a careful validation for each species and sex investigated is obligatory. The present review also addresses analytical issues regarding sample storage, extraction procedures and immunoassays and includes a comprehensive list of published studies (up to 2011) describing the use of such methods in farmed animals. Applied properly, non-invasive techniques to monitor glucocorticoid metabolites in faecal samples of various species are a useful tool for welfare assessment, especially as they are easily applied at farm or group level.
Developing measures to audit welfare of cattle and pigs at slaughter
Authors: Grandin T
Published: September 2012

Since 1999, animal welfare auditing programmes that utilise five numerically scored core criteria have been used successfully by major restaurant chains to monitor animal welfare in slaughter plants. They had to achieve specific numerical scores in order to remain on the approved supplier list. The five numerically scored criteria (critical control points) are: i) Percentage of animals that fall down during handling; ii) Percentage of animals moved with an electric prod; iii) Percentage of cattle or pigs vocalising in the stunning box or restrainer; iv) Percentage of animals stunned effectively with one application of the stunner; and v) Percentage rendered insensible when hoisted to the bleed rail (has to be 100% to pass the audit). Audit data collected in 2010 by two restaurant companies in 30 beef plants, indicated that 77% of them effectively stunned 100 to 99% of the cattle with a single shot from a captive-bolt gun. All 30 plants passed the audit, which required 95% of more of the cattle stunned with one shot. In eight pork plants with electric stunning, the tongs were placed correctly on 100% of the pigs held in a V-conveyor restrainer. In 95% of the beef plants, and 86% of 25 pork plants, 0% of the animals fell during unloading, movement in the lairage and during handling in the stunning area. In 81% of the beef plants and 77% of the pork plants, 5% or less of the animals were moved with an electric prod. The percentage of cattle vocalising in the stun box and during movement into the stun box was 3% or less in all the plants except one. All scores are per animal, an animal is stunned correctly in the first shot, or not stunned correctly. It either vocalises or it is silent. A passing score is required on all five of the numerically scored core criteria. Due to financial and time constrains, the same auditor assesses both welfare and food safety. Workshops for training auditors last 1.5 days and include two plant visits.
Satellite and Sensor Systems for Environmental MonitoringUpdate based on the original article by Wim Bakker,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Bakker Wim
Published: September 2012

More satellites monitoring some aspect of the Earth are launched each day. This article gives an overview of the science and practice of remote sensing (RS). It goes into the technical details of the physics behind RS, lists some typical contemporary and future Earth observing (EO) satellites, and explains the factors that determine the quality of images from space. This relatively short article cannot cover the entire field of RS, but the references and further reading list can be used for further study.
Quantitative Analysis, InfraredUpdate based on the original article by Frederic Cadet,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Cadet Frédéric , Garrigues Salvador , de la Guardia Miguel
Published: September 2012

In this article, after reviewing the different mathematical methods used in quantification, we describe and discuss their respective advantages and inconveniences. First, different examples of applications of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, used with or without other analytical chemistry methods, are presented. Some examples of direct quantitative analysis in food analysis are reviewed: lipids (measurement of unsaturation degrees, lipids determination), carbohydrates, proteins (secondary structures, quantitative analysis). We also focus on original examples of the use of IR spectroscopy combined with enzymes. Second, some examples of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis coupled with other analytical methods are reviewed in the following fields: FTIR quantification in pharmaceuticals, petroleum, paints, and other industrial products and in the fields of health, environment, and trace compounds analysis.

Finally, we discuss the limitations and perspectives of IR spectroscopy for quantitative analysis. It appears that the most significant developments in the field of quantitative analysis will most probably come through progress in chemometrics and flow analysis (FA) (automation).